Activation of p38MAPK in spinal microglia contributes to autologous nucleus pulposus-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in a modified rat model of lumbar disk herniation.

Recent studies have implicated the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and glial cells contribute to hyperalgesia following nerve injury or nerve compression. In our work, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of autologous nucleus pulposus (NP)-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in a modified rat model of lumbar disk herniation (LDH). Firstly, our results showed that 50% mechanical withdrawal threshold (50% MWT) decreased on postoperative day (POD) 1 and significantly minimally reduced on POD 7 and lasted for day 28 after surgery (P < 0.05). Secondly, phosphorylation of p38MAPK (p-p38MAPK) and glial cells were monitored on POD 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 using immunofluorescence staining. P38MAPK activation, observed in the spinal cord, began to increase on POD 1, peaked on POD 3, and significantly decreased on POD 14 and POD 28 (P < 0.05). Microglia activation was initiated at day 1, maximal at day 3, and maintained until day 14 after surgery (P < 0.05). Astrocytic activation was found in 7 to 14 days after modelling (P < 0.05). Then, double immunostaining method was applied to observe the co-expression of p-p38MAPK and glial cells, and it showed that p-p38MAPK was mainly expressed in activated microglia, rarely in neurons, and none in astrocytes. Lastly, we discovered that both SB203580 (50ug, p38MAPK inhibitor) and minocycline (0.5 mg, microglial inhibitor) would inhibit the p-p38MAPK protein expression tested by western blot analysis and reduce mechanical hyperalgesia. In conclusion, current study suggest that activation or phosphorylation of p38MAPK in spinal microglia contributes to autologous NP-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in our animal model.

Correlation between serum P450arom and sex hormones in males with late-onset hypogonadism: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The research aimed to investigate the correlation between serum P450arom and sex hormones in males with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 97 LOH patients and 301 matched healthy males of same age underwent androgen deficiency in the aging males (ADAM) and aging males' symptoms (AMS) scales as well as basic questionnaire survey. Serum P450arom, sex hormones, fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles were tested. General information, P450arom and sex hormone levels were compared between the LOH group and the control group. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between serum P450arom concentration and AMS score, blood glucose, lipid profiles, body mass index (BMI) and sex hormones. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the fasting blood glucose, body mass index (BMI), and Estrogen/Total Testosterone ratio (E2/TT) were significantly increased in LOH group (p<0.05), while TT, E2 and testosterone secreting index (TSI) were significantly decreased (p<0.05). No significant difference in P450arom concentration was observed between the two groups (p>0.05). The serum P450arom concentration was not related to TT, E2/TT, AMS score, and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that the serum P450arom concentration is unrelated to LOH symptom score and sex hormone levels and could not be used as an observation index and diagnostic basis for LOH.

[Clinical application of folded free radial forearm flaps for reconstruction of full-tickness cheek defects after resection of buccal carcinoma].

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of folded free radial forearm flaps (RFF) for reconstruction of full-tickness cheek defects after the resection of buccal carcinoma.Method:Seventeen cases of buccal carcinoma received radical neck dissection with cheekectomy and mandibulectomy, and the folded RFF to reconstruct full-tickness cheek defects simultaneously. Preoperative Allen test, ultrasonic doppler blood flow meter examination or computed tomography angiography confirmed good vascular condition of the forearm. Result: RFF were obtained from all patients, and completely survived. During the follow-up period of 6-36 months, the lateral morphology of the cheek was restored well and the mouth opening is normal. Language and swallowing function recovered well, without salivation or cheek biting. There were no obvious complications in the donor site. One case（T3N1M0）died of pulmonary metastatic carcinoma a year later. Conclusion:The success rate is high and the morphology and function recovered well of the folded RFF for reconstruction of full-tickness cheek defects, so it is a reliable method to reconstruct full-tickness cheek defects after the resection of buccal carcinoma.

Plasmonic reflection color filters with metallic random nanostructures.

We develop reflective color filters with randomly distributed nanodisks and nanoholes fabricated with hydrogen silsesquioxane and Ag films on silicon substrate. They exhibit high resolution, angle-independence and easily up-scalable fabrication, which are the most important factors for color filters for industrial applications. We uncover the underlying mechanism after systematically analyzing the localized surface plasmon polariton coupling in the electric-field distribution. The agreement of the experimental results with those from the simulation indicates that tunable colors across the visible spectrum can be obtained by simply varying the diameter of the nanodisks, promoting their applications.

[Curative effect analysis of the vestibular rehabilitation training on residual dizziness after successful canalith repositioning maneuvers in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo].

Objective:To explore the curative effect and quality life of the vestibular rehabilitation training on residual dizziness after successful canalith repositioning maneuvers in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Method:Residual dizziness after successful canalith repositioning maneuvers in patients with BPPV were enrolled in our study. They were randomized into three groups, the control group A were no disposition which include 32 patients, the intervention group B were guided to self rehabilitation training which include 33 patients, the control group C were guided to Brandt Daroff training which include 33 patients. Dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) and residual dizziness duration were used to evaluation the patients. Result:After one week vestibular rehabilitation training, the scores of DHI in group B and C decreased, and there was no significant difference (P>0.05), there were significant differences between group B and group C in group A, respectively (P<0.01). After four weeks of vestibular rehabilitation training, the scores of DHI in group B and group C were lower than those in group A, the decrease of group B was significantly higher than that of group C (P<0.01). The residual dizziness duration indicated that no statistical differences in the B, C groups (P>0.05) and scores of group B,C were significantly lower than group A (P<0.05). Conclusion:The appropriate vestibular rehabilitation training on residual dizziness after successful canalith repositioning maneuvers in patients with BPPV can help promote the central vestibular compensation, reduce the residual symptoms, improve the quality life of patients, and which can be used as the adjuvant treatment on BPPV patient who has residual dizziness symptoms.

Polarization-independent plasmonic subtractive color filtering in ultrathin Ag nanodisks with high transmission.

We demonstrate a TE/TM polarization-independent plasmonic subtractive color filtering scheme employing ultrathin two-dimensional Ag nanodisks. These TE/TM polarization-independent subtractive color filters exhibit small feature sizes (below 200 nm) and high transmission up to 70% in the visible spectral region, superior to previously reported plasmonic color filters. Simulated optical transmission spectra and colors are in good agreement with experimental results. The color-filtering behaviors strongly depend on thickness and period of nanodisks. Underlying mechanisms are also discussed in detail.

[Application of CT angiography for detecting perforator vessels in the anterolateral thigh flap surgery].

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of CT angiography for detecting perforator vessels in the anterolateral thigh flap surgery.Method:Eight patients with oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects were repaired with the anterolateral thigh flap. Preoperative CT angiography was conducted to detect perforator vessels. The perforator vessel with large diameter, abundant blood flow, and long pedicle was selected to design the flap.Result:The position of perforator vessels during operation were completely consistent with those detected by CT angiography. The anterolateral thigh flap for 8 cases tally survived.One case had the vascular crisis，which was survived after surgical exploration. The flap ranged from 10 cm×5 cm to 6 cm×4 cm in size. Donor recipient site was not severe complications.Conclusion: CT angiography can be used to locate the perforator vessels preoperatively and accurately，which is beneficial for surgeons to design the flap and reduce surgical complications. The anterolateral thigh flap is an effective method of repairing oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects.

Study of the radiotherapy sensitization effects and mechanism of capecitabine (Xeloda) against non-small-cell lung cancer cell line A549.

The purpose of this study was to explore the radiotherapy sensitization effects and the mechanism of capecitabine (Xeloda) against the non-small-cell lung cancer cell line, A549. γ-[(60)Co] radiation was used as the intervention method. Proliferative inhibition of capecitabine on A549 cells was determined by the CCK-8 method. The effects of capecitabine on the apoptosis rate and cell cycle distribution of A549 were detected with the flow cytometric method. We found that capecitabine inhibited the proliferation of A549 in a dose-dependent manner, notably increased the cell apoptosis rate and blocked the cellular G0/G1 phase after radiotherapy by γ-[(60)Co]. Therefore, capecitabine can significantly increase the radiosensitivity of A549; its mechanism may be related to cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis.

Design of ultrafast laser-driven microactuator based on photoacoustic mechanism.

In this work, an ultrafast laser-driven microactuator based on the photoacoustic mechanism was proposed with large amplitude and high response frequency. The microactuator was fabricated by LIGA technology. The displacement of the microactuator could be up to 11 µm at resonance state when the repeat frequency was around 14 kHz using a nanosecond pulse laser. Theoretical model was set up and the calculated results agree reasonably well with the experimental data. The microactuator based on the photoacoustic mechanism provides a more efficient actuation method.

Effect of relative nanohole position on colour purity of ultrathin plasmonic subtractive colour filters.

Plasmonic subtractive color filters through patterning periodic nanostructures on ultrathin Ag films deposited on a glass substrate, exhibiting good durability, simple fabrication, and flexible color tunability, have attracted considerable attention due to their tremendous potential applications. While previous studies have mainly focused on their extraordinary physical mechanisms, color purity, which is another key parameter for high quality imaging applications, has been much less investigated. In this work, we demonstrate that the relative position of nanoholes patterned on ultrathin Ag films can largely affect the color purity of plasmonic subtractive color filters. The calculated results agree reasonably well with the experimental data, revealing that the purity of subtractive colors can be improved by changing the nanohole arrays from square lattice to triangular lattice without reducing transmission at visible frequencies. In addition, underlying mechanisms are clarified by systematically analyzing the dominant valley in transmission spectra.

Pretreatment of a Dacron graft with tissue factor pathway inhibitor decreases thrombogenicity and neointimal thickness: a preliminary animal study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of locally applied TFPI on the reduction of neointimal thickness in Dacron grafts. Seven millimeter internal diameter 5 cm lengths of albumin coated knitted Dacron grafts were interposed in the infrarenal aorta in 14 mongrel dogs. Before implantation, the grafts were immersed in saline solution containing 200 microg/ml of TFPI (TFPI group, n = 7) or 100 IU/ml of heparin (control group, n = 7) for 15 minutes at room temperature. Three months after implantation, neointimal thickness and percentage of graft stenosis were measured by computerized planimetry. All grafts were patent 3 months after implantation. Thrombus was found in one graft in the TFPI group, but observed in three of seven control grafts. Neointimal thickness in the TFPI group was significantly smaller than that in the control group (mean +/- SD, 0.26 +/- 0.1 mm vs. 0.57 +/- 0.15 mm, p < 0.001). Percentage of graft stenosis was significantly lower in the TFPI group than in the control group (13.4 +/- 5.3% vs. 26.9 +/- 7.0%, p < 0.001). Scanning electron micrographs showed that the neointima of TFPI treated grafts were completely covered by endothelial cells. The present results indicate that locally applied TFPI reduces thrombogenicity and neointimal thickness in albumin coated knitted Dacron grafts.

Topically applied tissue factor pathway inhibitor reduced intimal thickness of small arterial autografts in rabbits.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether topically applied tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) reduces intimal thickness and increases long-term patency of small arterial autografts in rabbits. METHODS: An entire 10-mm long section of the left femoral artery was harvested and immersed in saline solution (control group, n = 10), 100 IU/mL of heparin (heparin group, n = 15), or 40 microg/mL of TFPI (TFPI group, n = 15) for 15 minutes. Then the graft was interposed to the right femoral artery. Patency rates were determined by flow measurements throughout the time course of the study, and the grafts were analyzed for measurement of intimal thickness at 3 months after operation. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to examine whether topically applied TFPI binds to endothelial cells of the grafts. RESULTS: Three-month postoperative patency rates were 10% in the control group, 47% in the heparin group, and 73% in the TFPI group. The TFPI group had a significantly higher patency rate than that of the control group (P <.005). Compared with the heparin group, the TFPI group had a significant reduction in intimal area (0.19 +/- 0.05 mm(2) vs 0.30 +/- 0.09 mm(2), P =.0051), in percentage of stenosis (35.7% +/- 7.7% vs 61.4% +/- 15.8%, P <.0001), and in intimal/media areas ratio (0.64 +/- 0.24 vs. 1.04 +/- 0.33, P =.0051). Immunohistologic analyses confirmed that topically applied TFPI bound to endothelial cells. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that topically applied TFPI reduces intimal thickness and increases long-term patency of small arterial autografts in rabbits.

Antigenicity of cryopreserved arterial allografts: comparison with fresh and glutaraldehyde treated grafts.

The use of cryopreserved aortic allografts in cardiovascular surgery is widespread and has resulted in excellent outcomes. However, it is controversial whether cryopreservation suppresses the antigenicity of tissue. We designed experimental models to study whether the cryopreservation process alters antigenicity in comparison with that found in fresh and glutaraldehyde treated tissues. Fresh, cryopreserved, and glutaraldehyde treated thoracic aorta from Brown Norway rats were subcutaneously implanted into Lewis rats. Inflammatory cells infiltrating around the grafts were measured on days 7, 14, 28, and 56 after implantation. The glutaraldehyde treated grafts showed significantly less infiltration than the fresh or cryopreserved grafts (p < 0.005). No significant difference was detected between the fresh and cryopreserved grafts. Another study examined the effect of modifications of the aortic allograft on subsequent allogeneic skin graft antigenicity. Subcutaneous implantation of fresh, cryopreserved, and glutaraldehyde treated aortic grafts from Brown Norway into Lewis rats resulted in subsequent skin graft rejection at 4.4+/-0.7, 5.1+/-0.8, and 6.6+/-2.1 days, respectively. There was no significant difference between the fresh and cryopreserved groups; whereas skin grafts in the glutaraldehyde group survived longer than those in the cryopreserved group. These results indicate that cryopreservation had no significant influence on antigenic suppression of arterial allografts.

Resuscitation and evaluation of non-beating hearts obtained from asphyxiated dogs via autoperfusing heart-lung circuit.

BACKGROUND: The shortage of donor hearts has made use of non-beating hearts as cardiac grafts an attractive possibility for heart transplant candidates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of leukocyte-depleted hot shot cardioplegia for resuscitation of non-beating hearts obtained from asphyxiated dogs via an autoperfusing heart-lung circuit. METHODS: Mongrel dogs were divided into 3 groups according to the warm ischemia time and the method of reperfusion before starting the autoperfusing heart-lung circuit. Group A (n=4) had 60 minutes of warm ischemia and reperfusion without leukocyte-depleted hot shot, Group B (n=5) had 30 minutes of warm ischemia and reperfusion with leukocyte-depleted hot shot, and Group C (n=7) had 60 minutes of warm ischemia and reperfusion with leukocyte-depleted hot shot. We calculated stroke work via the heart-lung circuit to evaluate cardiac function of the resuscitated hearts. The criteria for "recovery" has been reported elsewhere. Myocardial water content of the resuscitated hearts was also measured and analyzed. No inotropic agents were used. RESULTS: The recovery rates in groups A, B and C were 0%, 80% and 57%, respectively, and the group B rate was significantly higher than the group A rate (p=0.04). Although myocardial water content did not differ between groups B and C, it was significantly lower in recovered hearts than in non-recovered hearts (p=0.04). Significant negative correlation was observed between the maximum stroke work value and myocardial water content in the resuscitated hearts (r=0.668, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The autoperfusing heart-lung circuit is useful for evaluation and maintenance of cardiac function. Our experimental data shows that leukocyte-depleted hot shot plays a great role for resuscitation and recovery of non-beating hearts.

Altered plasma antigen levels of tissue factor pathway inhibitor during open-heart surgery.

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a potent inhibitor of the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade that is activated by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during open-heart surgery. In the present study, we investigated whether the plasma TFPI antigen increases during CPB in 12 patients who underwent bypass procedures. The plasma levels of free and total TFPI antigens were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and heparin concentrations were measured using a chromogenic substrate assay. We found that changes in the total plasma TFPI antigen level were significantly dependent on the level of free TFPI antigen (r = 0.96, P < 0.0001) which increased significantly after heparin injection (P < 0.0001), and increased further during the bypass period (P < 0.005). The increased free TFPI antigen level during CPB correlated with the duration of bypass (r = 0.65, P = 0.02). When heparin was neutralized by protamine, the free TFPI antigen level decreased immediately, but remained higher than the preoperative level (P < 0.005). These results suggest that plasma TFPI antigen levels increase during CPB.

Successful treatment of aortoesophageal fistula resulting from aneurysm of the aortic arch.

Aortoesophageal fistulas from primary thoracic aortic aneurysms are almost always fatal. In the English literature we have found only four successfully managed cases, all descending thoracic aortic aneurysms. We report an elderly woman who developed an aortoesophageal fistula from an aortic arch aneurysm. She was successfully managed with graft replacement including reattachment of arch vessels and a staged esophagectomy which was accompanied by mobilization of the omentum into the space between the esophagus and the prosthetic graft. She was the first successfully treated patient with aortoesophageal fistula resulting from aortic arch aneurysm.

A non-isotopic method for the detection of telomerase activity in tumour tissues: TRAP-silver staining assay.

Telomerase activity has been observed in a high proportion of specimens from a wide variety of human malignant tumours, but not in non-neoplastic tissues. Measurement of telomerase activity is a possible diagnostic maker for malignant tumours. A non-isotopic telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) silver staining method for the detection of telomerase activity in human bone tumour tissues is described. The TRAP-silver staining method was quick, safe, and effective, and can be used as a routine diagnostic method for the detection of telomerase activity in bone tumours.