OBJECTIVE To assess the efficancy of Yangxue Qingnao granules on simvastatin-induced vascular injury model in zebrafish. METHODS Since statins can inhibit vascular development in zebrafish,in this study,we developed a novel animal model using 1 to 3 day post-fertilization larval zebrafish by optimizing the doses and duration of simvastatin exposure.Five pro-angiogenic drugs with a variety of mechanisms were tested to validate the newly developed zebrafish model. Zebrafish was treated with different concentration of Yangxue Qingnao granules( 62.5,125 and 250 μg·mL-1)for 2 d then tested for the area of subintestinal vein vessels. RESULTS Vascular regeneration promoting effect of five pro-angiogenic drugs (calycosin, astragaloside, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and Panax Notoginseng Saponins)were 8-48%,24-51%,35-58%,28-75% and 37-69%,respectively.In 62.5,125 and 250 μg·mL-1Yangxue Qingnao granules group,vascular regeneration promoting effect were 21% (P>0.05), 84%(P<0.01) and 53%(P<0.01). CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that the zebrafish vascular injury model validated in this study could be used for in vivo angiogenesis studies and drug screening and for assessing pro-angiogenic drugs with different mechanisms.Yangxue Qingnao granules could promote the vascular regeneration in zebrafish.

BACKGROUND:The effects of simple neural stem cell(NSC)transplantation on repair of damaged spinal cord are not ideal.Previous studies have shown that newa growth factor(NGF)has both effects of neuron nutrition and process growth promotion,can effectively contribute to the recovery of neurofunction following spinal cord injury(SCI).OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of neuraI sterR cell transplantation combined with NGF application on the recovery of motor function of ratswith SCI.METHODS:A total of 42 Sprague Dawley rats were used to establish SPI models.and then divided randomly into thtee groups:medium,simple NSCs or NSCs+NGF.At 1 week foliowing injury,medium,simple NSCs or NSCs+NGF were separately injected into damaged sites.At 1,2,4,6.8 weeks post-injury.all animals were evaluated on the hind limb behavior with Basso.Beattie and Bresnahan(BBB)locomotor rating scale and inclined plane test.At 4 weeks post-transplantation,histopathology hematoxylin-eosin staining and BrdU immunohistochemistry were performed.At 8 weeks post-transplantation.horseradish peroxidase(HRP)nerve trace and somatosensory evoked potential testing were performed to observe the recovery of nerve electrophysiology.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:At 4 weeks fo,owing injury.motor function of the rat hindlimb was significantly improved in the simple NSCs group and NSCs+NGF group.The recovery was rapid in the NSCs+NGF group than the simple NSCs group(P＜0.05).The recovery was slight in the medium group.Pathological sections demonstrated that neurite was not found in the medium group.A few neurites were seen in the simple NSCs group.and many neurites were observed in the NSCs+NGF group.Numbers of BrdU-positive cells and HRP-positive nerve fibers:NSCs+NGF group＞simple NSCs group＞medium group there was significant difference among groups(P＜0.01).Latent period and amplitude of somatosensory evoked potentials in the NSCs+NGF group were superior to the simple NSCs group(P＜0.05),and significantly better than the medium group(P＜0.01).Results suggested that NSC transplantation can promote the recovery of hindlimb function,and combined with NGF presents synergic effect.

BACKGROUND: The training task for aircrew of army airmen is very heavy, the evaluation of flight personnel on psychological diathesis is performed to early discover and deal with corresponding questions.OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference of mental health between aircrew and ground crew of army airmen and provide reference data for implementing corresponding norms.DESIGN: Chester sampling investigation and paired design were applied.SETTING: the 71687 Force of Chinese PLA, the 71521 Force of Chinese PLA, Department of Epidemiology, Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLAPARTICIPANTS: By chester sampling, 122 aircrew and 122 ground crew of one army airmen in one stationed training troop were randomized in February 2001. The pairs were made at ratio of 1:1 according to age difference less than 3 years and same sex and nationality. The investigated persons were all male, of Han and aged varied from 23 to 52 years.METHODS: Cornell health questionnaire was adopted respectively in investigation of aircrew and ground crew of army airmen. The investigated persons finished and handed in questionnaire independently on the spot in manner of secretion and centralized filling-up. Cornell health questionnaire is composed of 18 sections, including 195 questions, involving 4 aspects,named somatic symptoms, medial and family history, general health and habit and mental symptoms. The total score of Cornell health questionnaire ≥ 30 indicates somatic and mental disturbance and the score of mental section ≥ 10 indicates mental disturbance, both of which are taken as the criteria in comparison of psychological health in receptors of two groups.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Every factor score and total score in somatic and mental sections in Cornell health questionnaire for aircrew and ground crew.RESULTS: The tested results of each 122 cases in either aircrew group or ground crew group entered result analysis. Evaluated results of somatic and mental symptoms in receptors of two groups: the total score was low in Cornell health questionnaire (0-14 scores), of which, the total score in aircrew group was higher than that in ground crew group (81.5% and 59.8%,P ＜ 0.05); the score in mental section was low (0-9 scores), of which, that in aircrew group was higher remarkably than that in ground crew group (99.2% and 91.8%, P ＜ 0.01); the score for the receptors with somatic and mental disturbance (total score≥30, score in mental section ≥ 10) in aircrew group was lower than those in ground crew group (4.1% and 12.3%, P ＜ 0.05); the score for the receptors with mental disturbance (score in mental section≥ 10) in aircrew group was lower remarkably than ground crew group (0.8% and 8.2%, P ＜ 0.01). For somatic section in aircrew group, except the factors of muscle, skeleton and skin, their scores were higher than those in ground crew group (P ＞ 0.05), the scores of the rest factors were all lower than those in ground crew group, of which, the difference was significant in evaluation of factors of eye, ear, nervous system, urinary reproductive system and fatigue in comparison of two groups (P ＜ 0.05). The score of every factor in mental section of aircrew group was lower than those in ground crew group. Except tension factor, in comparison of the rest factors in two groups, the significant difference was present (P ＜ 0.05).CONCLUSION: Overall psychological health state in Cornell questionnaire of aircrew in army airmen was superior to ground crew. Aircrew still presents a part of psychological health questions, mainly in somatic section and inadaptability was the most positive response in mental section, suggesting that aircrew probably presents inadaptable phenomena.

Objective To systematically review the clinical efficacy of sling exercise therapy(SET)on patients with chronic non-specif-ic low back pain (CNLBP). Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCT) about SET for CNLBP were electronically searched in CNKI, VIP,Wanfang Data,PubMed,Web of Science,The Cochrane Library and Embase from June,2007 to June,2017.After literatures screening, data extraction,quality evaluation and risk assessment,the results of meta-analysis were conducted by RevMan 5.3 software.Results Final-ly, 15 RCTs involving 789 patients were included. SET was better in improving Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score (MD=-1.15, 95% CI[-1.41,-0.90],Z=8.82,P<0.00001)and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index(ODI)score(MD=-1.29,95%CI[-1.80,-0.78],Z=4.94, P<0.00001) than physical therapy, and was better than other exercise therapies in improving the VAS score (MD=-0.94, 95% CI[-1.52,-0.37],Z=3.21,P=0.001)and ODI score(MD=-5.96,95%CI[-9.41,-2.51],Z=3.38,P=0.0007).However,no significant dif-ference was found in improving the NPRS score between SET and other exercise therapies(MD=0.35,95%CI[-0.23,0.93],Z=1.19,P=0.23),nor in improving VAS score between SET and traditional Chinese medical therapies(MD=-5.29,95%CI[-20.27,9.70],Z=0.69,P=0.49).Conclusion SET may play a role in relieving pain and functional limitations in patients with CNLBP.Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies,larger scale and high quality RCTs are needed to verify the aforementioned conclusion.

Objective To investigate bone mineral density-related factors to decrease the prevalence of osteoporosis. Methods This croas-sectional survey enrolled 46 219 adults less than 60 years old. Anthropometry, blood pressure, serum lipid, glucose, electrolytes, uric acid and homocysteine were detected. Bone mineral density (BMD) of distal forearm was measured by using peripheral dual energy-ray detector (MestriscanTM). Our data were analyzed by Pearson's correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results All BMD-related factors except age showed significant difference between male and female. BMD of female subjects was lower than that of male participants (0.50±0. 15 vs 0. 54 ±0. 15,t = 22. 38 ,P < 0. 05 ). The prevalence of osteoporosis in female was higher ( 29. 51% vs 26. 48%, χ2 =47.90,P <0. 05). BMD increased with age before 40-year old, and then decreased more rapidly in female after 50-year old. Conclusion BMD of male is higher. Cigarette smoking, waist-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, serum sodium, total cholesterol, and ALP were negatively correlated with BMD.

Objective To explore the feasibility and short-term efficacy of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy using a circular-stapled anastomosis with trans-oral anvil in treating esophageal carcinoma.Methods 30 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer received minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy from January 2011 to December 2011.Operations of all the cases comprised of both abdominal and thoracic procedures which were performed with Iaparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques respectively.The intrathoracic esophago-gastric anastomosis was created using a circular-stapled anastomosis with trans-oral anvil technique.Results There were 24 males and 6 female with median age of 62.5-year-old (from 47 to 82).The lesions located in middle and/or lower portion of the esophagus.25 patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (n =25) and 5 patients with adenocarcinoma (n =5) underwent an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.All the operations were successfully performed without intra-operative technical failures of the anastomosis or deaths.The mean operation time was 95 minutes in abdomen and 177 minutes in thorax.The mean blood loss was 310 ml.The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 10.6 from thorax and 4.9 from abdomen.Postoperalively,there were thoracic wound infections in 4 patients.One patient had a left diaphragmatic hernia and was successfully treated by re-operation 6 days after first operation.One patient had chylothorax and recovered without surgery.There was no anastomotic leak and the patients were able to have spoon meat at 5.6 postoperative days.Conclusion Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy can be accomplished smoothly with acceptable occurrence of complications.The circular-stapled anastomosis with the trans-oral anvil is an efficient,safe and reproducible technique for intrathoracic esophago-gastric anastomosis.

Cardiac output (CO) monitoring is a crucial part of the hemodynamic status monitoring. So far, thermodilution method, which is clinically recognized as the gold standard method to monitor cardiac output, still has irreplaceable advantages. This paper mainly introduces the use of platform for cardiac output measurement based on thermodilution method, mainly including three parts: the hardware platform, software design and algorithm process. A large amount of test data of this system has been got by CO simulator testing in the laboratory and preliminary clinical tests in the hospital. The testing result showed that using the proposed system can achieve good accuracy and repeatability.
Algorithms ; Cardiac Output ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Monitoring, Physiologic ; instrumentation ; methods ; Thermodilution

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of physiological doses of testosterone on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletion in the aortic vascular wall of castrated C57BL/6J mice.

METHODTwenty-four male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into normal control group (n=8), castrated+placebo group (castrated group, n=8), and castrated+physiological doses (1 mg/kg every 3 days) of testosterone group (n=8). The mice were fed normally for 3 months along with 8 mice with natural aging (18 months old), after which blood samples were obtained from all the groups for measurement of testosterone concentrations. The aortic mtDNA was extracted to analyze the deleted fragments using nested PCR, and fragments with deletions were purified and identified by sequence analysis.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the castrated group showed a significantly higher optical density ratio of the deletions [(18.1713 ∓ 2.4317)% vs (36.8475 ∓ 3.3365)%], but no significant difference was found between the castrated and natural ageing group [(42.3075 ∓ 3.6556)%]. The castrated+testosterone showed a lowered optical density ratio of (23.6488 ∓ 2.7634)% as compared with the castrated and natural ageing group, but a similar one with the normal control group. Sequence analysis identified 4 different types of deletions in the aging aorta at 3713, 3864, 4236, and 4415 bp, and the presence of direct repeats was confirmed to flank the deletions.

CONCLUSIONSMultiple mtDNA deletions occur in ageing mice at a higher rate than in young mice. Testosterone deficiency is associated with increased aortic mtDNA deletions, which can be decreased by physiological doses of testosterone.

Aging ; drug effects ; Animals ; Aorta ; metabolism ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Gene Deletion ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Orchiectomy ; Random Allocation ; Testosterone ; pharmacology

To observe the effects of simvastatin on plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA) and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) as well as uric acid (UA) and serum lipids in patients with stable angina. METHODS Eighty-five patients with stable angina were divided into 4 groups, including hyperlipemia treatment group (HLT), hyperlipemia control group (HLC), normolipemia treatment group (NLT), and normolipemia control group (NLC). All the patients received routine treatment according to the guideline of CHD treatment, and those in the treatment groups were given Simvastatin (40 mg) every night, whereas those in the control group received placebo for 3 months. Before and after the treatments, the levels of plasma 8-iso-PGF2α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the plasma levels of SOD and MDA were detected by colorimetric method. LDL, HDL, TC, TG, and UA were also measured biochemically. RESULTS Compared with the control group, both of the treatment groups showed significantly increased levels of SOD and decreased MDA, 8-iso-PGF2α, UA and plasma lipids after the treatments (P<0.05). CONCLUSION In patients with coronary heart disease, simvastatins can decrease plasma lipids, inhibit lipid peroxidations, and promote the clearance of free radicals, thereby alleviating the oxidative stress.
Aged ; Angina Pectoris ; blood ; drug therapy ; Dinoprost ; analogs & derivatives ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Simvastatin ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bleomycin ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Hemangioma ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pharyngeal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Young Adult