Echocardiography is the most common diagnostic method for assessing atrial function but the technique has some limitations. Traditionally, assessment of left atrial function has been performed by measuring volumes wit...Echocardiography is the most common diagnostic method for assessing atrial function but the technique has some limitations. Traditionally, assessment of left atrial function has been performed by measuring volumes with 2D echocardiography. Additionally, it can be assessed with transmitral Doppler and pulmonary vein Doppler. Recently, an alternative method has been incorporated, namely, measurement of myocardial deformation with color tissue Doppler-derived strain. However, this method has several limitations, such as suboptimal reproducibility, angle-dependence, signal artifacts and the fact that it only measures regional strain and does not obtain information about the curved portion of the atrial roof. To overcome these limitations in the quantification of atrial function, the use of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) strain has been proposed. This technique is not derived from Doppler but rather from 2D echocardiography; it is angle-independent and allows one to measure global as well as regional atrial strain. In this editorial, we describe the physical and pathophysiological concepts of STE and underline the clinical usefulness of this new technique.展开更多
Microspheres containing nerve growth factor for sustained release were prepared by a compound method, and implanted into chitosan conduits to repair 10-mm defects on the right buccal branches of the facial nerve in ra...Microspheres containing nerve growth factor for sustained release were prepared by a compound method, and implanted into chitosan conduits to repair 10-mm defects on the right buccal branches of the facial nerve in rabbits. In addition, chitosan conduits combined with nerve growth factor or normal saline, as well as autologous nerve, were used as controls. At 90 days post-surgery, the muscular atrophy on the right upper lip was more evident in the nerve growth factor and normal sa- line groups than in the nerve growth factor-microspheres and autologous nerve groups. Electro- physiological analysis revealed that the nerve conduction velocity and amplitude were significantly higher in the nerve growth factor-microspheres and autologous nerve groups than in the nerve growth factor and normal saline groups. Moreover, histological observation illustrated that the di- ameter, number, alignment and myelin sheath thickness of myelinated nerves derived from rabbits were higher in the nerve growth factor-microspheres and autologous nerve groups than in the nerve growth factor and normal saline groups. These findings indicate that chitosan nerve conduits com- bined with microspheres for sustained release of nerve growth factor can significantly improve facial nerve defect repair in rabbits.展开更多
The transplantation of polylactic glycolic acid conduits combining bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and extracellular matrix gel for the repair of sciatic nerve injury is effective in some respects, but few data com...The transplantation of polylactic glycolic acid conduits combining bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and extracellular matrix gel for the repair of sciatic nerve injury is effective in some respects, but few data comparing the biomechanical factors related to the sciatic nerve are available. In the present study, rabbit models of 10-mm sciatic nerve defects were prepared. The rabbit models were repaired with autologous nerve, a polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, or a polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ＋ extracellular matrix gel. After 24 weeks, mechanical testing was performed to determine the stress relaxation and creep parameters. Following sciatic nerve injury, the magnitudes of the stress decrease and strain increase at 7,200 seconds were largest in the polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ＋ extracellular matrix gel group, followed by the polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells group, and then the autologous nerve group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining demonstrated that compared with the polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells group and the autologous nerve group, a more complete sciatic nerve regeneration was found, including good myelination, regularly arranged nerve fibers, and a completely degraded and resorbed conduit, in the polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ＋ extracellular matrix gel group. These results indicate that bridging 10-mm conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem sciatic nerve defects with a polylactic glycolic acid cells ＋ extracellular matrix gel construct increases the stress relaxation under a constant strain, reducing anastomotic tension. Large elongations under a constant physiological load can limit the anastomotic opening and shift, which is beneficial for the regeneration and functional reconstruction of sciatic nerve. Better regeneration was found with the polylactic gly展开更多
In this study, we loaded human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells onto human amniotic membrane with epithelial cells to prepare nerve conduits, i.e., a relatively closed nerve regeneration chamber. After neurolysis...In this study, we loaded human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells onto human amniotic membrane with epithelial cells to prepare nerve conduits, i.e., a relatively closed nerve regeneration chamber. After neurolysis, the injured radial nerve was enwrapped with the prepared nerve conduit, which was fixed to the epineurium by sutures, with the cell on the inner surface of the conduit. Simultaneously, a 1.0 mL aliquot of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell suspension was injected into the distal and proximal ends of the injured radial nerve with 1.0 cm intervals. A total of 1.75 x 107 cells were seeded on the amniotic membrane. In the control group, patients received only neurolysis. At 12 weeks after cell transplantation, more than 80% of patients exhibited obvious improvements in muscular strength, and touch and pain sensations. In contrast, these improvements were observed only in 55-65% of control patients. At 8 and 12 weeks, muscular electrophysiological function in the region dominated by the injured radial nerve was significantly better in the transplantation group than the control group. After cell transplantation, no immunological rejections were observed. These findings suggest that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-loaded amniotic membrane can be used for the repair of radial nerve injury.展开更多
Peripheral nerve injuries（PNI） are caused by a range of etiologies and result in a broad spectrum of disability. While nerve autografts are the current gold standard for the reconstruction of extensive nerve damage,...Peripheral nerve injuries（PNI） are caused by a range of etiologies and result in a broad spectrum of disability. While nerve autografts are the current gold standard for the reconstruction of extensive nerve damage, the limited supply of autologous nerve and complications associated with harvesting nerve from a second surgical site has driven groups from multiple disciplines, including biomedical engineering, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and orthopedic surgery, to develop a suitable or superior alternative to autografting. Over the last couple of decades, various types of scaffolds, such as acellular nerve grafts（ANGs）, nerve guidance conduits, and non-nervous tissues, have been filled with Schwann cells, stem cells, and/or neurotrophic factors to develop tissue engineered nerve grafts（TENGs）. Although these have shown promising effects on peripheral nerve regeneration in experimental models, the autograft has remained the gold standard for large nerve gaps. This review provides a discussion of recent advances in the development of TENGs and their efficacy in experimental models. Specifically, TENGs have been enhanced via incorporation of genetically engineered cells, methods to improve stem cell survival and differentiation, optimized delivery of neurotrophic factors via drug delivery systems（DDS）, co-administration of platelet-rich plasma（PRP）, and pretreatment with chondroitinase ABC（Ch-ABC）. Other notable advancements include conduits that have been bioengineered to mimic native nerve structure via cell-derived extracellular matrix（ECM） deposition, and the development of transplantable living nervous tissue constructs from rat and human dorsal root ganglia（DRG） neurons. Grafts composed of non-nervous tissues, such as vein, artery, and muscle, will be briefly discussed.展开更多
Neural stem cells （NSCs） are currently considered as powerful candidate seeding cells for regeneration of both spinal cords and peripheral nerves. In this study, NSCs derived from fetal rat cortices were co-cultured...Neural stem cells （NSCs） are currently considered as powerful candidate seeding cells for regeneration of both spinal cords and peripheral nerves. In this study, NSCs derived from fetal rat cortices were co-cultured with chitosan to evaluate the cell affinity of this material. The results showed that NSCs grew and proliferated well on chitosan films and most of them differentiated into neuron-like cells after 4 days of culture. Then, molded and braided chitosan conduits were fabricated and characterized for their cytotoxicity, swelling, and mechanical properties. Both types of conduits had no cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts （L929 cells） or neuroblastoma （Neuro-2a） cells. The molded conduits are much softer and more flexible while the braided conduits possess much better mechanical properties, which suggests different potential applications.展开更多
Porous, two-ply tubular chitosan conduits for guided tissue regeneration were fabricated by combining the textile technique （inner layer） with the thermally induced phase separation process （outer layer）. A hollow...Porous, two-ply tubular chitosan conduits for guided tissue regeneration were fabricated by combining the textile technique （inner layer） with the thermally induced phase separation process （outer layer）. A hollow chitosan tube was prepared using an industrial warp knitting process with chitosan yarns. Then, an appropriate diameter mandrel was inserted into the pre-fabricated tube. The tube and the mandrel were dipped into the chitosan solution together, taken out, and freeze-dried. After being neutralized in alkaline solution and dried at room temperature, the mandrel was removed to create the chitosan tubular scaffold. Scanning electron micrographs show that the resulting tubes have a biphasic wall structure, with a fibrous inner layer and a semipermeable outer layer. The swelling properties and the mechanical strength before and after in vitro degradation were investigated. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was also investigated by co-culturing neuroblastoma cells （N2A, mouse） with the scaffolds. The results suggest that these chitosan tubular scaffolds are useful for the regeneration of tissues requiring a tubular scaffold.展开更多
The three most crucial factors for the formation of large and super-large magmatic sulfide deposits are： （1） a large volume of mantle-derived mafic-ultramafic magmas that participated in the formation of the deposi...The three most crucial factors for the formation of large and super-large magmatic sulfide deposits are： （1） a large volume of mantle-derived mafic-ultramafic magmas that participated in the formation of the deposits; （2） fractional crystallization and crustal contamination, particularly the input of sulfur from crustal rocks, resulting in sulfide immiscibility and segregation; and （3） the timing of sulfide concentration in the intrusion. The super-large magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposits around the world have been found in small mafic-ultramafic intrusions, except for the Sudbury deposit. Studies in the past decade indicated that the intrusions hosting large and super-large magmatic sulfide deposits occur in magma conduits, such as those in China, including Jinchuan （Gansu）, Yangliuping （Sichuan）, Kalatongke （Xinjiang）, and Hongqiling （Jilin）. Magma conduits as open magma systems provide a perfect environment for extensive concentration of immiscible sulfide melts, which have been found to occur along deep regional faults. The origin of many mantle-derived magmas is closely associated with mantle plumes, intracontinental rifts, or post-collisional extension. Although it has been confirmed that sulfide immiscibility results from crustal contamination, grades of sulfide ores are also related to the nature of the parental magmas, the ratio between silicate magma and immiscible sulfide melt, the reaction between the sulfide melts and newly injected silicate magmas, and fractionation of the sulfide melt. The field relationships of the ore-bearing intrusion and the sulfide ore body are controlled by the geological features of the wall rocks. In this paper, we attempt to demonstrate the general characteristics, formation mechanism,tectonic settings, and indicators of magmatic sulfide deposits occurring in magmatic conduits which would provide guidelines for further exploration.展开更多
The Ordovician karst groundwater in the Qiligou basin is an important water supply source. This groundwater has been seriously contaminated in recent years by Cfl4 from a pesticide plant located in the recharge area. ...The Ordovician karst groundwater in the Qiligou basin is an important water supply source. This groundwater has been seriously contaminated in recent years by Cfl4 from a pesticide plant located in the recharge area. The highest concentration of CCl4 in the groundwater is 3909.2μg/L. Large scale tracer experiments were carried out to study the conveying conduits for Cfl4 in the basin on May 1-6, 2005. Nontoxic, edible glucose was used as a tracer and it was detected by spectrophotometric techniques. Well area of the basin, was employed for injecting the tracer X-61, located near the pesticide plant in the southern recharge Ten wells widely located in the groundwater runoff area were used as observing and sampling wells. The results show that the migration of the pollutants is controlled by the water hydrodynamic field and by the development of karst conduits. The tracer did not enter the up-drainage wells, X-49 and X-47, near the injection point because the water levels at these wells are higher than at the injection point. The adjacent well X-62 is close to the injection site, but the tracer reached the well after eleven hours. Wells X-43, X-59, X-58, YY-1 and X-57, located in the syncline axis runoff area, are respectively 2.5, 3.5, 4.33, 4.38 and 5.44 kilometers from the in- jection site. The time for initial appearance of tracer was 4, 4, 2, 6 and 4 hours, respectively. The maximum runoff velocity （well X-58） is over two kilometers per hour, indicating that the karst conduits are well developed along the syncline basin axis. These conduits are the main conveying conduits for groundwater and Cfl4. Closer wells were not necessarily the first to receive tracer. This shows the inhomogeneity in karst development which causes complex runoff, and pollutant migration, patterns.展开更多
Background： Robot-assisted/laparoscopic intracorporeal ileal conduit （ICIC） has been reported in many experienced centers. Whether laparoscopic ICIC is superior to extracorporeal ileal conduit （ECIC） and whether ...Background： Robot-assisted/laparoscopic intracorporeal ileal conduit （ICIC） has been reported in many experienced centers. Whether laparoscopic ICIC is superior to extracorporeal ileal conduit （ECIC） and whether laparoscopic ICIC should be promoted is still controversial. The aim of the study was to compare surgical and early oncological outcomes between patients undergoing laparoscopic radical cystectomy （LRC） with ICIC and ECIC. Methods： From January 2011 to June 2016, a total of 45 patients with bladder cancer underwent LRC with ileal conduit at our department, of whom 20 patients underwent LRC with ECIC and 25 patients underwent LRC with ICIC. Data of each patient＇s characteristics, surgical outcomes, and short-term oncological outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results： LRC with ileal conduit was performed successfully on all 45 patients. There were no significant differences in patients＇ characteristics, mean total operative time, and mean estimated blood loss between the ICIC and ECIC groups. Median time of flatus and oral intake was shorter in the ICIC group compared with the ECIC group （3 vs. 5 days, P = 0.035; 4 vs. 5 days, P = 0.002）. The complications rates did not show significant difference between the two groups within the first 90 days postoperatively （P = 0.538）. Cancer staging showed 45% of patients in the ECIC group and 36% in the ICIC group had a pathologic stage of T3 or T4, and 50% of patients in the ECIC group and 44% in the ICIC group had a pathologic stage of N1 or N1＋. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in overall survival at 24 months （60% vs. 62%, P = 0.857） between the ECIC and ICIC groups. Conclusions： ICIC after LRC may be successful with the benefits of faster recovery time. No significant difference was found in complications and oncological outcomes between ICIC and ECIC. However, larger series with longer follow-up are needed to validate this procedure.展开更多
Skeletal muscle-derived cells have strong secretory function,while skeletal muscle-derived stem cells,which are included in muscle-derived cells,can differentiate into Schwann cell-like cells and other cell types.Howe...Skeletal muscle-derived cells have strong secretory function,while skeletal muscle-derived stem cells,which are included in muscle-derived cells,can differentiate into Schwann cell-like cells and other cell types.However,the effect of muscle-derived cells on peripheral nerve defects has not been reported.In this study,5-mm-long nerve defects were created in the right sciatic nerves of mice to construct a peripheral nerve defect model.Adult female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups.For the muscle-derived cell group,muscle-derived cells were injected into the catheter after the cut nerve ends were bridged with a polyurethane catheter.For external oblique muscle-fabricated nerve conduit and polyurethane groups,an external oblique muscle-fabricated nerve conduit or polyurethane catheter was used to bridge the cut nerve ends,respectively.For the sham group,the sciatic nerves on the right side were separated but not excised.At 8 and 12 weeks post-surgery,distributions of axons and myelin sheaths were observed,and the nerve diameter was calculated using immunofluorescence staining.The number,diameter,and thickness of myelinated nerve fibers were detected by toluidine blue staining and transmission electron microscopy.Muscle fiber area ratios were calculated by Masson’s trichrome staining of gastrocnemius muscle sections.Sciatic functional index was recorded using walking footprint analysis at 4,8,and 12 weeks after operation.The results showed that,at 8 and 12 weeks after surgery,myelin sheaths and axons of regenerating nerves were evenly distributed in the muscle-derived cell group.The number,diameter,and myelin sheath thickness of myelinated nerve fibers,as well as gastrocnemius muscle wet weight and muscle area ratio,were significantly higher in the muscle-derived cell group compared with the polyurethane group.At 4,8,and 12 weeks post-surgery,sciatic functional index was notably increased in the muscle-derived cell group compared with the polyurethane group.These criteria of the muscle-derived cel展开更多
The clinical effects of 2-mm small gap sleeve bridging of the biological conduit to repair periph- eral nerve injury are better than in the traditional epineurium suture, so it is possible to replace the epineurium su...The clinical effects of 2-mm small gap sleeve bridging of the biological conduit to repair periph- eral nerve injury are better than in the traditional epineurium suture, so it is possible to replace the epineurium suture in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. This study sought to identify the regeneration law of nerve fibers in the biological conduit. A nerve regeneration chamber was constructed in models of sciatic nerve injury using 2-mm small gap sleeve bridging of a biodegradable biological conduit. The results showed that the biological conduit had good his- tocompatibility. Tissue and cell apoptosis in the conduit apparently lessened, and regenerating nerve fibers were common. The degeneration regeneration law of Schwann cells and axons in the conduit was quite different from that in traditional epineurium suture. During the prime period for nerve fiber regeneration （2-8 weeks）, the number of Schwann cells and nerve fibers was higher in both proximal and distal ends, and the effects of the small gap sleeve bridging method were better than those of the traditional epineurium suture. The above results provide an objec- tive and reliable theoretical basis for the clinical application of the biological conduit small gap sleeve bridging method to repair peripheral nerve injury.展开更多
文摘Echocardiography is the most common diagnostic method for assessing atrial function but the technique has some limitations. Traditionally, assessment of left atrial function has been performed by measuring volumes with 2D echocardiography. Additionally, it can be assessed with transmitral Doppler and pulmonary vein Doppler. Recently, an alternative method has been incorporated, namely, measurement of myocardial deformation with color tissue Doppler-derived strain. However, this method has several limitations, such as suboptimal reproducibility, angle-dependence, signal artifacts and the fact that it only measures regional strain and does not obtain information about the curved portion of the atrial roof. To overcome these limitations in the quantification of atrial function, the use of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) strain has been proposed. This technique is not derived from Doppler but rather from 2D echocardiography; it is angle-independent and allows one to measure global as well as regional atrial strain. In this editorial, we describe the physical and pathophysiological concepts of STE and underline the clinical usefulness of this new technique.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30872898,81371116the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing,No.7132173
文摘Microspheres containing nerve growth factor for sustained release were prepared by a compound method, and implanted into chitosan conduits to repair 10-mm defects on the right buccal branches of the facial nerve in rabbits. In addition, chitosan conduits combined with nerve growth factor or normal saline, as well as autologous nerve, were used as controls. At 90 days post-surgery, the muscular atrophy on the right upper lip was more evident in the nerve growth factor and normal sa- line groups than in the nerve growth factor-microspheres and autologous nerve groups. Electro- physiological analysis revealed that the nerve conduction velocity and amplitude were significantly higher in the nerve growth factor-microspheres and autologous nerve groups than in the nerve growth factor and normal saline groups. Moreover, histological observation illustrated that the di- ameter, number, alignment and myelin sheath thickness of myelinated nerves derived from rabbits were higher in the nerve growth factor-microspheres and autologous nerve groups than in the nerve growth factor and normal saline groups. These findings indicate that chitosan nerve conduits com- bined with microspheres for sustained release of nerve growth factor can significantly improve facial nerve defect repair in rabbits.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Development Program of Jilin Province in China,No.20110492
文摘The transplantation of polylactic glycolic acid conduits combining bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and extracellular matrix gel for the repair of sciatic nerve injury is effective in some respects, but few data comparing the biomechanical factors related to the sciatic nerve are available. In the present study, rabbit models of 10-mm sciatic nerve defects were prepared. The rabbit models were repaired with autologous nerve, a polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, or a polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ＋ extracellular matrix gel. After 24 weeks, mechanical testing was performed to determine the stress relaxation and creep parameters. Following sciatic nerve injury, the magnitudes of the stress decrease and strain increase at 7,200 seconds were largest in the polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ＋ extracellular matrix gel group, followed by the polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells group, and then the autologous nerve group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining demonstrated that compared with the polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells group and the autologous nerve group, a more complete sciatic nerve regeneration was found, including good myelination, regularly arranged nerve fibers, and a completely degraded and resorbed conduit, in the polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ＋ extracellular matrix gel group. These results indicate that bridging 10-mm conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem sciatic nerve defects with a polylactic glycolic acid cells ＋ extracellular matrix gel construct increases the stress relaxation under a constant strain, reducing anastomotic tension. Large elongations under a constant physiological load can limit the anastomotic opening and shift, which is beneficial for the regeneration and functional reconstruction of sciatic nerve. Better regeneration was found with the polylactic gly
基金the Science and Technology Foundation of Shenyang in China,No.F10-217-1-00
文摘In this study, we loaded human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells onto human amniotic membrane with epithelial cells to prepare nerve conduits, i.e., a relatively closed nerve regeneration chamber. After neurolysis, the injured radial nerve was enwrapped with the prepared nerve conduit, which was fixed to the epineurium by sutures, with the cell on the inner surface of the conduit. Simultaneously, a 1.0 mL aliquot of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell suspension was injected into the distal and proximal ends of the injured radial nerve with 1.0 cm intervals. A total of 1.75 x 107 cells were seeded on the amniotic membrane. In the control group, patients received only neurolysis. At 12 weeks after cell transplantation, more than 80% of patients exhibited obvious improvements in muscular strength, and touch and pain sensations. In contrast, these improvements were observed only in 55-65% of control patients. At 8 and 12 weeks, muscular electrophysiological function in the region dominated by the injured radial nerve was significantly better in the transplantation group than the control group. After cell transplantation, no immunological rejections were observed. These findings suggest that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-loaded amniotic membrane can be used for the repair of radial nerve injury.
基金supported,in part,by a research grant from Baylor Scott&White Health Central Texas Foundation and NIH grant R01-NS067435(JHH)
文摘Peripheral nerve injuries（PNI） are caused by a range of etiologies and result in a broad spectrum of disability. While nerve autografts are the current gold standard for the reconstruction of extensive nerve damage, the limited supply of autologous nerve and complications associated with harvesting nerve from a second surgical site has driven groups from multiple disciplines, including biomedical engineering, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and orthopedic surgery, to develop a suitable or superior alternative to autografting. Over the last couple of decades, various types of scaffolds, such as acellular nerve grafts（ANGs）, nerve guidance conduits, and non-nervous tissues, have been filled with Schwann cells, stem cells, and/or neurotrophic factors to develop tissue engineered nerve grafts（TENGs）. Although these have shown promising effects on peripheral nerve regeneration in experimental models, the autograft has remained the gold standard for large nerve gaps. This review provides a discussion of recent advances in the development of TENGs and their efficacy in experimental models. Specifically, TENGs have been enhanced via incorporation of genetically engineered cells, methods to improve stem cell survival and differentiation, optimized delivery of neurotrophic factors via drug delivery systems（DDS）, co-administration of platelet-rich plasma（PRP）, and pretreatment with chondroitinase ABC（Ch-ABC）. Other notable advancements include conduits that have been bioengineered to mimic native nerve structure via cell-derived extracellular matrix（ECM） deposition, and the development of transplantable living nervous tissue constructs from rat and human dorsal root ganglia（DRG） neurons. Grafts composed of non-nervous tissues, such as vein, artery, and muscle, will be briefly discussed.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30400099), the National Key Basic Research and Develop-ment (973) Program of China (No. 2005CB623905), and the Tsinghua-Yue-Yuen Medical Science Fund
文摘Neural stem cells （NSCs） are currently considered as powerful candidate seeding cells for regeneration of both spinal cords and peripheral nerves. In this study, NSCs derived from fetal rat cortices were co-cultured with chitosan to evaluate the cell affinity of this material. The results showed that NSCs grew and proliferated well on chitosan films and most of them differentiated into neuron-like cells after 4 days of culture. Then, molded and braided chitosan conduits were fabricated and characterized for their cytotoxicity, swelling, and mechanical properties. Both types of conduits had no cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts （L929 cells） or neuroblastoma （Neuro-2a） cells. The molded conduits are much softer and more flexible while the braided conduits possess much better mechanical properties, which suggests different potential applications.
基金Supported by the National Key Basic Research and Development (973) Program of China (No. G1999064702) and the Tsinghua-Yue-Yuen Medical Science Fund
文摘Porous, two-ply tubular chitosan conduits for guided tissue regeneration were fabricated by combining the textile technique （inner layer） with the thermally induced phase separation process （outer layer）. A hollow chitosan tube was prepared using an industrial warp knitting process with chitosan yarns. Then, an appropriate diameter mandrel was inserted into the pre-fabricated tube. The tube and the mandrel were dipped into the chitosan solution together, taken out, and freeze-dried. After being neutralized in alkaline solution and dried at room temperature, the mandrel was removed to create the chitosan tubular scaffold. Scanning electron micrographs show that the resulting tubes have a biphasic wall structure, with a fibrous inner layer and a semipermeable outer layer. The swelling properties and the mechanical strength before and after in vitro degradation were investigated. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was also investigated by co-culturing neuroblastoma cells （N2A, mouse） with the scaffolds. The results suggest that these chitosan tubular scaffolds are useful for the regeneration of tissues requiring a tubular scaffold.
基金supported by 973 Program(2007CB411408)National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC) projects (40730420 and 40973038)Chinese Academy of Sciences(KZCX2-YW-Q04)
文摘The three most crucial factors for the formation of large and super-large magmatic sulfide deposits are： （1） a large volume of mantle-derived mafic-ultramafic magmas that participated in the formation of the deposits; （2） fractional crystallization and crustal contamination, particularly the input of sulfur from crustal rocks, resulting in sulfide immiscibility and segregation; and （3） the timing of sulfide concentration in the intrusion. The super-large magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposits around the world have been found in small mafic-ultramafic intrusions, except for the Sudbury deposit. Studies in the past decade indicated that the intrusions hosting large and super-large magmatic sulfide deposits occur in magma conduits, such as those in China, including Jinchuan （Gansu）, Yangliuping （Sichuan）, Kalatongke （Xinjiang）, and Hongqiling （Jilin）. Magma conduits as open magma systems provide a perfect environment for extensive concentration of immiscible sulfide melts, which have been found to occur along deep regional faults. The origin of many mantle-derived magmas is closely associated with mantle plumes, intracontinental rifts, or post-collisional extension. Although it has been confirmed that sulfide immiscibility results from crustal contamination, grades of sulfide ores are also related to the nature of the parental magmas, the ratio between silicate magma and immiscible sulfide melt, the reaction between the sulfide melts and newly injected silicate magmas, and fractionation of the sulfide melt. The field relationships of the ore-bearing intrusion and the sulfide ore body are controlled by the geological features of the wall rocks. In this paper, we attempt to demonstrate the general characteristics, formation mechanism,tectonic settings, and indicators of magmatic sulfide deposits occurring in magmatic conduits which would provide guidelines for further exploration.
基金Project 40373044 supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘The Ordovician karst groundwater in the Qiligou basin is an important water supply source. This groundwater has been seriously contaminated in recent years by Cfl4 from a pesticide plant located in the recharge area. The highest concentration of CCl4 in the groundwater is 3909.2μg/L. Large scale tracer experiments were carried out to study the conveying conduits for Cfl4 in the basin on May 1-6, 2005. Nontoxic, edible glucose was used as a tracer and it was detected by spectrophotometric techniques. Well area of the basin, was employed for injecting the tracer X-61, located near the pesticide plant in the southern recharge Ten wells widely located in the groundwater runoff area were used as observing and sampling wells. The results show that the migration of the pollutants is controlled by the water hydrodynamic field and by the development of karst conduits. The tracer did not enter the up-drainage wells, X-49 and X-47, near the injection point because the water levels at these wells are higher than at the injection point. The adjacent well X-62 is close to the injection site, but the tracer reached the well after eleven hours. Wells X-43, X-59, X-58, YY-1 and X-57, located in the syncline axis runoff area, are respectively 2.5, 3.5, 4.33, 4.38 and 5.44 kilometers from the in- jection site. The time for initial appearance of tracer was 4, 4, 2, 6 and 4 hours, respectively. The maximum runoff velocity （well X-58） is over two kilometers per hour, indicating that the karst conduits are well developed along the syncline basin axis. These conduits are the main conveying conduits for groundwater and Cfl4. Closer wells were not necessarily the first to receive tracer. This shows the inhomogeneity in karst development which causes complex runoff, and pollutant migration, patterns.
文摘Background： Robot-assisted/laparoscopic intracorporeal ileal conduit （ICIC） has been reported in many experienced centers. Whether laparoscopic ICIC is superior to extracorporeal ileal conduit （ECIC） and whether laparoscopic ICIC should be promoted is still controversial. The aim of the study was to compare surgical and early oncological outcomes between patients undergoing laparoscopic radical cystectomy （LRC） with ICIC and ECIC. Methods： From January 2011 to June 2016, a total of 45 patients with bladder cancer underwent LRC with ileal conduit at our department, of whom 20 patients underwent LRC with ECIC and 25 patients underwent LRC with ICIC. Data of each patient＇s characteristics, surgical outcomes, and short-term oncological outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results： LRC with ileal conduit was performed successfully on all 45 patients. There were no significant differences in patients＇ characteristics, mean total operative time, and mean estimated blood loss between the ICIC and ECIC groups. Median time of flatus and oral intake was shorter in the ICIC group compared with the ECIC group （3 vs. 5 days, P = 0.035; 4 vs. 5 days, P = 0.002）. The complications rates did not show significant difference between the two groups within the first 90 days postoperatively （P = 0.538）. Cancer staging showed 45% of patients in the ECIC group and 36% in the ICIC group had a pathologic stage of T3 or T4, and 50% of patients in the ECIC group and 44% in the ICIC group had a pathologic stage of N1 or N1＋. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in overall survival at 24 months （60% vs. 62%, P = 0.857） between the ECIC and ICIC groups. Conclusions： ICIC after LRC may be successful with the benefits of faster recovery time. No significant difference was found in complications and oncological outcomes between ICIC and ECIC. However, larger series with longer follow-up are needed to validate this procedure.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81671908(to ZLQ)and No.81571921(to XNY)the Fundamental Research Fund for the Central Universities of China,No.2016ZX310197(to ZLQ)+1 种基金the Union Youth Science&Research Foundation of China,No.3332015155(to XNY)the Science Fund of Plastic Surgery Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,and Peking Union Medical College of China,No.Q2015013(to XNY)
文摘Skeletal muscle-derived cells have strong secretory function,while skeletal muscle-derived stem cells,which are included in muscle-derived cells,can differentiate into Schwann cell-like cells and other cell types.However,the effect of muscle-derived cells on peripheral nerve defects has not been reported.In this study,5-mm-long nerve defects were created in the right sciatic nerves of mice to construct a peripheral nerve defect model.Adult female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups.For the muscle-derived cell group,muscle-derived cells were injected into the catheter after the cut nerve ends were bridged with a polyurethane catheter.For external oblique muscle-fabricated nerve conduit and polyurethane groups,an external oblique muscle-fabricated nerve conduit or polyurethane catheter was used to bridge the cut nerve ends,respectively.For the sham group,the sciatic nerves on the right side were separated but not excised.At 8 and 12 weeks post-surgery,distributions of axons and myelin sheaths were observed,and the nerve diameter was calculated using immunofluorescence staining.The number,diameter,and thickness of myelinated nerve fibers were detected by toluidine blue staining and transmission electron microscopy.Muscle fiber area ratios were calculated by Masson’s trichrome staining of gastrocnemius muscle sections.Sciatic functional index was recorded using walking footprint analysis at 4,8,and 12 weeks after operation.The results showed that,at 8 and 12 weeks after surgery,myelin sheaths and axons of regenerating nerves were evenly distributed in the muscle-derived cell group.The number,diameter,and myelin sheath thickness of myelinated nerve fibers,as well as gastrocnemius muscle wet weight and muscle area ratio,were significantly higher in the muscle-derived cell group compared with the polyurethane group.At 4,8,and 12 weeks post-surgery,sciatic functional index was notably increased in the muscle-derived cell group compared with the polyurethane group.These criteria of the muscle-derived cel
基金supported by grants from the National Program on Key Basic Research Project of China(973 Program),No.2014CB542200Program for Innovative Research Team in University of Ministry of Education of China,No.IRT1201+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31271284,31171150,81171146,30971526,31100860,31040043,31371210Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University of Ministry of Education of China,No.BMU20110270
文摘The clinical effects of 2-mm small gap sleeve bridging of the biological conduit to repair periph- eral nerve injury are better than in the traditional epineurium suture, so it is possible to replace the epineurium suture in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. This study sought to identify the regeneration law of nerve fibers in the biological conduit. A nerve regeneration chamber was constructed in models of sciatic nerve injury using 2-mm small gap sleeve bridging of a biodegradable biological conduit. The results showed that the biological conduit had good his- tocompatibility. Tissue and cell apoptosis in the conduit apparently lessened, and regenerating nerve fibers were common. The degeneration regeneration law of Schwann cells and axons in the conduit was quite different from that in traditional epineurium suture. During the prime period for nerve fiber regeneration （2-8 weeks）, the number of Schwann cells and nerve fibers was higher in both proximal and distal ends, and the effects of the small gap sleeve bridging method were better than those of the traditional epineurium suture. The above results provide an objec- tive and reliable theoretical basis for the clinical application of the biological conduit small gap sleeve bridging method to repair peripheral nerve injury.
