Objective To analyze the correlation between impact positions on the head and hyperextension severities of cervical spinal cord,as well as their treatment.Methods A retrospective analysis was done for 41 cases of hyperextension of cervical spinal cord without fracture-dislocation who had received management in our department from January 1999 to January 2004.All the patients had no cervical disorders before injuries.They were injured by impact mostly on the forehead,cheek or lower mandible.Their neurological findings at admission and 6-month follow-ups were assessed according to ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) rating system.Results Of the 20 patients who were injured by impact on the forehead,four were rated in neural function as grade B,11 as grade C,and five as grade D at admission,while one as grade C,11 as grade D,and eight as grade E at 6-month follow-up.Of the 12 patients who were injured by impact on the cheek,one was rated in neural function as grade B, four as grade C,and seven as grade D at admission,while one as grade C,two as grade D,and nine as grade E at 6-mouth follow-up.Of the nine patients who were injured by impact on the lower mandible,five were rated in neural function as grade B,three as grade C,and one as grade D at admission,while two as grade B,five as grade C,and two as grade E at 6-month follow-up.The 6-month follow-ups after treatment showed that the neural function was rated below grade C in nine patients,seven of whom had been injured by impact on mandible.Two patients of grade B who showed little improvement after treatment had been injured also by impact on mandible.Conclusion Impact on the lower mandible causes mote severe hyperextension than impact on tbe cheek or forehead.Both rea- sonable non-operative and operative treatments can lead to satisfactory outcome for patients with hyperextension of cervical spinal cord but without fracture-dislocation.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the accuracy and safety of pedicle screw insertion with the aid of novel patient-specific drill-guide templates in scoliosis cases.

METHODSTen patients with scoliosis were selected to participate in the research (the observation group) from December 2013 to December 2014. The data was obtained from CT scanning, and put into the computer to perform reconstruction of spine, simulation of pedicle screw insertion, and design of patient-specific drill-guide templates with software. The templates were made with rapid prototyping technique. After sterilization, the templates were used to aid the pedicle screw insertion intraoperatively. The blood loss, operation duration, change of creatinine level pre- and post-operation, and complications related to pedicle screw insertion were recorded. The location of pedicle screws were graded so as to evaluate the accuracy. A comparative study was then performed with the data of ten scoliosis cases operated with free-hand method during the same period (control group). There were 5 cases of idiopathic scoliosis and 5 cases of congenital scoliosis in the observation group, including 3 males and 7 females. Their average age was 11.9 years old (ranged, 4 to 18 years old), and the average Cobb angle of main curve was 54.9° (ranged, 42.1° to 78.4°). There were also 5 cases of idiopathic scoliosis and 5 cases of congenital scoliosis in the control group,including 2 males and 8 females. Their average age was 12.6 years old (ranged, 6 to 17 years old), and the average Cobb angle of main curve was 56.6° (ranged, 38.2° to 93.4°).

RESULTSA total of 167 pedicle screws were inserted intraoperatively, with 138 screws (82.6%) in grade I, 26 screws (15.0%) in grade II, 4 screws in grade III (2.4%), but no screws in grade IV according to the CT image. There were 29 (17.4%) screws perforated, and 163 (97.6%) screws could be accepted. In the control group, a total of 165 pedicle screws were inserted intraoperatively, with 98 screws (59.4%) in grade I, 39 screws (23.6%) in grade II, 21 screws in grade III (12.7%), and 7 screws in grade IV (4.2%). There were 67 (40.6%) screws perforated, and 137 (83.0%) screws could be accepted. The grade distribution of screw position, ratio of perforated and accepted screws were significantly different between the two groups respectively (Z=-5.013, P=0.000; χ2=9.347, P=0.002; χ2=20.242, P=0.000). The correction rate of Cobb angle were (74.1±10.0)% vs (69.7±17.6)%; blood loss were (455±447) ml vs (415±389) ml; operation duration were (163.5±53.7) min vs (164.0±48.7) min; and the changes of creatinine level pre- and post-operatively were (-5.3±3.2) μmol/L vs (-3.4±3.1) μmol/L; all above data had no significant differences respectively (t=0.696, P=0.496; t=0.214, P=0.833; t=0.022, P=0.983; t=1.375, P=0.192). There were no complications related to pedicle screw insertion in each group.

CONCLUSIONThe novel patient-specific drill guide template can be used to assist the insertion of pedicle screws in scoliosis cases with much higher accuracy than that of freehand method and fair safety.

Adolescent ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Pedicle Screws ; Scoliosis ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Objective: To verify whether there exists melatoni n(Mel) receptor in human embryonic nervous system. Methods: Spec ific binding of Mel to embryonic brain and spinal cord was measured by radioliga nd binding assay. Results: 125　I-Mel binding s ites in optomeninx was the most, in eptochiasm and sniff ball was next; GTPγS d ose-de pendently inhibited the binding. Conclusion: The results demonst rate the presence of specific binding of Mel in human embryonic brain and spinal cord. GTPγS has some effect on 125　I-Mel specific binding,support ing the theory that Mel receptor is coupled to inhibitory G-proteins.

Objective: To determine protein binding characteri stic and signal transmission pathway of melatonin（Mel） receptor(MR) in human e mbryonic peripheral organ tissues. Methods: MR was measured by radio ligand-binding assay and the effect of GTPγS on melatonin specific bindi ng was studied. Results: Mel specific binding sites were det ermined in 16 kinds of human embryonic tissue and this binding could be inhibit ed by GTPγS, supporting the theory that MR is coupled to inhibitory G-proteins system. Conclusion: MR is measured in human embryo tissue, the se results provide experimental data for elucidating the mechanism of the effect of Mel.

OBJECTIVESTo explore the mechanism of development and aggressiveness in gastric carcinomas by investigating the expression and role of CD97 and its cellular ligand CD55 in gastric carcinomas.

METHODSTumor and corresponding normal mucosal tissue, collected from 39 gastric carcinoma patients, were examined by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR for the expression of CD97 and CD55.

RESULTSCD97(stalk) was strongly stained on scattered tumor cells or small tumor cell clusters at the invasion front of gastric carcinomas. The expression of CD97(stalk) was frequently observed in tumors of stage I and T1 gastric carcinoma patients. The expression of CD97(stalk) between Stage I and Stage II, III, IV specimens showed significant difference (P<0.05), between T1 and T2, T3, T4 specimens also showed significant difference (P<0.05). Specimens with tumor invasion depth limited in mucosa of T1 specimens showed higher positive CD55 expression than specimens with the same tumor invasion depth in T2, T3, T4 specimens, the expression of CD55 between T1 and T2, T3, T4 specimens was significantly different (P<0.05). There was strong correlation between the distribution patterns of CD97(stalk) and CD55 on tumor tissues (r=0.73, P<0.05). Signet ring cell carcinomas frequently contained strong CD97(stalk) and CD55-staining.

CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that CD97(stalk) is probably involved in the growth, invasion and aggressiveness of gastric carcinomas by binding its cellular ligand CD55. CD97(stalk) and CD55 could be useful as molecular markers for prognosis and therapy of gastric carcinoma patients.

Antigens, CD ; genetics ; metabolism ; Base Sequence ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; genetics ; metabolism ; CD55 Antigens ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Neoplasm ; genetics ; metabolism ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics ; immunology ; pathology ; therapy ; Tissue Distribution

Objective To investigate the mRNA and protein expression of somatostatin receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma HCCLM3 cell lines and to explore the mechanism by which somatostatin effects on hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods RT-PCR., immunocytochemistry and MTT were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of somatostatin receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and evaluate the antiproliferative effect of somatostatin. Results The effect of somatostatin on the cellular proliferation was verified. Immunocytochemistry study revealed a mainly intracellular distribution of all SSTRs with unique patterns for each of them. mRNA expression of all 5 subtypes of somatostatin receptors was different, SSTR2 and SSTR1 mRNA expressions were significantly higher than SSTR3, SSTR4 and SSTR5 ( P

Objective: To investigate the potential role of me latonin in the adrenal cortex of human embryo. Methods:Specifi c melatonin receptors was localized and characterized in the adrenal cortex of h u man embryo by means of immunohistochemistry. Results: mt1 （Me l1a）and MT2 （Mel1b）subtype of melatonin receptors was principally localize d to cytoplasm in zona glomerulosa， fasciculata and reticularis. Conclu sion: It is possible that mt1 and MT2 subtype of melatonin receptors co-exist in the adrenal cortex of human embryo.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of silicosis alveolar macrophages (AM) restimulated by SiO(2) on expression of c-myc oncogene in human embryo lung fibroblasts.

METHODSThe bronchoalveolar lavage of silicosis patients was collected. AMs were divided into 2 groups: (1) SiO(2): AMs were stimulated with SiO(2) (30 microg/ml) for 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 36 h; (2) control: treated for the same time without SiO(2). Fibroblasts were cultured with different AMs supernatants for 2 h or 7 h respectively. The expression of c-myc mRNA was determined by RT-PCR and protein by Western Blot.

RESULTSThere was no c-myc expression when fibroblasts were static. The supernatants in the S6 group stimulated expression of c-myc mRNA and protein, with the peak expression at 2 h and 7 h respectively. In the control group, AMs supernatants cultured in different time stimulated expression of c-myc mRNA and protein with the most evident expression at 12 h. The ratios were 0.749 +/- 0.088 and 0.759 +/- 0.101 respectively. Compared with control in the same period, c-myc mRNA and protein expression were significantly stronger treated with the supernatants in which AMs were stimulated for 1 h, 2 h and 6 h by SiO(2) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONAMs stimulated with SiO(2) has the ability to induce c-myc oncogene expression in human embryo lung fibroblasts.

Cells, Cultured ; Fibroblasts ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lung ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Macrophages, Alveolar ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Silicon Dioxide ; toxicity ; Silicosis ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo study the diagnosis and treatment of lumbar internal disc disruption (IDD).

METHODSThirty-six patients with chronic disabling low back pain proved by discography as IDD were treated with disc excision and lumbar interbody fusion, and 8 cases were treated with PLIF, 28 with ALIF. The clinical results were evaluated by pre- and post-operative VAS, and the fusion results were evaluated by X-ray studies of the lumbosacral spine.

RESULTSThe average period of follow-up was 18 months, ranging from 6 to 26 months. Six patients treated with PLIF basically disappeared low back pain, 2 complained of mild back pain; the VAS after operation was decreased significantly in comparison with that of pre-operation (P < 0.01). Twenty-seven treated with ALIF basically disappeared low back pain; the VAS after operation was decreased significantly in comparison with that of pre-operation (P < 0.01). Fusion rate was 88% in patients who were treated with PLIF, and 97% in patients with ALIF.

CONCLUSIONDisc excision and interbody fusion is an effective method for the treatment of IDD, but the operation indications should be known well.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Internal Fixators ; Intervertebral Disc ; diagnostic imaging ; Low Back Pain ; etiology ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Diseases ; complications ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; instrumentation ; methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo observe low back fatigue of subjects before and after simulated driving, and to study the role of the belt used in prevention of low back fatigue of drivers during driving.

METHODSTo assess the changes in median frequency (MF), mean power frequency (MPF) of surface electromyogram (SEMG), and flicker frequency, visuognosis persistence of drivers with and without protective belt in simulated driving.

RESULTSThere were significant differences in MF [(47.35 +/- 6.07), (39.26 +/- 5.79), (47.21 +/- 6.02), (43.44 +/- 6.26) Hz respectively], MPF [(69.86 +/- 7.08), (59.12 +/- 7.19), (69.86 +/- 7.08), (63.88 +/- 7.49) Hz respectively] between before and after simulated driving without or with the special belt (P < 0.01). But no differences in MF or MPF between without and with the belt before simulated driving were found (P > 0.05). The flicker frequency [(35.64 +/- 2.82), (42.31 +/- 4.68), (35.96 +/- 3.05), (39.79 +/- 3.36) Hz], visuognosis persistence (65.77% +/- 3.94%, 56.83% +/- 5.68%, 65.88% +/- 3.92%, 62.27% +/- 2.91%) had some changes too.

CONCLUSIONSimulated diving could induce fatigue of back muscle in drivers. However, the protective belt can effectively prevent low back fatigue of drivers in simulated driving.

Adult ; Automobile Driving ; Electromyography ; Humans ; Low Back Pain ; etiology ; physiopathology ; prevention & control ; Lumbosacral Region ; Male ; Muscle Fatigue ; physiology ; Muscle, Skeletal ; physiology ; Posture ; physiology ; Protective Devices