Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy is a serious clinical problem for patients receiving cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential efficacy of pregabalin in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in rats. A total of 35 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: group 1, naive control; group 2, treated with pregabalin (30 mg/kg p.o., for 8 days); group 3, docetaxel was given by single intravenous infusion at 10 mg/kg; groups 4 and 5, pregabalin at 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg respectively was orally administered for 8 days after the docetaxel treatment. On day 8, behavioral test was performed, and substance P and CGRP release in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and sciatic nerve were analyzed by electron microscope. Our results showed that docetaxel induced mechanical allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia, heat hypoalgesia, cold allodynia, and sciatic nerve impairment and substance P and CGRP release in DRG. However, oral administration of pregabalin (10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) for 8 consecutive days significantly attenuated docetaxel-induced neuropathy by ameliorating heat hypoalgesia, cold allodynia, impairment of sciatic nerve and reducing the release of substance P and CGRP. The findings in the present study reveal that pregabalin may be a potential treatment agent against chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

Objective To investigate the effects and mechanism of prone ventilation in rats with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced extra pulmonary acute lung injury(ALI). Methods Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into four groups:control group,ALI group,supine position group(ALIS group)and prone position group(ALIP group). The ALI animal model was reproduced by intra-peritoneal injection of LPS 6 mg/kg,and 2 mL/kg sterile saline was intra-peritoneally injected in control group. After 24 hours,the ALIS group and ALIP group were mechanically ventilated for 4 hours in supine and prone positions respectively. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2),carbon dioxide partial pressure(PaCO2),wet to dry weight ratio of lung(W/D) were observed,and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukins(IL-6,IL-10)in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were measured. The degrees of histopathological changes of lung were investigated and assessed under light microscope. Results Compared with control group,PaO2 was significantly lower in ALI,ALIS and ALIP groups〔mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa):68±7,82±8,93±7 vs. 116±7〕,and the PaCO2 in ALI and ALIS groups was obviously higher(mmHg:53±6,51±5 vs. 43±7,both P<0.05);lung W/D ratio as well as levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 in BALF were significantly higher in ALI,ALIS and ALIP groups〔lung W/D ratio:5.11±0.32, 4.71±0.38,4.53±0.45 vs. 4.48±0.15,TNF-α(ng/L):548±82,431±64,347±53 vs. 162±16,IL-6(ng/L):772±119,587±178,490±139 vs. 127±16,IL-10(ng/L):211±43,295±36,352±59 vs. 104±31,all P<0.05〕. Compared with ALI group,PaO2 in ALIS and ALIP groups was significantly higher,and in ALIP group,PaCO2 was lower,lung W/D ratio,TNF-α and IL-6 in BALF were obviously lower,while IL-10 in BALF was obviously higher(all P<0.05). Compared with ALIS group,the changes in ALIP group were more significant(all P<0.05). Compared with ALIS group,under light microscope,it was shown that the hyper-inflated areas were less,normal and collapsed areas were greater on the ventral side,and the collapsed area was less and the normal ventilation area was greater on the dorsal side in ALIP group(all P<0.05). Conclusion In rats with LPS-induced extra pulmonary ALI,the prone ventilation can improve gas exchange,promote uniform distribution of ventilation,decrease pulmonary edema and in the mean time attenuate inflammatory response.

Objective To evaluate 99tcm-DTPA nuclear dynamic imaging in distinguishing the renal occupied disease.Methods A total of 164 in-patients with renal occupied disease who underwent surgery were included.According to the pathological diagnosis,119 patients had malignant tumors,and 45 patients had benign diseases.All patients’ imaging was retrospectively analyzed.Application of 99Tcm-DTPA nuclear dynamic imaging in renal occupied disease was compared with ultrasonography (US),computed tomography (CT),magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),intravenous pyelogram (IVP),and positron emission tomography (PET)-CT.Results The accuracy rates of different imaging methods in distinguishing between renal malignant and benign disease were 99Tcm-DTPA (84 ％,45 ％),US (72 ％,64 ％),CT ( 91％,92 ％),MRI (50 ％,67 ％),IVP (50 ％, 17 ％), respectively.The diagnostic accuracy rate of PET-CT for malignant tumors was 67 ％.The accuracy rates of 99Tcm-DTPA in distinguishing different phases of renal cell carcinoma were statistically significant (x 2 =83.4, P ＜ 0.01), while the accuracy rates in distinguishing renal cyst from renal angiomyolipoma were not statistically different.With the greater diameter, the diagnostic accordance rate is higher (x 2 =16.05,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion 99Tcm-DTPA could be used not only to evaluate the renal function quantificationally,but also be helpful to distinguish renal malignant tumor from benign disease.

Objective To clone the gene encoding protein of EspA and Stx2B from EHEC OI57:H7 by DNA recombinant technology, construct prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a ( + )-espAstx2B, express fusion protein of EspA-Stx2B and to analyze the biological and immunological characteristics of the fusion protein. Methods the sequence encoding the protein of EspA and Stx2B was amplified by PCR from the enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli strain. The amplified products were connected with linker by recombinant technology and cloned into pET-28a( + ) vector. The vector was then transferred to the host cells E. Coli BL21 strain (DE3). Following, the protein expression was induced by IPTG. The expression quantities and style of fusion protein was then determined by SDS-PAGE. Its immunoreactivity was analyzed by Western blot. Finally, BALB/c mice were injected with the preliminarily purified recombination protein EspA-Stx2B, then oral challenged these mice with EHEC O157-SMR2 and counteracted toxic substances with O157 ultrasonic supernatant. Results The determination of the sequence encoding of the espA-stx2B fusion gene has 100% of consistency with the sequence from GenBank Sakai strain and contrivable linker. This fusion protein EspA-Stx2B was expressed as inclusion body formation and the percentage is approximately 40%. Western blot suggested the fusion protein has excellent immunoreactivity. Titer of antiserum of the mice to EspA-Stx2B increased evidently. EspA-Stx2B could not decrease bacterial number attached to the intestinal tract of mice based on fecal shedding of Oi57 in mice. In the test of death of BAI,B/c causing by conteracting toxic substances with O157 ultrasonic supernatant, immunoprotection of EspA-Stx2B rate was 66.7%. Conclusion A recombinant plasmid that has high performance on expression of EspA-Stx2B prorein was successfully constructed in present study, and the fusion protein has excellent immunoreactivity and immunogenicity. EspA-Stx2B could not decrease bacteria] number attached to the intestinal tract of mice based on fecal shedding of O157 in mice, but evidently decrease the mortality rate of the mice. The antiEspA and anti-Stx2B had immunoprotection effect by different means. These results may provide the foundation for the further development on EHEC O157:H7 double subunit vaccine.

Female ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Semicircular Canals ; surgery ; Vertigo ; etiology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the accuracy and safety of pedicle screw insertion with the aid of novel patient-specific drill-guide templates in scoliosis cases.

METHODSTen patients with scoliosis were selected to participate in the research (the observation group) from December 2013 to December 2014. The data was obtained from CT scanning, and put into the computer to perform reconstruction of spine, simulation of pedicle screw insertion, and design of patient-specific drill-guide templates with software. The templates were made with rapid prototyping technique. After sterilization, the templates were used to aid the pedicle screw insertion intraoperatively. The blood loss, operation duration, change of creatinine level pre- and post-operation, and complications related to pedicle screw insertion were recorded. The location of pedicle screws were graded so as to evaluate the accuracy. A comparative study was then performed with the data of ten scoliosis cases operated with free-hand method during the same period (control group). There were 5 cases of idiopathic scoliosis and 5 cases of congenital scoliosis in the observation group, including 3 males and 7 females. Their average age was 11.9 years old (ranged, 4 to 18 years old), and the average Cobb angle of main curve was 54.9° (ranged, 42.1° to 78.4°). There were also 5 cases of idiopathic scoliosis and 5 cases of congenital scoliosis in the control group,including 2 males and 8 females. Their average age was 12.6 years old (ranged, 6 to 17 years old), and the average Cobb angle of main curve was 56.6° (ranged, 38.2° to 93.4°).

RESULTSA total of 167 pedicle screws were inserted intraoperatively, with 138 screws (82.6%) in grade I, 26 screws (15.0%) in grade II, 4 screws in grade III (2.4%), but no screws in grade IV according to the CT image. There were 29 (17.4%) screws perforated, and 163 (97.6%) screws could be accepted. In the control group, a total of 165 pedicle screws were inserted intraoperatively, with 98 screws (59.4%) in grade I, 39 screws (23.6%) in grade II, 21 screws in grade III (12.7%), and 7 screws in grade IV (4.2%). There were 67 (40.6%) screws perforated, and 137 (83.0%) screws could be accepted. The grade distribution of screw position, ratio of perforated and accepted screws were significantly different between the two groups respectively (Z=-5.013, P=0.000; χ2=9.347, P=0.002; χ2=20.242, P=0.000). The correction rate of Cobb angle were (74.1±10.0)% vs (69.7±17.6)%; blood loss were (455±447) ml vs (415±389) ml; operation duration were (163.5±53.7) min vs (164.0±48.7) min; and the changes of creatinine level pre- and post-operatively were (-5.3±3.2) μmol/L vs (-3.4±3.1) μmol/L; all above data had no significant differences respectively (t=0.696, P=0.496; t=0.214, P=0.833; t=0.022, P=0.983; t=1.375, P=0.192). There were no complications related to pedicle screw insertion in each group.

CONCLUSIONThe novel patient-specific drill guide template can be used to assist the insertion of pedicle screws in scoliosis cases with much higher accuracy than that of freehand method and fair safety.

Adolescent ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Pedicle Screws ; Scoliosis ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy and safety of Qizhi Jiangtang Capsule (QJC) in treating stage 3b diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients with macroalbuminuria.

METHODSPatients who conformed to the diagnostic criteria of stage 3b DKD were randomly assigned to two groups according to random digital table, the experiment group and the control group, 84 in each group. All patients received a two-week elution period, and then were treated with basic Western therapy. Patients in the experiment group took QJC, 5 pills per time, 3 times a day, while those in the control group took Valsartan Capsule 160 mg each time, once daily. The observation period of follow-ups was limited within 6 months, and the time points were set as the baseline, 1st month, 3rd month, and 6th month. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBS), 24 h urine protein quantitative (24 h UPQ), plasma albumin (ALB), and serum creatinine (SCr) were detected and recorded, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated. The occurrence of hypoglycemic reaction, coagulation disorder, gastrointestinal tract reaction, allergy, hyperkalemia, doubling of creatinine, and overall adverse events were observed and recorded at same time.

RESULTSFinally 81 patients in the experiment group and 80 patients in the control group were effectively included. Compared with the baseline level, SBP and DBS obviously decreased in the control group at month 1 of treatment (P < 0.05), and more significantly decreased at month 6 of treatment (P < 0.01). SBP at month 1, 3, and 6 of follow-ups; DBS at month 6 of follow-ups was lower in the control group than in the experiment group (P < 0.05). At month 1, 3, and 6 of follow-ups, 24 h UPQ of the experiment group was significantly lower than the baseline level (P < 0.01). It was also significantly lower than the level of the control group at the same time point (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in 24 h UPQ at month 1, 3, and 6 of follow-ups between the control group and the baseline level (P > 0.05). ALB of the experiment group showed an increasing trend. It was significantly higher than the baseline level at month 6 (P < 0.05), which was also higher than that of the control group at same period (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the ALB level in the control group (P > 0.05). SCr of two groups showed an increasing trend. SCr of the experiment group was significantly higher at month 1, 3, and 6 follow-ups than the baseline level (P < 0.05). But the increment of SCr was higher in the control group than in the experimental group, and obviously higher than the baseline levels (P < 0.05). eGFR of both groups showed a decreasing trend. The decrement was higher in the control group than in the experimental group (P < 0.05). The proportion of progression of renal functions at month 1, 3, and 6 of follow-ups in the experimental group was 0.0% (0 case), 9.55% (8 cases), and 21.4% (18 cases), while they were 8.3% (7 cases), 21.4% (18 cases), and 40.5% (34 cases) in the control group. There was no statistical difference in the proportion of progression of renal functions between the two groups at month 3 and 6 of follow-ups (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONQJC could effectively reduce urinary protein of patients with stage 3b DKD, and delay the progression of renal functions.

Adult ; Albumins ; analysis ; Albuminuria ; drug therapy ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Creatinine ; blood ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tetrazoles ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Valine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Valsartan

Objective To investigate epidemiological and clinical features of patients with acute brucellosis.Methods The epidemiological,clinical,laboratory and treatment data of patients diagnosed as acute brucellosis during 2002 to 2004 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results Fifty-one patients had a history of close contact with sheep or cows with brucellsis.Twenty- seven patients had drunk milk or eaten instant boiled mutton.The transmission routes were unknown in 8 patients.All the patients had fever and most had low-grade fever.Fifty-five patients had irregu- lar fever and 20 patients had intermittent fever.The most common manifestations were fever(86/86), fatigue(63/86),sweating(43/86),arthralgia(68/86),orchiditis(7/86),hepatomegaly(8/86),sple- nomegaly(7/86)and headache(18/86).Forty-seven patients had liver dysfunction and 17 patients had thrombocytopenia.Eighty patients recovered and 6 patients relapsed after combination therapy with rifampicin,sulfamethoxazole and quinolone.Conclusion The changes in epidemiological and clinical features of patients with acute brucellosis should be noticed.

A new interactive image segmentation method used in the multiple myeloma cloning spots image segmentation is presented in the paper. Based on the theory of graph cuts, some pixels are selected as the front object and the background seeds, and the other parts are treated as the unknown region. Then, an energy function is constructed and initialized through K-means, and the minimum cut method is used in the segmentation by energy minimization. Last, the image is eroded and dilated, and the cloning separate parts could be got effectively. For the pixels which may be partitioned wrongly, we use a tool similar to a brush to re-mark the front object or the background, and divide once again. Both subjective the evaluation criteria and the RUMA, evaluation criteria are used to evaluate the method, and the experiment results are satisfactory.
Humans ; Image Enhancement ; methods ; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Multiple Myeloma ; classification ; Pattern Recognition, Automated ; methods ; Tumor Stem Cell Assay ; instrumentation ; methods

Objective: To determine protein binding characteri stic and signal transmission pathway of melatonin（Mel） receptor(MR) in human e mbryonic peripheral organ tissues. Methods: MR was measured by radio ligand-binding assay and the effect of GTPγS on melatonin specific bindi ng was studied. Results: Mel specific binding sites were det ermined in 16 kinds of human embryonic tissue and this binding could be inhibit ed by GTPγS, supporting the theory that MR is coupled to inhibitory G-proteins system. Conclusion: MR is measured in human embryo tissue, the se results provide experimental data for elucidating the mechanism of the effect of Mel.