Objective To study the effect of acupuncturing at Jiaji points plus cervical traction in treating unsteady lower cervical vertebrae.Methods The 90 outpatients willing to accept our treatment were randomized into 3 groups with 30 in each.Acupuncture group:acupuncture at the cervical Jiaji points.Traction group:traction at the cervical vertebrae.Acupuncture + traction group:acupuncture at the cervical Jiaji points plus cervical traction.Total effect,symptom scoring and X-ray examination were evaluated after 3 course of treatment.Results The total effective rate of acupuncture group,traction group and acupuncture + traction group was 47.67%,73.33% and 90.00% respectively.In total effect,symptoms of unsteady lower cervical vertebrae and the changes of X-ray examination,acupuncture + traction group was better than that of acupuncture group(P

Objective To characterize angular dependency of MatfiXX and develop a method for its calibration in order to verify treatment plan with original gantry angles.Methods Absolute dose calibration was carried with thimble ionization chamber on the linear accelerator.so as to make sure 1 MU=1 cGy at the depth of maximum dose(dmax).A MatriXX was put into a Mutlicube phantom,and the ionization chamber matrix was calibrated with absolute dose.In order to determine a correction factor CF as a function of gantry angle θ.open beam fields of 10 cm×10 cm size were irradiated for gantry angles θ=0°-180°(every 5°)and every 1°for lateral angles θ in the range of 85°-95°.CF was defined as the ratio of the dose measured with ionization chamber and the dose from MatriXX.Results Relatively large discrepancies in response to posterior VS.anterior fields for MatriXX detectors(up to 10%)were found during the experiment and relatively large variability of response as a function of gantry angle.The pass rate of treatment plan in lateral beams was lower than that of other beams.The isodose distribution of corrected MatriXX matched well with the outcome from the treatment planning system. Conclusions The angular dose dependency of MatriXX must be considered when it is used to verify the treatment plan with original gantry angles.

AIM:To study the effect of remifentanil on monophasic action potential and transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) in the 3-layer myocardium of isolated rabbit hearts .METHODS:Adult rabbits (n=18, 2.0 ~2.5 kg) were used to isolate the hearts for preparing Langendorff perfusion model .The hearts were randomly divided into 3 groups after perfusion with K-H solution for 15 min: the perfusion in control group ( C group ) continued for 60 min; the hearts in remifentanil group ( R group ) were perfused with 12 μg/L remifentanil K-H solution for 60 min; the hearts in remifentanil+aminophylline group ( RA group ) were given 60-min perfusion of 12 μg/L K-H remifentanil +30 mg/L aminophylline .The HR and 3 layers of myocardial monophasic action potential ( MAP) in the left ventricular anterior wall were recorded at time points after balanced infusion for 15 min ( T0 ) , and continued perfusion for 15 min ( T1 ) , 30 min ( T2 ) and 60 min ( T3 ) .The monophasic action potential duration of repolarization at 90%( MAPD90 ) and the transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) were calculated.The early afterdepolarization, delay afterdepolarization and arrhythmia were also observed.RESULTS:In R group, slower HR and prolonger MAPD90 and TDR at T1 ~T3 were observed as com-pared with those at T0(P<0.05).R group showed slower HR and longer MAPD 90 and TDR than C group and RA group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Remifentanil slows the HR, extends the MAPD90 and increases the TDR, thus being prone to induce reentry.Aminophylline makes HR faster and MAPD90 shorter, thereby reducing the TDR.

Objective To evaluate the effects of different concentrations of remifentanil on the expression and distribution of gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) in the cardiomyocytes of rabbits.Methods Healthy adult rabbits of both sexes,weighing 2.0-2.5 kg,were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium.Their hearts were rapidly excised and retrogradely perfused in a Langendorff apparatus with K-H solution saturated with 95％ O2-5％ CO2 at 37 ℃.After 15 min of stabilization with K-H solution,the 24 isolated hearts were randomly divided into 4 groups (n =6 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),and low,medium and high concentrations of remifentanil groups (R1-3 groups).The hearts were continuously perfused with K-H solution at 37 ℃ in group C.The hearts were perfused for 60 min with K-H solution containing remifentanil 12,25 and 50 ng/ml in R1-3 groups,respectively.The myocardial specimens were then obtained from the anterior wall of the left ventricle for detection of the expression and distribution of Cx43 by Western blot and immunohistochemistry,respectively.Results The expression of Cx43 was gradually down-regulated in C and R1-3 groups in turn (P＜0.05).Compared with group C,there was a tendency for the proteins localized at end-to-end contact sites of ventricular cardiomyocytes to localize at side-to-side contact sites in R1-3 groups,and the distribution was messy in R1-3 groups.Conclusion Remifentanil dose-dependently down-regulates the expression of Cx43 and changes the distribution of Cx43,which may be one of the mechanisms of remifentanil-induced arrhythmia in rabbits.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of excessive fluoride on calcium overload and apoptosis in cultured rat ameloblasts in vitro.

METHODSLogarithmic-phase ameloblasts (HAT-7) were treated with 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, and 6.4 mmol · L(-1) sodium fluoride (NaF) solution. Cell activities were detected by using a Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) assay after 48 h of treatment. The effect of fluoride on cell apoptosis was analyzed by using flow cytometry. Excessive fluoride-induced calcium concentration and calreticulin expression changes in ameloblasts were detected by using laser scanning confocal microscopy, Western blot analysis, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTSNaF inhibited ameloblast activity at 1.6, 3.2, and 6.4 mmol · L(-1) (dose-dependent) after 48 h of induction. The Ca2+ fluorescence intensity of HAT-7 cells incubated with 1.6 and 3.2 mmol · L(-1) NaF was higher than that in the control group. The fluoride-induced early-stage apoptosis of ameloblasts after 48 h of induction and the early-stage apoptosis rate was positively correlated with fluoride concentration. Calreticulin mRNA expression in HAT-7 cells was higher than that in the control group after 48 h of incubation with 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 mmol · L(-1) NaF.

CONCLUSIONExcessive fluoride-induced calcium overload in ameloblasts and further caused endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis.

Objective To investigate the effects of hypothermia combined with dexmedetomidine on myocardial monophasic action potentials (MAPs) in isolated rabbit hearts.Methods Adult rabbits,weighing 2.0-2.5 kg,were heparinized and anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium 30 mg/kg.Their hearts were rapidly removed and retrogradely perfused in a Langendorff apparatus at 37 ℃.Eighteen hearts were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =6 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),hypothermia group (group H),and hypothermia+dexmedetomidine group (group HD).The hearts were continuously perfused for 60 min with 37 ℃ K-H solution in group C,with 32 ℃ K-H solution in group H,or with 32 ℃ K-H solution containing dexmedetomidine 25 ng/ml in group HD.At the end of equilibration (T0) and at 15,30 and 60 min of perfusion with K-H solution,HR and MAPs of left ventricular epicardium,mid-myocardium and endocardium were recorded.MAP duration at 50％ repolarization (MAPD50) and at 90％ repolarization (MAPD90),monophasic action potential amplitude (MAPA) and maximal velocity (Vmax) were calculated.Results Compared with group C,HR was significantly decreased,and MAPD50 and MAPD90 were prolonged at each time of perfusion with K-H solution in H and HD groups.There was no significant difference in HR,MAPD50 and MAPD90 between H group and HD group.There was no significant difference in MAPA and Vmax between the three groups.Conclusion Hypothermia combined with dexmedetomidine can lead to prolongation of myocardial repolarization,and dexmedetomidine exerts no effect on hypothermia-induced change in MAPs in isolated rabbit hearts.

Objective To compare the static intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for mid and upper thoracic esophageal cancer.Method The data of twenty esophageal cancer patients were retrospectively re-planned with VMAT(single arc and double arcs) modality using Pinnacle treatment plan system.Five of these patients were selected again to simulate single arc plans with different segment intervals (4°,3°,2°) and re-planned on other treatment planning systems (Monaco and MasterPlan).Differences of dose distribution and treatment parameters were compared.Results In comparison to IMRT and single-VMAT (S-VMAT),Double-VMAT (D-VMAT) significantly improves the dosimetric parameters for targets(P ＜ 0.05),dose homogeneity(P ＜ 0.05) and conformity(P ＜ 0.05).Though VMAT plans were slightly better than IMRT in reducing the doses to the organs at risk (OARs),no advantage was observed in the low-dose protection of lung and E-P (P ＜ 0.05).For the VMAT plans with different segment intervals,lower OAR doses were observed using an interval of 2°(P ＜ 0.05),except for the mean dose of the heart.For the VMAT plans on different treatment planning systems,Monaco-based plans protected OARs better (P ＜ 0.05).The number of monitor units (MU) and treatment time were less in VMAT cases.Conclusions VMAT plans perform better in target coverage,dose homogeneity and conformity,and can reduce the radiation dose to the spinal cord,lungs,heart and other normal tissue than IMRT plans.The VMAT plan quality could be further improved by using double arcs and smaller segment interval.Monaco-based plans provide better OAR protections under the same conditions of physical and optimization parameters.

Objective To evaluate the effects of preoperative prophylactic infusion of cephalosporins antibiotics on electrocardiogram(ECG)during anesthesia induction with propofol. Methods Fifty female patients,of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,aged 20-50 yr,weighing 43-75kg,scheduled for elective surgery,were divided into cefuroxime sodium group(group CEFU)and cefathiamidine group(group CEFA),with 25 patients in each group. After cefuroxime sodium was infused in group CEFU or cefathiamidine was infused in group CEFA,propofol was given by target-controlled infusion(plasma concentration 4 μg/ml).Before infusion of cefuroxime sodium or cefathiamidine,after completion of infusion and at 5min after propofol reached the target concentration,12-lead ECG was recorded,and mean arterial pressure and heart rate were simultaneously recorded. Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio were calculated.Results Compared with the baseline before infusion of cefuroxime sodium or cefathiamidine,Tp-e interval was significantly prolonged after completion of infusion and at 5min after propofol reached the target concentration in group CEFU,and Tp-e interval was significantly prolonged,and Tp-e/QT ratio was enlarged in group CEFA(P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the two groups in mean arterial pressure and heart rate at each time point (P>0.05).Conclusion Preoperative prophylactic infusion of cefuroxime sodium produces less ECG interference than preoperative prophylactic infusion of cefathiamidine during anesthesia induction with propofol.

Objective To evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine on the electrophysiological stability of ventricular myocardium and the expression of gap junction connexin43 (Cx43) in rats in an in vitro experiment.Methods Healthy adult Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes,weighing 270-330 g,were anesthetized with 3.0％ pentobarbital sodium 50 mg/kg.Their hearts were excised and retrogradely perfused in a Langendorff apparatus with K-H solution saturated with 95％ 02-5％ CO2 at 37 ℃.Twelve isolated rat hearts were divided into 2 groups (n =6 each) using a random number table:control group (group C) and dexmedetomidine group (group D).After 15 min of perfusion with K-H solution,hearts were continuously perfused for 30 min with K-H solution in group C or with K-H solution containing dexmedetomidine 50 ng/ml in group D.The monophasic action potential (MAP) and ventricular effective refractory period (VERP) of the left ventricular myocardium were recorded.Myocardial MAP duration at 90％ repolarization (MAPD90) and the ratio of VERP to MAPD9.(VERP/MAPD90) were calculated.Repetitive regular stimuli (S1) were followed by a single extrastimulus (S2),and the longest pacing cycle length of ventricular fibrillation threshold and development of ventricular arrhythmia were recorded.Left ventricular myocardial tissues were obtained for detection of the expression of myocardial Cx43 by Western blot.Results Compared with group C,the MAPD90 and VERP were significantly prolonged,VERP/MAPD90 ratio was decreased,the longest pacing cycle length of ventricular fibrillation threshold was prolonged,the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia was increased,and the expression of myocardial Cx43 was down-regulated in group D (P＜ 0.05).Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can decrease the electruphysiological stability of ventricular myocardium and down-regulate the expression uf Cx43,thus increasing the risk of arrhythmia in rats in an in vitro experiment.

Objective To investigate the effects of target-controlled confusion of propofol with different concentrations on ventricular repolarization after prophylactic infusion of cefuroxime sodium. Methods Sixty ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ female patients,aged 18-65 years,undergoing elective gynecological surgery were randomly divided into three groups:group P2 (n =20)with TCI 2 μg/ml, group P3 (n =1 9)with TCI 3 μg/ml and group P4 (n =20)with TCI 4 μg/ml.Firstly,they were re-hydrated;secondly,the patients in groups P2,P3 and P4 were intravenous infused with cefuroxime sodium 2.5 g (in 100 ml normal saline)and then target-controlled infused of propofol 2 μg/ml,3μg/ml and 4 μg/ml in target plasma concentration,respectively.At three pionts of time:after rehy-dration before intravenous antibiotics (T0 ),after intravenous antibiotics before TCI of propofol (T1 ), after TCI of propofol (T2 ),QT interval,QTc interval,Tp-e interval were measured and recorded, respectively.Results Compared with T0 ,QTc [(469.9 ± 34.0)ms vs.(451.2 ± 24.9)ms],Tp-e [(107±25)ms vs.(94±20)ms]and Tp-e/QT (0.260±0.058 vs.0.236±0.043)in group P4 were sig-nificantly prolonged at T1 (P < 0.05 ).Compared with T1 ,QTc of groups P2 [(437.4 ± 24.4)ms vs. (453.3±28.0)ms]and P4 [(438.8±29.9)ms vs.(469.9±34.0)ms]were shortened significantly at T2 (P <0.05).Conclusion Propofol could improve ventricular reporlarization heterogeneity caused by cefu-roxime sodium.