Objective To study the clinical course and clinicopathological features of para-aortic lymph node metastases in patients with gallbladder cancer.Methods Forty-two patients with gallbladder cancer who underwent radical resection combined with para-aortic lymphadenectomy at the Mianyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2001 to December 2013 were retrospectively studied.The survival rates of the para-aortic lymph node metastasis group were compared with the negative para-aortic lymph node group of patients.Para-aortic lymph node metastasis as well as clinical features were correlated with survival.Results No one died within the perioperative period.The total complication rate was 24.0％,and there was no significant difference between the positive para-aortic lymph node group and the negative group (P ＞0.05).The rate of para-aortic lymph node metastasis on histopathology was 21.4％ (9/42),which was positively correlated with tumor depth of invasion and negatively correlated with the degree of differentiation (P ＜ 0.01).The 1-,2-,and 3-year survival rates of the positive para-aortic lymph node group were significantly inferior to the negative group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Dissection of para-aortic lymph nodes in patients with gallbladder cancer was safe and feasible.Lymphadenectomy did not improve the longterm survival rates of patients with para-aortic lymph node involvement metastases.The extent of lymph node dissection for gallbladder cancer should be decided by intraoperative biopsy.

Objective To evaluate effects of carbon monoxide (CO) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced damage and possible mechanism in rat alveolar macrophages. Methods Rat alveolar macrophages were cultured in DMEM containing 10%fetal bovine serum with 5%CO2 at 37℃in Heraeus sepatech. The cells were divided into four groups using random number table (n=10): control group (group C),CO group, LPS group and LPS+CO group. The CO release molecule-2 (CORM-2) 100 μmol/L was added into CO group,LPS 10 mg/L was added into LPS group, cells were pretreated with CORM-2 100μmol/L for 1 h then LPS 10 mg/L was added into LPS+CO group, the same amount of PBS was added to group C. Proliferation was measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected with flow cytometer. The content of ATP was tested by ATP content kit. Drp1 mRNA was measured by RT-PCR, and Drp1 expression was determined by Western blot assay. Results Compared with group C, the cell vitality, content of ATP and mitochondrial membrane potential were decreased in LPS group and LPS+CO group,and cell apoptosis rate, Drp1 mRNA and protein expression were increased (P<0.05). There were no significant changes were found in CO group. Compared with LPS group, the cell vitality, content of ATP and mitochondrial membrane potential were increased in LPS+CO group,and the cell apoptosis rate, Drp1 mRNA and protein expression were decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion Carbon monoxide can alleviate LPS-induced damage in rat alveolar macrophages, which is related with down-regulation of Drp1 and amelioration of mitochondrial function.

Objective To explore clinical and radiographic outcomes of unstable distal clavicle fractures (Neer ⅡB) fixed with lateral clavicle anatomic locking compression plate (LCP).Methods Between January 2009 and October 2010,eleven consecutive patients with unstable fractures of the distal clavicle (Neer ⅡB) were treated using lateral clavicle anatomic LCP.There were 9 men and 2 women,with the mean age of 37.2 years (range,23-43 years).The right shoulder was involved in 6 patients and the left in 5 patients.The interval between injuries to operation was 24-72 h (mean,48 h).After fracture reduction,the plate was place on superior of the distal clavicle.According to the distal fragment length,3 to 6 locking screws were carefully inserted,3 locking screws were used to fix proximal fractures.Coracoclavicular ligament was not repaired.Functional recovery of the shoulder joint was assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) rating scale score.Plain radiographs of clavicles were used to assess bony union.Results All the patients were followed up for 9 to 12 months (mean,10.3 months).Solid bony union was eventually achieved in all patients.The mean ASES scores were 89.1 (range,84-91) on the injured side versus 96.2 (range,94-100) on the contralateral side.No implant-related fracture,fixation failure and rotator cuff injury occurred.Conclusion Lateral clavicle anatomic LCP fixation in the treatment of distal clavicular fractures is a reliable and simple technique.

Objective To investigate the protective effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) on caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI).Methods A total of 260 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g) were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal control group,sham group,CLP model group,the large dose rHuEPO (5000 U/kg)group,the middle dose rHuEPO (1000 U/kg) group,and the small dose rHuEPO (500 U/kg) group.The rat models of sepsis were established by CLP.In treatment groups,rats were treated with rHuEPO through caudalis injection after CLP surgery.Each group was divided into 2-,6-,12-,24-,36-hour subgroups with 10 rats.Rats were sacrificed and the tissue samples including kidney and blood samples were collected.The kidney function,plasma cytokines [interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)],kidney injury moleclue 1 (KIM-1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)were measured.Cytokines were determined by ELISA method.The expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) protein in kidneys were detected by immnunohistochemistry method.Pathological changes of kidney tissues were observed by light and transmission electron microscopy for cytokine content and apoptosis.Results Compared with CLP model group,renal function,the levels of TNF-α,IL-6,KIM-1 and iNOS in serum,the expression of NF-κB,significantly decresed in large dose rHuEPO group (all P ＜ 0.05).rHuEPO also lessened the histological changes in large dose group.rHuEPO did not lessen the histological changes in others.Conclusion rHuEPO can inhibit the levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and iNOS in serum,thus modify the inflammatory response and provide protective effects against acute kidney injury induced by sepsis.

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of lipid emulsion on acute organophosphorus poisoning and its consequence of acute lung injury. Methods A total of 48 sealant - grade Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups A,B,C,D,namely saline control group,lipid emulsion control group,the conventional therapy group and lipid emulsion administration group. After dichlorvos (DDVP) 11 mg/kg was given by intra-peritoneal injection,if there was no loss of DDVP during the injection process,the model of poisoning was considered to be made successfully.Then the rat models in four groups were respectively treated:with normal saline (5 ml/kg) intravenous injection in group A,lipid emulsion (5ml/kg) intravenous injection in group B,atropine (5 mg/kg) and pralidoxime chloride (40 mg/kg) intramuscular injection in group C,and combined use of lipid emulsion (5 ml/kg) with atropine and pralidoxime chloride in group D after administration of DDVP by intra-peritoneal injection.The activity of cholinesterase (CHE) in blood was detected before and 0.5 h,2 h and 4 h after DDVP poisoning. The clinical manifestations,the survival of rats,the wet weight of rat' s lung and the pathological changes of the lung tissue were observed within following 24 h. The rates of survival and symptoms of rats were compared between paired groups by using the x2 test,and the mean values of biomarkers were compared paired groups by using t test. Results In groups A and B,the intensity of muscular fasciculation and salivation were more severe and appeared sooner after DDVP exposure in comparison with groups C and D leading to lower survival rates in group A and B. Compared with group C,the rate of 24 h survival was higher and the intensity of muscular fasciculation was weaker in group D ( P ＜ 0.05 ).In group A and group B,the 24-hour survival rates were 1/12 and 2/12,respectively ( P ＜ 0.05 ).The levels of CHE in blood significantly decreased after DDVP poisoning ( P ＜ 0.05 ).There was no significant difference in activity of CHE between group B and group A,and in groups C and D,the levels of CHE in blood were not significantly higher than that in the group B 0.5 h after DDVP poisoning ( P ＜ O.05 ).In groups C and D,the activity of CHE in blood was significantly higher compared with group A and B,and that in group D was higher compared with C,and that in group B was higher compared with A 2 and 4 hours after DDVP poisoning ( P ＜ 0.05 ).In groups C and D,the wet weight of rat lung was significantly lighter compared with groups A and B,and that in group D was lighter compared with C,and that in group B was lighter compared with A 24 h after DDVP poisoning P ＜ 0.05 ).The electron microscopic findings showed the combined use of lipid emulsion with atropine and pralidoxime chloride obviously lessened the lung histopathologic changes after DDVP poisoning.Conclusions The lipid emulsion combined with atropine and pralidoxime chloride can be beneficial to controlling the toxic symptoms,reduce the death rate,accelerate the resume of the activity of CHE in blood,and relieve the lung injury induced by acute organophosphorus poisoning.

Objective To discuss the effect of Montelukast (Mont) on MDA,SOD,W/D,TNF-α,IL-10 and NF-κBp65 in lung tissue of Wistar rats poisoned by paraquat (PQ) and also to observe the pathological changes of the lung tissue.Methods A total of 104 Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups in random (random number),namely PQ group (n =40),Mont group (n =40) and control group (n =24).PQ (20 mg/kg) was administered by intra-peritoneal route to rats of PQ group and Mont group and narcotics were used for 2 hours.Mont in dose of 50 mg/kg was administered intra-gastrically to rats of Mont group per day and saline instead were administered to PQ group and control group per day until they were sacrificed for experiment.Of both PQ group and Mont group,10 rats were sacrificed at each interval of 1,3,5 and 7 days respectively after modeling,whereas 6 rats of control group were sacrificed at each interval.The levels of MDA and SOD in lung tissue and W/D of lung tissue,the levels of serum TNF-α and IL-10 and the level of NF-κBp65 in lung tissue were determined.Further,the specimen of lung tissue was prepared for electron microscopy observation.Results The level of MDA in lung tissue of PQ group was (8.19 ± 0.53) nmol/mg prot,which was significantly higher than that of control group on the 7th day.The level of SOD in lung tissue of PQ group was (128.76 ± 10.18) U/mg prot,which was significantly lower than that of control group.In PQ group,the W/D of lung tissue (6.62 ±0.42),level of serum TNF-α (156.16 ± 11.13) pg/ml,level of IL-10 (43.63 ±4.44) pg/ml and level of NF-κBp65 in lung tissue (0.23 ±0.02) were significantly higher than those in control group (P ＜0.01).In Mont group on the 7th day,the level of serum TNF-α (129.99 ±13.13) pg/ml,level of serum IL-10 (34.28 ± 3.80) pg/ml and level of NF-κBp65 in lung tissue (0.20 ±0.02) were significantly lower than those in PQ group (P ＜ 0.01).In the PQ group,pathological changes of lung tissue under the light and electron microscopes were acute diffused lung injury manifested itself in hemorrhage,effusion and infiltration of inflammatory cells inside the alveolar space,and the necrosis and defluxion of Ⅰ type and Ⅱ type epithelia cells.The pathological changes in Mont group were localized with infiltration of scanty inflammatory cells,and Ⅰ type epithelia cells were intact and there was no obvious necrosis of Ⅱ type epithelia cells.Conclusions Mont has protective effects on acute lung injury caused by PQ poisoning in rats.

Objective To evaluate the role of activator protein-1 (AP-1 ) in electro-acupuncture (EA )-induced up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1 ) expression in lung tissues in a rabbit model of endotoxic shock .Methods Seventy healthy male New Zealand white rabbits ,aged 2 months ,weighing 1.5-2.0 kg ,were randomly divided into 7 groups ( n=10 each ) using a random number table :normal control group (group C ) , endotoxic shock-induced acute lung injury (ALI ) group (group ALI ) , EA + ALI group (group EL ) , non-acupoint+EA+ ALI group (group NEL ) , curcumin (HO-1 inhibitor ) group (group Cur ) , dimethyl sulfoxide group (group D ) ,and EA+ALI+curcumin group (group ELC ) .Bilateral 15 min EA stimulation of Zusanli and Feishu (according to atlas of animals acupoints ) was performed (frequency 15Hz ) once a day for 5 consecutive days before lipopolysaccharide (LPS ) administration in EL and ELC groups ,while in group NEL ,EA stimulation was performed at non-acupoints located 0.5 cm lateral to Zusanli and Feishu acupoints with the same parameters . The animals were anesthetized with urethane and tracheostomized .The animals kept spontaneous breathing .Right internal carotid artery was cannulated for blood pressure monitoring . Ear vein was cannulated for drug administration .At 5 days after EA stimulation ,curcumin 25 mg/kg (in 0.5 ml of 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide ) was injected in Cur and ELC groups ,0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide 0.5 ml was injected in D group ,and the equal volume of normal saline was given in the other groups .LPS 5 mg/kg (in 2 ml of 0.9% normal saline ) was injected intravenously at 30 min after administration in ALI ,EL ,NEL and ELC groups ,while the equal volume of normal saline was given in the other three groups .Endotoxic shock was confirmed by decrease in mean arterial pressure to 75% of the baseline value within 2 h after LPS injection .Blood samples were collected from the common carotid artery at 6 h after LPS or normal saline administration and the rabbits were then sacrificed .The lungs were removed for microscopic examination and the pathological changes were scored .The wet/dry lung weight ratio (W/D ratio ) was calculated .The malondialdehyde (MDA ) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD ) activity in lung tissues were detected ,and the expression of HO-1 mRNA ,HO-1 ,c-Jun mRNA and c-Jun in lung tissues was determined by Western blot .Results Compared with group C ,the pathological score ,W/D ratio and MDA content were significantly increased ,and the SOD activity was decreased in ALI ,EL ,NEL and ELC groups ,the expression of HO-1 mRNA ,HO-1 ,c-Jun mRNA and c-Jun was up-regulated in groups ALI ,EL and NEL ( P<0.05 ) ,while no significant change was found in the expression of c-Jun mRNA and c-Jun in group ELC ( P>0.05) .There was no significant difference in the parameters mentioned above between Cur and D groups ( P>0.05 ) .Compared with group ALI ,the pathological score ,W/D ratio and MDA content were significantly decreased ,and SOD activity was increased ,and the expression of HO-1 mRNA and HO-1 was up-regulated in EL and ELC groups ( P<0.05) ,the expression of c-Jun mRNA and c-Jun was up-regulated in group EL ,while down-regulated in group ELC ( P<0.05) ,and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group NEL ( P>0.05) .The pathological score ,W/D ratio and MDA content were significantly higher ,and the SOD activity and expression of HO-1 mRNA ,HO-1 ,c-Jun mRNA and c-Jun were lower in group ELC than in group EL ( P<0.05) .Conclusion EA up-regulates HO-1 expression through activating AP-1 during endotoxic shock-induced ALI in rabbits ,thus protecting the lung .

Objective To evaluate the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in endotoxic shock-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in rabbits.Methods Thirty healthy male New Zealand white rabbits, aged 2 months, weighing 1.5-2.0 kg, were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =10 each) using a random number table: control group (group C), ALI group, and wortmannin group (group W).In group W, wortmannin 0.6 mg/kg (in 0.08 ml/kg dimethyl sulfoxide) was injected via the auricular vein, while the equal volume of normal saline was given in C and ALI groups.And 30 min later, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 5 mg/kg (in 2 ml of normal saline) was injected via the auricular vein in ALI and W groups, while the equal volume of normal saline was given in group C.The rabbits were sacrificed at 6 h after LPS or normal saline injection.The lung was immediately removed for microscopic examination and for determination of wet/dry lung weight ratio (W/D ratio), expression of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) , Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) (by Western blot), and expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA (using fluorescent quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction).The pathological changes of the lung were scored.Results Compared with group C, the lung injury scores and W/D ratio were significantly increased, and the expression of p-Akt, Nrf2 protein and mRNA, and HO-1 protein and mRNA was up-regulated in ALI and W groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group ALI, the lung injury scores and W/D ratio were significantly increased,and the expression of p-Akt, Nrf2 protein and mRNA, and HO-1 protein and mRNA was up-regulated in group W (P＜0.05).Conclusion Activation of PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway is the regulatory mechanism of the body adapting to the development of endotoxic shock-induced ALI in rabbits.

Objective To investigate the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression in the renal tissues of rabbits with endotoxic shock-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and the relationship with p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling pathway.Methods Seventy male New Zealand white rabbits,weighing 1.5-2.0 kg,aged 2 months,were randomized into 7 groups (n =10 each) using a random number table:normal control group (C group),endotoxic shock-induced AKI group (AKI group),EA + endotoxic shock-induced AKI group (EA group),non-acupoints + endotoxic shock-induced AKI group (SA group),EA + endotoxic shock-induced AKI + specific p38MAPK blocker SB203580 group (EAS group),SB203580 group (S group),and ethanol group (A group).EA (intensity 1-2 mA,frequency 2/100 Hz,wave length 0.2-0.6 ms) of Zusanli and Shenyu lasting for 15 min was performed once a day for 5 consecutive days in EA and EAS groups.In SA group,EA was performed at the points 0.5 cm lateral to the acupoints of bilateral Zusanli and Shenyu using the parameters of EA mentioned above.At 24 h after the last EA,endotoxic shock-induced AKI was induced by injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 5 mg/kg (in 2 ml normal saline) in AKI,EA,SA and EAS groups,while the equal volume of normal saline was given in the other groups.At 30 min before the model was established,5/μmol/kg SB203580 (in 0.5 ml ethanol) was injected intravenously in EAS and S groups,while ethanol 0.5 ml was given in A group and the equal volume of normal saline was given in the other groups.Blood samples were obtained at 6 h after administration of LPS or normal saline for determination of serum urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) concentrations.The animals were sacrificed and kidney specimens were obtained for microscopic examination of pathological changes which were scored and for measurement of Nrf2 protein expression and phosphorylation of p38MAPK (by Western blot) and Nrf2 mRNA expression (using fluorescent quantitative PCR).Results Compared with C group,the pathological score and serum BUN and Cr concentrations were significantly increased,and Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression was up-regulated in AKI,EA,SA and EAS groups,the phosphorylation of p38MAPK was increased in AKI,EA and SA groups,and no significant changes were found in the parameters mentioned above in S and A groups.Compared with AKI group,the pathological score and serum BUN and Cr concentrations were significantly decreased,and Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression was up-regulated in EA and EAS groups,the phosphorylation of p38MAPK was increased in EA group,the phosphorylation of p38MAPK was decreased in EAS group,and no significant changes were found in the parameters mentioned above in SA group.Compared with EA group,the pathological score and serum BUN and Cr concentrations were significantly increased,Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression was down-regulated,and the phosphorylation of p38MAPK was decreased in EAS group.Conclusion The mechanism by which EA mitigates endotoxic shock-induced AKI may be related to activation of p38MAPK signaling pathway and up-regulation of Nrf2 expression in renal tissues of rabbits.

Objective To evaluate the role of protein kinase Cα (PKCα)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway in endotoxin-induced damage to alveolar macrophages and the relationship with mitofusin-1 (Mfn1) in rats.Methods Rat alveolar macrophages NR8383 cells cultured in vitro were seeded in 96-well plates at a density of 1 × 104 cells/ml.NR8383 cells were divided into 5 groups (n =15 each)using a random number table:control group (group C),endotoxin challenge model group (group E),PKCα inhibitor Go6976 group (group G),PKCα agonist PMA group (group P) and dimethyl sulfoxide group (group D).NR8383 cells were stimulated with 10 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish the model of endotoxin challenge in alveolar macrophages.In G,P and D groups,cells were pretreated with 5 μmol/L Go6976,100 nmol/L PMA and 0.1％ dimethyl sulfoxide,respectively,for 30 min starting from 30 min before stimulation with LPS,and 10 μg/ml LPS was then given.The cells were collected after 24 h of incubation for measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents,superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and expression of PKCα,HO-1 and Mfn1 protein and mRNA (by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction or Western blot).Results Compared with group C,MDA and ROS contents were significantly increased,the SOD activity was decreased,the expression of PKCα and HO-1 protein and mRNA was up-regulated,and the expression of Mfn1 protein and mRNA was downregulated in E,G,P and D groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group E,MDA and ROS contents were significantly increased,the SOD activity was decreased,and the expression of PKCα,HO-1 and Mfn1 protein and mRNA was down-regulated in group G,MDA and ROS contents were significantly decreased,the SOD activity was increased,and the expression of PKCα,HO-1 and Mfn1 protein and mRNA was upregulated in group P (P＜0.05),and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group D (P＞0.05).Conclusion Promotion of Mfn1 expression following PKCα/HO-1 signaling pathway activation is the endogenous protective mechanism of endotoxin-induced damage to alveolar macrophages of rats.