Objective To investigate the correlation between asymmetric dimethylarginine (AD-MA) and endothelial dysfunction in patients with uremia.Methods Uremic patients who did not receive hemodialysis were defined as A group (n =40) ; uremic patients who had received hemodialysis were divided into B group (n =45) ;healthy people were defined as C group (n =20) ;and chronic kidney disease (stage 2 ～ 4) patients were defined as D group (n =20).The diameter of intima-media thickness,and endothelium-dependent or independent dilation (EDD or EID) of radial artery in right forearm were detected with diasonography.The levels of ADMA were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography.Results Compared to C group,the levels of ADMA in A,B and D groups were significantly increased [C:(0.78 ±0.19) μmol/L,A:(1.51 ±0.16) μ mol/L,B:(1.13 ±0.14) μmol/L,D:(0.92 ±0.11) μmol/L; P ＜0.05].Compared to A group,the levels of ADMA were significantly decreased in B group (P ＜0.05).EDD and EID were decreased significantly in A,B and D groups compared to C group [EDD:C:(13.52±1.73)％ vs A:(7.32 ±0.54)％,B:(9.02 ±0.86)％,D:(10.13 ±1.25)％,P ＜0.05;EID:C:(14.45±1.85)％ vsA:(10.37 ±1.51)％,B:(9.54±1.39)％,D:(11.17±1.56)％,P ＜0.05].EDD in B group was significantly lower than A group (P ＜0.05).In group A,a negative correlation was found between EDD and the level of ADMA (r =-0.81,P =0.020).Conclusions ADMA level was significantly increased in uremic patients.A close correlation existed between ADMA and endothelial dysfunction of radial artery.

OBJECTIVETo compare the difference in the clinical efficacy on posterior circulation ischemia between acupuncture at stellate ganglion and conventional acupuncture as well as the impacts on blood pressure.

METHODSEighty cases of posterior circulation ischemia were randomized into an observation group (40 cases) and a control group (40 cases). In the observation group, acupuncture was applied to the bilateral stellate ganglions on the neck, stimulated with reinforcing technique by rotating the needles. In the control group, the acupuncture of reducing technique was applied to Fengchi (GB 20), Baihui (GV 20), Neiguan (PC 6) and Taichong (LR 3) in the excess syndrome. The even needling or reinforcing technique was applied to Fengchi (GB 20), Baihui (GV 20), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) for the deficiency syndrome. The treatment was given once every 3 days and 4 treatments were required totally in the two groups. The changes in total syndrome score, peak Systolic blood flow velocity (Vp) of vertebral artery and basilar artery, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were compared before and after treatment in the two groups. The clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe total syndrome score was reduced apparently after treatment compared with that before treatment in the two groups (P < 0.01), and the reducing was more obvious in the observation group as compared with that in the control group (P < 0.01). The total effective rate was 87.5% (35/40) in the observation group, higher than 67.5% (27/40, P < 0.05) in the control group. After treatment, the reduced Vp of vertebral artery was not improved apparently as compared with that before treatment in the control group, Vp in blood velocity abnormality (including vascular spasm, stenosis or reduced velocity) of vertebral artery and basilar artery was all improved as compared with that before treatment in the two groups (P < 0.01), and the improvements in the observation group were more obvious than those in the control group (P < 0.01). After treatment, the systolic and diastolic pressures were reduced as compared with those before treatment in the two groups, and the reduced systolic and diastolic pressures in the observation group were more apparent than those in the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture at stellate ganglion achieves the satisfactory efficacy in the treatment of posterior circulation ischemia and the significant efficacy of reducing blood pressure, more advanced than the conventional acupuncture.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Aged ; Blood Pressure ; Brain Infarction ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stellate Ganglion ; physiopathology ; Treatment Outcome

Background Chemical crosslinking agent can be used to strengthen the intensity of sclera tissue,but the intensity of the sclera may be influenced by different crosslinking methods.Objective The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of collagen crosslinking on porcine sclera between whole-eye crosslinking method and scleral strip crosslinking method.Methods Whole-eye crosslinking or sclera strip crosslinking was performed on 70 fresh porcine eyeballs in five groups using 1％ genipin,1％ glutaraldehyde or PBS respectively for 40 minutes.After crosslinking,10 sclera strips with l0 mm×4 mm from the temporal lateral were prepared in every group for the stress-strain measurement using a Instron5848 microtester,and the other 4 scleral strips in each group were extracted for the thermal shrinkage temperature test.Results Biomechanical property test reveled that the elastic modulus value of sclera strips reduced by 70.0％-82.8％ in the whole-eye crosslinking method group compared with scleral stip crosslinking method group after treated with 1％ genipin ((8.98 ± 1.81) MPa vs.(10.85 ± 1.83) MPa,t =3.375,P =0.003)) and 1％ glutaraldehyde((12.78 ±2.91) MPa vs.(18.25 ±5.16) MPa,t =4.007,P =0.001)) ;The tensile stress of whole-eye crosslinking method group was 54.9％-90.1％ of scleral stips method group,showing significant decline after corsslinked of whole-eye in 5％,10％,15％ and 20％ strain conditions (all P ＜ 0.05).Thermomechanics test showed that the thermal shrinkage temperature was lower in the whole-eye crosslinking group compared with scleral stip crosslinking group after treated with both 1％ genipin ((68.8 ±0.9)℃ vs.(74.8± 1.3)℃,t=11.129,P=0.000)) and 1％ glutaraldehyde((73.3±0.9)℃ vs.(79.3±1.3)℃,t=11.112,P=0.000)).Conclusions Different crosslinking methods have an influence on the efficacy of collagen crosslinking on porcine sclera.Sclera strip crosslinking offers a better crosslinking intensity for selera.

Objective To investigate the anatomic feature and exposing methods of recurrent laryngeal nerve(RLN) in thyroid surgery. Methods The data of 327 cases of thyroid tumor were analyzed retrospectively. The anatomic feature, injury and prevention of RLN were discussed. Of all the cases, 293 RLNs (242 cases) were anatomically exposed. Results The temporary injury rates of RLN was 1.65% (4/242) in the exposed group and 8.23% (7/85) in the unexposed group with a persistent injury rate of 2.35%(2/85). The differences of temporary injury rates and persistent injury rates between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). 67.23% (197/293) of the RLNs had two branches before entering larynx, 61.09%(179/293) of RLNs were posterior to the inferior thyroid artery and 31.39% (92/293) anterior to the inferior thyroid artery, 4.09% (12/293) passed through the bifurcation of inferior thyroid artery, and 4. 13% (10/293) were not related to the inferior thyroid artery. The incidence of non-recurrent laryngeal nerve (inferior laryngeal nerve) was 0.68% (2/293). Conclusions The anatomic relation of RLN is relatively complicated along its journey. The injury of RLN could be reduced with designed exposal during the thyroid surgery.

A novel Aspergillus terreus strain M11 was isolated from the compost containing cellulose and identified. The isolate grow best at 45℃ and pH2.0. It was found that the activity of the CMCase was up to 3.680IU/mL with high heat stability and the optimal reaction conditions of the CMCase were at 60℃ and pH2.0.

Objective To compare the differences of clinical characteristics between genotype B and C chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients and to summarize clinical factors related to genotype C hepa- titis B virus(HBV)infection.Methods Seventy eight CHB patients who were diagnosed with genotype B or C infection by liver puncture biopsy and genotyping were enrolled.Their serum HBV DNA levels were detected.Severe hepatitis,liver cirrhosis,hepatocellular carcinoma and HBeAg positive rate were analyzed to determine the pathologic inflammation and fibrosis degree of liver tissue.Chi square test and Logistic multiple regression analysis were employed for the statistical analysis.Results The serum albumin and pre-protein were lower in genotype C CHB patients than that in genotype B.The alanine aminotrans- ferase,total bilirubin and prothrombin time were higher in genotype C CHB patients than that in genotype B.The rates of genotype C patients increased significantly with the grade of liver necroin- flammation progressing from GO to G4(1.8%,11.1%,20.4%,33.3%,33.3%) and the stage of liver fibrosis progressing from SO to S4(5.6%,5.6%,14.8%,33.3%,40.7%),but the rates of genotype B patients did not change significantly with the grade of liver necroinflammation(16.7%, 25.0%,25.0%,20.8%,12.5%)and stage of liver fibrosis progressing(16.7%,29.2%%,20.8%, 16.7%,16.7%).There was statistical significance in grades of liver necroinflammation(X~2= 11.49,P=0.022)and stages of liver fibrosis(X~2=13.56,P=0.006)between genotype B and gen- otype C patients.The rates of genotype C CHB patients were higher than,similar with and lower than the rates of genotype B patients of HBV DNA level above 1.0?10~6 copy/mL,between 5.0?10~2-1.0?10~6 copy/mL and under 5.0?10~2 copy/mL,respectively(51.8% vs 12.5%,35.2% vs 45.8% and 13.0% vs 41.7%).There was statistical significance of HBV loads between genotype B and genotype C patients(X~2=13.25,P=0.001).HBeAg positive rate in genotype C patients was significantly higher than that in genotype B patients(61.1% vs 25.0%,X~2=8.67,P=0.003).The rates of decompensated cirrhosis,compensated cirrhosis and no-cirrhosis in genotype C patients were higher than,similiar with and lower than the rates in genotype B patients,respectively(40.7% vs 4.2%,22.2% vs 20.8% and 37.0% vs 75.0%).There was statistical significance of the rate of cirrhosis between genotype B and genotype C patients (X~2=12.47,P=0.002).Conclusions The degree of liver necroinflammation and fibrosis,the HBeAg positive rate and the incidence of cirrhosis are all related with genotype C HBV infection.

Pancreatic cancer is a kind of highly malignant tumor with a low survival rate and poor prognosis. The effectiveness of gemcitabine as a first-line chemotherapy drug is limited; however, it can activate dendritic cells and improve antigen presentation which increase the sensitivity of tumor cell to immunotherapy. Although immunotherapy has made some advancements in cancer treatment, the therapeutic benefit of programmed cell death receptor 1/programmed death receptor-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) blockade therapy remains relatively low. The chemokine C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) contributes to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by recruiting immunosuppressive cells. The receptor C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), highly expressed in various tumors including pancreatic cancer, plays a crucial role in tumor development and progression. In this study, the anti-tumor immune response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (hPBMC) was enhanced using the combination of BsNb PX4 (anti-PD-L1&CXCR4 bispecific nanobody) and gemcitabine. In a co-culture system of gemcitabine-pretreated hPBMCs with tumor cells, the BsNb PX4 synergized gemcitabine to improve the cytotoxic activity of hPBMCs against tumor cells. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed increased ratio of CD8⁺ to CD4⁺ T cells in combination treatment. In NOD/SCID mice bearing pancreatic cancer, the combination treatment exhibited more infiltration of CD8⁺ T cells into tumor tissues, contributing to an effective anti-tumor response. This study presents potential new therapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Ethical approval was obtained for collection of hPBMC samples from the Local Ethics Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. All animal experiments were approved by the Animal Ethic Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (authorizing number: A2024246).

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Panax notoginseng (PN) on pathological features in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) rabbits and its mechanisms.

METHODSA stable pathological animal model similar to CSDH in humans could be established using subdural injections of small number of blood through a subdural pre-catheter in rabbits. After successful modeling, 18 rabbits were randomly divided into the model group, the low dose PN group (0.125 g/kg), and the high dose PN group (0.250 g/kg), 6 in each group. Normal saline was given to rabbits in the model group, while PN power was given to those in the PN groups by gastrogavage for 6 successive days. Pathologic features of the hematoma outer membrane were observed by HE staining. The activity of SOD and the content of MDA in the hematoma outer membrane were examined by the colorimetric method. Expressions of CD31, CD34, and VEGF in the hematoma outer membrane were observed by immunohistochemical assay. Expressions of VEGF in the peripheral blood and the subdural hematoma were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expressions of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 in the hematoma outer membrane were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, the inflammatory reaction was comparatively lessen and the proliferation of the fibrous tissue was relatively mature in the low and high dose PN groups. The activity of SOD increased (P < 0.05); expressions of CD31 and CD34 were reduced (P < 0.01); VEGF expression in the residual hematoma fluid decreased (P < 0.05) in the high dose PN group. Expressions of VEGF and VEGFR-2 were all reduced in the high and low dose PN groups (P < 0. 05, P < 0.01). Compared with the low dose PN group, expressions of CD31 and CD34 were reduced (P < 0.01), and the VEGFR-2 expression was also reduced (P < 0.05) in the high dose PN group.

CONCLUSIONSPN could promote the fibrous repairing of subdural hematoma in CSDH rabbits. It also lessened inflammation and oxidative injury of the hematoma outer membrane and reduced expressions of VEGF. The pathological angiogenesis could be reduced through influencing VEGFR-2 receptor pathways, which might be an important mechanism.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic ; metabolism ; pathology ; Panax notoginseng ; chemistry ; Rabbits ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 ; metabolism

0.05).Seven cases in LDH group and 9 cases in HID group were found in FT picture.The mean DCavg value in annulus fibrosus disruption was significantly larger (1.01?0.10)?10~(-9)mm~2/s and the mean FA value(0.15?0.03)was significantly smaller than those in normal place(P

Objective To explore the protection of valsartan combined with simvastatin on kidney in early diabetic nephropathy rats. Methods Diabetic nephropathy rats model were induced by streptozocin (STZ) ,the experimental rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control (group C), diabetic nephropathy (group D) ,diabetes treated with valsartan (group X) ,diabetes treated with simvastatin (group Z) ,and diabetes treated with combined valsartan and simvastatin ( group L). Blood glucose (BG), HbA1c, blood cholesterol ( TC), trigalloylglycerol ( TG ), blood ureanitrogen ( BUN ), serum creatinine (SCr) , urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) were measured, and the podocyte ultrastructure was observed by transmission electronic microscopy. Results The levels of BG, HbA1c,TC,TG and UAER in group D increased significantly compared togroup C(BG:[20.3 ±3.2]mmol/L vs [6.1 -±0. 4]mmol/L;HbA1c:[7.18 ±0.47]% vs [3.37 ±0. 15]% ;TC: [2. 69 ±0. 35] mmol/L vs [1.28 ±0. 24] mmol/L;TG: [3.09 ±0. 37] mmol/L vs [1.18 ±0. 25]mmol/L) (P ＜ 0. 05 ). Creatinine clearance rates (Ccr) in group D ( [0. 89 ± 0. 19] ml/min ) decreased significantly compared to group C( [1.27 ±0. 33] ml/min) ,as well as group X,Z and L( Ps ＜ 0. 05 ). UAER in group D was significantly higher than that in group C ( [19. 87 ±3. 85] μg/24 h vs [3. 67 ± 1.01] μg/24 h) (P ＜ 0. 05 ), as well as group X, Z and L ( P ＜ 0. 05 ), and the improvement in group L was particularly significant ( P ＜ 0. 05 ). The projections of podocyte in group D severely syncretized, there were slightly improvement in group X, Z and L compared to group D, and the improvement in group L was remarkable. Conclusion The treatment with valsartan, simvastatin and their combination will effectively protect the kidney in early diabetic nephropathy rats,and the effect of using the combination therapy is much better.