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Publications (18)60.98 Total impact
Article: Melatonin protects ADSCs from ROS and enhances their therapeutic potency in a rat model of myocardial infarction[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. In the last decade, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) based cell therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. Although great advance have been made using MSCs to treat MI, the low viability of transplanted MSCs severely limits the efficiency of MSCs therapy. Here, we show evidence that ex vivo pre-treatment with melatonin, an endogenous hormone with newly found anti-oxidative activity, could improve survival and function of adipose tissue derived MSCs (ADSCs) in vitro as well as in vivo. ADSCs with 5 μM melatonin pre-treatment for 24 hrs showed increased expression of the antioxidant enzyme catalase and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD-1), as well as pro-angiogenic and mitogenic factors like insulin-like growth factor 1, basic fibroblast growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), epidermal growth factor. Furthermore, melatonin pre-treatment protected MSCs from reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced apoptosis both directly by promoting anti-apoptosis kinases like p-Akt as well as blocking caspase cascade, and indirectly by restoring the ROS impaired cell adhesion. Using a rat model of MI, we found that melatonin pre-treatment enhanced the viability of engrafted ADSCs, and promoted their therapeutic potency. Hopefully, our results may shed light on the design of more effective therapeutic strategies treating MI by MSCs in clinic. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 06/2015; 19(9). DOI:10.1111/jcmm.12610 · 4.01 Impact Factor
Article: The stem cell adjuvant with Exendin-4 repairs the heart after myocardial infarction via STAT3 activation[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The poor survival of cells in ischaemic myocardium is a major obstacle for stem cell therapy. Exendin-4 holds the potential of cardioprotective effect based on its pleiotropic activity. This study investigated whether Exendin-4 in conjunction with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) could improve the stem cell survival and contribute to myocardial repairs after infarction. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by the left anterior descending artery ligation in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. ADSCs carrying double-fusion reporter gene [firefly luciferase and monomeric red fluorescent protein (fluc-mRFP)] were quickly injected into border zone of MI in rats treated with or without Exendin-4. Exendin-4 enhanced the survival of transplanted ADSCs, as demonstrated by the longitudinal in vivo bioluminescence imaging. Moreover, ADSCs adjuvant with Exendin-4 decreased oxidative stress, apoptosis and fibrosis. They also improved myocardial viability and cardiac function and increased the differentiation rates of ADSCs into cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells in vivo. Then, ADSCs were exposed to hydrogen peroxide/serum deprivation (H2O2/SD) to mimic the ischaemic environment in vitro. Results showed that Exendin-4 decreased the apoptosis and enhanced the paracrine effect of ADSCs. In addition, Exendin-4 activated signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) through the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2. Furthermore, Exendin-4 increased the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, but decreased the pro-apoptotic protein Bax of ADSCs. In conclusion, Exendin-4 could improve the survival and therapeutic efficacy of transplanted ADSCs through STAT3 activation via the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2. This study suggests the potential application of Exendin-4 for stem cell–based heart regeneration.Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 04/2014; 18(7). DOI:10.1111/jcmm.12272 · 4.01 Impact Factor
Article: A comparative study of proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rat adipose-derived stem cells in β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), forsterite (Mg2SiO4) and clinoenstatite (MgSiO3)[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: In this study, the effects of forsterite and clinoenstatite powder extracts on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rat adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) were investigated and compared with the β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) powder extracts. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and live-dead staining were performed to evaluate the viability and proliferation of rat ASCs. Osteogenic differentiation of rat ASCs were assayed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and ALP activity test. The expression of osteogenic marker genes (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), collagen type Iα1 (Col1α1), secreted phosphoprotein1 (Spp1, osteopontin), integrin binding sialoprotein (Ibsp), bone gla protein (Bglap)) were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The MTT assay and the live-dead staining showed that all the three ceramics possessed good cytocompatibility with rat ASCs. Furthermore, forsterite and clinoenstatite promoted the proliferation of rat ASCs compared with β-TCP. The results of the ALP activity test and the real-time PCR demonstrated that forsterite and clinoenstatite promoted the osteogenic differentiation of rat ASCs. These results suggested that forsterite and clinoenstatite are bioactive ceramics that may be used for preparation of bone tissue engineering (BTE) scaffolds.Chinese Science Bulletin 08/2013; 58(24). DOI:10.1007/s11434-013-5874-3 · 1.58 Impact Factor
Article: Molecular Imaging of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Immunogenicity with In Vivo Development in Ischemic Myocardium[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Whether differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in ischemic myocardium enhances their immunogenicity, thereby increasing their chance for rejection, is unclear. Here, we dynamically demonstrated the immunogenicity and rejection of iPSCs in ischemic myocardium using bioluminescent imaging (BLI). Murine iPSCs were transduced with a tri-fusion (TF) reporter gene consisting of firefly luciferase-red fluorescent protein-truncated thymidine kinase (fluc-mrfp-tTK). Ascorbic acid (Vc) were used to induce iPSCs to differentiate into cardiomyocytes (CM). iPSCs and iPS-CMs were intramyocardially injected into immunocompetent or immunosuppressed allogenic murine with myocardial infarction. BLI was performed to track transplanted cells. Immune cell infiltration was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Syngeneic iPSCs were also injected and evaluated. The results demonstrated that undifferentiated iPSCs survived and proliferated in allogenic immunocompetent recipients early post-transplantation, accompanying with mild immune cell infiltration. With in vivo differentiation, a progressive immune cell infiltration could be detected. While transplantation of allogenic iPSC-CMs were observed an acute rejection from receipts. In immune-suppressed recipients, the proliferation of iPSCs could be maintained and intramyocardial teratomas were formed. Transplantation of syngeneic iPSCs and iPSC-CMs were also observed progressive immune cell infiltration. This study demonstrated that iPSC immunogenicity increases with in vivo differentiation, which will increase their chance for rejection in iPSC-based therapy.PLoS ONE 06/2013; 8(6):e66369. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0066369 · 3.23 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) provides a promising seeding cell for regenerative medicine. However, iPSC has the potential to form teratomas after transplantation. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the tumorigenic risks of iPSC and all its differentiated derivates prior to use in a clinical setting. Here, murine iPSCs were transduced with dual reporter gene consisting of monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP) and firefly luciferase (Fluc). Undifferentiated iPSCs, iPSC derivates from induced differentiation (iPSC-derivates), iPSC-derivated cardiomyocyte (iPSC-CMs) were subcutaneously injected into the back of nude mice. Non-invasive bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was longitudinally performed at day 1, 7, 14 and 28 after transplantation to track the survival and proliferation of transplanted cells. At day 28, mice were killed and grafts were explanted to detect teratoma formation. The results demonstrated that transplanted iPSCs, iPSC-derivates and iPSC-CMs survived in receipts. Both iPSCs and iPSC-derivates proliferated dramatically after transplantation, while only slight increase in BLI signals was observed in iPSC-CM transplanted mice. At day 28, teratomas were detected in both iPSCs and iPSC-derivates transplanted mice, but not in iPSC-CM transplanted ones. In vitro study showed the long-term existence of pluripotent cells during iPSC differentiation. Furthermore, when these cells were passaged in feeder layers as undifferentiated iPSCs, they would recover iPSC-like colonies, indicating the cause for differentiated iPSC's tumourigenicity. Our study indicates that exclusion of tumorigenic cells by screening in addition to lineage-specific differentiation is necessary prior to therapeutic use of iPSCs.Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 05/2013; 17(6). DOI:10.1111/jcmm.12062 · 4.01 Impact Factor
Article: Immunohistochemical characterization and functional identification of mammary gland telocytes in the self-assembly of reconstituted breast cancer tissue in vitro[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Telocyte (TC) as a special stromal cell exists in mammary gland and might play an important role in the balance of epithelium-stroma of mammary gland. Considering that different types of breast interstitial cells influence the development and progression of breast cancer, TCs may have its distinct role in this process. We here studied the roles of TCs in the self-assembly of reconstituted breast cancer tissue. We co-cultured primary isolated TCs and other breast stromal cells with breast cancer EMT-6 cells in collagen/Matrigel scaffolds to reconstitute breast cancer tissue in vitro. Using histology methods, we investigated the immunohistochemical characteristics and potential functions of TCs in reconstituted breast cancer tissue. TCs in primary mammary gland stromal cells with long and thin overlapping cytoplasmic processes, expressed c-kit/CD117, CD34 and vimentin in reconstitute breast cancer tissue. The transmission electron microscopy showed that the telocyte-like cells closely communicated with breast cancer cells as well as other stromal cells, and might serve as a bridge that directly linked the adjacent cells through membrane-to-membrane contact. Compared with cancer tissue sheets of EMT-6 alone, PCNA proliferation index analysis and TUNEL assay showed that TCs and other breast stromal cells facilitated the formation of typical nest structure, promoted the proliferation of breast cancer cells, and inhibited their apoptosis. In conclusion, we successfully reconstituted breast cancer tissue in vitro, and it seems to be attractive that TCs had potential functions in self-assembly of EMT-6/stromal cells reconstituted breast cancer tissue.Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 12/2012; 17(1). DOI:10.1111/j.1582-4934.2012.01646.x · 4.01 Impact Factor
Article: Self-assembly of renal cells into engineered renal tissues in collagen/Matrigel scaffold in vitro[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To tissue engineer a kidney is a formidable task because of the complex cell composition and structures in the kidney. This study reconstructed renal tissues using mixed renal cells in collagen/Matrigel® scaffolds in vitro. Neonatal rat renal cells were seeded in collagen I supplemented with Matrigel in a casting mold that could exert static stretch when the renal constructs contracted. During in vitro culture, the renal constructs were observed under microscope and analyzed by histological and immunofluorescent examinations. Results showed that the mixed renal cells reconstituted renal tubular and glomeruli-like structures with different appearances at varying developmental stages. Tubular structures were formed by CK18-positive cells with similar appearances lining the surrounding hollow centres. The glomeruli-like structures were tufts of cell aggregates containing Flk-1-positive cells. These results show that neonatal rat renal cells self-assembled into engineered renal tissues containing both tubules and glomeruli-like structures when cultured in 3D collagen/Matrigel scaffold in vitro. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 11/2012; 6(10). DOI:10.1002/term.484 · 5.20 Impact Factor
Article: Metastasis-associated gene, mag-1 improves tumor microenvironmental adaptation and potentiates tumor metastasis.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Metastasis is a major cause of death from malignant diseases, and the underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown. A detailed probe into the factors which may regulate tumor invasion and metastasis contributes to novel anti-metastatic therapies. As the researches of this study, we previously identified a novel metastasis-associated gene 1 (mag-1) by means of metastatic phenotype cloning. Then we characterized the gene expression profile of mag-1 and showed that it promoted cell migration, adhesion, and invasion in vitro. Importantly, the disruption of mag-1 via RNA interference not only inhibited cellular metastatic behaviors, but also significantly reduced tumor weight and restrained mouse breast cancer cells to metastasize to lungs in spontaneous metastatic assay in vivo. Further, we proved that mag-1 integrates dual regulating mechanisms through the stabilization of HIF-1α and the activation of mTOR signaling pathway. We also found that mag-1-induced metastatic promotion could be abrogated by mTOR specific inhibitor, rapamycin. Taken together, the findings identified a direct role that mag-1 played in metastasis and implicated its function in cellular adaptation to tumor microenvironment. © 2012 The Authors Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine © 2012 Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine/Blackwell Publishing Ltd.Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 09/2012; 16(12). DOI:10.1111/j.1582-4934.2012.01633.x · 4.01 Impact Factor
Article: The use of chitosan based hydrogel for enhancing the therapeutic benefits of adipose-derived MSCs for acute kidney injury[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been reported a great therapeutic potential for acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the therapeutic benefits are limited due to the low retention and survival of transplanted cells within target sites. In this study, thermosensitive chitosan chloride (CSCl) hydrogel was explored as injectable scaffold for adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs) delivery into ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Thermosensitive CSCl hydrogels with/without ADMSCs were injected into the I/R site of rat AKI models. Dihydroethidium staining was used to detect the number of ROS in vivo. In order to track ADMSCs in vivo, ADMSCs were transfected with firefly luciferase and monomeric red fluorescent protein reporter genes (fluc-mrfp). The retention and survival of ADMSC were assessed using bioluminescence imaging, differentiation behaviors of ADMSCs were investigated using immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical staining. Proliferation and apoptosis of host renal cell in vivo were characterized by PCNA and TUNEL staining. Results suggested that CSCl hydrogels could improve the retention and survival of grafted ADMSCs, moreover, CSCl hydrogels could enhance the proliferation activity and reduce apoptosis of host renal cells. At 4 weeks, significant improvement of the renal function, microvessel density and tubular cell proliferation were observed in CSCl hydrogels with ADMSCs groups. Therefore, the application of thermosensitive CSCl hydrogel as scaffold for ADMSCs delivery into renal region could resolve the main obstacle of cell transplantation for acute kidney injury (AKI). Therefore, CSCl hydrogel is a potential cell carrier for treatment of AKI.Biomaterials 05/2012; 33(14):3673-81. DOI:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.01.061 · 8.56 Impact Factor
Article: Transplantation of co-microencapsulated hepatocytes and HUVECs for treatment of fulminant hepatic failure[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Microencapsulated hepatocytes might solve immunological rejection, broadening a new perspective for the treatment of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). However, the transplantation of microcapsulated hepatocytes is limited by low cell viability. Nevertheless, the co-microencapsulation of hepatocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) may make the treatment of FHF more promising. We prepared the microcapsules using the high-voltage electrostatic droplet spray method, transplanted the empty microcapsules, isolated hepatocytes, microcapsulated hepatocytes, and co-microencapsulated hepatocytes and HUVEC intraperitoneally into rat models of FHF induced by D-aminogalactose (D-gal). After 1, 3, and 7 days, and 2, 3, and 4 weeks posttransplantation, we calculated the mortality and assessed alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and albumin (ALB) levels in the serum of the model; evaluated the integrality and recovery of microcapsules; and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) the recovered microcapsules as well as the liver of the FHF rats. Hepatocyte-specific functions, including the levels of ALT, AST, and ALB in the serum of the co-microencapsulation group, were significantly better than those in the other groups (p<0.05) from 2 to 4 weeks after transplantation. Moreover, cotransplantation of the microencapsulated hepatocytes and HUVECs decreased the mortality rate of the FHF rats. The recovered microcapsules were intact, and recovery was up to 90%. H&E staining showed that the microencapsulated cells were still alive, and the liver tissues had started to recover after 4 weeks posttransplantation. The microcapsules have good biocompatibility and immunoprotection to protect the hepatocytes from immunological rejection. Cotransplantation of the microencapsulated hepatocytes and HUVECs could decrease mortality rates and improve liver function in FHF.The International journal of artificial organs 04/2012; 35(6):458-65. DOI:10.5301/ijao.5000092 · 0.96 Impact Factor
Article: The influence of chitosan hydrogel on stem cell engraftment, survival and homing in the ischemic myocardial microenvironment[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: One challenge of cellular cardiomyoplasty for myocardial infarction (MI) is how to improve MI microenvironment to facilitate stem cell engraftment, survival and homing for myocardial repair. The application of injectable hydrogels is an effective strategy. However, it has not been thoroughly investigated on the role of the injectable scaffolds, in improving MI microenvironment, providing space and guidance for cell survival, engraftment and homing. We explored an injectable chitosan hydrogel for stem cell delivery into ischemic heart and investigated the beneficial effects and mechanisms of the hydrogel. In vitro, H(2)O(2)-treatment was used to mimic reactive oxygen species (ROS) microenvironment. The influence of ROS and protection of chitosan components on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) was analyzed too. In vivo, MI was induced by the left anterior descending artery ligation in SD rats. PBS, chitosan hydrogel, ADSC/PBS and ADSC/chitosan hydrogel were injected into the border of infracted hearts respectively. Multi-techniques were used to assess the beneficial effects of chitosan hydrogel after transplantation. We observed that ROS generated by ischemia would impair ADSC adhesion molecules, including integrin-related adhesion molecules integrin αV and β1, focal adhesion-related molecules p-FAK and p-Src, and corresponding ligands of host myocardium ICAM1 and VCAM1. Chitosan hydrogel could rescue these molecules through ROS scavenging and recruit key chemokine for stem cell homing, such as SDF-1. The results suggest that chitosan hydrogel could improve MI microenvironment, enhance stem cell engraftment, survival and homing in ischemic heart through ROS scavenging and chemokine recruitment, contributing to myocardial repair.Biomaterials 04/2012; 33(11):3093-106. DOI:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.12.044 · 8.56 Impact Factor
Article: Evaluating cell migration in vitro by the method based on cell patterning within microfluidic channels[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Cell migration is an early-stage and critical step for cancer metastasis. The most common approach to monitor this process is wound-healing assay. However, this traditional method has some unavoidable limitations. We observed that simply scratching the monolayer of cultured cells might cause local cell damage around the injury line. The cells along the scratched border seemed to be irritated and exhibited abnormal distribution of cytoskeleton reassembly with protruding "cell islands" and "pseudopodia" during wound healing, which might potentially affect the assessment of cell migration behavior. Herein, we applied a microfluidic device that mechanically constrained cells seeded in a designed pattern inside microchannels, and monitored cell movement in a way of mimicking the natural microenvironment of cancerous tissues. We illustrated the capacity of this simple method to probe cellular migration behaviors and to screen some biological active agents that reflected in their influence on cellular motility.Electrophoresis 03/2012; 33(5):773-9. DOI:10.1002/elps.201100349 · 3.03 Impact Factor
Article: Celastrol targets mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I to induce reactive oxygen species-dependent cytotoxicity in tumor cells[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Celastrol is an active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Tripterygium Wilfordii, which exhibits significant antitumor activity in different cancer models in vitro and in vivo; however, the lack of information on the target and mechanism of action of this compound have impeded its clinical application. In this study, we sought to determine the mode of action of celastrol by focusing on the processes that mediate its anticancer activity. The downregulation of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) client proteins, phosphorylation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and cleavage of PARP, caspase 9 and caspase 3 were detected by western blotting. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was analyzed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Cell cycle progression, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. Absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complexes. Celastrol induced ROS accumulation, G2-M phase blockage, apoptosis and necrosis in H1299 and HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidative agent, inhibited celastrol-induced ROS accumulation and cytotoxicity. JNK phosphorylation induced by celastrol was suppressed by NAC and JNK inhibitor SP600125 (SP). Moreover, SP significantly inhibited celastrol-induced loss of MMP, cleavage of PARP, caspase 9 and caspase 3, mitochondrial translocation of Bad, cytoplasmic release of cytochrome c, and cell death. However, SP did not inhibit celastrol-induced ROS accumulation. Celastrol downregulated HSP90 client proteins but did not disrupt the interaction between HSP90 and cdc37. NAC completely inhibited celastrol-induced decrease of HSP90 client proteins, catalase and thioredoxin. The activity of MRC complex I was completely inhibited in H1299 cells treated with 6 μM celastrol in the absence and presence of NAC. Moreover, the inhibition of MRC complex I activity preceded ROS accumulation in H1299 cells after celastrol treatment. We identified ROS as the key intermediate for celastrol-induced cytotoxicity. JNK was activated by celastrol-induced ROS accumulation and then initiated mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Celastrol induced the downregulation of HSP90 client proteins through ROS accumulation and facilitated ROS accumulation by inhibiting MRC complex I activity. These results identify a novel target for celastrol-induced anticancer activity and define its mode of action.BMC Cancer 05/2011; 11(1):170. DOI:10.1186/1471-2407-11-170 · 3.36 Impact Factor
Article: FK228 induces mitotic catastrophe in A549 cells by mistargeting chromosomal passenger complex localization through changing centromeric H3K9 hypoacetylation[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Previous studies have shown that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) can kill cancer cells. In addition, HDACis can induce mitotic catastrophe in cancer cells due to insufficient localization of chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) to the centromere. However, the mechanisms behind these phenomena remain unclear. In this study, we found that a HDACi, FK228, affected multiple epigenetic modification characteristics of the centromere, including enhanced acetylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9), decreased trimethylation of H3K9, and decreased phosphorylation of histone H3 serine 10 (H3S10) and centromere protein A (CENP-A). These epigenetic changes implied that H3K9 hyperacetylation inhibits the CPC recruitment, induces impaired centromere assembly and function, and eventually leads to aberrant mitosis. These data suggested that hypoacetylation of histone in the pericentromere is the most important landmark for recruiting CPC and leading to the mitotic catastrophe in HDACi-induced killing of cancer cells.Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica 10/2010; 42(10):677-87. DOI:10.1093/abbs/gmq077 · 2.19 Impact Factor
Article: [Promotion of MAG-1 on Metastasis of Lung Cancer Cells in vitro and Its Expression in Lung Cancer Tissue of 24 Cases.].[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Tumor metastasis is a multistep process with many genes involved in. A novel gene MAG-1, identified by suppression subtractive hybridization from lung cancer cells was found to be associated with tumor metastasis. The aims of this work are to investigate the metastasis related effects of MAG-1 on human lunggiant-cell line PLA801, and to compare the expression rate of MAG-1 in cancer tissue from lung cancer patients with different metastatic status. Sense and anti-sense expressing vectors of MAG-1 were constructed and transfected into PLA801C and PLA801D respectively. Colony forming, adherence assay, MTT assay and Transwell experiments were used to evaluate the alterations of clone forming, cell-matrix adherence, proliferating and invasion of the stable transfected cell strains. Western blot was employed to detect the proteins levels of CD44, and MMP-2 in cell strains and mRNA state of MAG-1 in lung cancer tissue from patients with or without pathological metastasis were also analyzed by RTPCR. MAG-1 could increase cell-ECM (Extracellular Matrix) adhesive capacity, promote invasion, enhance cell proliferation and had no effects on clone forming ability of PLA801 cells in soft agar. MAG-1 was also found have positive effects on the protein level of CD44 and MMP-2 in PLA801 cells, and the detection rate of MAG-1 mRNA was much higher in cancer tissue from metastatic patients (7/12) than that in non-metastatic patients (2/12). MAG-1 could promote lung cancer metastasis and might be a metastasis associated gene of lung cancer.Zhongguo fei ai za zhi = Chinese journal of lung cancer 02/2009; 12(2):93-9. DOI:10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2009.02.01
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ABSTRACT: Both tumor proliferation and metastasis are multistep processes with many genes involved. A novel gene MAG-2, which may have close correlation with lung cancer metastasis, was identified in our lab through approach of suppression subtractive hybridization using lung cancer cell strains with same origin but different metastatic potential as models. The objective of our works presented here is to investigate the proliferation related effects of MAG-2 on human lung-giant-cell line PLA801, and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism. Sense and anti-sense expressing vector of MAG-2 were constructed and transfected into PLA801C and D cell respectively and the change of expressing levels of target gene in stable transfected cell strains was assayed by RT-PCR. The alteration in terms of proliferation and cytoplasm Ca(2+) of the stable transfected cell strains and vector controls were tested by the methods of MTT and Fluo-3-Am staining. The proteins levels of p53 and mRNA levels of PCNA of different cell strains were analyzed by Western blot and RT-PCR. The stable transfected cell strains of CMAG2+, DMAG2- and their vector controls Cvector and Dvector were obtained. The MAG-2 mRNA levels of CMAG2+ and DMPAG2- were 7 and 0.6 times higher or lower comparing those of vector controls. MAG-2 could increase the mRNA level of PCNA and down-regulated the p53 protein in PLA801C strain. In consistent with PCNA's mRNA elevating, the proportion of S-phase cell in the mass was also increased. But the significant difference was not observed on MTT assay between CMAG2+ and its control, the reason might be due to the mutated p53, which had strong proliferation promoting effects, was also down-regulated by MAG-2's over-expression in PLA801C, and the levels of cytoplasm calcium in CMAG2+ had 1.05 times more than that of vector control. As to the PLA801D strain, the decreased expression of MAG-2 result in lower level of cytoplasm calcium (0.64 time of control's) and the cell proliferation was also restrained by means of MTT assay. MAG-2 has taken part in the proliferation regulation of lung cancer cells PLA801, and the mechanism of its proliferation-related function maybe lie in its effects on cytoplasmic free calcium.Zhongguo fei ai za zhi = Chinese journal of lung cancer 08/2008; 11(4):513-8. DOI:10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2008.04.026
Article: Proteomic Analysis Identifies Protein Targets Responsible for Depsipeptide Sensitivity in Tumor Cells[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Depsipeptide FR901228 (FK228) is a new kind of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) that induces growth arrest and cell death in a variety of tumor cells. Though its effects on oncogene expression and degradation have been documented, the detailed mechanism of FK228-induced cytotoxicity is still undefined. In this study, a differential proteomic analysis was performed to identify proteins associated with FK228-induced cytotoxicity in human lung cancer cells. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) revealed a distinct protein profile of H322 cells in response to FK228 treatment, and 45 protein spots with significant alteration were screened. In total, 27 proteins were identified by mass spectrometry and involved in signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, metabolism, cytoskeletal organization, and protein folding, synthesis and degradation, consistent with multiple effects of FK228 on tumor cells. Notably, a novel target protein, thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), was identified, which is downregulated in FK228-sensitive cancer cells, but upregulated in resistant cells. The expression level of TrxR was negatively correlated with ROS accumulation, DNA damage and apoptosis, implicating TrxR in FK228-induced apoptosis and HDACi sensitivity in cancer cells. Thus, proteomic analysis provides new information about target proteins important for FK228-induced cytotoxicity in cancer cells.Journal of Proteome Research 08/2008; 7(7):2733-42. DOI:10.1021/pr7008753 · 4.25 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To isolate and identify the genes related to cancer metastasis by comparison of two cell strains with different metastasis potentials subcloned from human lung giant cell carcinoma cell line. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used to compare the levels of gene expression between the two cell strains and SSH library was constructed. After screening the library by gene chip, the expressed sequence tags (ESTs) with different expressing level were sequenced and blasted with GenBank. Seventy-nine genes were obtained that were expressed much higher in PLA-801D than in PLA-801C, including two full-length cDNA. GenBank Accession numbers of the two cDNA, named MAG-1 and MAG-2, were BC006236 and BC002420, the 8.5 kb MAG-1 gene was composed of four exons and located on the chromosome of 4q21. The MAG-2 gene, which was made up by 9 exons, had a length of 5.2 kb and its location was 2q35. Both sequences had open reading frames (ORF) and promoters before the theoretical transcription start points. Using special software, the secondary structure of theoretical products of the two cDNAs was prognosticated, α-helix was the main proportion, but β-pleated sheet and random coil were also included. The expression of MAG-1 and MAG-2 has significant differences in these two cell strains, so they might impact tumor metastasis in some ways that are still uncharted.Zhongguo fei ai za zhi = Chinese journal of lung cancer 12/2003; 6(6):460-3. DOI:10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2003.06.12
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Academy of Military Medical SciencesT'ien-ching-shih, Tianjin Shi, China


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Devil's Lake (Wisconsin)
|Devil's Lake
|Sauk County, Wisconsin, U.S.
|43°25′05″N 89°43′55″W / 43.41806°N 89.73194°WCoordinates: 43°25′05″N 89°43′55″W / 43.41806°N 89.73194°W
|endorheic lake
|Basin countries
|United States
Devil's Lake is an endorheic (closed drainage) lake in the South Range of the Baraboo Range, about two miles south of Baraboo, Wisconsin, in Sauk County, Wisconsin, USA. The lake is one of the primary attractions of the eponymous Devil's Lake State Park.
Devils Lake was so named because it is situated in a deep chasm with no visible inlet or outlet.[1] The Ho-Chunk gave Devil's Lake its name because it was said that the voices of spirits were often heard during the celebrations. Their name, however, was "Da-wa-kah-char-gra" meaning "Spirit Lake." The English name has been cited as a mistranslation.[2]
It is also a popular recreation destination for watercraft, fishing, hiking, and climbing.
Devil's Lake was originally a gorge of the Wisconsin River prior to the last ice age. At what is now the southern end of the lake, the river turned from a southerly direction to an easterly direction. During the ice age, a lobe of the glacier passed to the east of the Baraboo Hills and came up the river valley. It deposited materials and then melted, leaving a terminal moraine blocking the river, forming an earthen dam.[3] Another moraine was deposited at the north end of the lake. The river eventually found a new course to the east of the Baraboo Hills, where the glacier had been, leaving a portion of the river gorge between the moraines filled with water. This body of water is Devil's Lake.
- ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. p. 105.
- ^ House, Charles (Mar 4, 1957). "By The Way". The Milwaukee Sentinel. pp. B1. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
- ^ A Geologic Tour of the Baraboo Ranges and Devil's Lake Gorge


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Peter Cannonball Videos, Peter Cannonball Pictures, Peter Cannonball Articles
Peter Cannonball Promo
Dave and Tom try to advertise Peter Cannonball. Poorly.
Some Clean Shorts Vol.2
Peter Cannonball Productions presents the second collection of shorts by Tom Fonss and David Columbo.
Some Clean Shorts Vol.1
A collection of shorts by Peter Cannonball Productions.
With Friends Like These
A short film by Peter Cannonball Productions
The Chosen One
A new short film by Peter Cannonball! Eric has to make a huge decision, and is surprisingly condescending about it.
Some Clean Shorts Vol. 3
The third collection of shorts from Peter Cannonball Productions!
Some Clean Shorts Vol. 4
The 4th collection of shorts by Peter Cannonball Productions
Shake It Like a White Lady Ft. Nick Cannon, JB Smoove, Randy Jackson
Nick Cannon and the Cannonballs show a tough crowd how to party. From Nick Cannon's new album "White People Party Music".
Bad Mother Fucker
A man ventures across a lonely path with hopes of finding himself. Along this path he realizes that his self is within the world.
Quick & Clean
Lester Creely is about to have a very bad day.
Heavy Metal
The beach isn't big enough for the two of them. Check out www.petercannonball.com for more!
Game Night
A date night goes from Scrabble to worse.
John Doe
Detectives Tanner and Boone had seen it all, until they are called in to solve the murder of John Doe.
5 items
HBOs GIRLS of SILICON VALLEY
Sex Education
How to Use the F Word
Blind Taste Test
Business Work: New Initiative


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Paea Paongo VS Cabbage March 15th, 2013 Maui War Memorial Gym watch video >>
RWE & BJPENN.com present Just Scrap 1/19/12 in Hilo at the Civic Auditorium. watch video >>
Fight Network visits the Cabbage Town Youth Centre to discuss their role in promoting MMA in the community as well as the $129,000 donation the UFC made to the institution.
For additional coverage watch video >>
Tank Abbott vs Cabbage Correira 2 watch video >>
Antonio Silva vs Cabbage Correira watch video >>


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Law & Politics
I think it'll be good for basketball if Kobe decides to move china instead of europe
Figure that the NBA is more like a circus act than a professional sport anyways, why not come to China?
Kobe could play in china. I would like the line up to be chris paul, kobe, carmelo, duncan and dwight howard.
Just what China needs, more american junk cars, more social garbage, more obnoxious personalities that earn millions playing ball. The good old days they stayed in America until it rots out.
Welcome Kobe, I can't wait to see you play in China!
pug_ster wrote:
"Figure that the NBA is more like a circus act than a professional sport anyways, why not come to China?"
Maybe Kobe & Co. could teach the Chinese players that the game is called 'Basketball' and not 'Basket-brawl' Better that the NBA go to China then the CBA coming to the USA! It's bad enough that Brazil and Puerto Rico play the song 'Everyone'e Kung-Fu Fightin' in honor of the Chinese National Team! Their poor sportsmanship of Kung-Fooing the opposition because they are being 'schooled' by better teams such as Brazil and Puerto Rico has earned the CNT the title of playing the game of Basket-brawl!
Kobe's lesson number one in China! We do not Kung-Fu the opposing team players when lwe are losing badly!
I think you should revise your statement! China has already helped damage soccer in the country from the recent scandals! Just what makes you think China can play an 'honest' game of Basketball? I'm still waiting for China to win their first Olympic Gold Metal as Russia did against the USA in 1972! How many 'do-overs' did the Russians need in that game anyways!
But we might just be exporting to China!! Woo! See, it can be done.
Makes perfect sense. Televise the games back to the states for true NBA fans. The haters won't care one way or another. Maybe the activity will create interest in a World Basketball League (WBL). Hopefully the tour will include players on the low end of the pay scale.
Now that DSK's rape case is falling apart, Kobe is licking his chops and hoping to visit some fine Chinese hotels where he will make friends with Chinese chambermaids.
"Keep an eye over your shoulders ladies!"
I think it would be a great idea. All we are asking for is Basketball. Its like they are spitting in our face. Who will keep the fans money and forget the fans. Where is the fans contract.lbvs
Kobe,waiting for you in Nanjing.
This whole Kobe is a rapist stuff if stupid. It's pretty clear he didn't do it. Just say you don't like him, no need to try to find some pretense to justify it.
"Kobe is licking his chops and hoping to visit some fine.. hotels ..."
I know, your mother must be a busty chambermaid herself. That's how she put food on your table, and raised you to write slutty stuffs like these. But times are so desperately lean now in the US, what with the 10% unemployment and no tourist visiting at all. Tell your mother to fake a Chinese accent and go work in China. Don't forget -- send in her cup size along with her application !! Don't worry she'll get the job, as foreign chambermaids are bustier and sexier !! hahahah!
'China's Basket-brawl team! = 'The real OODA loop'
@The real OODA loop
If you can't even man up to your real identity, and have to fudge several fake personas,
you really are not 'big' enough to talk about basketballs -- which is for giants.
If Thailand's allegation proves to be true, the Bangkok blast would mark a rare spillover of violence related to Uighurs outside China.
Engagement between government-affiliated Weibo accounts and ordinary users can sometimes produce messy results, writes expert contributor Yiyi Lu.
The greatest military parade in Chinese history sent strong messages to multiple audiences Thursday, writes expert contributor Andrew Erickson.
Long after the soldiers and crowds disperse, China stands to experience lasting impact from a move that may be announced following Thursday's parade: major military reforms
China Real Time Report is a vital resource for an expanding global community trying to keep up with a country changing minute by minute. The site offers quick insight and sharp analysis from the wide network of Dow Jones reporters across Greater China, including Dow Jones Newswires' specialists and The Wall Street Journal's award-winning team. It also draws on the insights of commentators close to the hot topic of the day in law, policy, economics and culture. Its editors can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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[TCAD] Titanium | Objetive-C | Android | Ionic | API's
Bolivia - Tests: 5 - Portfolio: 19
Titanium Certified Developer and Native iOS/Blackberry/Android - Expert API Development. I have an extreme passion for development software with special focus on mobile solutions. Three main actitudes are present all time: the continuos knowledge, the innovation and the leadership. I am ready for start new projects and provide solutions to different environments. I worked in develop mobile application for iOS, Android and BlackBerry applications for entertainment, Social Networks and Productivity/Businees Apps. The development of web sites and web application were other important areas of my work, in development and management roles, i have developed commercial web sites, CRMs with simple and complex modules integrated to different environments. All time the main focus was provide complete process of development software, an excellent UI and final solutions with high standards of quality. The Agile development and principles defined my work: Improving excellence in my services. Continuous education, highest quality, using the appropriate technologies, tools and best practices in complete process of Software. Confidence of our clients, transparence, honesty and integrity all time.
- Appcelerator Titanium
- iPhone App Development
- iPad App Development
- Android App Development
- Blackberry app development
- WordPress
- MySQL Administration
- Augmented Reality
- Ionic Framework
Groups: Appcelerator Certified Developers
Associated with: Galindo Consulting Group, Inc. Agency


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From County extension to conservation to grain prices, we provide lots of information every day on KJAN. Here is some of that information on the web too! We hope you find it useful.
From County extension to conservation to grain prices, we provide lots of information every day on KJAN. Here is some of that information on the web too! We hope you find it useful.
Info from the Atlantic Animal Shelter.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (4.2MB)
w/ Dr. Keith Leonard
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (3.6MB)
w/ Max Dirks
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (3.6MB)
U-S Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is urging the U-S House and Senate Ag Committees to get a Farm Bill ready. Once created, Vilsack says that legislation could be attached to any agreement to avoid the fall off the "fiscal cliff" of automatic tax hikes and budget cuts which loom on January 1st. "That would provide a vehicle for the passage of a food, farm and jobs bill," Vilsack says. "In order for that to happen, they could not be in a situation where they would ask folks to wait while they crafted and drafted whatever compromises they could reach. They need to do that work now so that when and if there's a resolution to the fiscal cliff, the farm legislation could be attached to it without delay."
Vilsack, a former Iowa governor, says it will take a lot of work to get a new Farm Bill ready for the upcoming growing season. "We will do everything we can to move heaven and earth," Vilsack says. "Once Congress does its job, we will do our job in a timely way. It obviously depends on at what point in time they ultimately get their work done." The automatic budget cuts that will come with the new year will impact practically every single U-S-D-A program, what Vilsack says would be a disaster.
"That gives me no capacity to manage," he says. "It's eight-and-a-half or eight-point-seven percent, whatever it is, across the board, virtually every line item. You can't transfer. The only way you're going to deal with it is by reductions in force and that is extraordinarily cumbersome." Without action by Congress, a series of 500-billion dollars in tax increases and 200-billion in budget cuts will automatically take effect on or around the first day of January, a leap some analysts fear could prompt another recession.
(Radio Iowa)
The U-S Army Corps of Engineers continues to cut water releases from Gavins Point Dam into the Missouri River. Jody Farhat, chief of the Water Management Bureau for the Corps in Omaha, says releases were taken down to 14-thousand cubic feet per second (CFS) over the weekend. "Our inital plan was to hold that just for three days before stepping down to 12 but we're getting down to the level where some of the water intakes are coming into concern," Farhat says. "We'll probably hold the 14-thousand for five or six days, let that decrease get down past those water intakes and see if we are able to make any further reductions after that."
By comparison, the average flow has been around 38-thousand CFS but during last year's record flooding, flow rates hit a record of 160-thousand CFS. The current 14-thousand is almost a trickle by comparison. Farhat says low water is causing transportation issues on the Mississippi River, but they can't really help with that. Several governors, businesses and farm groups are asking Congress and the Corps to boost water levels on the Missouri to help keep barges moving on the Mississippi. "There is a lot of concern about the impacts of this reduction on navigation on the Mississippi River and we're getting a lot of calls and monitoring that situation," Farhat says. "In reality, Congress has not authorized us to operate this reservoir system for the Mississippi River, so, we intend to get down to our winter release rate and hold it there, unless something changes."
Levels of the upstream reservoirs continue to fall. Farhat says that will be a balancing act all winter long. "Most of the reservoir storage is in the upper three, and those are currently between five and 14 feet below normal right now," Farhat says. "We'll be moving water between the reservoirs over the winter period and by the start of next year's runoff season, each of those upper three reservoirs will be between 10 and 12 feet below the desired operating level at the start of a run-up year." The Missouri River level at Yankton is now 16 feet lower than it was during the record flooding in the summer of 2011.
(Radio Iowa)
The Cass County Board of Supervisors Wednesday morning approved the first of two readings of an Amended Ordinance that pertains to the Amaizing Energy TIF District. The action followed the first of two public hearings on the matter, with the second hearing and second reading to take place during the Supervisor's meeting on Dec. 19th.
Prior to the public hearing, Cass County Auditor Dale Sunderman said the Board, on May 23rd 2007, enacted Ordinance 28, which provides for the Division of Taxes levied on taxable property in the Amaizing Energy Urban Renewal Area. He said the amendment proposes that certain property included in the definition of an "Urban Renewal Area" in the ordinance, be deleted from that definition. (A full description of the parcels and sections are available at the Auditor's office)
After the public hearing was closed and the matter discussed that the Board, upon hearing no objections to the amendment after first reading, voted to approve it.
w/ Kate Olson
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (5.1MB)
The annual survey from Iowa State University shows farmland values increased almost 24-percent over last year to a new record high of an average cost of eight-thousand-296 dollars an acre. I-S-U economist, Mike Duffy compiles the numbers from the survey. "Basically what we found was higher-quality ground moving at a pretty good level, and lower quality ground not increasing so much," Duffy says. "For example northwest Iowa was up almost 34-percent, where southeast Iowa was up only nine percent." Duffy says record corn and bean prices are part of the reason for the increase.
"The commodity prices were a primary driver, another driver was the very low interest rates that we have. People also said lack of alternative investments was another reason," according to Duffy. The faster increase in the price of the better quality ground goes hand-in-hand with the amount of money to be made with the higher commodity prices. "I think the higher quality ground is going to be less susceptible to weather problems for the most part, it's a more stable return if you will than some of the lower quality ground. And people are perceiving it to be a better buy than the lower quality," Duffy says.
O'Brien County had an estimated 12-thousand-862 dollar average value, the highest average county value. O'Brien County also had the highest percentage increase and highest dollar increase in value, 35-point-two percent and three-thousand-348, respectively. The 23-point-seven-percent increase marks the third straight year the land values have increased by 15-percent or more. Duffy doesn't agree with those who say the high price bubble of ag land is going to eventually burst. "I don't think that it's going to be a bubble pop. I think it would either be be more akin to a tire getting a nail in it, where we'll gradually adjust down. Or it may even be that we don't adjust down much, but the rate of increase will either slow or slightly go down," Duffy says.
He does think the double-digit increases in land prices may not last much longer. "I don't see any way that we can maintain the rate that we've had," Duffy explains. "The last three years we've increased almost 64-percent, and that's just not sustainable." He says the supply and amount of corn and soybeans that are grown will make an impact on the land prices moving ahead."The world is already responding by planting more, so we're going to see adjustments," Duffy says. "Now all that said though, the drought that we're experiencing right now is very serious. And what it portends for next year is kind of anybody's guess right now. But if we don't get rain, we're not going to have a crop. So it doesn't matter how high prices are."
In Cass County, the value of Ag land increased $1,426 over last year, to $7,984 per acre. In Audubon County, land increased just $25 shy of $2,000 per acre, to $9,215. In Adair County, land prices increased a little more than $1,100, to $6,425. In Adams County, the value of land went up a little more than $800, to $5,094. In Pottawattamie County, the price of land went up $1,600 from last year, to $9,142 per acre. Land went up nearly $1,800 in Shelby County to $9,262. In Guthrie County, the price went up just over $1,600 to $8,220. And, Montgomery County realized a $1,058 dollar price increase, to just over $6,710 per acre.
This is the highest state land value recorded by the survey and the first time county averages have reached levels over 10-thousand dollars an acre.
(Radio Iowa) (more info. at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/farmland-value-reaches-historic-8296-statewide-average)
The Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources says two men have been charged following an incident that occurred Saturday afternoon in Harrison County, when a shotgun slug was fired into an occupied home while deer hunting. 64-year old Stephen Kenkel, of Grinnell was charged with one count of shooting over a roadway and one count of shooting within 200 yards of an inhabited building. 52-year old Gail C. Lamberson, of Logan was charged with one count of shooting within 200 yards of an inhabited building.
The incident occurred when deer were crossing the roadway between Kenkel and the house and Kenkel shot at the deer. The shot went through a wall eventually lodged in a ceiling inside the house. The house was occupied at the time, but no one was injured.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture wants another infusion of cash to close down more ag drainage wells which officials say present a danger to Iowa'S groundwater. Some 250 wells have been plugged since the program started in the late 1980s. Ag Secretary, Bill Northey, wants one-point-five million dollars to treat another dozen wells: "Those right now drain directly into aquifers, that are drinking water aquifers, and that could be a concern," Northey says. "We've been fortunate, we have not had problems with that through this time but it does make sense to close them to the extent that we can."
Iowa's 1987 Groundwater Protection Act called for closing the wells, which farmers installed years ago to make Iowa's wet soils workable. Northey says the toughest ones are still left, where the soils are harder to drain. "That's why it may make sense on some of those, if it's an 80 acre or a 40 acres that's drained, it may be less expensive to take part of that out of production than to find a drain a long ways away and pay a large cost," Northey says.
After the latest round of closings, Northey says the remaining projects will cost as much as 10-million-dollars. Northey made his comments at a budget hearing where Governor Terry Branstad said it may be more cost-effective for the state to buy up the land instead and turn it into wetlands.
(Radio Iowa)


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Robot doctor makes rounds at LI hospital
Long Island Jewish Medical Center has begun using a remote presence robot in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. The robot is connected through the Internet to do rounds and educate residents. Videojournalist: Chuck Fadely (July 18, 2013)
Newsday.com now uses Facebook for our comment boards. Please read our guidelines and connect your Facebook account to comment.
Cops ID prisoner who stole ambulance Hydroponics help reduce SBU's carbon footprint LIRR sees delays after person was struck by train West Islip homecoming king and queen competition Port Jeff students learn about chainsaw art Under the helmet: Inside LI football helmets FDR's son's home for sale in Woodbury 3 injured in police patrol car crash Crash closes Sunrise Highway in East Patchogue Off-duty Suffolk County officer helps revive hockey player North Amityville gas station attendant robbed, say cops One dead after bar dispute


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Owen Courreges: Cracking down on the opera house while Coliseum crumbles
Procrastinating until something becomes absolutely critical is undeniably an American tradition. And when it comes to procrastinating, New Orleans is always at the forefront.
There's an example of this phenomenon just down the street and around the corner from my house. In the 2000 block of Coliseum Street there has long been a broken water or drainage line (it's unclear which). It first became obvious over seven years ago when the street began to sink and the adjacent brick sidewalk began to break apart. Continue reading »
St. Michael Special School leads vote tally to win event from Windsor Court hotel
With little more than a a day of voting remaining, St. Michael Special School in the Irish Channel is in the lead to win a $10,000 event from Windsor Court hotel. Continue reading »
Susan Guidry to host holiday fundraiser for Community Commitment in Carrollton
Rich Talarico, a producer of "Key & Peele" on Comedy Central and former writer for Saturday Night Live, is performing tonight (Sunday, Nov. 30) at La Nuit Comedy Theater on Freret Street. Continue reading »
Three runaway teenage girls have been reported missing from a residence in the Garden District, New Orleans police said. Continue reading »
New Church on Carrollton hosts fundraising dinner
In order to pay for facility repairs to make the church safer for children, the New Church on South Carrolton and Freret will host a fundraising dinner next weekend with catering by Copeland's. The event will feature WWL-TV's Sally Ann Roberts as main speaker, a jazz band, and both a silent and live auction. Tickets are $20 per person. Continue reading »
Danae arrived in Arkansas just in time for the annual Thanksgiving dinner at The Brookfield, where Vera, her 88-year old mother, resides. A place card on the table proclaimed "I am thankful for Vera." It made her also reflect on the many things in New Orleans we are thankful for this year. Continue reading »
An unidentified woman was found stabbed to death Wednesday afternoon in a garbage can in an alleyway that runs behind several homes on Danneel Street in Central City, New Orleans police say. Continue reading »
My 11-year-old son used his allowance to purchase a BB gun at Academy Sports & Outdoors on a shopping trip with his grandfather a few weeks ago.
Needless to say, I wasn't happy about it. My father, who grew up in Rosa, a rural agricultural community in St. Landry Parish, thought nothing of it. He grew up hunting deer, rabbit and whatever else was in season along with his eight brothers and scores of cousins. Back in his day, as kids, they handled real shotguns, not replicas, and missed weeks at a time of school to help his father in the fields. Continue reading »
New Orleans police are asking the public to help find a suspect wanted for the armed robbery of a Washington Avenue business Tuesday night.
About 7:15 p.m., the suspect entered a Metro PCS located in the 4100 block of Washington Avenue and pointed a gun at the cashier, according to an initial police report. Continue reading »
Advertiser's Message: Freddie Charbonnet Racks Up Endorsements for Juvenile Court
Trombone Shorty offers free concert at Tulane to collect Christmas toys for Treme kids
The Soul Rebels, students from the Trombone Shorty Academy, and a Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews will play a free concert at Tulane's McAlister Auditorium next week, with a suggested donation of a new toy that will be given to children from the Treme neighborhood during the holiday season. Continue reading »
Fresh cut, Frasier fir Christmas trees, wreaths and fresh garland arrive this week at First UU Church located at 5212 Claiborne Ave. (at Jefferson). This holiday tradition goes back over 25 years in Uptown New Orleans. All proceeds go to support First UU Church and its various social justice and community service programs.
Owen Courreges: Should New Orleans become the model city for anti-smoking extremism?
Aldous Huxley once wrote that "a fanatic is a man who consciously over compensates a secret doubt." This helps explain the bizarrely-detailed 25 page anti-smoking ordinance proposed this past Thursday by Councilwomen Latoya Cantrell and Susan Guidry.
Even I didn't predict the staggering scope of the ordinance. Instead of being content to simply ban most indoor smoking, already a contentious proposal, the bill seeks to ban most outdoor smoking as well and treats electronic cigarettes, which produce no smoke, the same way as traditional cigarettes. It contains no exceptions for hookah lounges or cigar bars. Continue reading »
On Sunday afternoon, people packed Oak street gill to gill for po-boys from over 50 different vendors, restaurants and food trucks. Live music from Rebirth Brass Band, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes and others played on various stages on and off of Oak street. Art galleries and shops along Oak street also had their work on display.
Second District Blues Festival livened up Palmer Park (Photo Gallery)
On Saturday, the 6th annual Second District Blues festival was held in Palmer Park, on the corner of Carrollton and Claiborne. Its a festival benefiting COPS 2, Citizens Organization for Police Support 2. The festival featured music by Joe Krown, Walter "Wolfman" Washington and Russell Batiste Jr., Mia Borders, Big Sam's Funky Nation and the Stooges Brass Band. There were many dining options including the Praline Connection, Ms. Linda's Yakamein and Crepes A la Carte. Different arts and crafts were available for purchase as well. One of the more unique things about Saturday's festival was its association with the LASPCA and other dog adoption groups like the Louisiana Boxer Group.
NORDC basketball and volleyball registration open, volleyball season starts Saturday
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission volleyball season starts this Saturday, but registration remains open through Dec. 1, and boys and girls basketball registration will be open through Jan. 15. Continue reading »
Joe Krown, Big Sam, Mia Borders and The Stooges headline Second District Blues Festival in new location at Palmer Park
Construction on Napoleon Avenue may have cost Uptown's annual blues festival both its Magazine Street location and its name this year, but the rechristened Second District Blues Fest still maintains its lineup of top local performers and its purpose of supporting Uptown police officers. Continue reading »
8th Annual Oak Street Po-boy Festival to be held this Sunday
This Sunday's annual Oak Street Po-boy Festival will honor a beloved New Orleans food tradition for the 8th year in a row.
The festival, which features more than 30 food vendors and five music stages, includes both traditional poboys and eclectic variations on the theme.
A sloppy hot roast beef poboy, for example, is available from Gattuso's for $10, while The New Orleans Hot Dogs features a bacon fried hot dog poboy for $6.
Seafood options include a fried green tomato and shrimp remoulade poboy from Jacques-Imos for $8, and a Lake Pontchartrain soft shell crab poboy from Jack Dempsey's for $10.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is family friendly, and includes an event put on by St. Andrews Episcopal School.


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- 64Promote
Art Print
Mothcharmerby Andre Villanueva
Collect your choice of gallery quality Giclée, or fine art prints custom trimmed by hand in a variety of sizes with a white border for framing.
Really nice! Like it!
Hey, thanks JOSEPH! I like your work.
Wow! This is absolutely gorgeous. Great work Andre. :)
Thanks again, Shuttervita. I'm enjoying your work!
Thanks Diamante, your work rocks!
Nice work!!! Cheers!!!
Thanks again, Raül!
very impressive!
Thanks again, Angelo. You've been on a roll with your pieces!
really incredible prints!
Thanks again Garima!
Amazing work.
Thanks Trey!
Amazing work Andre! Stunning.
I really appreciate it!
Wow... Inspiring!
Thanks Graydoubt, can't wait to see more of your work!
Thanks for your support!
So beautiful. This model is gorgeous!!
Thanks Jake!
Captivating work!
Thanks Empress!
Thanks : )
super!! great mood and misteriousness :D
Thanks Carina!
You are a genius with these Andre, it's incredibly gorgeous! ;)XO
See More Comments


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Shaker Heights, OH
Joined: December 12, 2010
BenefitPlace / BP Trade Show
October 8, 2015
Most business leaders concerned with cyber security & health care costs (infographic)
October 7, 2015
Why it's time to let employees stand up
October 7, 2015
Why do few employees change plans at open enrollment?
October 6, 2015
How much will you pay me to take a vacation?
October 5, 2015
Older workers at higher risk than employment stats indicate
October 5, 2015
Top challenge for advisors: reigning in emotional clients
October 5, 2015
Six words, phrases to avoid in client communications


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Religion Matters: Church choirs will showcase talents in Battle of the Gospel April 5
Stations of the Cross
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Lawyer cleared to challenge loyalty oath to the Queen
The federal government has lost its bid to stop Toronto lawyer Charles Roach from pursuing a class-action lawsuit that challenges the requirement for new Canadians to pledge allegiance to the Queen.
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The federal government has lost its bid to stop Toronto lawyer Charles Roach from pursuing a class-action lawsuit that challenges the requirement for new Canadians to pledge allegiance to the Queen.
In a written ruling handed down yesterday, Justice Edward Belobaba of the Superior Court of Justice said he disagreed with government lawyers who had argued the lawsuit was frivolous and vexatious. It means Roach and an unspecified number of other people who feel they've been wronged by the requirement to pledge an oath of allegiance can have their case heard in court. They want the oath repealed and a $5,000 damage award given to each person who joins the lawsuit.
In Roach's case, his objections to the current requirement mean that, although he has been in Canada since 1955, he has never sworn an oath and so is not a citizen. He doesn't have a Canadian passport, can't vote, run for office or have a shot at becoming a judge. He originates from Trinidad and Tobago.
"I'm not suggesting that many of these arguments will necessarily succeed, when the application is heard on the merits, only there is a `chance' that it may succeed," the judge wrote.
However, Belobaba said there was nothing in the Constitution Act requiring an oath of citizenship, nor swearing allegiance to the Queen.
"It is interesting to note that in Australia, also a constitutional monarchy, new citizens are required to take `a pledge of commitment' to Australia and its people ... and laws," Belobaba said.
This is the second attempt to challenge the issue by Roach, a prominent and vocal critic of the courts and police, and a founding member of the Black Action Defence Committee.
In the past he has represented, among others, Black Panthers trying to come to Canada to escape prosecution in the United States, as well as people facing deportation in large numbers in the 1970s.
The lawsuit states that Roach and others believe in a republican form of government and want to see constitutional reform that would eliminate the Queen as Canada's head of state.
It also states that the law discriminates between Canadians born here – who are never required to take the oath – and those for whom it is a condition for citizenship.
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The Prophet Ezekiel devoted nine chapters of his message to describing the millennial temple. To enhance our vision of a peaceful future under God's rule, we must understand more about this special structure.
Video:Jerusalem's Temples
God mentions Jesus Christ's capital city numerous times in the Bible. He even describes the capitol building itself.
America's banking crisis will reshape Europe financially—and politically.
The late Herbert W. Armstrong compared most people's understanding of the Bible to walking in on a movie partway through. It is very confusing to start watching a movie an hour in, without knowing the context and the events that led up to that particular scene. The same principle applies to the Bible. To comprehend its true story, we must go back to the real beginning—which is not found in Genesis 1:1.... Read »
Video:From the Beginning
The Apostle John dealt with many Church crises, but he taught a formula for spiritual success. It is one of the most profound lessons in all the Bible.
America's society is crumbling under the weight of domestic problems such as family breakdown, race riots and drug addiction. Why all these troubles?
God foretold America's startling reluctance to use its power for good in this end time. As a result, Gentile powers will launch this world into the war that will end all wars.
The book of Revelation is a time frame of all Bible prophecy. The Father Himself revealed it to Christ, who gave it to John, who passed it on to us. This message comes from the highest level! You will receive incredible blessings if you hear and keep the truth contained in the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:3).... Read »


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She goes through her formula so quick. she will finish a 5 ounce bottle in less than 5 minutes and she's 2 1/2 months old. She loves to eat! Any suggestions?
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Latest content added for UNT Digital Library Partner: UNT College of Visual Arts + Designhttp://digital.library.unt.edu/explore/partners/UNTCVA/browse/?sort=date_a&fq=untl_decade:1950-1959&fq=untl_collection:TXFC&start=1302015-03-16T14:32:52-05:00UNT LibrariesThis is a custom feed for browsing UNT Digital Library Partner: UNT College of Visual Arts + DesignPillbox Hat2010-12-20T11:16:33-06:00http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc30184/

Pillbox hat of paisley velveteen. The circular, domed hat is made of a velveteen fabric with printed paisley pattern in shades of green, red, brown, purple, cream, etc. At top of hat is a ball of the same materials. The entire hat and ball have added sewn-on colored rhinestones scattered throughout, and small gold beads. Lined in black cloth, with black grosgrain ribbon inner hatband. Sewn into inner hatband is retailer's label: "Innes / Wichita" Purchased at the Innes store, Wichita, Kansas.
Skirt Suit2014-05-27T05:32:10-05:00http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc286913/

Ecru worsted wool two-piece suit. A: Jacket with center front opening with four beige plastic buttons with bound button holes, first two spread apart by 2" next two spread apart by 10". Collared. Motif of concentric arced inserts, 1.175" wide each, starting from shoulder point, arcing down past second button. This upside down arc repeats on the back with a rainbow meeting the shoulder's center. On front, two more arc inserts motif repeat, with the rainbow arc stretching over the smaller reversed arc between the sections of buttons. One-piece set in sleeves with double elbow darts. Lined in beige silk faille. Retailer's label at center back collar: "Neiman-Marcus" Designer's Label at front right jacket lining: "Adrian / Original" B: Unlined A-line skirt of same fabric with lapped zipper covered by triangle pointed waistband tip on the left side. Waistband 1 3/8" wide. Four darts total, two in front, two in back. Pinked edge to seam allowances. Hem tape attached to 3" wide hem edge with machine stitch, tape hand based to inside of skirt with blind hem (slip stitch) stitch.
Breton Hat2014-09-26T09:40:06-05:00http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc402532/

Breton hat of black fur felt. The domed crown is encircled at base by a wide band of black grosgrain ribbon, with flat bow at back. The wide brim extends outwards, then curves up sharply, to about 1/3 of height of crown. The brim is faced/lined with same black fur felt. Crown is unlined, with inner black grosgrain ribbon hatband. Manufacturer's stamp inside crown: "20 % / Mohair / MAHARA / 70% Wool / Henry Pollak Inc / New York"
Calotte2014-09-26T09:40:06-05:00http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc402499/

Red velvet calotte. Hat styled as a calotte (also spelled "calot"), or modified Juliet cap, with low domed crown, straight across back edge, rounded at sides, and with scalloped edge at front. Along lower edge at sides and front is double strand of black silk(?) braided rope, with matching tassels hanging between lobes of scallops. Lined in a woven gold lamé-type material. Designer's label sewn inside: "Edna Mye / Dallas"
Coat Dress2015-03-16T14:32:52-05:00http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc501300/

Coat dress of brown silk faille in "Ottoman" style. Knee or street length, with turndown collar and slight V neckline. Darts at bust for fit. Four button closures at center front with bound buttonholes, two above and two below waist/belt. Hook and eyes at waistline. Long sleeves with rolled cuffs and underarm gussets. In-seam pockets at sides. Flared skirt, pleated in back. Simulated "shirtwaist" decoration at front of skirt. Unlined. Designer's label at inside back collar: "Made in / France"; "Autumne-Hiver 1952 / Christian Dior / Paris"; stamped: "2????" [mostly illegible], on label With matching belt of brown suede. Self-covered buckle of narrow, vertical rectangles secures with hook and bar closure; 1-1/4" wide.
Cocktail Dress2010-12-20T11:16:33-06:00http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc30072/

Cocktail dress. The bodice of the dress is of sheer black wool, with a Peter Pan style collar and short sleeves which are shirred at the ends. There is a narrow black satin ribbon at waist where the bodice meets the skirt. The skirt is composed of three layers. The innermost layer is of thick black chiffon, the middle layer is thin black chiffon/crepe. The outer layer is of panels of black and white printed hounds tooth/plaid chiffon, the panels arranged vertically and slit from 5" below waistline to hemline. The panels are gathered/pleated into the waistband. At the top of each slit is an applied black satin bow, forming a row of bows around the hip-line of the skirt. Each panel has side borders of black satin ribbon. The dress has a center-back zipper from neckline to below hips, with a single hook-and-eye at top of collar. There is an inner black grosgrain ribbon waistband, with hook-and-eye closure. The bodice is lined in sheer black material. Designer's label inside skirt: "Galanos"
Cocktail Ensemble - Dress and Jacket2015-03-16T14:32:52-05:00http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc501348/

Cocktail ensemble of silver (pale lavender?) heavy faille moire consisting of: A) Cocktail dress. 3/4 length. Sleeveless with thin straps. Shallow V-neck. Natural waist with a bias cut, 1-1/4" set-in waistband between skirt and bodice trimmed with a center, non-functioning gray plastic button. Fitted bust with gores at bust and under-arm. Inverted pleats at front and back center. Center back zipper closure with hook & eye closure at base of bodice. Cream satin lining in bust which descends to become sheath inside skirt. Skirt lined with net. Designer's label at inside center bust: "Made in France / Autumne-Hiver 1952 / Christian Dior / Paris" Stamped "20445" on label. Handwritten label behind designer's label: "250516" B) Matching bolero jacket. Cropped to waist, long sleeves. No collar. Slight V at top of neckline, with deeper "inset" V at bottom. Center front opening with 3 circular gray buttons at base of jacket. Lined in cream silk matching lining of dress. Designer's label at center back neckline: "Made in France / Autumne-Hiver 1952 / Christian Dior / Paris" Stamped "20446" on label. Handwritten label behind designer's label: "250517"
Day Dress2014-08-18T08:52:47-05:00http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc330446/

Day dress of gray/white print silk taffeta. Street- or tea-length, of paper silk taffeta printed with a dense design of varying sizes of small white polka dots on a gray ground. V-neckline, with bow of self just below point. 3/4 length dolman sleeves. Full skirt, cut for crinoline. Center back zipper. Designer's label: "Traina-Norell / New York"
Dress2012-11-05T12:51:51-06:00http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc114907/

Halter-style dress of black wool. V-neck, very low back, sleeveless, buttons up back. Straight skirt with drapery over hips and in front. Country of Origin Label: " Made in France " located on front neckline at right center. Designers Label at inside left on construction detail: " Made in France / Automne - Hiver 1952 / Christian Dior / Paris "
Dress2014-08-18T08:52:47-05:00http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc330374/

Dress of toast brown colored linen. A) Jacket. Waist-length box jacket, with modified mandarin collar, asymmetrical front opening/closure beginning with a button just below center throat, then curving to left, and then down on left front, with a total of five large circular ivory-colored plastic buttons, and a single hidden snap at upper right. Sleeveless. Single patch pocket at right side. Neckline, opening, and top edge of pocket edged with off-white band. Lined in cream cotton(?). No label in jacket. B) Skirt. Street-length, A-line, with darts to the wide waistband. Left fastening, with three hooks and loops at waistband and zipper below. Unlined. Designer's label: "Traina-Norell / New York"


text:
|Número de publicación
|Tipo de publicación
|Número de solicitud
|Fecha de publicación
|13 Jul 2006
|Fecha de presentación
|25 Oct 2005
|Fecha de prioridad
|25 Oct 2004
|También publicado como
|Número de publicación
|Scott Heneveld, James Thomas
|Cesionario original
|Heneveld Scott H Sr, Thomas James C Jr
|Exportar cita
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Citas de patentes (15), Citada por (47), Clasificaciones (22), Eventos legales (1)
|Enlaces externos: USPTO, Cesión de USPTO, Espacenet
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/621,305 filed on Oct. 25, 2004, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/645,192 filed on Jan. 21, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/667,031 filed on Apr. 1, 2005.
The present invention relates to expandable implants for repairing a defect in a nucleus of an intervertebral disc.
A lumbar intervertebral disc comprises a mechanical and flexible component of the spine to allow better support of the vertebral body and the spinal column. The disc is made of two components, an annulus and a nucleus. The annulus is the outer structure and is composed of multiple layers of collagen fibers. Each fiber is uniquely oriented at 30 degrees to the adjacent fiber. When intact the intervertebral disc can support pressures of up to 400 lbs. due to its hydrostatic nature. The nucleus is the inner structure and is composed of a different collagen, which is largely water and in a gelatinous form. The nucleus is held under pressure in the center of the intact disc by the intact annulus (see
Conservative, non-surgical treatment is often performed. However, when such treatment fails and pain is intractable or neurologic deficit exists, surgery is performed. In one type of surgery, a small opening (a laminotomy) is made in the back of the spinal bone structure to allow access to the spinal canal. The nerve root and thecal sac are gently retracted and the hernia identified. The hernia is essentially removed with micro surgical tools and instruments. A defect is left in the annulus, and rather than placing an implant or object in the annular defect, the patient relies on a fibroblastic response to repair the defect with scar tissue.
However, the vascularity of the adult intervertebral disc is poor. The disc is the largest avascular structure in the human body next to the cornea of the eye. As a result, healing with scar tissue is very fragile, if it occurs at all, and often, over a period of years, further degeneration of the annular and nuclear structures occurs. The hydrostatic property is not restored. The disc space often narrows as a result of this progressive degeneration, and this causes new problems such as root compression in the exit zone of the spinal canal. This area is known as the foramen. This may result in the patient having increased or recurrent symptoms, and a subsequent surgical operation may be required for the patient. The statistics vary for the number of patients who have laminectomy and discectomy and subsequently require fusion. They may be as high as 70% over a ten year period.
In addition to the problems that exist with the repair of annular defects, the same obstacles have been present with respect to nuclear defects. Because the nucleus often ruptures through tears in the annulus, there often is an inadequate amount of residual nucleus for the disc to provide its weight bearing support and compression functions. As a result, there exists a need for an implant that can be inserted into the nucleus to attempt to simulate the function and structure of the original disc. Nucleus replacement implants have been developed to simulate the original nucleus. The most popular attempts have utilized hydrogel configurations. Migration after implantation has been a concern with these types of implants. The ability to restore and maintain disc space height is also lacking in many of these types of implants.
The present invention relates to expandable implants for replacing the nucleus of an intervertebral disc and methods and apparatuses for delivering the same into the disc. In one embodiment, the implants generally comprise a compressed form having a size adapted for insertion via a cannula into the intervertebral disc, and a composition that allows the implant to expand from the compressed form into an expanded form after the implant is inserted into the nuclear cavity. The cavity is created by resection of the nucleus via various forms, such as manually in an open or percutaneous fashion, or chemically dissolved with chemicals or hydrolysis, or vaporized with radio frequency and/or laser engery. The expanded form of the implant has a configuration that fills the nuclear defect. The composition used to make the implant can comprise a shape memory alloy (SMA) or any other suitable materials. The implant will ideally replace hydrostatic load capacity with a mechanical or functional spring within the intervertebral disc. The defect is the residual state in the nucleus after nuclear resection.
Various devices can be used to insert the present implants into the area being treated. The devices are adapted to retain the implant while the device is inserted into the intervertebral disc, and to controllably release the implant therein.
The expandable implants of the present invention are suitable for several applications, particularly nuclear defects and damaged intervetebral discs. Several possible configurations can be made from a number of different materials.
The present implants are preferably elastic and susceptible to withstanding long-term implantation into a mammalian body. Examples of suitable materials include shape memory alloys (SMAs), superelastic SMAS, nitinol, MP35, Elgiloy, spring steel, and any plastic elastic material or other material suitable for such implantation. For simplicity and clarity, many of the embodiments described herein are discussed as being made from a SMA, particularly nitinol, but it is understood that the benefits and features of the present invention are not limited to an SMA or nitinol, and can be achieved by using any of other suitable materials.
SMAs are materials that have the ability to return to a predetermined shape. The return is the result of a change of phase or structure that can be triggered by an external stimulus such as temperature change or electrical current. For example, when one type of SMA is below transformation temperature, it has a low yield strength and can be deformed into a new shape that it will retain while it is below its transformation temperature. However, when the material is heated above its transformation temperature, it undergoes a change in crystal structure that causes it to return to its original shape. If the SMA encounters any resistance during this transformation, it can generate extremely large forces. Thus, SMAs provide a good mechanism for remote actuation. One preferred shape memory material is an alloy of nickel and titanium called nitinol. Nitinol has desirable electrical and mechanical properties, a long fatigue life, high corrosion resistance, and has similar properties to residual annular tissue and cartilaginous tissues. Other SMAs can comprise, for example, alloys of copper, zinc and aluminum or copper, aluminum and nickel. For the present invention, SMA materials or a hybrid with SMA materials can be used to make implants to reconstruct the annular and/or nuclear defects after human discectomy surgery, as well as a variety of bone fractures experienced throughout the human body.
Another type of shape memory alloy is called superelastic SMAs, which can be compressed into a small shape and upon release can automatically expand to a predetermined shape. Thus, no external activation, such as temperature or electrical stimulation, is required. One preferred superelastic SMA is superelastic nitinol, which has similar properties to the SMA nitinol discussed above, but because it is a superelastic SMA does not require activation. The superelastic nitinol, or other suitable superelastic SMA, can be compressed into a small package, placed into a surgical deficit such as an annular or nuclear defect or bone fracture and, upon release, expand to a predetermined shape to fill the deficit.
The implants of the present invention are advantageous for treatment of nuclear defects. The implants can be made from materials such as nitinol and are inserted into the nuclear cavity to replace the resected nucleus and augment residual nuclear function, and hopefully to restore weight bearing support to the intervertebral disc. FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a normal disc, a ruptured disc, and a disc that has undergone a discectomy.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
An exemplary application of the present implants involves replacing or augmenting the nucleus of the disc. As shown in
An additional exemplary embodiment that can be used to fill the nuclear defect is a nitinol material that is inserted into the nucleus having a wire construction, and upon expansion, fills the periphery of the nuclear defect. Referring to
Another exemplary embodiment shown in
As shown in
Another exemplary method of delivering the "nested spiral sheets" implant into the nuclear space includes use of a collet mechanism at the distal end of an insertion device as shown in
Controlled deployment is achieved by the proper interaction of the distal collet 110, proximal collet 114, and outer sheath 111. Each succeeding sheet can be deployed in the same manner, resulting in sheets nested one within another. Alternatively, only one single sheet in a form of a helix, instead of multiple nested sheets, may be deployed. Another alternative is to place a sheet at a perpendicular axis through the adjacent sheet in order to provide more strength and hydrostatic function. That alternative is shown in
Furthermore, with respect to multiple nested sheets being sequentially deployed from the inside, the relative positions of the edges of each sheet can be controlled. More specifically, each sheet can be sequentially deployed randomly, which would allow the edges of each sheet to overlap to whatever degree results from the random deployment. Alternatively, the positioning of the edges of each sheet can be controlled, which would allow for control over the amount and frequency that the edges of the sheets overlap each other, which accordingly, impacts the thickness of the implant, particularly at the locations of the sheet edges. This ability to control these features can be exercised based on the surgeon's discretion and the patient's needs.
The embodiment shown in
Sharp edges on an implant sheet could lacerate tissue. This is undesirable. Another exemplary embodiment of a sheet is shown in
Another exemplary embodiment, as shown in
The present implants can also be configured to perform specific functions, or certain aspects of a desired result. For example, with respect to implant embodiments having nested sheets, a plurality of differently configured sheets can be used to configure a single implant, with the individual sheets having a configuration intended to perform a particular function, which contributes to the overall function of the implant. Several functions can be performed by different portions of the present implants, including but not limited to acting as load distributors, neutral zone stiffeners, and/or compressive load bearing members. Several options exist for creating the desired functions through a combination of differently configured sheets. For example, the function of a sheet, or group of sheets, can be impacted by a variety of factors such as the thickness of each sheet, by the placement of the sheet(s) relative to other sheets in the implant, and/or by features such as the sheet(s) being offset-etched or perforated in certain regions. Another possible function of the present implants is to use one or more of the exemplary embodiments to perform a correction-over-time function. For example, the nitinol sheet(s) could be configured to exert a predetermined force in order to gradually restore disc height over time.
In addition to the specific features and embodiments described above, it is understood that the present invention includes all equivalents to the structures and features described herein, and is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. For example, the size, shape, and materials used to construct each of the implants can be varied depending on the specific application, as can the methods and devices used to insert them into the patient. Additionally, individuals skilled in the art to which the present expandable implants pertain will understand that variations and modifications to the embodiments described can be used beneficially without departing from the scope of the invention.
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Owner name: THOMAS, JR., JAMES C., NEVADA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HENEVELD, SR., SCOTT H.;REEL/FRAME:017711/0500
Effective date: 20060213