Objective To investigate the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf-2),and heme oxidase 1 (HO-1) expression in acute lung injury induced by paraquat poisoning in rats and explore the mechanism of lipoic acid acting on protection of lung from paraquat poisoning.Methods Seventy-two adult healthy male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups with different treatments designated as:control group (control group,n =12),paraquat group (PQ group,n =30) and paraquat + lipoic acid group (LA group,n =30).PQ group and LA group were randomly divided into five subgroups (n =6 in each) according to 6 h,12 h,24 h,48 h and 72 h after modeling and treatment.The rats in PQ group and PQ + LA group were treated with intra-peritoneal injection (ip) of PQ (25 mg/kg),while the rats in control group were treated with the equal volume of saline instead.Half an hours after intra-peritoneal injection of PQ,lipoic acid (100 mg/kg) was injected into caudal vein of rats once a day until they were sacrificed.The body weight was measured everyday.The rats of each group were sacrificed at the given intervals,and lung tissues were harvested to measure lung coefficient of rats.The same part of left lung of rats in each group was taken for HE staining and immunohistochemistry in order to detect the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1.The right lung of rats in each group was taken for the detection of GSH-Px and SOD activity.All data were analyzed by using the One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and SNK-q test.Results The body weight reduction in LA group (191.02 ± 0.82) g,(183.37 ± 7.74) g was significantly less than that in PQ group (183.85 ± 2.07) g,(173.13 ± 4.34) g at 48 h and 72 h after PQ poisoning,respectively (P ＜ 0.01,P ＜ 0.05).The lung coefficient in LA group (6.83 ± 0.48) mg/g,(7.61 ±0.28) mg/g,(8.29 ±0.36) mg/g was less compared with PQ group (7.39 ±0.53) mg/g,(8.48±0.23) mg/g,(9.06±0.10) mg/g at 24 h,48 h,and 72 h,respectively (P＜0.01,P＜ 0.05).The immunohistochemical expressions of Nrf-2 in LA group (3.99 ±0.50),(3.51 ±0.12) were higher than those in PQ group (1.33 ±0.22),(1.62 ±0.41) at 48 h and 72 h.The immunohistochemical expression of HO-1 in LA group (1.76 ±0.17) was higher than that in PQ group (1.31 ±0.15) at 72 h.The levels of GSH-Px activity in LA group were significantly higher in comparison with PQ group at 24h,48h,and 72h (P ＜0.01,P ＜0.05).The levels of SOD activity in the LA group were significantly higher in comparison with PQ group at 6 h,12 h,24 h,48 h,and 72 h after PQ administration (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions Nrf2-ARE (antioxidant response element) signaling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury induced by paraquat poisoning,and lipoic acid may protect acute lung injury in rats induced by paraquat poisoning through Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway.

Objective:To analyze morphological character of lateral tibial plateau fracture fragment, and its correlation to the presence of a meniscus injury in tibial plateau fractures.Methods:A total of 79 consecutive patients of the simple lateral tibial plateau fractures from July 201 1 to July 2015 were inclu-ded in this study,with 65 males and 14 females with an average age of (34.3 ±7.2)years and 22-61 years.According to Schatzker classification,21 cases were of Type Ⅰ,41 cases Type Ⅱ,and 17 cases Type Ⅲ.The characteristics of lateral tibial plateau fractures were evaluated by plain X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI ).The type and severity of meniscus injury were diagnosed by MRI scan. Three-dimensional measurements of the lateral fragment width (LFW),the lateral plateau depression (LPD),the coronal angulation of lateral fragment (CALF),and tibial plateau widening (TPW)were measured with Picture Archiving and Communication Systems(PACS)software.The patients with and without meniscus injuries were divided into different groups and analyzed respectively.Comparison of the above measurements between the two groups was analyzed by independent t test.Results:In all the 79 lateral tibial plateau fracture patients,26 cases (32.9%)of meniscus injuries were detected by MRI. Among all the meniscus injury cases,3 were of SchatzkerⅠ,16 SchatzkerⅡ,and 7 SchatzkerⅢ.In meniscus intact group,the average LFW was (22.0 ±2.8)mm while in meniscus injury group it was (21.3 ±3.3)mm (t =-1.008,P =0.317).The average LPD of non meniscus injury group was (5.4 ±2.8)mm,while in meniscus injury group was (8.7 ±2.8)mm (t=4.98,P=0.001).The average CALF of the two groups were 9.1°±6.1°and 10.6°±7.1°,and there was no significant dif-ference between the two groups (t=0.38,P=0.831).The average TPW was (3.0 ±1.1)mm,and (4.8 ±1 .7 )mm of the two groups.There were significant differences between the two groups (t =5.216,P=0.001).Conclusion:There was no obvious correlation between the LFD and meniscus inju-ry.The CALF of lateral tibial plateau fracture had no significant correlation with meniscus injury either. The degree of LPD and TPW may indicate injury of the meniscus in tibial plateau fractures.

Objective To observe expression levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and cholecystokinin (CCK) in the hippocampus and spinal cord in morphine withdrawal or tolerance mice treated by electroacupuncture or catgut embedding and explore the difference between the regulating effects of electroacupuncture and catgut embedding on morphine withdrawal and tolerance.Methods Fifty-six male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated to withdrawal control, withdrawal model, withdrawal catgut embedding and withdrawal electroacupuncture groups, and tolerance control, tolerance model, tolerance catgut embedding and tolerance electroacupuncture groups, 7 mice in each group. A model of morphine withdrawal was made by subcutaneous injection of morphine hydrochloride using 7-day increasing addiction method. The withdrawal control group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline at the same time points. In the withdrawal electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture at bilateral points Shenshu was performed using a Han’s acupoint nerve stimulation device (HANS-200) at 15 min after an injection of morphine hydrochloride. In the withdrawal catgut embedding group, 0.5 cm chromic catgut was embedded in bilateral points Shenshu at 15 min after an injection of morphine hydrochloride. Addiction was promoted by intraperitoneal injection of naloxone 4 mg/kg at 10 o’clock on the seventh day’s morning and Withdrawal reactions were observed in the mice. The score was recorded using the Ryuta Tomoji opioid withdrawal symptoms evaluation scale. NMDA receptor and CCK contents in the hippocampus and spinal cord were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A model of morphine tolerance was made by subcutaneous injection of morphine 10 mg/kg. The tolerance control group was injected with tolerance normal saline 10 ml/kg at the same time. In the tolerance catgut embedding group, catgut was embedded in point Shenshu at the first day after model making. In the tolerance electroacupuncture group, point Shenshu was given electroacupuncture at the first day after model making. After seven days of treatment, NMDA receptor and CCK contents in the hippocampus and spinal cord were measured by ELISA.Results There were statistically significant differences in hippocampal NR2B and CCK expressions between the withdrawal model and withdrawal control groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in hippocampal NR2B expression between the withdrawal electroacupuncture and withdrawal model groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in hippocampal CCK expression between the withdrawal catgut embedding or withdrawal electroacupuncture group and the withdrawal model group (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in spinal cord NR2A, NR2B and CCK expressions between the withdrawal model and withdrawal control groups (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in spinal cord NR2A and NR2B expressions between the withdrawal electroacupuncture and withdrawal model groups (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in hippocampal NR2A, NR2B and CCK expressions between the tolerance model and tolerance control groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in hippocampal CCK expression between the tolerance catgut embedding and tolerance model groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in hippocampal NR1 expression between the tolerance electroacupuncture group and the tolerance model or tolerance catgut embedding group (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in spinal cord CCK expression between the tolerance catgut embedding or withdrawal electroacupuncture group and the tolerance model group (P<0.05).Conclusions Both catgut embedding and electroacupuncture at point Shenshu have a reducing effect on morphine tolerance and withdrawal. The therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture is better than that of catgut embedding.

Objective To study the protective effect of GYY4137 on rat myocardial cells infected by Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) and its signal transduction mechanism.Methods Cardiomyocytes were treated with different concentrations of GYY4137(10,50,100 μmol/L) for 24 hours before addition of 100 TCID50 CVB3 for 2 hours before serum-free conditions.After treatment,the cell viability was ascertained with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay.At the same time,the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interleukin-1β (IL-1β),interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the supernatants were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Western blot was used to study the expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) protein and the inhibitory subunit of (IκBα) in myocardial cells.Results After exposure of cardiomyocytes to GYY4137 with different concentration (10,50,100 μmol/L)for 24 hours cell viability had no change.The NF-κB expression and the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 [(175.80 ± 5.05) ng/L,(25.80 ± 1.97) ng/L,(65.33 ± 3.51) ng/L] in the GYY4137-treated CVB3 infection group were significantly reduced when compared with untreated CVB3 infection group (P ＜ 0.01),respectively.Compared with the normal group,the GYY4137 concentration-dependently restrained the CVB3-mediated IκBα degradation(P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions GYY4137 exerts anti-inflammatory effects in CVB3-infected cardiomyocytes.This anti-inflammatory mechanism may be associated with suppression of the activation of the NF-κB.

Literatures on knee osteoarthritis treated by acupuncture both in China and abroad published in the mainstay periodicals in recent 10 years were selected, and analyses were done in the following aspects: (1) Randomization, (2) Control group, (3) Sample size, (4) Intervention measurements, (5) Intervention periods, (6) Evaluation on therapeutic effects, (7) Follow-up assessment, (8) Adverse effects, (9) Ratio of the lost case. The result indicates that differences can still be found on the trial designation in China and abroad. The domestic research design should be more comprehensively and strictly.
Acupuncture Therapy ; adverse effects ; China ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; therapy

Objective To evaluate the running status of the water-improving projects in Gansu Province in order to further improve the supervising mechanism and raise the efficiency of defluoridation in drinking water.Methods The water-improving projects,either being normal,or intermittent,or discarded and the cause of abnormal running in 33 counties in Gansu Province were surveyed with unified standard method.Fluoride content in water was determined by F-ion selective electrode.Results 993 water improving projects covering 3389 fluorosis villages were surveyed,682 projects worked well[68.68%(682/993)]and had supplied water with normal fluoride contents to 2174 villages[64.15%(2174/3389)]and benefited 116.56 hundred thousand populations.And the rest 311[31.32%(311/993)]projects worked abnormally or supplied unqualified fluoride water.The main causes were the exceeded lasting life,insufficiency of water resources,high fluoride content in water and unqualified administration.Conclusions Most of the water-improving projects in Gansu Province are basically running normally,but about 1/3 of the projects do not function well,so the management of the projects must be improved and consummated.

BACKGROUNDSimultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) is the best treatment option for diabetic patients with advanced chronic renal failure. The current study aimed to analyze the surgical indications, treatments and prognosis of SPKT.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed 40 cases of SPKT performed between December 1999 and January 2010 in our center, including the survival rate, complications and the reasons of reoperation.

RESULTSOf all the 40 SPKT cases, the one-year survival rates of the recipients, kidney and pancreas transplant graft were 97.6%, 97.6% and 92.7%, while 97.6%, 91.1%, 92.7% at 3 years and 83.6%, 78.0%, 79.4% at 5 years, respectively. After SPKT, 10 patients need reoperation because of surgical complications (14 operations). The reoperation rate was 25%, including 2 patients (4 operations) with hematuria, 4 patients with abdominal hemorrhage, 2 patients (3 operations) with abdominal infection, 1 patient with pancreatic venous thrombosis, 1 patient with anastomotic leakage, and 1 patient with fistula.

CONCLUSIONAlthough SPKT provides a successful and effective treatment for diabetics with end-stage renal disease, how to reduce the complications of this treatment still need further effort.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Cephalosporins ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney Transplantation ; Male ; Metronidazole ; therapeutic use ; Middle Aged ; Pancreas Transplantation ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effect of intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy for far lateral lumbar disc herniation.

METHODSFrom February 2005 to February 2010, 73 patients with far lateral lumbar disc herniation were treated with intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy. Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 41 males and 32 females, aged from 19 to 80 years old with an average of 56.5 years; courses of disease ranged from 1 to 25 months with an average of 4.5 months. The main symptom was low back pain and sciatica, especially the sciatica was seriously. Herniation level was in L3,4 of 9 cases, L4,5 of 49 cases, L5S1 of 15 cases. Preoperative, 2 weeks after operation, final follow-up, conditions of pain relief were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS); total life quality of patients were evaluated by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before operation and last follow-up.

RESULTSAll operations were performed successfully, operative time was from 40 to 115 min (mean of 50 min); and blood loss was from 50 to 150 ml (mean of 110 ml). Incision infection had 1 case and incomplete nerve root injury had 1 case. All patients were followed up from 3 to 8 years with an average of 4.5 years. Postoperative VAS and ODI had obviously improved (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe technique of intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy is a feasible and effective method for far lateral lumbar disc herniation.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Diskectomy ; methods ; Endoscopy ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of losartan on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and plasma transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in elderly patients with essential hypertension (EH).

METHODSThe elderly patients with EH were divided into two groups, namely EH+LVH group and EH group according to the data of echocardiogram. The systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the patients were monitored. Plasma TGF-beta1 was measured before and after 6 months' treatment with losartan, and the relationship between TGF-beta1 and other index were analyzed.

RESULTSAfter 6 months' treatment, the blood pressure of EH+LVH group and EH group were significantly lowered (P<0.01). Significant improvement of IVSTd, LVPWd, E/A, and LVMI (P<0.01) and obvious reduction of plasma TGF-beta1 (P<0.01) occurred in EH+LVH group after 6 months' treatment. Correlation analyses indicated that the plasma TGF-beta1 level was positively correlated to LVMI (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONLosartan can reversed LVH in elderly patients with EH partially by lowering plasma TGF-beta1 level.

Aged ; Antihypertensive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; blood ; complications ; drug therapy ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; blood ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Losartan ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; blood

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to explore suppositional sutural construction and protraction in the three-dimensional finite element model of craniofacial complex.

METHODSCombining spiral CT scanning technology with the three-dimensional finite element method, three-dimensional FEM model of craniofacial complex was developed for analysis. In the model, craniofacial sutures were constructed through the MSC. Patran program and different mechanical properties of sutures were applied. Under the same loading condition, bone displacements of the maxilla were calculated.

RESULTSA three-dimensional FE model of craniofacial complex, comprising teeth and craniofacial sutures, was developed. The displacement of the skeletal structures with sutures was significantly larger than that without sutures.

CONCLUSIONSThe construction of craniofacial sutures in the three-dimensional finite element model of craniofacial complex could improve the accuracy of finite element model, which set up good foundation for biomechanical studies of craniofacial complex.

Cephalometry ; methods ; Child ; Cranial Sutures ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Materials Testing ; Radiography