BACKGROUND:Posterior lumbar interbody fusion can thoroughly decompress the central canal, which is the common surgical technique for the central type of lumbar disc herniation with intervertebral instability at low lumbar segment. However, due to the regular traction on dural sac and nerve root in the operation, lower limb radicular pain in the early stage is inevitable. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of local use of gelatin sponge containing prednisolone acetate around the nerve roots after posterior lumbar interbody fusion on lower limb radicular pain. METHED:Sixty-three cases of lumbar disc herniation with degenerative instability were devided into treatment group (n=21) and control group (n=42) based on the type of implants. Gelatin sponge containing prednisolone acetate was implanted into patients in the treatment group after posterior lumbar interbody fusion, while pure gelatin sponge was implanted into patients in the control group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group, radicular pain in the treatment group was significantly relieved within 1 week after surgery. The visual analog scale score and Oswestry disability index score were similar between the two groups. There were three cases of radicular pain recurrence in the control group, but no incision infection and epidural hematoma after surgery in both two groups. In conclusion, local use of gelatin sponge containing prednisolone acetate around the nerve roots can significantly relieve lower limb radicular pain in the early stage after posterior lumbar interbody fusion in lumbar disc herniation, contributing to early rehabilitation exercise and patient satisfaction outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In lumbar spondylolisthesis patients with severe osteoporosis, screw is easily loose and pul s out during reposition, or loss of reduction and internal fixation failure easily occur after repair. Therefore, it is very important to elevate the intensity of pedicle screw fixation during repair. At present, few studies concern application of bone cement screw enhancement technology in lumbar spondylolisthesis patients with osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical value of augmented pedicle screw with polymethylmethacrylate for lumbar spondylolisthesis accompanied with osteoporosis. METHODS: From June 2009 to June 2011, 27 patients suffering from lumbar spondylolisthesis accompanied with osteoporosis were included in this retrospective study. These patients received augmented pedicle screw with polymethylmethacrylate. The levels of disability and pain were evaluated by Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale. The internal fixation and fusion were evaluated by radiological findings. Al complications were recorded. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Al cases were fol owed up for 15-37 months. Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale scores were significantly better in final fol ow-up than that pre-treatment (P < 0.05). Imaging results revealed that bone cement tightly connected to bone interface. The position of screw and bone cement was good. Symptomatic bone cement leakage was not found. No fixation failure was detected during final fol ow-up. Al patients achieved interbody fusion. These results suggested that polymethylmethacrylate bone cement could increase the gripping force of the pedicle screw in osteoporotic vertebral body. It is safe and effective to treat spondylolisthesis accompanied with osteoporosis with augmented pedicle screws. Satisfactory fixation stability and interbody fusion can be obtained.

Objective To observe the effect of T-2 toxin on growth and development of rat epiphyseal plate of left knee and metaphyseal bone of femur and tibia in normal and low nutritional status, to find out possible pathogenic factors of Kashin-Beck disease and provide experimental basis for early intervention. Methods Ninety 3-week-old Wistar rats, weighing 60 - 70 g, were randomly divided into three groups: control group(general feed), T-2 toxin + general feed group, T-2 toxin + low nutrition feed group, thirty rats in each group with equally sex ratio. T-2 toxin (1.0 mg/kg) was administered orally 5 times a week via a gavage needle for 4 weeks. The change of hair, activity and body weight was observed. After 1, 2, 4 weeks, the epiphyseal plate of left knee and metaphyseal bone of femur and tibia (including distal femur and proximal tibia) were collected. Specimens were processed with HE and Masson staining. The morphology of chondrocytes and matrix collagen content in epiphyseal plate was observed. Trabecular bone volume fraction in tibial metaphyseal bone was analyzed by Image-Pro Plus 6.0 software. Results In the control group, rats were in good movement and hair with light, but in T-2 toxin + general feed group and T-2 toxin + low nutrition feed group, rats were found with reduced activities and hair with dark color. Body weights(g) of the control group, the T-2 toxin + general feed group and the T-2 toxin + low nutrition feed group were 81.0 ± 6.2, 79.0 ±5.1, 77.0 ± 7.5, respectively, by the end of first week; 101.8 ± 6.7, 97.0 ± 6.8, 93.0 ± 5.3, respectively, by the end of second week; 151.1 ± 15.7, 126.5 ± 11.9, 106.5 ± 11.5, respectively, by the end of fourth week. There was significant difference in groups by second week and the fourth week (F = 9.72, 41.65, all P ＜ 0.05 ). There was significant difference among multi-groups by the fourth week(all P ＜ 0.01 ). Under light microscope, at the second weeks, coagulative necrosis of chondrocytes was found in hypertrophic zone in the two groups with T-2 toxin; at the fourth weeks, cell necrosis increased. Masson staining showed collagen staining in the two groups with T-2 toxin significantly turned to clear pale coloration, indicating that the collagen matrix was significantly reduced. Image analysis showed there was significant difference in groups at the second and fourth week(F= 9.72, 41.65, all P＜ 0.05)in tibial metaphyseal trabecular bone volume fraction. There was significant difference between T-2 toxin + low nutrition feed group[(0.55 ± 0.12)％, (0.21 ± 0.0)％] and control group[(0.67 ± 0.09)％, (0.51 ± 0.14)％] by the second and fourth week(all P ＜ 0.01 ). Conclusions Under normal nutritional status, T-2 toxin can induce hypertrophic epiphyseal cartilage necrosis, collagen content decreased in epiphyseal plate, metaphyseal trabecular bone formation disorders; in the low nutritional status, T-2 toxin can lead to rat epiphyseal necrosis and significant metaphyseal bone disorder, but whether the performance is related to Kaschin-Beck disease needs to be studied further.

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study is to investigate the osteogenic potential and possibility of combination application of mimetic osteoinductive periosteum with tissue-engineered bone.

METHODSThe three-dimensional construction of tissue-engineered bone was made by implantation of adipose derived stromal cells (ADSCs) into rhBMP-2 mediated bio-derived carrier, and mimetic periosteum was constructed by loading ADSCs into Cs-Col-beta3-TCP with rhBMP-2. 10 mm defects of right radiuses were established in adult New Zealand rabbits, group A was transplanted by tissue-engineered bone with mimetic periosteum, group B was implanted by tissue-engineered bone, and group C was implanted by mimetic periosteum, group D was transplanted by bio-derived compound bone as blank scaffold. X-ray, histology, immunohistochemistry stain, dural energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examinations were performed at different periods.

RESULTSGroup A played a predominant role in process of new tissue regeneration and mature bone reconstitution, defect completely healed at 12 weeks. Group B showed primary repair, group C also existed in modeling stage. While, group D displayed retard regeneration with poor osteogenic capacity. DEXA result showed that group A had statistical significance over control group according to data of BMC and BMD ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSEnhanced osteogenic potential can be obtained by using tissue-engineered bone with mimetic osteoinductive periosteum. Defect can be healed with concord pattern of osteoinductive and osteopromotive and osteoconductive effects.

Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; Bone Regeneration ; Bone Substitutes ; Male ; Periosteum ; Rabbits ; Radius ; pathology ; surgery ; Tissue Engineering ; methods

OBJECTIVETo explore the optimal methods for the reconstruction and preservation of the glans after partial penis resection in the treatment of early-stage penile cancer.

METHODSBetween January 2012 and June 2015, we treated 6 cases of early- stage penile cancer by partial penis resection, inner thigh skin graft, and glans reconstruction and followed them up for 0.5-3 years.

RESULTSThe length of the penis before and after operation was ([6.5 ± 1.2] vs [4.5 ± 1.8] cm) in the flaccid state and ([12.8 ± 2.3] vs [9.1 ± 2.1] cm) in the erectile state. The sense of the reconstructed glans was completely recovered at 3 months after surgery. The glans skin was pale red and soft, nearly normal at 12 months, with no obvious graft contracture or scar formation. All the patients achieved normal erection and their partners were satisfied with their intercourse. No recurrence or metastasis was observed.

CONCLUSIONThe strategy of partial penis resection, inner thigh skin graft and glans reconstruction, simple, effective, and with few complications, is one of the best treatments of early-stage penile cancer, which not only ensures radical removal of the tumor but also maximally reserves the function of the organ.

Humans ; Male ; Penile Neoplasms ; surgery ; Penis ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Skin Transplantation ; Thigh

OBJECTIVETo study the molecular characteristics of Noroviruses causing outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in Huzhou.

METHODSFrom 2008 to 2010, total 119 fecal specimens collected from outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis were tested for Norovirus. Partial sequence of RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of the positive samples were amplified by RT-PCR, then the PCR production were purified, sequenced and put into phylogenetic analysis.

RESULTS50 of 119 specimens were positive for Norovirus by real-time RT-PCR. Out of those 50 Norovirus positive specimens, 9 were Norovirus Genogroup I (GI) positive, 35 were Norovirus Genogroup II (GII) positive, 6 was both Norovirus GI and GII positive. 12 PCR products for RdRp were selected for further studies on sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the 5 GI norovirus isolates were belonged to genotype GI/2 and GI/3. Of the 7 GII norovirus isolates, 6 were belonged to genotype GII/4, 1 was belonged to genotype Glib.

CONCLUSIONNorovirus is a major cause of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in Huzhou and the epidemic strains of norovirus isolated from Huzhou had a high degree of genetic diversity.

Acute Disease ; China ; epidemiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Female ; Gastroenteritis ; epidemiology ; Genetic Variation ; Humans ; Male ; Norovirus ; classification ; genetics ; Phylogeny ; RNA Replicase ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo screen the polypeptides specifically binding to human large intestinal cancer LoVo cells from a phage-displayed peptide library for potential use as targeting vectors for large intestinal cancer therapy.

METHODSWith the LoVo cells as the target cells and human normal large intestinal mucosal epithelial cells as the absorber cells for subtraction biopanning from a c7c phage-display peptide library, the positive phage clones were identified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence detection. The amino acid sequences of the identified peptides were deduced by DNA sequencing.

RESULTSAfter 3 rounds of screening, 5 positive phage clones showing specific binding to LoVo cells and containing conserved motif RPMP were obtained from the 20 randomly selected clones.

CONCLUSIONSpecific peptide against large intestinal cancer cells can be obtained from a phage-display peptide library for use as potential vectors for targeting therapy of large intestinal cancer.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Base Sequence ; Binding, Competitive ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Peptide Library ; Peptides ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Protein Binding

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation of age and sex hormones to the total volume (TV) and transition zone volume

METHODSEighty-two men were divided into two groups with the age of 60 as the dividing line. Prostatic TV (TZV and TZV were measured with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and the concentrations of total testosterone (T), free testosterone (fT) and estradiol (E2) were measured with radioimmunoassay. Exponential curve regression and one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTSAge was significantly correlated with TV, TZV and the TZV/TV ratio, P < 0.01. There was a significant positive correlation between the concentrations of fT and TZV, a negative correlation between those of E2 and TZV (P < 0.01), but no correlation between those of T and TZV (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe significant acceleration of the TZV of the prostate after the age of 60 is related to sex hormones.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging ; physiology ; Analysis of Variance ; Estradiol ; blood ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostate ; diagnostic imaging ; Regression Analysis ; Testosterone ; blood ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of arginine modified chitosan or hexadecylated modified chitosan as gene carriers on the cellular uptake by vascular smooth muscle cells and its in vitro cytotoxicity. METHODS Plasmid DNA was labeled with alpha-32P-dATP and complexed with the modified chitosans or unmodified chitosan to form nanoparticle complexes by complex coacervation method. Uptake of all kinds of chitosan/ DNA nanoparticle complexes (CNC) by A10 cells was measured by beta-liquid scintillation counting. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the CNC was evaluated by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

RESULTSThe diameters of the CNC ranged from 55.9-174.9 nm and the zeta potentials were from 10. 8 mV for the arginine modified chitosan/DNA nanoparticle complexes (ACNC) to 1.8 mV for the hexadecylated chitosan/DNA nanoparticle complexes (HCNC). The cellular uptake of the modified chitosan/ DNA nanoparticle complexes (MCNC) by A10 cells increased significantly when compared with the unmodified chitosan/DNA nanoparticle complexes (UCNC) (P < 0.05), with the HCNC at N/P ratio of 1:1 and the ACNC at ratio of 8:1 showing the highest cellular uptake (1.3 fold higher than UCNC, P < 0.05). MCNC were much less cytotoxic when compared with Lipofectamine 2000-DNA nanoparticles.

CONCLUSIONDNA nanoparticle complexes prepared with either arginine or hexadecylated modified chitosan can improve the cellular uptake of the DNA, while the in vitro cytotoxicity of both of the modified chitosan is much less than that of Lipofectamine 2000.

Animals ; Antigen-Antibody Complex ; Arginine ; pharmacology ; Chitosan ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Citric Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Cytotoxicity, Immunologic ; DNA ; pharmacology ; Genetic Vectors ; Nanoparticles ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

METHODSThree autopsy cases were studied retrospectively. Routine HE stain was used to study all the cases. Part of the lung tissue specimens were studied further with Macchiavello's stain, viral inclusion body stain, reticulin and PAS stains, immunohistochemistry, thin sections with staining, light microscopy and transmission electronic microscope investigation.

RESULTSThe earliest symptom of all 3 cases was hyperpyrexia and followed by progressive dyspnea and appearance of lung field shadows in X rays findings. Pulmonary lesions included: bilateral and extensive consolidation, localized hemorrhage and necrosis, desquamative alveolitis and bronchitis, alveolar proliferation and desquamation, accumulation of protein exudates, mononuclear cells, lymphocytes, and plasma cells as well as hyaline membrane formation in alveoli and viral inclusion bodies were seen in the alveolus epithelial cells. The exudated organization tended to become glomeruloid organizing pneumonitis in a few avaoli. Lesions of the immune organs included: large patchy necrosis in the spleens and localized necrosis in the lymph nodes were seen. Bone marrow became restrained. There were lesions of systemic small vasculitis including edema of the perivascular tissue and vascular wall of the small veins with localized fibrinoid necrosis distributing in the heart, lungs, kidneys, adrenal glands and the striated muscles accompanying with mononuclear cells and lymphocytes infiltration. Thrombosis was seen in part of the small veins. In addition, there were also the systemic poisonous changes including: degeneration and necrosis of the parenchyma cells in lungs, liver, kidneys, heart and adrenals. Electronic microscopy demonstrated clusters of virus particles seen in the lung tissue.

CONCLUSIONSARS is a systemic disease. Lungs, immune system and systemic small vessels are the main target organs attacked by the virus. Extensive consolidation of lungs, formation of hyaline membrane to a large extent, respiratory distress and decrease of immune function are the main causes of death.

Adult ; Cause of Death ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Middle Aged ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; etiology ; pathology