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In this work, a batch of novel ternary hybrids (SiC@C-Fe3O4), characterized by SiC nanowires core, carbon shell, and adhered Fe3O4 nanoparticles were controllably synthesized via surface carbonization of SiCnw followed by hydrothermal reaction. Carbon, which was derived from SiC with nanometer thickness, possesses an amorphous structure, while Fe3O4 nanoparticles are in a crystalline state. Simultaneously, the inducement of Fe3O4 nanoparticles can provide significant magnetic loss, which is well-tuned by changing the molar content of iron precursors (FeCl3·6H2O and FeCl2·4H2O). SiC@C-Fe3O4 hybrids show great electromagnetic absorption performance owing to the synergy effect of dielectric and magnetic losses. The minimum refection loss can reach to −63.71 dB at 11.20 GHz with a thickness of 3.10 mm, while the broad effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) can reach to 7.48 GHz in range of 10.52–18.00 GHz with a thickness of 2.63 mm. Moreover, the EAB can also cover the whole X band and Ku band. The outstanding performance of the obtained material implys that it is a promising candidate as an electromagnetic absorber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Design a novel hand-held retractor to reduce operation time and radiation exposure in percutaneous pedicle screw placement., Material and Methods: 126 patients with single segment thoracolumbar vertebral fracture were surgically treated with percutaneous pedicle screws through our novel hand-held retractor technique（group A） or conventional fluoroscopic method(group B), the operation time and fluoroscopy shot times were compared, and the accuracy of screw placement were assessed., Results: There was no serious complications occurring during our study, such as infection, blood vessel injury, spinal cord or nerve root injury. We did not find any statistically difference between the two groups in corrected rate of regional Cobb's angle or vertebral body height percentage(P 0.05), however, the mean operation time was found to be 75.9±2.37min in the novel hand-held retractor method group and 94.2±2.19min in the conventional method group. The difference was statistically significant (p﹤0.001). Fluoroscopy shot times averaged 9.01±0.41 in the novel hand-held retractor group versus 16.8±0.56 in the conventional group (P 0.001), the novel hand-held retractor group had apparent advantages over the conventional method in postoperative improvement on visual analog scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at 2days, 3month after operation and last follow-up (P 0.05). There was no statistical difference between group A and B in the radiographic results and screw position violation grade., Conclusion: The novel hand-held method retractors have several advantages, including shorter operation time, less fluoroscopy shot times, and better postoperative improvement on visual analog scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). It provides a new alternative method for effective management of thoracolumbar fractures.

Objective: To explore the effectiveness percutaneous monoaxial screw combined with polyaxial pedical screw for treating thoracolumbar fracture by comparing with simple polyaxial pedicle screw fixation., Methods: Between January 2012 and June 2014, 56 cases of thoracolumbar fractures were treated by percutaneous pedicle screw fixation, the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Of 56 cases, 30 were treated with percutaneous monoaxial screw combined with percutaneous polyaxial pedical screw fixation (group A), 26 patients with only percutaneous polyaxial pedicle screw fixation (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, injury causes, time from injury to admission, involved segments, fracture type, and preoperative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) stage, visual analogue scale (VAS), the anterior height of the injured vertebrae, Cobb angle, and sagittal index between 2 groups ( P >0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. The VAS score was used to evaluate the improvement of the pain. The sagittal kyphosis Cobb angle, the anterior height of the injured vertebrae, sagittal index, and the average correction (difference between 3 days after oeration and preoperation) and loss degrees (difference between last follow-up and 3 days after operation) were measured on the X-ray films at preoperation, 3 days after operation, and last follow-up., Results: Incision healing at stage I was obtained, no related complications occurred. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss showed no significant difference between 2 groups ( P >0.05). The patients were followed up 20-42 months (mean, 32 months) in group A and 21-44 months (mean, 30 months) in group B. VAS score of group A was significantly lower than that of group B at 3 days after operation ( t =-2.277, P =0.027), but no significant difference was found at last follow-up ( t =-0.289, P =0.774). X-ray examination showed good position of internal fixation, with no broken nails or exit of nail. There were significant differences in the anterior height of the injured vertebrae, Cobb angle, and sagittal index between at preoperation and at 3 days and last follow-up, and between at 3 days and last follow-up in 2 groups ( P <0.05). The anterior height of the injured vertebrae, Cobb angle, and sagittal index of group A were significantly better than those of group B at 3 days and last follow-up ( P <0.05), and correction degree were significantly higher than those of group B ( P <0.05), but loss degree was not significant between 2 groups ( P >0.05)., Conclusions: Percutaneous monoaxial screw combined with polyaxial pedicle screw fixation is better than simply polyaxial pedicle screw in effects of treating thoracolumbar fracture under the premise of strictly holding indications.

Objective: To study the inhibitory effect of CD133 monoclonal antibody labeled with ¹³¹I (¹³¹I-CD133mAb) on Huh-7 human liver cancer cell line overexpressing CD133 antigen in vitro and in mouse models bearing the tumor cell xenograft., Methods: ¹³¹I-CD133mAb was prepared by chloramines-T method and evaluated for its stability. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of CD133 in Huh-7 cells and in Huh-7 cell-derived tumors, respectively. Huh-7 cells treated with ¹³¹I-CD133mAb plus cisplatin (DDP), ¹³¹I -CD133mAb, DDP, or no treatment (blank control) were examined for cell proliferation suppression by MTT assay with the IC₅₀ calculated. BALB/c mice bearing subcutaneous Huh-7 cell xenograft in the right forelegs were treated with ¹³¹I -CD133mAb, DDP, or both every two days for two weeks. The tumor size and volume were measured twice a week, and pathological examination of the tumor was carried out after the treatments. The tumor inhibition rate was calculated and tumor cell apoptosis observed with HE staining., Results: The labeling ratio of ¹³¹I-CD133mAb was 90.25% and the radiochemical purity was 97.78%. Huh-7 cells showed obviously higher CD133 expression than HepG2 cells. ¹³¹I-CD133mAb combined with DDP group resulted in a significantly higher tumor inhibition rate than other treatments in the tumor-bearing mice., Conclusion: ¹³¹I-CD133mAb can inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells with a high CD133 expression both in vivo and in vitro.

Objective: To investigate the effect of amphotericinB (AmB) on migration and invasion of esophageal carcinoma Eca109 cells exposed to hypoxia and explore the molecular mechanisms., Methods: Routinely cultured esophageal carcinoma Eca109 cells were treated with 0, 1.25, 2.5, or 5 µg/ml AmB in hypoxic condition (3% O2, 5% CO2, and 92% N2) for 24 h. The cell migration and invasion were assessed by cell scratch test and Transwell chamber assay, respectively. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and E-cadherin in the cells, respectively., Results: Compared with the control cells, the cells treated with different doses of AmB showed attenuated ability of migration and invasion (P<0.05). AmB treatment resulted in significantly lowered mRNA and protein expressions of MMP-2 (P<0.05) and increased expressions of E-cadherin (P<0.05); the protein expression of HIF-1α decreased significantly in cells after AmB treatment (P<0.05) but its mRNA levels showed no significant changes (P>0.05)., Conclusion: AmB can suppress the migration and invasion of esophageal carcinoma Eca109 cells in hypoxic microenvironment possibly by regulating the expressions of HIF-1α, MMP-2 and E-cadherin.

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) assisted with microscope in treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis., Methods: Between January 2011 and June 2012, 52 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis underwent MI-TLIF assisted with microscope. There were 29 males and 23 females with an average age of 46 years (range, 32-67 years). The median disease duration was 3.2 years (range, 3 months to 6 years). There were 38 cases of lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis and 14 cases of degenerative spondylolisthesis; 12 cases had stenosis secondary to lumbar spondylolisthesis. The affected segments were L4,5 (29 cases) and L5, S1 (23 cases). According to the Meyerding evaluating system, 24 cases were classified as degree I and 28 cases as degree II. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used for clinical assessment, and the clinical effects were also analyzed by Macnab criterion at last follow-up. The radiographic data were used to evaluate reduction of spondylolisthesis, including slipping degree, slipping angle, and intervertebral space height. The fusion rate was assessed by Suk criterion., Results: The operations were performed successfully in all patients. No dural tear or cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred during operation. The average operation time was 105 minutes; the average intraoperative blood loss was 225 mL; the average postoperative drainage volume was 75 mL; and the average hospitalization days were 5.5 days. Superficial infection of incision occurred in 1 case and was cured after change dressing, and primary healing of incision was obtained in the others. All patients were followed up 12-26 months (mean, 18 months). No loosening, breakage, and displacement of pedicle screw and no Cage dislocation occurred by X-ray films after operation. The lumbar spondylolisthesis all got good correction. The three-dimensional CT showed continuous bone trabecula between centrums. The VAS score, ODI, and the slipping degree, slipping angle, and intervertebral space height were significantly improved at last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones (P < 0.05). According to Macnab criterion at last follow-up, the results were excellent in 20 cases, good in 29 cases, and fair in 3 cases; the excellent and good rate was 94.2%. According to Suk criterion for fusion, 49 cases obtained complete fusion and 3 cases got possible fusion., Conclusion: As long as indications are seized, MI-TLIF assisted with microscope is safe and reliable for treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis (Meyerding dergee I or II), and it has the advantage of less injury, less blood loss, less complications, and definite short-term effectiveness.

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) assisted with microscope for lumbar degenerative disease., Methods: Retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 82 patients with lumbar degenerative disease (minimally invasive group) undergoing minimally invasive TLIF assisted with microscope between January 2010 and June 2011, which was compared with those of 76 patients (traditional group) undergoing traditional open TLIF. There was no significant difference in age, gender, disease duration, disease type, lesion level, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), and preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The perioperative related parameters, radiography index, and effectiveness were documented and compared., Results: There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative radiological exposure time between 2 groups (P > 0.05), but intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume in the minimally invasive group were significantly less than those in the traditional group (P < 0.05). Dural tear occurred in 2 patients of the traditional group. Superficial infection of incision occurred in 1 case in each group, respectively; and primary healing of incision was obtained in the other patients. All patients were followed up 12-28 months (mean, 18 months). No failure of internal fixation occurred. Radiological analysis showed that the bone graft fusion rate was 96.1% (73/76) in the traditional group and 95.1% (78/82) in the minimally invasive group at last follow-up, showing no significant difference (chi2 = 0.012 2, P = 0.912 0). The postoperative ODI and VAS score were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in 2 groups (P < 0.05); the ODI of the minimally invasive group were significantly better than those of the traditional group at 3 months (t = -11.941 1, P = 0.000 0), and the VAS score of the minimally invasive group was significantly lower than that of the traditional group at 1 day and 3 months (P < 0.05); but no significant difference was found in ODI and VAS score between 2 groups at 1 year and last follow-up (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Minimally invasive TLIF is an effective method to treat lumbar degenerative disease. This procedure is safe and reliable because it has less injury, less blood loss, and milder pain than the traditional open TLIF, and the short-term effectiveness is comparable in 2 procedures.

Objective: To evaluate the mid-term clinical outcome of instrumented slip reduction combined with 360 degrees circumferential fusion and restoration laminae for symptomatic adult isthmic spondylolisthesis., Methods: Between October 2004 and March 2008, 44 patients with symptomatic isthmic spondylolisthesis underwent instrumented slip reduction combined with 360 degrees circumferential fusion and restoration laminae. There were 15 males and 29 females with an average age of 38.4 years (range, 28-45 years). The disease duration was 14 months to 7 years (38 months on average). The affected vertebrae was L4-5 in 18 patients and L5, S1 in 26 patients. According to Meyerding's grade for spondylolisthesis, 28 cases were rated as grade II and 16 as grade III. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the short form 36 health survey (SF-36) scores were evaluated before operation and at last follow-up; the radiographical outcome was evaluated by measuring slipping percentage, heights of intervertebral space and foramen, and fusion rate. RESULTS; All patients were followed up 20-60 months (42 months on average). The VAS, ODI, and SF-36 scores were all significantly improved at last follow-up when compared with those before operation (P < 0.05). According to Morelos criteria, the clinical results were excellent in 32 patients, good in 9, and fair in 3; the excellent and good rate was 93.2%. The preoperative average percentage of slip was 47.5%, which was improved to 2.6% 3 days after operation; the total average reduction rate was 97.4%, and it was maintained at last followup. The heights of intervertebral space and foramen were all improved significantly after operation (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between at 3 days after operation and at last follow-up (P > 0.05). X-ray and CT showed bony fusion 1 year after operation in all patients with a fusion rate of 100%. Complications included pain at donor site of iliac bone in 4 cases, superficial infection in 2 cases, dural tear in 1 case, and degeneration of adjacent vertebrae in 2 cases; no nerve root injury, pseudoarthrosis, failure of internal fixation, and acquired spinal canal stenosis occurred. CONCLUSION; Instrumented slip reduction combined with 360 degrees circumferential fusion and restoration laminae is a reliable procedure for adult isthmic spondylolisthesis with satisfactory mid-term results, a high fusion rate and low complication rate. The long-term outcomes should be verified by follow-up in the future.