BACKGROUND:Previous clinical fol ow-up study showed that disc degeneration of adjacent segment after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion was faster than that of artificial cervical disc replacement. Compared with the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, artificial cervical disc replacement can maintain a good range of motion of replacement segment. Further investigation should be taken to compare the difference between stress and fusion after replacement. OBJECTIVE:To compare the adjacent level discs loads between artificial cervical disc replacement and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. METHODS:A healthy 30-year-old male volunteer was scanned with CT at the artificial cervical intervertebral disc and anterior cervical plate. Three-dimensional images were reconstructed with Mimics 10.01 and Geomagic Studio.v11 software. Above three-dimensional data were input into the Abaqus6.9 finite element analysis software for meshing, assignment, and stress analysis. Finite element method was used to simulate the stress changes of the adjacent segments after artificial cervical disc replacement and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Under the same preload, during anteflexion, posterior extension, and lateroflexion, the disc stress at adjacent segment was significantly larger after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion than normal disc. Compared with normal persons, no significant difference was detected in stress of adjacent segment at anteflexion, posterior extension, and lateroflexion after artificial cervical disc replacement. (2) Compared with artificial cervical disc replacement group, the stress of adjacent segment increased 10.3%-51.6%in the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion group. (3) Finite element analysis showed that the stress was larger in the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion group than in the artificial cervical disc replacement group. With prolonged fol ow-up, compared with the conventional anterior decompression and fusion, artificial cervical disc replacement can better play its protective effect on the adjacent intervertebral disc.

Objective To develop a gut-brain interaction animal model of IBS which combines multiple factors including behavior, visceral sensation and motility. Methods Setting up a multifactor interactional animal model (chronic acute combining stress model, CACS) based on a chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression (CUMS) while combined with wrap restraint stress (WRS) , changes of some indexes were recorded including motility (granules of defecating, time of defecating), visceral sensitivity ( spontaneous contraction of abdominal striated muscles ) and behavior/mind ( sucrose consumption, body weight). G protein subunits were measured by Western blot in both hippocampus and prefrontal cortex simultaneously. Results ( 1 ) Compared with the state before stress given, defecating granules increased, defecating time of glassie from rectum shorten, number of abdominal contraction increased, and sucrose consumption decreased in CACS, however, neither significant change was found on defecating behavior in CUMS nor on sucrose consumption in WRS; (2) Compared with the control group, some G protein submits expression decreased in both CACS and CUMS( P < 0. 05 ) , while no significant changes of any G protein subunits were found in WRS. Conclusion The CACS animal model was a new, brain-gut interaction model, which can mimic part of human symptoms of IBS very well.

AIM To study the effect of polysaccharides 2b from Mudan cortex (PSM 2b) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats and explore its mechanism. METHODS T2DM rat model was established by low dosage streptozotocin and high sucrose fat diet. The drugs were administrated by ig for 5 weeks. The serum glucose was assayed with GOD POD method. Insulin was determined by radioimmunoassay. Insulin receptors of the plasma membrane from rat liver were determined with radioligand binding assay of receptors (RBAR). RESULTS PSM 2b could significantly lower fasting blood glucose (FBG), improve impaired glucose telarance (IGT) and dyslipidemia. It could also remarkably raise receptor total (RT2) of the low affinity insulin receptor (InsR) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) in T2DM rats. CONCLUSION PSM 2b has an obvious therapeatic effect on T2DM in rats. Its mechamsm is relatively improve insulin resistance (IR) in T2DM rats by raising the number of InsR.

Objective To evaluate the clearance efficacy of resin hemoperfusion(HP) on the removal of organophosphorus in the rabbits poisoned by methamidophos(MAP) and its effects on organ injury. Method Six-teen healthy Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into HP group and non-HP group. MAP was given through gastric tube in a dosage of 20 mg/kg to rabbits of both groups. Rabbits of liP group received resin hemop-ersion plus conventional treatment including early gastric lavage, atropine and pralidoxime. Rabbits of non-HP group received only conventional treatment. The plasma concentration of MAP was determined by using gas chro-matography before and after rabbits were poisoned at different intervals. Serum choline esterase (ChE),lactic de-hydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) of rabbits of both groups were assayed 6 hours after rabbits poisoned. Pathological changes in lung, liver, kidney and muscle were investigated simutaneously. SPSS 10.0 software was used for statistical analysis. The comparison between groups was carried out by using t -test. Results ① The typical symptoms of organophospborus poisoning were occurred in rabbits within 5 - 10 minutes after ingestion of MAP. In HP group, the plasma levels of rabbits before,and 30 min,60 min,90 min and 120 min after hemoperfu-sion were (11.43±1.56),(7.82±1.54),(4.97±1.58),(5.66±1.75) ,(5.49±1.68) μg/mL, respectively (P <0.01). After hemoperfusion, the plasma MAP levels of rabbits in HP group were lower than those in non-HP groups (P < 0.01). The improveme, nt of clinical presentation of rabbits was observed shortly after HP. ② The blood choline esterase activity of rabbits were depressed in hoth groups without significant difference. In contrast, the blood levels of ALT, AST,LDH,CK and CK-MB of rabbits in non-HP group elevated significantly than in HP group (P < 0.01). ③ The more severe injury of muscle, liver, kidnet and lung of rabbits can could be seen in non-HP group. Conclusions ① HP can effectively eliminate the plasma MAP and has the potential to improve the clinical presentation of intoxication in rabbits. ② Early intervention of Hp exerts a protection from organ dam-age of organophosphorus pesticide.

AIM:To investigate the effect of capsaicin on lipopolysaccharide ( LPS)-induced activation of cul-tured endothelial cells of mouse aorta in vitro.METHODS:The endothelial cells were isolated from mouse aorta and cul-tured in vitro, and the specific cell markers of the cells were identified by immunofluorescence staining.The cells were stimulated with LPS (100μg/L) combined with or without capsaicin, and the cells and supernatant were collected at 12 h, 24 h and 48 h.The levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 ( sICAM-1) , soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) in the supernatant were measured by ELISA.The levels of nuclear NF-κB p65 and cytopasmic p-IκBαand IκBαwere detected by Western blotting.RESULTS: Compared with control group, the levels of sP-selectin, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in LPS group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and LPS promoted the expression of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in a time-dependent manner.Compared with LPS group at the same time point, capsaicin inhibited the expression of sP-selectin, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in a dose-dependent manner.Compared with con-trol group, the protein levels of NF-κB p65 and p-IκBαin LPS group at 24 h were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the protein level of IκBαin LPS group at 24 h were significantly decreased (P<0.05).Compared with LPS group, capsaicin decreased the protein levels of NF-κB p65 and p-IκBαand increased the protein level of IκBαin a dose-depend-ent manner.CONCLUSION:Capsaicin has a protective effect on LPS-induced vascular endothelial cell activation, which potentially contributes to the suppression of IκBαdegradation and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation.

Objective To observe the release of glutamate (Glu)and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) from PC 12 cells induced by aconitine,and to study the intervention of Shuanghuanglian on the injury of these cells. Methods The cell proliferation test agent in cell counting kit(CCK-8)was applied to assay the aconitine toxicity to PC12 cells and to establish the PC12 cell injury model induced by aconitine. The PC12 cells during logarithmic growing phase were randomly divided into the following groups:blank control group(complete medium containing 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide was added), Shuanghuanglian control group (complete medium containing 50 μg/mL Shuanghuanglian),baicalin control group(complete medium containing 20 μmol/L baicalin),aconitine toxic group(complete medium containing 100 μmol/L aconitine),Shuanghuanglian intervention group(complete medium containing 100μmol/L aconitine and 50μg/mL Shuanghuanglian)and baicalin intervention group(complete medium containing 100 μmol/L aconitine and 20 μmol/L baicalin). The cells in all groups were incubated for 24 hours respectively. The changes of PC12 cell absorbance(A)values were detected by CCK-8 assay before and after intervention by Shuanghuanglian and baicalin. The PC12 cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Glu and GABA contents in cell culture medium were determined by chromatometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Compared with blank control group,after the PC12 cells treated with 100 μmol/L aconitine for 24 hours,their cytoactivity was decreased markedly(A value:1.003±0.042 vs. 1.685±0.030,P<0.05),then afterwards in the experiment,the incubation of 100 μmol/L aconitine with PC12 cells for 24 hours was considered as the intervention concentration. In blank control group,the normal PC12 cells accounted for 95.89%,while in the aconitine toxic group,the rate of injured PC12 cells reached 64.27% and early apoptosis rate reached 45.46%, and in Shuanghuanglian intervention group and baicalin intervention group,the early apoptosis rate was decreased to 33.24% and 28.22% respectively. Compared with blank control group,there were no significant differences in cytoactivities and the contents of Glu and GABA released by PC12 cells in Shuanghuanglian control group and baicalin control group(all P<0.05),while in the aconitine toxic group,the cytoactivity was significantly decreased(A value:1.056±0.039 vs. 1.722±0.083),and the contents of Glu and GABA were significantly increased〔Glu(μmol/L):5.295±0.137 vs. 3.433±0.138;GABA(μmol/L):0.769±0.020 vs. 0.528±0.012,both P<0.05〕. Compared with aconitine toxic group,the cytoactivities of PC12 were significantly elevated(1.202±0.059 and 1.180±0.032),the levels of Glu were significantly reduced(4.055±0.086 and 3.984±0.057),and the contents of GABA were obviously increased(0.809±0.016 and 0.930±0.021)in the cell culture medium of the Shuanghuanglian intervention group and baicalin intervention group(all P<0.05). The increase of cytoactivity in Shuanghuanglian intervention group was more marked than that of baicalin intervention group(P<0.05). There were no statistical significant differences in contents of Glu and GABA between Shuanghuanglian intervention group and baicalin intervention group(both P>0.05). Conclusions The changes of Glu and GABA may be one of the mechanisms of neural toxic effect of aconitine. Shuanghuanglian possibly can decrease Glu level and increase GABA content by way of its main component baicalin to antagonize the aconitine neurotoxicity.

Objective To investigate the expressions of TF mRNA and TFPI mRNA of liver in rats with Vibrio vulnificus sepsis and to assess the interventional effects of cefoperazone sodium along with levofloxacin lac-tate. Method One hundred and ten male SD rats were divided (random number) into normal control group (NC group, n = 10), Vibrio vulnificus sepsis group (VV group, five subgroups n = 10 in each), drug intervention model (AA group, five subgroups n = 10 in each). The Vibrio vulnificus sepsis models and drug intervention models of rat were made. The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was employed for the measurement of TF mRNA and TFPI mRNA. ANOVA and t-test performed with SPSS version 12.0 software. Results Compared with NC, the expressions of TF mRNA in liver increased markedly 2 h,6 h, 12 h and 16 h af-termodeling in VV groups (P<0.05), and reached peak 6 hours after modeling. The expressions of TF mRNA in liver of rats in AA groups were much higher than those in NC group 9 h and 12 h after modeling (P<0.05). The expressions of TFPI mRNA in liver of rats in VV groups and AA groups were not significantly different to those in NC group (P>0.05). Compared with VV groups, the expressions of TF mRNA in liver of rats in AA groups were greatly lowered 9 hours after administration of bactericide (P<0.05), and the expressions of TFPI mRNA in liver of rats in AA groups were significantly higher 12h and 16 h after intervention (P<0.05). Conclusions There is a obvious imbalance between coagulation and anticoagulation functions of circulation system during Vibrio vulnificus sepsis, and the imbalance can be corrected gradually after treatment with antibacterial agents.

Objective To study epidemiology, clinical findings, diagnosis and treatment of sepsis caused by Vibrio vulnificus. Method Patientss with Vibrio vulnificus sepsis were collected from 1995 to 2008. The medical records including epidemiological and clinical data were analyzed. Results The male-to-female ratio of 34cases was 4.7:1 and 76. 5% of these patients suffered from chronic liver disease. Most patients occurred from April to October with signs of abrupt fever, characteristic cutaneous lesions, hypotension and progressive multiple organ disfunction syndrome (MODS). The mortality was over 47.1% . The criteria proposed for early diagnosis of Vibrio vulnificus sepsis were abrupt onset with fever during the period from April to November, characteristic cutaneous lesions, such as the most commonly occurred haemorrhagic bullae on the extremities or even extensive necrosis of skin and muscular tissue, progressive hypotension or shock accompanied by MODS, pre-existing liver disease or chronic abuse of alcohol, and consumption of raw seafood or exposure to seawater within 12 week. Early administration of the third-generation cephalosporins with the quinolones in full dosage, aggressive wound debridement,appropriate dermoplasty and supportive care contribute to a better outcome. Conclusions Vibrio vulnificus sepsis progresses rapidly with high mortality. Early diagnosis, rapid treatment with prompt antibiotics and aggressive surgery treatment are very important to improve the outcome.

OBJECTIVE To study the changes in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) mRNA, tissue-inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) mRNA and the ratio of MMP-9 mRNA/TIMP-1 mRNA in the lungs of paraquate poisoning rats, and to investigate the protective effects of sodium dimercaptopropane sulfonate (DMPS, Unithiol). METHODS One hundred and twenty male SD rats were divided into 12 groups (n=10) randomly: normal control, DMPS control, PQ poisoning 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 d model groups, (DMPS+PQ) 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 d groups. PQ poisoning model was established by intraperitoneal injecting paraquate. The expression of MMP-9 mRNA and TIMP-1 mRNA in lung tissues was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS ①By observing the changes of action and observing the lung tissues sections, the rats' PQ poisoning models was successfully established. ②The histopathology of lung showed infiltration of inflammatory cell in acute phase(within 2 weeks), the inflammation decreased gradually after 2 weeks, hyperplasia of collagen and pulmonary fibrosis were instead. Howerer, the pathological changes were alleviated obviously in the (DMPS+PQ) groups. ③Compared with the PQ groups, the expression of MMP-9 mRNA and TIMP-1 mRNA in lungs diminished greatly in the DMPS+PQ groups after rats injected DMPS(P<0.05); the ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 mRNA was bigger at 7, 14 and 28 d in the DMPS+PQ groups after rats injected DMPS. CONCLUSION Down-regulation of the expression of MMP-9 mRNA and TIMP-1 mRNA and up-regulation ratio of MMP-9 mRNA/TIMP-1 mRNA by DMPS may be one of mechanisms by which pulmonary injury and pulmonary fibrosis are prevented in the acute paraquate poisoning.

Objective To investigate the potential role and changes of CD14, TNF-ct and IL-10 in liver in Vibrio vulnificus septic rats, and detect the intervention effects of eefoperazone sodium combined with levofloxacin. Methods To make Vibrio vulnificus sepsis model (VV group) and drug intervention model (AA group) in rats, the expression of CD14, TNF-α, IL-10 in liver were detected by RT-PCR. Results Compared with normal control (NC) group,CD14 mRNA and TNF-α mRNA expression increased markedly at 2, 6, 9, 12, 16 h in VV group (P<0.05), IL-10 mRNA raised greatly at 9, 12, 16 in VV group (P<0.05). CD14 mRNA expression was also rised in AA group at 9 h(P<0.05). TNF-α mRNA at 9, 12 h and IL-10 mRNA at 9, 12, 16 h in the AA group increased (P<0.05). Compared with VV groups, CD14 mRNA expression diminished greatly at 9, 12, 16 h in AA group (P <0.05), TNF-α mRNA and IL-10 mRNA diminished in the AA group at 16 h(P<0.05). Conclusion The treatment with cefoperazone sodium and levofloxacin may reduce expression of CD14, TNF-α and IL-10 in liver of rats with VV sepsis, it may inhibit the level of pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines, thereby regulating the balance of the inflammatory response in VV sepsis.