Objective To investigate the role of urotensin Ⅱ(UⅡ) in the pathogenesis of asthma.Methods Lung function，differential cell count and level of UⅡin induced sputum were studied in 26 asthmatic patients in acute exacerbation and in clinical remission.Results Induced sputum UⅡ level from acute asthma was higher than that of remissed asthma [(58.88±47.38)pg/mL vs (12.69±12.78)pg/mL，Plt;0.01].Induced sputum UⅡ levels of asthma patients in acute exacerbation had a tendency to increase as disease deteriorated，which negatively correlated with FEV1% predicted (r=-0.326，Plt;0.05)，but did not with sputum total cell and neutrophil counts(Pgt;0.05).No significant difference of induced sputum UⅡ levels was found between male and female，smokers and non-smokers.Conclusion UⅡ may play a role in acute exacerbation of asthma
Objective Adenosine tri phosphate (ATP) can promote the repair of spinal cord injury (SCI). To investigate the effect of ATP combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation on SCI, and to evaluate the synergistic action of ATP and BMSCs in the repair of SCI and the feasibil ity of the combined transplantation in the treatment of SCI. Methods BMSCs were isolated from the marrow of the tibia and the femur of a male SD rat (weighing 120 g), the 3rd generation BMSCs were labeled with BrdU, then BMSCs suspension of 5.0 × 107 cell/mL were prepared. Fortyeightadult female SD rats (weighing 240-260 g) were made SCI models at T12 levels according to the improved Allen’s method, and were randomly divided into 4 groups (groups A, B, C, and D, n=12). In group A, ATP (40 mg/kg) and BMSCs (6 μL) were injected to the central point and the other 2 points which were 1 mm from the each side of head and tail of the injured spinal cord; after blending the BMSCs suspension, the cells amount was about 3.0 × 105. In groups B, C, and D, the BMSCs suspension (6 μL), ATP (40 mg/kg), and PBS (40 mg/kg) were injected to the points by the same method as group A, respectively. The general conditions of the rats were observed after operation. The nerve function of low extremities was evaluated using the improved Tarlov scale and the Rivil in incl ined plane test at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after operation. At 28 days after operation, the reparative effect of SCI was observed using histological and immunohistochemical staining. Results One rat of group A, 2 of group B, 2 of group C, and 3 of group D died of infection and anorexic, the others survived to the end of the experiment. Paralysis symptom in low extremities occurred in all rats after operation and was improved at 2-3 weeks postoperatively, the improvement of group A was the best, groups B and C were better, group D was the worst. There was no significant difference in the Tarlov scale and the Rivil in incl ined plane test among 4 groups at 1 and 3 days after operation and between groups B and C at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after operation (P gt; 0.05), but there were significant differences among other groups at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after operation (P lt; 0.05). At 28 days after operation, HE staining demonstrated that the injured region in group A was finely restored, without obvious scar tissue and cavity, and there existed clear stem cell differentiation characters; there was small amount of scar tissue and cavity in the injury site of groups B and C; and there was great deal of scar tissue in the injury site of group D, in which there were numerous inflammatory cells and fibroblasts infiltration and bigger cavity. Immunohistochemical staining showed that BrdU-positive BMSCs were seen in groups A and B, and positive cells of group A was significantly more than that of group B (P lt; 0.05). The expressions of neruofilament protein 200 and gl ial fibrillary acidic protein in group A were significantly higher than those in groups B, C, and D, and groups B and C were significantly higher than group D (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion ATP has protective effects on injured spinal cord, a combination of ATP and BMSCs can synergistically promote the reparation of SCI.
Objective To review research progress on femoral attachment positioning during medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, so as to provide a reference for accurate positioning in clinic. Methods The literature at home and abroad on femoral attachment positioning during MPFL reconstruction was extensively reviewed and summarized. Results MPFL is the main ligament that restricts patellar outward migration, so MPFL reconstruction is the main treatment for patellar dislocation, but the accuracy of intraoperative femoral attachment positioning will significantly affect the effectiveness. At present, there are three main methods for femoral attachment positioning in MPFL reconstruction, including imaging positioning, bony landmark positioning, and new technology. Among them, the main imaging positioning method is the “Schöttle point” method, but it has high requirements for fluoroscopic positioning, and can only be accurately positioned under standard lateral fluoroscopy of the femur. The bony landmark positioning method mainly locates the femoral attachment by touching or dissecting the bony landmarks such as adductor tubercles and medial epicondyle of femur, but its disadvantages are that the positioning is not accurate enough, the intraoperative visual field exposure requirements are high, and a large incision is required. In order to avoid the problem that the simple bony landmark positioning method, in recent years, the combination of bony landmarks combined with arthroscopy, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, and robot-assisted positioning methods have begun to be used in clinical practice. New technology localization methods have shown good results by preparing guides before operation, planning positioning paths in advance, or directly using robots to assist positioning during operation. Conclusion The accurate positioning of the femoral attachment in MPFL reconstruction is crucial, and the method of accurate and rapid intraoperative determination needs to be further improved and optimized. In the future, it is expected that the combination of computer image recognition correction technology and intraoperative position assistance will solve this problem.