Background Animal model of fungal keratitis is an available tool to the experimental study of the pathogenesis mechanism of fungal keratitis. Current modeling methods of fungal keratitis include corneal scratching, corneal stroma injection and corneal surface lens methods. But these methods still have their own shortages. Objective This experiment was to create a fungal keratitis animal model by modifying corneal surface lens method. Methods Modified animal models of fungal keratitis were created by modified corneal surface lens method in 12 general adult New Zealand white rabbits. The filter papers soaked 108 spores / ml or A106spores / ml of spergillus fumigatus suspension were attached on the de-epithelial cornea surface and fixed with contact lens and tarsorrhaphy for 2 days, and the filter paper with physiological saline was used as control group. The symptoms of anterior segment were examined under the slit lamp in 3 ,7 and 14 days after surgery and scored based on the criteria of Dong. Corneal scraping was stained with 10% potassium hydroxide and calcofluor white stain to observed mycelium under the fluorescence microscope. Corneal tissue sections were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining and periodic acid Schiff staining under the light microscope. The use of animal followed the Standard of Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. Results Fungal keratitis models were successfully established in 6 eyes and 4 eyes in 108 spores/ml group (6/6) and 106 spores/ml group respectively. The symptom was more severer and score was higher in the eyes of 108 spores/ml group than that in 106 spores/ml group. At 3 and 7 days after surgery,the symptom scores of fungal keratitis models were higher than those of control group from 3 through 7 days with the statistically significant difference (P<0. 01) and the symptom scores of 108 spores/ml group were significantly higher than those of 106 spores/ml group (P<0. 01). At 14 days after surgery, the symptom scores of 108 spores/ml group were still higher than those of control group (P<0. 05). Fungal hyphae was seen in the corneal scrapes in 108 spores/ml group and 106 spores/ml group respectively from 3 through 7 days after surgery. Inflammatory cell infiltration, stroma cells necrosis and fungal hyphae were presented in 108 spores/ml group, and the corneal neovascularization could be observed in 108 spores / ml group 14 days later. Fungal culture revealed the positive outcome in both 3 and 7 days after surgery in 108 spores/ml group,but in 106 spores/ml group,the positive result was only in the 3rd day. Conclusion Modified corneal surface lens method is more feasible and sample in the model of Aspergillus keratitis. This animal model of Aspergillus keratitis is practical for the further study of fungal keratitis.

OBJECTIVETo observe the dose-effect relationship of electroacupuncture of different current intensities combined with Morphine of different dosage on alleviating the rats' tibial cancer pain, and explore the possible mechanism, which could provide the experiment basis for alleviating the tibial cancer pain by electroacupuncture combined with Morphine.

METHODSOne hundred female Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and eight treatment groups, 10 cases in each group. The rats in the treatment groups were treated by combined therapies of electroacupuncture of different intensities with 2 Hz /100 Hz dense-disperse wave on "Jiaji"(EX-B 2)and different dosage Morphine in 2 factor 3 level conditions, once a day for 6 days. The pain thresholds were observed before the treatment and 0 min, 1 h, 2 h and 5 h after the first treatment as well as after 3 and 6 times of treatments. The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression was determined by immunohistochemical method.

RESULTSThe rats' pain thresholds were significantly increased with electroacupuncture of 2 mA and 1 mA (all P < 0.01) on the 0 min, 1 h and 2 h of the first treatment, between which there were no significant differences (all P > 0.05). The pain threshold was still increased by electroacupuncture of 2 mA on the 5 h of the treatment (P < 0.01), while that of 1 mA failed to take effect (P > 0.05). After 3 and 6 times of treatments, both electroacupuncture of 2 mA and 1 mA had the effect of increasing the pain threshold (all P < 0.01), and the effect of 2 mA was superior to that of 1 mA (P < 0.05), had the synergistic effect with 5 mg/(kg x d) Morphine (P < 0.05). After 6 times of treatments, both electroacupuncture of 2 mA and 1 mA could inhibit the expression of GFAP (both P < 0.01), and there was no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). Both of 5 mg/(kg x d) and 2.5 mg/(kg x d) of Morphine, however, didn't bring about inhibition effect (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThere is a does-effect relationship on electroacupuncture of different current intensity for alleviating the tibial cancer pain in rats. The electroacupuncture with 2 mA, which is better than that with 1 mA, has the synergistic effect with 5 mg/(kg x d) of Morphine. The electroacupuncture can inhibit the expression of GFAP to cooperate with Morphine for the purpose of alleviating the rats' tibial cancer pain.

Animals ; Bone Neoplasms ; complications ; genetics ; metabolism ; Electroacupuncture ; instrumentation ; methods ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Pain ; etiology ; genetics ; metabolism ; Pain Management ; instrumentation ; methods ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Spine ; metabolism ; Tibia ; metabolism

Objective To provide theoretical and experimental proof for selecting and implying Tourette's syndrome(TS) animal models, validities of four TS models induced by chemical factors were compared. Methods Four TS models,namely AMP model,APO model,DO1 model and IDPN model were built up by using different chemical modeling agents. Through detecting spontaneous movement, climbing time and monoamine transmitters levels in striatum, four TS animal models were compared and evaluated from three levels of validities-face, prediction,construct. Results Compared with control group, spontaneous movement times raised ( t = 4. 746, P =0. 000) and level of DOPAC ( (0.99 ± 0. 177 ) ng/mg) in striatum increased (P = 0.029 ), and level of NE in striatum decreased in AMP model group( (0.11 ± 0.033 )ng/mg, P = 0.012). Compared with control group, climbing time prolonged (P = 0. 004) and levels of DA ( ( 10. 19 ± 1.23 ) ng/mg), 5-HT ( ( 0. 54 ± 0.08 ) ng/mg) in striatum raised(P=0. 019, P=0. 002),at the same time ,levels of DOPAC( (0.63 ±0.11 )ng/mg),HVA ((0.45 ±0.04 ) ng/mg) in striatum reduced (P ＜ 0.01 ) in APO model group; Compared with control group, levels of DA ( ( 13.66 ± 1.55 ) ng/mg), DOPAC( (0.80 ±0. 11 ) ng/mg), HVA( ( 1.04 ± 0.14) ng/mg) grew downwards in striatum of DOI model mice(P=0.029,P=0.001, P= 0.004). Compared with control group, level of 5-HT in striatum increased in IDPN300 group ( (0.77 ± 0.09) ng/mg, P = 0.031 ). ConclusionFace validity of AMP model is temporal and that of IDPN model is steady and persistent. AMP model,APO model and DOI model possess predictive validity. AMP model,APO model,DOI model and IDPN model have potentiality of becoming construct validity model.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of dopamin receptors-2 (DR2) on myocardial ischemic postconditioning and explore its underlying mechanisms.

METHODSThe myocardial ischemic postconditioning (PC) model was established in cultured primary rat neonatal cardiomyocytes which were then randomly assigned in the following groups: Nomial control group, Isehemia/reperfusion (L'R) group, PC (ischemic postconditioning) group, PC + Bro (Bromocriptine, a DB2 antagonist) group, PC + Hal (Haloperidol, a DB2 repressor) and PC + Hal + Bro groups. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in cell medium were analyzed by colorunetry. The cell ultrastructure changes were observed by transmission electron microscope. The cell apoptosis was analyzed using flowcytometiy. The protein expression level of D112 and activity of p-p38 and p-JNK were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the nonnal control group, hR increased the protein expression level of DB2, enhanced LDH activity and MDA content, promoted cell injury and apoptosis, decreased SOD activity, up-regulated the activity of p-p38 and p-JNK. Compared with the hR group, although PC further increased the expression of DR2 protein, it decreased LDH activity and MDA content, cell injury and apoptosis, increased SOD activity, down-regulated activity of p-p38 and p-JNK. Bromocriptine treatment further enhanced PC-induced canlioprotective effect, yet Hal addition attenuated this enhancing effect exerted by bromocriptine.

CONCLUSIONThe activation of DB2 is involved in the protective effect of ischemic postconditioning on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through down-regulating the activity of p-p38 and p-JNK.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cells, Cultured ; Ischemic Postconditioning ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; prevention & control ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptors, Dopamine D2 ; physiology ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism

Aim To investigate the antioxidant capacity of crocetin and crocin in an in vivo system.Methods Column chromatography was applied to the seperation of crocetin and crocin-1 from gardenia.Crocetin(6.25,12.5 and 25.0 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) and crocin (18.7,37.5 and 75.0 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) were orally administered to kunming mice.Then,superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),total antioxidant capacity(TAOC)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in mice were determined for the comparison of antioxidant activity of crocetin and crocin-1.Results Oral administration of crocetin and crocin for six weeks could enhance SOD of liver and kidney,GSH-Px of liver and TAOC of heart and kidney.In addition,it could decrease MDA of serum in mice.Conclusions The comparison of results suggests the evidence supporting the comparable antioxidant activity of crocetin and crocin.The results of the research also indicate that liver and kidney are two organs targeted for protection concerning endogenous antioxidant among various tissues.

OBJECTIVETo provide application basis of the Forsythia suspensa by studying the difference of HPLC-FP of F. suspensa fructification (medicinal materials).

METHODComparative work was done on F. suspensa produced in different areas, on different parts of Forsythia suspensa, and on the pseudo preducts with methods of HPLC-FP.

RESULTDifferent FP characteristics were shown respectively by different samples, which were from different producing areas, from different parts, and the pseudo products including the fructification of Syringa reticulata var. and F. viridissimac.

CONCLUSIONThe FP can be used to distinguish the F. suspensa coming from different producing areas and different sources.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Chromatography, Paper ; methods ; Drug Contamination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Forsythia ; chemistry ; classification ; Fruit ; chemistry ; Peptide Mapping ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Species Specificity

OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy of tendons of minimally invasive therapy (TMIT) combined drug therapy by comparing it with treatment by drug therapy alone on patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

METHODSTotally 60 KOA patients were assigned to the treatment group and the control group according to random digit table, 30 in each group. Patients in the control group took Hydrochloric Acid Glucosamine Capsule and Celecoxib Capsule. Patients in the treatment group additionally received TMIT. The treatment course for all was 4 weeks. Scores for visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index were observed and recorded at week 1 and 4 after treatment by acupotomology mirror.

RESULTSCompared with before treatment, improvement was shown in VAS score, pain and stiffness degrees, activities and functions, and WOMAC scores at week 1 and 4 after treatment in all patients with statistical difference (P < 0.05). Besides, better effect was shown in the treatment group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTMIT combined drug therapy could relieve KOA patients' pain, stiffness and joint activities, elevate the overall efficacy. TMIT was easily operated with less injury.

Celecoxib ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; methods ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; drug therapy ; Pain ; Pain Measurement ; Tendons ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND:Animal studies have shown that cauda equina compression can induce apoptosis of lumbosacral spinal cord anterior horn motor neurons.
OBJECTIVE:To explore the pathological change in lumbosacral spinal cord after acute cauda equina compression in dogs.
METHODS:A total of 27 dogs were randomly divided into nine groups, with three dogs in each group. There were one normal control group, seven experimental groups and one sham surgery group. In the experimental group, an empty water sac was implanted above epidural fat below L6 vertebral plate. Compression was given by injecting water at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours. In the sham surgery group, an empty water sac was implanted, but compression was not given. At the time of compression, the spinal cord sent out by cauda equina nerve and adjacent to the head end was subjected to histopathological examination.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Results of light microscope:at 4-48 hours of compression, spinal cord anterior horn motor neurons did not alter. At 72 hours, motor neurons became smal , cel membrane shrank and separated from surrounding tissues. Cel s were homogenous and darkly stained. At 168 hours, motor neurons disappeared, but spinal cord sections of the adjacent head end did not shown abnormal motor neurons in the spinal cord anterior horn. (2) Results of electron microscope:at 12 hours, spinal cord tissue began to swel , and the swel ing aggravated with prolonged time of compression. The swel ing of glial cel s was apparent. At 168 hours, myelin sheath structure dissolved;axons showed vacuolization;axoplasm spil ed, and exhibited inflammatory injury-like changes. (3) Apoptotic results of spinal cord anterior horn motor neurons:apoptosis appeared at 12 hours of compression, became increased, and showed an increased trend at 168 hours.

Actinobacillus succinogenes A3 was mutagenized by ultra high hydrostatic pressure for improving the production ability of succinic acid.The effects of pressure,rate of pressure changes and growth periods on the lethality rate of the strain were investigated.The strain in stationary phase was mutagenized at 200 MPa with the pressure changes at the rate of 50 MPa/min.As a result,a mutation strain Actinobacillus succinogenes B19 was obtained,and the concentration of succinic acid could reach 32.2 g/L,which was 17.9%higher than that of the original strain,and in the meanwhile the concentration of acetic acid was decreased by 11.5%.After six generation,the mutant also has good stability of descendiblity for succinic acid production.

Objective To summarize the clinical experience about therapy for ear keloid by local injection of triamcinolone acetonide acetate combined with surgical resection to control the growth of keloid. Methods After 3~4 times injecting the triamcinolone acetonide ac-etate,the keloid was removed by surgery,some edge of keloid skin was kept and sutured without tension. Results The patients were followed up for 6~24 months,all of 31 ears were primary healing, 26 ears were cured, 4 ears were effective,only one ear was invalid,the effective cure rate was about 96. 8%. Conclusion Local injection with triamcinolone acetonide acetate combined with surgical resection can treat ear keloid.