Objective To evaluate the role of delta and kappa opioid receptors in sufentanil preconditioning (SPC)-induced attenuation of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats.Methods Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 2-3 months,weighing 250-330 g,were randomly divided into 5 groups (n =8 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (group S),group I/R,group SPC,δ receptor antagonist naltrindole + SPC group (NTD + SPC group),and κ receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) + SPC group (BNI + SPC group).Myocardial I/R was induced by 30 min occlusion of left anterior descending branch of coronary artery followed by 120 min reperfusion.In group SPC,5 min infusion of sufentanil 3μg/kg was repeated 3 times at 5 min interval before myocardial ischemia.In NTD + SPC group,naltrindole 5 mg/kg was intravenously injected,at 10 before SPC.In BNI + SPC group,nor-BNI 5 mg/kg was injected intravenously at 15 min before SPC.Arterial blood samples were collected at 120 min of reperfusion for measurement of the serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB) concentrations.The rats were then sacrificed and hearts removed for determination of myocardial infarct size (IS) and area at risk (AAR).IS/AAR ratio was calculated.Results Compared with S group,the serum cTnI and CK-MB concentrations were significantly increased in I/R,NTD + SPC and BNI + SPC groups,and the serum CK-MB concentrations were increased in SPC group,and IS/AAR ratio was increased in I/R group (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01).The serum cTnI and CK-MB concentrations were significantly lower in SPC,NTD + SPC and BNI + SPC groups and IS/AAR ratio was lower in SPC and BNI + SPC groups than in I/R group,and higher in NTD + SPC and BNI + SPC groups than in SPC group (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01).Conclusion Both κ and δ opioid receptors mediate SPC-induced attenuation of myocardial I/R injury in rats.

Eleven type 1 diabetic patients who received fixed regime of insulin Glargine were included in the study.The levels of fasting serum insulin were measured for each subject at 6:00 in three consecutive mornings.The variability of mean fasting serum insulin in each subject was 3.3%-41.5% (mean 15.4%).The variability did not correlate with the dose of Glargine statistically.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the data of angle variation on traction based on a finite element model of complete cervical spine with straight physiological curvature, and try to give experimental reference and suggestion in treating cervical spondylosis.

METHODSA 43-year-old female patient with straight cervical spine was chosen and the CT scan data were collected. By using specially designed modeling system, a high quality finite element model of complete cervical spine with straight physiological curvature is generated,which included ligament and muscle according to anatomy. After the model was confirmed, traction was loaded with angle 0 degree, anterior 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, to observe the data of distance change on between adjacent intervertebral foramen, processus articularis, uncovertedral joint, intervertebral discs, and stress of anulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus.

RESULTSWhen the angle was 0 degrees-15 degrees, the distance between intervertebral foramen, Luschka joint and processus articularis posterioris was enlarged, the tensile stress was adequate and compressive stress was small. It met the clinical requests.

CONCLUSION0 degree-15 degrees anterior position is suggested for the treatment of cervical spondylosis.

Adult ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Cervical Vertebrae ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Female ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Spondylosis ; surgery ; Traction ; methods

Teixobactin, a cyclic-peptide antibiotic, destroys the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria. It is therefore difficult for bacteria such as meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to develop resistance to it. Many scholars have studied the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of teixobactin. After reviewing the reports related to the discovery, structure, total synthesis and SAR of teixobactin, we found that the total synthesis of teixobactin was very difficult. The N-terminal methyl modification, ester bond and allo-End were unnecessary for the activity, the configuration of amino acids at the positions 1, 4, 5 and 8 could greatly influence the antibacterial activity, and the substitution of the amino acids at the 3, 4, 9 and 10 positions by Lys could retain the antibacterial activity.

Twelve cases of Bartter's syndrome were reported and reviewed retrospectively.Usually vomiting was the first sympton in children,while fatigue was common in adults.Bartter's syndrome was characteristic of hypokalemia,metabolic alkalosis,elevations of plasma renin activity,serum angiotersinⅡand aldosterone and juxtaglomerular apperatus hyperplasia.Supplementation of potassium choloride was the main manner of therapy.

Objective To study the imaging apperances and the diagnostic value of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in differentiating histopathological types of small hepatocellular carcinoma (sHCC).Methods 40 sHCC confirmed by histopathology were classified into 4 groups according to their degree of differentiation:well (n=6),well-moderate (n=5),moderate (n=27) and moderate-poor (n =2).All patients received conventional MRI and DWI (1.5T,b =0 and 600 s/mm2) before the operation.The ADC values of the sHCC were measured and compared.Results On T1WI,32 lesions showed hypointensity,4 hyperintensity (well) and 4 isointensity (well-moderate =2,moderate =2).On T2WI,hyperintensity was observed in 39 lesions and isointensity in 1 lesion (well).Steatosis in the sHCC was seen in 17 of 40lesions (17/40,42.5 ％,well=4,well-moderate=1 and moderate=12).A pseudocapsule was seen in 67.5 ％ sHCC (27/40,well=4,well-moderate=3,moderate=18 and moderate-poor=2).32 lesions showed hypervascularity on arterial phase,and 8 lesions showed hypovascularity (well=3,moderate =4,moderate-poor=1).On DWI,37 lesions showed hyperintensity,except for 3 lesions with welldifferentiated sHCC which showed isointensity (50％,3/6).The mean ADC values±S.D.of sHCC in the well,well-moderate,moderate and moderate-poor groups were (1.757 ± 0.337) × 10-3,(1.917±0.574)×103,(1.816±0.545)×103 and (1.723±0.217)×10-3,respectively.There were no significant differences among the 4 groups.Conclusion The imaging appearances of wellmoderate,moderate and moderate-poor sHCC on conventional MRI were classical which make diagnosis easy.Hyperintensity on DWI contributed to diagnosis.However,the imaging appearances of some well-differentiated sHCC were atypical.The lesions could be isointensity or hyperintensity on DWI.The combination of conventional MRI and DWI contributed to better diagnosis of sHCC,especial for atypical sHCC.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Sanren decoction on the immune function of rats with spleen-stomach damp-heat (DHSS) syndrome.

METHODSFifty male SD rats were randomly allocated into normal control group, DHSS model group, and 3 Sanren decoction groups (high, medium and low doses). The effects of the decoction on the body mass, rectal temperature (RT), water and food intake, histopathological changes of the gastrointestinal mucosa and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ were evaluated.

RESULTSThe serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in the model group significantly increased compared with those in the control group (P<0.01), with a slightly increased IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (P>0.05). Sanren decoction obviously reduced the rectal temperature and significantly decreased the production of both cytokines. High-dose Sanren decoction caused more markedly decreased IL-4 level (P<0.05) to result in a significantly increased IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSA shift of Th1/Th2 balance toward Th1 immune response is demonstrated in rats with DHSS syndrome, and Sanren decoction produces a protective effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa by immunoregulation.

Animals ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Digestive System Diseases ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Inflammation ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Interferon-gamma ; blood ; Interleukin-4 ; blood ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Syndrome ; Th1-Th2 Balance ; drug effects

OBJECTIVENasal operation and/or H-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) was performed for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients with both oral pharynx and nasal obstruction, results analyzed.

METHODSPatients were divided into group A (46 cases) and group B (42 case) randomly. Nasal procedures were: septoplasty, radiofrequency reduction of inferior turbinate, adenoidectomy and functional endoscopic operation. Cases in group A had nasal operation first, while cases in group B first had UPPP. All patients had sleep study with polysomnography (PSG) 2 and 12 months after each operation. Those who failed to reach the criteria of being effective after first surgery (defined as a 25% reduction in baseline apnea hypopnea index (AHI) received second phase operation (nasal operation for group B and UPPP for group A). The response rates were compared between the two groups after each phase of operation.

RESULTSIn group A, the phase one operation were effective in 44.0% (11/25) for the mild degree OSAHS patients (defined as AHI < 20/h), according to the sleep study performed 2 months after surgery, and no recurrence after one-year. All moderate ones (defined as 20/h < AHI < 40/h) responded poorly to nasal operation. The overall response rate was 23.9% (11/46). Non-responses (35 cases) in group A underwent UPPP and the response rate to it was 85.7% (30/35) in one year. In group B, UPPP operation was effective in 63.6% (14/22) mild cases and 30.0% (6/20) moderate cases in 2 months but 4 cases had recurrence in one year. Twenty-two cases underwent the second phase operation of nose and the response rate was 86.4% (19/22) in one year. There was no statistical significance on the overall response rate between group A and B (89.1% vs 83.3%, P > 0.05). While there was statistical significance of response rate between those patients who had only one operation and those who had both surgeries (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe combination of nasal procedures and UPPP is effective a for OSAHS patient with nasal diseases especially in mild and moderate cases.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nose ; surgery ; Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Palate, Soft ; surgery ; Pharynx ; surgery ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Uvula ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo transfect a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against survivin gene into human T lymphoblastic leukemia cell line Jurkat, and to explore the effects on apoptosis and proliferation of transfected cells.

METHODSThe survivin-shRNA expression vector were constructed and transfected into Jurkat cells. Expression of survivin mRNA and protein were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis respectively. Apoptosis index of transfected Jurkat cells was quantified by flow cytometry. The potential of cell proliferation was described by cell growth curves.

RESULTSIn survivin-shRNA transfected Jurkat cells, survivin mRNA levels were significantly reduced by 66.67% ( transient transfection) and 60.69% ( stable transfection) respectively, compared with that in control-shRNA treated group and PBS treated group (P < 0.05); and the levels of survivin protein were significantly reduced by 63.41% (transient transfection) and 60.18% (stable transfection), compared with that in the two control groups (P < 0.05). Apoptosis index was significantly increased during both transient and stable transfection, respectively [(22. 41 +/- 2.83)% and (20.73 +/- 2.56)% (P < 0.05)]. Survivin-shRNA also inhibited the proliferation of Jurkat cells.

CONCLUSIONSVector-based survivin-shRNA can effectively reduce the expression of survivin gene, induce apoptosis

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Gene Expression ; Gene Silencing ; Humans ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; Jurkat Cells ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Neoplasm Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; RNA, Small Interfering ; pharmacology

BACKGROUNDComplete tumour resection is important for improving the prognosis of brain tumour patients. However, extensive resection remains controversial because the tumour margin is difficult to be distinguished from surrounding brain tissue. It has been established that 5-amino-4-oxopentanoic acid (5-aminolevulinic acid, ALA) can be used as a photodynamic diagnostic marker and a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy in surgical treatment of brain tumours. We investigated the efficacy of ALA photodynamically guided microsurgery and photodynamic therapy on VX(2) brain tumour implanted in a rabbit model.

METHODSEighty New Zealand rabbits implanted with VX(2) brain tumours were randomly assigned to five groups: control, conventional white light microsurgery, a photodynamic therapy group, a photodynamically guided microsurgery group and a group in which guided microsurgery was followed by photodynamic therapy. The VX(2) tumour was resected under a surgical microscope. The tumour resection was confirmed with histological analysis. All animals were examined with MRI for presence of any residual tumour tissue. The survival time of each rabbit was recorded.

RESULTSAll treatment groups showed a significantly extended survival time compared with the control group. Photodynamically guided microsurgery combined with photodynamic therapy significantly prolonged survival time, compared with guided microsurgery alone. MRI and the autopsy results confirmed removal of most of the tumours.

CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that photodynamically guided surgery and photodynamic therapy significantly reduce or delay local recurrence, increase the effectiveness of radical resection and prolong the survival time of tumour bearing rabbits. Their combination has the potential to be used as a rapid and highly effective treatment of metastatic brain tumours.

Animals ; Brain Neoplasms ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; therapy ; Disease Models, Animal ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Microsurgery ; methods ; Photochemotherapy ; methods ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation