BACKGROUND:In treatment of lumbar diseases, lumbar fusion therapy fails in 20%of cases and may lead to a series of complications such as pain, intervertebral space col apse, and delayed kyphosis deformity.
OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of nucleus pulposus on interbody fusion after removing the anterior column disc of rabbit lumbar vertebra.
METHODS:A total of 36 healthy Japanese white rabbits were randomly and equal y divided into three groups, with 12 rabbits in each group. (1) Group of anterior longitudinal ligament+bone grafting:The L3 intercalated disc were wel exposed and anterior longitudinal ligament was stripped, obtaining a space to L3 intercalated disc, then the iliac bone was implanted. (2) Group of excising anterior 1/3 disc+bone grafting:After the anterior 1/3 disc tissue was excised, the iliac bone was implanted and sutured as Group of anterior longitudinal ligament+bone grafting. (3) Group of excising anterior 1/3 disc+fixation:After the anterior 1/3 disc tissue was excised, the iliac bone was implanted and the anterior column fixation was performed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Biomechanical testing showed that, at 12 weeks, the verticality tensile force in the group of anterior longitudinal ligament+bone grafting was obviously higher than other two groups, and have better fusion rate and could bear stronger force. Lateral position lumbar radiography showed that, the bone graft was absorbed and no new bone grew into the intervertebral space in the group of excising anterior 1/3 disc+bone grafting at 12 weeks;the formation of osseous bridge was found in the group of excising anterior 1/3 disc+fixation;complete bony fusion was found in the group of anterior longitudinal ligament+bone grafting. Histological examinations showed that, at 12 weeks, no bone tissue formed in the group of excising anterior 1/3 disc+bone grafting;a smal amount of bone trabecula and osteocytes were observed in the group of excising anterior 1/3 disc+fixation;a great quantity of newborn bone trabecula and osteocytes, remodeling lamel ar bone and canalis haversi structure were observed in the group of anterior longitudinal ligament+bone grafting. The stability of anterior column has notable effect on interbody fusion, after the anterior column disc is destroyed, the free nucleus pulposus may affect spinal fusion, so restoring the stability of the anterior column may promote interbody fusion, but stil cannot get solid spinal fusion.

Objective To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on brain injury in the patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Methods Eighty patients of both sexes, aged 18-64 yr, with body surface area of 1.6-2.0 m2, with left ventricular ejection fraction＞30％, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ (New York Heart Association Ⅱ or Ⅲ), scheduled for elective cardiac surgery with CPB, were equally and randomly divided into control group (group C) and dexmedetomidine group (group D) using a random number table.Before induction of anesthesia, dexmedetomidine was given as a bolus of 1 μg/kg over 10 min followed by an infusion of 0.5 μg · kg-1 · h-1 throughout the surgery in group D, and the equal volume of normal saline was given in group C.After induction and before skin incision (T0) , at 30 min after beginning of CBP (T1) , at 30 min after the end of CBP (T2) , at the end of surgery (T3) , and at 24 and 72 h after surgery (T4.5) , blood samples from jugular bulb were drawn for determination of serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, S-100β protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE).Results Compared with group C, the serum concentrations of TNF-α and S100β at T1-3 and IL-6 and NSE at T1.4 were significantly decreased, and the serum concentrations of IL-10 at T1-4 were increased in group D (P＜0.05).Conclusion Dexmedetomidine given as a bolus of 1 μg/kg over 10 min followed by an infusion of 0.5 μg · kg-1 · h-1 throughout the surgery can reduce the brain injury in the patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB, and the mechanism is related to inhibited inflammatory responses.

Objective To study the DWI characteristics,Bcl-2 gene expression and the relevance of the DWI and Bcl-2 in rabbit models of hepatic VX2 tumors after three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy(3D-CRT).Methods Forty hepatic VX2 tumor models were successfully created.After the tumor grew to more than 1 cm in diameter,28 tumor models were treated with 3D-CRT and then divided into four groups using random number table.The remaining 12 tumor models were used as controls and randomly assigned to each group.MR scanning were performed at different times(1st day,5th day,10 th day,15 th day) for each group respectively.ROIs of the VX2 tumor tissue and normal liver tissue were taken and ADC values measured with calculation of their ratio.Expression of apoptotic Bcl-2 gene was determined by using Rt-PCR method.ADC value with their ratio and the relative gray value of Bcl-2/β-actin were calculated using one dimensional analysis of variance and two samples t-test at different times,compared within the group and between groups.Results On the 1st,5 th,10 th and 15 th day,the ADC ratios of the radiotherapy groups were 0.55±0.13,1.32±0.27,0.96±0.34,0.72±0.17 respectively,the corresponding ADC ratios of control groups were 0.69±0.20,0.78±0.24,0.71±0.23,0.79±0.21.The ratio of ADC values for radiotherapy group and the control group were compared,t value was 1.283(P＞0.05),4.974(P＜0.01),3.191(P＜0.01),0.776(P＞0.05)respectively for each group.On the 1st,5 th,10 th and 15 th day,the Bcl-2 gene relative gray value of the radiotherapy groups were 0.92±0.31,0.56±0.28,0.42±0.24 and 0.31±0.15 respectively,the corresponding Bcl-2 gene relative gray value of control group were 1.18±0.50,1.15±0.43,1.16±0.41,1.46±0.19.The Bcl-2 gene relative gray value for radiotherapy groups and the control groups were compared,with t value 0.987(P＞0.05),3.863(P＜0.01),5.401(P＜0.01),5.894(P＜0.01)respectively.The ADC value ratio and Bcl-2 gene relative gray value correlation analysis showed that there was significant negative correlation(r=-0.493,P＜0.01).Conclusion DWI ADC values can reflect the dynamic changes at the molecular level for hepatic VX2 tumors after radiotherapy at different times.

E2 is an envelope glycoprotein of Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and contains sequential neutralizing epitopes to induce virus-neutralizing antibodies and mount protective immunity in the natural host. In this study, four antigen domains (ABCD) of the E2 gene was cloned from CSFV Shimen strain into the retroviral vector pBABE puro and expressed in eukaryotic cell (PK15) by an retroviral gene expression system, and the activity of recombinant E2 protein to induce immune responses was evaluated in rabbits. The results indicated that recombinant E2 protein can be recognized by fluorescence antibodies of CSFV and CSFV positive serum (Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China) using Western blot, indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and ELISA, Furthermore, anti-CSFV specific antibodies and lymphocyte proliferation were elicited and increased by recombinant protein after vaccination. In the challenge test, all of rabbits vaccinated with recombinant protein and Chinese vaccine strain (C-strain) were fully protected from a rabbit spleen virus challenge. These results indicated that a retroviral-based epitope-vaccine carrying the major antigen domains of E2 is able to induce high level of epitope-specific antibodies and exhibits similar protective capability with that induced by the C-strain, and encourages further work towards the development of a vaccine against CSFV infection.

Objective To find out risk factors affecting the prognosis of adult cardiogenic shock patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.Methods From January 2003 to December 2010,patients with cardiogenic shock required veno-arterial ECMO after failure of conventional therapy and intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation therapy were retrospectively studied. Patients with severe traumatic brain injury,advanced malignancies and multiple organ failure were excluded.All patients were divided into survival group and death group.The risk factors were found out using one-way ANOVA and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent factors associated with survival.Results Thirty-one patients successfully weaned from ECMO. Twenty-two patients were successfully discharged.The average duration of ECMO was 41.56 ± 43.07 hours.Factors associated with failure of hospital discharge were age,pre-ECMO levels of ejection fraction,pre-ECMO levels of lactate,disseminated intravascular coagulation,renal failure and multiorgan failure (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusions Irreversible heart failure and the complications are significantly correlated with survival,and the early use of ECMO for cardiogenic shock and recognize the factors are key to the success of ECMO treatment.

Objective To evaluate the role of Janus kinase 2-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2-STAT3) signaling pathway in sevoflurane postconditioning-induced inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)in rats.Methods Sixty pathogen-free healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 250-300 g,were divided into 4 groups (n=15 each) using a random number table:I/R group,sevoflurane postconditioning group (group SP),AG-490 group (group AG) and sevoflurane postconditioning plus AG-490 group (group SP+AG).Myocardial I/R was induced by 30 min ligation of the left anterior descending branch of coronary artery followed by 120 min reperfusion.In group SP,2.8％ sevoflurane was inhaled for 15 min starting from 2 min before reperfusion.JAK2 inhibitor AG-490 3 mg/kg was intravenously injected at 10 min before reperfusion in group AG.In group SP+AG,AG-490 3 mg/kg was intravenously injected at 10 min before reperfusion,and 2.8％ sevoflurane was inhaled for 15 min starting from 2 min before reperfusion.At 15 min of reperfusion,5 rats were sacrificed and myocardial specimens were obtained for determination of the expression of JAK2,phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2),STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3)in myocardial tissues by Western blot.The ratios of p-JAK2 to JAK2 expression (p-JAK2/JAK2) and pSTAT3 to STAT3 expression (p-STAT3/STAT3) were calculated.Five rats were sacrificed at the end of reperfusion for measurement of myocardial infarct size.The left 5 rats were selected and sacrificed,myocardial specimens were obtained,and the opening of mPTP was detected by a calcein-cobalt quenching method.Results Compared with group I/R,the myocardial infarct size and mPTP opening were significantly decreased,and JAK2/p-JAK2 and STAT3/p-STAT3 were increased in group SP (P＜0.05),and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in SP+AG and AG groups (P＞0.05).Compared with group SP,the myocardial infarct size was significantly enlarged,the extent of mnPTP opening was aggravated,and JAK2/p-JAK2 and STAT3/p-STAT3 were decreased in SP+AG and AG groups (P＜0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which sevoflurane postconditioning inhibits the opening of mPTP during myocardial I/R is related to activation of JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway in rats.

Objective To investigate the apoptosis of T lymphocytes,the expression of Bcl-2, Fas on the peripheral blood T lymphocytes in end stage renal disease patients;and to explore the characteristics of Th1 /Th2 profile and the influence of dialysis membranes with different permeability on the apoptosis of T lymphocytes of maintenance hemodialysis patients.Methods The study included 10 non-dialyszed (ND)patients,45 maintenance hemodialysis patients with cellulose acetate (CA) membranes(13),low-flux polusulfone(PS-LF) membranes(16),high-flux polusulfone (PS-HF) membranes (16) and 8 healthy volunteers (C).The apoptosis of T lymphocytes,expression of Bcl-2,Fas on peripheral blood T lymphocytes cultured with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation for 24 hours were measured by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical.ELISA was performed for detecting the levels of IFN-?and IL-4 in culture supematants.Results In ESRD patients,the apoptosis of T lymphocytes was greater than that of group C.Group CA was greater than group PS-HF and group PS-LF (P＜0.05).The expression of Bcl-2 on T lymphocytes in ESRD patients was lower than that of group C (P＜0.05).There was negative correlation between the T lymphocytes apoptosis and Bcl-2. The expression of Fas on T lymphocytes in ESRD patients was greater than that of group C (P＜0.05), and it was positive correlated with T lymphocytes apoptosis.The level of IFN-?of ESRD patients was decreased significantly compared with that in group C (P＜0.05),and there was negative correlation between T lymphocytes apoptosis and IFN-?.IL-4 was increased in ESRD patients (P＜0.05) and it was positive correlated with T lymphocytes apoptosis.Conclusions The accelerated apoptosis of T lymphocytes in ESRD patients may be related to the expression of Bcl-2 and Fas of T lymphocytes.ESRD patients show a suppressed secretion of IFN-?and an increased secretion of IL-4. T lymphocytes apoptosis of maintenance hemodialysis patients is influenced not only by the biocompatibility but also by the permeability of the dialysis membrane.

To promote bilingual teaching reform and explore a proper bilingual teaching mode in China,we studied the bilingual teaching of the course “Biochemistry on special subjects”.The present paper mainly designs and discusses the object of the course,teaching materials,contents and methods as well as the building of feedback and evaluation system of the course.

Objective To establish and identify the induced pluripotent stem cell(iPSC) line reprogrammed from human umbilical cord mesenchymal cells(HuMSCs).Methods HuMSCs were cultured by adhesion method,and OCT4,SOX2,KLF4,c-Myc,NANOG,LIN-28 were transfected into HuMSCs with lentiviral victor to reprogramme HuMSCs into iPSC.Morphological observation,pluripotency genes (SOX2,TDGF1,THY-1,OCT4,REX1 and TERF1) expression,alkaline phosphatase detection,karyotype analysis,embryonic stem cells (ESC) specific proteins (NANOG,OCT4,SSEA-4,TRA-1-81) immunofluorescence staining,differentiated into teratomas in vivo(inject the iPSC into SCID mice) and embryniod bodies in vitro were performed to exam the pluripotency of the iPSC.Results Four days after being infected by lentivirus,the HuMSCs became round-shape; 10 days after infection,some embryonic stem(ESC)-like colonies appeared.Fourteen days after infection,picked up the regularly shaped colonies and cultured several passages.About 1.25％ HuMSCs were reprogrammed into iPSC.The iPSC presented clone-like growth like ESC.All the cells were positive to alkaline phosphatase staining and expressed the pluripotency genes.The iPSC also expressed the ESC specific proteins,and karyotype analysis showed normal chromosome caryotype (46,XY).Furthermore,the iPSC could form embryoid bodies in vitro,expressed alpha fetoprotein(AFP),smooth muscle actin(SMA) and β-tubulin.The iPSC could alsoform teratomas in vivo.Conclusion OCT4,SOX2,KLF4,c-Myc,NANOG,LIN-28 can reprogram HuMSCs into iPSC efficiently.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic insertion of biliary stent (PTIBS) combined with radioactive seed implantation in treating malignant biliary obstruction. Methods A total of 38 patients with malignant biliary obstruction were enrolled in this study. Radioactive 125I seed was used, and each 125I seed was 4.5 mm in length and 0.8 mm in diameter. The 125I seeds were placed in a catheter to prepare the 125I seed- strip. PTCD was carried out first, then percutaneous catheterization was performed and a guide- wire was inserted through the catheter until it passed the obstructed biliary segment. The obstructed segment was dilated by a balloon - catheter, which was followed by PTIBS. An 8 - 10 F drainage - catheter was placed into the biliary duct through the stent. Finally, guided by fluoroscopy the catheter with the 125I seed- strip was inserted via the drainage- catheter to the area that was planned to be radiated. The external drainage- catheter was wrapped and fixed to the skin, or was imbedded under the skin. Results Of the 38 patients with malignant biliary obstruction, successful PTIBS combined with radioactive seed implantation was accomplished in 36 patients. After the treatment, the serum bilirubin level fell to normal or near normal range in all patients (P < 0.05). No obvious side effects were observed. Conclusion For the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction, percutaneous transhepatic insertion of biliary stent combined with radioactive 125I seed - strip implantation is a safe and effective method.