Objective To investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on early postoperative lung function in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic pneumonectomy.Methods Sixty ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients whose preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) ＞ 1.5 L,scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracoscopic pneumonectomy under general anesthesia,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =20 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),Lieque (LU7)-Quchi (LI11)-Neiguan (PC6)-Hegu (LI4) group (group S1),and Xinshu (BL1S)-Feishu (BL13)-PC6-LI4 group (group S2).TEAS was applied to the corresponding acupoints on the operated side for 30 min once a day starting from 30 min before induction of anesthesia until the end of surgery,and on 1 st and 2nd days after surgery in S1 and S2 groups.The frequency was 2/100 Hz,the intensity was the maximum current that could be tolerated,and the intensity was about 6-18 mA for LU7,LI11,PC6 and LI4,or about 20-35 mA for BL15 and BLI3.Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia was performed to maintain the score for the intensity of pain ＜ 4.Before and after surgery,forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1 were measured after the chest tube was withdrawn and the changing rate was calculated.Results FEV1 and FVC were significantly lower after surgery than before surgery in all the groups (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in FEV1 and FVC before and after surgery and the changing rate between the three groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conelusion TEAS (applied during surgery and within 2 days after surgery,30 min/d,2/100 Hz) provides no obvious improvement in early postoperative lung function for the patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic pneumonectomy.

Objective To compare the intraoperative opioids-sparing effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) of Lieque (LU7)-Quchi (LI11)-Neiguan (PC6)-Hegu (LI4) versus Xinshu (BL15)-Feishu (BL13)-PC6-LI4 in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy.Methods Sixty ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients,aged 34-83 yr,weighing 50-93 kg,scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =20 each):control group (group C),LU7-LI11-PC6-LI4 group (group S1),and BL15-BL13-PC6-LI4 group (group S2).TEAS was applied to the corresponding acupoints on the operated side starting from 30 min before induction of anesthesia until the end of operation in S1 and S2 groups.The wave length was 0.6 ms when the frequency was 2 Hz,and the wave length was 0.2 ms when the frequency was 100 Hz.The intensity was the maximum current that could be tolerated,and the intensity was 6-18 mA for LU7,LI11,PC6 and LI4,or 20-35 mA for BL15 and BL13.Anesthesia was induced with iv injection of midazolam,propofol,sufentanil and cisatracurium and maintained with target-controlled infusion of remifentanil and propofol,iv infusion of cisatracurium,and iv boluses of sufentanil when necessary.The plasma concentration of propofol was adjusted to maintain BIS value at 40-60 during operation.The initial effect-site concentration of remifentanil was set at 1 ng/ml and then adjusted to 4 ng/ml at skin incision,and the concentration of remifentanil and consumption of sufentanil was adjusted to maintain Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) value at 50-70.If the concentration of remifentanil was increased to 4 ng/ml,ANI value was still less than 50,and then sufentanil 0.1 μg/kg was injected intravenously.The time of operation and intraoperative consumption ofremifentanil and propofol were recorded.Results Compared with group C,the intraoperative consumption of remifentanil was significantly decreased in S1 and S2 groups (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the intraoperative consumption of remifentanil between group S1 and group S2 (P ＞ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the time of operation and intraoperative consumption of propofol between the three groups (P ＞0.05).Conclusion TEAS of LU7-LI1 1-PC6-LI4 provides similar opioids-sparing effects during operation as TEAS of BL15-BL13-PC6-LI4 in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Objective To evaluate the intraoperative opioid-sparing effect of different frequency transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in the patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic pneumonectomy.Methods Eighty patients,aged 40-64 yr,weighing 50-90 kg,of ASA physical status Ⅰ-Ⅲ,scheduled for elective thoracoscopic pneumonectomy under general anesthesia,were randomly divided into 4 groups (n =20 each) using a random number table:control group (group Con),stimulation on Lieque (LU7)-Quchi (LI11)-Neiguan (PC6)-Hegu (LI4) at 2/100 Hz group (group 2/100 Hz),stimulation on LU7-LI11-PC6-LI4 at 2 Hz group (group 2 Hz),and stimulation on LU7-LI1 1-PC6-LI4 at 100 Hz group (group 100 Hz).The patients in group Con had the electrodes applied,but received no stimulation.In 2/100 Hz,2 Hz and 100 Hz groups,the patients received 2/100,2 and 100 Hz TEAS on LU7-LI11-PC6-LI4 acupoints ipsilateral to the surgery site,respectively,starting from 30 min before induction of anesthesia until the end of surgery,and the intensity was the maximum current that could be tolerated.Anesthesia was induced with iv midazolam,propofol,sufentanil and cisatracurim,and maintained with target-controlled infusion of remifentanil and propofol,continuous infusion of cisatracurim,and iv boluses of sufentanil when necessary.The target plasma concentration of propofol was adjusted to maintain BIS value at 40-60 during operation.The initial target effect-site concentration of remifentanil was 1 ng/ml,and adjusted to 4 ng/ml at skin incision.The concentration of remifentanil and consumption of sufentanil were adjusted to maintain Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) at 50-70.When the concentration of remifentanil was increased to 4 ng/ml,ANI was still less than 50,and then 0.1 μg/kg sufentanil was given.The duration of operation and intraoperative consumption of remifentanil and sufentanil (the consumption of sufentanil was converted to the consumption of remifentanil producing the equivalent effect by 1:10) were recorded.Results The intraoperative consumption of remifentanil was significantly reduced in 2/100 Hz group as compared with Con,2 Hz and 100 Hz groups.There was no significant difference in the intraoperative consumption of remifentanil between Con group,2 Hz group and 100 Hz group.Conclusion The use of 2/100 Hz but not 2 and 100 Hz TEAS on LU7-LI11-PC6-LI4 significantly reduces intraoperative opioid consumption in the patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic pneumonectomy.

OBJECTIVETo discuss the mechanism of superfine comminution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at low temperature.

METHODGlycyrrhiza uralensis roots were at room superfinely comminuted temperature and at low temperature by cryogenic vibration mill. The superfine powders were observed and analyzed by laser particle size analyzer and SEM.

RESULTThe powder processed at low temperature was of smaller effective diameter and narrower size distribution and was also with smoother surface and smaller angle of repose.

CONCLUSIONThe G. uralensis roots could be superfinely comminuted with high efficiency and simple procedure by vibration mill at low temperature.

Glycyrrhiza uralensis ; Particle Size ; Plant Roots ; Plants, Medicinal ; Powders ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; instrumentation ; methods ; Vibration

To discuss the influence of dexamethasion on lL-1β and TNF - α expression in suture - induced rabbit corneal neovascularization ( CNV ) and analyze the potential mechanism.
●METHODS: For 43 healthy rabbits, 40 were randomly selected for establishing CNV model in corneal stroma. The right eyes (group A) were received no medicine and the left eyes ( group B) were injected dexamethasone after successfully establishing the model. The no modeling 3 rabbits were normal control group. The morphologic change of corneal was observed with slit lamp microscope and the areas of CNV was calculated every day, then 8 rabbits were randomly chosen for sacrificing at 1, 4, 7, 14, 21d respectively. The pathological characteristics of CNV were observed after HE staining, and lL - 1β and TNF - α expression was detected by immunohistochemistry.
●RESULTS: CNV was grown at the 4d after suture, and the 7-14d was vigorous growth period. inflammatory cell infiltration appeared after HE staining, and CNV was located at the superficial stroma of cornea. lmmunohistochemistry results showed that lL - 1β and TNF - α expression was gradually increased with prolonged suture time. Compared with corneal stitch group, the rabbits cured by dexamethasone were found with less inflammatory cells infiltrating and neovescularization, moreover, the expression of lL - 1βand TNF-α decreased. There were statistical significance between the two groups (P<0. 05).
● CONCLUSlON: Dexamethasone can inhibit the CNV growth by controlling the inflammation of corneal and restraining lL-1β and TNF-α expression.

OBJECTIVETo observe the protection effect of Ligustrazine Hydrochloride (LH) on coagulation reaction and inflammation reaction in single valve replacement patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

METHODSTotally 40 patients undergoing single valve replacement were recruited in the study and randomly assigned to the two groups, the treatment group and the control group, 20 in each group. In treatment group LH (3 mg/kg) was intravenously infused from the jugular vein. LH (3 mg/kg) was also added in the CPB priming. In the control group LH was replaced by equal amount of normal saline. Endothelial micro-particles (EMP) count was detected before CPB, 30 min after CPB, 1 h and 24 h after CPB finished. The coagulation reaction time (R), coagulation time (K), clotting formation velocity (alpha angle), maximum amplitude (MA), coagulation index (CI), platelet (PLT), hypersensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP), IL-6, and IL-10 were detected before CPB, 1 h and 24 h after CPB finished.

RESULTSThere was no statistical difference in aorta arresting time, period of CPB, post-operative drainage volume, plasma transfusion volume, post-operative respirator assistant time, and hospitalization time between the two groups (P >0.05). Compared with pre-CPB in the same group, the count of EMP was much higher at 30 min after CPB and 1 h after CPB finished (P < 0.01). R and K, hs-CRP, IL-6, and IL-10 increased at 1 h and 24 h after CPB finished (P <0.01,P < 0.05). The alpha angle,.MA, CI, and PLT decreased 1 h after CPB finished (P <0.01). The a angle increased, while CI and PLT decreased 24 h after CPB finished (P <0.05). Compared with the control group in the same period, the count of EMP was lower in the treatment group 30 min after CPB and 1 h after CPB finished (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). R and K values obviously decreased in treatment group 1 hour after CPB finished (P <0. 05), while a angle, MA, CI, and PLT increased (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). hs-CRP and IL-6 decreased in the treatment group 1 h and 24 h after CPB finished (P <0.05), while IL-10 increased (P <0.05). The count of PLT increased 24 h after CPB finished in the treatment group (P <0. 05).

CONCLUSIONLH had certain protection effect on the vascular endothelium undergoing CPB, and lower excessive activation of coagulation reaction and inflammation reaction in patients undergoing CPB.

Blood Coagulation ; drug effects ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; methods ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-10 ; blood ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Rheumatic Heart Disease ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Jiawei Yupingfeng Powder (JYP) on T-lymphocyte subsets in patients with senile chronic bronchitis in acute onset stage (SCB-AOS).

METHODSPatients were divided, according to the randomized controlled principle, into two groups, the 44 patients in the treated group and the 40 in the control group. The conventional western medicinal therapy was given to both groups, but to the treated group, JYP was administered additionally. The therapeutic course to them was 14 days. Changes of CD3, CD4, CD8 and the ratio of them were observed.

RESULTSIncrease of CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 (P < 0.05) and decrease of CD8 (P < 0.01) were significantly shown in the treated group after treatment, but no change in the control group. Besides, comparison of the total effective rate in the two groups also showed significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCellular immune function disturbance exists in patients with SCB-AOS, JYP could enhance the efficacy by way of modulating cellular immune function.

Adjuvants, Immunologic ; therapeutic use ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bronchitis, Chronic ; drug therapy ; immunology ; CD3 Complex ; blood ; CD4-CD8 Ratio ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Powders ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo explore the association between chromosomal disequilibrium and chemoresistance/chemosensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH).

METHODSGenomic DNA samples were prepared from the tumor tissues in paraffin-embedded sections derived from 88 patients with advanced NSCLC (18 with chemosensitivity and 16 with chemoresistance). The DNAs were first amplified by a degenerate oligonucleotide prime-polymerase chain reaction protocol and then labeled with fluorescence as probes for CGH analyses. The correlations of the resulting chromosomal imbalances with the chemo-sensitivity and other pathological features of the patients were analyzed.

RESULTSA total of 640 abnormal chromosome regions including 96.12% gains and 3.88% losses were detected in 88 specimens. The results indicated that the most frequently gained chromosome regions were 19p13.1-13.3 (39/88, 44.12%), followed by 9q12-q22 (26/88, 29.41%), 22q12-q13 (26/88, 29.41%), and Xq (29/88, 32.35%). The total number of abnormal regions related with chemo-sensitivity was 188( 182 gains and 6 losses), while the number of the abnormal regions linked to the chemoresistance was 452 (431 gains and 21 losses) (P=0.005). Gains of 14p12-p13 and 19p were significantly correlated with the chemosensitivity of the NSCLC (P=0.006). Gains of 1q12-q22, 10q25-q26, 5p15.1-p15.3, 19q13.2-13.4, 20p11.2-p12, 21q22, and Xp 21-p22.1 were also significantly correlated with the chemoresistance (P]0.005, 0.029, 0.039, 0.029, 0.039, 0.016, and 0.006, respectively). No correlation between the chromosome abnormalities and other clinical features was observed.

CONCLUSIONSThe specific gains and losses of chromosome region is correlated with platinum-based first-line chemotherapy in NSCLC patients,as confirmed by CGH detection. This finding is useful for further identifying the chemosensitivity-related functional genes, predicting clinical effectiveness, and achieve individualized treatment in the future.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Comparative Genomic Hybridization ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVELamiophlomis rotata is a common wild herb in Tibetan traditional medicine with important medicinal and economic value. The paper examines the wild distributions, exploitation regime, and situations.

METHODA variety of research methods, such as literature survey, specimens inspection, market information collection in major Chinese herbal markets, questionnaire of herbalists and employers of local governments and institutions, and field quadrat survey and AcrGIS as well, have been used for this work.

RESULTTotal stock of wild resources of L. rotata is ranging from 3 713.49 tons to 6 896.56 tons (2 519-3 314 t in Qinghai, 490-1 414 t in Gansu, 641-1 167 t in Sichuan, and 422-999 t in Tibet, respectively), acceptable harvest quantity of the herb is ranging from 908-1 675 t per year, and actual harvest quantity is 2 520 t annually far beyond the acceptable harvest quantity.

CONCLUSIONHarvesting quantity of L. rotata is far more than that of acceptable, suggesting that utilization pattern of this wild resource plant is unsustainable. L. rotata seems to act as an indicating plant of degraded ecosystem of high-altitude grassland, shrub grassland, and wetland, and distributes in those degraded and degrading plateau ecosystems, and the plant is facing with pressure of ecological protection and wild resource population degradation. Wild population monitoring and standard cultivation are of importance for although they are far from implementation due to shortage of related basic studies.

China ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Ecosystem ; Lamiaceae ; growth & development ; Plants, Medicinal ; growth & development

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and presented malignancy-associated hypercalcemia (MAH).

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 36 patients with biopsy-proven SCC and presented MAH who were treated at the our department from January 2001 to December 2010. The survival were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox analysis.

RESULTSAmong these 36 patients, the median blood calcium level was 2.94 mmol/L (2.77-4.87 mmol/L), and the median survival time was only 45 days (1-839 d). Log-rank test showed that central nervous system symptoms, bone metastasis, and hypercalcemia occurring over 160 days after cancer diagnosis were predictors for poor survival(p=0.003, P=0.049, P=0.005). In the COX proportional hazard model analysis, central nervous system symptoms and hypercalcemia occurring over 160 days after cancer diagnosis were independent prognostic factors for survival time (RR=5.721, P=0.000; RR=4.624, P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONSPatients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and presented MAH have poor prognosis. Central nervous system symptoms and hypercalcemia occurring over 160 days after cancer diagnosis are independent predictors of the prognosis.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; complications ; Female ; Humans ; Hypercalcemia ; etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies