OBJECTIVE:To improve the management of automatic medicine packaging machine(ATC),so as to improve drug dispensing management. METHODS:The short-plate effect of“cask theory”was used to analyze the deficiency of ATC in soft-ware,hardware and management;pertinent improvement was conducted and its effects were evaluated. RESULTS & CONCLU-SIONS:Considering the deficiency of ATC software function,automatic form export function had been set up additionally,involv-ing form of adding and dismounting drug information,form of repeated medical order. Some improvement were carried out for fre-quent machine halt in hardware,such as adjusting the height of drug box and using spare drug groove;some carried out for incon-sistency between the accounts and drugs due to management defects,such as fixing post,improving adding drug information input. Compared with before improvement,daily times of machine halt during packaging had cut from 13.8 times to 2.3 times(decreased by 83.3%);daily total time of machine halt had shortened from 97.4 minutes to 9.6 minutes(shortened by 90.14%);the rate of packaging had increased from 14.3 packages/min to 23.33 packages/min(increased by 62.9%);the management of drug stock be-came more standard. The application of“cask theory”in the improvement of ATC can promote the quality of drug dispensing man-agement.

Objective:To study the independent risk factors of tumor recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to establish a preoperative prediction score.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 168 HCC patients treated with RFA at Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Sun Yat-sen University from June 2016 to September 2019. The X-tile software was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of preoperative circulating tumor cells (CTC) which was then used to analyze the relationship between different CTCs values with various clinical factors. The Cox regression model was used to analyze independent risk factors of recurrence after RFA, and each independent risk factor was assigned a score of 1 to compose the prediction score. The patients were divided into the low-risk group (0-2 scores), intermediate-risk group (3 scores) and high-risk group (4-5 scores). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw cumulative recurrence curves in calculating the cumulative recurrence rates of the 3 different groups.Results:Of 168 patients, there were 151 males and 17 females. Their age (Mean±SD) was 58.33±9.53 years. CTC≥1/3.2 ml was detected in 131 patients (77.98%) (range 0-20/3.2 ml). The X-tile software determined the preoperative CTC cut-off value of HCC patients to be 2/3.2ml which separated a CTC-negative group with 93 patients, and a positive group of 75 patients. On analyses, the relationship between preoperative CTC and various preoperative clinical parameters were related to number of tumor nodules, tumor maximum diameter and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels ( P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that CTC positivity[ HR(95% CI): 1.990(1.332-2.974)], AFP>20 ng/ml[ HR(95% CI): 1.659(1.111-2.477)], PIVKA-II>40 mAU/ml[ HR(95% CI): 1.580 (1.022-2.443)], number of tumor nodules ≥2[ HR(95% CI): 1.568 (1.057-2.326)], and tumor diameter>30 mm[ HR (95% CI): 1.544 (1.007-2.369)] were independent risk factors of recurrence ( P<0.05) after RFA in HCC patients. The cumulative recurrence rates of patients at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months were 14.9%, 35.6%, and 56.4% in the low-risk group, 38.9%, 70.5%, and 85.0% in the intermediate-risk group, and 64.5%, 84.5% and 100% in the high-risk group. The differences were significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Preoperative CTC positivity, AFP>20 ng/ml, PIVKA-II>40 mAU/ml, tumor nodules ≥2, and tumor diameter>30 mm were independent risk factors of recurrence after RFA in HCC patients. This preoperative predictive score could be used to guide clinical treatment strategies.

Objective:To explore the application value of detecting circulating tumor cells (CTC) before liver transplantation for predicting the recurrence and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:From October 2015 to October 2019, 62 HCC patients at Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital were collected and analyzed by Cyttel method before liver transplantation. CTC was determined by X-tile software and Kaplan-Meier method for determining the optimal cutoff value of CTC before liver transplantation and the relationship between CTC and clinical factors was analyzed. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were performed for determining the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis. Kaplan Meier method was employed for describing the survival curve of tumor-free survival and overall survival after transplantation.Results:The optimal preoperative critical value of CTC was 3.2 ml. CTC ≥3/3.2 mL was set as CTC positive group while CTC <3/3.2 mL CTC negative group. The positive/negative CTC before transplantation was significantly correlated with preoperative Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) level, maximal tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, liver transplantation criteria and degree of differentiation ( P<0.05). Univariate and multivariate COX regression models indicated that the number of preoperative CTC (HR: 1.262, 95%CI: 1.069-1.489, P=0.006) and microvascular invasion (HR: 2.657, 95%CI: 1.120-6.305, P=0.027) were independent risk factors for tumor-free survival after transplantation while microvascular invasion (HR: 3.738, 95%CI: 1.219-11.459, P=0.027) was the sole independent risk factor affecting the overall survival of HCC after transplantation. Statistically significant difference existed between preoperative CTC positive/negative and tumor recurrence or metastasis (no recurrence, intrahepatic recurrence, and distant metastasis)( χ2=7.790, P=0.020). The disease-free survival rates of 1/2/3-year CTC-negative/positive patients were 82.90%, 68.70%, 58.90% and 49.00%, 29.40%, 22.10%; the 1/2/3-year overall survival rates of preoperative CTC-negative/positive patients were 85.50%, 77.10%, 69.79% and 64.90%, 47.20%, 40.50% respectively. The disease-free survival curve of CTC-negative patients was significantly higher than that of CTC-positive counterparts ( P<0.001) and the overall survival curve of CTC-negative patients was significantly higher than that of CTC-positive counterparts ( P<0.005). Conclusions:Preoperative CTC detection has certain application value in evaluating the prognosis of liver cancer after liver transplantation, which has important clinical significance and application prospects.

Objective To investigate the molecular mechanism for change in permeability in brain microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods Monolayers of bEnd.3 were exposed to LPS,in the presence or absence of exoenzyme C3 transferase. We monitored the monolayer barrier integrity by transendothelial electrical resistance assay (TEER),activity of RhoA by pull down assay,NF-κB by luciferase reporter assay,and F-actin dynamic structure by Rhodamine-phalloidin staining. Results Incubation of monolayers with LPS caused substantial barrier hyperpermeability. Under the had been treated for 3 and 12 h with LPS (P＜0.05). Such effects could be inhibited partly by pretreatment of RhoA inhibitor exoenzyme C3 transferase. LPS activated RhoA and NF-κB at 0.5 h. The C3 transferase could significantly reverse the NF-κB activation (P＜0.05). The F-actin rearrangments displayed in a time-dependent manner and occurred originally after the stimulation of LPS for 3 h,which could be diluted by the pretreatment of C3 transferase as well. Conclusion LPS induces the disruption of F-actin cytoskeleton and brain microvascular endothelial barrier integrity,in part,through RhoA and NF-κB activation. The mechanism underlying this pathophysiological effect of RhoA is to influence the disruption of the F-actin cytoskeleton by regulating NF-κB activites.

BACKGROUND: A lot of important organs are worthless for clinical application because they are hard to store for a long time. In addition, tissues or organs which are dealt with cryopreservation also attack ischemia/reperfusion injury with the recovery of blood flow; especially, skeletal muscle is the most involved tissue.OBJECTIVE: To observe the protective influence of edaravone on cellular membrane and mitochondria of replanted rat extremities following ischemia/reperfusion injury due to cryopreservation and rewarming.DESIGN: Randomized contrast animal study.SETTING: Basic Medical College of Southern Medical University; Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital.MATERIALS: The experiment was carried out in the Cryopreservation Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital from April to November 2006. A total of 36 healthy adult male Wistar rats were provided by Experimental Animal Center of Medical College of Shandong University. All rats were randomly divided into control group, cryopreservation group and edaravone group with 12 in each group.METHODS: Femoral artery and vein of rats in control group were exposured, but extremities were not blocked. Rats in other two groups were used to establish ischemia/reperfusion injury models of replanted extremities. Before cryopreservation, their right hindlimbs were cut off and maintained in liquid nitrogen container for 1 month. After the operation mentioned above, the broken limbs were rewarmed, perfused with routine eluant and replanted. Four hours later, blood supply of extremities was recirculated and the samples were selected. Eluant in edaravone group contained 0.5 mg/kg edaravone. Samples of skeletal muscle were selected at the same time point to establish cellular membrane and extract mitochondria. Furthermore, fluorescence polarization of cellular membrane (reflecting liquidity in cellular membrane lipid area), malondialdehyde (MDA) content of mitochondria, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and respiratory controlling rate were measured; meanwhile, mitochondrial ultrastructure of skeletal muscle was observed under transmission electron microscope.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:①Fluorescence polarization of cellular membrane, MDA content of mitochondria, SOD activity and respiratory controlling rate of skeletal muscle; ②mitochondrial ultrastructure of skeletal muscle.RESULTS: All 36 rats were involved in the final analysis without any loss. ①SOD activity and respiratory controlling rate of mitochondria in skeletal muscle: The values of these two items were higher in edaravone group that those in cryopreservation group (P＜0.05).②Fluorescence polarization of cellular membrane and MDA content of mitochondria in skeletal muscle: The values of these two items were lower in edaravone group than those in cryopreservation group (P＜0.05). ③Mitochondrial ultrastructure of skeletal muscle: Injured degree of skeletal muscle was milder in edaravone group than that in cryopreservation group.CONCLUSION: Edaravone can relieve ischemia/reperfusion injury of skeletal muscle and protect cellular membrane and mitochondria of skeletal muscle. Its mechanism may be related to directly inhibiting hydroxy free radicals, increasing SOD activity of skeletal muscle, reducing generation of MDA and promoting normal oxidative phosphorylation.

Objective To investigate the role of opioid receptors in the protective effects of isoflurane-induced delayed preconditioning against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rabbits. Methods Forty male New Zealand white rabbits weighing 2.0-2.5 kg were randomly assigned into 4 groups ( n = 10 each) : group I sham operation (S); group II I/R; group Ⅲ isoflurane + I/R (Iso) and group IV Iso + naloxone + I/R (Nal). Myocardial I/R was induced by 40 min occlusion of left anterior descending branch (LAD) of coronary artery followed by 120 min reperfusion. In group Ⅲ (Iso) 2% isoflurane in 100% O2 was inhaled for 2 h and I/R was produced 24 h later. In group IV (Nal) naloxone 6 mg/kg was given iv 10 min before 2 h of 2% isoflurane inhalation and I/R was produced 24 h later. At the end of 120 min reperfusion, infarct size (IS) and area at risk (AAR) were determined by Evan's blue and TTC staining. Myocardial ultrastructure was examined by electron microscopy. The phosphorylated p38MAPK protein expression in myocardium was determined by Western blot. Results The IS was significantly smaller in group Iso ( Ⅲ ) ( 19.7% ± 2.8%) than in I/R group ( II ) (37.8% ±1.7%) (P<0.05). The phosphorylated p38MAPK protein expression in myocardium was significantly lower in group Iso than in group I/R. Microscopic examination showed less myocardial damage in Iso group than in group I/R. The protective effects of delayed preconditioning by isoflurane was prevented by naloxone pretreatment. ConclusionOpioid receptors may be involved in the protective effects of delayed preconditioning by isoflurane against myocardial I/R injury.

To investigate the dynamics of interleukin-21 (IL-21) cytokine in the Chinese HIV patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAAPT).Methods A total of 25 adults with chronic HIV infections,responding to combined highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) guideline criteria were enrolled for a 1-year follow-up.After signing an informed consent,20 mL blood was collected from each patient at the base line,6 month and 12 month,respectively.CD4 and CD8 cell count was quantified by flux cytometry,serum HIV RNA quantified by real time PCR and IL-21 concentrations by ELISA.Results IL-21 levels increased gradually during the follow-up but did not reach the healthy levels.IL-21 correlated positively with the CD4 cells but not with CD8 T cells.HIV RNA correlated negatively with CD4 cell count but did not show any relationship with the CD8 cells.Conclusion IL-21 has potential role in the immunopathogenesis of HIV,and might be an important factor in immune construction during HAART.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term outcomes of carotid endarterectomy versus carotid artery stenting for carotid stenosis.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases were retrieved.The randomized controlled trials of comparing CEA with CAS in patients with carotid artery stenosis were enrolled.The data such as the research basic characteristics and the long-term outcomes including stroke or death combined endpoints, any stroke or any death were extracted.The Stata software was used to conduct statistical analysis.ResultsA total of 7 randomized controlled trials and 8 210 patients were included.The median follow-up time was 2-7.4 years.The overall quality of the included studies was high and the risk of bias was low.The meta-analysis showed that the risks of the combined endpoint of stroke or death (hazard risk [HR] 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.39), any stroke (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.15-1.51) and ipsilateral stroke (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02-1.55) in the CAS group were significantly higher than those in the CEA group;the risks of death (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.95-1.18), disabling stroke (HR 1.23, 95% CI 0.95-1.60), non-ipsilateral stroke (HR 1.12,95% CI 0.81-1.55) and restenosis (HR 1.18,95% CI 0.91-1.52) were not significantly different between between the CAS group and the CEA group.Conclusions CAS and CEA are associated with similar risks of long-term death, disabling stroke, non-ipsilateral stroke and restenosis.The risks of long-term combined endpoint of stroke or death, any stroke and ipsilateral stroke significantly higher with CAS.These results suggest that CEA remains the treatment of choice for carotid stenosis.

BACKGROUND:The ankle is one of the most important joints of human body. Medial maleolar fractures are very common, and there are lots of surgical methods to treat it. A traditional approach is open reduction and internal fixation. As views changed, percutaneous cannulated screw internal fixation become increasingly popular, but various clinical studies are stil needed to analyze the efficacy of these two methods. OBJECTIVE:To compare the recovery of joint function after medial maleolus fracture repaired by open reduction and internal fixation and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation. METHODS:A total of 63 cases of medial maleolus fracture, who were treated in the Department of Orthopedics, People’s Hospital of Xinyi City from March 2009 to March 2013, were enroled. According to repair plan, they were divided into two groups: open reduction and internal fixation group (n=29) and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation group (n=34). Ankle function was assessed in accordance with Kofoed ankle score standard on admission and at 3 months after repair. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The patients were folowed up for 3 to 12 months. Among 29 cases in the open reduction and internal fixation group, the wound was healed at grade A in 27 cases and at grade B in 2 cases; 29 cases were reset, and no poor reduction was found. In the percutaneous cannulated screw fixation group, 34 cases had healing at grade A, with the presence of good reduction. Al patients experienced bone union, and no infection appeared. In accordance with Kofoed score, at 3 months of folow-up, the satisfaction rate was 97% in the open reduction and internal fixation group, and 100% in the percutaneous cannulated screw fixation group. These data suggest that both open reduction and internal fixation and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation for medial maleolus fracture obtained positive effects, but percutaneous cannulated screw fixation showed smal surgical trauma, which could reduce the rate of infection and contributed to early functional recovery of ankle joint.

[ ABSTRACT] AIM:To study the effect of interleukin-1β( IL-1β) on neuron activation during the process of me-dial temporal lobe epilepsy ( MTLE ) .METHODS: IL-1β, rapamycin [ an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)]and lentiviral transfection to knockdown PI3K-p85 were used to pre-treat the neurons.The protein levels of PI3K-p85, p-Akt, p-p70S6K and MAP2 were detected and the relationship among the tested cytokines was analyzed.The neuron endocytosis was observed in each group.RESULTS:IL-1βincreased the protein levels of PI3K-p85, p-Akt and p-p70S6K, up-regulated the expression of PI3K-p85 binding with IL-1RI in the neurons, and increased the neuron endocyto-sis compared with control group (P<0.05) .These processes were inhibited by rapamycin and silence of PI3K-p85 (P<0.05).Inhibition of the PI3K-p85 binding to IL-1RI decreased the protein levels of p-Akt, p-p70S6K and MAP2 which were increased by IL-1βstimulation (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: IL-1βactivates PI3K-p85 by binding with IL-1RI to promote the activation and proliferation of neuron synapses via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which might be one of the mechanisms in MTLE chronic progress.