OBJECTIVETo study the protective effect of Ligustrazine Injection (LI) against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity and to explore its mechanism.

METHODSThirty healthy adult guinea pigs were randomly divided into three groups, 10 in each group, i.e., the normal control group, the cisplatin group, and the LI group. Guinea pigs in the normal control group were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline at 3 mL/kg for 7 consecutive days. Those in the cisplatin group were intraperitoneally injected with cisplatin at 3 mg/kg for 7 consecutive days. Those in the LI group were intraperitoneally injected with LI at 140 mg/kg for 7 days, but cisplatin (3 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected from the opposite side starting from the 4th day. Brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) was performed in all animals before and after injection. All animals were sacrificed after the final testing under anesthesia and their cochleas collected. Half the cochleas of each group were collected for silver nitrate staining of cochlear basilar membrane stretched. The other half the cochleas of each group made into paraffin sections to observe the apoptosis of cochlea cells by TUNEL method and the expression levels of c-Jun detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThere was no statistical difference in the difference of BAEP threshold among the 3 groups before injection (P > 0.05), but the BAEP threshold increased in the cisplatin group and the LI group (P < 0.05). Besides, it was higher in the cisplatin group (P < 0.05). In the cisplatin group, most hair cells were missing, spiral ganglion cells obviously decreased, more TUNEL positive cells occurred, and the expression of c-Jun was stronger. But the aforesaid impairment in the LI group was obviously lessened (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSLI showed certain antagonist effect on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Its mechanism might be associated with scavenging oxygen radicals of the cochlea tissue, improving the microcirculation, and fighting against apoptosis.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cisplatin ; toxicity ; Cochlea ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem ; Guinea Pigs ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the significance and safety of repeat transurethral resection(Re‐TUR) for treating stage T1 of non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer .Methods The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed on 41 cases of stage T1 of non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer in this department of our hospital from January 2013 to November 2014 .All cases underwent Re‐TUR at 4-6 weeks after primary surgery .Among them ,33 cases were male and 8 cases were female ,24 cases were single tumor and 17 cases were multiple tumors at first operation .The maximal tumor diameter was ≥ 3 cm in 13 cases and <3 cm in 28 cases . The first treatment was transurethral resection of bladder tumor(TURB‐t) .The pathological report was the stage T1 of urothelium cancer .Results All 41 cases were completed the operation smoothly ,and no serious complication occurred .In the postoperative pathological examination ,7 cases(17 .07% ) had tumor residue or tumor recurrence ,among them ,3 case had residue f tumor base and 4 cases were new onset tumor;the pathological grade at Re‐TUR in 1 case was increased from G2 to G3 .The follow up lasted for 3―27 months(average 13 .2 months) ,9 cases relapsed ,3 cases (42 .86% ,3/7) were positive at Re‐TUR and 6 cases(17 .65% , 6/34) were negative at Re‐TUR .Conclusion Re‐TUR for treating stage T1 of non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer is safe and feasi‐ble ,its significance to pick out high‐risk patient for conducting further active treatment ,which may have certain effect for reducing the recurrence rate of non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer .

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a crucial role in T cell dysfunction, which is related to poor outcome in patients with severe trauma. Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) contributes to immune disorder in trauma and infection via production of prostaglandin E2. However, the role of Cox-2 in the accumulation and function of MDSCs after traumatic stress has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we treated murine trauma model with NS398, a selective Cox-2 inhibitor. Then the percentages of CD11b+/Gr-1+ cells, proliferation and apoptosis of CD4+ T cells were determined. Arginase activity and arginase-1 (Arg-1) protein expression of splenic CD11b+/Gr-1+ cells, and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response were analyzed. The results showed that Cox-2 blockade significantly decreased the percentages of CD11b+/Gr-1+ cells in the spleen and bone marrow 48 and 72 h after traumatic stress. NS398 inhibited arginase activity and down-regulated the Arg-1 expression of splenic CD11b+/Gr-1+ cells. Moreover, NS398 could promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of CD4+ T cells. It also restored DTH response of traumatic mice. Taken together, our data revealed that Cox-2 might play a pivotal role in the accumulation and function of MDSC after traumatic stress.

Objective To investigate the effects of hyperthyroidism on the electrophysiological characteristics of atrium and gap junction between atrium and pulmonary vein.Methods Twenty-four rabbits were randomly divided into control group and hyperthyroid group.Atrium and pulmonary vein were dissected after the atrial effective refractory period (AERP)was measured.Connexin 43(Cx43)and Counexin 40(Cx40)protein and mRNA were determined by Western blot and semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,respectively.Results In comparison with control group,AERP and rate adaption of AERP in hyperthyroid group were significantly shorter than that of control group( P＜0.01).The concentration of Cx43 protein in hyperthyroid group was significantly higher than that of control group,but Cx40 protein was significantly lower than that of control group(P＜0.05).The expression of Cx43 mRNA in atrium and pulmonary vein was found to be up-regulated in hyperthyroid group as compared with that of control group(P＜0.01). With the level of Cx40 mRNA,there was no significant difference between two groups.Conclusion Thyroid hormone could lead to remodeling of both atrial electrophysiology and gap junction between atrium and pulmonary vein.

Objective To summarize the clinical experiences of clinical surgical treatment of chomid plexus papillomas. Methods The clinical data of 28 patients who were admitced to our department within the last 15 years and definitely diagnosed as choroid plexus papillomas were analyzed retrospectively. Results Choroid plexus papillomas of 28 patients, 22.5 years old on average, were located at the lateral ventricle in 15 cases,the fourth ventricle in 9 cases,the third ventricle in 3 cases and the cerebellopontine angle in 1 case.All the cases had undergone microsurgical treatment,among which 7 underwent preoperative extemal ventricular drainage; total resection was obtained in 24 cases and subtotal resection, in 4 cases; no surgical monality occurred; some cases developed postoperative complications:there was no evidence of tumor recurrence among the 18 cases followed up from 6 months to 5 vears. Conclusiolls Choroid plexus papillomas are mostly benign, occur predominantly in children and have comparatively flavorable prognosis. Satisfactory therapeutic effects could be obtained through active total surgical resection.

In this paper the contents of rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid B, crytotanshinone, tanshinone II(A) in samples of different original processed Salvia Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were determined by HPLC. Different processing methods have varied influences on four active ingredients in Salvia Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Sun-drying reduced the content of crytotanshinone, tanshi-none II(A) and rosmarinic acid, integralsamples were better than those cut into segments. Oven dry method had great influence on water--soluble ingredients, high temperature (80-100 degrees C) could easily cause big loss of rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid B. The role of traditional processing method "fahan: was complicated, the content of rosmarinic acid decreased, crytotanshinone and tanshinone II(A) increased, and salvianolic acid B showed no difference after "fahan". Drying in the shade and oven dry under low temperatrure (40-60 degrees C) were all effective to keep active ingredients of Salvia Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and, there was no difference between integral samples and samples cut into segments. Therefore, considering comprehensively the content of active ingredients in Salvia Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and processing costing etc., shade-drying or oven dry underlow temperature (40-60 degrees C) should be the most suitable original processing method.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Hot Temperature ; Quality Control ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; chemistry ; Temperature

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of short-term rapid atrial pacing on the electrophysiological characteristics of atrium in hyperthyroidism.

METHODSForty-six adult rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group (n=10), pacing group (n=10), hyperthyroidism group (n=14), hyperthyroidism/pacing group (n=12). Baseline AERP and AERPs after pacing 2, 4, 6 h were determined in all groups at driver cycle length (DCL) of 200 ms, 150 ms and 130 ms.

RESULTIn pacing group, AERPs at different DCL (200 ms, 150 ms and 130 ms) were shortened after rapid pacing 2, 4, 6 h when compared with before pacing and control group (P<0.01). AERPs (at DCL of 200 ms, 150 ms and 130 ms) in hyperthyroidism group were shorter than those in control group at all time points (P<0.01). AERPs (at DCL of 200 ms, 150 ms and 130 ms) in hyperthyroidism/pacing group after rapid pacing 2, 4, 6 h were shorter than those in pacing 0 h (P<0.01) and hyperthyroidism group (P<0.05). AERP200-150 and AERP200-130 in pacing group after rapid pacing 2, 4, 6 h were significantly different from at pacing 0 h and control group (P<0.01). AERP200-150 and AERP200-130 in hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism/pacing group were significantly different from control group at all time points (P<0.01). No differences were observed in AERP200-150 and AERP200-130 between hyperthyroidism group and hyperthyroidism/pacing group.

CONCLUSIONHyperthyroidism and short-term atrial pacing in the presence of hyperthyroidism can lead to remodeling of atrial electrophysiology.

Animals ; Atrial Fibrillation ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Cardiac Pacing, Artificial ; Electrophysiology ; Female ; Heart Atria ; physiopathology ; Hyperthyroidism ; physiopathology ; Male ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Refractory Period, Electrophysiological ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate an individualized approach to the treatment of auricle keloid to maintain the normal appearance of external ear and meanwhile reduce the recurrence.

METHODSDifferent local flaps were performed according to the location of the keloid in our approach. The auricle was divided into different anatomical regions and all the patients received local postoperative radiotherapy.

RESULTSOf 68 patients with auricle keloid received the individualized approach, 3 cases suffered delayed healing due to partial flap necrosis. The remaining patients were followed up for 8-21 months(mean:11.5 months) . Recurrence occurred in one patient(1.47%) .

CONCLUSIONThe individualized approach combining local flaps with radiotherapy in treating auricle keloid can effectively maintain the normal ear appearance with low recurrence rate.

Adult ; Ear, External ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Keloid ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Male ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Recurrence ; Surgical Flaps ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDInflammation within vulnerable coronary plaques may cause unstable angina by promoting rupture and erosion. C-reactive protein (CRP) is the most reliable and accessible test method for clinical use for identifying coronary artery disease event. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is highly over-expressed in the vulnerable regions of a plaque. Our aim was to evaluate the plasma levels of MMP-9 and hsCRP in subjects with both unstable angina and coronary plaques, as well as in those with unstable angina without coronary plaques.

METHODSPatients with newly diagnosed unstable angina pectoris from clinical presentation and ECG, who were undergoing coronary angiography from April 2007 to April 2009, were included in this study. A total of 170 subjects were enrolled in the study. Before angiography, the baseline clinical data (mainly including conventional risk factors) was collected. These patients were divided into two groups, a non-plaque group (G1) which included 55 patients with no significant stenosis or less than 20% stenosis in at least one of the major coronary artery branches, and a plaque group (G2) which included 115 patients with at least one of the major coronary artery branches unstable angina pectoris with at least 50% stenosis of one major coronary artery. The patients presenting with calcified nodules of a major coronary artery were excluded from this study. We examined the serum levels of MMP-9 for all cases by multi-effect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTSThere was a significant difference in the serum levels of MMP-9 between the two groups (P < 0.001). The percentage of patients with hypertension, diabetes and current smokers were significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.034, P = 0.031, and P = 0.044 respectively). The univariate Logistic regression analyses of risk factors showed that smoking was the main risk factor for angina in the non-plaque group with the OR being 1.95 (95%CI 1.02 - 3.75). Hypertension, diabetes mellitus were negatively related with the occurrence of angina in the non-plaque group with the ORs being 0.50, and 0.36, respectively (95%CI 0.26 - 0.96 and 0.14 - 0.94). The MMP-9 level was negatively related to the occurrence of angina in the non-plaque group with an OR of 0.59 (95%CI 0.47 - 0.81).

CONCLUSIONSThere is a significantly difference in MMP-9 levels between the plaque and non-plaque groups. Current smoking has a significant influence on unstable angina patients without documented plaques. The serum MMP-9 level may be a significant biomarker which can help differentiate patients with unstable angina with plaques from those with unstable angina but without plaques.

Aged ; Angina, Unstable ; blood ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Artery Disease ; blood ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Coronary Vessels ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Smoking ; adverse effects

OBJECTIVEThis study was performed to evaluate the relationship between the stent fracture and restenosis after drug-eluting stent implantation.

METHODSThe study enrolled 536 patients with angiographies during stenting procedure and follow-up, the patients were divided into DES group (n=397) and BMS group (n=139). The coronary angiography images were analyzed to detect restenosis and stent fracture.

RESULTSRestenosis rate was significantly lower in DES group (31/397, 7.8%) compared that in BMS group (30/139, 21.6%, P<0.05). Stent fracture (n=5) was found only in DES group and not in BMS group (P<0.05). Restenosis were found in all stent fracture segments. The stent fracture developed at the angulated tortuosity lesions.

CONCLUSIONStent fracture is one of the causes of restenosis after drug-eluting stents implantation and related to implantation of long DES stent at the location of angulated tortuosity lesions.

Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Coronary Restenosis ; diagnostic imaging ; etiology ; Drug-Eluting Stents ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prosthesis Failure ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography