Objective. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) containing multiple growth factors is a promising strategy for disc degeneration. Thus, this study hypothesizes that the combination of PRP and adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) may repair degenerative disc more effectively than using each one of them alone. Methods. The model of early intervertebral disc degeneration was induced by annular puncture in the New Zealand rabbit. Autologous PRP was extracted from fresh arterial blood by using two centrifugation techniques. ADSC was offered by the Center for Clinic Stem Cell Research. Four weeks after the first experiment, PRP or ADSCs or a combination of PRP and ADSCs was injected into the punctured intervertebral disc. Four weeks later, disc height and signal intensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were assessed. Results. One month after puncture, we detected relatively narrow discs and lower signal intensity in MRI T2-weighted images. At four weeks after injection, the PRP-ADSC group statistically significantly restored discs, compared with PRP, ADSCs, or negative control group. Conclusions. The combination of PRP and ADSCs shows an effective potential to restore degenerated intervertebral discs in the rabbit.

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Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known as key regulators in many cancer types, but their biological functions in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain largely unknown. In the present study, we aim to explore the role of the lncRNA ZNRD1-AS1 in NPC tumor development. Methods: The role of ZNRD1-AS1 in NPC tissues and cells was explored by using quantitative real-time PCR assay. Cellular behavioral experiments were used in testing NPC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, and Western blot analysis were used in estimating the associations among ZNRD1-AS1, miR-335, and ROCK1. Results: ZNRD1-AS1 expression was elevated in the NPC tissues and cells, and ZNRD1-AS1 overexpression was positively correlated with advanced TNM stage and the presence of lymph node metastasis. Our biological experiments indicated that ZNRD1-AS1 knockdown reduces NPC cell invasion and metastasis. Further analyses revealed that ZNRD1-AS1 as a ceRNA promotes the migration and invasion of NPC cells by sponging miR-335. We provided evidence that ZNRD1-AS1 facilitates the invasion and metastasis of NPC cells via the miR-335-ROCK1 axis. Conclusion: Our data shed light on the oncogenic role of ZNRD1-AS1 in NPC tumor development, and a promising therapeutic target for NPC was identified.

ObjectiveRadiofrequency thermocoagulation of Gasserian ganglion has a difficult problem how to provide perfect acesodyne for patients to make the treatment more smoothly and comfortably. In our study, we used moderate lidocaine local anesthesia to assess its safety and efficacy in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. MethodsFrom January 2017 to December 2020, 80 patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia were treated with radiofrequency thermocoagulation through oval foramen in our institution. They were entirely enrolled and randomly divided into the study group and the control group . In the study group moderate lidocaine was given outside and inside of the oval foramen after puncturing in place,while in the control group the same dose of normal saline was given in the same way. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate(HR) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded respectively at different treatment temperatures. Resultshe fluctuation of mean arterial pressure and heart rate in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. The two groups showed a significant difference in MAP, HR and VAS at different treatment temperatures. Meanwhile, the fluctuation of blood pressure and heart rate in the study group were lower than those in the control group. ConclusionReasonable lidocaine local anesthesia can obviously depress the fluctuation of blood pressure and heart rate during the Gasserian ganglion radiofrequency thermocoagulation in treatment trigeminal neuralgia. This simple anesthesia method can effectively reduce pain and the occurrence of cardiovascular adverse events.

Objective Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of Gasserian ganglion brings with it the difficult problem of how to provide adequate acesodyne therapy for patients in order to make the treatment more comfortable. In our study, we assess the safety and efficacy of lidocaine local anesthesia in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Methods From January, 2017 to December, 2020, 80 patients in our hospital who were suffering from trigeminal neuralgia were treated with radiofrequency thermocoagulation through oval foramen. They were all enrolled in our study and randomly divided into a study group and a placebo group. In the study group an appropriate concentration of lidocaine was given outside and inside of the oval foramen after puncturing in place, while in the placebo group the same dose of normal saline was given in the same way. We then recorded the mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and visual analogue scale (VAS) at different treatment temperatures. Results The values of MAP and HR in the study group were generally lower than those in the placebo group, and the difference was statistically significant. Additionally, the two groups showed a significant difference in MAP, HR, and VAS at different treatment temperatures. There were significant differences in MAP and VAS between the study group at the baseline as well as each time point thereafter, and the range of MAP and HR in the study group were lower than those in the placebo group. Conclusion Reasonable lidocaine local anesthesia can provide analgesic effects and prevent hypertension and arrhythmia during Gasserian ganglion radiofrequency thermocoagulation for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.