Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has drawn extensive attention from all over the world because of its promising therapeutic prospect. However, recent studies have found that VEGF may promote the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. The article reviews the molecule characteristics, receptor, expression regulation and function of VEGF, as well as its relationship with atherosclerosis.

Objective To explore the effects of lamotrigine (LTG) on cognitive function and the quality of life (QOL) in patients with partial epilepsy. Methods Twenty six patients with newly diagnosed partial epilepsy were randomly divided into 2 different groups using oral administration of LTG and carbamazepine (CBZ) respectively. By neuropsychological test scores and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31) The cognitive function and QOL were assessed before and 16 weeks after the treatment. A battery of neuropsychological tests comprised WAIS digital span test (WDST), verbal fluency test (VFT), trail making test (TMT, parts A and B), stroop color word test (SCWT), Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), delayed logical memory test, delayed optical memory test, arithmetic ability and digital symbol conversion test. Results The repeated assessments for the patients taking LTG were associated with significant improvements in many domains. When comparing the results at the end of 16 weeks with the baseline results, the verbal fluency were improved, the time of trail making test parts A and B were shortened, the WCST correct number and classification were improved, and the persistent error number and operation time of WCST were declined as well, digital symbol conversion was increased, delayed logic memory and optical memory were improved (t=3. 043, -3. 287,-2. 543,3. 167,3. 028,-2. 191, -3. 216,3. 061,3. 036, 3. 021 ,all P<0. 01 or P<0. 05). When comparing the efficacy of LTG with the CBZ group, the time of stroop color word test was shortened, digital symbol conversion was increased and arithmetic ability was improved (t= 3. 167,2. 142,2. 101, P<0.01 or P<0. 05). Compared with the baseline, both LTG group and CBZ group showed that the overall QOL, overall health, cognitive function and social function scores were improved (LTG group: t= 3. 321,2. 462,3. 294,3. 512;CBZ group: t=3. 314, 3. 149,3. 294,3. 202,all P<0.05). When comparing LTG group with CBZ group after therapy, cognitive function and social function scores were obviously improved (t = 2. 257,2. 140, both P< 0. 05), and the worry about seizure declined (t=2. 147,P<0. 05). Conclusions LTG may improve the cognitive function and QOL in patients with newly diagnosed partial epilepsy.

Objective To evaluate the effect of small-dose Lorazepam on residual dizziness in elderly patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) after successful particle repositioning maneuver (PRM).Methods A total of 268 patients aged 60 years and over, who were diagnosed as BPPV and underwent successful treatment of PRM, were randomly assigned to medication group and control group.The patients in the medication group were prescribed low-dose lorazepam for 1 week (0.25 mg/time, 3 times/d), whereas the patients in the control group were not prescribed any medication.Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) was employed to evaluate the anxiety status of patients before and after PRM, and the effect of small-dose lorazepam on residual dizziness was accessed by using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scale and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale in elderly BPPV patients after PRM.Results No difference in HAMA scores was found between the two groups (t=-0.316, P=0.753) before PRM.The medication group (t=19.931, P=0.000) and the control group (t=26.930, P=0.000) showed a significant improvement in HAMA scores after PRM versus before PRM.However, HAMA scores after PRM was lower in the medication group than in the control group (t=14.967, P=0.000).The medication group had significant improvements after PRM versus before PRM in the following: DHI scores (t=43.661, P=0.000), functional (t=32.326, P=0.000981), emotional (t=31.981, P=0.000), physical (t=14.330, P=0.000) subscale scores, as well as in the ABC scores (t=-23.248, P=0.000).The improvements were also found in the control group in DHI scores (t=46.282, P=0.000), functional (t=32.117, P=0.000), emotional (t=34.563, P=0.000),physical (t=13.182, P=0.000) subscale scores, as well as in the ABC scores(t=-24.536, P=0.000)after PRM versus before PRM.However, after PRM the total DHI score, functional,emotional and physical subscale scores were lower in medication group than in control group (t=5.994, 3.206, 4.757 and 2.851, respectively, P=0.009, 0.002, 0.000 and 0.005).The ABC scores were higher in medication group than in control group (t=2.678, P=0.008) after PRM.Conclusions The elderly patients with BPPV are often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety.The small-dose Lorazepam can alleviate residual dizziness in elderly BPPV patients after successful PRM.

Objective To prepare 99Tcm-B2-S22-AFA (99Tcm-TP1623)and investigate its biodistribution and kinetic imaging in healthy animals.Methods TP-1623 was synthesized and labeled indirectly by 99Tcm using stannous chloride as the reductive agent.The labeling rate was determined with chromatography using Whatman 3MM filter paper and by calculating the specific activity.The biodistribution of 99Tcm-TP1623 was tested at 1,5,10,30,60,120 min after intravenous injection into mice.According to the SPECT images and the time response of the radioactivity in the region of interest (ROI),the dynamic distribution of 99Tcm-TP1623 was assayed.Results The radiolabeling rate of 99Tcm-TP1623 was (96.4-± 0.1) ％ and the specific activity was (24.35 ± 0.06) TBq/mmol.After being conserved at room temperature for 4 h,the radiochemical purity of 99Tcm-TP1623 was (95.03 ± 0.97) ％.The oil-water distribution coefficient was-(2.51 ± 0.15).The bio-distribution test showed that the radioactivity in mice blood disappeared very fast over time by a quick excretion through renal.Meanwhile,the radioactivities in the heart,lung,liver,muscle and bone of mice decreased gradually along time and after 60 min they approached to the lowest levels.The radioactivity in brain always kept at a low level,but the radioactivity in intestinal increased slowly.For rabbits,the SPECT images showed that the radioactivity in blood disappeared quickly and the radioactivities were eliminated through kidneys.Meanwhile there were excretion images in gallbladder and intestinal,but no obvious nuclide accumulation in thyroids and stomach,and low radioactivity in brain as well.Conclusions 99Tcm-TP1623 is easy to prepare and has a high radiolabeling efficiency and good stability in vivo and in vitro,and it has excellent dynamic characteristics in normal animals.

Objective To explore the ability of ABCD2 score + Low density lipoprotein (LDL)(ABCD2L) in predicting early stroke risk after transient ischemic attack (TIA) . Method A total of 165TIA patients were evaluated and classified according to ABCD2 score and ABCD2L score. The occurrences of cerebral infarction were observed at 2th day or 7th day. ROC curve was used to compare the predictive vaule of two scores. Furthermore, according to these two scores, these patients were classified into three risk groups (low, moderate and high ), observed their stroke rate , and compared the differences of three groups with x2 test. Results The two-day risk of stroke was 13.33% and the seven-day risk of stroke was 20. 0% in 165 patients. When the occurrences of cerebral infarction were observed in two days, the area under the curves (AUC) of ABCD2 and ABCD2L was 0. 76 and 0. 80; observed in seven days, the AUC of two scores was 0. 73 and 0. 79. According to the risk stratification of ABCD2 score, in three risk groups,the two-day risk of stroke was 1.9%, 14. 9% and 30. 8%; the seven-day risk of stroke was 3. 8%, 21.8%and 46. 2% ( P ＜ 0. 05 ) . According to the risk stratification of ABCD2 L score, the two-day risk of stroke was 0%, 7. 8% and 31.1% ; the seven-day risk of stroke was 0%, 12. 6% and 44. 4% ( P ＜ 0. 05 ).Conclusions The predictive accuracy of the ABCD2L score is significantly higher than that of ABCD2 score. Furthermore, individuals at high early risk of stroke after TIA can be identified according to the risk stratification of ABCD2L score.

Objective To study the expression and significance of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) in the process of early radiation-induced lung injury in mice.Methods 40 mice were randomly divided into control group (10 cases) and post-irradiation group (30 cases).A large dose (15 Gy) irradiation on chest was performed in post-irradiation group.Every 10 mice in this group were killed on the 1st day (RT1d),the 10th day (RT10d),the 30th day (RT30d),respectively,and the specimens were collected.The expression of MCP-1 mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR),and MCP-1 and IL-6 proteins in BALF were detected by ELISA.The pathological changes of lung tissue were observed with HE staining.Results Under the microscope,lung tissue began to show inflammation on the 10th day and was more seriousness on the 30th day in post-irradiation group.Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the expression of MCP-1 in lung tissue irradiated was increased.RT-PCR results showed that the relative expressions of MCP-1 mRNA in control group,RT1d group,RT10d group and RT30d group were 7.63±0.77,6.81±0.75,5.75±0.73 and 4.61±0.75,respectively.The differences between RT1d group and control group,RT10d and RT1d group,and RT30d and RT10d were significantly different (all P ＜ 0.05).ELISA results showed that the levels of MCP-1 and IL-6 proteins in post-irradiation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The expression of MCP-1 in mice after irradiation is abnormal,and MCP-1 may participate in early radiation-induced lung injury.

Objective To investigate the frequency of posterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV) in each ear,and to explore the effect of sleep position in lateral-predominance of ear by PC-BPPV during sleep onset in elderly patients. Methods Totally 114 patients aged (67.4±7.5) years with unilateral PC BPPV confirmed by a positive Dix Hallpike test,were retrospectively reviewed.All patients included in the study were able to define a leteral predominant,favorate head-lying side (right,left or supine position) during sleep onset. Results The Dix Hallpike test was found to be positive on the right side in 72 patients and positive on the left side in 42 cases.During sleep onset,61 patients habitually laid their head on the right side,34 laid their head on the left,and the remaining 19 cases on the supine position.Among 114 cases with positive Dix Hallpike test,there were 78 cases with the same side between affected ear and sleep position (52 cases right,26 cases left),36 cases with different side (9 cases with right position and left positive Dix Hallpike test,8 cases left position and right positive Dix Hallpike test,19 cases slept in a supine position including 12 cases with right positive Dix Hallpike test and 7 cases with left positive).The association between affected ear and head-lying side during sleep onset was statistically significant (x2 =35.737,P＜0.01) and Pearson coefficient of continency was 0.4885. Conclusions Among the elderly,right-sided PC-BPPV is popular,and these patients favorite right head-lying position during sleep.There is association between the affected side by PC-BPPV and the head-lying side during sleep.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of standard dose prednisone(starting dose about 0.4 mg/kg bw) combined with glutamine(2 g/d) for Graves' ophthalmopathy(GO) after 131I treatment.Methods The prospective randomized controlled trial was performed and included 116 consecutive patients with mild-to-moderate GO or no active GO after 131I treatment,but with high risk factors.The experimental group(59 cases) started to take oral prednisone(0.44 ± 0.13)mg/kg at 2 d atter theatment,meanwhile replenishing glutamine,and prednisone was gradually decreased by 5mg per 2 weeks and stopped until 2 months;the control group(57 cases) received the initial dose prednisone(0.43± 0.14)mg/kg without replenishing glutamine,and the rest was same as the experimental group.The GO change and prednisone adverse reactions in 2,4,6 months after treatment were evalua ted in the two groups.Results The baseline characteristics had no significant difference between the two groups.In comparison of the experimental group and control group after 6-month treatment,the CAS score was (2.8 ± 0.8 vs.3.5 ± 0.9),exophthalmos degree was (19.6±8.1)mm vs.(21.7±3.0)mm,eyelid width was (11.3±2.9)mm vs.(13.8±3.1)mm,the improvement degree in the experimental group except for degree was superior to the control group (P＜0.01).No new onset GO or deterioation oc curred in the two groups;the experimental group had 42 cases(71.2 ％) of GO improvement and 17 cases(28.8 ％) of stability,while the control group had 39 cases(68.4％) of GO improvement and 18 cases(31.6％) of stability,and the curative effects had no sttis-tical difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).The side effects in the control group were more than those in the experimental group(63.1％ vs.30.5％,P＜0.05).the body mass increase was more obvious [(3.8±1.8) kg vs.(1.4±1.2)kg,P＜0.01],and SBP and DBP in the two groups were slightly increased[(10±4)mm Hg vs.(9±5)mm Hg P＞0.05].Conclusion Using the initial dose of oral prednisone(about 0.4 mg/kg) for 2 months and simultaneously replenishing glutamine (2 g/d)can effectively improve mild-moderate GO,and effectively reduce the adverse reactions of GC.However it is needed to extend the follow-up time to assess whether it can truly prevent the deterioration of GO,and to conduct a further study for the role of glutamine.

OBJECTIVE To understand what role of the L-type calcium channels play in the mechanism of salicylate-induced tinnitus. METHODS The effects of salicylate on L-type calcium channels in freshly dissociated inferior colliculus neurons of rats were studied using the whole-cell voltage clamp method. RESULTS Salicylate blocked L-type calcium channel current (ICa,L) in concentration-dependent manner. The half-blocking concentration of salicylate was 1.99 mmol/L. Salicylate did not affect the conductance-voltage curve and the steady-state activation curve of ICa,L, shifted the steady-state inactivation curve of ICa,L by about 8 mV in the hyperpolarizing direction, and delayed the recovery from inactivation of ICa,L. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that salicylate’s blocking of L-type calcium channels may contribute to salicylate-induced tinnitus by decreasing the release of ?-aminobutyric acid in the inferior colliculus.

Aim To provide an electrophysiological basis for hippocampus involved emotional changes caused by tinnitus, the effects of salicylate on electro-physiological characteristics of the voltage-gated calci-um channels in hippocampal neurons were performed. Method The effects of salicylate on voltage-gated cal-cium channels in rat hippocampal neurons were stud-ied, using the whole-cell voltage clamp method. Re-sults Salicylate blocked the voltage-gated calcium channels ( ICa ) in a concentration-dependent manner (0.1~10 mmol · L-1 ) . The half-inhibition concen-tration ( IC50 ) values for the blocking action of salicy-late on ICa were 1.64 mmol·L-1 . With 1 mmol·L-1 salicylate applicalted into bath solution, the steady-state activation curve of calcium channel was shifted by about 9 mV in the hyperpolarizing direction, and its steady-state inactivation curve was not changed. Con-clusion Salicylate inhibits ICa in rat hippocampal neu-rons and significantly affects the activation kinetics of ICa ,which could be related to emotional changes caused by tinnitus.