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MicroRNAs can regulate the function of ion channels in many organs. Based on our previous study we propose that miR-142a-39, which is highly expressed in denervated skeletal muscle, might affect cell excitability through similar mechanisms. In this study, we overexpressed or knocked down miR-142a-3p in C2C12 cells using a lentivirus method. After 7 days of differentiation culture, whole-cell currents were recorded. The results showed that overexpression of miR-142a-3p reduced the cell membrane capacitance, increased potassium current density and decreased calcium current density. Knockdown of miR-142a-3p reduced sodium ion channel current density. The results showed that change in miR-142a-3p expression affected the ion channel currents in C2C12 cells, suggesting its possible roles in muscle cell electrophysiology. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Peking University in July 2020 (approval No. LA2017128).

A deterministic secret quantum communication (DSQC) protocol is proposed with four-qubit GHZ states. It has some outstanding advantages. Firstly, it has a high communication capacity as each four-qubit GHZ state can carry three bits of secret messages. Secondly, as all of the quantum resource is useful, the intrinsic efficiency of the communication approaches the maximum value 100%. Besides, its total efficiency of the present protocol is 60%, more higher than most of the current existing DSQC protocols. The decoy photon detection technique guarantees that Eve’s any eavesdropping behavior can be detected on site, and the three-step transmitting strategy ensures no information will be leaked in the communication process. Moreover, the present protocol is feasible with the present day technique.

In this study, multi-layer scheduling optimization algorithms are proposed and validated based on historical vessel operation data in maritime terminals. The most relevant KPIs are average wait time, average turnaround time and berth occupancy rate presented in this study. Through the proposed optimization algorithms, the results shown that average wait time and turnaround time are significantly reduced with increasing of randomness threshold, which is a threshold to allow reschedules to buffer terminals. The average wait time and turnaround time are shortened by around 27.30 hrs (by 39.06%) and 39.41 hrs (by 27.18%), respectively. The berth occupancy rate of less utilized buffer terminals is also improved from 21.39% to 38.35%.

Tanker shipping is a very important operation in maritime to transport liquid cargoes across the world. Optimizing tanker ship operations to improve operation efficiency and reduce extra waiting time in ports is a pivotal task. In this study, four optimizer algorithms are proposed and examined for scheduling tanker vessels optimally under three simulated scenarios. The optimization takes a quantified Key Performance Indicator (KPI), which is an indicator regarding to utilization of terminal, as our prime reference. The optimization and simulation results show that Max Timing First Optimizer (MaxTFO) outperforms the other three optimizers in the scenarios. The MaxTFO enhances terminal efficiency by 5.27% at most compared to Timing Sequential Optimizer (TSO), and Monte Carlo Optimizer (MCO) is more applicable and robust for limited and narrow window of future vessel and cargo information. The proposed optimizers could be further developed to handle more practical scenarios, such as multiple-cargo and multiple-terminal visits for coordinative optimization across multiple terminals in a port.

The large scale deployment of sensor, Global Positioning System (GPS) and other mobile devices generates large volumes of spatiotemporal data, which facilitates the understandings of objects' movement trajectories and activities. However, it is very challenging to store, transfer and load such a large volume of data into system memory for processing and analysis. In this study, we look into a study case that processes the large scale of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data in the maritime sector, and propose a computational framework to efficiently compress, transfer and acquire necessary information for further data analysis. The framework is composed of two parts: The first is a lossless compression algorithm that compresses the AIS data into binary form for efficient storage, speedy loading and easy transfer across networks and systems within the organization; the second is an aggregation algorithm which derives movement and activity information of vessels grouped by grid and/or time window from the compressed binary files, therefore improves data accessibility and reduces storage demand. The proposed framework has been applied to extract vessel movement information within Singapore port with high compression rate and fast access speed, and it can be extensively applied for other data processing applications.

Background and purpose Metaphyseal fractures heal in a rapid fashion that is different from the bone shaft healing process. Animal studies have focused on diaphyseal fractures. We investigated the metaphyseal fracture-healing process in rabbits. Animals and methods 60 rabbits (divided into 12 groups) underwent proximal tibial osteotomy, anatomical reduction, and fixation with screws. After surgery, the proximal tibiae were harvested at different time points for histology. Results No obvious osteonecrosis or bone resorption were found 2 weeks after surgery. From day 5 to week 5, woven bone or new trabeculae formed. From week 2, remodeling into lamellar bone started and reached a peak at week 6. These 3 stages overlapped. Histomorphometry showed that the structure changed as a unimodal curve. Interpretation The healing process of metaphyseal fractures appears to differ from the commonly studied healing process in diaphyseal fractures. It is rapid, and can be divided into 4 histological stages: cellular activation and differentiation, formation of woven bone, transformation of woven bone into lamellar bone, and further remodeling.

Ginsenoside Rh2 (G‑Rh2), the main bioactive component in American ginseng, is known to exert a wide variety of biological activities. Accumulating evidence suggests that G‑Rh2 inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis of tumor cells. However, the possible mechanism through which G‑Rh2 exerts its action on malignant glioma cells have not been completely elucidated. The findings of the present study demonstrated that G‑Rh2 decreased the viability of glioma cells in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner, and induced cell cycle arrest. G‑Rh2‑induced cell cycle arrest was accompanied by the downregulation of cyclin‑dependent kinase 4 and Cyclin E. In addition, G‑Rh2 markedly reduced the expression of total‑ RAC‑α serine/threonine‑protein kinase (Akt) and the levels of phosphorylated‑Akt. These findings provide mechanistic details of how G‑Rh2 acts on glioma cells and suggest that G‑Rh2 may function as a potential anti‑cancer drug for glioma treatment.

An electric window control system based on low-speed CAN bus has been developed to reduce the wiring harness of vehicle control system, improve the system reliability and cut overall costs. On the basis of requirement analysis of the control system, a CAN application layer communication protocol has been defined. The electric window control system has been designed using Freescale 16-bit single chip microprocessor MCS12DP256 as central processing unit, and the control software has also been developed, in which an integral algorithm was used to realize the anti-pinch function.

Treatment of [RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3] with equal amounts of equiv. bidentate Schiff base 2[(4-chloro-phenylimino)-methyl]-phenol (HL-Cl) or 2(p-tolylimino-methyl)-phenol (HL-Me) or 2[(4-nitro-phenylimino)-methyl]-phenol (HL-NO2) in the presence of triethylamine afforded [RuCl(κ2-N,O-L-Cl)(CO)(PPh3)2] (1), [RuCl(κ2-N,O-L-Me)(CO)(PPh3)2] (2), and [RuCl(κ2-N,O-L-NO2)(CO)(PPh3)2] (3), respectively. The molecular structures of 1, 2, and 3·1.5C6H14 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Complexes 1–3 were used for oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to aldehydes and ketones as catalysts in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide.

It is crucial to control the engagement of the in-coming clutch and the disengagement of the off-going clutch for the gear-shift process in order to improve the shift quality of dual clutch transmission (DCT). Aiming at the development of a 6 speed wet-type DCT, three evaluation indices of shift quality including shift time, shift jerk and friction work per unit area, were analyzed in detail. And the torque and the engine speed control strategies for the upshift and the downshift processes were discussed respectively through dividing the gear-shift process into 5 stages. The proposed strategies have been evaluated via simulation experiments of the upshift from gear position 1 to gear position 2 and downshift from gear position 2 to gear position 1, under wide-open throttle respectively. The results show that the proposed strategies can get short shift time and acceptable ride comfort, meanwhile prolong the service life of the friction elements of dual clutches.

To simplify the wiring harness of automotive body control system, the functional requirements of automotive door locks, window lifters, rearview mirrors, trunk lock, and lights were analyzed, and an architecture of automotive body electronic control system was put forward based on CAN bus technology. The application layer protocol referring SAE J1939 protocol specification was defined. And the door lock system was modeled and simulated as an example by using CANoe. The simulation results show that the proposed architecture of automotive body electronic control system works well, and the reliability of automotive body control system can be improved and the automotive weight and cost can be reduced.

Many studies have demonstrated a compensatory amplification phenomenon during nerve regeneration. When a relatively fine nerve is used as a donor to connect to a distal nerve after transection, the donor nerve regenerates more collaterals than its own fibers, which extend to the distal stump, grow into distal endoneurial tubes, and finally reach and dominate the target organs. This is known as the amplification phenomenon. In this study, we investigated the amplification phenomenon in rats treated with Modified Formula Radix Hedysari (MFRH) as adjuvant therapy for 12 weeks. The rats were divided into three groups at random (six animals in each group). In the model group and the treatment group, the proximal common peroneal nerve was used as a donor nerve to connect to the distal tibial nerve. Rats in the normal group did not undergo surgery. After surgery, the treatment group was administered MFRH as systemic therapy, while the model group and the normal group were not given treatment. The results demonstrated that the nerve conduction velocity, the fiber diameter, the axon diameter, the number of regenerating nerve fibers, and the amplification ratio were better in the treatment group than in the model group, suggesting that MFRH promoted the nerve amplification effect.

Many manufacturing companies are experiencing more and more wider variation in market growth and customer demand. Studies have been conducted over the years to improve the accuracy of the manufacturing forecast. However, the theoretical forecast models so far haven't achieved much success and the gaps between forecast and actual demand are still wide that a buffer has to be built up especially for semiconductor manufacturing company to cope with the market fluctuation. An effective approach to assess the vulnerability of the demand forecast to market fluctuation for manufacturing is critical. In this work, a cost-based model for forecast vulnerability evaluation through simulation and visualization of the impact of various demand fluctuation is proposed. The model is able to evaluate the robustness of the forecast of semiconductor manufacturers and enable companies to prepare and respond to unexpected market fluctuation risk. It can also assist manufacturing production and resource planning proactively with a robust forecast. The case study shows that the model is able to identify at-risk product groups, facilities and distribution centers. Company can then decide how its forecast shall be adjusted by simulation and visualization of the forecast vulnerability under various market trends.

To improve the timing related performance of the embedded software of automotive control system, a performance modeling language has been developed based on UML (Unified Modeling Language) using meta-modeling technique. The proposed language consists of three kinds of meta-models used to define the high-level modeling paradigms for software structure, target platform and runtime system respectively. The modeling environment configured by the proposed language and software modules of functional model importation, components allocation, task forming and timing analysis can reuse the existing functional models, add timing requirement as well as resource constraints, and fulfill formal timing analysis at an early design stage. As results, the reliability of the automotive embedded control software can be improved and the development cycle and cost can also be reduced.

The cost-optimal trend in global competitive environment has led to lean, complex and consequently vulnerable supply chains. This vulnerability is high due to the presence of increasing dependency in lean supply chain networks. Hence, it is essential for companies to regulate the supply chain network structure and information sharing strategies so as to be more resilient to disruptions/risks. In order to achieve this objective, it is imminent to analyze as to how best to quantify and examine the robustness of their supply chain networks under disruptions. Here, we propose an analytical model to assist companies to evaluate dynamic risk propagation and quantify likely disruption loss in supply chain networks with the consideration of the effect of multiple sourcing and information sharing on risk propagation. Mean loss and Value at risk (VaR) is employed to quantify the potential loss due to disruptions.

ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) are involved in the regulation of potassium homeostasis in the nervous system, and they may play an important role in acute peripheral nerve and spinal cord injury. Here, the expression of the KATP genes was monitored by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the rat dorsal root ganglion, spinal cord and cerebral cortex following acute sciatic nerve and spinal cord injury. Electrophoresis of the RT-PCR products showed that in comparison with the normal rats, the KATP mRNA expression level was up-regulated for the Kir6.2 subunit in the rat dorsal root ganglion 4 and 24 h after the acute sciatic nerve injury (142.7 ± 23.0 and 135.5 ± 21.0%, p < 0.05, vs. control, n = 3), and both Kir6.1 and sulphonylurea receptor 2 mRNA were increased in the spinal cord during the same time period after the acute spinal cord injury (266.5 ± 67.1 and 248.7 ± 67.7%; 145.1 ± 42.6 and 152.6 ± 44.3%, p < 0.05, vs. control, n = 3). No significant changes of KATP genes were observed in the cerebral cortex among both sciatic-nerve- and spinal-cord-injured animals. These results suggest that acute peripheral nerve and spinal cord injury provoke different regulations of KATP gene expression in the peripheral and central nervous system.

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a common trauma in clinical practice. A number of techniques to deal with PNI repair have been designed in clinics. From these methods for nerve repairing shown to be effective in clinics, as well as related experiments, we formulated a hypothesis that PNI regeneration and functional repair are induced by terminal effectors. Regeneration of peripheral nerves is the process whereby the nerve fibers regenerated by the induction of terminal effectors establish connections with effector organs and induce the spinal cord and upper centers to recognize effector organs and to re-model them for effective innervations. The hypothesis has two major components: (1) after surgical repairing of the injured nerves, the functional localization of regenerated nerves is determined by the connected effector organs and (2) the upper nervous system enables structural remodeling and functional changes according to the functions of the effector organs.

In recent years, increased attention has been shown to the supply chain risk management due to the occurrences of several high profile disruptions which had resulted in significant social, economic and political impact globally. However, there aren’t direct and easy ways of understanding the risk of an entire supply chain. In this paper, a network connectivity embedded k-means clustering approach has been proposed to determine at-risk clusters of nodes which share similar risk profiles and linkages with the focal company. The proposed approach uses a multiple dimensional feature vector to represent the risks that nodes are facing, their geographical locations, supply chain attributes and network connectivity attributes. The clustering approach is able to reduce the complexity of a large supply chain network to facilitate in-depth targeted analysis and simulations. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been illustrated by experiments that successfully identify the risk clusters and critical risk zones.

To explore the protected effect of sensory baby-sitter in reverse end-to-side fashion on denervated muscle.The tibial nerve of twelve female adult Sprague Dawley rats was transected. Six animals served as controls. In the other rats, the end of the sural nerve was connected to the side of the distal tibial nerve stump. After twelve weeks, the wet weight, cross-sectional area, motor endplate perimeter from gastrocnemius muscle were examined.The difference in wet weight between the experimental group and the control group was statistically significant (39.2% ± 6.8% vs. 19.5% ± 4.3%, P0.05). Histological observation of the unprotected muscles displayed wide areas of atrophied fibers and considerable connective tissue hyperplasia, whereas the structure of the experimental rats was preserved and there was only a slight increase in connective tissue. The average cross-sectional area and motor endplate perimeter of muscle fibers were significantly larger in the experimental group than in the control group [(1 148.85 ± 547.18) μm² vs. (575.05 ± 140.51) μm², (102.84 ± 53.29) μm vs. (59.60 ± 26.71) μm, respectively].Sensory baby-sitter in reverse end-to-side neurorrhaphy preserves the structure of denervated muscle in rats.

To evaluate the current condition of urban road traffic injuries (RTIs) according to Beijing Emergency Medical Center (BEMC) from Jan. 1, 2004 to Dec. 31, 2010, analyze the social characteristics and explore the possible methods for prevention and improvement.Using data from the Beijing Emergency Medical Center, we collected 19 550 victims who were involved in RTIs in Beijing from Jan. 1, 2004 to Dec. 31, 2010. The personal information, time of the injury event, road user type and striking vehicle type, as well as the site and severity of injury, were analyzed using Excel 2007 and SPSS 17.0 software with ANOVA of variance and Chi-squared tests.The annual rate of RTIs was 120.0 per 100 000 people in Beijing, and the mortality rate was about 4.97 per 100 000 people. Male victims were more than female victims (11 737 persons vs. 7 618 persons).The mean age was (72.92 ± 5.67) years. Overall, RTIs in all the age groups happened in October commonly, and were inclined to daytime, especially at noon. But different age groups had their special hour distribution features of RTIs. Traffic collisions occurred most frequently in pedestrians and cyclists (7 588,38.81%;3 790,19.39%). Majorities of victims presented with head injuries and lower-limb injuries(8 343,42.68%; 6 828,34.93%). These collisions included car striking accidents (11 490, 58.77%). And most of the older adults were classified as medium in severity (11 718, 59.94%).The prevention and treatment of RTIs, should focus on targeted prevention solutions and standardized pre-hospital rescue, according to specific population, time interval and vehicle usage.

To generate peripheral nerve animal model of pure motor nerve fibers/pure sensory nerve fibers, and identify them.The SPF SD rats were adopted in this study, and divided into 3 groups. In group A, we ablated L2-L4 ventral roots (VRs) to generate peripheral nerve animal model of pure sensory fibers. In group B, we ablated L2-L4 dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) to generate peripheral nerve animal model of pure motor fibers. Two time end-points were set as 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Neuron cells in lumbar spinal cords were detected by immunohistochemical staining with antibody of neuronal nuclei (NeuN). Motor neuron cells in lumbar spinal cords of pure motor fiber animal models and sensory neuron cells in lumbar spinal cords of pure sensory fiber animal models were counted respectively, and then compared to that of normal animals. Femoral nerves distal to the furcation were stained in osmium tetroxide, and then myelinated nerve fibers in the muscle branch and cutaneous branch of femoral nerve were counted respectively.The mean numbers of sensory neuron cells and motor neuron cells in normal lumbar spinal cords were 62.57 ± 1.02 and 29.73 ± 3.03 per 10 × 20 visual field respectively. For different end-points, the mean numbers of sensory neuron cells after ablating vental foots were 62.12 ± 1.77 (2 weeks), 62.15 ± 1.32 (4 weeks) per 10 × 20 visual field respectively; the mean numbers of motor neuron cells after ablating DRGs were 30.12 ± 0.44 (2 weeks), 30.00 ± 1.87 (4 weeks) per 10 × 20 visual field respectively. In group A, motor axons in muscle branch were degenerated as the sensory axons in muscle branch and cutaneous branch were not changed. The senory axons in femoral nerve for the two end-points were 1 558.17 ± 50.14 (2 weeks) and 1 544.00 ± 47.42 (4 weeks). In group B, sensory axons in muscle branch were degenerated as the motor axons were reserved. The motor axons in muscle branch for the two end-points were 387.67 ± 48.50 (2 weeks) and 393.50 ± 27.86 (4 weeks). There was no statistically significant difference in these mean numbers for the two end-points. The degenerating axons and myelin sheath had not been totally eliminated by the endpoint of 2 weeks.Peripheral nerve animal model of pure motor fibers can be generated by ablating L2-L4 DRGs; peripheral nerve animal model of pure sensory fibers can be generated by ablating L2-L4 ventral roots. The degenerating axons and myelin sheath have been totally eliminated by the end-point of 4 weeks. Ablating the ventral roots does not influence the survival of sensory neuron cells; and ablating the DRGs does not influence the survival of motor neuron cells.

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a worldwide issue associated with increasing development and motorization. However, statistical studies do not include any analyses of Beijing's geriatric population. Using data from the Beijing Emergency Medical Center, we present the main characteristics of traffic injuries involving the elderly in Beijing. We also provide objective information for those concerned with the safety of traffic systems and the prevention of traffic injuries.In a longitudinal, retrospective study, data were collected on 1706 victims aged 65 years and older who sustained traffic injuries in Beijing between 2004 and 2010. Personal information, time of injury event, emergency care response time, road user type, striking vehicle type, injury site, and severity of injury were analyzed using χ(2) tests and Logistic regression analysis.The annual rate of traffic injuries was 21.80 per 100 000 elderly people in Beijing, and the morbidity rate decreased from 2004 to 2010 (P0.001). The mean age was (72.92 ± 5.67) years, and 911 (53.40%) of the victims were male. The majority of victims sustained head and lower limb injuries and were classified as being of medium severity. Traffic collisions occurred most frequently in the daytime excluding rush hours; these collisions included being hit by a car (85.64%) and pedestrian victim injuries (79.19%). Our statistical analysis found three factors for injury severity: abdominal injuries (P0.001), number of injury sites (P = 0.027), and head injuries (P = 0.034). The decline in traffic injuries is due to a decrease in victims aged 65-74 years and pedestrians; the severity of RTIs also decreased.This study highlights the declining trend in traffic injuries among older adults in Beijing. However, traffic injuries remain a serious public health problem for the elderly and effective measures are required to reduce their incidence.

Outgrowth of collateral sprouts from axons is a natural process that arises during development of and regeneration in the peripheral nervous system. Our previous study showed that if there are enough distal endoneurial tubes into which the proximal regenerative axons can grow, one axon can support three to four collaterals, at most. Here, the proximal half tibial nerve was fixed to the distal stump and served as the donor nerve. The number of myelinated axons was calculated after 4 months. The ratio of distal regenerative myelinated axon number to proximal donor nerve axon number was 1.83 with the tibial function index and the nerve conduction velocities of - 48.6 ± 6.8 and 27.8 ± 5.3 m/s. The regenerated collaterals were isolated and observed to sprout from the node of Ranvier with almost the same features of normal fibers, but with different electrophysiological characteristics. This finding shows the evidence of one-axon trunk several-collateral model in peripheral nerve regeneration and suggests that such multi-collateral regeneration model may be useful in peripheral nerve reconstruction.

In the title complex, [RuCl2(CH3CN)3(C18H15P)]·CH3CN, the coordination geometry of the RuII atom is distorted octahedral, defined by one P atom from a triphenylphosphane ligand, three N atoms from three acetonitrile ligands and two Cl atoms. The three acetronitile ligands linearly bind to the RuII atom, with Ru—N—C angles of 172.6 (2), 179.9 (2) and 171.4 (2)°.

In the title complex, [RuCl2(CH3CN)3(C18H15P)]·CH3CN, the coordination geometry of the Ru(II) atom is distorted octa-hedral, defined by one P atom from a tri-phenyl-phosphane ligand, three N atoms from three aceto-nitrile ligands and two Cl atoms. The three acetronitile ligands linearly bind to the Ru(II) atom, with Ru-N-C angles of 172.6 (2), 179.9 (2) and 171.4 (2)°.

To establish a stable animal model for studying the effect of traumatic brain injury on bone fracture healing.Eighty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into fracture combined brain injury group (A) and simple fracture group (B). Animals of the two groups were killed 6 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months after trauma, respectively. Their brain histopathology changes were observed and neurological severity scores (NSS, 0 through 25 from no injury to severe injury) determined to measure the brain injury after head trauma, and fracture-healing was assessed by measuring callus volume and X ray examination at the scheduled time points after trauma. The callus volumes were compared between the groups using independent-samples t test 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months after trauma respectively. A value of P0.05 was considered statistically significant.Ninety percent of the rats of group A presented with hemiplegia and the mortality rate was 10% (4/40) . The survived rats developed decorticated flexion deformity of the forelimbs, with behavioral depression, and lost some reflexes and muscle tone. The NSS were 10.83±1.94, 9.33±0.82, 8.17±1.17, 7.83±0.75 and 8.07±0.82 with 6 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months after trauma, respectively. It showed that the animals received moderate head injury, which tended to be stable from 2 weeks after trauma. Brain pathology showed that blood brain barrier was destroyed, and neurons were degenerative and necrotic at and around the trauma sites. The callus volumes(unit: mm(3)) of the two groups 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months after trauma were 60.03±28.05 and 32.80±11.04, 78.54±15.16 and 51.36±23.02, 93.01±10.65 and 72.38±20.38, 115.26±40.00 and 60.30±13.34, respectively. The callus volumes of the two groups 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months after trauma were statistically and significantly different (P values were 0.036, 0.006 and 0.01 respectively), and there was no difference 1 week after trauma (P=0.065).This model is capable of producing accurately quantified brain injury. The animal model is credible, stable and reproducible, so it is an effective platform for studying the effect of traumatic brain injury on fracture.

To observe the clinical effect of biodegradable conduit small gap tublization to repair peripheral nerve injury.In the study, 30 cases of fresh peripheral nerve injury in the upper extremities were recruited. After formally informed and obtaining the consent, the recruited patients were divided into the degradable chitin conduit tublization group (experimental group: 15 cases) and traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group (control group: 15 cases). Their nerve functional recovery conditions were clinically observed according to the standard score methods provided by SHEN Ning-jiang and British Medical Research Council. The excellent and good rates of the overall nerve functional recovery were calculated. The electrophysiologic study was carried out after 6 months.Of the total 30 cases, 28 were followed up, and there were 14 cases in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group and traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group. The operation procedure was very simple, and the mean suture time [(8.0±0.8) min] was 20% shorter than that of the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group [(10.0±0.6) min]. All the wounds in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group healed as expected without rejection, hypersensitive reaction or anomalous draining. Electrophysiology examination results after 6 months displayed that the sensory nerves conduction velocity recovery rate was 77.37% of the normal value, and motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate was 70.09% in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group. The sensory nerves conduction velocity recovery rate was 61.69% of the normal value, and motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate was 56.15% in the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group. The exact propability methods was applied in the comparison of sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate, and there was no statistically significant of two groups(sensory nerve conduction velocity recovery rate P=0.678;motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate P=0.695). The combinated functional recovery excellent and good rates after repair in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group were 78.57%, while 28.57% in the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group. The Fisher's exact probabilistic method was applied in the comparison of combinated functional recovery excellent and good rates, and there was statistically significant of two groups(P=0.021).The operation procedure of the degradable chitin conduit tublization is very simple and the clinical recovery effect is much better than that of the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy. The biodegradable conduit small gap tublization methods to repair peripheral nerve injury has the possibility to substitute the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy.

The peripheral nerve injury is a common injury in clinical practice. For centuries, traditional epineurial and perineurial suture techniques have been used to repair nerve transection after peripheral nerve injuries. As there are several types of nerve fibers in neural stump, accurate and effective regeneration of the fibers is limited. The outcome of repairing nerve injury has little improvement till now. Meanwhile , the selective regeneration of peripheral nerve fibers has been gradually confirmed by researchers. The limitation of traditional epineurial and perineurial suture techniques and the phenomenon of selective regeneration of nerve fibers had inspired us with the creative idea: the small-gap bridging suture techniques, which might take the place of the conventional epineurial and perineurial suture methods. We had made a series of detailed studies about this new method, devised a simple and reliable suture method and established an animal model of small-gap bridging suture technique. By observing peripheral nerve regeneration effect of nerve suture with small gap bridging by different gap lengths, we found that the optimal gap was between 1 to 3 mm, developed an artificial conduit with good biocompatibility and gradually applied this new conduit to mammals and primate animal experiments and clinical trials. All the studies obtained reliable results, which confirmed that the small-gap bridging suture was suitable to replace the traditional epineurium suture repairing the peripheral nerve injury. In 2010, this series of research gained the First Prize of Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award by the Ministry of Education.

To investigate the effect of neurofilament (NF) immune fluorescence staining on observing morphology of the motor endplate.Six SPF rats were used and their bilateral soleus muscles harvested under anesthesia. Then the samples were fixed with polyphosphate formaldehyde, and made frozen sections. Finally the neurofilament immunofluorescence staining was performed. The morphology of the motor endplate was observed under fluorescence microscope and laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscope.The claw-shape motor endplate was seen clearly under the fluorescent microscope and laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscope, and the images observed used to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of motor endplate.Neurofilament immune fluorescence staining is a useful method for the morphology study of the motor endplate.

This study aims to estimate the effects of using a portion of a nerve trunk to repair itself and the injured nerve simultaneously. Proximal 1/2 median nerve served as donor nerve to repair the distal 1/2 median and whole ulnar nerve. Four months postoperation, the number of myelinated axons and nerve conduction velocities of the distal half median and ulnar nerve were (2033 ± 135 and 24.6 ± 5.3 m/s) and (1138 ± 228 and 30.3 ± 7.2 m/s). It suggests that using a portion of a nearby nerve truck to reconstruct itself and the injured nerve simultaneously is a practical method for severe peripheral nerve injury.