Objective To assess the long-term outcomes as well as the living quality of the patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) after the treatment of percutaneous lumbar discectomy (PLD), and to discuss the influential factors related to the long-term effectiveness. Methods During the period of January 2000 to March 2002, PLD was performed in 129 patients with LDH. By using self-evaluation questionnaires of Oswestry disability index (ODI), Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) through letter or telephone interviews as well as the patients' initial medical records, the related clinical data were collected. Statistical analysis was conducted by using Wilcoxon's rank sum test, Chi-square test. Results One hundred and eight patients (83.7%) were able to be followed up and 104 effective ques-tionnaires were collected. The mean follow-up time was (6.64 ± 0.67) years, the excellent rate (ODI score, 0 ～ 20%) was 71.15%. The average scores of the JOA and SF-36 was 23.66 ± 5.72 and 75.88 ± 25.57, respectively. The scores of quality of life were obviously improved in all follow-up subscales. Conventional operations were carried out subsequently in 9 patients as they failed to respond to PLD. No complications related to PLD occurred in this study. The age, course of the disease and the patient's condition at the time of discharge might bear a relationship to long-term effectiveness. Conclusion PLD is a safe and minimally-invasive technique for the treatment of LDH with quick and reliable effect, PLD can dramatically improve the quality of life. Many factors, such as the age, course of the disease and the patient's condition at the time of discharge, can affect the long-term outcomes.

Objective To investigate the sedative effects and the adverse reactions in the elderly patients received different speed of dexmedetomidine (Dex) intravenous infusion. Methods Eighty elderly cases were randomly divided into four groups. Group D0 was the control group, while the group D1, D2 and D3 were the trial groups. The heart rates, blood pressure, SpO2, Ramsay sedation score and Narcotrend value were recorded. Results The sedation onset time of the D2, D3 group was faster than those in the D0 and D1 groups (P <0.05, respectively), and the duration of sedation in groups D2 and D3 were significantly longer than that in the D0 and D1 groups (P < 0.05). Among the four groups, no significant differences in the incidence of hypotension or bradycardia needed vasopressors or atropine to treat and oxygen saturation were shown (P > 0.05). Conclusion Intravenous infusion of Dex by doses of 0.75 ~ 1.0 μg/(kg·h) during hip surgery in the elderly patients under spinal anesthesia could lead to a safe and effective sedation.

Objective To investigate the sedative effects of different doses of dexmedetomidine with mid-azolam in spinal anesthesia. Methods 130 cases of spinal anesthesia were randomly divided into 2 groups,group D1 and group D2,with 65 cases in each group. Patients in 2 groups were given midazolam and dexmedetomidine with different doses. The heart rates ,blood pressure ,SpO2 ,Narcotrend value and Ramsay sedation scores were recorded at mutiple time points. The working time ,maintaining time of sedative effect ,and adverse reactions were compared between 2 groups. Results MAP,HR and NT decreased significantly in 2 groups(P < 0.05,respec-tively). The keeping time was relatively longer in group D1 compared with group D2(P<0.05). The working time was faster in group D2 compared with group D1. The rate of bradycardia in group D2 was relatively higher than that in group D1. Conclusion Good sedative effect can be obtained by drug in 2 groups. Group D1,with midazolam 0.05 mg/kg+dexmedetomidine 0.3μg/kg,may have a certain advantage in anaesthesia in the spinal canal.

Objective To assess the long-term outcomes as well as the living quality of the patients with lumbar disc herniation(LDH) after the treatment of percutaneous lumbar discectomy(PLD),and to discuss the influential factors related to the long-term effectiveness.Methods During the period of January 2000 to March 2002,PLD was performed in 129 patients with LDH.By using self-evaluation questionnaires of Oswestry disability index(ODI),Short Form-36(SF-36) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA) through letter or telephone interviews as well as the patients’ initial medical records,the related clinical data were collected.Statistical analysis was conducted by using Wilcoxon’s rank sum test,Chi-square test.Results One hundred and eight patients(83.7%) were able to be followed up and 104 effective ques-tionnaires were collected.The mean follow-up time was(6.64 ? 0.67) years,the excellent rate(ODI score,0 ～ 20%) was 71.15%.The average scores of the JOA and SF-36 was 23.66 ? 5.72 and 75.88 ? 25.57,respectively.The scores of quality of life were obviously improved in all follow-up subscales.Conventional operations were carried out subsequently in 9 patients as they failed to respond to PLD.No complications related to PLD occurred in this study.The age,course of the disease and the patient’s condition at the time of discharge might bear a relationship to long-term effectiveness.Conclusion PLD is a safe and minimally-invasive technique for the treatment of LDH with quick and reliable effect.PLD can dramatically improve the quality of life.Many factors,such as the age,course of the disease and the patient’s condition at the time of discharge,can affect the long-term outcomes.

Objective To evaluate the effects of age factors on sedation induced by dexmedetomidine.Methods One hundred and thirty-nine patients,aged 18-103 yr,with body mass index ≤ 30 kg/m2,scheduled for elective surgeries on lower abdomen or lower extremities,were divided into4 groups according to the age:group Ⅰ (18 yr≤age≤44 yr,n=40);group Ⅱ (45 yr≤age≤59 yr,n=38);group Ⅲ (60 yr≤age≤89 yr,n=39);group Ⅳ (≥90 yr,n=22).A catheter was placed in the subarachnoid space at L3,4 interspace,and ropivacaine 10-20 mg was injected via the catheter.At 20 min after ropivacaine injection,dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg was infused via a pump over 10 min.The onset time and duration of sedation were recorded,and the occurrence of adverse effects such as hypoxemia,bradycardia and hypotension was observed.Results There was no significant difference in the onset time of sedation and incidence of bradycardia among the 4 groups (P＞0.05).Compared with group Ⅰ,the duration of sedation was significantly prolonged in Ⅱ-Ⅳ groups (P＜0.05).Compared with Ⅱ and Ⅲ groups,the duration of sedation was significantly prolonged in group Ⅳ (P ＜ 0.05).The incidence of hypoxemia and hypotension was significantly higher in group Ⅳ than in Ⅰ-Ⅲ groups (P＜0.05).Conclusion Dexmedetomidine-induced sedation is influenced by age factors,the duration of sedation induced by dexmedetomidine is prolonged,and the occurrence of adverse effects is increased,especially if the patients ≥ 90 yr of age.

Objective To investigate the killing effect of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) on spinal metastasis of transplanted VX2 carcinoma in experimental rabbit models. Methods Spinal metastasis of transplanted VX2 carcinoma model was successfully established in 18 rabbits. The experimental rabbits were randomly and equally divided into three groups with 6 rabbits in each group. Under CT guidance , PMMA or saline was injected into the center of VX2 tumor; in group A 0.3 ml of PMMA was used, in group B 0.1 ml of PMMA was used and in group C (control group) 0.3 ml saline was used. Twenty-four hours after the injection, the animals were sacrificed. Four tissue samples were obtained from the sites at 1 mm , 5 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm away from the PMMA mass in each rabbit of group A and group B , while four tissue samples were collected from different four sites from the tumor ’s center to border in each rabbit of group C. TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method was used to determine the tumor cell apoptosis rate. Results After successful establishment of rabbit model, injection of PMMA was performed in sixteen among the eighteen rabbits. Technical success rates were 83.3% in both group A and B, and the success rate was 100% in group C. The difference in technical success rate was not significant. The mean tumor cell apoptosis rates of spinal VX2 carcinoma at 1 mm, 5 mm and 10 mm away from the PMMA mass in group A were (65.75±18.81)%, (50.00±14.24)% and(14.95±8.98)% respectively. The mean apoptosis rate in the control group was (9.79 ±5.24)%; the differences between the group A and the control group were statistically significant (P<0.05). The mean tumor cell apoptosis rate of spinal VX2 carcinoma at 15 mm away from the PMMA mass in group A was (10.30 ±8.13)%, which was not significantly different with that of the control group. The mean tumor cell apoptosis rates of spinal VX2 carcinoma at 1 mm and 5 mm away from the PMMA mass in group B were (49.20±15.57)% and(17.75±9.28)% respectively, which was significantly different with that of the control group(P<0.05); the mean tumor cell apoptosis rates at 10 mm and 15 mm away from the PMMA mass in group B were not significantly different with those of the control group. Statistically significant differences in the mean tumor cell apoptosis rates determined at 1 mm, 5 mm and 10 mm away from the PMMA mass existed between group A and group B(P<0.001). Conclusion PMMA can promote the apoptosis of tumor cells, properly increasing the injected amount of PMMA can enlarge the extent of tumor cell apoptosis.

Objective To investigate the trans-arterial delivery of p53 gene transfection efficiency and therapy effect on hepatic carcinoma in combination with transferrin mediated by liposome. Methods Twenty-five VX2 experimental rabbits were randomly divided into five groups, and the different doses of transferrin combined with p53-LipofectAMINE complex were delivered into the hepatic arteries of the VX2 hepatic carcinoma models. The tissue protein of the carcinoma was extracted after 48 h and the transfection efficiency and expression rate of p53 gene were analyzed by western blot and immune histochemical techniques, to inspect the expression proportion of p53 with different doses transferring. Another ten VX2 were divided into two groups, recombinant plasmid p53-LipofectAMINE complex and transferrin-p53-LipofectAMINE complex were delivered into the hepatic arteries in two groups respectively. The liver function, size of the tumor and survival time of the animals was compared between the two groups, and results were analyzed statistically. Results Semiquantitative analysis by Western Blot showed that the transfection and expression efficiency of p53 gene combined with transferrin were higher than those without it. By immune histochemieal techniques, the p53 gene's positive rate of highly expression with various doses of transferrin were found to be different, and there was remarkable difference between the groups with and without transferring. They were 58. 33%, 69. 44%, 80. 00%, 83.33%, 81.67% respectively, there was remarkable difference between the groups with and without transferring ( Totality: x2 = 42. 37, P < 0. 01 ). The p53 gene's positive rate of expression increased gradually as the doses of transferrin increasing from 0 up to 200 μg, but the differences of positive rate had no statistical significance as the doses of transferrin increasing from 200 up to 400 μg ( x2 section : 3 groups as former x2 = 4. 82, P < 0. 05,3 groups as latter x2 =0. 67 ,P <0. 05). There was no statistical difference in the liver function at points of time between VX2 rabbits with and without transferring. But the tumors' sizes had significant difference at various points of time. Conclusion Liposome-mediated p53 gene on treating hepatic carcinoma by trans-arterial gene delivery combined with transferrin is safe, and it can markedly enhance transfection efficiency and improve the therapy effect of p53 gene.

Objective To investigate the value of positron emisson tomography-computed tomography ( PET-CT) in monitoring the residual lesions in lipiodol sedimentary region and extrahepatic metastastic lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) with alpha fetoproteins ( AFP) positive after interventional therapy. Methods The data of 20 cases with primary HCC confirmed by histopathology were retrospectively analyzed. Their AFP levels decreased to normal range after interventional treatments, but rose to abnormal high level during following-up. After the abdominal routine imaging examinations, the definite diagnosis of the residual lesions in lipiodol sedimentary region or extrahepatic lesions can't be made confidently. All cases were scanned by PET-CT, and according to their PET-CT results, the further treatments were given and the therapeutic results were monitored with radiology and AFP tests. Results In all 20 cases, 10 of them were detected to have the extrahepatic metastastic lesions by PET-CT, including 4 with abdominal wall metastasis upon the liver, 3 with solitary pulmonary metastasis with diameter less than 1 cm, 2 with mesenteric mestastasis, 1 with mestastasis of operative incisions, but these lesions were neglected by abdominal routine imaging examinations. Eight cases showed the uneven lipiodol sedimentary region in the primary lesion by CT or MRI examination, but can't be diagnosed whether it was residual lesion with other examinations including DSA. A definite diagnosis was obtained by PET-CT. In 2 cases, lymph nodes less than 1. 5 cm were found in the hepatic portal area(PHA) and retroperitoneum on CT images,which was determined to be metastatic by PET-CT. All the detected lesions were given further treatments of surgery or interventional therapy. Most patients showed decreased AFP levels except the 2 patients with lymph node metastasis. The imaging examinations also indicated that the treatments had a good effect on lesions. Conclusion In the patients with HCC and abnormal high levels of AFP, in addition to abdominal routine imaging examinations, PET-CT is beneficial for those who is suspected of residual lesions in lipiodol sedimentary region or extrahepatic metastasis.

Objective To investigate the changes in function of liver and kidney of the rabbits bearing VX2 liver tumor after transarterial embolization and hyperthermia with magnetic nanoparticles suspended in lipiodol(MN-L) and its therapeutic effect Methods Thirty-two rabbits bearing VX2 liver tumor were randomly divided into four groups and each group contained 8 rabbits The four groups were MN-L embolization hyperthermia group (Group A), MN-L embolization group(Group B),Lipiodol embolization group(Group C), and Control group (Group D), Each rabbit in Group A and B was embolized with 0.5-0.8 ml MN-L through hepatic artery, while each rabbit in Group C was embolized with 0.5-0.8 ml lipiodol.Hyperthermia in alternating magnetic field was performed in Group A after embolization.The remaining groups did not undergo hyperthermia.The rabbits in control group were not treated.The function of liver and kidney of all the animals was measured 1d before embolization,and 1,7,and 14 d after embolization/hyperthermia respectively.Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) were used to reflect the function of liver,and blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and creatinine (Cr) were used to reflect the function of kidney.CT was performed on all of subjects before and after embolization to determine the embolization effect and the tumor size, and follow-up CT was performed weekly.All of subjects were sacrificed 14 days after embolization/hyperthermia, and their livers, spleens, kidneys and lungs were removed for histopathology examination.The data from every group were analyzed using analysis of variance of repeated measure data.Results On 1 day before embolization and 1,7, and 14 d after embolization/hyperthermia, the function of liver of the rabbits was as follows:Group A:ALT was (43.9±19.0),(795.1±327.1),(67.0±9.3), and(41.9±10.8) U/L respectively,and AST was (50.2±13.6),(1011.2±655.9),(62.4±24.1),and(51.6±7.9) U/L respectively; Group B: ALT was(45.0±19.1),(580.8±160.4),(67.2±31.0),and(47.6±7.8) U/L respectively, and AST was (52.9±20.3),(735.2±186.1),(57.9±24.8),and (50.9±9.8) U/L respectively; Group C: ALT was (47.4±14.6),(558.5±167.8),(63.5±21.9),and (48.0±9.3) U/L respectively, and AST was (51.8±9.5),(752.5±112.0),(56.5±20.6),and(51.4±8.6) U/L respectively.Both ALT and AST mean values of the rabbits were significantly elevated 1 d after embolization/hyperthermia in Group A, B and C, and the data showed statistically significant difference comparing with that before therapy and that of Group D 1 d after therapy (P<0.01).The function of liver showed no statistically significant difference between 7 or 14 days after embolization and 1 day before embolization in Group A,B and C. BUN and Cr mean values in pre-embolization and post-embolization rabbits revealed no statistically significant difference in group A, B, C and D.The MN-L /lipiodol were deposited in the tumor when it was injected, which was validated by CT.To compare with immediate CT after embolization, the MN-L deposited in tumors was not significantly different on CT 7 d after embolization .On the 14 th day after treatment,the MN-L deposited in tumors became concentrative and compact in Group A, while the MN-L/lipiodol deposited at the rim of tumors disappeared on CT in five rabbits of Group B and C.And the tumor size decreased by 21.7% compared to that before treatment in Group A [from (7.8±1.4)cm~3 to(6.1±0.6) cm~3,F=17.56, P<0.01], but tumor size increased by 16.2% and 18.9% in Group B and C respectively [from (7.9±1.1)and (7.8±0.9)cm~3 to (9.1±0.8) and (9.3±1.0)cm~3, F =25.23,55.50, P<0.01].Histopathologically, the tumor of Group A was necrotic for at least 80% 14 day after embolization, while the tumor of Group B and C was necrotic for 30% to 50% .Conclusion Transarterial embolization and hyperthermia with MN-L is safe, effective and feasible on the rabbits bearing VX2 liver tumor.

Objective To preliminary evaluate the mid-term clinical effect of endovascular repair in treating spontaneous extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection,and to observe the patency of stent.Methods The clinical data and imaging materials of 6 patients with spontaneous extracranial ICA dissection,who were treated with endovascular repair during the period from March 2012 to December 2012,were retrospectively analyzed.The U.S.National Institute of Heahh Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were determined before and after endovascular repair,and the postoperative stent patency condition was assessed,the results were analyzed.Results A total of 6 patients,including 4 males and 2 females with a median age of 50 years old (40.75-54.75 years old),received endovascular repair therapy.The median interval from the onset of disease to accept endovascular treatment was 10 days (one week-3 months).After the implantation of stent,the blood flow in the true lumen returned to normal immediately,although part of the false lumen was still filled with contrast agent.Embolism of retinal artery occurred in one patient during the operation,no death occurred.The median follow-up time was 54.4 months (49.7-57.9 months).The NIHSS score determined at the last follow-up visit was not significantly different from the preoperative one (P=0.102).Imaging reexamination revealed that the false lumen at the ICA stent segment disappeared in all 6 patients,and no obvious in-stent stenotic changes were observed.Conclusion Endovascular therapy of selected symptomatic extracranial carotid artery dissection with bare stents can effectively prevent the recurrence of clinical symptoms and promote ICA remodeling with excellent mid-term patency.