Recovery of motor function in rats with complete spinal cord injury following implantation of collagen/silk fibroin scaffold combined with human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect of the collagen/silk fibroin scaffolds seeded with human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells on functional recovery after acute complete spinal cord injury. METHODS: The fibroin and collagen were mixed (mass ratio, 3:7), and the composite scaffolds were produced. Forty rats were randomly divided into the Sham group (without spinal cord injury), spinal cord injury group (spinal cord transection without any implantation), collagen/silk fibroin scaffolds group (spinal cord transection with implantation of the collagen/silk fibroin scaffolds), and collagen/silk fibroin scaffolds + human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells group (spinal cord transection with the implantation of the collagen/silk fibroin scaffolds co-cultured with human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells). Motor evoked potential, Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scale, modified Bielschowsky's silver staining, and immunofluorescence staining were performed. RESULTS: The BBB scores in the collagen/silk fibroin scaffolds + human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells group were significantly higher than those in the spinal cord injury and collagen/silk fibroin scaffolds groups (p<0.05 or p<0.01). The amplitude and latency were markedly improved in the collagen/silk fibroin scaffolds + human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells group compared with the spinal cord injury and collagen/silk fibroin scaffolds groups (p<0.05 or p<0.01). Meanwhile, compared to the spinal cord injury and collagen/silk fibroin scaffolds groups, more neurofilament positive nerve fiber ensheathed by myelin basic protein positive structure at the injury site were observed in the collagen/silk fibroin scaffolds + human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells group (p<0.01, p<0.05). The results of Bielschowsky's silver staining indicated more nerve fibers was observed at the lesion site in the collagen/silk fibroin scaffolds + human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells group compared with the spinal cord injury and collagen/silk fibroin scaffolds groups (p<0.01, p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that the transplantation of human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells on a collagen/silk fibroin scaffolds could promote nerve regeneration, and recovery of neurological function after acute spinal cord injury.

Apoptotic mechanisms in rabbits with blast-induced acute lung injury

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the apoptotic mechanisms in rabbits with blast-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: A total of 40 rabbits were randomly divided into a blank control group (A, n=10) and an experimental group (EXP, n=30). Explosion-induced chest-ALI models were prepared and sampled at different time points (4, 12, and 24h after modeling, T1-T3) to test the lung dry weight/wet weight ratio (W/D) and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), apoptosis of lung tissue by the TUNEL assay, and Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 levels by immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, lung tissue was sampled to observe pathological morphology by microscopy. Results: Under a light microscope, Group EXP exhibited obvious edema in the pulmonary interstitial substance and alveoli, a large number of red blood cells, inflammatory cells, and serous exudation in the alveolar cavity, as well as thickening of the pulmonary interstitial fluid. Compared to Group A, the W/D ratio was significantly increased in Group EXP (P<0.01), while PaO2 was significantly reduced (P<0.01). The apoptosis index was significantly increased (P<0.01), and caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 levels were increased (P<0.01). Conclusion: Apoptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of acute lung injury in rabbits by participating in lung injury and promoting the progression of ALI.

The effect of edaravone on the inflammasome NLRP3 and blood brain barrier associated protein after embolic stroke in rat / 医学研究生学报

ObjectiveIn cerebral ischemia, free radicals form in large quantities and activate the inflammasome nod-like recepter protein 3(NLRP3), thereby exacerbating brain damage. Edaravone has the effect of scavenging free radicals, but the relationgship between its neuroprotective effect and inflammasome NLRP3 has not been reported. To study the neuroprotective effects of edaravone on inflammasome NLRP3 and associated protein of the blood-brain barrier against cerebral ischemia injury.Methods60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into Sham group, cerebral embolism group and edaravone group, respectively. Rat thromboembolic MCAO models were established and edaravone (3mg/kg) was intravenous injected immediately after occlusion and 4 hours after occlusion. In the sham group, cervical blood vessels were separated only, and no embolus was injected. At 24 hours after thrombi injected, mNSS score was used to evaluate neurological function deficits. Brain infarct volume was estimated by TTC staining. The expression of inflammasome NLRP3, occludin and ZO-1 was detected by Western blot. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure IgG leakage.ResultsThe mNSS score and infarct volume of cerebral embolism group at 24 hours after stroke were significantly higher than Sham group (P<0.05). The expression of inflammasome NLRP3 in the brain increased (P<0.05), occludin and ZO-1 blood brain barrier associated protein decreased (P<0.05), and IgG leakage increased. But compared with cerebral embolism group, the mNSS score（4.50±2.12 vs 6.50±1.35, P<0.05）and infarct volume （19.29±11.92 vs 29.99±7.56, P<0.05）decreased when treated with edaravone. Edaravone treatment significantly attenuated inflammasome NLRP3 expression in cerebral ischemic area (0.97±0.47 vs 1.58±0.86, P<0.05), degradation of BBB components (occludin, ZO-1) (1.04±0.19 vs 0.53±0.09, 0.66±0.05 vs 0.30±0.04,P<0.05) and IgG leakage decreased.ConclusionInflammasome NLRP3 play an important role in acute cerebral ischemia injury. Edaravone may provide neuroprotection by inhibiting expression of inflammasome NLRP3 and degradation of associated protein of blood brain barrier.

Dicussion on the Innovation Development by Blood-supply Requirements: Based on the 6 Requirements of Supply Side Structural Reform Guidance for Deepening Eonomics Development / 中国卫生经济

Objective:To discuss innovative development under the "6 requirements" guidance of supply-side structural reform,and provide direction of development reference for promoting the development of blood collection and supply.Methods:It reviewed the development of blood collection and supply in a certain blood center,analyzed the integrating degree between the main business development measures and "6 requirements" of supply-side structural reform.Results:There was a better compatibility between the main measures and "6 requirements" of supply-side structural reform.Conclusion:Based on the "6 requirements" guidance of supply-side structural reform,innovative development could be led to effectively break the current bottleneck at blood collection and supplyment.

Molecular cloning and characterization of porcine ribosomal protein L21

Ribosomal protein L21 (RPL21) is a structural component of the 60S subunit of the eukaryotic ribosome. This protein has an important role in protein synthesis and the occurrence of hereditary diseases. Pig is a common laboratory model, however, to the best of our knowledge, its RPL21 gene has not been cloned to date. In this study, we cloned and identified the full-length sequence of the pig RPL21 gene for the first time. In addition, we examined its expression pattern and function by using overexpression or knockdown approaches. As a result, we obtained a 604 bp segment that contains a 483 bp open reading frame encoding 160 amino acids. The pig RPL21 gene is located in the “+” strand of chromosome 11, which spans 2167 bp from 4199792 to 4201958. Pig RPL21 protein has nine strands and two helices in its secondary structure. Pig RPL21 is predominantly expressed in ovary and lung, at lower levels in kidney, small intestine, and skin, and at the lowest levels in heart and liver. Furthermore, RPL21 expression is closely connected with cell proliferation and cell cycle arrest. The results are intended to provide useful information for the further study of pig RPL21.

131I-labeled metuximab for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: recent progress in research / 介入放射学杂志

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the highly malignant tumors in the world.Clinically,its onset is occult,its progression is rapid and its prognosis is poor.At present,radical surgery and other adjuvant therapies,such as percutaneous hepatic artery chemoembolization and molecular targeted therapy,are the primary therapeutic means.Although these treatments have certain curative effect,the overall survival rate of HCC patients is still unsatisfactory.Using monoclonal antibody as its carrier,131I-labeled metuximab (Licartin) is a radioactive isotope immune drug;it can specifically conjugate with the surface antigen of HCC cell,then,through both immune blocking and β ray radiation ways,produce dual targeted killing effect on HCC cells.Therefore,Licartin provides a new choice for the treatment of HCC.This paper aims to make a comprehensive review concerning the clinical application and research progress of 131I-labeled metuximab in treating HCC.

High-yield production of the human lysozyme by Pichia pastoris SMD1168 using response surface methodology and high-cell-density fermentation

Background Lysozyme plays a crucial role in innate immunity with its well-recognized bacteriolytic activity. In this study, the influence of expression parameters (inoculation volume, culture volume, growth time, induction temperature and time, initial pH and methanol concentration) on human lysozyme (HLZ) production in recombinant P. pastoris SMD1168 was investigated through Plackett-Burman (PB) design and response surface methodology (RSM). Results It was revealed that induction temperature, induction time and culture volume had significant influence (P < 0.01) on HLZ expression level, which were elected for further optimization with three-dimensional response surface designs for enhanced HLZ production. The highest lysozyme activity reached 3301 U/mL under optimized conditions (at 23.5°C for 90 h with culture volume of 48 mL) in shake flask, which increased 2.2 fold compared with that achieved with the standard protocol (Invitrogen). When high-cell-density fermentation of the recombinant Pichia pastoris was performed in a 15 L fermenter under optimized conditions, the extracellular lysozyme activity reached 47,680 U/mL. SDS-PAGE analysis of the product demonstrated that HLZ was produced as a single major protein with a molecular weight of approximately 14.7 kDa, consistent with its expected size. Conclusions The results indicated that the optimized culture conditions using PB design and RSM significantly enhanced the expression level of HLZ, and the Pichia expression system for HLZ production was successful and industrially promising.

Immuno-affinity chromatographic purification: the study of methods to test citrinin in monascus products by high performance liquid chromatography / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a method to test citrinin (CIT) in monascus products by immuno-affinity chromatography (IAC)-high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and to detect the content of CIT in monascus products in Fujian province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>IAC-HPLC was applied to detect the CIT content in monascus products. The conditions to use HPLC were as follows: C(18) reversed-phase chromatographic column, 150.0 mm×4.6mm×3 µm; mobile phase: the volume ratio of acetonitrile and 0.1% phosphoric acid solution at 65:35; isocratic elution; column temperature: 28°C; flow velocity: 0.8 ml/min; fluorescence detector, excitation wavelength (λ(ex)) was 331 nm and emission wavelength (λ(em)) was 500 nm. The standard curved was established by the linear regression of peak area (Y) to CIT content (X, ng/ml). The accuracy and precision of the method would then be verified. And 32 kinds of monascus products were determined and their color values were compared by this method.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The standard curve established in this study was Y = 4634.8X-136.42, r = 1.000; whose limits of detection was 20 µg/kg and the limits of qualification was 64 µg/kg. In the range between 200 and 800 µg/kg, the standard recovery rate was 98.9% - 110.0% (n = 3), and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 0.51% - 1.76%. Out of the 32 samples, CIT was detected from 11 samples of monascus rice, 9 samples of monascus powder and 5 samples of monascus pigments, the content was around 0.212 - 14.500 mg/kg. 4 out of 7 functional monascus samples were detected out CIT, whose content at 0.142 - 0.275 mg/kg.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The method to detect CIT in monascus products by IAC-HPLC has been established.</p>

Posterior malleolar fracture: technique and clinical experience of the posterolateral approach / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To introduce the postero- lateral surgical approach to the posterior malleolar fracture and report its clinical outcomes in 32 cases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study consisted of 32 cases, 22 males and 10 females with the mean age of 48 years (range, 21-63 years), suffering from posterior malleolar fracture. All cases were treated with the posterolateral surgical approach to the ankle. The average follow-up period was 28 months (range, 24-35 months). The clinical outcomes of these cases were evaluated on the basis of the Olerud-Molander Ankle (OMA) score and plain radiographs.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All cases showed radiological evidence of bony union at follow-up. The average OMA score was 82 points; 21 cases had excellent scores (90-100 points), 9 good (61-90 points), and 2 fair (31-60 points). The excellent-to-good rate was 93.8%. Although most cases did not show any wound dehiscence or necrosis, one patient had a superficial infection which healed after using antibiotic dressing and one had sural cutaneous nerve injury that underwent spontaneous remission without any treatment after three months. In addition, one presented with mild symptoms of peroneal tendonitis that disappeared after plate removal.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The posterolateral approach offers an effective technique for fracture reduction and fixation of large posterior malleolar fragments.</p>

Clinical investigation of the minimal invasive osteotomy for the treatment of hallux valgus combined with tailor's bunion / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical effects of the minimal invasive osteotomy treatment for hallux valgus combined with tailor's bunion deformity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From May 2007 to May 2009, Forty-nine feet of 32 patients (a mean age of 57 years old) of hallux valgus combined with tailor's bunion deformity were reviewed retrospectively, including 2 males(2 feet) and 30 females (47 feet). All patients were treated by the minimal invasive osteotomy. The axial and lateral films of all feet with loading were taken before and after operation. The hallux abducto valgus angle(HAV),intermetatarsal angle(IM), fourth-fifth intermetatarsal angle (IM 4 to 5), modified fourth-fifth intermetatarsal angle (MIM 4 to 5), Metatarsophalangeal-fifth angle (MPA) and lateral deviation of the fifth matatarsal angle (LDA) were compared before and after operation. Therapeutic effects of all the patients were observed after operation, the item including AFAS score and WEN Jian-min's therapeutic effects standard.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average operating time was 40 minutes. All the patients were followed up,and the duration ranged from 6 to 24 months. The HAV angle, IM angle, IM 4 to 5 angle, MIM 4 to 5 angle,MPA angle and LDA angle significantly decreased after operation. The AFAS score significantly raised after operation. According to the criteria, 33 feet got an excellent result, 15 good and 1 fair.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The minimal invasive osteotomy treatment for hallux valgus combined with tailor's bunion is effective and safe. This method is mini-trauma,less pain and it can make a very soon rehabilitation. This method has widely clinical value.</p>

Malignant paraganglioma originating from the kidney: a case report and literature review / 南方医科大学学报

Paraganglioma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor arising from the undifferentiated cells of the primitive neural crest. We report a case of malignant paraganglioma originating from the left kidney. The 55-year-old female patient was admitted for intractable cough for a month and the presence of a solid mass in the left lung detected by computer tomography (CT). Sonography revealed a mass in the left kidney after admission. Complete surgical resection of the tumor was performed and the diagnosis of malignant paraganglioma originating from the left kidney was established pathologically. During the follow-up for 12 months, the patient showed a good general condition and sonography revealed no evidence of recurrence. Based on these findings, we discussed the diagnosis of this disease using medical imaging modalities.

Toxic effect of neonatal exposure to 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexa-chlorobiphenyl on spermatogenesis in rats / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the long-term testicular effect after neonatal exposure to 2,2', 4,4',5,5'-hexa-chlorobiphenyl (PCB153).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>On birth day (Postnatal day 0, PNDO), the Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were mixed together and divided into 12 pups/litter. At PND1, the rats were grouped randomly into control and treatment groups according to different litters, 24 pups/group. They were treated by oral gavage with PCB153 in corn oil at doses of 0, 0.025, 0.250 and 2.500 mg/kg BW-day from PNDI to PND7. The rats were sacrificed at PND8 and PND90 by anesthesia. The testes were collected and weighed for histological examination and daily sperm production at PND8 or/and PND90. The epididymidis and the epididymidis cauda also were collected and weighed for determination the sperm counts at PND90.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The body weight of 2.500 mg/kg dose group was decreased significantly from PND3 to PND8 compared with that of control (P < 0.05). At PND8, the loose structure in seminiferous cord and the spermatogonia with enlarged volume and detached from the cord were observed in 2.500 mg/kg dose group by light microscope and electronic microscopy. With the increase of exposure doses, the testicular daily sperm production (DSP) and the sperm counts of epididymidis cauda were decreased in dose-dependent manner at PND90. The DSP in 0.250 mg/kg [30 x 10(6)/testis(g)] and 2.500 mg/kg [18 x l0(6)/testis(g)] dose groups were significantly reduced compared with that of control [36 x 10(6)/testis(g)] (P < 0.05). And there was a significant reduction in the sperm counts of epididymidis cauda in 0.250 mg/kg [42 x 10(7)/epididymidis cauda (g)] and 2.500 mg/kg [18 x 10(7)/epididymidis cauda (g)] dose groups compared with that of control [51 x 10(7)/epididymidis cauda (g)] (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The spermatogenesis of adult testis is disturbed, which causes the decrease in the testicular DSP and the sperm counts of epididymidis cauda after neonatal exposure to PCB153. The long-term damage in male reproductive function is caused by neonatal exposure to chemicals.</p>

Effect of neonatal exposure to environmental pollutants on the DNA methylation of rat testis / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of neonatal exposure of DNA methylation inhibitor, Cadmium and PCB153 on DNA methylation, apoptosis and spermatogenesis in SD rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Neonatal SD rats were randomly divided into 10 groups and received oral administrations of PCB153 (0.025, 0. 250, 2.500 mg/kg), or Cadmium (1, 2, 4 mg/kg), or positive control 5-Aza-CdR (0.025, 0.250 mg/kg), or vehicle control for five days from PND3. Half of the rats were killed 24 h after the last administration. The remains were fed until 12 weeks. Sperm numbers, apoptosis and DNA methylation levels in testis were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The daily sperm production was significantly decreased in each neonatal exposed group (P < 0.05). Neonatal rats exposed to 5-Aza-CdR and Cadmium reduced the global DNA methylation level, increased apoptosis, while PCB153 exposure did not significantly change DNA methylation and apoptosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Neonatal rats exposed to chemicals could reduce spermatogenesis via multiple pathways. Lower DNA methylation and increased neonatal apoptosis were suggested as one of the causes.</p>

Effects of montelukast on atherosclerosis and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in ahypercholesterolemic rabbit model / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of montelukast on atherosclerosis and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in a hypercholesterolemic rabbit model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty four male New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into four groups including normal control group (n = 6), placebo group (n = 8), atorvastatin group (1.5 mgxkg(-1)xd(-1), beginning at 8(th) weeks for 4 weeks, n = 10) and montelukast group (1 mgxkg(-1)xd(-1), beginning at 8(th) weeks for 4 weeks, n = 10). Rabbits except those in normal control group were fed a high cholesterol diet for 12 weeks. Serum lipids were measured at 0, 8 and 12 weeks after intervention. The intima/media ratio, percentages of macrophages or smooth muscle cells in intima and the expression of MCP-1 mRNA were examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Atherosclerosis was evidenced in placebo group and atorvastatin or montelukast treatment significantly reduced neointima (0.32 +/- 0.12 and 0.34 +/- 0.10 vs. 1.12 +/- 0.36, P < 0.05) and macrophage content [(9.8 +/- 4.6)% and (11.2 +/- 3.7)% vs. (34.6 +/- 8.8)%, P < 0.05], increased SMC content [(18.6 +/- 6.9)% and (19.2 +/- 8.6)% vs. (5.2 +/- 2.3)%, P < 0.05] and inhibited expression of MCP-1 mRNA (0.42 +/- 0.08 and 0.40 +/- 0.06 vs. 2.36 +/- 0.48, P < 0.01). Montelukast had similar anti-atherogenetic effects as atorvastatin but had no influence on plasma lipids.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Montelukast could attenuate atherosclerosis in this hypercholesterolemic rabbit model which might be attributed to its anti-inflammatory effects.</p>

Three-dimensional CT imaging in the treatment of children's developmental dislocation of hip / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the value of 3-dimensional CT in the treatment of developmental dislocation of hip (DDH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 2003.6 to 2007.6, the femoral neck anteversion (FNA) and morphology of acetebulum in 53 patients with DDH (61 hips) were studied by three-dimensional CT imaging. Among the patients, 12 patients were male and 41 patients were female, ranging in age from 3 to 16 years (mean 5.6 years). Thirty-four patients had dislocation in left hip joint, 11 patients had dislocation in right hip joints, and 8 patients had double dislocations. The patients were treated with Pemberton or Chiari acetabuloplasty and femoral osteotomy. After operation all the cases were obeserved by 3-dimensional CT again. The femoral neck anteversions were measured and the shapes of new acetabulum were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 61 hips of DDH, the maximum femoral neck anteversion was 90 degrees. The minimum was 35 degrees and the average was (45.6 +/- 11.4) degrees. Among 45 normal hips, the average femoral neck anteversion was (23.5 +/- 10. 2) degrees. The acetabulum were dysplastic according with what were found in the operation. After operation the femoral neck anteversions decreased and averaged (15.6 +/- 5.8) degrees. The femoral head containment improved.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The advantages of 3D CT scan includes manifestation of acetebular morphology, correct measurement of femoral neck anteversion and evaluation of operative procedure and efficacy. The 3-dimensional CT method is deserved to use widely in the treatment of developmental dislocation of hip in children.</p>

Study on the epidemiological characteristics and natural infectious focus of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Shenzhen area of Zhujiang Delta in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To delimit the natural infectious focus, including the distribution of wildlife,species, ecology of intermediate hosts and final host of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, as well as the routes of transmission and epidemiological characteristics and wildlife of human Angiostrongylus cantonensis, based on human diverging cases identified in Shenzhen, southern area of China. Methods Data including rate of infection and density of Angiostrongylus cantonensis among different hosts in 12 different areas in Shenzhen was collected, using microscope to inspect homogenate liquids of snails. Wild mice were captured with mouse cage to examine the adult Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Using larva isolated from wild-snails-infected rats to observe the life cycle of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Results Wild life of Angiostrongylus cantonensis existed in the southwest part of Shenzhen with its majority intermediate hosts as Achatina fulica. The overall rate of infection was 31% in wildlife and final host was found to be Rattus andersoni, Achatina fulica which were extensively distributed in the shrub region of Shenzhen because of suitable climate,humidity and vegetation for generating the life cycle of Achatina fulica. Human infected Angiostrongylus cantonensis was mainly due to eating raw snails or vegetables contaminated by larva of Angiostrongylus cantonensis.The peak of infection was seen from April to November in Shenzhen area.Conclusion Wildlife of Angiostrongylus cantonensis existed in the southwest part of Shenzhen with major wildlife reservoir including fresh water snail and wild mouse. The existence of natural focus Angiostrongylus cantonensis was now recognized as an important source of human angiostrongliasis in Shenzhen area.

The protective effect of Chinese herbs for supplementing shen to eliminate stone on renal injury induced by extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in patients with renal calculus / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the protective effect of Chinese herbs for supplementing Shen to eliminate stone on renal injury induced by extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in patients with renal calculus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty patients with diagnosis of renal calculus confirmed by X-ray film or CT combined with abdominal B ultrasonography but showing no obvious symptoms, were randomized into the treated group and the control group. They all were scheduled to receive ESWL treatment. To the patients in the treated group, prescribed Chinese herbs was orally administered in the three days before and after ESWL, patients in the control group ate and drank as usual. Changes of blood levels of nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), urinary levels of N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG) before and after ESWL were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Blood levels of NO, ET-1, MDA and TNF-alpha significantly increased after ESWL in the control group, higher than the levels in the treated group (P < 0.05); and level of SOD decreased gradually in the control group reaching the valley 72 h after ESWL (P < 0.05), while in the treated group it was unchanged and remained at the level higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). As for the urinary levels of NAG, gamma-GT and beta2-MG, after ESWL, they were all higher in the control group than those in the treated group, showing statistical significance (P <0. 05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ESWL could induce renal damage in patients with renal calculus and the Chinese herbs for supplementing Shen to eliminate stone can reduce the renal tubular damage by way of anti-oxidation and regulating the renal hemorrheologic disorder and the release of inflammatory mediators.</p>

Experiment study of alendronate in the prevention and treatment of aseptic loosening of prosthesis / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of alendronate on the prevention and treatment of aseptic loosening of prosthesis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A rat model of particle-induced osteolysis was used. Thirty-xis SD rats were divided into three groups: negative control group, positive control group and experiment group. Alendronate was administered by ig in experiment group. Positive control group and experiment group received intro-articular injections of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particles at 4, 6, 8, 10 weeks postoperatively. Negative control group was received injection with mixture solution of mouse serum and PBS only. All animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks after operation for histologic examination. In vitro human peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC)were separated and cultured and divided into five groups as group A: PBMC group, group B: PBMC and particles,group C:PBMC and particles with 10(-4) mol/L alendronate, group D:PBMC and particles with 10(-5) mol/L alendronate, group E: PBMC and particles with 10(-6) mol/L alendronate. The production of IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha in each group were tested.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Alendronate could prevent particle-induced osteolysis. The production of IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha was inhibited when alendronate was used.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Alendronate can inhibit bone absorptive factors expression induced by wear particles and may be used in the prevention and treatment of aseptic loosening of prosthesis.</p>

Treatment of the ununited lower limb fracture with reamed intramedullary interlocking nail / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical effect of the treatment of the ununited lower limb fracture with reamed intramedullary interlocking nail.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-two patients with ununited lower limb fracture were treated with intramedullary interlocking nail (femur 36, tibia 16). The main cause of nonunion was interternal fixation loosening or fracture (41 cases, 78.8%), other reasons included bone defection, bone infection or too much traction of fracture (11 cases, 21.2%). According to X-ray classification: 41 cases in type hypertrophy, 11 cases in type atrophy. All these patients need operation to remove the primary implant, clean the hard bone, ischemia bone and scar, manual ream and fix by intramedullary interlocking nail, then bone graft were done around the fracture site. With the knee joint stiffness, relax it by manipulate or operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Beside 3 superficial infection (2 delayed healing and 1 healing after debridement), other 49 wounds healed on time. All cases were followed up for an average of 25.2 months, ranging from 12 months to 39 months. All the ununion healed from 5 to 11 months, mean union time were 6.1 months. Deep tissue infection, fat embolism, implant loosening, nail broken or nonunion were not found in this series. According to judet standard on the movement of knee, the excellent-good rate was 82.7%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Intramedullary interlocking nail is effective to treat nonunion of lower limb fracture.</p>

Astragalus membranaceus reduces free radical-mediated injury to renal tubules in rabbits receiving high-energy shock waves / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Recent studies have revealed the important role of free radicals in renal damage induced by high-energy shock waves (HESW). This study aimed at investigating the effects of Astragalus membranaceus, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, on free radical-mediated HESW-induced damage to renal tubules in a live rabbit model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-five healthy male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: control group (n = 15), sham group (n = 15), and herb-treated group (n = 15). Three days prior to HESW application, the controls received verapamil (0.4 mg/kg), the shams received physiological saline (20 ml), and the herb-treated animals received Astragalus membranaceus (2.4 g/kg) intravenously. HESW (1500 shocks, 18 kV) was applied to the right kidneys of all anesthetized rabbits. We measured superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels before and after shock treatment in blood and kidney homogenates. Histopathological changes were also observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MDA levels increased and SOD activity decreased significantly in the sham group (P < 0.05 for both) after shock treatment. MDA levels showed a much less increase in the controls (P < 0.05) and did not increase to statistically significant levels in the group receiving Astragalus membranaceus (P > 0.05). SOD values were significantly higher in the controls than in the shams (P < 0.05). By contrast, SOD levels recovered rapidly in the rabbits receiving Astragalus membranaceus, reaching a nadir within 24 hours, and returning to baseline more quickly than in control and sham rabbits (P < 0.05). Histopathological examinations showed that renal tubular damage in the controls was less severe than in the shams, while damage in the Astragalus membranaceus group was even more mild, with rapid recovery in comparison with the controls.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This study provides preliminary evidence indicating that Astragalus membranaceus has strong protective effects on free radical-mediated renal tubular damage induced by HESW and that these effects are superior to the effects of verapamil.</p>