The rapid development of silicon microelectrode arrays provides an ideal means for the study of spatio-temporal features of neuronal activity in the brain. The stability of the linear silicon electrode array (LSEA) in recording neuronal potentials and its validity in recording unit activity are investigated. The experimental results showed that during the recording of field potentials in the hippocampal CA1 region of anesthetized rats, upward and downward movements of the recording probe for a distance of 200 ?m did not affect the orthordromic and antidromic evoked potentials significantly. The data indicated that the probe movements caused very small damage to the neurons, and the recording was stable. The contact sites that located in the pyramidal cell layer acquired CA1 neuronal unit activity validly. Different types of unit activity from independent neurons were easily distinguished in epochs of recording from a same recording site. These results demonstrated the features of the LSEA, including the facility of probe manipulation, the stability of recording and the abundance of data acquirement. The data will be helpful to the researchers involved in the application of microelectrode array for neuroscience researches.

Objective: To study the phenotypes and functions of dendritic cells (DCs) derived from peripheral blood monocytes of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome types, and to explore the relationship between TCM syndrome type and DC functions. Methods: Sixty CHB patients were included in this study. All the CHB patients were divided into spleen deficiency and liver stagnation, spleen deficiency and dampness-heat and deficiency of both spleen and kidney groups according to TCM syndrome diagnosis standard. There were 20 cases in each group, and ten healthy people were included as normal control. The volunteer's peripheral blood was collected for monocyte separation, biochemical test and hepatitis B virus DNA loads detection. DCs were induced and isolated from peripheral blood monocytes, and then the expressions of surface markers CD80, CD86, CD1a and HLA-DR were detected by flow cytometric analysis method. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) production of the DCs was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The proliferation of DCs in the CHB patients was slower than that in the healthy volunteers (P<0.05). The expressions of DC surface molecules such as CD80, CD86, and CD1a were obviously decreased in the CHB patients as compared with those in the healthy volunteers (P<0.05). More over, expressions of DC surface molecules were different among CHB patients with different TCM syndrome types. The positive expressions of CD80, CD1a, and HLA-DR in the CHB patients with spleen deficiency and liver stagnation were obviously higher than those in the CHB patients with deficiency of both spleen and kidney (P<0.05), and the CD1a expression in the CHB patients with spleen deficiency and dampness-heat was higher than that in the CHB patients with deficiency of both spleen and kidney (P<0.05). In DC culture supernatant, the IL-10 concentration of the CHB patients with deficiency of both spleen and kidney was higher than that of the CHB patients with spleen deficiency and liver stagnation (P<0.05), and the IL-10 concentrations of the CHB patients with different TCM syndrome types were higher than that of the healthy volunteers (P<0.05). Conclusion: During the pathogenic course of CHB, the phenotypes and functions of DCs are different in CHB patients with different TCM syndrome types. It suggests that there is a correlation between TCM syndrome type and body immunity function.

Objective To explore the pulmonary function,DVH and radiation pneumonitis after three-dimensional conformal radiation treatment ofⅢphase non-small-cell lung cancer.Methods 71 pa- tients (male 52,female 19,median age 63,KPS≥80) were evaluated by pulmonary function tests before radiotherapy and in M1 and M3 after radiotherapy respectively.After 3 months of follow-up time,it reviewed the appearance and grade of radiation pneumonitis.Then V_(20),V_(30) and MLD were worked out from dose vol- ume histogram.Results All patients completed radiotherapy,and total dose was 66-70 Gy.FVC (L), FEV1 (L) and CLCO were (2.58?0.65) L,(1.85?0.58) L and (15.15?4.65)ml/(min)before radio- therapy,with (2.96?0.76) L,(2.13?0.65) L and (14.71?3.92) ml/(min) in Ml after radiotherapy, with (2.65?0.61) L,(1.92?0.52) L and (13.15?3.71)ml/(min)in M3 after radiotherapy.The ac- cidence of radiation pneumonitis was 30%,moderate and severe radiation pneumonitis was 7%.With V_(20), V_(30) and MLD increasing,the grade of radiation pneumonitis was increasing.V_(20),V_(30) and MLD were related to the change in CLCO value among before,M1 and M3 after radiotherapy,and the correlation coefficient was more than 0.2.Conclusions There is a relationship in the pulmonary function,DVH and radiation pneu- monitis surely.The change in C_LCO value between before radiotherapy and M1 after radiotherapy could pre- dict the radiation pneumonitis.V_(20),V_(30) and MLD are not only correlated to radiation pneumonitis evidently but the change in FEV_1 and C_LCO after radiotherapy.

Objective To investigate the effects of cryopreservation on the growth and osteogenesis capa- bility of human bone marrow stromal cells(BMSCs)on demineralized bene matrix(DBM).Methods Bone marrow aspirates were obtained from the lilac crests of three donors.The BMSCs were isolated from the bone marrow by density gradient centrifugation.Cells of passage 3 were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for 24 hours,and then re- covered.The non-cryopreserved BMSCs were used as the control,The cryopreserved and control BMSCs were cul- tured in osteogenic media,collected and labeled with Dil to be seeded onto the DBM when cells were confluent.The percentage of BMSCs adhered to the DMB was detected.The cell morphology and matrices secreted by BMSCs on the DBM were observed by the inverted phase-contrasted microscope,fluorescence microscope and scanning electron microscope(SEM).The growth and viability of BMSCs on the DBM were determined using the modified MTT ashy. The osteogenesis ability of BMSCs on the DBM was determined by assessment of the alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity and osteocalcin(OCN)content.Results The percentages of the cryopreserved and control cells adhered to DBM were(97.25?1.17)% and(97.00?1.09)% respectively.The cells adhered well to the DBM and grew rapidly.Large amounts of matrices on the DBM were observed by the light microscope and SEM.The cells embedded in the matrices could be observed by fluorescence microscope.There were no significant differences in the assay values of MTT,ALP and OCN between the cryopreserved and control BMSCs on the DBM.Conclusion Since cryopreservation does not affect the growth and osteogenesis capability of BMSCs on DBM,the cryopreserved BMSCs can be used as a cell source in bone tissue engineering.

Objective To study the feasibility and clinical significance of internal tourniquet (temporary arterial lumen blood flow occlusion by balloon catheter) for controlling the hemorrhage from traumatic neck and adjacent trunk arteries by temporarily occluding the arterial lumen blood flow.Methods The study involved 35 patients with traumatic neck and near trunk arteries who were firstly managed by internal tourniquet during operation to temporarily occlude the proximal aorta blood flow from May 1987 to February 2009.Each blocking time ranged from 30 to 70 minutes and the blocking was performed at an interval of 15 to 20 minutes.Then,surgical therapy was taken.Results After temporary proximal aorta blood flow occlusion with internal tourniquet,the operation presented few bleeding,with a clean operating field and clear anatomic structures.The total intraoperative blood loss was 100-400 ml.All patients were healed without ischemia of brains and limbs or relapse during the 3-14 years of followup.Conclusion Internal tourniquet,which can effectively reduce intraoperative blood loss and improve operation safety by temporarily occluding the proximal aorta blood flow,is an auxiliary approach for treating hemorrhage from traumatic neck and adjacent trunk arteries.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and risk of endovascular thrombolysis with Urokinase and Tirofiban in patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).Methods Nine patients with severe CVST were performed selective intravenous sinus Urokinase and Tirofiban thrombolysis combined with mechanical thrombus maceration in our hospital from January 2009 to January 2011; their clinical data and treatment efficacy were analyzed.Results Normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure was noted in 8 patients before discharging from the hospital; DSA indicated that 7 achieved complete recanalization of main branch of the venous sinus,cortical veins and deep vein.Only 1 achieved reeanalization of sinuses partly,and partial compensation was noted in the cortical veins.No operation-related complication was noted during and after the surgery.After thrombolysis,symptoms and signs of 8 patients improved obviously,and headache disappeared in 7 of them with only mild degree in 1; 1 patient died.Conclusion Intravenous sinus Urokinase and Tirofiban thrombolysis is an effective and safe method for patients with potentially catastrophic intracranial dural sinus thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Hypothermia is associated with poor outcome in trauma patients; however, hemorrhagic shock (HS) model with anesthetized swine was different from that of clinical reality. To identify the effects of environmental hypothermia on HS, we investigated hemodynamics and oxygen dynamics in an unanesthetized swine model of HS under simulating hypothermia environment.METHODS: Totally 16 Bama pigs were randomly divided into ambient temperature group (group A) and low temperature group (group B), 8 pigs in each group. Venous blood (30 mL/kg) was continuously withdrawn for more than 15 minutes in conscious swine to establish a hemorrhagic shock model. Pulmonary arterial temperature (Tp), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP), central venous pressure (CVP), cardiac output (CO), hemoglobin (Hb), saturation of mixed venous blood (SvO2) and blood gas analysis were recorded at the baseline and different hemorrhagic shock time (HST). The whole body oxygen delivery indices, DO2I and VO2I, and the O2 extraction ratio (O2ER) were calculated.RESULTS: Core body temperature in group A decreased slightly after the hemorrhagic shock model was established, and environmental hypothermia decreased in core body temperature. The mortality rate was significantly higher in group B (50％) than in group A (0％). DO2I and VO2I decreased significantly after hemorrhage. No difference was found in hemodynamics, DO2I and VO2I between group A and group B, but the difference in pH, lactic acid and O2ER was significant between the two groups.CONCLUSION: Environmental hypothermia aggravated the disorder of oxygen metabolism after hemorrhagic shock, which was associated with poor prognosis.

Objective To repair segmental mandibular defects with autogenous bone marrow stromal cells(BMSCs)and?-triealcium phosphate.Methods Isolated BMSCs were in vitro expand- ed.A 3 cm-long segmental mandibular defect was created at right mandible in 12 canines,of which de- fects in six canines were repaired with BMSCs and?-tricalcium phosphate(?-TCP)and that in other six cases repaired with?-TCP,which was used as control.The engineered bone was evaluated by X-ray, CT,DXA,gross and histological examination,immunohistochemistry and biomechanical test 4,12,26,32 weeks after operation respectively.Results In induced BMSCs,histochemistry showed AKP activity. Oral X-ray showed obvious callus formation 4-26 weeks after operation in experimental group but minimal bone formation in control group.At 32 weeks after operation,gross observation,X-ray and CT demonstra- ted well bony-union in experimental group but bony-nonunion in control group.DXA indicated that the bone density of experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group.Biomechanical test revealed no statistical difference upon mechanical strength of mandibula between experimental group and normal group.Conclusions Canine segmental mandibular defects can be well repaired with the tissue- engineered bone generated by autogenous osteogenic BMSCs and?-TCP scaffold.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Angiography, Digital Subtraction ; Hemangioma ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Skin Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; Spinal Canal ; Spinal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; Syndrome ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of sirolimus-based immunosuppression administered on heart transplant recipients with chronic renal dysfunction.

METHODSFrom June 2004 to December 2008, standard calcineurin inhibitors (CNI)-based immunosuppressive regimen was changed to reduced-dose CNI plus sirolimus due to CNI-related chronic renal dysfunction in 20 out of 138 cardiac transplant recipients at Fuwai Hospital. The standard immunosuppressive regimen included steroid, CNI (cyclosporine or tacrolimus), and mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine. Sirolimus was started at 0.75 - 1.50 mg/d with titration to achieve levels of 5 - 15 µg/L, and CNI dose was reduced gradually to 1/2-2/3 of the baseline level. Patients were followed for changes in renal function, lipid level and clinical side effects related to immunosuppressive therapy. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) was performed routinely at 3 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after transplantation. EMB was also performed at 3 months after regimen change within 1 year post-transplantation or when rejections were suspected in patients beyond 1 year post-transplantation. Echocardiography was performed for monitoring purpose.

RESULTSThe mean follow-up after regimen change was (7.9 ± 6.3) months. Final sirolimus dose was (0.89 ± 0.22) mg/d and blood drug level was (7.6 ± 3.8)µg/L. Cyclosporine dose was reduced from (191.7 ± 60.0) mg/d to (123.6 ± 34.8) mg/d, with blood drug concentration reduced from (175.5 ± 58.0) µg/L to (111.9 ± 56.0) µg/L in 18 patients (P < 0.01). Tacrolimus average dose was reduced from 4.25 mg/d to 3.00 mg/d, with blood drug concentration reduced from 13.5 µg/L to 10.5 µg/L in 2 patients. Serum creatinine level fell from (160.4 ± 25.5) µmol/L to (134.4 ± 26.8) µmol/L (P < 0.01) and urea nitrogen fell from (13.8 ± 4.7) µmol/L to (10.4 ± 3.0) µmol/L (P < 0.01) at one month after regimen change. Twenty two EMBs were performed in 11 patients within 1 year post-transplant, there were 4 episodes of acute rejected (ISHLT grade 2). Twenty patients are all alive and cardiac function was normal. The most common side effect was hyperlipidemia, and triglycerides, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels were significantly increased at 1 month post regimen change (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Leukocyte, hemoglobin and platelet as well as liver function remained unchanged at 1 month post regimen change (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONOur results show that change from CNI-based immunosuppressive regimen to reduced-dose CNI plus sirolimus is an effective and safe approach for the management of patients with CNI-related chronic renal dysfunction, leading to an improvement in renal function without compromise in anti-rejection efficacy and with tolerable side effects.

Calcineurin Inhibitors ; Female ; Heart Transplantation ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Sirolimus ; therapeutic use