Objective To observe the curative effect of puerarin on Alzheimer's disease (AD) in ovariectomized versus non-ovariectomized rat.Methods 100 6-month-old female SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:the control group,non ovariectomized AD group,ovariectomized AD group,non-ovariectomized AD treatment group and ovariectomized AD treatment group (n =20each).Rat model of AD was made by treating with combined D-galactose and sodium nitrite for 60days.Treatment group rats were treated with puerarin for 8 weeks.At the end of the experiment,rats learning and memory abilities were tested by water maze,the serum estradiol,progesterone,follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were measured,and the activities of cholinesterase (TchE) and superoxide dismutase (SOD),malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in brain homogenate were determined.Results Compared with the control group,TchE activity and MDA content were increased,and SOD activity was reduced (all P＜0.01),and learning and memory abilities were significantly decreased in the ovariectomized and non-ovariectomized AD groups.Compared with the model groups,the activity of TchE and MDA concentration were reduced,and SOD activity was increased (all P＜0.01),and learning and memory abilities were significantly improved in the two treatment groups.As compared with non ovariectomized AD treatment group,the increase in SOD and TchE activities and decrease in MAD concentration were much more in ovariectomized AD treatment group (P＜0.05),and the improvement in learning and memory abilities was more significant.Conclusions Puerarin has a therapeutic effect on rat model of AD,even better on the ovariectomized rat model of AD.

Objective To investigate the accuracy of analgesia/nociception index (ANI) in assessing the severity of postoperative pain in patients.Methods Eighty patients,aged 21-77 yr,of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ-Ⅲ,scheduled for elective operation,were admitted to the postanesthesia care unit after the patients were extubated at the end of operation,and ANI was monitored.Immediately after admission to the postanesthesia care unit (T0),numerical rating scale (NRS) score was recorded.If NRS score was 0-3,the patients received no treatment,and NRS score was recorded again 10 min later (T1).If NRS score was 4-10,fentanyl 50 μg was injected intravenously,and NRS score was recorded again 5 min later (T2).ANI value was recorded at T0,T1 and T2.NRS score was considered as the criterion for assessment of the severity of pain.The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of ANI in determining NRS scores,the cut-off value was determined,and the area under the curve and 95％ confidence interval were calculated.Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between ANI and NRS score.Results The area under the curve (95％ confidence interval) of ANI in determining NRS scores was 0.873 (0.816-0.929),and the cut-off value was 45 with a sensitivity of 74.8％ and a specificity of 87.5％.ANI was negatively correlated with NRS score,and the correlation coefficient was-0.705 (P＜0.05).Conclusion ANI provides high accuracy in assessing the severity of postoperative pain with a cut-off value of 45 in the patients.

Background Research showed that transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) promotes scar formation.But its mechanism in scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery is worthy of studying.Objective This study was to investigate the effect of TGF-β2 on myofibroblast transition of human Tenon fibroblasts (HTFs) and scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery.Methods Tenon capsular tissue was obtained from 3 patients with strabismus during the surgery and was incubated in DMEM with 10％ fetal bovine serum (FBS).The cells were collected and passaged in the free-serum medium for 24 hours,and then 1,2,5,10,20 μg/L TGF-β2 was added into the medium respectively,to induce the transformation of HTFs,and 2 μg/L or 5 μg/L TGF-β2 was used to treat the HTFs for 6,24,48 and 72 hours.The control group was not treated with TGF-β2.The expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and phosphorylation of the signaling proteins (pSmad2) in HTFs were detected by Western blot assay.The expressions of α-SMA and F-actin were located by cell immunofluorescine technique under the confocal immunofluorescence microscopy.Cell contractility was determined by collagen gel contraction assays.This study was approved by Ethic Committee of Institute of Surgery Research of Daping Hospital,and informed consent was obtained from each patient or custodian initial of the study.Results The expression of α-SMA protein in the HTFs was increased significantly after the treatment of TGF-β2 in comparison with the control group and reached a peak at 24-48 hours.The α-SMA expression was gradually weakened in the 10 μg/L TGF-β2 groups.Little of α-SMA and F-actin were expressed in the control group.However,strong staining for α-SMA and F-actin were observed in the 1,2 and 5 μg/L TGF-β2 groups and then the staining weakened at the concentration of 10 μg/L.In addition,pSmad2 showed a stronger expression in the 2 μg/L TGF-β2 group than that in the PBS group and FBS group,with the strongest expression in 30 minutes through 2 hours.The untreated gel contracted (78.00±3.13)％ from its initial size,and contraction in the 1,2,5,10 μg/L TGF-β2 group were (63.88±1.78)％,(20.69±0.65)％,(19.49-±0.54)％,(16.24±0.84) ％,respectively,TGF-β2 increased HTFs contraction significantly (Fgroup =859.400,P =0.000).Conclusions TGF-β2 can induce transdifferentiation of Tenon fibroblast into myofibroblast and increase cell contractility,with a concentration-dependent and time-dependent pattern to an extent.It may be the mechanism of scar formation after glaucoma filter surgery.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical value of Paroxetine combined with mid-frequency electrical pulse acupoint stimulation (EPAS) in the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE).

METHODSTotally 69 PE patients were equally assigned to receive oral Paroxetine 20 mg/d, mid-frequency EPAS, or oral Paroxetine 10 mg/d combined with mid-frequency EPAS (P + EPAS) , all for 8 weeks. We obtained the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) and Chinese Index of Premature Ejaculation (CIPE-5) scores of the patients before and after treatment, and compared adverse reactions among the three groups of patients.

RESULTSOne patient of the Paroxetine group gave up treatment because of abdominal pain and nausea. Compared with the baseline, the patients in the Paroxetine, EPAS, and P + EPAS groups all showed markedly increased IELT ([0.92 ± 0.11] vs [4.07 ± 0.11] min, P < 0.01; [0.92 ± 0.12] VS [2.78 ± 0.17] min P < 0.05; [0.91 ± 0.09] vs [5.31 ± 0.13], P < 0.01) and decreased CIPE-5 scores (12.5 ± 3.0 vs 22.0 ± 2.1, P < 0.01; 12.8 ± 2.9 vs 19.5 ± 1.9, P > 0.05; 13.1 ± 2.8 vs 25.2 ± 2.1, P 0.01), with statistically significant differences between the P + EPAS group and the other two (P < 0.05). The total effectiveness rate was 95.7% in the P + EPAS group, remarkably higher than in the Paroxetine (72.7%, P < 0.05) and the EPAS group (47.8, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONOral Paroxetine combined with mid-frequency EPAS has a higher safety and efficacy than either Paroxetine or EPAS alone in the treatment of PE.

Acupuncture Points ; Aged ; Combined Modality Therapy ; methods ; Ejaculation ; Electroacupuncture ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Paroxetine ; therapeutic use ; Premature Ejaculation ; therapy ; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To establish and evaluate a gene microarray for determination katG mutations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates associated with resistance to isoniazid(INH).Methods A panel of probes were designed and gene chips were prepared by dotting.Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates resistance to 5 drugs was determined by proportional dilution methods.Amplicons of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were detected by our chip and sequenced.Results The drug resistance rate of the isolates to at least one of the anti-tuberculosis drugs was 70.8%(97/137).45 strains out 137 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates was resistant to INH(32.8%).katG was successfully amplified from 100% of the susceptible strains and 88.9%(40/45)resistant strains.4 of 45 INH resistant isolates' katG were deleted.27 of 40(67.5%) katG has been detected to have katG 315 codon mutations.The mutations were 315 AAC(Asn,13/40), ACC(Thr,6/40),ACA(Thr,4/40),ATC(Ile,2/40),AGC(Arg,2/40).The mutation rate of katG analyzed by gene chips we prepared were identical to katG sequencing.Conclusion The gene microarray techniques we developed for determination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance to INH are specific, sensitive and may be used as an alternative in clinical laboratory.

Objective To observe the therapeutic effects of the co-administration of γ-aminobutyric acid (CABA), sodium dimercaptopropane sulfonate (Na-DMPS) and vitamin B6 in large doses on liver and heart of rats with acute tetramine intoxication, and compare their separate effects of either GABA or Na-DMPS alone with those of the triad combination. Method Thirty rats were randomized into control group (n = 6), tetramine intoxication without treatment group (n = 6), tetramine intoxication treated with GABA group (n = 6), tetramine intoxication treated with Na-DMPS group (n = 6) and tetramine intoxication treated with triad combination (GABA + Na-DMPS + vitamin B6, GNDV n = 6) group. Samples of blood, liver tissue and heart tissue of rats with acute tetramine intoxication were collected immediately two hours after medication with different drugs. Serum alanine aminotrasferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) were measured, and the pathological changes of liver tissue and heart tissue were observed under microscope. Results The symptoms of poisoning were apparently relieved and the latency for convulsion/muscular twitch were obviously delayed in poisoned rats treated with GABA, Na-DMPS and GNDV separately. Furthermore, combination group showed the latent period delayed longer than either GABA or Na-DMPS groups The GABA, Na-DMPS and GNDV significantly lowered the serum levels of ALT, AST, CK and CK-MB in rats with tetramine intoxication, and those serum levels of enzymes were lower in GNDV group than those in either GABA group or Na-DMPS group. However, there were no difference in those serum enzymes between GABA group and Na-DMPS group. Moreover, the intoxicated rats treated with combination treatment had the slightest pathological changes in liver and heart (GNDV < GABA or Na-DMPS). Conclusions The co-administration of γ-aminobutyric acid, sodium demercaptopropane sulfonate and vitamin B6 in large doses for the treatment of tetramine intoxication is a method of choice.

Objective To investigate the clinical features of and GJB2 gene mutations in a Chinese Han patient with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome (KID syndrome),in hope to offer evidence for the clinical and genetic diagnosis of KID syndrome.Methods Clinical data were collected from a patient with KID syndrome.DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of the patient and his two family members (mother and brother).PCR was performed to amplify the exon 2 and its flanking splicing sites of GJB2 gene followed by bidirectional direct DNA sequencing. Results The patient presented with the typical triad of vascularizing keratitis,ichthyosis and congenital deafness.A G148A mutation in the exon 2 of GJB2 gene,resulting in the substitution of aspartic acid by asparagine at position 50 of the junction protein connexin 26 (Cx26),was identified in the patient,but not in either of his family members.Conclusion The G148A mutation in GJB2 gene may be responsible for the clinical phenotype of KID syndrome in this Chinese patient.

Objective To investigate whether a novel long-acting tumor necrotic factor (TNF) antagonist (soluble TNF receptor:IgG Fc [sTNFR:IgG-Fc]) can protect hepatocyte damage against liver failure caused by drugs in immunity-induced cirrhotic rats.Methods Wistar rats were repeatedly sensitized by human serum albumin (HSA) emulsified in complete freud adjuvant.The blood was collected at day 10 after the final sensitization.If anti-albumin antibody was positive,the rats were intravenously injected with HSA twice a week.After six weeks,liver cirrhosis was induced by immunity.All the model rats were divided into three groups with 15 each.Liver failure was induced with D-galactosamine/ lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneal injection in the rats with liver cirrhosis in model group.The rats in pretreatment group were intraperitoneally injected with long-acting soluble TNF receptor p55 18 h before D-galactosamine/LPS injection.The control group were injected with 0.9％ sodium chloride.General condition,survival rate,liver function and pathological changes were all examined.Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6,IL-22 and intrahepatic level of IL-6 were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The activity of Caspase 3 in hepatocyte lysis solution was measured by spectrophotography.Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect mRNA expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA),bcl-2,bax and IL-22 receptor.Data were analyzed by variance analysis among groups.Results Rats in model group were dispirited with poor response after 12 hours and only 3 survived,compared with soluble TNF receptor p55 pre-treated group rats,in which all survived (P=0.029 8) with flexible response.Serum alanine aminotransferase levels in these two groups were (6 533± 360) and (105 ± 7) U/L,respectively.Hepatic regenerative nodule developed massive or submassive necrosis with septal fibrosis in model group,whereas soluble TNF receptor p55 alleviated the inflammatory and necrosis reaction of hepatic tissue.Serum IL-6 levels in model group and pretreatment group were (842.0±12.9) and (91.9±1.6) pg/mL,respectively (F=380.30,P＜0.01).Intrahepatic levels of IL-6 in these two groups were (26.2±1.2) and (11.1±0.8) pg/mL,respectively (F=176.90,P＜0.01),and serum IL-22 levels were (167.0±27.8) and (988.0±109.6) pg/mL,respectively (F=37.91,P＜0.01).Hepatic Caspase-3 activity was reduced by almost 60％ by soluble TNF receptor p55 pretreatment (F=303.70,P＜0.01) and bax expression reduced by 22％ (F=108.80,P＜0.01),while bcl-2 and PCNA expressions were up-regulated by 3.6-folds and 23.0-folds,respectively (F=115.60,P＜0.01; F=594.20,P＜0.01).Conclusions Long acting soluble TNF receptor p55 could improve survival rate,liver function and reduce inflammatory reaction of rats with liver failure induced by drugs on the basis of liver cirrhosis caused by immunity,which indicates that this drug may process a potential therapeutic value.

Objective To observe the reactivity of pupillary diameter variation responding to numerical rating scale on postoperative pain to explore the accuracy of pupillary diameter variation for pain assessment.Methods Eighty patients after selected surgery (male 43 cases,female 37 cases,aged 24-79 years,ASA gradeⅠorⅡ)were included for the trial.After endotracheal extubation and on arri-val in the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU),the levels of pain on numerical rating scale (NRS)were rated and recorded subsequently.If NRS was within 0-3,no analgesic was administered and 50 μg fentanyl was administrated after 5 min if NRS rated in 4-10.The pupillary diameter (PD),systolic blood pressure (SBP)and heart rate (HR)were recorded every minute during 20 minute after first NRS evaluation,the corresponding maximum variation of above index were calculated simultaneously in 10 minutes with NRS 0-3,after 5 minutes with NRS 0-3 to 4-10,after 5 minutes with NRS 4-10 to 0-3,in 10 minutes with NRS 4-10 which were marked respectively with ΔPD,ΔSBP and ΔHR.With the variation of NRS as a criterion,the reactivity of ΔHR,ΔSBP and ΔPD responding to NRS varia-tion were assessed by analysing the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC),the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)was calculated.Results The patients' ROC value ofΔHR,ΔSBP and ΔPD responding to NRS variation were AUCΔPD 0.904 (95% CI 0.822-0.987 ), AUCΔSBP 0.65 1(95%CI 0.5 10-0.781)and AUCΔHR 0.588(95%CI 0.444-0.733)respectively.Value of AUCΔPD was larger than that of AUCΔSBP and AUCΔHR respectively (P < 0.05 ).Importantly, operating characteristic curve (ROC)analysis showed that the diagnostic cutoff value of ΔPD was 41.3% with a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 93.5% and the diagnostic cutoff value of ΔSBP was 10.3% with a sensitivity of 62.4% and a specificity of 71.5%.Conclusion This study demon-strated that the accuracy of ΔPD was higher than ΔSBP and ΔHR responding to pain/analgesia evalu-ation.ΔPD was a valuable index for assessment of postoperative pain.

The genomes of umbraviruses do not encode a coat protein, and thus no conventional virus particles are formed in infected plants. Umbraviruses are always coinfected with an assistor virus, which is always a member of the family Luteoviridae, to cause most devastating diseases in some areas. The epidemiology of the umbra-virus-caused disease is largely depended on aphid transmission. The symptomology, occurrence, characteristics of the causal agents, disease control of carrot motley dwarf, groundnut rosette and tobacco bushy top were reviewed detailedly in this article.