Aim To evaluate the protective effect of Averrhoa Carambola L. Roots DMDD alleviating myocardial injury in diabetes mellitus (DM) mice and its mechanism. Methods SD mice were given high-glucose-high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin to induce DM model, and were administered with DMDD. The fasting blood glucose (FBG) was recorded. The left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), maximum upstroke velocity of left ventricular pressure (+ dp/dt

The protective effects of cyclosporin A (CsA), an inhibitor of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), on vascular permeability in sepsis rats were investigated. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis rats were used for in vivo studies, and the effects of CsA (1 and 5 mg·kg^-1) on vascular permeability of lung, kidney, and intestine, mitochondrial respiratory control ratio, and the survival of the sepsis rats were observed. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used for stimulating vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in vitro, and the effects of CsA on leakage of microvascular, immunofluorescence of zonula occludes-1 (ZO-1), and transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) were observed. All the animal welfare and experimental procedures are in accordance with the regulations of the Animal Ethics Committee of the Army Medical University. Compared with sham-operated group, the vascular permeability of lung, kidney, and intestine in sepsis rats increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with conventional treatment group, CsA could significantly decrease the vascular permeability of lung, kidney, and intestine (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and prolong the survival period. The results of microcirculation also showed that CsA could significantly reduce the permeability of mesenteric venules in sepsis rats. At the cellular level, LPS stimulation significantly increased the permeability of vascular endothelial cells, including the decrease of transmembrane resistance and protein expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05). CsA can significantly reduce the increase of permeability of vascular endothelial cells induced by LPS stimulation (P<0.01). The function of mitochondria in the kidneys and intestines of sepsis rats was obviously impaired, and the respiratory control ratio of mitochondria was decreased. LPS significantly increased MPTP opening of VECs, while CsA significantly inhibited MPTP opening and improved mitochondrial function. CsA may protect mitochondrial function by inhibiting the opening of MPTP and play a protective role in the vascular permeability of sepsis rats. This study will provide an insight for the treatment of sepsis vascular leakage.

Objective To investigate the expression of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) regulator and calcineurin A (Ca-NA) in brain tissue of temporal lobe (TLE) epilepsy patients and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced rat model. Methods Cortical samples from 18 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy were collected as epilepsy group and corti-cal samples from 11 patients with brain trauma were used as control group. 30 SD rats were randomly divided into model control group (MC) and PTZ group. The expression of RCAN1 and CaNA in human brain cortex,rat cortex and rat hippocampus were detected by Western blot and Immunohistochemistry assay. The location analysis of RCAN1 was detected by immunofluorescence. Moreover,co-immunoprecipitation was used to test whether there was an interaction between RCAN1 and CaNA. Results RCAN1 mainly located in neuronal cytomembrane.The expres-sion of RCAN1 was down-regulated and expression of CaNA was up-regulated both in the epileptic patients and epi-leptic rats (P<0.01). RCAN1 interacted with CaNA. Conclusions Decreased expression of RCAN1 and increased expression of CaNA indicate that RCAN1 may be involved in the epileptogenesis by regulating CaNA.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of vildagliptin on pentamethazol (PTZ)-induced epilepsy in rats and explore the molecular mechanism.

METHODSSamples of temporal cortex from 23 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy were collected as epilepsy group and samples of temporal cortex from 14 patients with brain trauma were used as control group. Ninety male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (group A), PTZ-induced epilepsy group (group B), saline 2 mL/kg group (group C), vildagliptin 2.5 mg/kg group (group D), vildagliptin 5mg/kg group (group D) and vildagliptin 10 mg/kg group (group F). Use chronic model of epilepsy induced by PTZ (35 mg/kg) intraperitoneal injection for 3 consecutive weeks, and changes of behavior were observed. The expression of GLP-1R was detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, and the expression of GLP-1 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The location of GLP-1R was detected by immunofluorescent staining.

RESULTSImmunofluorescent staining showed that the GLP-1R located in the neurons, and GLP-1R expression was obviously decreased both in patients with TLE and in rats with epilepsy. The latency time was prolonged and epilepsy attack time was decreased after vildagliptin treatment (P<0.05). GLP-1R expression was increased after vildagliptin treatment (P<0.05). ELISA showed the change of GLP-1 expression was the same as GLP-1R.

CONCLUSIONVildagliptin can suppress temporal lobe epilepsy in rats by up-regulating GLP-1 and GLP-1R expressions.

BACKGROUNDPostoperative knee soft tissue irritation is a common complication after retrograde nail fixation of femoral fractures. Distal locking screw prominence is one of the causes for soft tissue irritation. This study aimed to determine whether the use of the femoral condyles tangential views improve the diagnostic accuracy compared with anteroposterior (A-P) view in detecting distal locking screw penetrations during retrograde femoral nailing.

METHODSThe angle between the sagittal plane and lateral aspect of the condyle and the angle between the sagittal plane and medial aspect of condyle were measured on computed tomography (CT) images. After the angles were measured and recorded, cadaveric femurs were used in a simulated surgical procedure. The retrograde femoral nail was inserted into the femur and placed distal locking screws, which were left 2, 4, and 6 mm proud of the medial and lateral condyles for each femur. A-P view, lateral condyle tangential view and medial condyle tangential view were obtained. All fluoroscopic images were recorded and sent to three observers blinded to the experimental procedure to determine whether screws penetrated the condyle cortex or not.

RESULTSAccording to the results of CT scan, the lateral condyle view was 20.88 ± 0.98° and the medial condyle view was 40.46 ± 3.14°. In the A-P view, we detected 0% at 2 mm penetration, 16.7% (lateral condyle screw) and 25.0% (medial condyle screw) at 4 mm, and 41.7% (lateral condyle screw) and 58.3% (medial condyle screw) at 6 mm. In the lateral tangential view, we detected 91.7% at 2 mm penetration of the lateral condyle and 100% at 4 mm and 6 mm. In the medial tangential view, we detected 66.7% at 2 mm penetration of the medial condyle and 100% at 4 mm and 6 mm. The femoral condyle tangential views provided significant improvement in detecting screw penetrations at all lengths (2, 4, and 6 mm) compared with the A-P view (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe femoral condyles tangential views increased the accuracy of detecting screw penetrations on the medial and lateral condyles. Routine clinical use of the femoral condyles tangential views has the potential to increase accuracy in detecting distal locking screw penetration during retrograde femoral nailing.

Bone Screws ; Femoral Fractures ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; Humans ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo analyze the prevalence and risk factors of multiple musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in auto workers and the associations between MSDs at different sites.

METHODSA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 3998 workers, who were selected from a Chinese auto corporation by cluster random sampling, using the revised Nordic MSDs standard questionnaire; 3800 completed questionnaires were returned. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors for multiple MSDs. The logbinomial model was used to calculate the prevalence ratios (PRs) of MSDs at different sites and evaluate the associations between MSDs at different sites.

RESULTSOf the 3800 subjects, 2452 (64.5%) had MSDs at two or more sites, and 469 (12.3%) had MSDs at one site. The PRs varied from 1.5 to 6.7, with significant differences among different sites (P < 0.01). Relatively close associations were found between the MSDs at neck and shoulders, back and shoulders/waist, elbows and wrists/hands, waist and neck, wrists/hands and waist, hip and waist, knees and waist, and ankles/feet and elbows. The multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that the highest risk factor for MSDs was poor posture, including often working in an uncomfortable posture, neck bending forward, and neck twisting (ORs = 3.39, 1.93, and 1.38), followed by labor organization, in which break between tasks could decrease the risk of MSDs at three or more sites to 31%, staff shortage, which could increase the risk of MSDs by 75%, and pushing and pulling heavy objects (> 20 kg) (OR = 1.76).

CONCLUSIONMost auto workers with MSDs have multiple sites affected, and there are high associations between the MSDs at different sites. The major risk factors for multiple MSDs in auto workers include poor posture, labor organization, and heavy physical labor.

Adult ; Automobiles ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Occupational Diseases ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective To establish and verify the prediction model for ischemic cardiovascular disease(ICVD)among the elderly population who were under the current health care programs. Methods Statistical analysis on data from physical examination, hospitalization of the past years, from questionnaire and telephone interview was carried out in May, 2003. Data was from was randomly selected to generate both module group and verification group. Baseline data was induced to make the verification group into regression model of module group and to generate the predictive value. Distinguished ability with area under ROC curve and the predictive veracity were verified through comparing the predictive incidence rate and actual incidence rate of every deciles group by Hosmer- Lemeshow test. Predictive veracity of the prediction model at population level was verified through comparing the predictive 6-year incidence rates of ICVD with actual 6-year accumulative incidence rates of ICVD with error rate calculated. Results The samples included 2271 males over the age of 65 with 1817 people for modeling population and 454 for verified population.All of the samples were stratified into two layers to establish hierarchical Cox proportional hazard regression model, including one advanced age group(greater than or equal to 75 years old), and another elderly group(less than 75 years old). Data from the statically analysis showed that the risk factors in aged group were age, systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine level, fasting blood glucose level, while protective factor was high density lipoprotein; in advanced age group, the risk factors were body weight index, systolic blood pressure, serum total cholesterol level, serum creatinine level, fasting blood glucose level, while protective factor was HDL-C. The area under the ROC curve (AUC)and 95%CI were 0.723 and 0.687-0.759 respectively. Discriminating power was good. All individual predictive ICVD cumulative incidence and actual incidence were analyzed using Hosmer-Lemshow test, x 2=1.43, P=0.786, showing that the predictive veracity was good.Conclusion The stratified Cox Hazards Regression model was used to establish prediction model of the aged male population under a certain health care program. The common prediction factor of the two age groups were: systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine level, asting blood glucose level and HDL-C. Thc area under the ROWC curve of the verification group was 0.723, showing that the distinguished ability was good and the predict ability at the individual level and at the group level were also satisfactory. It was feasible to using Cox Proportional Hazards Regression Model for predicting the population groups.

Objective To investigate the 6-year accumulative incidence rate of ischemic cardiovascular disease (ICVD) and its related risk factors. Methods Baseline population was all from an elderly population with members all born before 1-1,1938 and under health care programm.Data was recorded in a database of a hospital and baseline of subjects under research was aged ＞65years. People that had had ICVD at baseline were excluded. Risk factors under research would include: age at the baseline study, gender, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol level, serum triglyceride level, serum high-density lipoprotein level, serum triglyceride level, serum apolipoprotein A1 level, history of diabetes mellitus and cigarette smoking etc. Single factor analysis was carried out using person-years as time of study, then calculating the person-year incidence and the accumulative incidence rate at different levels related to baseline risk factors.Multivariate analysis was under Cox Proportional Hazards Regression Model. Results Baseline population included 2271 elderly men, with the 6-year cumulative prevalence rate of ICVD as 23.56%, and the person-year prevalence rate was 45.41‰. Single factor analysis showed that the ICVD events positively related to variables which including systolic blood pressure, body mass index,serum cholesterol level and serum triglyceride level, serum apolipoprotein A1 level, status of diabetes mellitus and cigarette smoking. The ICVD events negatively related to variables as serum high-density lipoprotein levcl and serum creatinine level. Results of multivariate analysis showed that high systolic pressure, diabetes mellitus, serum creatinine level, Body Mass Index were the main risk factors. The serum high-density lipoprotein level served as the main protective factor. Conclusion The aged male population under health care programme was high in the ICVD prevalence rate, suggesting that programmes as controlling blood pressure, blood glucose, and increasing serum high-density lipoprotein levels were effective measures to decrease the ICVD events.

OBJECTIVETo establish a preoperative scoring system to predict the lymph node metastases (N) in gastric cancers.

METHODSThe clinicopathologic data of 291 cases with gastric cancer were analyzed retrospectively. The factors influencing significantly actual lymph node status (pN) were selected through the univariate and the multivariate analysis, and the score of each factor was identified. Scores predicting different N stages were identified using receiver operating characteristic curves. The N stages defined by the score system were compared with the actual pN status using kappa statistics and diagnostic test.

RESULTSTumor size, depth of invasion and histopathological types were selected to establish the scoring system. According to this score system, scores 0-4 predict N0, scores 5-7 predict N1, scores 8-9 predict N2 and scores 10-13 predict N3. There was a good agreement between N stages predicted by the scoring system and the actual pN status (weighted kappa = 0.605, u = 14.548, P < 0.0001). The crude agreement, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the scoring system were 82.8%, 65.6% and 88.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe scoring system can provide accurate and reliable information to predict the lymph node metastases of gastric cancers preoperatively. It is simple and practical to use in clinical work and can help surgeons to choose an optimal extent of lymph node dissection for gastric cancer.

Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Preoperative Care ; Prognosis ; Research Design ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery

Animals ; China ; Humans ; Research ; Toxoplasmosis ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; etiology ; therapy