0.05)in the mild group compared with at the first day, but an obvious rise(P0.05), while continued to increase in the severe group(P

Objective To investigate the localization of Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and Smad7 proteins and their expression changes in the 5/6 subtotally nephrectomized rat kidney. Methods The rat model of chronic renal failure was established by performing 5/6 subtotally nephrectomy (SNx) and rats in the control group underwent sham-operation. The rats were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 12 week after operation. The sites and levels of expressions of Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and Smad7 proteins were examined by immunohistochemical staining. Renal fibrosis was assessed by measuring tissue hydroxyproline. Results Immunohistochemical staining indicated that Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins were mainly expressed in glomeruli and renal tubular cells, while Smad protein 7 was expressed in glomeruli, but rarely in proximal renal tubular cells. Expressions of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in glomeruli were significantly increased during 4-12 weeks after 5/6 nephrectomy, but the expression level of Smad protein 7 was significantly decreased, but accompanied increase of hydroxyproline content in the renal tissues. Conclusion These results indicate that TGF-?/Smad signaling is involved in the progress of chronic glomerulosclerosis. The high level expressions of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins and the down-regulation of Smad7 protein may be the major cause of the glomerulosclerosis in this model.

Objective To investigate the expression change of P2X3 receptor in spinal dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglion(DRG) in rats with experimental inflammatory pain.Methods Totally 30 SD rats received a subcutaneous injection of carrageenan in the right paw to establish inflammatory pain model,and then divided randomly and equally into 5 groups,that is 6,12,24,72 and 168 h after injection.Another 6 rats undergoing a subcutaneous injection of normal saline in the right paw served as control.Pain threshold was assayed by thermal radiation and von Frey filament in 2,4,6,12,24,72 and 168 h after injection.Expression of P2X3 receptor in spinal dorsal horn and DRG of every group was measured by immunohistochemical staining(IHC).Results After injection of carrageenan,thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia appeared in the rats.The thermal withdrawl latency(TWL) and 50% paw withdrawl threshold(PWT) were decreased obviously from 2 h,descended to the lowest at 12 h,then returned to the normal level after 72 h.The expression of P2X3 receptor in spinal dorsal horn was increased obviously from 24 h,while that at DRG was increased obviously from 12 h.Both of the expressions lasted for 72 h,and returned to the normal level at 168 h after injection.Conclusion Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia appear in the rats after carrageenan injection,and the P2X3 receptor is activated and up-regulated in the DRG and spinal cord,suggesting that P2X3 receptor may play an important role in the incidence and development of inflammatory pain.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of pricking anti-Ashi points with fire needles in treating acute lumbar sprain.Method Seventy-six patients with acute lumbar sprain were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 38 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by pricking anti-Ashi points with fire needles, while the control group was by warm needling. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Roland-Morris Dysfunction Questionnaire (RMDQ) were adopted to evaluate lumbar pain and dysfunction after 1-day and 5-day treatment, and the clinical efficacies were compared between the two groups.Result Respectively after the first treatment session and 5 treatment sessions, the VAS and RMDQ scores were significantly changed in both groups (P<0.01). Respectively after the first treatment session and 5 treatment sessions, the VAS and RMDQ scores in the treatment group were significantly different from that in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate and recovery rate were respectively 94.7% and 63.2% in the treatment group, versus 86.8% and 42.1% in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01).Conclusion Pricking anti-Ashi points with fire needles is an effective method in treating acute lumbar sprain, and it can produce a significant real-time analgesic effect.

Computer science and technology has been used to promote the development of objectification of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is also required for international development of TCM. In this paper, on the basis of current situation of Chinese medicine tongue objective research, the analysis was made on involved computer-related technology, relevant standards, and the future trend was discussed.

ObjectiveTo evaluate nipple-areola complex sparing modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer.MethodsClinical data of 159 breast cancer cases undergoing NAC sparing modified radical mastectomy from Jan 1998 to Dec 2009 were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsNAC sparing modified radical mastectomy was successfully carried out in 141 out of the 159 cases ( 88.68％ ).In 14 cases (8. 81％ ) the original operative protocol was changed to modified radical mastectomy or radical mastectomy during the operations because NAC ischemia in 4 (2. 52％ )cases, NAC occult involvement or dysplasia in 5 cases (3. 14％ ), Ⅲ level lymph node metastasis was found in 3 cases (1.89％). Postoperative complete nipple necrosis occurred in 4 (2. 52％ ) cases. Other significant postoperative complications included nipple necrosis in 20 cases ( 12. 58％ ), skin flap necrosis and infection in 11 cases ( 6.92％ ), subcutaneous hydrops in 10 cases (6. 29％ ). All patients got follow-up ranging from 15 to 96 months,median follow-up was 51 months. Local region recurrences were observed in 5 cases (3. 14％ ), distant metastasis in 2 cases ( 1.26％ ). There was no recurrence in the region of NAC.ConclusionsNipple-areola complex sparing modified radical mastectomy is oncologically safe by strict preoperative selection criteria and strict operative procedure.

Objective To investigate the P2X3 receptor expression and electrophysiological characteristics in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in rat with neuropathic pain caused by chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve (CCI) Methods P2X3 receptor expressions in L4,L5 and L6 DRG following CCI were observed by using a polyclonal antibody to label the P2X3 receptor ATP-activated currents in corresponding DRG neurons following CCI were observed by using electrophysiological technique Results A significant increase in P2X3 immunoreactivity was observed in the ipsilateral (injured) L4,L5 and L6 DRG and spinal cord on 7,14 d after CCI In small diameter neurons,a significant increase in the number of cells exhibiting a transient current to ATP was observed on 7,14 d after CCI Moreover,amplitude of these currents was increased Conclusion After CCI,the expression and function of P2X3 receptor in corresponding DRG are increased

Objective To clarify the effective location of propofol in central nervous system (CNS). Methods Forty-two Wistar rats were ramdomized into control group,50 mg/kg propofol,100 mg/kg propofol,150 mg/kg propofol,tail shearing,propofol followed by tail shearing (n=7 in each group). The NOS expressions in the CNS were recorded by NADPH-d histochemistry after anesthesia by intraperitoneal injection of propofol. Results Rather widely stained NOS positive neurons were observed in the control group. In propofol groups,the NOS expressions were decreased significantly as compared with the control group,mainly located in ACB,LS,Pe,VLG,Den,SO,SCh,AVPO,Sol,SuM,BL,PV,LHb and Icj,showing a negative dose-effect relation with propofol. Conclusion Propofol has the determined sites of action in CNS and the decrease of NO synthesis by the inhibition of NOS may play a role in propofol-induced general anesthesia.

Objective To investigate the effects of chitin on the functional recovery after sciatic nerve axotomy. Methods Upon silicone-tubulization of the transected sciatic nerve in the adult rats, either 0.9% saline or 1% chitin solution was injected into the silicone chamber. The status of functional recovery of the injured sciatic nerve was observed by electrophysiological analysis, hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase (HRP) retrograde trace method, and axon morphometric analysis at 30 and 90 d respectively after sciatic nerve transection. Results ① Chitin shortened the latent period of CMAP by 1.79 ms and 1.29 ms, promoted the nerve conduction velocity by 16.00 m/s and 22.00 m/s, enhanced the amplitude by 8.17 mv and 12.42 mv, respectively, at 30 and 90 d after sciatic nerve transection (P

Objective To clarify the effective location of propofol in central nervous system (CNS) by detection of the c-jun expression after propofol-induced anesthesia in rats. Methods Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal control (C), low-dose propofol group (50 mg/kg, P 1), middle-dose propofol group (100 mg/kg, P 2), high-dose propofol group (150 mg/kg, P 3), stimulation with tail broken group (S 1), and propofol + stimulation with tail broken group (S 2). The expressions of nucleoprotein JUN in the CNS were detected by immunohistochemisty. Results Rather weakly stained nucleoprotein JUN positive neurons were observed in the supraoptic nucleus, lateral septal nucleus, and lateral habenular nucleus in the control group. In groups P 1, P 2, and P 3, the expressions of nucleoprotein JUN were increased significantly as compared with those in the control group. The expressions were mainly located in the accumbent nucleus, lateral septal nucleus, periventricular hypothalamic nucleus, ventral lateral geniculalaten nucleus, dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, supraoptic nucleus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, anteroventral preoptic nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract, supramammillary nucleus, basolateral amygdaloid nucleus, paraventricular thalamic nucleus, lateral habenula nucleus, and islands of Calleja. The expressed positive neuron number was positively correlated with the doses of propofol. Conclusion Propofol anesthesia has the determined sites of action in rat CNS.