AIM: To study the mechanism of resveratrol inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in rabbits with spinal cord injury. METHODS: Fifty male Japanese big ear rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups: blank control group (CON group), spinal cord injury model group (SCI group), low-dose resveratrol group (RSV(L) group), and resveratrol high-dose group (RSV(H) group), methylprednisolone group (MP group), 10 rabbits in each group. Spinal cord injury models were prepared in all four groups except the CON group. All groups received iv administration daily, and the same amount of normal saline was given to the CON group and the SCI group for 14 consecutive days. The Tarlov method was used to evaluate the neurobehavioral score in rabbits. The chromogenic substrate method was used to determine the MDA content and the activity of SOD and GSH-Px in spinal cord tissues. Western blot was used to determine the proteins expression of NLRP3, Caspase1 p20, IL-1β, Sirt1, NF-κB p65 in spinal cord neural tissues, HE staining to observe the pathological changes of spinal cord tissue. RESULTS: Resveratrol increased the behavioral score of spinal cord injury rabbits, promoted the repair of injured tissues, reduced the MDA content, increased the activity of SOD and GSH-Px in spinal cord tissues, down-regulated the expression of NF-κB p65, up-regulated the expression of Sirt1 in spinal cord tissues, and inhibited expression of NLRP3 in inflammasome (reduction in expression of NLRP3, Caspase1 p20, and IL-1β in spinal cord tissues). CONCLUSION: Resveratrol can promote the recovery of spinal cord injury rabbits, and its mechanism may play a role by activating Sirt1, regulating NF-κB pathway and antioxidant level in vivo, and further inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

ObjectiveTo investigate the dynamic changes of T helper (Th) responses and hepatic granuloma development during Schistosoma japonicum infection and to evaluate the possible correlation between the Th1/Th2 cytokines and pathological liver damage. MethodsSera from both Schistosoma japonicum infected C57BL/6 mice and uninfected controls were measured for interferongamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 at week 4, 6, 8 and 12 post-infection. At the same time, the splenic Th1/Th2 ratio was examined. The development of liver granulomas in infected mice was also observed and the correlation between the cytokines and granulomas were assessed. Wilcoxon test and Spearman rank correlation test were performed for data analysis. ResultsSerum IFN-γ level in infected mice was (2. 835±0. 049) lgpg/mL at week 4 post infection, which was significantly higher than that in controls [(1. 787 ± 0. 174) lgpg/mL, Z= - 2. 646, P = 0. 008]. Thereafter, the level declined after week 6, but remained higher than controls at the end of 12-week experiment (Z= -2.457, P=0. 014). IL-4 and IL-13 levels did not increase until week 6 (Z=-2. 646,P=0. 008;Z=-2. 646,P=0. 008), and peaked at week 8. After soluble egg antigen (SEA) stimulation, splenic Th1/Th2 ratio in infected mice was 0.5 (95％ CI 0. 2-1.2) at week 8 and 0.3 (95％ CI 0. 3-0.6)at week 12 post infection, both of which were significantly lower than those in uninfected controls (week 8: Z=2. 173, P=0.030; week 12:Z=2.551, P=0.011). Compared with unstimulated splenic cells, splenic Th1/Th2 ratio after SEA stimulation significantly decreased at week 8 (Z=2. 236, P=0. 025) and week 12 (Z=3. 130, P=0.002). Granulomas were first observed in livers at week 6 and the size kept on increasing. A negative correlation between serum IL-13 and the diameter of liver granulomas was discovered at week 12 post infection (r=0. 636, P= 0. 048). Conclusions Th1 response is dominant during the early stage of Schistosoma japonicum infection.However,followed by oviposition, Thl response declines and meanwhile a strong Th2 response gradually develops. Therefore, Th2 response probably plays a role in the development of hepatic granulomas.

Objective:To provide policy recommendations for Beijing public health departments to grasp the dy-namic allocation of healthcare resources and the advantage of medical functional dispersal, and making appropriate health policies to rationally adjust the allocation of health resources. Methods:To study the dynamic function of Bei-jing medical, this study uses the method of accounting of cases summary of the annual report on health finance through the descriptive analysis of the gross fixed capital formation in various regional government-run health facili-ties. Results:The results of this study show that the quality of medical health administrative resources was higher, but effectively dispersed in 2015. By contrast, the basic public health resources allocation was unbalanced. Conclu-sion:This study puts forward the corresponding health policy suggestions. On one hand, it is important to make fur-ther policy to encourage high quality medical resources to be effectively relieved and the regional planning should be done according to market demand by avoiding the blind construction at the early stages. On the other hand, much at-tention should be paid on the balanced development of the basic public health service ability and the coordinated de-velopment of administrative capacity in health, and supporting policies should be formulated, which should rationally allocate the public health resources for a better overall medical functional dispersal.

For attracting more social charity funding into the health field, in-depth interviews are conducted into four health foundations in Beijing, presenting three aspects of existing problems and obstacles in the foundations devel-opment in this article. Firstly, the foundations have low effect in fundraising, poor information publication, little com-munication between other facilities and vague mechanism in donation. Secondly, the social public has erroneous views leading to deviant behavior. Finally, some annual inspection standards of the foundation are not suitable for the health field. Based on the above analysis, suggestions about how to improve transparency and fundraising ability in foundations and change the public erroneous views in donation are proposed. The governments might be suggested to get more relax-ed on the annual inspection standards of the foundations, and build an information platform in healthcare field as well.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of proximal percutaneous pedicle screw fixation combined with distal open osteotomy for sagittal plane imbalance of adult spinal deformity.Methods From January 2011 to June 2015,23 patients with diagnosis of adult spinal deformity were treated with proximal percutaneous pedicle screw fixation combined with distal open osteotomy,there were 8 males and 15 females,aged from 52 to 67 years old (average,62.1 years old).The operation time,blood loss,drainage and perioperative complications were recorded;standing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the whole spine were taken and the following parameters were measured:sagittal vertical axis (SVA),lumbar lordosis(LL),pelvic tilt (PT),sacral slope (SS),pelvic incidence/lumbar lordosis mismatch (PI-LL),the above parameters were compared between preoperation and postoperation.Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy.Results The mean operation time was 253.9±52.1 min,the mean blood loss and drainage was 1 258.5±272.2 ml and 725.1 ± 135.2 ml.No patient got infected,died or had deep vein thrombosis.All patients were followed up for an average of 21.2 months (range,13-52 m).The SVA was restored from 12.6±1.4 cm to 3.5±0.7 cm.In addition,LL,SS,PT,and PL-LL were improved from 13.5°±2.3°,13.9°±2.3°,29.7°±9.6°,29.5°±13.7° to 38.8°±9.6°,25.5°±5.8°,18.9°±8.2°,7.1°±3.6°.The ODI score decreased from 40.3％±12.5％ to 13.6％±2.57％ at the time of the last follow-up compared with preoperation.Conclusion Proximal percutaneous pedicle screw fixation combined with distal open osteotomy for sagittal plane imbalance of adult spinal deformity could restore the sagittal balance and improve the quality of life.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effects of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) or posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) using microendoscopic discectomy under X-Tube system in treatment of lumbar degenerative disc diseases.MethodsFrom December 2007 to April 2008,32 patients with low back disorders were treated by microendoscopic discectomy TLIF or PLIF under X-Tube system,including 19 cases in TLIF and 13 in PLIF.Etiologies including lumbar disc herniation combined with segmental instability in 21 cases,and spondylolisthesis in 11 cases.All patients were under regular postoperative follow-up and radiological examination.The clinical functional outcomes were evaluated according to Oswestry disability questionnaire.ResultsThe mean operation time was 120 min(range,90-180),and the average blood loss was 190 ml (range,100-400).There were no complications,such as infection and internal fixation failure.Bony fusion was achieved in all patients.The follow-up was from 14 months to 41 months with 21 months in the average.The average 0swestry scores decreased from preoperative 40.1％±4.1％ to 9.5％±3.7％ three months after the operation.The outcomes of this operation were rated as excellent.ConclusionMicroendoscopic discectomy TLIF or PLIF under X-Tube system in treatment of lumbar degenerative disc diseases has the characteristics of less blood loss,tissue trauma and quick recovery.

Objective To explore the clinical outcomes of anterior plate fixation through transoral approach in the treatment of unstable atlas fractures.Methods From March 2004 to May 2010,20 patients with unstable atlas fractures were treated by anterior plate fixation through transoral approach,including 12 males and 8 females,aged from 23 to 68 years (average,47.7±13.9 years).Of the 20 cases of unstable atlas fractures,4 cases were classified as anterior 1/2 Jefferson fracture,8 cases as 1/2 ring Jefferson fracture,and 8 cases as anterior 3/4 ring Jefferson fracture.The preoperative average VAS scores were 6.0±1.3 points,ranged from 4 to 8 points.Clinical and imaging examinations were performed during follow-up period to evaluate the outcomes.Results All patients were followed up for 12 to 81 months,with an average of 48.5±20.0 months.There were no screw loosing and breakage,no plate displacement,and no spinal cord and vertebral artery injury during operation.A total of 20 plates were placed and all 40 screws were inserted into atlas lateral mass.Computed tomography scans demonstrated 2 screws were placed too close to the vertebral artery canal,but without clinical consequences.The postoperative VAS scores were from 0 to 3 points with an average of 1.3±1.0 points.Static and dynamic films 6 months after surgery demonstrated that fusion was achieved in all cases.Atlantoaxial rotational function was restored satisfactorily.No plate-related complication was observed in all patients in the whole follow-up period.Conclusion Anterior plate fixation through transoral approach is an effective method for management of unstable atlas fractures,which has advantages such as solid bony fusion and low incidence of complication.

Objective To investigate the preliminary clinical application of anterior pedicle screws in treatment of the lower cervical spine injuries. Methods The study involved 22 patients with lower cervical spine injuries treated with anterior pedicle screw technique from January 2009 to December 2011.X-ray and CT images of the patients were taken postoperatively to evaluate whether the position,orientation and length of the screws were appropriate and whether there involved pedicle cortex perforation,transverse foramen or spinal canal invasion.MRI was also performed to ascertain the situation of decompression,the formation of epidural hematoma and the degeneration of cervical spinal cord.The improvement of JOA score was compared statistically. Results All the patients were followed up for 3-36 months ( mean,15.5 months).A total of 44 anterior lower cervical screws were implanted and all screws were inserted smoothly.All the patients had bone healing after average 4.5 months,which showed no loosening,prolapse or breakage of the screws or no loosening of the plate.One patient showed hoarseness postoperatively,which was probably due to the long-term distraction of recurrent laryngeal nerve.The symptom disappeared at around three weeks after neurotrophic support.Two patients complained of dysphagia postoperatively,and were informed of keeping a soft diet.The symptom was remarkably alleviated after three months or so.The X-ray films indicated satisfactory position of the implanted screws.Before discharge,the transaxial CT images showed that two screws perforated the medial pedicle cortex ( 1 ° ) and that two screws perforated the lateral cortex (1 °) and affected the medial margin of the transverse foramen.Before discharge,the MRI indicated obvious alleviation of the anterior spinal cord compression in all patients and a small amount of anterior epidural hematoma in four patients,with no obvious spinal cord compression.At 12 months after operation,the MRI showed significant improvement of spinal cord degeneration in three patients.JOA score was increased from preoperative (8.5 ± 0.7) to ( 14.5 ± 0.8 ) before discharge (P ＜0.01 ).JOA score was (15.7 ±0.7) at six months postoperatively,which was significantly improved as compared with that before discharge. Conclusions Anterior pedicle screw fixation is a reliable and safe method for reconstruction of the anterior lower cervical injuries.Surgical indications should be strictly controlled in its clinical application.

Objective To discuss the strategies for treatment of lower cervical distractive flexion injuries. Methods Sixty-eight patients including 43 males and 25 females at age range of 18-72 years (average 43 years) suffered from lower cervical distractive flexion injuries were operated from January 2002 to June 2007. According to Allen's classification, there were 7 patients at grade Ⅰ, 19 at grade Ⅱ,29 at grade Ⅲ and 13 at grade Ⅳ. Temporary skull traction was used for each subject before surgery. Only posterior approach was performed in 26 patients who were fixated by pedicle screw system,lateral mass screw system or transarticular screw system. Combined anterior and posterior approach was applied for the other 42 patients at one stage. The curative effect was followed up for all patients after the procedures. Results All patients were followed up for 6-65 months ( average 34 months), which showed posterior incision infection in 2 patients who were cured after debridement or change dressing. Two patients with aggravated neural symptome were cured following treatment with methylprednisolone. Neural function was improved at least for one level in all patients except for 18 patients (Frankel A). Of 11 patients at grade B, there were 4 patients improved to grade C and 5 to grade D. Of 10 patients at grade C, there were 6 patients recovered to grade D and 4 to grade E. All 15 patients at grade D reached grade E. It was not found loosening, breakage or defuxion. The graft bone was fused within 3-4 months, with no any complications related to surgical fixation. Conclusions The strategies for lower cervical distractive flexion injuries should be taken according to Allen' s classification. Single posterior procedure is suitable for grade Ⅰ and Ⅱ injuries. While combined posterior and anterior procedure can be used for grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ injuries.

Objective:To investigate the anatomical safety and feasibility ofposterior occipitocervical fixation with atlan-tooccipital-clivus screw.Methods:Data of 60 patients who treated in the spinal department of our hospital with upper cervical computed tomographic scans from February 2017 to November 2019 were retrospectively collected. Occipitocervical infection, injury, tumor and deformity were excluded. The Mimics software was used to reconstruct the occiput, atlas and measure the anatomical parameters, including the height and width of the anterior edge of the clivus, the height and width of the middle part of the clivus, the thinnest distance of the soft tissue in front of the clivus, the anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, the angle of inside tilting in coronary plane of the occipital condyle, the distance from the hypoglossal canal to the atlantooccipital articular surface, the anteroposterior diameter and transverse diameter of the superior joint of atlas, the height of the lateral mass, and the height and transverse diameter of the inferior articular process of the superior atlas joint. The three-dimensional digital modeling was performed and the screw diameter of 3.5mm was simulated. 3-Matic software were used to measure the screw placement parameters, including the inside tilting angle in coronary plane of screw, and the angle of upper tilting in sagittal plane and length of screw. The atlanto-occipital junction was exposed at the rear of 8 cadavers. According to the above parameters, the titanium alloy screws with a diameter of 3.5 mm were transferred from the inferior articular process and posterior arch of the atlas to the clivus through the atlantooccipital. Finally, the screw path was cut along the nail path with a pendulum saw, and the track of the screw was observed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the screw.Results:The leading edge height and width of male clivus was 16.8±2.5 mm and 20.1±3.1 mm. The middle part of the clivus was 9.7±2.3 mm and 22.4±3.7 mm. The thinnest soft tissue in front of the clivus was 5.8±1.48 mm. The anteroposterior diameter of the occipital condyle was 19.1±1.9 mm, the transverse diameter was 12.6±2.0 mm, the inside tilting angle was 33.7°±4.5°, and the vertical distance from the lowest point of the neural tube to the articular surface of the occipital condyle was 9.6±1.1 mm. The height of the lateral mass of atlas was 12.9±2.4 mm, the anteroposterior diameter of the upper joint of atlas was 21.7±1.9 mm, and the transverse diameter was 11.7±1.4 mm. The width of the inferior facet was 14.9±1.4 mm and the height of the inferior facet was 5.7±0.85 mm. The distance from the screw entry point to the vertical line of the lateral mass migration midpoint was 2.5±0.6 mm; The distance from the screw entry point to the horizontal line of the midpoint was 2.3±0.7 mm.The inside titling angle of screw was 18.4°±1.6°, the upper tilting angle was 55.6°±3.1°, the length of the screw track was 53.0±2.8 mm, the adjustment range of upper tilting angle was 15.0±2.8 mm, the adjustment range of inside tilting angle was 10.4±2.4 mm. The anatomical parameters of females were slightly smaller than those of males, and the difference was statistically significant, but there was no significant difference between left and right parameters. The screws of 8 specimens could be inserted safely and effectively.Conclusion:Atlan-tooccipital-clivus screw can be implanted without damaging the nerve and vascular structure, and it can be used as a choice for occipitocervical fixation.