Unique characteristics of "the second brain" - The enteric nervous system / 生理学报

Enteric nervous system (ENS) is composed of intestinal submucosal and myenteric plexuses. ENS may independently regulate intestinal digestive and absorptive function, and it is also known as "the second brain" or gut brain. ENS has significant specificity relative to central nervous system (CNS) in properties and functional activities of neurons and neural circuits. ENS is connected with CNS through the feedback pathway (brain-gut-axis) of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves and peripheral primary sensory afferent nerves to form the bidirectional brain-gut-axis, which may affect emotion, appetite and behavioral states of individuals. Gastrointestinal functional disorder (GIFD) induced by ENS dysfunction may not only cause abnormal gastrointestinal function but also has been implicated in cognitive and mood disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). GIFD would influence deeply the quality of life in patients. Nevertheless, in the worldwide, ENS has so far received much less attention as compared with CNS. The depth of research and scale of investment in ENS studies have been much lower than those in CNS studies. The situation in China is even more evident. From ENS research history, an outstanding problem is to ignore largely the unique properties of ENS and apply mechanically the hypotheses formed in CNS studies to ENS researches. In this review, the structure and function of ENS are briefly introduced, and the importance of extraordinary characteristics of ENS is illustrated by the problems encountered in our studies.

Effect of Minocycline on Acute Closed Spinal Cord Injury in Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the neuroprotective effect of minocycline on the secondary injury after acute closed spinal cord injury in rats. Methods:A total of 24 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into saline group (n = 8), magnesium chloride group (n = 8) and minocycline group (n = 8). The closed spinal cord injury model was prepared with balloon compression in the dorsal spinal cord of rat, which was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging. All rats were successively administered their own drugs for seven days after injury, respectively. They were assessed with BBB score two to 31 days after operation. Their motor-evoked potential and sensory-evoked potential were detected 31 days after operation, and then Luxol Fast Blue was used to observe the area of secondary injury. Results:Animal magnetic resonance imaging showed hypointense in T2 images in T10 spinal cord. BBB score was more in the minocycline group than in the saline group since 17 days after operation (P < 0.05). The amplitude of motor-evoked potential was higher in the minocycline group than in the saline group (P < 0.05), while the area of secondary injury was less (P < 0.05). Conclusion:Minocycline may protect the nerves from secondary injury after acute spinal cord injury.

An Experimental Study on the Optimal Timing for the Repair of Incomplete Facial Paralysis by Hypoglossal-facial 'Side'-to-side Neurorrhaphy in Rats / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the optimal timing for the repair of persistent incomplete facial paralysis by hypoglossal-facial 'side'-to-side neurorrhaphy in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 30 adult rats with crushed and bulldog-clamped facial nerve injury were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 6 each) that were subjected to injury without nerve repair or with immediate repair, 2-week-delayed repair, 4-week-delayed repair, or 8-week-delayed repair. Three months later, the effects of repair in each rat were evaluated by facial symmetry assessment, electrophysiological examination, retrograde labeling, and axon regeneration measurement.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At 3 months after injury, the alpha angle significantly increased in the group of rats with 4-week-delayed repair compared with the other four groups. Upon stimulation of the facial nerve or Pre degenerated nerve, the muscle action potentials MAPs were recorded in the whisker pad muscle, and the MAP amplitude and area under the curve in the 4-week-delayed repair group were significantly augmented at 3 months post-injury. Similarly, the number of retrograde-labeled motor neurons in the facial and hypoglossal nuclei was quantified to be significantly greater in the 4-week-delayed repair group than in the other groups, and a large number of regenerated axons was also observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results of this study demonstrated that hemiHN-FN neurorrhaphy performed 4 weeks after facial nerve injury was most effective in terms of the functional recovery of axonal regeneration and activation of facial muscles.</p>

Effect of matrine on transforming growth factor β1 and hepatocyte growth factor in rat liver fibrosis model

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the preventive and control effect of matrine on transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) of liver fibrosis tissue in rats.@*METHODS@#A total of 48 SD rats were randomly divided into A, B, C, D groups with 12 in each, group A as the normal control group and groups B, C, D as liver fibrosis models using composite modulus method with carbon tetrachloride (CCL4). Group B was the model group, group C adopted γ-interferon lavage therapy in the second day of modeling, and group D adopted matrine lavage treatment, at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Six rats were executed for detection of TGF-β1 and HGF, liver tissue histology and comparison fibrosis degree changes of rat liver tissue between groups.@*RESULTS@#Groups B, C, D showed a more significantly increased TGF-β1 at each time point compared with group A (P<0.05); Group B showed a more significantly increased TGF-β1 than groups C and D at weeks 4 and 8 (P<0.05); group D showed a lowest level of TGF-β1, followed by groups C and B. HGF of group B decreased more significantly than A group at weeks 4 and 8 (P<0.05); HGF of groups C and D was significantly elevated at 4 and 8 weeks than groups A and B (P<0.05), in which the group D showed the highest level of HGF. According to tissue histologic observation, rat liver tissue structure of group A was clear and normal, tissue structure of group B was destroyed with obvious fibrous tissue hyperplasia and fatty change of hepatic cells; groups C and D showed a slighter liver tissue damage, cell necrosis and connective tissue hyperplasia in collect abbacy than group B with a trend of obvious improvement.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Matrine can reduce TGF-β1 expression and enhance the activity of HGF, so as to realize the inhibition effect on liver fibrosis in rats.

Glucocorticoid receptor agonist dexamethasone attenuates renal ischemia/reperfusion injury by up-regulating eNOS/iNOS / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into Sham group, IRI group and DEX group. The mice in IRI and DEX groups subjected to renal ischemia for 60 min, were treated with saline or DEX (4 mg/kg, i.p.) 60 min prior to I/R. After 24 h of reperfusion, the renal function, renal pathological changes, activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and the levels of iNOS and eNOS were detected. The results showed DEX significantly decreased the damage to renal function and pathological changes after renal IRI. Pre-treatment with DEX reduced ERK activation and down-regulated the level of iNOS, whereas up-regulated the level of eNOS after renal IRI. DEX could further promote the activation of GR. These findings indicated GR activation confers preconditioning-like protection against acute IRI partially by up-regulating the ratio of eNOS/iNOS.

Glucocorticoid receptor agonist dexamethasone attenuates renal ischemia/reperfusion injury by up-regulating eNOS/iNOS / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into Sham group, IRI group and DEX group. The mice in IRI and DEX groups subjected to renal ischemia for 60 min, were treated with saline or DEX (4 mg/kg, i.p.) 60 min prior to I/R. After 24 h of reperfusion, the renal function, renal pathological changes, activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and the levels of iNOS and eNOS were detected. The results showed DEX significantly decreased the damage to renal function and pathological changes after renal IRI. Pre-treatment with DEX reduced ERK activation and down-regulated the level of iNOS, whereas up-regulated the level of eNOS after renal IRI. DEX could further promote the activation of GR. These findings indicated GR activation confers preconditioning-like protection against acute IRI partially by up-regulating the ratio of eNOS/iNOS.

Effect of tensile stress on human heel skin fibroblast proliferation in vitro / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of tensile stress on human heel skin fibroblast proliferation in vitro, providing a theoretical basis for preventing the wound edge skin necrosis and nonunion after calcaneal fracture surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fibroblast cells were taken from lateral heel skin of a 40 year-old-man, then cultured and subcultured in vitro. After that, they were divided into three groups: 0 hours group, 6 hours group and 24 hours group and were tested by tensile stress testing. The levels of TGF-β1 and IL-6 in nutrient fluid were measured. Transmission electron microscope and light microscope was applied for observe mitochondria and nucleus.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Under 10% of the tensile stress, mitochondria decreased, the levels of TGF-β1 and IL-6 in nutrient fluid were decreased and cell proliferation was inhibited gradually with time increasing.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The human lateral heel skin in a long-time tensile stress state is an important cause of wound edge skin necrosis and nonunion after calcaneus fracture surgery.</p>

Co-transplantation of neural stem cells and Schwann cells within poly (L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds facilitates axonal regeneration in hemisected rat spinal cord / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Various tissue engineering strategies have been developed to facilitate axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury. This study aimed to investigate whether neural stem cells (NSCs) could survive in poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds and, when cografted with Schwann cells (SCs), could be induced to differentiate towards neurons which form synaptic connection and eventually facilitate axonal regeneration and myelination and motor function.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>NSCs and SCs which were seeded within the directional PLGA scaffolds were implanted in hemisected adult rat spinal cord. Control rats were similarly injured and implanted of scaffolds with or without NSCs. Survival, migration, differentiation, synaptic formation of NSCs, axonal regeneration and myelination and motor function were analyzed. Student's t test was used to determine differences in surviving percentage of NSCs. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the differences in the number of axons myelinated in the scaffolds, the mean latency and amplitude of cortical motor evoked potentials (CMEPs) and Basso, Beattie & Bresnahan locomotor rating scale (BBB) score. The χ(2) test was used to determine the differences in recovery percentage of CMEPs.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>NSCs survived, but the majority migrated into adjacent host cord and died mostly. Survival rate of NSCs with SCs was higher than that of NSCs without SCs ((1.7831 ± 0.0402)% vs. (1.4911 ± 0.0313)%, P < 0.001). Cografted with SCs, NSCs were induced to differentiate towards neurons and might form synaptic connection. The mean number of myelinated axons in PLGA + NSCs + SCs group was more than that in PLGA + NSCs group and in PLGA group ((110.25 ± 30.46) vs. (18.25 ± 3.30) and (11.25 ± 5.54), P < 0.01). The percentage of CMEPs recovery in PLGA + NSCs + SCs group was higher than in the other groups (84.8% vs. 50.0% and 37.5%, P < 0.05). The amplitude of CMEPs in PLGA + NSCs + SCs group was higher than in the other groups ((1452.63 ± 331.70) µV vs. (428.84 ± 193.01) µV and (117.33 ± 14.40) µV, P < 0.05). Ipsilateral retransection resulted in disappearance again and functional loss of CMEPs for a few days. But contralateral retransection completely damaged the bilateral motor function.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>NSCs can survive in PLGA scaffolds, and SCs promote NSCs to survive and differentiate towards neurons in vivo which even might form synaptic connection. The scaffolds seeded with cells facilitate axonal regeneration and myelination and motor function recovery. But regenerating axons have limited contribution to motor function recovery.</p>

Simplified pancreatoduodenectomy for complex blunt pancreaticoduodenal injury / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

A 34-year-old man admitted to our department with complex blunt pancreaticoduodenal injury after a car accident. The wall of the first, second, and third portions of the duodenum was extensively lacerated, and the pancreas was longitudinally transected along the superior mesenteric vein-portal vein trunk. The pancreatic head and the uncinate process were devitalized and the distal common bile duct and the proximal main pancreatic duct were completely detached from the Vater ampulla. The length of the stump of distal common bile located at the cut surface of remnant pancreas was approximately 0.6 cm. A simplified Kausch-Whipple's procedure was performed after debridement of the devitalized pancreatic head and resection of the damaged duodenum in which the stump of distal common bile duct and the pancreatic remnant were embedded into the jejunal loop. Postoperative wound abscess appeared that eventually recovered by conservative treatment. During 16 months follow-up the patient has been stable and healthy. A simplified pancreaticoduodenectomy is a safe alternative for the Whipple procedure in managing complex pancreaticoduodenal injury in a hemodynamically stable patient.

Molecular characterization of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1)viruses isolated from humans in Hunan province,2006-2009 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the possible origins,genetic re-assortment and molecular characterization of 4 highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1)viruses isolated from humans in Hunan province,between 2006 and 2009,Methods H5N1 PCR test-positive specimens were inoculated in embryonated eggs while H5N1 virus was isolated and genomes sequenced.Genome homology and genetic molecular characterization were analyzed by BLAST and MEGA 4.0.Results All gene segments of the 4 viruses were avian in origin.No re-assortment was found between avian influenza A(H5N1)viruses and human seasonal influenza viruses.Virnses that isolated from domestic poultry shared high similarity with the 4 human viruses in gene homology.Data from the whole genome phylogenetic analysis showed that the 4 viruses were in clade 2.3.4,while 2 viruses belonged to genotype V,and another 2 were new genotypes.Results from molecular characterization showed that amino acid sequences of HA cleavage site of the 4 viruses were PLRERRKR/G.All 4 viruses had A160T mutation in HA,a 20 amino acid deletion in the neuraminidase(NA)stalk at position 49-68,and a 5 amino acid deletion in the non-structural protein 1(NS1).Most sites in the HA molecules showed that the viruses preferentially bound to avian influenza virus receptor.However,T192I mutation that might enhance the α2,6-linked sialic acid human influenza receptor binding had emerged in HN/1/09 and HN/2/09.D701N mutation of PB2 that increased the virulence in mice was found in HN/1/08.Analysis on drug resistance gene amino acid showed that all 4 viruses were sensitive to amantadine and oseltamivir.Conclusion Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1)viruses isolated from humans in Hunan province from 2006 to 2009 were avian in origin,and the 4 viruses belonged to different genotypes.Some mutations that related to virulence and receptor binding positions had emerged in some of the strains.

Expression and significance of sonic hedgehog signaling pathway-related components in brainstem and supratentorial astrocytomas / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Studies have shown that abnormal activation of the sonic hedgehog pathway is closely related to tumorigenesis in central nervous system. This study aimed to investigate the role of the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway in the occurrence of brainstem and supratentorial glioma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of sonic hedgehog-related components in 5 specimens of normal brain tissue, 10 of grade II brainstem glioma, and 10 of grade II supratentorial glioma. The significance of differences between two groups was determined using the Mann-Whitney U test or the two-sample test according to the results of normality distribution tests.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mRNA expression levels of sonic hedgehog-related genes were higher in brainstem astrocytomas than in supratentorial astrocytomas and normal brain tissue. The level of protein patched homolog 1 (PTCH1) was significantly higher in brainstem astrocytomas than in supratentorial astrocytomas and normal brain tissue (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry semi-quantitative analysis was consistent with the qRT-PCR result that PTCH1 expression was increased significantly in brainstem astrocytomas at the protein level (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Enhanced PTCH1 expression and activation of the sonic hedgehog pathway are involved in brainstem glioma. This may be related to the difference in malignant biological behavior between brainstem and hemispheric glioma, and could be an ideal therapeutic target in brainstem glioma.</p>

Functional recovery following traumatic spinal cord injury mediated by a unique polymer scaffold seeded with neural stem cells and Schwann cells / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The most important objective of transplant studies in the injured spinal cord has been to provide a favorable environment for axonal growth. Moreover, the continuing discovery of new grafts is providing new potentially interesting transplant candidates. Our purpose was to observe the morphological and functional repair effects of the co-transplantation of neural stem cell (NSC), Schwann cells (SCs) and poly lactide-co-glycolide acid (PLGA) on the spinal cord injury of rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A scaffold of PLGA was fabricated. NSCs and SCs were cultured, with the NSCs labeled with 5-bromodeoxyuridine, and the complex of NSC/PLGA or NSC + SCs/PLGA were constructed. Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: group A (transplantation of PLGA), group B (transplantation of NSC/PLGA) and group C (transplantation of NSC + SCs/PLGA). The 3 mm length of the right hemicord was removed under the microscope in all rats. The PLGA or the complex of PLGA-cells were implanted into the injury site. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotion scores, motor and somatosensory evoked potential of lower limbs were examined to learn the rehabilitation of sensory and motor function at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks after injury. All the recovered spinal cord injury (SCI) tissues were observed with HE staining, immunohistochemistry, and transelectronmicroscopy to identify the survival, migration and differentiation of the transplanted cells and the regeneration of neural fibres at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks after injury.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) From 4 weeks to 24 weeks after injury, the BBB locomotion scores of cell-transplanted groups were better than those of the non-cell-transplanted group, especially group C (P < 0.05). The amplitudes of the somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) and motor-evoked potential (MEP) were improved after injury in groups B and C, but the amplitude of SEP and MEP at 4 weeks was lower than that at 12 weeks and 24 weeks after injury. Compared with group B, the amplitude of SEP and MEP in group C was improved. The amplitude of SEP and MEP was not improved after injury in group A. (2) HE staining revealed the volume of the scaffold decreased and the number of cells in the scaffold increased. Newly-grown capillaries also could be seen. Immunohistochemistry staining showed the transplanted NSCs could survive and migrate until 24 weeks and they could differentiate into neurons and oligodendrocytes. The regenerated axons were observed in the scaffold-cell complex with transelectronmicroscopy. The above manifestations were more extensive in group C.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The transplanted NSC can survive and migrate in the spinal cord of rats up to 24 weeks after injury, and they can differentiate into various neural cells. Co-transplantation of cells/PLGA can promote the functional recovery of the injured spinal cord. The effect of co-transplanting NSC + SCs/PLGA is better than transplanting NSC/PLGA alone.</p>

Evaluation of long-term visual performance following AcrySof ReSTOR lens implantation / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Multifocal lens has become popular in cataract surgery. Short-term outcome after AcrySof ReSTOR Lens implantation had been reported by many studies, but long-term visual performance and the effect of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) on visual performance need further investigation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This retrospective study involved 54 eyes from 41 cataract patients implanted with ReSTOR lens, with a follow-up period of 12 to 31 months. Manifest refraction spherical equivalence (MRSE), monocular uncorrected and best-corrected distance visual acuity, uncorrected and distance-corrected near and intermediate visual acuity, contrast sensitivity were assessed. The effect of PCO on visual performance was evaluated by comparing visual parameters between pre and post-capsulotomy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Uncorrected distance visual acuity of eyes with MRSE within +/-0.5 diopter (D) was better than those with MRSE greater than +/-0.5 D (P < 0.05). Uncorrected distance and near visual acuity (LogMAR) was 0.10 and 0.17 respectively. Best corrected distance visual acuity and best distance-corrected near visual acuity (LogMAR) was 0.00 and 0.16, a significant improvement was noted after correction (P = 0.000, P = 0.001, respectively). Contrast sensitivity logarithm was comparable with the normal value at difference spatial frequencies except at 12 cpd. In 5 eyes with mild PCO, post-capsulotomy visual parameters were better than pre-capsulotomy (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ReSTOR lens provides a good long-term distance and near vision, functional intermediate vision and contrast sensitivity. Mild PCO significantly affects visual performance and needs early intervention.</p>

Induction of functional recovery by co-transplantation of neural stem cells and Schwann cells in a rat spinal cord contusion injury model / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the transplantation efficacy of neural stem cells (NSCs) and Schwann cells (SC) in a rat model of spinal cord contusion injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) and Schwann cells were harvested from the spinal cords of embryonic rats at 16 days post coitus and sciatic nerves of newborn rats, respectively. The differential characteristics of NSCs in vitro induced by either serum-based culture or co-culture with SC were analyzed by immunofluorescence. NSCs and SCs were co-transplanted into adult rats having undergone spinal cord contusion at T9 level. The animals were weekly monitored using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor rating system to evaluate functional recovery from contusion-induced spinal cord injury. Migration and differentiation of transplanted NSCs were studied in tissue sections using immunohistochemical staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Embryonic spinal cord-derived NSCs differentiated into a large number of oligodendrocytes in serum-based culture upon the withdrawal of mitogens. In cocultures with SCs, NSCs differentiated into neuron more readily. Rats with spinal cord contusion injury which had undergone transplantation of NSCs and SCs into the intraspinal cavity demonstrated a moderate improvement in motor functions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>SC may contribute to neuronal differentiation of NSCs in vitro and in vivo. Transplantation of NSCs and SCs into the affected area may be a feasible approach to promoting motor recovery in patients after spinal cord injury.</p>

Action of Schwann cells implanted in cerebral hemorrhage lesion / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate whether there is neogenesis of myelin sheath and neuron after transplantation of Schwann cells into cerebral hemorrhage lesion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Schwann cells were expanded, labeled with BrdU in vitro and transplanted into rat cerebral hemorrhage with blood extracted from femoral artery and then injected into the basal nuclei. Double immunohistochemistry staining and electron microscopy were used to detect the expression of BrdU/MBP and BrdU/GAP-43 and remyelination.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>BrdU/MBP double positive cells could be seen at 1 week up to 16 weeks after transplantation of Schwann cells. Thin remyelination was observed under electron microscope. GAP-43 positive cells appeared after 12 weeks and were found more in Hippocamp.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Grafted Schwann cells participate in remyelination and promoter nerve restore in rat cerebral hemorrhage.</p>

Research about schwann cells and PLGA implanted to rat transected spinal cord / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the recovery of rat transected spinal cord injury after implantation of Schwann cells combined with poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Schwann cells were expanded, co-cultured with PLGA for 9 days in vitro, and then analyzed with scanning electron microscope (SEM). Rat spinal cord at the level of T(9) was transected. Schwann cells labeled with BrdU and PLGA scaffold were implanted to injury site. After 1, 3, 6 months, BrdU/MBP immunohistochemistry double staining, semi-thin sections stained thionin and ultra-thin section were performed to investigate myelin renew. BBB open field locomotion, motor evoked potential (MEP), compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Schwann cells grew well on PLGA under SEM. BrdU/MBP double positive cells would been seen, remyelination was thin and formed by Schwann cells at 6 months later under electron microscope (EM). BBB behavioral tests revealed no significant difference in recovery comparing with experiment group and control group. The results of MEP, CMAP and SEP showed no significant improvement in the conduction of spinal cord.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There are the compatibility between Schwann cells and PLGA. Although remyelination was found in morphology, function conduction of spinal cord failed to be established.</p>

Laboratory diagnosis and molecular characterization of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) in human in Hunan Province in 2005-2006 / 病毒学报

To determine the etiologic agents of two atypical pneumonia human cases in Hunan Province in 2005-2006 and to study their pathogenic potential, the patients' respiratory tract samples and sera were collected. The respiratory tract samples were tested by real-time RT-PCR and RT-PCR methods, and the sera by hemagglutination-inhibition assay. Virus was isolated from case 2 and its genome was sequenced and analyzed. Results showed the H5 nucleic acid tests of two cases were positive. The H5-specific antibody titer of the convalescence serum of case 1 showed a 4-fold greater rise than that of the acute phase. And case 2's antibody titer of acute phase was negative. The two atypical pneumonia cases were confirmed as the avian influenza A (H5N1) infection cases. Viral strain A/Hunan/1/2006 was isolated from case 2. Phylogenetic and molecular analysis suggested that 8 gene segments of A/Hunan/1/2006 originated from avian viruses. And A/Hunan/1/2006 was similar with viruses isolated from avian in Hunan Province. The isolated virus did not recombine with human influenza viruses and no obvious variation was observed.

The first confirmed human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) in mainland, China / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To ascertain the causation of a family cluster involving two undefined pneumonia cases, a 12-year-old girl and her brother, reported October, 2005 in Xiangtan county, Hunan province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Information on epidemiology and clinical manifestation of the cases was collected from interviewing the keyman and referring to related medical records. The environment exposure of the cases to their households and the timeline of the illness were reproduced, using this information. Medical check-up was undergone among the close contacts of the cases and on sick/dead poultry. Throat swab of the cases were collected and tested by both RT-PCR and real-time PCR to detect viral nucleic acids of A/H5N1, and were then inoculated into special pathogen free (SPF) embryonated hens' eggs. Serum of the cases including acute and convalescent phases were also collected and tested by microneutralization and haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) assays to detect H5-specific antibodies.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Both the girl and her brother developed fever 2 and 4 days after sudden deaths of chickens being raised in the same house. Both of them had developed pneumonia and the girl died from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) complicated with multi-organ failure. The boy survived and subsequently discharged from hospital. An eighth-day serum from the girl tested H5 antibody negative, while 4-fold and greater increased in antibody titers were detected in serum from the boy using microneutralization and HI assays in sequential acute and convalescent sera. Of 192 cases, only one doctor who cared for the girl during hospitalization had upper respiratory symptoms but tested negative for H5N1 by microneutralization assay.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The boy was the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) in the mainland of China and his sister was diagnosed clinically. The most probable explanation of these two cases was that the transmission of H5N1 virus from infected poultry within the same household environment. No evidence of human-to-human transmission was noted in the family cluster.</p>

Laboratory diagnoses of the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) in the mainland of China / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>To determine the etiologic agent of an atypical pneumonia human case admitted to Xiangtan City hospital, Hunan Province in Oct. 2005.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The patient's respiratory tract samples and serum were collected. Throat swabs were tested by microneutralization and hemagglutination-inhibition assays.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results of nucleic acid detection of all respiratory samples were negative and virus isolation was also negative. The H5-specific antibodies of convalescence showed a 4-fold greater rise than acute phase.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The atypical pneumonias case was confirmed as the first human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) infection in the mainland of China.</p>

Ultrastructure of neural stem cells of Wistar rats cultured in vitro / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo detect the ultrastructure of neural stem cells (NSCs) cultured in vitro .MethodsNSCs separated from the cortex of 17—19 days Wistar rat fetus were cultured and induced to differentiate in vitro. Electron microscopes were used to visualize the ultrastructure of these cells before and after differentiation.ResultsNSCs had the similar cellular size, morphology and intracellular structures pre-differentiation. Cells were able to proliferate via mitosis. The nucleus/cytoplasm ratio was very high. The nucleus was poly-morphological. Cells had very little cytoplasm and no mature organelles. After differentiation, several processes protruded out from cellular surface. Cells became flat shape, the volume of cytoplasm increased dramatically and various kinds of mature organelles appeared in the cytoplasm. Cells differentiated into two kinds of cells,neural cells and glial cells,with quite different morphology and intracellular structure. ConclusionNSC is one kind of original cells which can be induced to differentiate into mature neural cells and glial cells.