Thymosin Beta-4 Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus Enhances Human Nucleus Pulposus Cell Proliferation and Reduces Cell Apoptosis and Senescence / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Thymosin beta-4 (TB-4) is considered key roles in tissue development, maintenance and pathological processes. The study aimed to prove TB-4 positive biological function on nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis and slowing the process of cell aging while increasing the cell proliferation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>TB-4 recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) was constructed and induced to human NP cells. Cell of same group were cultured without gene modification as controlled group. Proliferation capacity and cell apoptosis were observed during 6 passages of the cells. Morphology and expression of the TB-4 gene were documented as parameter of cell activity during cell passage.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>NP cells with TB-4 transfection has normal TB-4 expression and exocytosis. NP cells with TB-4 transfection performed significantly higher cell activity than that at the control group in each generation. TB-4 recombinant AAV-transfected human NP cells also show slower cell aging, lower cell apoptosis and higher cell proliferation than control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>TB-4 can prevent NP cell apoptosis, slow NP cell aging and promote NP cell proliferation. AAV transfection technique was able to highly and stably express TB-4 in human NP cells, which may provide a new pathway for innovation in the treatment of intervertebral disc degenerative diseases.</p>

Study on the rotary angle, plain radiographs and CT appearance in unilateral locked facet of cervical spine / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the rotary angle and image features, so as to help early diagnosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Four adult cervical spine (C1-T1) specimens were used, including 2 males and 2 females,ranging in age from 28 to 40 years old. X-ray and CT examination were performed before the experiment. C2-C4 and C5-T1 were fixed respectively using self-made clamp. Unilateral locked facet of cervical spine was simulated under the violence of inflection and rotation, in which the muscle contraction was partially simulated, and at last the plain radiographs and CT of unilateral locked facet of cervical spine were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In unilateral locked facet of cervical spine, the average rotary angle was 19.75 degrees, and average forward shift of vertebral was 3.68 mm. The intervertebral foramina below the injury plane were showed at 0 degrees,10 degrees, 180 degrees,190 degrees; the intervertebral foramina above the injury plane were showed at 150 degrees,160 degrees, 00 degrees, -10 degrees, and the facet was locked or in disorder at the injury plane. The intervertebral foramina at the anterior oblique position was bigger in interlocking side, but it was smaller in the opposite side. CT scan showed rotary spine, the naked facet sign; coronal plane reconstruction showed bilateral asymmetry; sagittal plane reconstruction obviously showed unilateral locked facet.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>X-ray and CT both can independently diagnose unilateral locked facet of cervical spine. CT and three-dimensional reconstruction are more better than X-ray to diagnosing it.</p>

Clinical study on multi-segmental pedicle screw implantation in the treatment of middle-upper thoracic spine fracture and dislocation / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To review a group of clinical data of pedicle screw implantation in the treatment of middle-upper thoracic fracture and dislocation and explore these clinical effect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Through the retrospective analysis of 23 patients (31 vertebraes) of middle-upper thoracic fracture and dislocation included 21 male and 2 female,aged from 20 to 47 years in average of 33.5 years. The location and type of fractures were as follows: 2 in T2, 2 in T3, 5 in T4, 6 in T5, 10 in T6, 4 in T7, 2 in T8. Three cases were compression fractures, 7 burst fractures, 9 fracture-dislocations, 4 burst-dislocations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After a followed-up from 3 to 48 months, average 25.5 months, all cases had no serious complications. Anterior height of affected vertebral bodies had been restored from 40.4% to 90.3% after operation. Patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries improved one to two grades according to ASIA grade of spinal cord injury. Patients with complete spinal cord injuries improved 21.7 scores on average according to Sensory and Motion Scores.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Multi-segmental pedicle screw implantation for the injuries of vertebral body may get satisfactory reduction and fixation effects, and prevent the long-term loss of the vertebral body height and implanting failure.</p>

Study on repairing injured middle brain by Schwann cells transplantation / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the ability of grafted Schwann cells to promote restore of injured neurons in rat.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Schwann cells labeled by BrdU in vitro transplanted into rat middle brain area prior to injure with electric needle stimulus. Immunohistochemistry and image analyzer were used to investigate the expression of BrdU and GAP-43 as well as quantitative analysis respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>BrdU positive cells could be identified for up to 8 months and the number increased about 15%, which mainly migrated toward injured ipsilateral cortex. The GAP-43 expression reached its peak one month after transplantation and was significant compared with control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The transplantation of Schwann cells could promote the restoration of injured neurons.</p>