AIM To examined the effect of bFGF on the calcium influx in outer hair cells (OHCs) and its antagonistical effects with streptomycin. The aim of the study is to explore the mechanism of acute ototoxicity of streptomycin and antagonism of bFGF. METHODSE The OHCs of guinea pig were isolated using an enzyme machine methods and loaded with 10 ?mol?L -1 Fluo 3/AM for 30 min at 37℃,then cultured 60 min at room temperature. Individual Fluo 3 loaded OHCs were examined with a confocal microscope (ACAS Ultima, USA) using a 20? objective lens and linear scan mean. The fluorescent images, collected every 5 sec for 300 s, were stored in a computer. The fluorescent intensity of the images were analyzed by the software cooperated with the confocal microscope, and a function curve showing the change trend of fluorescent intensity with time was obtained. RESULTS The OHCs [Ca 2+ ] i hold steady within the process of normal extracellular liquid perfusion. OHCs [Ca 2+ ] i increased when perfused 100 mmol?L -1 high potassium media(10/11) and normal media containing 1 nmol?L -1 bFGF(9/9), but the OHCs [Ca 2+ ] i don't changes in high potassium free calcium media(7/7) and free calcium media containing 1 nmol?L -1 bFGF(8/8). After treated by 1 mmol?L -1 streptomycin, the OHCs [Ca 2+ ] i increased 0/12, 4/8 respectively when perfused high potassium media and bFGF media. And after treated by 1 nmol?L -1 bFGF, high potassium media make OHCs [Ca 2+ ] i increased more obviously and keeping longer time. After treated by 1 mmol?L -1 streptomycin, respectively, 0 1,1 and 10 nmol?L -1 bFGF make 4/11,6/9 and 12/12 OHCs [Ca 2+ ] i increasing when perfused high potassium media. CONCLUSION High potassium media and bFGF perfusion can result in increasing of OHCs [Ca 2+ ] i ,and OHCs [Ca 2+ ] i increase rooted in the calicum influx, there is synergic effects between high potassium and bFGF. The streptomycin can block the process of calcium influx induced by high potassium media and the block effects can be antagonized by bFGF, and the antagonistical effects have bFGF concentration dependence.

Objective To observe the effect of Dachengqi granule on degree of illness, blood levels of inflammatory mediators, incidence rate and mortality of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) so as to discuss its therapeutic mechanism on MODS. Methods A total of 51 patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome in intensive care unit (ICU) were randomly divided into treatment group (n=26) and control group (n=25) for an observation of clinical manifestation and prognosis. The plasma levels of endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?), interleukin-1? (IL-1?), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR) of each patient were measured in order to determine the curative effect of Dachengqi granule. Results The plasma level of endotoxin in treatment group was ameliorated more significantly than that in the control group. Dachengqi granule could down-regulate the levels of proinflammatory mediators including TNF?, IL-1? and IL-6 and antiinflammatory mediators including IL-4 and IL-10 and up-regulate the expression of HLA-DR (P

Objective To explore the influence of self-efficacy training on the memory and executive function of patients with ischemic stroke in the recovery stage.Methods A total of 80 cases were randomly divided into a self-efficacy training group and a control group,with 40 cases in each.The control group was given routine cognitive therapy,while the self-efficacy group was given cognitive interventions plus efficacy training.Before training and after training for 3 months,self-efficacy levels were examined using the general self-efficacy scale (GSES),memory and executive function were measured using the Behavioral Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS) and the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS).Anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS).Results Inter-group comparison showed no significant differences in terms of GSES or BADS scores before treatment between the control and self-efficacy groups.After training,the total GSES and BADS scores in both groups were significantly higher than before.Both the average GSES and BADS scores in the self-efficacy group were significantly higher than in the control group.There were similarly no significant differences in WMS scores before treatment,but after training the WMS results were significantly better in the self-efficacy training group than in the control group.After training,the SDS and SAS scores had improved to a significantly greater extent in the self-efficacy group than in the control group.Conclusion Self-efficacy training can facilitate the recovery of memory and promote executive function in patients with ischemic stroke.

P2X7 is the most important subtype of the ATP receptors known so far. Recent investigations showed that the downstream signaling pathway of P2X7 is coupled with several key inflammatory molecules including IL-1beta and IL-18, this suggests P2X7 might have roles in the inflammatory diseases. Moreover, attenuation of P2X7 by selective antagonists in vitro and knockout mice in vivo reducing the inflammatory response indicated that P2X7 is a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases. However, most previous studies on P2X7 were focused on nerve system diseases most, while its effects in inflammatory respiratory diseases, especially in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer have been poorly investigated. In this paper, we reviewed the research progress on the structure, distribution, biological activities of P2X7 and its relationship with inflammatory respiratory diseases including asthma, COPD and lung cancer, along with the development of P2X7 antagonist as therapeutics.

Aim To investigate the effects of Vam3 on ATP-induced inflammatory response in macrophages and the underlying mechanisms. Methods LPS primed mouse peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with ATP,and IL-1βlevel in supernatants was meas-ured by ELISA.Activity of caspase 1 was measured u-sing caspase 1 activity assay kit.Reactive oxygen spe-cies (ROS )level was detected with fluorescent probe DCFH-DA.MTT assay was used to detect cell prolifer-ation,and intracellular Ca2+concentration was meas-ured using laser scanning confocal microscope.Results Extracellular ATP led to increase in IL-1βrelease, caspase 1 activity and ROS production.It also led to rapid increase in intracellular Ca2+concentration and induced cell death.These effects were inhibited by Vam3 .Conclusion Vam3 inhibits ATP-induced in-flammatory response in macrophages,which may sug-gest the blocking effect of Vam3 on caspase 1 ~IL-1βinflammatory signaling pathway in macrophages.

Objective To compare the clinical effects between continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and intermittent haemodialysis (IHD) for the treatment of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods A prospective study was conducted. Seventy-three patients with sepsis-induced AKI admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of Tianjin Hospital and Tianjin First Center Hospital from January to December in 2014 were enrolled. They were randomly divided into two groups: CRRT group (n = 35) and IHD group (n = 38). Data were recorded for the patients in two groups before treatment, including acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score, mean arterial pressure (MAP), urine volume, and the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum creatinine (SCr) before and 1 week after treatment, the time of recovery of urine volume, the length of ICU stay, the duration of organ support, and the incidence of cardiovascular events. Results There was no statistically significant difference in APACHE Ⅱ scores (21.63±2.46 vs. 21.34±2.46), MAP [mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 71.26±10.70 vs. 75.74±15.17], urine volume (mL: 404.00±79.13 vs. 438.97±87.17), CRP (mg/L: 100.94±14.73 vs. 95.17±27.03), and SCr (μmol/L: 394.02± 50.26 vs. 390.47±54.42) before treatment between CRRT group and IHD group (all P > 0.05). One week after treatment, compared to the IHD group, CRRT could dramatically reduce the levels of CRP (mg/L: 41.05±10.15 vs. 60.21±14.78, t = 6.401, P < 0.001), SCr (μmol/L: 185.97±65.48 vs. 232.02±71.93, t = 2.862, P = 0.006), urine output recovery time (days: 7.94±3.06 vs. 11.08±3.71, t = 3.923, P < 0.001), the length of ICU stay (days: 9.54±3.39 vs. 13.42±3.89, t = 4.521, P < 0.001), organ support time (days: 3.23±2.70 vs. 6.34±3.36, t = 4.343, P < 0.001), and the incidence of cardiovascular events [23.53% (8/35) vs. 39.47% (15/38), χ2 = 5.509, P = 0.025]. Conclusion Compared to IHD, CRRT can more efficiently help patients with sepsis-induced AKI in removing excessive water, metabolic waste, and lower the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, maintain homeostasis of the internal environment, lower the adverse effects on cardiovascular system, so that it significantly improve the prognosis of patients, shorten the time of organ support and the length of ICU stay.

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Xiaoqinglong decoction for supplementary treatment of patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).Methods Thirty-three VAP patients with syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as interior retention of phlegm and exopathic cold admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from July 2011 to December 2014 were enrolled, and their historical data were retrospectively analyzed. According to the difference in treatment methods, the patients were divided into TCM treatment Xiaoqinglong decoction group (observation group, 18 cases) and general treatment group (control group, 15 cases). The patients in both groups were given conventional western medicine treatment, including anti-infection, phlegm elimination and cough relieve, protection of gastric mucosa and organ function, nutritional support, prevention of bedsore and thrombosis, etc. Additionally, the patients in TCM treatment group were given Xiaoqinglong decoction (drug composition: herba ephedrae 15 g, ramulus cinnamomi 15 g, herba asari 15 g, rhizoma zingiberis 15 g, chinese peony 15 g, rhizoma pinelliae 15 g, fructus schisandrae 15 g, radix glycyrrhizae preparata 10 g) for nasal feeding, once 150 mL, twice a day, once every 7 days. The changes in body temperature were observed before and 3 days and 7 days after treatment, and peripheral blood was collected for determination of white blood cell count (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level in the two groups. Comprehensive therapeutic effects of the patients in both groups were recorded.Results There were no significant differences in body temperature, WBC and CRP before treatment between the two groups. After treatment, the above parameters in both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment, and they showed a decrease tendency with time prolongation. The decrease in body temperature and WBC in observation group was more obvious than those of control group, and the comparisons showed statistical significant differences on 7 days after treatment [body temperature (℃): 36.5±0.6 vs. 37.0±0.8, WBC (×109/L):6.7±3.0 vs. 8.9±2.5, bothP < 0.05], but there was no significant difference in CRP between the observation group and control group (mg/L: 3 d was 73.7±20.5 vs. 61.5±18.4; 7 d was 27.2±10.5 vs. 23.5±9.1, bothP > 0.05). The total effective rate on the 7th day after treatment in observation group was higher than that of control group [83.3% (15/18) vs. 80.0% (12/15)], but no statistical significant difference was seen (P > 0.05).Conclusions The Xiaoqinglong decoction can reduce the inflammatory reaction of patients with VAP, and improve their symptoms.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of thoracoscopic techniqu es for the anterior correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Methods Betwe en March 2000 and November 2002, 33 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosi s were selected to undergo thoracoscopic instrumentation, correction, and fusion . There were 26 females and 7 males. The average age at surgery was 13.6 years ( range, 10 to 18 years). All patients had idiopathic thoracic curves of typeⅠacc ording to the Lenke classification system, 24 of whom were typeⅠA, and 9 typeⅠ B. The average preoperative Cobb angle of the primary thoracic curve was 57.4?( range, 43? to 68?), and that of the compensatory lumbar curve was 32.0?(range , 20? to 47?). 27 patients were an averaged 6.3? of hypokyphosis (range, 0? to 18?). All 33 patients underwent endoscopic anterior release, instrumentation , correction and intervertebral fusion using the CD Horizon Eclipse system. Para meters including coronal Cobb angle of the primary thoracic curve, the compensat ory lumbar curve and thoracic kyphosis, were measured to assess coronal and sagi ttal correction. Results The instrumented levels were from T4 to T12. The averag e number of levels instrumented for each patient was 7.4 (range, 5 to 9). Operat ive times averaged 3 h and 48 min (range, 2 h 40 min to 5 h 30 min). Blood loss averaged 308 ml (range, 100 to 500 ml). Hospitalization averaged 4.4 days (range , 3 to 9 days). The average follow-up period was 20.6 months (range, 6 to 36 mon ths). The correction for the primary thoracic curve averaged 60.2%, and the comp ensatory lumbar curve averaged 50.3%. Correction with hypokyphosis averaged 20.4 ?. One patient developed pseudoarthrosis and rod fracture. Two patients experie nced transient chest wall numbness. Conclusion Anterior thoracoscopic correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis has the advantages of minimal invasion and s horter rehabilitation period. It can also provide the same corrective effect com paring to conventional open thoracotomy.

Objective To establish a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid detection of the West Nile virus (WNV).Methods WNV genome (position nt 1 021 to nt 1 240) was synthesized by a PCR-based gene synthesis method.The synthetic fragments included 6 pairs of LAMP primer recognizing 8 primer sites of WNV genome.The LAMP gene amplification was carried out using a real-time PCR system at 63℃ for 60 min,then the amplification was terminated at 80℃ after 2 min.The amplification products were observed by agarose gel electrophoresis.The sensitivity and specificity of LAMP assay were compared with those of conventional PCR.Results The LAMP assay took less than 20 min,and the amplification product took on a ladder-like electrophoresis pattern.The sensitivity of LAMP assay was 10-fold higher than that of conventional PCR,and the detection limit of LAMP was 9.23 copies/?l.The specificity of WNV-specific LAMP assay was demonstrated by the negative amplification results from dengue virus and Japanese encephalitis virus,both were closely related members of the Flavivirus family.Conclusion LAMP assay is rapid,cost-effective,highly sensitive and specific in detecting genes of interest,and is of great significance for WNV surveillance,especially for grass root units and on-sport surveillance.

To evaluate the effect of bFGF on the calcium influx in SGCs and its antagonistical effect on streptomycin. The SGCs of guinea pig were isolated using an enzyme machine methods and loaded with 10?mol/L Fluo 3/AM for 30 min at 37℃,then cultured 60min at room temperature. Individual Fluo 3 loaded SGCs were examined with a confocal microscope (ACAS Ultima, USA) using a 20 x objective lens and linear scan mean.The level of SGCs[Ca 2+ ] i was steady within the process of normal extracellular liquid perfusion. SGCs[Ca 2+ ] i was increased when SGCs were perfused with 150mmol/L high potassium media(10/10) and normal media containing 1nmol/L bFGF(8/9), but the level of SGCs[Ca 2+ ] i did not change in high potassium free calcium media(9/9) and free calcium media containing 1nmol/L bFGF(10/11). After the treatment with 1 mmol/L streptomycin, the level of SGCs[Ca 2+ ] i was increased 1/11 and 5/12, respectively, when perfused high potassium media and bFGF media. And after being treated with 1nmol/L bFGF, high potassium media, SGCs[Ca 2+ ] i was increased more obviously and persisted for a longer time. After being treated with 1 mmol/L streptomycin, 0 1nmol/L, 1nmol/L and 10nmol/L bFGF, respectively, and 14/14 the level of SGCs[Ca 2+ ] i was increased 5/11, 9/12, and 14/14 when perfused high potassium media. High potassium media and bFGF perfusion could result in an increase of SGCs[Ca 2+ ] i ,and SGCs[Ca 2+ ] i increase was the result of calcium influx, and there was a synergic effect between high potassium and bFGF. Streptomycin could block the process of calcium influx induced by high potassium media, the blocking effect could be antagonized by bFGF, and the antagonistic effect was bFGF concentration dependent.