BACKGROUND:Currently, transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s into the spinal cord is very limited to the recovery of animals fol owing spinal cord injury. Methylcobalamin is a common drug for the treatment of neurological diseases and injuries, but its effects on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s are unclear. OBJECTIVE:To study the feasibility of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s differentiating into neuron-like cel s induced by methylcobalamin in vitro and to observe the cel viability and proliferation of differentiated cel s. Methods:Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s were isolated, cultured and purified by density gradient centrifugation and adherent culture. The fourth to fifth generation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s were treated for 24, 48 and 72 hours with different concentrations (25, 50 and 100 mg/L) of methylcobalamin. The morphological changes and cel growth were continuously observed under an inverted phase constract microscope. The viability of induced cel s was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The expressions of Nestin and neuron-specific enolase were identified by reverse transcription PCR and western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Most of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s could differentiate into neuron-like cel s after induction with methylcobalamin. The expressions of Nestin and neuron-specific enolase were up-regulated after 48 hours of methylcobalamin treatment at different concentrations, especial y after treatment with 100 mg/L methylcobalamin. Similarly, the expressions of Nestin and neuron-specific enolase could be increased significantly after 100 mg/L methylcobalamin treatment for 24, 48 and 72 hours, especial y for 72 hours. It is indicated that methylcobalamin can induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s differentiating into neuron-like cel s, and the optimal concentration of methylcobalamin is 100 mg/L.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of one-stage posterior internal fixation with pedicle screw and anterior debridement of bone grafting through the extraperitoneal approach the medial edge of rectus abdominis in treating severe lumbosa-cral tuberculosis .Methods 17 cases with L4-S1 tuberculosis were treated by internal fixation with pedicle screw ,anterior debride-ment through the extraperitoneal approach the medial edge of rectus abdominis ,and application of allogenic bone from January 2008 to December 2011 .All patients performed X-ray ,CT and MRI examinations before surgery .L5-S1 were involved in 8 cases ,L4-5 were involved in 6 cases ,and L4-S1 were involved in 3 cases;unilateral psoas abscess was found in 6 cases ,while bilateral psoas ab-scess was found in 3 cases ;Among the 17 cases ,8 cases had intraspinal invasion ,and 5 cases were combined with neurological dys-functions ,however ,according to Frankel grade ,4 cases were grade D ,and 1 case was grade C .Regular anti-tuberculosis treatment was given for more than 2 weeks before surgery ,and regular supportive treatment and anti-tuberculosis treatment were given for 9-12 months after surgery .As for regular follow-up(3 ,6 ,9 ,and 12 months after surgery ,and every 6 months later on) ,patients had examinations including ESR and X-ray to evaluate the tuberculosis activity and the condition of bone graft fusion ;while accord-ing to Frankel grade of nerves function ,changes in nerve function before and after surgery were evaluated in patients ,and changes of lumbosacral angle were also comparatively studied before and after surgery .Results There were no great vessel injuries and no nerve injuries except one case who had intraoperative ureteral injury which was repaired in time .The 17 patients were all followed up for 10-36 months(18 months average) ,and all reached clinical healing without complications such as tuberculous peritonitis ,e-rectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation .During the follow-up period ,there were no tuberculosis recurrence ,no loosening of in-ternal fixation ,and no break of rod and nail ;the grafted bones were fused in all patients with an average time of 7 .5 months ;accord-ing to Frankel grade of nerves function ,only one patient was grade D ,while the other four cases recovered to grade E .The lumbosa-cral angle of patients was corrected from 23 .8° ± 4 .0°(19 .8°-27 .8°) before surgery to 29 .1° ± 3 .6°(25 .5°-32 .7°) after surgery , and the change was statistical significance(P<0 .05) .Conclusion The one-stage posterior internal fixation with pedicle screw and anterior debridement of bone grafting through the extraperitoneal approach inside of rectus abdominis is a safe and effective meth-od ,which can thoroughly remove the focus ,reconstruct the lumbosacral stability ,and prevent the loosening of bone grafting .

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic kyphosis and neurologic compromise secondary to osteoporotic fractures, which needs surgery treatment. However, the choice of approach method is an argument. OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect of transpedicular decompression and pedicle fixation for the treatment of obsolete thoracolumbar vertebral fractures combined with kyphosis deformity.METHODS: A total of 23 cases with obsolete thoracolumbar fractures combined with kyphosis admitted at the Department of Spinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China were selected, including 14 males and 9 females, aged 18-60 years, mean aged 36 years; The JOA scores of patients were (11.02±1.24) points prior to operation, with (37.43±3.76)° Cobbangel. All patients were treated by transpedicular decompression and pedicle fixation. The functional recovery of lumbar vertebra,bone healing, as well as the complications was compared before and after operation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All patients were followed-up for 6-28 months with an average of 12.5 months. The lumbar vertebra function and kyphosis deformity was notably improved postoperatively. After treatment, the JOA score and Cobb angle was (14.04±2.12) points and (11.02±3.58)°, which was obviously different than that of preoperative (P<0.05). The surfaces of cut bone were healed at 6 months after operation, without complications of pseudoarticulation formation or correction loss. The results suggested that transpedicular decompression and pedicle fixation can achieve a satisfactory result in deformity correction and neurological decompression, which can precipitate the functional recovery.

[Objective]To evaluate the effects of clinical application of B-twin and cage for treatment of lumbar degenetative disease. [Methods]From June 2004 to December 2007,a total of 112 patients with lumbar degenetative disease who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) with cage and 79 patients who underwent PLIF with B-twin were enrolled. Sixty patients were selected and randomly divided into two groups(30 in each group). The clinical curative effect, the rate of bone graft fusion, the intervertebral space height and complications in both groups were analyzed and compared.[Results]In the B-twin group, the treatment was a minimally invasive technique, which offered a satisfactory effect with good bone graft fusion, fewer complications and sooner recovery, but the cost was higher than that in cage group. The cage treatment was an open sugery for fenestration operation. It had more complications but more sufficient decompression and lower cost. The rates of bone graft fusion between the 2 groups were not different in statistics.[Conclusion]The B-twin and cage techniques are two treatmens for interbody fusion of lumbar degenetative disease. Both have advantages and clinical application value. It should be choosen according to different specific conditions in the clinical practice.

Objective To evaluate the radiation protective efficacy of different types and the positions of ceiling-suspended lead shield to the principal and assistant interventional operators in order to provide a scientific basis for the selection of optimal scheme in using ceiling-suspended lead shield.Methods At the principal and assistant interventional operators’ standing places the personal dose-measuring instruments were set up, which were placed at the height of 20 cm to 180 cm above the ground with an interval distance of 20 cm between each other.The postero-anterior (PA) projection and left lateral projection were used.The ceiling-suspended protection lead shields included lead glass (glass type) and lead glass with connected lead flexible stripe below (mixed type).The placed sites of the protection lead-shields were close to the principal operator, away from the principal operator, on the left side of the principal operator and close to the X-ray tube respectively.The radiation doses of PA projection and left lateral projection were determined.The real-time radiation dose rate and dose shielding rate at the nine measuring positions for the principal operator and assistant operator were separately calculated.The results were analyzed.Results The radiation protection of the glass type was slightly superior to that of the mixed type, but the difference was not significant.The principal operator was best protected when the shield was positioned close to him in the PA projection, and for left lateral projection the principal operator was best protected when the shield was positioned on his left side.For the assistant operator, the optimal protection was obtained when the shield was positioned close to him in both PA and left lateral projection.In the optimal position of ceiling-suspended lead shield, the highest radiation dose rate (0.71 mSv/h in glass group and 1.07 mSv/h in mixed group) was recorded on the principal operator at the height of 120 cm at PA projection, and higher radiation dose rate (≥0.47 mSv/h) was recorded on every point of both operators at the left lateral projection.Meanwhile, the overall received radiation doses of the two groups were very close.At the principal operator standing area, except for the position of 120 cm height (attenuation ratio 60.11% in glass group and 39.89% in mixed group), the attenuation ratio of each measuring point was above 93%.And the assistant operator standing area the attenuation ratio was 57%-97%.The lateral shielding ratio was generally slightly higher than PA shielding ratio.Conclusion The radiation protection effect of the two type shields is quite similar, both shields can obtain excellent protection efficacy.But the radiation dose at the height of 120 cm above the ground at PA projection is higher for the principal operator, while at lateral projection the radiation dose at all height levels is still relatively higher for both operators.Therefore, the radiation protection at the level of 120 cm height needs to be strengthened and the lateral projection exposure should be used as less as possible.

BACKGROUND:Techniques of antedor cervical discectomy and interbody fusion have achieved good clinical outcomes since Robinson and Smith first introduced it in 1955.Currently,microendoscopic approaches have resulted in good clinical effectiveness in treating cervical spondylosis.Cage has also been used widely in the clinic.OBJECTIVE:To find a minimally invasive method that uses microendoscopic technique and Cages to treat cervical spondylosis by anterior approach.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING:A retrospective case analysis was performed at the Department of Spinal Surgery,First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China between January 2003 and July 2008.PARTICIPANTS:A total of 25 patients with cervical spondylosis,15 males and 10 females,averaging 39 years of age (range,33-58 years old),who received treatments at the Department of Spinal Surgery,First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China were included in this study.Each of them had unilateral limb pain,numbness or weakness in varying degrees.MRI image showed one-level cervical disc degeneration in 20 patients and two levels in 5 patients.METHODS:Twenty-five patients underwent anterior cervical microendoscopic discectomy and interbody fusion using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) Cage.Surgical techniques,neurological outcomes and complications were retrospectively analyzed.The postoperative treatments were just like the conventional approaches.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Improvements in neurological symptoms were assessed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) grading system.Postoperative imaging data including lordosis and fusion condition were examined.RESULTS:All patients received treatments successfully.The mean surgical time was 140 minutes (range,80 to 225 minutes).The hospital stay averaged 7 days (range,6 to 10 days).Patients' neurological statuses improved to varying degrees according to the JOA grading system:7.5 pre-operative (range,4 to 9 points) to 12 post-operative (range,8 to 16 points),with the mean improvement rate of 45.6%.All cases were followed up and the mean follow-up period was 18 months (range,6 to 27 months).Postoperative images showed solid bone fusion without implant migration.No vascular injury and infection occurred.Graft collapse was found in 2 patients,and transient hoarse voice in 1 patient.No other complications were found.CONCLUSION:Anterior microendoscopic cervical discectomy and interbody fusion with CFRP Cage in treatment of cervical spondylosis have the advantages of minimal invasion,sufficient decompression,and satisfactory bone fusion,resulting in a significant relief of patients' preoperative clinical symptoms.

Objective To measure the dose to the primary operator and assistant operators by employing eight beam projections commonly used in coronary angiography with and without radiation protection shields in order to supply helpful guidance on radiation protection in cardiac intervention.Methods From 20 to 180 cm above the ground at the primary and assistant operators' locations,a DoseAware personal dose meter was placed in terms of an increment of 20 cm to measure radiation dose.Eight commonly used beam projections were performed,including LAO (left anterior oblique) 45°,RAO (right anterior oblique) 30°,CRAN (cranial)25°,cranial LAO (LAO45°/25°),caudal LAO(LAO45°/ 25°),CAUD (caudal) 25°,cranial RAO (RAO30°/25°),caudal RAO (caudal RAO30°/25°).Under the two different conditions,with or without radiation protection shields,the doses to the operators in the selected beam projections were respectively recorded at nine measuring positions and the shielding factor were calculated.Results The primary operator was effectively protected with radiation protection shields.In the standing area of the primary operator,except for the position at the height of 120 cm (radiation dose rate:0.35-4.78 mSv/h;shielding factor:27.67％-89.33％),the shielding factor for each measuring position was above 91％.Higher radiation doses were found at caudal LAO,LAO,and cranial LAO.The shielding factor for the assisting operator was lower than for the primary operator.In the standing area of the assisting operator (radiation dose rate:0.27-1.86 mSv/h;shielding factor:30.34％-92.13％),the peak levels were found at the height of 80,100,140 cm.And caudal RAO,caudal LAO,CRAN,LAO were found to have received higher radiation doses.Conclusions Emphasis should be attached to the use of radiation shields in coronary angiography.With radiation protection shields,higher dose is still recorded in caudal LAO,LAO,cranial LAO,caudal RAO.Furthermore,it should be paid more attention to radiation protection at 80-140 cm height,and less prolonged exposure should be employed in those beam projections mentioned above.

Objective To study the correlation between the polymorphisms of NR3C1 gene and aggressive behavior in Yunnan Han population.Methods Five SNPs of the NR3C1 gene (rs6190,rs6191,rs6198,rs41423247 and rs56149945) were genotyped in 194 unrelated prisoners who committed violent-crimes and 301 healthy controls using improved Multiplex-ligase-detection reaction(iMLDR) method,and the data were statistically analyzed with the SPSS19.0soflware and PHASE2.1platform.Results Single locus analysis showed that the allelic distribution of rs6191and rs41423247did not show significant differencesbetween the control groupand the aggressive-behavior group as well as the robbery sub-group and intentional injury sub-group.However,significant difference was foundin the rs41423247 genotype distribution betweencontrol groupand robbery sub-group (p=0.048).In addition,there were no significant differences for the four haplotypes between the control group,the attack group,the robbery subgroup and the intentional injury subgroup.Conclusion These findings indicate that rs41423247 polymorphism of the NR3C1gene might play a role in susceptibility to aggressive behavior and rs6191 polymorphismmay not be correlated withaggressive behavior.

The effect of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) on KiSS-1 mRNA levels was detected by realtime PCR in the hypothalamic GT1-7 neurons. The promoter activity of KiSS-1 gene was detected by DualLuciferase Reporter Assay System.The effects of AMPK on the protein expression and subcellular distribution of SP1 were determined by Western blot.The results showed that AMPK reduced the mRNA expression and promoter activity of KiSS-1 gene while SP1 increased the promoter activity of KiSS-1 gene. Besides,AMPK alse decreased the translocation of SP1.These results suggest that AMPK may inhibit the expression of KiSS-1 gene by decreasing the translocation of SP1 from cytoplasm to nucleus in the hypothalamus GT1-7 neurons.

Vanin-1 is highly expressed in many organs such as liver, intestine, and kidney. Its main function is mainly related to the activity of pantoyl enzyme mercaptoethylamine. Several studies have shown that Vanin-1 is related to oxidative stress and inflammatory response under physiological conditions, and its role in pathological conditions depends on the diseased organ. This article summarizes the structure, properties, functions of Vanin-1 and its role in the field of kidney disease.