BACKGROUND: Flash visual evoked potential(fVEP) can reflect the integrity of visual pathway from retina to pulvinar cortex. The utilization of its characters can accurately evaluate the injury situation of visual conduction pathway.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and effects of fVEP on non-traumatic monitoring of intracranial pressure.DESIGN: A repeated measurement design based on patients.PARTICIPANTS: Totally 197 patients with brain injury including 138males and 59 females with an average of(38 ±9) years old were selected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University and Xuanwu Hospital Affiliated to Capital University of Medical Sciences. The selected diseases were: epidural hematoma( n=20),subdural hematoma(n = 26),cerebral contusion( n = 4),subdural hematoma companied with cerebral contusion( n = 92),and cerebral contusion companied with intracerebral hematoma( n = 55).METHODS: The level of intracranial pressure of 197 patients with brain trauma was detected with fVEP and epidural manometry. Data of traumatic surveillance were collected after the completion of fVEP. Changes of blood pressure and heart rate in patients were recorded simultaneously.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: fVEP results,and levels of intracranial pressure.RESULTS: The average intracranial pressure of 197 patients with brain trauma was(2.75 ± 0.64) kPa,( 1.54 - 4. 02 kPa) . The dispersion of both traumatic and non-traumatic surveillance was relatively big in patients with confirmed visual pathway injury. No typical wave was induced by fVEP in2.79% of patients. Scatter diagram suggested that the consistence between fVEP and epidural manometry was relatively good. Linear regression analysis showed that heart rate was the most sensitive one to the fluctuation of intracranial pressure (β = -0. 369) followed by systolic pressure (β= 0. 316),while diastolic pressure was not so sensitive (β = 0. 147). There was negative correlation between heart rate and intracranial pressure,which could quite sensitively reflect the fluctuation of intracranial pressure,systolic pressure was the next,and diastolic pressure was not easily to be affected by the changes of intracranial pressure.CONCLUSION: Non-traumatic surveillance,fVEP,has favorable consistence with traumatic detection,which can quantitatively evaluate the changes of intracranial pressure non-traumatically.

Objective To study the inner diameter and hemodynamics of ophthalmic artery(OA)and central retinal artery(CRA)in hyperuricemia by Enhance-flow(eFlow)imaging and spectral Doppler.Methods One hundred and one patients with hyperuricemia and 30 volunteers were selected,the inner diameter in eFlow imaging and the peak systolic velocities(PSV),the end diastolic velocities(EDV),the resistive index(RI)were measured,and pulsatility index(PI)of OA and CRA were measured by spectral Doppler.The 101 patients were divided into two groups according to the time of diagnosing hyperuricemia,one group had a diagnosis of hyperuricemia for more than five years and the other had such a diagnosis for less than five years.The data were compared by t-test.Then,the patients were further divided into a group of hyperuricemia combined with hypertension and the other without hypertension.The differences between the experimental group and the group of volunteers were carried out by One-way ANOVA,the comparison between two groups were analyzed with SNK.Results The RI(0.68±0.09)and PI(1.3±0.4)of OA in patients who were diagnosed as hyperuricemia for more than 5 years was higher[RI:0.63±0.09,PI:1.1±0.3(t=3.504,P=0.001 ;t=3.164,P=0.002)],the EDV[(6±3)cm/s]of OA was lower than those patients with a diagnosis of hyperuricemia for less than 5 years[(8±5)cm/s,t=1.988,P=0.049].The PSV[(11.5±3.5)cm/s]and EDV[(3.7±1.1)cm/s]of CRA in hyperuricemia combination hypertension group was lower,and the RI (0.88±1.40)was higher than hyperuricemia without hypertension group[PSV:(13.5±4.0)cm/s,EDV:(4.1±1.2)cm/s,RI:0.67±0.08].Conclusion By eFlow and spectral Doppler,we have found that hyperu-ricemia could accelerate OA and CRA atherosclerosis.The eFlow and spectral Doppler are valuable methods to study the hemodynamics in ophthalmic artery of patients with hyperuricemia.

OBJECTIVE:To establish a method for determination of trace platinum in zolpidem tartrate. METHODS:Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry(GFAAS)was adopted for direct determination after dissolving sample in 1% Hydrochloric acid solution. Horizontal platform graphite tube was performed with detection wavelength of 244.79 nm,slit width of 0.2 nm and current intensity of hollow cathode lamp of 6 mA. The mode of background correction was zeeman effect,the peak height was used as measurement pattern,and the injection volume was 20 μl. RESULTS:The linear range of platinum was 0-100 ng/ml(r=0.999 0);RSDs of precision and reproducibility tests were no more than 2.0%;recovery was 97.78%-103.07%(RSD=1.6%,n=9);the detection limit was 1.48 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS:This method is simple and rapid with good precision and accuracy,and can be applied for the determination of trace platinum in zolpidem tartrate.

This study designed an audio signal acquisition system to achieve real-time detection of R peak for heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, substituting ECG-specific data acquisition board with sound card. It is proved that the R peak with low frequency can be gathered by sound card. The comparison with PowerLab signal acquisition system has shown that the acquisition system of R peak could accurately detect the R peak. The R peak detected by sound card and PowerLab signal acquisition system completely overlap each other, while RR intervals has no difference. The HRV analysis was accurate and reliable with the RR interval from sound card. This low cost, high performance, strong compatibility and easy upgraded acquisition system of R peak compared with the traditional data acquisition board has the value of practical uses and might have broad applications in the future.
Algorithms ; Electrocardiography ; methods ; Heart Rate ; physiology ; Humans ; Monitoring, Physiologic ; instrumentation ; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; instrumentation ; Sound

The specification of decoction pieces and quality uniformity are the important factors to influence the efficacy of clinical medicine. Considering the deficiency of diversity, poor quality uniformity and confusion of decoction pieces specifications, we first propose a new idea of precision decoction pieces (PDP) based on clinical demands and fresh-processed technology. In order to explain the idea, a study case of aconite SUP is provided, including the optimized specification design, processing technology, extraction effects, quality uniformity, and toxic and efficacy variation and so on. The results showed that preparing 5 mm PDP by fresh-cutting is rather simple and practicable, with high efficiency and large yield; then, this technology could significantly decrease the ingredients loss and increase the efficacy components; moreover, it was helpful for achieving the quality uniformity and best extraction effects. This work revealed the quality superiority of PDP, and provided a good strategy and example for the standard of decoction pieces specification and modernization of processing technology.
Aconitum ; chemistry ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Particle Size ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of low-dose exogenous estrogen nonylphenol (NP) on the proliferation of human prostate cancer cell lines DU-145 and the expression of the membrane estrogen receptor GPR30 in the DU-145 cells.

METHODSWe exposed DU-145 cells to different concentrations of NP for 24 hours, followed by measurement of the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the cells by cell proliferation assay and determination of the concentration of exposure to low-dose NP. We also observed the expressions of 3 estrogen receptors (ER), including ER-alpha, ER-beta and membrane estrogen receptor GPR30, in the DU-145 cells exposed to low-dose NP by RT-PCR.

RESULTSCell proliferation assay showed that within a certain range of doses, NP inhibited the proliferation of the DU-145 cells with an IC50 of 46 micromol/L, a much lower dose of NP than IC50, 0.01, 0.1.1 micromol/l NP, that can promote the proliferation of DU-145 cells. The results of RT-PCR indicated that the expressions of the three ERs in the DU-145 cells were similar to those in prostate epithelial cells, and that low-dose NP promoted the expression of GPR30.

CONCLUSIONMembrane estrogen receptor GPR30 may play a role in low-dose NP promoting the proliferation of DU-145 cells.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; physiology ; Estrogen Receptor alpha ; metabolism ; Estrogen Receptor beta ; metabolism ; Estrogens ; Humans ; Male ; Phenols ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Receptors, Estrogen ; metabolism ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Objective To assess the relationship of serum prealbumin level with the severity of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods The clinical data of 2522 AIS patients who were admitted in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2000 to 2008 were retrospectively analyzed.The serum prealbumin and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were evaluated by immunoturbidimetric assay within 24 hours after admission.The AIS severity was evaluated at admission using modified Rankin Scale (mRS).Patients were divided into mild AIS group (mRS score ≤ 3 ) and severe AIS group (mRS score ＞ 3 ).The levels of serum prealbumin and hs-CRP were compared between these two groups,and the relationship between praalbumin and hs-CRP was also analyzed.Results There were 1697 patients in the mild group (average mRS score:1.67) and 825 patients in the severe group ( average mRS score:4.53 ).The severe group had significantly lower prealbumin level [ ( 191.20,82.00)versus (219.18,72.00) mg/L,P =0.000] and higher hs-CRP level [ (6.01,8.22) versus (4.15,6.93) mg/L,P =0.000 ] than the mild group,respectively.Partial regression analysis showed that the stroke severity was negatively correlated with serum prealbumin level (r =-0.115,P =0.000) and positively correlated with hs-CRP level (r =0.098,P =0.000).Serum prealbumin level was inversely correlated with hs-CRP level ( r =- 0.396,P =0.000).Conclusion The prealbumin level is relevant with the severity of AIS and inflammation.

Objective To examine the recurrent ischemic stroke(RIS)in hospitalized patients predicted by Essen Stroke Risk Score(ESRS)and investigate the effect of intensive antiplatelet therapy in patients with high risk of RIS. Methods Retrospective analysis of patients with acute noncardioembolic ischemic stroke consecutively admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital(PUMCH)during 2001-2008. All 1008 patients were included in this study, 377 hospitalized in 2001-2002, 315 in 2005 and 316 in 2008. High risk of RIS was defined as ESRS ≥3. The average ESRS score in three groups and percentage of patients with high risk of RIS in each group were calculated. Risk of RIS was evaluated by comparing the average ESRS score in these three groups. Patients with high risk and taking clopidogrel treatment were also evaluated. Results Average ESRS score was 2. 67 ± 1.47,3.55 ± 1.40 and 3.93 ± 1.48(F= 150. 85,P=0.000)in groups of patients hospitalized in 2001-2002, 2005 and 2008 respectively. A significant difference was shown in percentage of high risk patients with ESRS ≥3 in three groups: as 51.64% in 2001-2002,77. 19% in 2005 and 85. 45% in 2008(X2=98.30,P=0. 000),showing a trend of increasing risk of RIS. Except for patients age, rates of having the risk factors in patients increased significantly, including hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction, myocardial diseases, smoking,vascular disease and stroke history. Clopidogrel usage has been increasing to 25.63% in 2008, but was far behind high ratio of high risk RIS patients(85.45%). Conclusions This retrospective study showd an increasing trend in RIS risk during 2001-2008. Identifying high risk patients and applying intensified antiplatelet therapy might play an important role in reducing the risk of RIS.

Objective To evaluate the role of spinal c?Jun N?terminal kinase ( JNK ) signaling pathway in incisional pain in rats. Methods Sixty?three adult male Sprague?Dawley rats, weighing 200-250 g, were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n=21 each) using a random number table: incisional pain group ( IP group) , dimethyl sulfoxide ( DMSO) group, and JNK inhibitor SP600125 group ( SP group) . A 1?cm longitudinal incision was made through skin, fascia and muscle of the plantar aspect of the hindpaw in anesthetized rats. In group DMSO, 10% DMSO 10 μl was injected intrathecally at 30 min before surgery. In group SP, SP600125 25 μg (in 10 μl of 10% DMSO) was injected intrathecally at 30 min before sur?gery. Six rats in each group were sacrificed, and the mechanical paw withdrawal threshold ( MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency ( TWL) were measured at 24 h before establishment of the model and 2, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h after establishment of the model. After measurement of the pain threshold at 24 h before establishment of the model and 6, 24, 48 and 72 h after establishment of the model, the lumbar segment of the spinal cord was removed for determination of the expression of phosphorylated JNK ( p?JNK) by im?munofluorescence. Results The MWT was significantly lower, the TWL was shorter, and the expression of p?JNK was lower at each time point after establishment of the model than at 24 h before establishment of the model in group IP (P<0?05). Compared with group IP, the MWT was significantly increased, the TWL was prolonged, and the expression of p?JNK was down?regulated at each time point after establishment of the model in group SP ( P<0?05) , and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned a?bove in group DMSO ( P>0?05) . Conclusion Spinal JNK signaling pathway is involved in the develop?ment and maintenance of incisional pain in rats.

Objective to investigate the feasibility and outcomes of different surgical treatments for adrenal metastasis after previous radical ne-phrectomy for patients with renal cell carcinoma. Methods A total of 18 adrenal solitary metastasis of renal cell carcinoma were identified from da-tabase of two institutions between 2003 and 2013. Clinical and pathologic data were collected and analyzed. Results Of 9 patients who had ipsilater-al metastasis of the renal tumor,the estimated blood loss were obviously fewer in the transperitoneal LA group. Of 9 cases who had contralateral me-tastasis of the renal tumor,the fasting time[(1.4±0.8)h vs(4.0±1.4)h,P = 0.036]and length of hospital stay[(4.5±1.2)d vs(7.0±4.5)d,P =0.041]were obviously fewer in the retroperitoneal LA group. the averages of the fasting time and length of hospital stay in the retroperitoneal LA group were obviously smaller than in the transperitoneal LA group. Conclusion LA for treatment of renal cell carcinoma metastasis is technically feasible in selected patients. transperitoneal and retroperitoneal LA can be respectively recommended as an appropriate approach for isolated adrenal metastases of ipsilateral and contralateral renal cell carcinoma after nephrectomy.