Objective To evaluate the effect of the high concentration of sevoflurane wash-in in induction of anesthesia on the cardiac function in young infants.Methods ASA Ⅰ young infants,aged 28-60 days,undergoing resection of hemangioma on body surface under general anesthesia,were studied.According to the principle of randomized block design,8 blocks were designed based on the body weight (3.0-3.4 kg,3.5-3.9 g,4.0-4.4 kg,4.5-4.9 kg,5.0-5.4 kg,5.5-5.9 kg,6.0-6.4 kg,6.5-6.9 kg),with 3 infants in each block.The infants were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =8 each):anesthesia induction with 6％,7％ and 8％ sevoflurane groups (groups S1-3).In groups S1-3,the infants inhaled 6 ％,7 ％ and 8 ％ sevoflurane respectively for induction of anesthesia.Transthoracic echocardiographic examinations were performed before sevoflurane inhalation (baseline,T1) and at 4 min of sevoflurane inhalation (T2) to record the stroke volume (SV),left ventricle end-diastolic volume (LVEDV),ejection fraction (EF),stroke volume index (SI),heart rate (HR),cardiac output (CO),cardiac index (CI),peak early diastolic velocity of mitral annulus (Ea),peak late diastolic velocity of mitral annulus (Aa),peak systolic velocity of mitral annulus (Sa),and Tei index.The mitral annulus poteroseptal Ea/Aa (Ea/Aa) was calculated.Results Compared with the baseline value,SV,EF,SI,Ea/Aa and Tei index were significandy increased,HR,Sa,Ea and Aa were significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.05),and no significant change was found in LVEDV,CO and CI at 4 min of sevoflurane inhalation in groups S1-3 (P ＞ 0.05).Tei index was significantly higher in groups S2.3 than in group S1 (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the parameters of cardiac function between group S2 and group S3 (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion 6 ％,7 ％ and 8 ％ sevoflurane wash-in in induction of anesthesia exert no effect on the cardiac function in young infants,and the 3 concentrations can be recommended for clinical use.

This study was purposed to explore the mechanisms of preventive effect of tetrandrine (TTD) on doxorubicin (ADM)-induced multidrug resistance (MDR) in human leukemia cell line K562 from two aspects of the transcription control of MDR1 gene and cell apoptosis. The experiment was divided into 3 groups: group I-blank control; group II-ADM-induced drug-resistance; group III-ADM-induced drug-resistance after pretreatment with TTD. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of c-Jun, YB-1 and Survivin genes. Western blot was used to determine the nuclear protein expression levels of c-Jun and YB-1. Flow cytometry was used to assay the apoptosis of cells. The results showed that as compared with group I, the expression levels of c-Jun mRNA and nuclear protein decreased (p < 0.05), as well as the expression levels of YB-1 mRNA and nuclear protein increased in group II (p < 0.05). However, the expression of Survivin mRNA had no change (p > 0.05); the apoptosis rate of cells was 8.31%. As compared with group II, the expression levels of c-Jun mRNA and nuclear protein increased (p < 0.05), expression levels of YB-1 mRNA and nuclear protein as well as Survivin mRNA decreased in group III (p < 0.05). The apoptosis of cells was 97.2%. It is concluded that TTD can inhibit the expression of YB-1 and up-regulate the expression of c-Jun, thus inhibit the expression of MDR1 gene. TTD can also inhibit the expression of Survivin and increase the apoptosis of cells induced by ADM.
ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; metabolism ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; genetics ; Benzylisoquinolines ; pharmacology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; drug effects ; genetics ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; drug effects ; genetics ; Humans ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; metabolism ; K562 Cells ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun ; metabolism ; Y-Box-Binding Protein 1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between sample size and variance of means for personal noise exposure in weaving workers as to contributing evidence for establishing personal noise exposure measurement guideline.

METHODSA personal noise exposure measurement database from a group of weaving workers was used in the randomized re-sampling data analysis. The sampling cases were one number selecting from one to fifteen at each randomized re-sampling procedure. The randomized re-sampling was one thousand times from original personal noise exposure measurement database to get one thousands of re-sampling database. One thousands of L(Aeq.8 h) mean were calculated by re-sampling databases. The variation of randomized re-sampling means was analyzed for different re-sampling numbers.

RESULTSThe change for narrow trend of maximum, minimum, 95 percent number, 5 percent number of L(Aeq.8 h) mean was faster when randomized re-sampling number was smaller in variation vs randomized re-sampling number curve analysis. After that, the change for narrow trend of L(Aeq.8 h) mean was smooth for increasing the randomized re-sampling numbers. The 95% - 5% of L(Aeq.8 h) mean was about half for randomized re-sampling four cases (3.30 dB) vs one case (7.40 dB), and about one third for seven cases (2.44 dB), and about one fourth for eleven cases (1.85 dB).

CONCLUSIONThe sample size in personal noise exposure measurement guideline could be selected from four to eleven.

Humans ; Noise, Occupational ; statistics & numerical data ; Occupational Exposure ; statistics & numerical data ; Sample Size ; Sampling Studies

OBJECTIVETo measure and evaluate the personal noise exposure of cold rolling mill workers by using noise dosimeter.

METHODSAccording to job category and work type, all workers were divided into 11 groups. 3 to 5 day shift (8:00 to 16:00) workers from each group were selected as subjects for personal noise exposure measurement. SH-126 dosimeters were worn by each subject and collect noise data by a phone fix at collar. All subjects were asked to take notes about their working activities when they were wearing SH-126 dosimeters. Each worker's L(A)(eq) of 8 hours, geometric mean and range of each group were computed.

RESULTSThere were many noise sources in the workshop. Recorded data showed that noise exposure of cold rolling mill was unstable. The varieties of personal noise levels were quite large. Among 53 workers, the highest noise exposure level was 100.0 dB (A), the lowest was 81.2 dB (A); the highest work type was of the foreside welders [94.20 dB (A)], and the lowest was of the straight-cutters [89.02 dB (A)]; quality checkers had the biggest rang [16.3 dB (A)], and primary rolling workers had the lest [2.3 dB (A)].

CONCLUSIONNoise exposure of all the 11 groups were more than 85 dB (A). Noise protection of these workers should be improved. It suggested that measuring personal noise exposure individually with dosimeters might obtain the noise exposure level more integrally in the complicated environment.

Environmental Monitoring ; methods ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Noise, Occupational ; prevention & control ; statistics & numerical data ; Occupational Exposure ; prevention & control ; statistics & numerical data

Objective To study the intrinsic relationships between the binding energy of the antibody light and heavy chains and the conformational characteristics , physical and chemical properties , and to establish a corresponding mathemat-ical model and evaluate the thermal stability of the antibody molecules , which contribute to the antibody design , optimiza-tion and affinity maturation .Methods Based on bioinformatics and computational biology methods , the antibody′s structur-al information with the crystal diffraction data was analyzed .The conformational character of the variable domain of the antibody was studied using distance geometry and computer graphics technology .With the aid of the intermolecular hydrogen bond formation theory and the reaction free energy theory , the dynamic structure and energy characteristics be-tween the heavy and light chain variable regions of the antibody were studied .Furthermore , using nonlinear fitting and regression analysis, a mathematical model was set up .Results According to simulation and statistic analysis , there was a linear relationship between the binding energy and the number of the intermolecular hydrogen bonding , Van der Waals interaction of the heavy and light chains of the antibody .There was polynomial correlation between the binding energy and the physicochemical properties of the antibody .Using the frequency of amino acid position and the established model , the humanized anti-ricin antibody , which could not obtain the stable engineering cell line , was evaluated and optimized .The stable engineering cell line of the humanized anti-ricin antibody was obtained in the experiment .Conclusion The self structure of the antibody variable region ( conformation and physicochemical properties ) has much effect on its stability . The antibody stability can be improved by structural optimization .

BACKGROUNDControversies on the safety of the cement application between cemented and uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been existing for decades. The purpose of this study was to observe the changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and oxygen pressure (PaO(2)) during cemented THA, and to evaluate the intraoperative safety of using the third-generation cementing technique and investigate whether the intraoperative risk is higher in acute femoral neck fracture patients than non-traumatic patients.

METHODSForty-two patients who underwent cemented THA between November 2005 and September 2007 were prospectively included in this study. The third-generation cementing technique as vacuum mixing and pulsatile lavage was used strictly. The MAP and HR were monitored and documented during each operation. Blood gas analysis was performed at exposure, cup implantation, stem implantation and wound closure. MAP, HR and PaO(2) were compared between pre- and post-cement application. Comparisons of MAP, HR and PaO(2) between patients with acute femoral neck fracture and non-traumatic patients were performed as well.

RESULTSNo intraoperative cardiopulmonary complication occurred in these cases. No obvious changes were observed in MAP, HR and PaO(2) after cement application. There was no significant difference in MAP, HR and PaO(2) between acute femoral fracture patients (18 patients) and non-traumatic patients (24 patients).

CONCLUSIONSThe results of this study suggested that the invasive blood pressure monitoring and blood gas analysis are essential for patients undergoing cemented THA, especially for patients with femoral neck fracture. The third-generation cementing technique is safe to use in THA.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; adverse effects ; methods ; Cementation ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Monitoring, Intraoperative ; methods ; Prospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo determine whether Betahistine mesilate is effective in treating tinnitus.

METHODSRandomized, prospective, double-blind, controlled trial was used in our study. The study group consisted of 60 adult patients who consulted our outpatient clinic complaining of subjective tinnitus, excluded objective tinnitus and the patients who had tinnitus caused by obvious diseases, such as outer and middle ear diseases. Thirty patients were given Betahistine mesilate and Flunarizine Hydrochloride as an experimental group, 30 patients were given Vitamin B6 and Flunarizine Hydrochloride as a control group. After a week of treatment the efficacy of the medicines in two groups was observed. Tinnitus questionnaire was performed before the treatment, and pure tone audiogram, tinnitus pitch and loudness matching were performed both in the beginning and at the end of the treatment.

RESULTSCompletion of treatment, tinnitus loudness matching assessment showed that the efficacy of the Betahistine mesilate group was better then the control group. The efficacy of treatment was respectively 65.5% by per protocol (PP) and 63.3% by intend to treat (ITT) in the Betahistine mesilate group and 39.3% by PP and 36.7% by ITT in the control group. The difference of tinnitus loudness improvement rate between the experimental group and control group was statistically significant. But the subjective tinnitus improvement rate showed no difference between two groups. There were not serious side effects in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSBetahistine mesilate can be a choice for tinnitus treatment clinically. Further studies of larger series and placebo-controlled trial are needed.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Betahistine ; therapeutic use ; Double-Blind Method ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Flunarizine ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Tinnitus ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo compare the effect of percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (n = 20) with subaortic ventriculotomy (n = 17) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy by echocardiography.

METHODSThe pre- and post-operation (1 week post procedure) gradients of left ventricular out flow (LVOTGs) were measured by echocardiography.

RESULTSPost operation LVOTGs were significantly reduced than that of pre-operation in patients treated with either percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation [(36 +/- 20) vs. (99 +/- 19) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa), P < 0.05], or subaortic ventriculotomy [(28 +/- 17) vs. (117 +/- 32) mm Hg]. Post operation LVOTGs were also similar with the two procedures [(36 +/- 20) vs. (28 +/- 17) mm Hg, P > 0.05].

CONCLUSIONPercutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation is as effective as subaortic ventriculotomy in treating patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Adult ; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Catheter Ablation ; methods ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Heart Septum ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo investigate water exposure modes and times of different populations in mountainous schistosomiasis endemic areas and to inform about the control strategies.

METHODSAll 1054 residents from populations around Qionghai Lake were randomly sampled according to occupation for a retrospective questionnaire survey in November 2001. Each individual was interviewed for his/her mode, frequency, and duration of water exposure occurring between April and October 2001.

RESULTSThe average exposure times and intensity were higher in farmers (median: 16 - 18 min/day and 2.41 - 2.5, respectively) who grow rice, tobacco, and vegetables than others (median: 3.74 - 7.39 min/day and 0.81 - 1.52, respectively); exposure frequency was found highest in farmers (median: 2.04 times/day) in all occupations; schoolchildren had low exposure frequency and times, but very high exposure intensity (median 2.34). Between April and June it is an agriculturally busy season, that is also a peak season of water exposure of adults. Schoolchildren's water exposure peaks on July and August, mainly due to playing water and swimming. Exposure times and intensities were higher in females than in males.

CONCLUSIONWater exposure modes, times, and intensities of different populations were different in mountainous schistosomiasis endemic areas of Xichang. Between April and June should be the peak infection season of adults who are engaging in agricultural activities, while July to August should be the peak infection season for schoolchildren with non-agricultural activities.

Adult ; China ; Environmental Exposure ; analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Schistosomiasis ; epidemiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Topography, Medical ; Water ; parasitology

Objective To investigate the intra- and interobserver repeatability of coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis based on invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and CT coronary angiography (CTCA).Methods Two readers with comparable experience ( over 10 years) independently evaluated ICA results of 42 consecutive patients with a blind method. After 30 days,one of them reviewed the same patients again.Another two comparable-experience (over 10 years) readers evaluated the results of CTCA (prospectively ECG-triggering) from the same 42 patients in the same way.The inter-reader and intra-reader repeatability of ICA and CTCA were analyzed by performing Kappa test and calculating the percentage of the segments with agreement on stenotic degree.Using ICA as reference,the accuracy of CTCA in diagnosing CAD was studied by comparing the area under ROC. Results The Kappa between readers for ICA and CTCA were 0.91 and 0.81.Intra-reader Kappa were 0.92 and 0.83 respectively (x2 =509.4 and 432.5,all P ＜0.01 ).The percentage of the segments with agreement between readers on the degree of stenosis were 80.8％ (494/611) in ICA and 75.2％ (469/624) in CTCA ( x2 =2.75,P =0.10),and within the same reader,86.9％ (531/611)in ICA and 81.9％ (511/624) in CTCA(x2 =3.76,P =0.053).With≥ 50％narrowing as a CAD diagnosis criterion,the agreement rates for two readers were 96.6％ (590/611 ) in ICA and 94.4％ (589/624) in CTCA( x2 =3.36,P =0.07),and for the same reader,97.4％ (595/611) in ICA,95.4％ (595/624) in CTCA ( x2 =3.62,P =0.06).Using ICA as reference,two readers of CTCA results achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 84.9％ (530/624)and 98.1％ (612/624).The area under ROC was 0.94 (95％ CI 0.91-0.97).Conclusions Both ICA and CTCA demonstrate good repeatability in diagnosing CAD.The repeatability of ICA is superior to that of CTCA.A certain discrepancy exists in two readings from the same reader or two readers.