This paper was aimed to study effects of diosgenin on expressions of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in synovial tissues of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats induced by bovine type II collagen, in order to investigate the possible mechanism of herbal medicine diosgenin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). After the CIA rats models were successfully established, rats were randomly divided into the blank control group, CIA model group, diosgenin group, and positive medicine control (tripterygium) group. The in situ hybridization was used to detect the expressions of AP-1 (c-fos and c-jun) in synovial tissues of the knee joint. The real-time PCR was used to detect the VEGF mRNA expression in synovial tissues of rats’ knee joints. The results showed that c-jun and c-fos, VEGF mRNA expressions in synovial tissues of rats’ knee joints were obviously higher than that of the blank control group (P<0.01). After treatment of diosgenin and tripterygium, the expressions of c-jun and c-fos, VEGF mRNA were significantly reduced (P<0.01). It was concluded that diosgenin may regulate the expression of VEGF in synovial tissues through c-jun and c-fos of AP-1 in order to inhibit synovial angiogenesis for the treatment of RA.

BACKGROUND:Bone nonunion may occur after limb trauma fracture. Internal fixation of implant is a common mode of repair, but fixation of different implants has different effects. OBJECTIVE:To explore the application value of different implant fixation in limb trauma of nonunion after femoral shaft fracture. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed on 72 cases of nonunion after femoral shaft fractures in Bozhou People’s Hospital from November 2012 to November 2013. They were divided into the observation group (36 cases) and control group (36 cases) according to the way of treatment, which were given interlocking intramedul ary nail and dynamic compression plate fixation. Length of incision, intraoperative blood transfusion volume, postoperative drainage volume, operation time, fracture healing time and functional recovery of knee joint were observed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There was no statistical significance in operation time and length of the incision between the two groups (both P>0.05). Intraoperative amount of blood transfusion and postoperative drainage were significantly higher in the control group than in the observation group;the fracture healing time was significantly longer in the control group than in the observation group;infection rate in final fol ow-up was significantly higher in the control group than in the observation group (al P<0.05). No significant differences in preoperative knee joint International Knee Documentation Committee knee evaluation form and Lysholm score were found between the two groups (al P>0.05), but above two scores were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group in final fol ow-up (al P<0.05). These findings suggest that compared with the dynamic compression plate, interlocking intramedul ary nail in treatment of bone nonunion after femoral shaft fracture can obtain good effect, firm fixation, low infection rate, and is more in line with the physiological and biomechanical requirements.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the changes in the expression of purinergic P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) in spinal cord dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglion in a rat model of acute morphine tolerance or inflammatory pain.MethodsThirty male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:normal saline group (group NS,n =5);acute morphine tolerance group (group M,n =5) and inflammatory pain group (group F,n =20).Inflammatory pain was induced by subcutaneous injection of 4％ formalin 50 μl into the plantar surface of left hindpaw in group F.The animals received intrathecal morphine 10 μg ( 10 μl) once every 2 h for 6 times (T1-6) in group M,while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group NS.The rats were then sacrificed 2 h after the last time administration.Paw withdrawal latency (PWL) to a thermal nociceptive stimulus was measured at T1-6 in groups M and NS,or on day 4,7,10 and 14 after establishing the model of inflammatory pain in group F,The rats were sacrificed after measurement of PWL and spinal cord dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglion were removed to detect the expression of P2X4 R by immuno-histochemisty.ResultsCompared with the baseline value,PWL was significantly decreased on day 4-14 after intlammatory pain in group F,and PWL was significantly increased at T1-5,while no significant change was found at T6 in group M ( P ＞ 0.05).Compared with group NS,the expression of P2X4 R was up-regulated in group M,and the expression of P2X4 R was up-regulated on day 4 after inflammatory pain,peaked on day 7 after inflammatory pain,and then was down-regulated gradually on day 10 and 14 after inflammatory pain in group F ( P ＜ 0.01).ConclusionThe expression of purinergic P2Y4 R is up-regulated in spinal cord dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglion in rats with acute morphine tolerance or inflammatory pain,and the change may be related to the development of acute morphine tolerance or inflammatory pain.

Objective To analyze the correlation between chronic diseases,depression and activities of daily living (ADL) in the elderly,and to explore the risk factors of depressive symptoms and ADL.Methods Randomized multi-stage sampling method was used to select 504 elderly (aged ≥65 years old) in Jining City.The participants were then investigated and assessed by using Geriatric Depression Scale15,Katz-Activity of Daily Living (Katz-ADL) and Lawton instrumental ADL (Lawton-IADL).Results The prevalence of chronic diseases was 74.01％ among the elderly who lived in Jining City.The positive rate of depressive symptom was 7.14％ and the rate of ADL or IADL limitation was 19.05％ and 66.67％,respectively.The positive rate of depressive symptom and the rate of ADL or IADL limitation of the male were lower than those of female (x2 values were 18.15,12.31 and 30.18,respectively; all P＜ 0.05).The number of chronic diseases was a risk factor of depressive symptom and ADL limitation (odds ratio (OR) =1.71 or 1.53,respectively).ADL and IADL limitations were also the risk factors of depressive symptom (OR =3.15 or 9.36,respectively).Over adjustment of gender and age,the impact of the number of chronic diseases on depressive symptom,ADL and IADL and the influence of ADL and IADL limitations on depressive symptom showed no statistical significance.Conclusions Gender and age may be fundamental risk factors of depressive symptom and ADL and IADL limitations in the elderly.Family members and society workers should improve ADL and positive emotion and reduce the likelihood of depressive symptom among aging population.

Partial nature of "promoting blood circulation and dieresis" of Salvia Miltiorrhizain was initially demonstrated by investigating the regulation effect of AQP2 expression in kidney of trauma blood stasis model rats with the Salvia Miltiorrhizain so as to provide guidance for its clinical deployment of administration. Random allocation was taken to averagely divide 30 SD rats into two groups: 10 rats in normal group and 20 rats in blood stasis syndrome group. Trauma blood stasis rat model was established by quantitatively beating. Then the rat model group was divided into model group and salvia group. After 7 days of treatment, the rat kidney AQP2 expression was detected, the content of urine AQP2 was compared and the damaged local muscle and kidney pathological changes were observed by immunohistochemical method and western blot method. Compared with that of the normal group, rats in model group had inflammatory cells infiltration, blood stasis and edema of the injured local muscles and up-regulated AQP2 expression, decreasing urinary output, and kidney tissues blood stasis and edema (P < 0.05). On the other hand, compared with that of the model group, those parameters of rats in salvia group were all decreasing except urine output (P < 0.05). Such result indicated that Salvia Miltiorrhiza can reduce trauma blood stasis rat content of urine AQP2 and down-regulated AQP2 expression in kidney tissue, so as to reduce the reabsorption of water by renal tubular and increase urine output. The promoting blood circulation effect of Salvia Miltiorrhizain can alleviate the degree of the damaged tissue edema and encourage urine drainage. This therapy is closely related to the effect of regulating AQP2 in kidney by salvia, so the purpose of this study by verifying "promoting blood circulation and diuresis" as the mechanism for the regulation effect of the salvia on AQP2 expression.
Animals ; Aquaporin 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Blood Circulation ; drug effects ; Diuresis ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Kidney ; blood supply ; drug effects ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Kidney Diseases ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Male ; Rats ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; chemistry

Objective To investigate the effect of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery( VATS) in thoracic disease,and the feasibility to carry out VATS for basic hospital. Methods The data of VATS treatment were collected to compare the differences between study group and control group,and evaluate the the feasibility to carry out VATS for basic hospital. Results The operation time was (100. 75±22. 72) min, blood loss was (54. 27±26. 21) mL,postoperative drainage was (920. 67±171. 99) mL. The postoperative complications were fewer,post-operative hospital stay was shorter,incision time was shorter(P=0. 000) and pain scores was lower(P=0. 000) in study group than that in control group. Basic hospital has the capacity to conduct this technical. Conclusion VATS is feasible to carry out in basic hospital.

Objective: To analyze clinical characteristics and risk factors in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated with cardiac rupture (CR) and to explore the prevention and treatment strategy in clinical practice. Methods: A case control study was conducted in 2 groups: CR group, the patients with coronary angiography conifrmed AMI with CR,n=44 and Control group, the patients with simultaneous STEAMI and by 1:3 pair-matched ratio,n=132. Clinical information was compared between 2 groups and the relevant risk factors for predicting CR were studied by Logistic regression analysis. Results: Compared with Control group, CR group had the lower ratio of β-receptor blocker application (22.7% vs 81.4%),P<0.05. Univariate regression analysis indicated that lower body mass index, incipient MI, anterior MI, no-reperfusion therapy, delayed reperfusion therapy, lower blood pressure at admission, post-infarction angina, ventricular aneurysm, higher Gensini score, high blood levels of cretinine and BNP, low ejection fraction were the risk factors for CR occurrence in STEAMI patients, allP<0.05. Multivariate regression analysis presented that incipient MI (P<0.049, OR=7.462), post-infarction angina (P<0.000, OR=8.591), ventricular aneurysm (P<0.005, OR=4.617) and higher Gensini score (P<0.001, OR=2.788) were risk factors for CR occurrence in STEAMI patients. Conclusion: Incipient MI, post-infarction angina, ventricular aneurysm and higher Gensini score are the risk factors for CR occurrence in STEAMI patients.

OBJECTIVETo investigate clinical effects of three-column reconstruction via single posterior approach for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures accompanied by posterior column injury.

METHODSFrom December 2008 to May 2010,three-column reconstruction via posterior approach was implemented to 21 patients with unstable thoracolumbar fractures accompanied by posterior column injuries. There were 13 males and 8 females, ranging in age from 23 to 54 years old(averaged,35.5 years old). Injured vertebrae: 1 patient had injury in T11, 4 patients had injuries in T12, 8 patients had injuries in L1, 5 patients had injuries in L2, 3 patients had injuries in L3. The Cobb angle was (25.34 +/- 3.42) degrees. The operation time,blood loss during operation, Cobb angle and the bony fusion were observed.

RESULTSTwenty-one patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 24 to 27 years old, with an average of 25.6 months. The operation time ranged from 135 to 275 min, with a mean of 185 min. The blood loss during operation ranged from 700 to 1 650 ml (averaged, 870 ml). All the patients had complete decompression. Postoperative Cobb angle was (4.01 +/- 2.03) degrees, and (4.34 +/- 2.38) degrees at the latest follow-up. All the patients got bony fusion.

CONCLUSIONTo the patients with unstable thoracolumbar fractures accompanied by posterior column injuries, three-column reconstruction via single posterior approach has both anterior approach and posterior approach advantages, which can obtain excellent clinical outcomes.

Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; methods ; Spinal Fractures ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; injuries ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy and safety of administration of levosimendan or milrinone added to conventional therapy in patients with decompensated heart failure.Methods A total of 180 patients admitted due to heart failure [NYHA (New York Heart Association) class Ⅲ or Ⅳ] were randomly (random number) divided into control group,milrinone group and levosimendan group (n =60,each group).A continuous infusion of milrinone added to conventional therapy was administered for 72 hours in milrinone group,while administration of levosimendan for 24 hours in levosimendan group.The changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),left ventricle end-diastolic diameter (LVDD) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) plasma level were compared between before and after treatment,respectively,and comparisons of improvement in cardiac function (NYHA class) and hospital mortality were carried out among three groups.Patients were further followed up at 3 months after treatment.Results The LVEF in levosimendan group after treatment had significantly more increased than that in control group [(32.0±6.3)％ vs.(30.6 ±5.5)％,P =0.007].Compared BNP before treatment,the sums of BNP deducted were 444.0 (-74.0,1068.0) pg/mL,469.0 (141.5,1151.5) pg/mL and 936.5 (437.8,1566.8) pg/mL in control group,milrinone group and levosimendan group,respectively after treatment (all P ＜ 0.01).Moreover,the deduction in BNP was more dramatic in levosimendan group compared with control or milrinone group (t =3.256 or 2.665,P =0.004 or 0.026).After treatment for 5 days,the probability at least of achieving more effectively better improvement in NYHA class (cardiac function) in levosimendan group was 2.036 times that of control group (95％ CI:1.030-4.028,P =0.041).The incidence of combined end point events (death or readmission) in levosimendan group was significantly lower than that in milrinone group (50％ vs.70％,HR =0.573,95％ CI:0.358-0.917,P=0.020),while in hospital mortality,readmission or 3-month mortality incidence was similar among 3 groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions The short-term clinical efficacy of levosimendan is superior to that of milrinone or conventional therapy in patients with decompensated heart failure.

Objective To investigate the short-term clinical efficacy of levosimendan on treating patients with decompensated cardiac insufficiency.Methods One hundred and twenty patients with heart failure (NYHA Ⅲ-Ⅳ or Killip Ⅲ) were randomly divided into levosimendan group(n =60) and control group(n =60).The patients in levosimendan group were given intravenous levosimendan for 24 hours beside conventional heart failure medications.The patients in control group were given the conventional heart failure medications.The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was recorded and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured before and after treatment.NYHA grade and mortality also were recorded.All patients were followed up for 3 months.Results The LVEF in the levosimendan group after the treatment was (35.6 ± 13.3)％,significantly higher than that in the control group ((31.4 ± 6.7) ％,F =8.952,P =0.002).The BNP in two groups after treatment were lower compared with before treatment(P ＜0.05).And it was more remarkable after treatment in levosimendan group compared with control group (441.0 (212.5,1050.0) ng/L vs.870.0 (435.0,1267.0) ng/L,P =0.014).The change of NYHA grade in levosimendan group was better than that in control group after 5 d.The recovery rate and ineffective or deterioration rate in levosimendan group were 45.0％ (27/60),26.7％ (16/30) and 43.3％ (26/60) respectively,higher than that of control group (28.3％ (17/60),20.0％ (12/60),36.7％ (22/60)) (OR =2.280,95％ CI 1.163-4.468,P =0.016).There was no significant difference in term of mortality between in hospital and 3 months follow-up in the levosimendan and the control group (20％ (12/60) vs.25％ (15/60),28.3％ (17/30) vs.41.7％ (25/60),x2 =1.543,P =0.214 and x2 =2.590,P =0.108).There was a decreasing trend regarding of readmission rate during 3 months in levosimendan group compared with that of the control group (21.7％ (13/60) vs.33.3％ (20/60),x2 =3.591,P =0.058),but mortality or readmission rate was lower than that in the control group (46.7 ％ (28/60)vs.66.7％ (40/60),x2 =4.835,P =0.028).Conclusion The short-term clinical efficacy of levosimendan on treating patients with decompensated cardiac insufficiency is remarkable better than the traditional treatment.