Abrine promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of interleukin-1β-stimulated chondrocytes via PIM2/VEGF signalling in osteoarthritis.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA), a common joint disorder with an increasing incidence worldwide, severely affects the quality of life of patients. In Chinese herbal medicine, Abrus cantoniensis Hance is considered to exert protective effects on the liver and to have beneficial effects on the gallbladder; additionally, it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the ability to enhance immunity, scavenge free radicals, regulate smooth muscle function, and improve endurance. Abrine extracted from A.

Influences of different lower cervical bone graft heights on the size of the intervertebral foramen: multiple planar dynamic measurements with laser scanning.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influences of different bone graft heights on the size of the intervertebral foramen, which will help determine the optimal graft height in clinical practice. Six fresh adult cadavers were used, with the C5-C6 vertebral column segment defined as the functional spinal unit (FSU). After discectomy, the C5/6 intervertebral height was set as the baseline height (normal disc height).

Giant intrapelvic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor mimicking disc herniation: A case report.

Giant intrapelvic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors arising in the sciatic nerve in the pelvic cavity are a rare occurrence and their symptomatology is usually misdiagnosed as intervertebral disc herniation. We herein report the case of a 46-year old woman presenting with pain, hypesthesia and weakness of the left lower extremity due to a giant intrapelvic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the sciatic nerve. Prior to being referred to our institution, the patient was misdiagnosed as a case of sciatica due to a lumbar disc herniation and underwent an operation unsuccessfully, as there was little symptomatic improvement 2 months after the surgery.

[Retros Flt-1 decelerates the growth of a murine experimental osteosarcoma].

Objective: To examine the influence of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) in controlling the growth of an experimental osteosarcoma in mice by performing retrovirus-mediated sFlt-1 gene modification.

Methods: From March to October 2010 human osteosarcoma G-292 cells were in vitro infected with retroviral vectors encoding soluble Flt-1 or LacZ gene before transplanted into proximal tibiae of immune deficient SCID mice to establish experimental orthotopic osteosarcoma. Daily observation and biweekly microCT were performed to monitor tumor development and progression till sacrifice at 8 weeks after tumor cell inoculation for histological and molecular analyses.

VEGF blockade decelerates the growth of a murine experimental osteosarcoma.

Retrovirus-mediated sFlt-1 gene modification was performed to examine the influence of VEGF in controlling the growth of an experimental osteosarcoma in mice. Human osteosarcoma G-292 cells were in vitro infected with retroviral vectors encoding soluble Flt-1 or LacZ gene before transplanted into proximal tibiae of immune deficient SCID mice to establish experimental orthotopic osteosarcoma. Daily observation and biweekly microCT were performed to monitor tumor development and progression till sacrifice at 8 weeks after tumor cell inoculation for histological and molecular analyses.

Destructive pathological changes in the rat spinal cord due to chronic mechanical compression. Laboratory investigation.

Object: Chronic mechanical compression of the spinal cord, which is commonly caused by degeneration of the spine, impairs motor and sensory functions insidiously and progressively. Yet the exact mechanisms of chronic spinal cord compression (SCC) remain to be elucidated. To study the pathophysiology of this condition, the authors developed a simple animal experimental model that reproduced the clinical course of mechanical compression of the spinal cord.

Percutaneous fibrin glue therapy for meningeal cysts of the sacral spine with or without aspiration of the cerebrospinal fluid.

Object: The authors assessed the efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous injection of fibrin glue to treat meningeal cysts of the sacral spine in patients with back pain, and evaluated the necessity for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) aspiration before glue injection.

Methods: Of the 31 patients in this study, 15 underwent injection of fibrin glue under CT guidance after aspiration of more than 15 ml of CSF (Group A), and 16 patients were treated with the glue but without CSF aspiration (Group B). Clinical results were evaluated after an average of 23 months of follow-up, and changes on the imaging studies were also evaluated.

Influence of cryopreserved olfactory ensheathing cells transplantation on axonal regeneration in spinal cord of adult rats.

Objective: To observe the effects of cryopreserved olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) transplantation on axonal regeneration and functional recovery following spinal cord injury in adult rats.

Methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into experimental and control groups, each group having 12 rats. The spinal cord injury was established by transecting the spinal cord at T10 level with microsurgery scissors.

[Treatment of fracture involved articular surface with absorbable screws and rods].

Objective: To investigate the treatment results of fracture involved articular surface with absorbable screws and rods.

Methods: From October 1995 to May 2002, 32 patients with fracture involved articular surface were treated with absorbable screws and rods with the materials of SR-PGA and SR-PLLA. Bone traction or plaster external fixation were carried out postoperatively.