The Consistency Between the Preoperative 3D-Reconstructed Meckel's Cave and the Intraoperative Balloon Results in Percutaneous Balloon Compression.

Objective: To predict the volume and shape of the balloon before PBC by reconstructing the Meckel's cave (MC) and establishing a volumetric measurement model, supporting preoperative preparation and intraoperative decisions. Methods: The clinical data of 31 patients with good therapeutic effects who underwent PBC are retrospectively collected, including preoperative MRI, the volume of contrast agent injected into the balloon, and intraoperative lateral X-ray images. The MC on the affected side of the 31 patients is reconstructed based on MRI using 3D Slicer, while the volume of the MC is calculated to compare with the volume of contrast agent. The width (W) and length (L) of the model of the MC in lateral view are measured and used to classify the shape of the MC based on W/L. The consistency between the W/L of the model of the MC and the W/L of the intraoperative balloon is evaluated. Results: For volume, the mean value of the models of the MC (V1) in 31 patients is 399.77±155.13 mm³, while the mean value of the contrast agent injected during PBC (V2) is 539.03±111.93 mm³. The formula obtained by linear regression is V2= 392.1 + 0.3676×V1. Based on the value of W/L, the shape of the MC is classified into thin "pear" in 5 patients (16.13%), standard "pear" in 22 patients (70.97%), and square "pear" in 4 patients (12.90%). There is no significant difference in W/L between the models of the MC and the intraoperative balloons in 31 patients (P=0.221). Conclusion: In 31 patients with good efficacy, it is verified that the prediction of the MC before PBC by 3D Slicer is consistent with the actual situation of the intraoperative balloon. This method can provide certain basis for preoperative preparation and intraoperative judgment.

Effect of Nogo-A gene inhibition on dopamine release in PC12 cells.

OBJECTIVES: Reticulon proteins, which are localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, have recently been shown to be involved in hormone secretion, in particular RTN1 and RTN3. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of Nogo-A gene expression knockdown by RNA interference (RNAi) on dopamine release in PC12 cells. METHODS: A small hairpin RNA (shRNA) eukaryotic expression vector, targeting the Nogo-A gene, was constructed and transfected into cultured PC12 cells by lipofecamine2000. Inhibition of Nogo-A gene expression was detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blot analysis. Following transfection, dopamine release was detected by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The pGenesil-1-Nogo-A-2 plasmid was identified by gene sequencing. After transfection of the recombinant vector in PC12 cells, Nogo-A gene expression was significantly inhibited (p<0.01). Compared with the empty vector control group, dopamine release significantly decreased within 48 hours after transfection. CONCLUSION: Results from this study suggest that Nogo-A might be involved in the mechanism of DA release in PC12 cells.

Knocking-down of Nogo-A gene expression in PC12 cell line by plasmid-based RNAi.

To study the inhibitory effect of Nogo-A shRNA on cell line PC12, the Nogo-A shRNA (short hairpin RNA, or shRNA) was designed and synthesized. The annealed shRNA template was inserted into plasmid pGenesil-1 containing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene by gene cloning technique to generate eukaryotic expression vector. The recombinant plasmid was transfected into PC12 cells by lipofecamine2000 and the mRNA and protein expression level of Nogo-A gene was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting 48 h after the transfection. Gene sequencing showed that that the Nogo-A shRNA eukaryotic expression vector was successfully constructed. No significant change was found in the Nogo-A mRNA and protein expression level in empty vector-transfected group as compared with controls (P>0.05), while the expression level in shRNA-transfected group decreased significantly (P<0.05). It is concluded that the pGenesil-1/Nogo-AshRNA recombinant plasmid can effectively suppress the expression of Nogo-A gene in PC12 cells.

[Expression of PCNA and LNGFr in olfactory epithelium of patients suffering from dysosmia caused by chronic sinusitis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of PCNA and LNGFr in olfactory epithelium of patients suffering from dysosmia caused by chronic sinusitis, and the function of LNGFr. METHOD: Forty-six patients undergoing FESS were chosen. Before operation, their olfactory functions were examined with CCCRC. According to their CCCRC scores, they were divided into three groups. Group A: Patients with chronic sinusitis and dysosmia 25 cases; Group B: Patients with chronic sinusitis and a normal olfactory function 10 cases; Group C: Patients with deviation of nasal septum and a normal olfactory function 11 cases. The expressions of PCNA and LNGFr were measured in olfactory mucosas of the three groups by immunohistochemistry. RESULT: In basal cells, the expression of PCNA and LNGFr in group A was higher than that in group B (P < 0.01). and in group C (P < 0.01). There was negative correlation between positive cells of PCNA and CCCRC score in basal cells of group A (r = -0.7441, P < 0.01); There was negative correlation between integral optical density of LNGFr and CCCRC score in basal cells of group A (r = -0.4407, P < 0.05). There was positive correlation between positive cells of PCNA and integral optical density of LNGFr in basal cells of group A (r = 0.5317, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Basal cells proliferated dramatically in patients suffering from dysosmia caused by chronic sinusitis. The proliferating capacity of basal cells was related to up-regulation of LNGFr expression.