AIMTo observe the effects of Ca2+ -activated K+ channel of primary cultured fetal SD rat cortex neurons in the veratridine triggered neuronal damage.

METHODSThe patch clamp technique of cell-attach and inside-out mode for these two kinds of single channel recordings were used.

RESULTSExtracellular veratridine activated the Kca. In Ca2+ bath solution of cell-attach mode, Vp + 30 mV, when the concentration (micromol/L) of veratridine were 15,25,50 and 75, the open probabilities of the channel were 0.014 +/- 0.003, 0.085 +/- 0.010, 0.132 +/- 0.016 and 0.059 +/- 0.006 (P < 0.01) respectively. It appeared concentration-dependent within 50 micromol/L veratridine. In Ca2+ free bath solution of cell-attach mode, Vp = +50 mV, when the concentration (micromol/L) of veratridine were 15, 40,60 and 100, the open probabilities of the channel were 0.014 +/- 0.010, 0.113 +/- 0.006, 0.141 +/- 0.004 and 0.295 +/- 0.009 (P < 0.05) respectively. In the 6 cases of inside-out mode patch clamp, Vp = +40 mV, when the concentration of veratridine were 0, 25 micromol/L and 50 micromol/L, the open probabilities of the channel were 0.011 +/- 0.008, 0.010 +/- 0.010 and 0.012 +/- 0.007 (P > 0.05) respectively. There were no significant difference on open probabilities, average open/close times and amplitudes at different intracellular veratridine concentration.

CONCLUSIONVeratridine can affect the activation of the Kca channel through regulating the concentration of cytoplasmic free Ca2+. The opening of Kca activated by increase of intracellular Ca2+ during the early stage of anoxia may be a protection reaction of ischemic neurons.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Neurons ; cytology ; drug effects ; physiology ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Veratridine ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the rehabilitation effects ergometry on COPD patients.

METHODSThirty COPD out-patients in our Hospital were randomly divided into 2 groups. Rehabilitation group, 15 patients, performed leg ergometry exercise of 80% peak Watt x 30min/d x 3d/w x 12w. Another 15 patients were control group without exercise. All patients received conventional therapy. Pulmonary function testing (PFT), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), arterial blood gas analysis (ABG), Borg and CAT sores were done at both baseline and 12 w.

RESULTSThere was no statistically difference in lung function testing, blood gas analysis and cardiopulmonary exercise test when pre- exercises between 2 sub-groups. The IC, peak VO2 and peak, W of rehabilitation group significantly increased (P < 0.05); and Borg and CAT.scores significantly decreased (P < 0.05) from baseline; and other PFT and ABG did not change (P > 0.05). While there was no difference in control group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONLeg submaximal ergometry rehabilitation improves health condition and ameliorate dyspnea symptoms in COPD patients.

Blood Gas Analysis ; Dyspnea ; therapy ; Exercise Test ; Exercise Therapy ; Humans ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; therapy ; Respiratory Function Tests

OBJECTIVETo screen phosphopeptide specific for acute leukemia.

METHODSMononuclear cells from bone marrow were collected from 16 newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 20 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Peptides were extracted and purified, analyzed by immunoprecipitation and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

RESULTS(1) Non-receptor tyrosine kinase family members Fyn, Yes, Src widely expressed in acute leukemia; (2) Some phosphopeptides, including non-receptor tyrosine kinase family members Abl/iso1 and Abl, non-receptor Ser/Thr protein kinase family members Bcr, JNK2, JNK2 iso2, Adaptor/scaffold members Cas-L, Cbl, CrkL CENTD1 (Centaurin delta1) ZO2, transcriptor GFR-1 and phosphatase SHIP-2 were detected in Ph positive ALL, but not in other kinds of ALL. (3) Hck, Lyn and Fgr selectively expressed in AML (except AML-M(3)).

CONCLUSIONSome phosphopeptides were specific for ALL and AML, and may be useful for diagnosis and therapy of acute leukemia.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Humans ; Immunoprecipitation ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; genetics ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Proteins ; analysis ; Phosphopeptides ; analysis ; Phosphorylation ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proteomics ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical results of early and delayed intramedullary nailing and locked plating for the treatment of multi-segments tibial fractures of type AO/ASIF-42C2.

METHODSBetween January 2010 and January 2013,45 patients with multi-segments closed tibial fractures of AO/ASIF-42C2 were treated by early primary intramedullary nailing and locked plating in 20 cases as early group and delayed in 25 cases as delayed group. In early group,20 cases included 13 males and 7 females with an average age of (37.9±14.3) years old ranging from 20 to 56 years;according to soft tissue injury Tscherne classification, 8 fractures were frade I,12 were grade II. In delayed group, 25 cases included 17 males and 8 females with an average age of (38.7±17.2) years old ranging from 24 to 55 years,4 fractures were grade I ,19 were grade II ,2 were grade III. The operative time, blood loss, hospital stay,fracture healing time and complications were recorded. At final follow-up, the Johner-Wruhs score were used to evaluate functional efficacy, and the posterior-anterior and lateral X-ray to evaluate fracture reduction and alignment.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up for (12.5±2.5) months in early group and (13.2±2.8) months in delayed group (P>0.05). No wounds infections were happened. At the last follow-up, the mean range of knee joint was 10°-0°-120°. According to Johner-Wruhs scoring,there were 15 cases in excellent,3 in good,fair in 2 in early group; 21 in excellent,2 in good,2 in fair. The average operative time,blood loss had no significant differences between two groups (P>0.05), but hospital stay in early group was significantly shorter than those in delayed group(P<0.05). Average fracture healing time of early group and delayed group were (5.3±2.6) months and (6.0±2.9) months, respectively (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONFor multi-segments tibial fractures of type AO/ASIF-42C2 with preoperative minor soft tissue injuries lighter of Tscherne grade I or II, early primary intramedullary nailing and locked plating does not significantly increase the postoperative incidence of soft tissue complications for patients. The early and delayed primary intramedullary nailing and locked plating for treatment of AO/ASIF-42C2 proximal third tibial fractures can get similar curative effect.

Adult ; Bone Plates ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tibial Fractures ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the chemical constituents of the bulbs of Bolbostemma panicultum.

METHODThe compounds were isolated by column chromatography on silica gel, C18, Sephadex LH-20 separately and their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic technologies.

RESULTEight compounds were isolated and identified as maltol(I), emodin(II), cucurbitacin B(III), cucurbitacin E(IV), stigmasta-7, 22, 25-triene-3-ol(V), stigmasta-7, 22, 25-triene-3-nonadecanoic acid ester(VI), stigmasta-7, 22, 25-triene-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside(VII), stigmasta-7, 22, 25-triene-3-O-beta-D-(6'-palmitoyl) glucopyranoside(VIII).

CONCLUSIONI-VIII were obtained from this plant for the first time; VI and VIII are new compounds.

Cucurbitaceae ; chemistry ; Emodin ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Saponins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Stigmasterol ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Triterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

It has been shown that oxidative stress correlates with atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the electrophysiological activity of human atrial myocytes. Right atrial appendages were obtained from patients with AF (AF group, n=12) and without AF (non-AF group, n=12). Single human atrial myocytes were isolated through enzymatic dissociation with type XXIV protease and type V collagenase, then divided into three subgroups: control group (n=12), H2O2 group (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 5, 10 mumol/L, n=7 at each concentration) and vitamin C (antioxidant) group (1 mumol/L, n=7). Ultrarapid delayed rectifier K(+) current (I(Kur)), L-type calcium current (I(Ca,L)) and action potential duration (APD) were recorded by whole-cell patch clamp. In AF control group, the maximum current densities of I(Kur) and I(Ca,L) were significantly lower than that in non-AF control group (both P<0.05) and APD(90) was significantly shorter as well (P<0.05). In both non-AF and AF groups, H2O2 showed two-way concentration-dependent effect on I(Kur) and I(Ca,L). The maximum current densities of I(Kur) and I(Ca,L) was significantly increased at lower H2O2 concentration, but was decreased at higher H2O2 concentration. In non-AF group, 0.2 mumol/L H2O2 caused a peak increase in the maximum current identities of I(Kur) [(8.92+/-0.51) pA/pF, P<0.05] and I(Ca,L) [(9.32+/-0.67) pA/pF, P<0.05]. H2O2 at a concentration higher than 0.75 mumol/L decreased I(Kur) and I(Ca,L). When the H2O2 concentrations were 0.2, 1, 2, 5 and 10 mumol/L, APD(90) was significantly shorter compared with that in non-AF control group (P<0.05), meanwhile it had no significant difference from that in AF control group. In AF group, the peak effective concentration of H2O2 was 0.5 mumol/L, and the turning concentration was 1 mumol/L. The H2O2 concentration-current density curve in AF group was similar to that in non-AF group, but the turning point shifted to the right, indicating that the way that H2O2 acted on ion channels in AF was the same as that in non-AF, however, the sensitivity of ion channels to H2O2 was decreased in AF. Vitamin C reversed these changes induced by H2O2, and did not affect the characteristics of ion channels. H2O2-induced electrophysiological changes in human atrial myocytes were similar to atrial electrical remodeling (AER) in AF, suggesting that ROS might induce AF. Meanwhile, H2O2 also could aggravate AER in AF, contributing to the maintenance of AF. The results suggest that antioxidants might play a significant role in the prevention and treatment of AF.
Action Potentials ; Atrial Fibrillation ; physiopathology ; Calcium ; physiology ; Calcium Channels, L-Type ; physiology ; Delayed Rectifier Potassium Channels ; physiology ; Heart Atria ; cytology ; Humans ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; chemistry ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; physiology ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Potassium ; physiology ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy differences of acupoints massage for asthenopia of video display terminal (VDT) under different exposure dose.

METHODSOne hundred and two cases (204 eyes) were divided into a low exposure group and a high exposure group, fifty-one cases in each group. The same intervention of acupoints massage on Cuanzhu (BL 2), Jingming (BL 1), Sizhukong (TE 23), Sibai (ST 2) and Taiyang(EX-HN 5) were given to the two groups, one acupoint for 5 min and once everyday, one month of which made a course. The symptom score, tear film break-up time (BUT) and Schirmer I test(SIT) were observed before and after treatment.

RESULTS(1) The correlation coefficient of cubic curve model of the exposure dose was the biggest with symptom improvement index (P = 0.000), which indicated that the lower VDT exposure index was, the more obvious the symptom improved. The symptom improvement indices of low exposure group and high exposure group, which were (52.31 +/- 16.65)% and (28.93 +/- 13.35)% respectively, were statistical significant difference (P = 0.000). (2) Compared to before treatment, the levels of BUT and SIT in the two groups were both significantly higher (P < 0.05). Compared with the high exposure group, the levels of BUT and SIT in the low exposure group were increased by 0.826 s (P = 0.022) and 1.029 mm (P = 0.033), respectively, after the impact of BUT and SIT was corrected before the research.

CONCLUSIONThe acupoints massage can improve the symptoms and ocular physiology for patients with VDT asthenpia, and it is more effective for the low exposure cases.

Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Asthenopia ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Computer Terminals ; utilization ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Massage ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Diseases ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Tears ; secretion ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the cerebral blood flow (CBF) perfusion patterns and related factors in hyperthyroidism patients.Methods Twenty-five patients with hyperthyroidism and twenty-two healthy controls matched for age,sex,education were enrolled.~(99)Tc~m-ethylene cysteinate dimer (ECD) SPECT CBF perfusion imaging was performed at rest.Statistical parametric mapping 5.0 software (SPM5) was used and a statistical threshold of P＜0.05 (corrected) was applied for signifying changes of regional CBF (rCBF).The semiquantitative values of rCBF were extracted automatically by brain search 1.1 software and were correlated with concentrations of serum thyroid hormones(FT_3,FT_4),thyroid autoimmune antibodies:sensitive thyroid stimulating hormone(sTSH),thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) by Pearson analysis,with disease duration by Spearman analysis.Results rCBF was decreased significantly in limbic system and frontal lobe,including parahippocampal gyrus,uncus (posterior entorhinal cortex,posterior parolfactory cortex,parahippocampal cortex,anterior cingulate,right inferior temporal gyrus),left hypothalamus and caudate nucleus (P＜0.05,corrected).rCBF in left lingual gyrus,posterior cingulated was negatively correlated with concentration of FT_3(r=-0.468,-0.417,both P＜0.05).rCBF in left lingual gyrus,bilateral inferior temporal gyrus,right superior parietal lobe was negatively correlated with concentration of FT_4(r=-0.4M,-0.418,-0.415,-0.459,all P＜0.05),while that in left mammillary body and putamen was positively correlated with concentration of FT_4(r=0.419,0.412,both P＜0.05).rCBF in left insula was negatively correlated with concentration of sTSH,and right auditory associated cortex was positively correlated with concentration of sTSH(r=-0.504,0.429,both P＜0.05).rCBF in left middle temporal gyrus,left angular gyrus was positively correlated with concentration of TRAb while that in right thalamus,right hypothalamus,left anterior nucleus,left ventralis nucleus was negatively correlated with concentration of TRAb(r=0.750,0.862,-0.691,-0.835,-0.713,-0.759,all P＜0.05).rCBF in right anterior cingulate,right cuneus,right rectus gyrus,right superior marginal gyrus was positively correlated with concentration of TPOAb(r=0.696,0.581,0.779,0.683,all P＜0.05).rCBF in postcentral gyrus,temporal gyrus,left superior marginal gyrus and auditory associated cortex was positively correlated with disease duration(r=0.502,0.457,0.524,0.440,all P＜0.05).Conclusion Hypoperfusions in limbic system and fontal lobe were found in hyperthyroidism Patients,which might be associated with thyroid function and disesse duration.

Objective To investigate a shorter and safer route for contralateral C_7 nerve root transfer. Methods Eight male patients were treated from Dec2005 to Nov.2006Their range of age was from 22 to 43 years with an average of 30 yearsFive cases had total brachial plexus avulsion.The operative delay was from 2 to 6 months(mean:4 months).The sealenus anterior muscle was transected before a prespinaJ & ret- ropharyngeal tunnel was madeThe contralateral C_7 nerve root was used to repair the upper trunk or the infra- clavicular lateral cord and posterior cord of injured side via this routeusing direct anastomosis or nerve graft- ing.Results The length of the harvested contralateral C_7 nerve root was(4.67?0.52em in the early 5 casesThe nerve graft was6.25?0.35)em long for repairing supraclavicular brachial plexus and(8.56?0.45cm long for repairing infraclavicular brachial plexusThe length of the harvested contralateral C_7 nerve root averaged 6.85cm in the other 3 cases2 of which had direct anastomosis to the residual nerve C_5 and C_6 nerve roots and the other used nerve graft of 3 cm in lengthTransient contralateral sensory symptoms were re- ported in most patientsAt 3 months followups6 patients had tingling sensation on the contralateral fingers with percussion on the injured cervical areaIpsilateral SSEP could be recorded by stimulating at 2 cm above sternoclavicular joint on the injured sideAt 7 months follow ups of 5 patientsCMAP could be recorded in bi- cepsdeltoids and infraspinatus or triceps with stimulation at Erb's pointHoweverno clinical movements was noticedAt 12 months follow ups of 3 patientswe could observe early motor and sensory function recovery of those patients to different extent.Conclusion Transection of anterior scalenus muscle shortens the length of the transfer route and allows more efficient neurotizationThe procedure is convenient and safeprovided certain precautions being usedThe principal of contralateral C_7 nerve transfer are reconstruct the anterior divi- sions of upper trunkposterior divisions of upper trunk and suprascapular nerve when repairing the supraclavic- ula brachial plexusReconstruct the lateral cord and posterior cord when repairing the infraclavicula brachial plexusPostsurgical fasting for 4 days included foods and liquids will benefit of healing of anastomosed nerves and regenerationaud avoid complications.

Objective To explore the influence of histamine H3 receptor agonist, IMETIT and simultaneous use of IMETIT and H1-receptor antagonist, Loratadine, on the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) and substance P(SP) secretion and expression of SP receptor (SP-R)mRNA in AR model in guinea pigs. Methods Guinea pigs were divided randomly into 4 groups: AR group (group A) , IMETIT group (group B), Loratadine group (group C) and IMETIT + Loratadine group (group D). The severity of AR was assessed by determining the extent of three markers of allergic symptoms (sneezing, nasal rubbing and nose blocking). The changes in the nasal mucosa were studied by pathological methods. The expression of positive cell of SP was detected by immunohistochemistry. SP-R mRNA expression in nasal mucosa was used to do reverse transcriptive-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Statistical analysis was performed using a SPSS 13. 0 software. Results In Group B, the mean (i ± s) number of sneeze [ (15. 0 ± 1. 3) times] , scratching nose [ ( 16. 5 ± 2. 3 ) times ] and respiratory frequency [ (76. 3 ± 4. 1 ) times/min ] were significantly improved than those in group A [ (23. 5 ±2. 6) times, (26. 1 ±4. 1) times and (66. 5 ±5. 8) times/min, respectively), P value were 0.000, 0.000 and 0.001, respectively]. The numbers of SP positive cells [(11. 6 ±3. 6)/HP] and SP-R mRNA expression (0.64 ±0.04 ) in group B were reduced significantly compared to group A [ (27. 1 ± 9. 7)/HP, (0. 83 ± 0. 03 ) , P value were 0. 000, 0. 000, respectively]. Sneeze [(10.0 ±2.3) times], scratching nose [(11.8 ± 1.7) times] and respiration [ (90. 0 ±5. 0) times/min] in Group D were improved significantly than those in group B (P value were 0.000, 0. 002 and 0. 000, respectively). SP-positive cells [ (2. 0 ± 1. 7)/HP] and SP-R mRNA expression (0. 52 ±0. 06) in Group D compared with group B were also significantly reduced (P value were 0. 012 and 0. 000, respectively). Pathological changes in guinea pig nasal mucosa in group B, group D were alleviated than those in group A. The combination of IMETIT and Loratadine had a synergistic effect on these effects (F value were 11. 59, 8. 28,5. 61,5.48,6. 50, respectively, P value were 0. 002, 0. 008, 0. 025, 0. 027, 0. 017). Conclusions IMETIT and the combination of IMETIT with Loratadine can effectively relieve the symptoms of AR in guinea pigs, its mechanism may be relevant to reduce SP secretion and the expression of SP-RmRNA, and the two has a synergistic effect. It may be useful as a novel therapeutic approach in nasal allergy.