ABSTRACT
Titanium mesh cage is one of the fusion devices used in anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). It can not only immediately rebuild the stability of cervical spine during the operation, maintain the height and physiological curvature of intervertebral vertebrae, but also avoid the complications of bone donor area caused by autologous bone extraction. Therefore, titanium mesh cage has become the most commonly used internal plant in ACCF. However, there exist many problems in traditional titanium cage, such as stress shielding and titanium cage sinking, which will affect the surgical effect to a certain extent, and even lead to serious postoperative complications requiring revision surgery. At present, a variety of new titanium cages have been invented, which can solve the problems caused by traditional titanium cage to a certain extent. Biomechanical evaluation and its testing methods are an indispensable process for judging whether a new type of spinal fusion cage can be used in clinical practice. This article reviews the biomechanical studies related to cervical spine anatomy, the biomechanical properties of traditional titanium cages and new titanium cages, so as to provide new ideas for the improvement of traditional titanium cages and the development of new titanium cages.
ABSTRACT
Objective To determine the risk factors associated with early allograft dysfunction (EAD) after liver transplantation. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the records of 138 patients who underwent liver transplantation from January 2006 to October 2016 in our department. Transplant recipients were divided into two groups:those who met the diagnostic criteria of EAD (EAD group) and those who did not (non-EAD group). We compared blood flow into the transplanted livers and other clinical features between the two groups using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results Intraoperative portal vein flow (PVF) maximum was significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that intraoperative PVF maximum ＜1 600 mL/min was the only independent risk factor for the occurrence of EAD after liver transplantation in this cohort. Conclusion Intraoperative PVF maximum ＜1 600 mL/min is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of EAD after liver transplantation. Measuring intraoperative blood flow into the transplanted liver in liver transplant recipients may help identify patients at risk for developing EAD.
ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of exogenous transforming growth factor β1 on the apoptosis of nerve cells and its functions following spinal cord injury in rats.MethodsNinety-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:group A(control group),group B(spinal cord injured group),group C (spinal cord injuried +TGF-β1 treated group),group D (spinal cord injuried +anti-TGF-β1 treated group).The rat model of spinal cord injury was found by the Allen's method.In group C and D,drugs were injected into subarachnoid cavity continuously by minipump.The changes of spinal cord were observed by HE staining.Nerve cells apoptosis was detected by transferase-medi-ated dUTP nick end labeling (TNUEL) method and the expression of cell apoptosis factor Fas by immunohistochemistry staining.Functional recovery of hind limbs was measured by Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor open field behavioral rating test.ResultsThe expression of TGF-β1and Fas increased following spinal cord injury.The amount of TGF-β1and Fas reached the peak 7days and 1day after injury.The apoptosis of neuron had increased and peaked 8 hours after injury.The apoptosis of neuroglia cells had increased and peaked 7 dayss after injury.The slight changes was found in spinal cord in group C.Both of the number of apoptosis of nerve cells and expression of the apoptosis factor (Fas) decreased significantly; compare with group B and D.The BBB score was higher in group C than that in group B and D.ConclusionTGF-β1 can improve the functional recovery of spinal cord by inhibiting the nerve cell apoptosis after the spinal cord injury.