Demyelination and remyelination play key roles in spinal cord injury (SCI), affecting the recovery of motor and sensory functions. Research in rodent models is extensive, but the study of these processes in non-human primates is limited. Therefore, our goal was to thoroughly study the histological features of demyelination and remyelination after contusion injury of the cervical spinal cord in Macaca fascicularis. In a previous study, we created an SCI model in M. fascicularis by controlling the contusion displacement. We used Eriochrome Cyanine staining, immunohistochemical analysis, and toluidine blue staining to evaluate demyelination and remyelination. The results showed demyelination ipsilateral to the injury epicenter both rostrally and caudally, the former mainly impacting sensory pathways, while the latter primarily affected motor pathways. Toluidine blue staining showed myelin loss and axonal distension at the injury site. Schwann cell-derived myelin sheaths were only found at the center, while thinner myelin sheaths from oligodendrocytes were seen at the center and surrounding areas. Our study showed that long-lasting demyelination occurs in the spinal cord of M. fascicularis after SCI, with oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells playing a significant role in myelin sheath formation at the injury site.
Animals ; Spinal Cord Injuries/physiopathology* ; Demyelinating Diseases/etiology* ; Remyelination/physiology* ; Macaca fascicularis ; Disease Models, Animal ; Myelin Sheath/pathology* ; Oligodendroglia/pathology* ; Schwann Cells/pathology* ; Female ; Spinal Cord/pathology* ; Axons/pathology*

The stability of the occipitocervical region mainly depends on the integrity of the bony structure,surrounding ligaments and joint capsules.The instability of this region often leadsto the clinical symptoms of compression injury of nerve and vascular,which requires early surgical intervention to rebuild its stability.Posterior occipitocervical fixations are main surgical treatment for the occipitocervical diseases.However,the posterior fixations are not suitable for some patients with congenital or iatrogenic causes.Recently,the anterior occipitocervical fixation with the screws anchored at clivus or into the occipital condyles have been used for the following operations.1.Anterior bone graft fusion.One case which was performed by oral approach was reported well fusion,but the stability was poor and there was a possibility of displacement.2.Anterior shaped titanium cage and plate fixation.The literatures reported that this anterior operation was completed in 35 cases by oral,oral combined with mandibulotomy,and anterior retropharyngeal approaches.This fixation has a good biomechanical stability and is widely used in clinical applications,including occipitocervical tumors and deformities.And the complications including intraoperative vascular,spinal and dural injuries,postoperative drinking cough,non-fusion,deep infection,and death.3.Anterior occipital-atlantoaxial joint screw fixation.Seven cases were performed by anterior occipital-atlantoaxial joint screw fixation through anterior percutaneous approach.This fixation is less trauma,but required precise placement of screw and not conducive bone fusion,and it is suitable for traumatic instability of the upper cervical spine,atlantoaxial dislocation and basilar invagination.Each procedure of anterior occipitocervical fixation is not suitable for all patients,and it should be adopted according to the patient's condition,surgical hardware conditions and the surgeon's habits.

AIM: To investigate the effect of inhibiting myosin light chain kinase ( MLCK) on endothelin-1 (ET-1) induced proliferation and apoptosis of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs).METHODS: Rat PASMCs were cultured and stimulated with ET-1.The cells were randomly divided into control group , ET-1 group and ET-1+MLCK inhibitor group (ET-1+M).Western blotting, MTT assay, [3H]-TdR incorporation and flow cytometry were employed to test the expression of myosin light chain (MLC) and MLCK, cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptotic rate of PASMCs ,respectively .The phosphorylation of MLC was determined by glycerol-PAGE coupled with Western blotting .RE-SULTS:Compared with control group , the protein expression of MLCK and MLC phosphorylation significantly enhanced af -ter ET-1 stimulation.ET-1 markedly induced the proliferation and decreased the percentage of apoptotic rate in the PASMCs.However, pretreatment with ML-7, a MLCK inhibitor, significantly reversed the above effects induced by ET-1. CONCLUSION:MLCK inhibitor effectively inhibits the ET-1-induced proliferation and the cell cycle progression .

[ ABSTRACT] AIM:To investigate the changes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors ( PPAR)α/peroxi-some proliferator activated receptor coactivator 1 alpha ( PGC-1α) in doxorubicin ( DOX) induced dilated cardiomyopathy ( DCM) and its effect on the energy metabolism and myocardial function in mice .METHODS:Forty mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group, DOX group, PPARαinhibitor group and PPARαagonist group.The DCM model was established by injection of DOX.The protein levels of PPARα/PGC-1αwere detected.The PPARαinhibitor and PPARαagonist were used 2 weeks beforeinjection of DOX.The contents of adenine acid and phosphocreatine ( Pcr) in the mito-chondria were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography ( HPLC) .The ANT activity was analyzed by the atrac-tyloside-inhibitor stop technique.The changes of the echocardiography and hemodynamics were also observed.RESULTS:DOX induced DCM model was successfully established.The protein levels of PPARαand PGC-1αin control group were significantly higher than those in DOX group (P<0.05).Both of the high-energy phosphate contents and the transport ac-tivity of ANT were decreased in DOX group (P<0.05), and the hemodynamic parameters were disordered (P<0.01). Compared with DOX group, PPARαinhibitor pre-treatment significantly reduced the PPARα/PGC-1αexpression.Mean-while, high-energy phosphate contents in the mitochondria and the ANT transport activity of the mitochondria decreased, as well as the left ventricular function ( P<0.05) .On the other hand, PPARαagonist significantly increased the expression of PPARαand PGC-1α, and improved the transport activity of ANT.In addition, the hemodynamic parameters were amel-iorated, but the high-energy phosphate contents of the mitochondria did not significantly change.CONCLUSION:PPARα/PGC-1αplays an important role in the regulation of ANT transport activity in dilated cardiomyopathy induced by DOX, and the activation of PPARα/PGC-1αhas protective effects on the DCM induced by DOX.

OBJECTIVETo conduct a clinical trial of ketogenic diet (KD) in patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) and evaluate its safety and feasibility by measuring blood ketone bodies and blood glucose levels.

METHODTen patients with acute SCI were recruited in the trial during the period from May, 2012 to October, 2013. The patients received a standard KD after fasting for 48 h. The levels of blood ketone, blood glucose and uric ketone were tested daily, and routine blood examination, electrolytes, liver and kidney function, body mass index (BMI), sensory and motor function, and adverse reactions were monitored weekly to assess the safety and feasibility of KD.

RESULTSKD treatment lasted for a mean of 12.9 days (4 to 29 days) in these patients. In all the patients, blood ketone level increased during the fasting and maintained a level above 2.0 mmol/L after taking KD, while the uric ketone level ranged from +++ to ++++. The blood glucose level was in the normal range during KD. Except for blood chloride level and BMI, routine blood test results, electrolytes, liver and kidney function showed no significant changes after KD. No significant changes were observed in the sensation of light touch and pinprick. The average motor ASIA score increased from 33.3 to 35.1 after KD. Gastrointestinal dysfunction (diarrhea, nausea, poor appetite, gastric pain, and abdominal distension) was recorded in 5 patients, hypoglycemia occurred in one patient early after KD, and one patient experienced urticaria during KD. All the adverse reactions were relieved after symptomatic treatments.

CONCLUSIONThis preliminary clinical trial demonstrated that KD could increase ketone bodies level and maintain a normal blood glucose level, suggesting its safety and feasibility in patients with acute SCI.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Diet, Ketogenic ; adverse effects ; methods ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; diet therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of three-dimensional (3-D) rotational angiography reconstruction of left atrial and pulmonary vein stereo image embedded with real-time X-ray fluoroscopy system for guiding radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in treating the patients with atrial ifbrillation (AF).
Methods: A total of 60 consecutive AF patients who received RFCA in our hospital from 2011-04 to 2013-04 were studied. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups and 3-D Carto3 mapping system was applied for guiding RFCA in both groups. n=30 in each group. Treatment group, the patients received Siemens ARTIS Zeego digital subtraction system for left atrial and pulmonary vein rotational angiography, then, stereo images were reconstructed and embedded with real-time X-ray lfuoroscopy for RFCA guidance. Control group, conventional left and right pulmonary venography was conducted for RFCA guidance. The procedural and X-ray exposure times, rates of success and complications were recorded and compared between 2 groups.
Results: All 60 patients had successful RFCA, compared with Control group, the patients in Treatment group had obviously less procedural time and X-ray exposure time, while the success rate and complications were similar between 2 groups.
Conclusion: 3-D rotational angiography reconstruction of left atrial and pulmonary vein stereo image embedded with real-time X-ray lfuoroscopy system is safe and effective for guiding RFCA in treating the AF patients, which may reduce the procedural and X-ray exposure times.

BACKGROUND:A newly developed calcium phosphate/β-tricalcium phosphate composite bone cement with a negative surface charge (genex?) has been reported to possess osteoinductivity properties. However, to our knowledge, no previous literatures have reported genex? for vertebroplasty in the osteoporotic spine.
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the biomechanical properties and osteogenesis of vertebral bodies injected with genex? cement in a rabbit vertebroplasty defect model.
METHODS:Thirty New Zealand rabbits were used to establish osteoporosis models. Four weeks after modeling, model rabbits had an iatrogenical y created cavitary lesion at L 3 and L 5 and were injected with either genex? cement (experimental group) or polymethyl methacrylate bone cement (control group). The L 1 vertebral body served as model group without treatment. After 3 and 6 months, 15 rats from each group were executed respectively, and three vertebral samples were taken for Micro-CT analysis and biomechanical tests.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The Micro-CT showed better three-dimensional structure parameters of the trabecular bone in the experimental group than the control group (P<0.05) after 3 months, which however had no difference from the model group (P>0.05). After 6 months, the structure parameters in the experimental group were superior to those in the control and model groups (P<0.05). (2) After 3 months, the vertebral body compression strength of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05), but higher than that in the model group (P<0.05). The vertebral stiffness of the experimental group was lower than that in control and model groups (P<0.05). After 6 months, the vertebral body compression strength of the experimental group was not different from that of the control group (P>0.05), but stil higher than that of the model group (P<0.05). The vertebral stiffness showed no difference between three groups (P>0.05). These findings indicate that genex? cement can rapidly repair osteoporotic vertebral defects and improve the bone strength. Verterbroplasty with genex? cement has adequate osteoinductivity, biocompatibility, and adequate compressive strength.

Objective To conduct a clinical trial of ketogenic diet (KD) in patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) and evaluate its safety and feasibility by measuring blood ketone bodies and blood glucose levels. Method Ten patients with acute SCI were recruited in the trial during the period from May, 2012 to October, 2013. The patients received a standard KD after fasting for 48 h. The levels of blood ketone, blood glucose and uric ketone were tested daily, and routine blood examination, electrolytes, liver and kidney function, body mass index (BMI), sensory and motor function, and adverse reactions were monitored weekly to assess the safety and feasibility of KD. Results KD treatment lasted for a mean of 12.9 days (4 to 29 days) in these patients. In all the patients, blood ketone level increased during the fasting and maintained a level above 2.0 mmol/L after taking KD, while the uric ketone level ranged from+++to++++. The blood glucose level was in the normal range during KD. Except for blood chloride level and BMI, routine blood test results, electrolytes, liver and kidney function showed no significant changes after KD. No significant changes were observed in the sensation of light touch and pinprick. The average motor ASIA score increased from 33.3 to 35.1 after KD. Gastrointestinal dysfunction (diarrhea, nausea, poor appetite, gastric pain, and abdominal distension) was recorded in 5 patients, hypoglycemia occurred in one patient early after KD, and one patient experienced urticaria during KD. All the adverse reactions were relieved after symptomatic treatments. Conclusion This preliminary clinical trial demonstrated that KD could increase ketone bodies level and maintain a normal blood glucose level, suggesting its safety and feasibility in patients with acute SCI.

Objective To conduct a clinical trial of ketogenic diet (KD) in patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) and evaluate its safety and feasibility by measuring blood ketone bodies and blood glucose levels. Method Ten patients with acute SCI were recruited in the trial during the period from May, 2012 to October, 2013. The patients received a standard KD after fasting for 48 h. The levels of blood ketone, blood glucose and uric ketone were tested daily, and routine blood examination, electrolytes, liver and kidney function, body mass index (BMI), sensory and motor function, and adverse reactions were monitored weekly to assess the safety and feasibility of KD. Results KD treatment lasted for a mean of 12.9 days (4 to 29 days) in these patients. In all the patients, blood ketone level increased during the fasting and maintained a level above 2.0 mmol/L after taking KD, while the uric ketone level ranged from+++to++++. The blood glucose level was in the normal range during KD. Except for blood chloride level and BMI, routine blood test results, electrolytes, liver and kidney function showed no significant changes after KD. No significant changes were observed in the sensation of light touch and pinprick. The average motor ASIA score increased from 33.3 to 35.1 after KD. Gastrointestinal dysfunction (diarrhea, nausea, poor appetite, gastric pain, and abdominal distension) was recorded in 5 patients, hypoglycemia occurred in one patient early after KD, and one patient experienced urticaria during KD. All the adverse reactions were relieved after symptomatic treatments. Conclusion This preliminary clinical trial demonstrated that KD could increase ketone bodies level and maintain a normal blood glucose level, suggesting its safety and feasibility in patients with acute SCI.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the biomechanical properties of geneX cements for use in vertebroplasty in a calf osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture model.

METHODSThirty vertebral bodies (T(9)-L(4)) were harvested from 4 fresh calf spines. The bone mineral density was measured with dual-energy radiographic absorption. Osteoporotic vertebral model was induced in each vertebra using decalcifying chemical agents, and was then compressed to determine their initial strength and stiffness before injecting the cement. Thirty vertebral bodies were divided randomly into geneX(®) cement group, CSC group, and PMMA group. The fractures were repaired using a transpedicular injection of cements and re-compressed to measure posttreatment strength and stiffness.

RESULTSThe normal mean BMD of the calf vertebra was 1.425∓0.072 g/cm(2), which was reduced significantly to 1.074∓0.065 g/cm(2) after decalcification. The mean injected volume was similar between geneX(®) (4.5∓0.7 ml), CSC (4.3∓0.8 ml) and PMMA (3.8∓0.4 ml) groups. The vertebral strength was restored after the treatment to 1198∓529 N in geneX(®) group, 1212∓430 N in CSC group and 1672∓704 N in PMMA group. All the cements produced significantly greater strength than the initial strength (P<0.05). The augmented strength in geneX(®) and CSC groups were similar (P>0.05), but both were significantly less than that in PMMA group (P<0.05). The stiffness in geneX(®), CSC, and PMMA groups was 233∓130, 242∓191, and 323∓145 N/mm, respectively, showing no significant difference between them (P>0.05). No significant difference was found in the augmented stiffness among the 3 cements (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONgeneX(®) cement is a useful alternative to PMMA in vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, but further study is needed to evaluate its biosorption in vivo.

Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Cements ; therapeutic use ; Cattle ; Disease Models, Animal ; Fractures, Compression ; etiology ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; Osteoporosis ; complications ; pathology ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; injuries ; Vertebroplasty