Comparative transcriptomics provides insights into the pathogenic immune response of brown leaf spots in weeping forsythia.

Weeping forsythia is an important ornamental, ecological and medicinal plant. Brown leaf spots limit the large-scale production of weeping forsythia as a medicinal crop. Alternaria alternata is a pathogen causing brown leaf spots in weeping forsythia; however, its pathogenesis and the immune response mechanisms of weeping forsythia remain unclear. In this study, we identified two mechanisms based on morphological anatomy, physiological indexes and gene expression analyses. Our results showed that A. alternata induced leaf stomata to open, invaded the mesophyll, dissolved the cell wall, destroyed the cell membrane and decreased the number of chloroplasts by up-regulating the expression of auxin-activated signaling pathway genes. Alternaria alternata also down-regulated iron-ion homeostasis and binding-related genes, which caused an increase in the levels of iron ions and reactive oxygen species in leaves. These processes eventually led to programmed cell death, destroying palisade and spongy tissues and causing the formation of iron rust spots. Alternaria alternata also caused defense and hypersensitive responses in weeping forsythia through signaling pathways mediated by flg22-like and elf18-like polypeptides, ethylene, H2O2 and bacterial secretion systems. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the control of brown leaf spots in weeping forsythia.

Identification of the active triple-phase boundary of a non-Pt catalyst layer in fuel cells.

The rational design of non-Pt oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts and catalyst layers in fuel cells is largely impeded by insufficient knowledge of triple-phase boundaries (TPBs) in the micropore and mesopore ranges. Here, we developed a size-sensitive molecular probe method to resolve the TPB of Fe/N/C catalyst layers in these size ranges. More than 70% of the ORR activity was found to be contributed by the 0.8- to 2.0-nanometer micropores of Fe/N/C catalysts, even at a low micropore area fraction of 29%. Acid-alkaline interactions at the catalyst-polyelectrolyte interface deactivate the active sites in mesopores and macropores, resulting in inactive TPBs, leaving micropores without the interaction as the active TPBs. The concept of active and inactive TPBs provides a previously unidentified design principle for non-Pt catalyst and catalyst layers in fuel cells.

Ankle Arthrodesis Combined With Mosaic Bone Autograft Transplantation for End-Stage Ankle Osteoarthritis With Large Cysts of Talar Dome.

End-stage ankle osteoarthritis with large cysts of talar dome can be challenging to treat. Twenty patients diagnosed as end-stage ankle arthritis with large talar cysts between 04/2010 and 02/2016 were randomly divided into experimental group (10 cases) and conventional group (10 cases) by random number method. Patients in the experimental group were treated with ankle arthrodesis combined with a concomitant procedure of mosaic bone autograft transplantation, the conventional group under the ankle arthrodesis. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, the time of bone union, and postoperative height of the talus between the 2 groups were compared. The preoperative and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale score were also recorded and compared. There was no significant difference in the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay between the 2 groups. The postoperative height of the talus body and the time of bone union were better in the experimental group than that in the conventional group (p < .05). The results of follow-up showed that the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores of the conventional group were lower than those in the experimental group (p < .001). And the incidence of complication (10%) in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the conventional group (40%). The use of tibiotalar arthrodesis combined with mosaic bone autograft transfer may be potentially an effective option for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis with large talar cysts.

Regulating Li nucleation/growth via implanting lithiophilic seeds onto flexible scaffolds enables highly stable Li metal anode.

Lithium (Li) metal is deemed as an ideal and promising star anode for high energy storage but its application still is impeded due to uncontrollable Li dendrite growth and tremendous dimension change. Although the flexible and conductive three-dimensional (3D) skeleton can improve the structural and interfacial stability of Li anode, its inherently lithiophobic feature usually brings a high nucleation barrier, uneven Li+ flux, and large concentration polarization, leading to inhomogeneous Li plating/stripping. Here, we develop target material (denoted as Mo2C NPs@CC) consisting of well-distributed molybdenum carbide nanoparticles (Mo2C NPs) with intrinsic lithiophilicity serving as lithiophilic seeds implanted onto the carbon cloth, breaking the dilemma of ordinary 3D conductive skeletons. The Mo2C NPs with large Li absorption energy provide plentiful lithiophilic sites for guiding the uniform and thin Li-nuclei layer formation, thereby realizing flat Li growth and stable electrode/electrolyte interface. Moreover, the high electronic conductivity of Mo2C-modified 3D scaffolds can balance the lithiophilicity, ensuring the fast electron transport in the whole electrode, effectively lowering the local current density, and providing enough space for buffering volume change, and synergistically suppresses the growth of Li dendrites. As a result, a prolonged lifespan of 5000 cycles with low voltage hysteresis of 10 mV at current density of 2 mA cm-2 with area capacity (Ca) of 1 mA h cm-2 has been achieved, giving rational guidance for designing high-performance composite Li anodes.

Identification of key genes in Ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a common form of seronegative spondyloarthritis. We had identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AS based on our previous RNA-sequencing results. Our study aimed to identify key genes in AS by integrated microarray analysis. In this present study, we identified 1328 DEGs between AS and normal control by using integrated analysis of two datasets derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Functional annotation of DEGs were performed. Pathways in cancer, Pancreatic cancer and Natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity were significantly enriched pathways for DEGs. Based on the shared DEGs of AS in both integrated analysis and our previous RNA-sequencing results, we constructed the protein and protein interaction (PPI) network. BIRC2, MAPILC3A and MAGED1 were hub proteins. Validation of gene expression by qRT-PCR were performed and the results were consistent with our integrated analysis generally. Our finding provided new clues for understanding the mechanism of AS.

In Situ Encapsulating α-MnS into N,S-Codoped Nanotube-Like Carbon as Advanced Anode Material: α → ß Phase Transition Promoted Cycling Stability and Superior Li/Na-Storage Performance in Half/Full Cells.

Incorporation of N,S-codoped nanotube-like carbon (N,S-NTC) can endow electrode materials with superior electrochemical properties owing to the unique nanoarchitecture and improved kinetics. Herein, α-MnS nanoparticles (NPs) are in situ encapsulated into N,S-NTC, preparing an advanced anode material (α-MnS@N,S-NTC) for lithium-ion/sodium-ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs). It is for the first time revealed that electrochemical α → ß phase transition of MnS NPs during the 1st cycle effectively promotes Li-storage properties, which is deduced by the studies of ex situ X-ray diffraction/high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electrode kinetics. As a result, the optimized α-MnS@N,S-NTC electrode delivers a high Li-storage capacity (1415 mA h g-1 at 50 mA g-1 ), excellent rate capability (430 mA h g-1 at 10 A g-1 ), and long-term cycling stability (no obvious capacity decay over 5000 cycles at 1 A g-1 ) with retained morphology. In addition, the N,S-NTC-based encapsulation plays the key roles on enhancing the electrochemical properties due to its high conductivity and unique 1D nanoarchitecture with excellent protective effects to active MnS NPs. Furthermore, α-MnS@N,S-NTC also delivers high Na-storage capacity (536 mA h g-1 at 50 mA g-1 ) without the occurrence of such α → ß phase transition and excellent full-cell performances as coupling with commercial LiFePO4 and LiNi0.6 Co0.2 Mn0.2 O2 cathodes in LIBs as well as Na3 V2 (PO4 )2 O2 F cathode in SIBs.

Predictive power of abnormal electroencephalogram for post-cerebral infarction depression.

Electroencephalography is a sensitive indicator for measuring brain condition, and can reflect early changes in brain function and severity of cerebral ischemia. However, it is not yet known whether electroencephalography can predict development of post-cerebral infarction depression. A total of 321 patients with ischemic stroke underwent electroencephalography and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale assessment to analyze the relationship between electroencephalography and post-cerebral infarction depression. Our results show that electroencephalograms of ischemic stroke patients with depression exhibit low-amplitude alpha activity and slow theta activity. In contrast, electroencephalograms of ischemic stroke patients without depression show fast beta activity and slow delta activity. These findings confirm that low-amplitude alpha activity and slow theta activity can be considered as independent predictors for post-cerebral infarction depression.

Oxygen-Deficient Titanium Dioxide Nanosheets as More Effective Polysulfide Reservoirs for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

In this work, oxygen-deficient anatase TiO2 nanosheets (A-TiO2-x NSs) are proposed as a substrate to improve the electrochemical properties of sulfur electrodes for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. The A-TiO2-x NSs are prepared by partly reducing pristine TiO2 nanosheets (A-TiO2 NSs) in NaBH4 solution. With some oxygen vacancies on the surface of the TiO2 nanosheets, A-TiO2-x NSs not only promote electronic transfer, but also act as more effective polysulfide reservoirs to minimize the dissolution of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) than the A-TiO2 NSs control. Hence, upon utilization as modifiers for cathodes of Li-S batteries, the A-TiO2-x NSs-modified sulfur (A-TiO2-x NSs-S) cathode exhibits a higher reversible specific capacity and greater cycling performance and rate capability than the A-TiO2 NSs-modified one (A-TiO2 NSs-S). For example, A-TiO2-x NSs-S delivers an initial specific capacity of 1277.1 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C and maintains a stable Coulombic efficiency of approximately 99.2 % after the first five cycles; these values are higher than those of 997.3 mAh g-1 and around 96.7 %, respectively, for A-TiO2 NSs-S. The enhanced electrochemical properties of the A-TiO2-x NSs-S cathode can be ascribed mainly to the more effective adsorption of dissolvable and diffused LiPSs by the oxygen vacancies. Therefore, utilization of the structure of oxygen vacancies in Li-S batteries demonstrates great prospects for practical application.

[Effect of different bone cement dispersion types in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To observe different bone cement dispersion types of PVP, PKP and manipulative reduction PVP and their effects in the treatment of senile osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and the bone cement leakage rate. METHODS: The clinical data of patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures who underwent unilateral vertebroplasty from January 2012 to January 2015 was retrospectively analyzed. Of them, 56 cases including 22 males and 34 females aged from 60 to 78 years old were treated by PVP operation; Fouty-eight cases including 17 males and 31 females aged from 61 to 79 years old were treated by PKP operation; Forty-three cases including 15 males and 28 females aged from 60 to 76 years old were treated by manipulative reduction PVP operation. AP and lateral DR films were taken after the operation; the vertebral bone cement diffusion district area and mass district area were calculated with AutoCAD graphics processing software by AP and lateral DR picture, then ratio(K) of average diffusion area and mass area were calculated, defining K<50% as mass type, 50%<=K<=100% as mixed type and K>100% as diffusion type. Different bone cement dispersion types of PVP, PKP and manipulative reduction PVP operation were analyzed. According to bone cement dispersion types, patients were divided into diffusion type, mixed type and mass type groups.Visual analogue scale (VAS), vertebral body compression rate, JOA score and bone cement leakage rate were observed. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 12-24 months with an average of 17.2 months. There was significant difference in bone cement dispersion type among three groups (P<0.05). The constituent ratio of diffusion type, mixed type and mass type in PVP operation was 46.43%, 35.71%, 17.86%, in PKP was 16.67%, 37.50% , 45.83%, and in manipulative reduction PVP was 37.21%, 44.19% and 18.60%, respectively. PVP operation and manipulative reduction PVP were mainly composed of diffusion type and mixed type, while PKP was mainly composed of mass type and mixed type. There was no significant difference in VAS score, JOA score and bone cement leakage rate among three groups. There was statistically significant difference in postoperative vertebral body compression rate among three bone cement dispersion types(P<0.05), postoperative vertebral body compression rate in diffusion type group at 24 h postoperatively and final follow-up was (17.31±5.06)% and(18.58±4.91)%, respectively. In mixed type group, it was(14.21±5.15)% and(14.59±5.07)%, respectively. In mass type group, it was(13.89±5.02)% and(14.28±4.94)%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Bone cement dispersion type is different in PVP, PKP and manipulative reduction PVP operation. The bone cement dispersion of mass type and mixed type to recovery of compressed vertebral body is better than diffusion type, and there is no obvious difference in clinical effect in different bone cement dispersion type early and middle term.

Mini-invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion through Wiltse Approach to Treating Lumbar Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy of mini-invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) through the Wiltse approach for treating lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. METHODS: In this retrospective controlled study, 69 cases with lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis treated in Qilu hospital from April to November 2014 were randomly assigned to Wiltse approach (31 cases, 16 male, 15 female; mean age 45.1 years) and traditional approach groups (38 cases, 21 male, 17 female; 47.2 years. In the Wiltse approach group, the affected level was L4, 5 in 19 cases and L5 S1 in 12, 9 of whom had low back pain (LBP) only and 21 both LBP and leg pain. There were 17 cases of I degree and 14 of II degree spondylolisthesis. Pre-operative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was 13.1 ± 2.6; visual analog scale (VAS) for LBP 7.4 ± 1.2; VAS for leg pain 6.1 ± 2.0 and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score 42.2% ± 1.2%. In the traditional approach group, the affected level was L4, 5 in 22 cases and L5 S1 in 16, 11 of whom had LBP only and 27 both LBP and leg pain. There were 21 cases of I degree and 17 of II degree spondylolisthesis. Pre-operative JOA score was 12.8 ± 1.2; VAS for LBP 6.9 ± 1.1; VAS for leg pain 7.1 ± 2.0 and ODI score 41.2% ± 2.0%. The JOA score, VAS for LBP and leg pain, ODI dynamic X-rays, CT and/or MR were evaluated 3 and 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: There were no differences in sex, age, affected levels, spondylolisthesis degree, pre-operative JOA score, VAS for LBP or leg pain and ODI score between the two groups (P > 0.05). The incision length, blood loss and time to achieving exposure were better in the Wiltse approach than the traditional approach group (P < 0.05). The VAS for LBP and muscle atrophy MRI scores were significantly lower in the Wiltse approach than the traditional approach group on Days 1 and 14 and at 1 year follow-up (P < 0.05). The VAS for leg pain, JOA recovery rate and JOA and ODI scores tended to be lower in the Wiltse approach than the traditional approach group at 1 year follow-up examinations (no differences statistically significant, P > 0.05). The interbody fusion rate was not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). There were no complications of internal fixation in either group. CONCLUSION: TLIF via both approaches has satisfactory clinical efficacy. TLIF through the Wiltse approach significantly reduces the damage of multifidus and postoperative incidence of chronic LBP.

S-Doping of an Fe/N/C ORR Catalyst for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells with High Power Density.

Fe/N/C is a promising non-Pt electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), but its catalytic activity is considerably inferior to that of Pt in acidic medium, the environment of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). An improved Fe/N/C catalyst (denoted as Fe/N/C-SCN) derived from Fe(SCN)3, poly-m-phenylenediamine, and carbon black is presented. The advantage of using Fe(SCN)3 as iron source is that the obtained catalyst has a high level of S doping and high surface area, and thus exhibits excellent ORR activity (23 A g(-1) at 0.80 V) in 0.1 M H2SO4 solution. When the Fe/N/C-SCN was applied in a PEMFC as cathode catalyst, the maximal power density could exceed 1 W cm(-2).

Taurine zinc solid dispersions protect against cold-restraint stress-induced gastric ulceration by upregulating HSP70 and exerting an anxiolytic effect.

Pharmacological effects of solid dispersions (SDs) of a taurine zinc complex on gastric ulceration and anxiety were investigated. Pretreatment with taurine zinc (50, 100 or 200mg/kg) SDs dose-dependently protected rat gastric mucosa against cold-restraint stress (CRS)-induced gastric injury, and significantly attenuated increases in gastric mucosal H(+)K(+)-ATPase activity and lipid peroxidation and enhanced SOD activity. Taurine zinc also inhibited CRS-induced elevation of the serum stress hormones adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone and upregulated HSP70 expression in the gastric mucosa. Moreover, taurine zinc (200mg/kg) SDs more potently protected the gastric mucosa from ulceration than the same dose of taurine, which may be attributed to a synergistic effect between taurine and zinc. Behavioral experiments in mice showed that taurine zinc SDs significantly increased the number of entries and time spent on the open arms in the elevated plus-maze test, time spent in the central area and total distance traveled in the open field test, and time spent and number of entries into the light compartment in the light/dark box test, indicative of reduced anxiety-like behaviors. This study demonstrates taurine zinc protected the gastric mucosa against CRS-induced gastric damage by decreasing oxidative stress, promoting endogenous HSP70 expression and attenuating psychological stress.

Zn(II)-curcumin protects against oxidative stress, deleterious changes in sperm parameters and histological alterations in a male mouse model of cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive damage.

The poor bioavailability and stability of curcumin limit its clinical application. A novel Zn(II)-curcumin complex was synthesized and its effects against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced reproductive damage were compared with curcumin. Oral administration of Zn(II)-curcumin significantly prevented CP-induced elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) level and reductions in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) content in mouse testis. Zn(II)-curcumin significantly ameliorated CP-induced reductions in body and reproductive organs weights. Zn(II)-curcumin dose-dependently ameliorated CP-induced reproductive system impairments, by improving sperm parameters (sperm count, viability, motility) and reducing serum testosterone and histological alterations. Compared to curcumin at the same dose, Zn(II)-curcumin more effectively alleviated CP-induced reproductive injury, leading to a reduced severity of testicular pathologic changes, lower MDA level, elevated SOD activity and GSH content, and increased sperm parameters and serum testosterone. These results suggest Zn(II)-curcumin more effectively protects against CP-induced reproductive damage than curcumin alone due to a synergistic reduction in oxidative stress.

Gastroprotective effect of taurine zinc solid dispersions against absolute ethanol-induced gastric lesions is mediated by enhancement of antioxidant activity and endogenous PGE2 production and attenuation of NO production.

Zinc plays a key role in maintaining gastric mucosal integrity, while alcohol dependency can lead to low zinc status. Complexes containing zinc have been reported to have better ability to protect gastric mucosa than the compounds alone. In this study, taurine zinc [Zn(NH3CH2CH2SO3)2] solid dispersions (SDs) were synthesized and investigated in an ethanol-induced ulcer model in rats. Gastric ulcer index; gastric mucosa malondialdehyde (MDA) level, glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production; and serum nitric oxide (NO) were assessed and histological analysis of the gastric mucosa tissue was performed. Taurine zinc (100, 200 mg/kg) SDs protected rat gastric mucosa from ethanol-induced injury. Moreover, the gastroprotective effect of taurine zinc SDs was accompanied by a decrease in serum NO and significant increase in gastric prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). When indomethacin, a non-selective COX inhibitor was administered before the last dose of taurine zinc, the gastroprotective effect of taurine zinc was weakened. Furthermore, taurine zinc (200 mg/kg) SDs protected against ulceration more significantly than the same dose of taurine alone, suggesting a synergistic effect between taurine and zinc. These results indicate taurine zinc protects the gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced damage by elevating antioxidants, decreasing lipid peroxidation and inhibiting the production of nitric oxide. The gastroprotective effect of taurine zinc was also partially mediated by endogenous PGE2 production.

Zn(II)-curcumin protects against hemorheological alterations, oxidative stress and liver injury in a rat model of acute alcoholism.

Curcumin can chelate metal ions, forming metallocomplexes. We compared the effects of Zn(II)-curcumin with curcumin against hemorheological alterations, oxidative stress and liver injury in a rat model of acute alcoholism. Oral administration of Zn(II)-curcumin dose-dependently prevented the ethanol-induced elevation of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content and reductions in glutathione level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Zn(II)-curcumin also inhibited ethanol-induced liver injury. Additionally, Zn(II)-curcumin dose-dependently inhibited hemorheological abnormalities, including the ethanol-induced elevation of whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, blood viscosity at corrected hematocrit (45%), erythrocyte aggregation index, erythrocyte rigidity index and hematocrit. Compared to curcumin at the same dose, Zn(II)-curcumin more effectively elevated SOD activity, ameliorated liver injury and improved hemorheological variables. These results suggest that Zn(II)-curcumin protected the rats from ethanol-induced liver injury and hemorheological abnormalities via the synergistic effect of curcumin and zinc.

Effect of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion on adjacent segments in rabbits.

This study is to investigate the effect of anterior cervical discectomy with internal fixation and fusion at different levels on adjacent segments in rabbits. Sixty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups, one control group and three model groups, with 15 in each group. Each group underwent anterior cervical internal fixation and fusion at C3-4, C4-5, and C5-6 levels respectively. X-ray film was examined three, six and nine months after fusion to observe the changes in intervertebral space and endplate of adjacent segment. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to evaluate the effects of different fusion methods on adjacent segments of spine. As time went by, in model groups, the majority of cartilage endplates were calcified, as examined by X-ray. Immunohistochemical results of the intervertebral disc showed that the expression levels of collagen type II in nucleus pulposus were decreased significantly, while the expression levels collagen type I in annular fibrosus were increased. And collagen type I tends to replace collagen type II gradually in nucleus pulposus as time goes by. The change in collagen between upper and lower adjacent segments at C3-4 and C4-5 showed no statistical significance after fixation and fusion (p > 0.05). But for C5-6, the change showed statistical significance (p < 0.05). Cervical internal fixation and fusion can induce intervertebral disc degeneration of adjacent segment in rabbits, and cervical internal fixation and fusion operated at different levels may result in different effects on adjacent segments of cervical intervertebral disc.

Zinc(II)-curcumin accelerates the healing of acetic acid-induced chronic gastric ulcers in rats by decreasing oxidative stress and downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9.

Gastric ulcers form as a result of a multifaceted process which includes acid secretion, reactive oxygen species generation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible mechanisms underlying the anti-ulcerogenic effects of the Zn(II)-curcumin complex, a curcumin derivative, on the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats. The severely ulcerated gastric mucosa of control animals had a lower glutathione level (GSH) and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared to sham operated rats (P<0.001). Zn(II)-curcumin solid dispersions (equivalent to 12, 24 and 48 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced the gastric ulcer index, significantly increased SOD activity and GSH levels, and reduced the MDA content and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) mRNA expression in the gastric mucosa (P<0.05, compared to control animals). Zn(II)-curcumin exerted a greater anti-ulcerogenic effect than curcumin at the same dose (24 mg/kg), leading to a reduced severity of gastric ulcers, lower MDA content, and increased SOD activity and GSH levels (P<0.05). In conclusion, these results confirm that the Zn(II)-curcumin complex possesses an enhanced mucosal barrier defense activity compared to curcumin alone, due to its synergistic ability to decrease oxidative stress and attenuate MMP-9-mediated inflammation.

Expansive open-door laminoplasty and selective anterior cervical decompression and fusion for treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results of combined expansive open-door laminoplasty by splitting of spinous processes and selective anterior cervical decompression and fusion in treatment of multilevel severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (16 men and 12 women) underwent one-stage combined expansive open-door laminoplasty and selective anterior decompression and fusion for severe CSM; the average patient age was 51.3 years (range, 32-63 years). Clinical results were assessed by Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, number of finger grip and releases (G and R) in ten seconds, hand-grip strength, visual analog scale (VAS) of axial pain, and C2-C7 angle. RESULTS: There was no worsening of neurological symptoms due to cord injury, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, or wound infection. All cases completed one-year follow-up. The JOA scores, number of G and R in ten seconds, and hand-grip strength were all significantly improved (P < 0.05). Satisfactory decompression was shown by MRI or CT to have been achieved in all cases. The C2-C7 angle did not differ significantly from that found pre-operatively. The axial neck pain score was 2.0 ± 0.1 on VAS. CONCLUSION: Combined expansive open-door laminoplasty by splitting of spinous processes and selective anterior decompression and fusion achieves complete spinal canal decompression with minimal morbidity; this strategy is effective in improving the surgical outcomes of CSM in one-year follow-up.

Potential anti-cancer activities of Furanodiene, a Sesquiterpene from Curcuma wenyujin.

Furanodiene is a sesquiterpene extracted from the essential oil of the rhizome of Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. Chen et C. Ling (Wen Ezhu). Furanodiene is the primary component in Wen Ezhu's essential oil, accounting for more than 20% by weight. In vitro, MTT assay was used to compare the inhibitory effects of furanodiene and Wen Ezhu's essential oil on 11 human cancer cell lines. Compared to the essential oil, furanodiene showed stronger growth inhibitions on Hela, Hep-2, HL-60, PC3, SGC-7901 and HT-1080 cells with IC(50) between 0.6-4.8 microg/ml. In vivo, furanodiene was also found to exhibit inhibitory effects on the growth of uterine cervical (U14) and sarcoma 180 (Sl80) tumors in mice. Our data suggests that furanodiene, an active component from the essential oil of Wen Ezhu, possesses efficacy against uterine cervical cancer.

Laminoplasty for the treatment of extramedullary intradural tumors in the thoracic and lumbar spine: greater than two-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcome of a laminoplasty technique without additional instrumentation for fixation of laminae in the treatment of extramedullary intradural tumors in the thoracic and lumbar spine. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (15 men and 9 women) with extramedullary intradural tumors in the thoracic and lumbar spine were included in our study. The average age was 36.2 years (range 18 to 61 years). The pathological diagnosis was neurofibroma in 13, ependymoma in 6, lipoma in 2 and teratoma in 3 cases. All patients underwent the same laminoplasty surgery as follows: the laminae were reattached to their original sites, the ligaments (including the supraspinal, interspinal and yellow ligaments) were conserved, and primary stability of the re-attached laminae was achieved with silk or nylon sutures. RESULTS: Sixty-six laminae were re-implanted in 24 patients. The average length of follow-up was 34.2 months (26.5 to 41 months). Fusion of the laminae was achieved in a mean of 4.5 months (3 to 6 months). Unilateral healing of the incision lines was observed in seven cases, including one with two-level laminotomy, three with three-level laminotomy and three with four-level laminotomy. The other 17 cases underwent bilateral fusion. CONCLUSION: Fixing the laminae, spinous processes and ligaments with sutures can achieve satisfactory primary stability and high fusion rates for resected laminae. Additional instrumentation may be necessary in greater than three-level laminoplasty.