BACKGROUND:In recent years, animal models of lumbar disc degeneration have been popularized to explore the effect of tissue engineering, cel engineering and genetic engineering technologies on intervertebral disc degeneration.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of biological patches on rabbit anulus fibrosus repair.
METHODS:L3-4, L4-5, L5-6 segments from rabbits were randomly divided into normal control group (the intervertebral disc was exposed correspondingly), control group (the annulus fibrosus was only cut with a surgical scalpel) and experimental group (the annulus fibrosus was cut and sutured with the surgical biomaterial). Six rabbits were selected randomly to take the lumbar X-ray and MRI preoperatively and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks postoperatively; one rabbit was chosen preoperatively and three rabbits selected respectively at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks postoperatively to execute hematoxylin-eosin and type II colagen immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:At postoperative 1, 2 and 4 weeks, the disc height index decreased significantly in the control and experimental groups. MRI and histopathological examination showed that the T2WI signal intensity and hematoxylin-eosin grading were both increased significantly in the control and experimental groups at 2 weeks after surgery (P < 0.05). With time, the number of nucleus pulposus cels gradualy reduced in the control and experimental groups. Annulus fibrosus defects were filed with granulation and fibrous tissues, and the biofilm was tightly fused with the annulus fibrosus. Findings from the type II colagen immunohistochemical staining showed that the histological staining of the nucleus pulposus was gradualy changed from positive to negative in the experimental and control groups. Therefore, cutting the annulus fibrosus can lead to severe disc degeneration at early period, and surgical biomaterials can be integrated with the annulus fibrosus wel to seal annulus fibrosus defects and further prevent nucleus pulposus protrusion. However, this approach cannot restrain the continuous process of disc degeneration.

Objective To observe the effects of citalopram and physical therapy on poststroke depression(PSD).Methods72 patients with PSD were randomly divided into medicine group(n=36)and control group(n=36).The patients in the control group were treated only with physical therapy and the patients in the medicine group were treated with Citalopram and physical therapy.All patients were assessed with Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale(ZSDS)and Modified Barthel index(MBI)before and after treatment.ResultsAfter treatment,the Zung score in both groups decreased significantly(P<0.01).Meanwhile,the medicine group showed significantly less depression than the control group(P<0.05).The score of MBI was also significantly increased after treatment(P<0.01)in both group,but there was no significant difference between two groups(P>0.05).ConclusionCitalopram combined with physical therapy is effective on PSD.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of shear wave elastography on deep venous thrombosis in different stage.Methods Models of rabbits'deep venous thrombosis have been established to noninvasively measure Young's moduli of thrombosis in day 1 ,4,7,10 and 14 respectively by shear wave elastography.Results The elastic modulus of thrombosis increased with increment of the stages of thrombosis.Specifically,the mean Young's moduli of thrombosis increased from (4.0±1 .42)kPa (day 1)to (25.71 ±6.09)kPa (day 14),with statistical differences between each two observation time points (P <0.05).Conclusions Shear wave elastography can effectively reflect the elasticity of thrombosis in different stages,and the stage of thrombosis can be estimated judging by quantitative ultrasound elasticity preliminarily.

Given the vital role of vasculature in solid tumors, the potential of vascular disrupting therapy in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is promising. In this study, we prepared the acid-sensitive liposome PPD/CA4P/Lip-Rap loaded with the vascular disrupting agent CA4P and the anti-angiogenic drug rapamycin (Rap) to explore the potential of the vascular disrupting strategy in TNBC. PPD/CA4P/Lip-Rap was characterized by ¹H NMR, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. Its drug loading and acid sensitivity were determined. The particle size of PPD/CA4P/Lip-Rap is 161.53 ± 1.89 nm, the zeta potential is -20.03 ± 0.9 mV and it demonstrated good drug release on acidic sensitivity responses. CCK-8 experiments proved that Rap can enhance the ability of CA4P to destroy tumor vascular endothelial cells. Rap can kill marginal residual tumor cells, suppress tumor recurrence. Nanocarriers can further enhance the therapeutic effect. Western blot (WB) showed that Rap decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) via the mTOR/p70S6K and mTOR/4E-BP1 pathways. Thus, tumor hypoxia activation and angiogenesis were inhibited. PPD/CA4P/Lip-Rap can effectively destroy tumor vessels, inhibit tumor angiogenesis and recurrence, and provide a new strategy for the treatment of TNBC by targeting disruption of tumor vessels.

Objective To investigate the characteristic MRI features of sporadic inclusion?body myositis(sIBM). Methods Clinical and MR imaging data of 6 patients with sIBM diagnosed by muscle biopsy from May 2013 to November 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients showed insidious onset of lower limb muscle weakness and diagnosed as sIBM by muscle biopsies. All patients were evaluated by the score of the severity of fatty infiltration, inflammation and atrophy in MRI. Results All patients were observed fatty infiltration with different degrees. The fatty infiltration in thighs was characterized in a decreasing order of frequency:gluteus maximus (6 cases), vastuslateralis (6 cases), vastusintermedius (6 cases), vastusmedialis (6 cases), sartorius (5 cases), adductor magnus (5 cases), rectus femoris (4 cases), semi?membranosus (4 cases), semi?tendinosus (4 cases), biceps femoris (4 cases), gracilis (3 cases), adductor longus(2 cases).The fatty infiltration in thighs was characterized in a decreasing order of severity:vastuslateralis (3.2 points), vastusintermedius (3.2 points), vastusmedialis (3.0 points), adductor magnus (3.0 points), gluteus maximus (2.7 points), bicepsfemoris (2.2 points), semi?membranosus (2.1 points), semi?tendinosus (2.1 points), rectus femoris (1.5 points), sartorius (1.3 points), gracilis (0.8 points), adductor longus (0.7 points). All patients showed the features of distal distribution andsymmetry. Inflammation was observed in 3 patients. 1 patient only involved the vastuslateralis, the other 2 patients were observed muscle inflammation with different degrees in 12 muscles. Atrophy was observed in 5 patients. The atrophy in thighs was characterized in a decreasing order of frequency:vastuslateralis (5 cases), vastusintermedius (5 cases), vastusmedialis (4 cases), adductor magnus (4 cases), semi?membranosus (2 cases), rectus femoris (1 cases), sartorius (1 cases) and gluteus maximus;there was no atrophy in adductor longus, gracilis,semi?tendinosus, biceps femoris. Conclusion The MRI characteristic manifestations of sIBM is fatty infiltration and atrophy in the distal portion, particularly involving the vastuslateralis, vastusintermedius, vastusmedialis and adductor magnus.

Objective To construct the recombinant plasmid containing human filaggrin gene,purify and identify the immunoreactivity of the recombinant protein,and establish the indirect ELISA to detect AFA for diagnosis of RA.Methods The constructed plasmids were transformed into E. Coli Rosettagami(DE3).This fusion protein was purified by NAT chromatography.ELISA coated with the fusion protein Was established to detect the AFA in serum of patients,which included 114 cases of RA,56 cases of SLE,32 cases of OA and 40 cases of normal controls. The correlation between the results of AFA and anti-CCP in RA group were compared. Results 321 bp fragment of filaggrin gene was amplified and the recombinant expression vector pET-28a( + )-filaggrin was constructed. The sequence of filaggrin gene was the same as the sequence reported in the literatures. The Rosetta-gami (DE3) strains of E. Coli with recombinant vector showed high level of filaggrin protein after induction. The SDS-PAGE showed that the plasmid expressed the filaggrin fusion protein with molecule weight of 14 000 Da. The expression protein could be purified by Ni-NAT with activity. The absorbance value of AFA in RA group was 0.473 ±0. 248 while they were 0. 160 0. 088, 0. 121±0. 070, 0.050 0. ±018 in SLE, OA and normal groups respectively. There were significant differences of absorbance values of AFA between RA and SLE, OA, control group (t = 12.004, 14. 464, 18.078, P<0. 01, respectively). The positivities of anti-filaggrin in RA, SLE and OA were 48.2%, 5.4% and 3. 1% respectively. The positivities of AFA were significantly different between RA, OA and normal control groups (x~2 = 67. 088, P < 0. 01). There was positive correlation of results between AFA and anti-CCP antibody (r = 0.42, P < 0. 05 ) . The consistency rate of results between AFA and anti-CCP was 70. 1%. Anti-CCP was negative in 10 out of 114 patients with AFA positive. AFA can be used to diagnose RA with sensitivity of 48. 2% , specificity of 96.9% , positive predictive value of 93. 2% and negative predictive values of 67. 9% . Conclusions The purified human filaggrin fusion protein is successfully purified. The indirect ELISA method based on the recombinant protein shows good sensitivity and specificity. Joint detection with AFA and anti-CCP can improve the positive rate of detection.

Transgenic animal model provide a good platform to research the pathogenesis and therapy of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). To date, a number of BCR/ABL transgenic animal models have been established using different promoter or tetracycline-controlling system. Some of them appear the characteristics of human CML, which have contributed greatly to research the pathogenesis and therapy of CML. In this article, the researching progress, advantage and drawback, application of BCR/ABL transgenic animal model are reviewed.
Animals ; Animals, Genetically Modified ; Disease Models, Animal ; Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl ; genetics ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effect of acupuncture on acute heart failure (AHF) patients.

METHODSTotally 60 patients who were diagnosed as AHF were assigned to the acupuncture group and the control group, 30 in each group. Those in the control group received inotropic agents, preload and afterload reducing therapy, anti-infection and so on. Besides, those in the acupuncture group received needling at relative points, once daily for 5 consecutive days. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume index (SI), left ventricle working index (LCWI) were monitored by thermodilution pulse-indicated continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) technique. Changes of the aforesaid data were compared between before and after treatment. The ICU length of stay, readmission rate,and the 28-day mortality were also compared between the two groups.

RESULTSAfter 5 days of the treatment, CI, SI, and LCWI increased more obviously (P < 0.01), HR and MAP decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Of them, CI, SI, and LCWI increased more obviously in the acupuncture group (P < 0.05).There was no obvious difference in HR or MAP between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the first day of admission in the same group, CI, SI, and LCWI obviously increased in the acupuncture group from the second day (P < 0.05). HR started to decrease since the fourth day (P < 0.05), and MAP began to decrease until the fifth day (P < 0.05). CI, SI, and LCWI started to increase in the control group from the third day (P < 0.05); HR and MAP both began to decrease since the fifth day (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the ICU length of stay was obviously shortened in the acupuncture group (P < 0.05). The readmission rate and the 28-day mortality rate were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe combination of acupuncture and Western medical therapy might strengthen acute heart failure patients' heart functions, elevate the therapeutic effect, and improve the prognosis.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Heart Failure ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stroke Volume

DLUT4060 piezoelectric multi-component force platforms and DVM8820 three-dimensional infrared image capture system were used to test the sit-to-walk (STW) movements of 11 healthy elderly (72. 6 +/- 12. 2 years old) and 11 healthy young (19. 7 +/-1. 3 years old) individuals. Firstly, we studied the effects of seat-heights on the ground reaction forces, the velocity of the center of mass, and action time duration. Then we discussed the movement strategies and falling risks of the persons in the two age groups respectively. Finally, we decided the best seat height for the two age groups. It was found that the best seat heights for both the two age groups were 100% popliteal height. This height may make the subject get the greatest biomechanical advantages and the lowest falling risks. The popliteal height must be concerned when designing and fixing up the public activity area facilities and daily life of the elderly. To some extent, it can reduce the falling risk of the elderly.
Accidental Falls ; prevention & control ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Ankle Joint ; physiology ; Buttocks ; physiology ; Hip Joint ; physiology ; Humans ; Interior Design and Furnishings ; Knee Joint ; physiology ; Leg ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Movement ; physiology ; Posture ; Weight-Bearing ; physiology ; Young Adult

P210(bcr/abl) fusion gene is indispensable for generation and progression of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Small molecule inhibitors, such as imatinib, are effective for P210(bcr/abl) gene mediated CML, but drug resistance may occur. The unique fusion junction of P210(bcr/abl) gene is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention using RNA interference (RNAi). This study was purposed to constructed the BaF3 cell line by viral vector which can stably express P210(bcr/abl) shRNA and P210(bcr/abl) mRNA at the same time, and investigate the effect of lentiviral-victor-delivered shRNA on P210(bcr/abl) gene expression. The infective rate of lentiviral vector on BaF3 cells with P210(bcr/abl) gene was assayed by fluorescent microscopy; the cell proliferation ability was determined by trypan blue exclusion; the P210(bcr/abl) mRNA and protein expressions were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. The results found that stable expression of the P210(bcr/abl) shRNA resulted in obvious inhibition of P210(bcr/abl) mRNA and protein expression and increased sensitivity of these P210(bcr/abl) gene transformed Ba/F3 cells to imatinib. The IC(50) to imatinib in these cells decreased < 50% as compared with Ba/F3-P210(bcr/abl) cells which did not express P210(bcr/abl) mRNA. The survival time of the lethal dose irradiated mice induced by intravenous injection of these Ba/F3 cells was longer than the other group induced by Ba/F3-P210(bcr/abl). It is concluded that stable expression of shRNA targeting the P210(bcr/abl) gene fusion junction may potentiate the effects of conventional therapy for CML.
Animals ; Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Vectors ; Lentivirus ; genetics ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; NIH 3T3 Cells ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics