Objective To investigate the effects of remote limb ischemic preconditioning (RLIP) on the lung injury in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.Methods Sixty-two ASA Ⅱ or Ⅲ patients of both sexes,aged 54-72 yr,with body mass index 21-36 kg/m2,undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair,were randomly divided to 2 groups ( n =31 each):control group (group C) and RLIP group.RLIP consisted of two 5-min cycles of left upper limb ischemia induced by a blood pressure cuff placed on the left upper arm and inflated to 200 mm Hg,with an intervening 5 min of reperfusion,during which time the cuff was deflated.RLIP was performed after anesthesia induction and before the start of surgery.Arterial and venous blood samples were taken at 10 min after intubation (T0),and 30 min and 4,8,12 and 24 h after aortic unclamping (T1-5) for blood gas analysis and determination of the concentrations of serum interleukin (IL)-6,tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α,and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity.The alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure difference (PA-aO2 ) and respiratory index (RI) were calculated.The peak airway pressure (Ppeak),plat airway pressure (Pplat) and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) were recorded at the same time points mentioned above to calculate dynamic lung compliance (Cd) and static lung compliance (Cs).The incidence of hypoxemia,extubation time and duration of stay in intensive care unit (IGU) were also recorded.Results Compared with group C,PA-aO2,RI and the concentration of IL-6 were significantly decreased at T3-5,Cs,Cd and SOD activity were significantly increased at T2-5,and the concentrations of TNF-α and MDA were significantly decreased at T2-5 in group RLIP ( P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group C,the incidence of hypoxemia was significantly decreased,and extubation time and duration of stay in ICU were significantly shortened in group RLIP ( P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion RLIP can reduce the lung injury through inhibition of the inflammatory response and lipid peroxidation in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of 6-gingerol, the main active component of ginger, on hair shaft elongation in vitro and hair growth in vivo.

METHODSFirstly, Hair follicles were co-cultured with 3 different concentration of 6-gingerol for 5 days and hair elongation in three groups was measured. Secondly, The proliferative effect of 6-gingerol on DPCs was measured using MTT assay. Thirdly, the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in DPCs were measured using Western blotting. In vivo study, the influence of 6-gingerol on hair growth in C57BL/6 rats was measured through topical application of 6-gingerol on the dorsal skin of each animal.

RESULTSThe length of hair shaft in 20 microg/ml 6-Gingerol group (0.50 +/- 0.08 mm) is less than 0 microg/ml (0.66 +/- 0.19) mm and 10 microg/ml (0.64 +/- 0.03) mm 6-Gingerol group (P < 0.05). In cell culture, compared to 0 microg/ml and 5 microg/ml 6-Gingerol, 10 microg/ml 6-Gingerol can significantly inhibited the proliferation of DPCs (P < 0.05). Along with the growth inhibition of DPCs by 6-gingerol, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio increased obviously. In vivo study, the hair length and density decreased a lot after using 1 mg/ml 6-gingerol.

CONCLUSIONS6-Gingerol can suppress human hair shaft elongation because it has pro-apoptotic effects on DPCs via increasing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. It might inhibit hair growth by prolonging the telogen stage in vivo.

Animals ; Catechols ; pharmacology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cells, Cultured ; Fatty Alcohols ; pharmacology ; Hair ; drug effects ; growth & development ; Hair Follicle ; drug effects ; growth & development ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Rats ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo prepare a novel floating micropellets containing hydroxy propyl-beta-oyclodextrin(puerarin-HP-beta-CD) for gastroretentive dosage form and evaluate its pharmaceutical characteristics in vitro.

METHODThe puerarin HP-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex was prepared by freeze-drying method. Puerarin and its HP-beta-CD inclusion complex were incorporated into alginate beads, respectively. The effect of methyl cellulose (MC), Mg-Stearate and chitosan on buoyancy and cumulative release rate of puerarin were investigated in simulated gastric fluid.

RESULTThe spectrums of FTIR and profiles of X-ray powder diffraction of samples proved the formation of inclusion complex between puerarin and HP-beta-CD. Magnesium stearate had a significant effect on the buoyancy of micropellets, and satisfied results were gained by the content with 2%. The solubility of puerarin was increased 65.6-fold by the formation of inclusion complex, the dissolution rate and cumulative release percentage also improved significantly although with the burst release phenomena. The micropellets showed sustained release properties by using puerarin-HP-beta-CD inclusion complex mixed with puerarin (1:1) and treated thoroughly under homogenizer.

CONCLUSIONThe solubility and release rate of puerarin are increased by the formation of inclusion complex with HP-beta-CD and its gastroretentive dosage forms displayed satisfied floating and sustained release characteristics.

2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin ; Dosage Forms ; Freeze Drying ; Isoflavones ; chemistry ; Solubility ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; X-Ray Diffraction ; beta-Cyclodextrins ; chemistry

Multifocal electroretinogram(mf-ERG)is a common type of electroretinogram. It can objectively, accurately and quantitatively detect the function of each tiny part of the retina, so it is widely used in clinical, especially in retinal diseases. It not only plays an important role in the diagnosis and efficacy evaluation of retinal diseases, but also has an important value in the follow-up and prevention of diseases, even the scope of its application can be extended to basic research. Therefore, this paper reviews the application of multifocal electroretinogram in retinal diseases.

Differences in gene expressions were compared by cDNA microarray in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic rats and normal rats.In diabetic rats,157 genes were down-regulated and 100 genes up-regulated. Some of these genes were related to insulin resistance,glucose and lipid metabolism.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the impact of ABL1–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) adherence on the survival of chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) children and clarify the potential predictors of patients’ prognosis from TKIs intake practices. Materials and Methods: Ninety newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL patients who received TKIs were enrolled. We collected the baseline characteristics and adverse events in all children; moreover, TKIs adherence was measured by an eight-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-8). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) analysis were performed, and risk factors for PFS and OS were evaluated. Results: Among all patients, 69 cases were regarded as adherers, while 21 were non-adherers. The median duration of TKIs interruption was significantly prolonged in the non-adherence group than in the adherence group (13 [0-101] vs. 56 [11-128], p < 0.001). Additionally, dose reduction occurred in 55.2% of non-adherers versus 23.0% of adherers (p=0.002). The PFS and OS in adherers were significantly higher versus non-adherers (p=0.020 and p=0.039). MMAS-8 score was an independent risk factor for PFS (p=0.010) and OS (p=0.031). Among non-adherers, the median OS was only 23.1% (4.2%-42%) in patients aged ≤ 10 years versus 54.4% (38.8%-70%) in adolescents. Most of the patients who experienced TKIs non-adherence suffered pancytopenia. Conclusion TKIs adherence during treatment significantly influenced the survival of pediatric Ph+ ALL patients, and non-adherers with age ≤ 10 years were more vulnerable to TKIs disruption. The cumulative TKIs dose should be especially emphasized to patients with age ≤ 10 years, which may result in an inferior achievement of relevant treatment milestones.

OBJECTIVETo assess the metastatic frequency of subcarinal lymph nodes of thoracic esophageal carcinoma and its influencing factors, in order to determine the adequate range of lymph node dissection during esophagectomy.

METHODSThe clinical data from a cohort of 782 patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma who underwent esophagectomy with lymphadenectomy were analyzed retrospectively with respect to the impact of subcarinal lymph nodes dissection or no dissection on the incidence of postoperative complications.

RESULTSThe metastasis rate of subcarinal lymph nodes was 17.5%. The metastasis rates in the upper, middle and lower esophageal carcinomas were 8.3%, 19.1% and 16.2%, respectively (P > 0.05). For T1, T2, T3 and T4, they were 0, 4%, 22.2% and 34%, respectively (P < 0.05). The overall incidence of postoperative complications with and without subcarinal lymph nodes dissection was 19.0% versus 14.6% (P > 0.05), and the incidence of pulmonary complications was 10.3% versus 7.3% (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThoracic esophageal carcinomas have a high metastasis rate of subcrinal lymph nodes, and subcarinal lymph nodes dissection is not associated with increasing perioperative complications. Therefore, for the thoracic esophageal carcinoma, no matter the tumor site, esophageal cancer length or size, once the tumor invades the outer membrane, routine subcarinal lymph node dissection should be done.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Esophagectomy ; Female ; Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; methods ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo construct the nemo-like kinase (NLK) gene recombinant adenovirus vector.

METHODSThe AdEasy system was used to construct the recombinant adenovirus vector. Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the full-length gene of NLK and its mutants (K155M, T286V, and C425Y) were amplified from HEK293 cells. The FLAG tag was appended at the C-terminal of NLK. After ligation and transformation, the NLK gene and its mutants were cloned into the pAdTrack-CMV vector. It was detected by PCR, sequencing, and Western blot analysis. Using DNA recombination and homogenous recombination, the normally expressed plasmids were linearized by the restriction enzyme-PmeI and PacI, then the enzyme-digested products were recycled by using ethanol precipitation. The purified product was transfected to HEK293A packaging cells with FuGENE HD transfection reagent. After amplification of the recombinant adenovirus, Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of NLK gene and its mutants.

RESULTSThe successful construction of pAdtrack-CMV-NLK (and mutants) was confirmed by PCR and sequencing. Western blot analysis showed that the target genes and the recombinant adenovirus were obtained. This recombinant virus was able to express NLK protein and its mutants correctly in HCT 116 cells.

CONCLUSIONThe NLK gene recombinant adenovirus vector was successfully constructed and identified.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo test the safety and accuracy of the computer-assisted orthopaedic system for distal locking of intramedullary nails and apply it to internal fixation with intramedullary nails in the lower limb.

METHODSAccording to the theory of mechanical arms stereotactic localization in computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery (CAOS), we design a CAOS system for distal locking of intramedullary nails. The system comprised 2 independent modules: computer-assisted imaging and registration workstation; mechanical stereotactic framework. Ten plastic tibia models, 20 plastic femur models (Synbone AG, Malans, Switzerland) and 6 human cadaver lower limbs were randomly divided into 2 groups undergoing internal fixation with intramedullary nails (Orthofix, Germany). The first group (CAOS group with 5 plastic tibia models, 10 plastic femur models, 6 human cadaver tibia, 6 human cadaver femur; each nail had 2 holes, and 2 distal locking screws were inserted in each bone, which gave a total number of 54 holes) used a computer-assisted orthopaedic system, the second group (CONTROL GROUP is the same as CAOS group) used Orthofix mechanical targeting device for distal locking. Comparison between 2 groups was made in radiation exposure time, operating time, percentage of correctly placed screws.

RESULTSCAOS group: operating time was (4.44 +/- 2.99) min; radiation exposure time was (1.16 +/- 0.38) min; correctly placed screws rate was (100 +/- 0)%.

CONTROL GROUPoperating time was (10.42 +/- 4.18) min; radiation exposure time was (4.71 +/- 3.86) min; correctly placed screws rate was (94.44 +/- 0.36)%. Operating time and radiation exposure time in CAOS group were significantly shorter than those in control group (P < 0.05), no differences were found between 2 groups in relation to the percentage of correctly placed screws.

CONCLUSIONSBy using CAOS system for distal locking of intramedullary nails, the locking holes can be drilled accurately and safely. Radiation exposure significantly reduced.

Cadaver ; Equipment Design ; Femur ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; instrumentation ; Humans ; Models, Anatomic ; Random Allocation ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted ; instrumentation ; Tibia ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the possible association between dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) TaqI A and TaqI B genotypes as well as smoking behavior and the risk of lung cancer among Chinese Han people.

METHODSPCR was used to perform genotyping on peripheral WBC DNA from 326 lung cancer patients and 326 age, sex and ethnicity-matched healthy controls. Subjects were interviewed to obtain relevant information and lifetime history of tobacco use.

RESULTSThere were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of DRD2 genotypes between lung cancer cases and controls. The DRD2 genotypes and smoking status showed no correlation among cases and among controls as well. However, among controls, the frequency of the DRD2 * A2/A2 genotype in smokers who smoked > or = 25 cigarettes/day appeared to be higher than that in those who smoked < 25 cigarettes/day (42.5% versus 26.1%, P = 0.047). A similar trend was also found for the DRD2 * B2/B2 genotype, which was linked to the DRD2 * A2/A2 genotype, although the difference was not significant (40.0% versus 26.1%, P = 0.091). In contrast to controls, no association was found between the DRD2 genotypes and smoking among lung cancer cases.

CONCLUSIONOur results suggested that DRD2 * A2/A2 genotype might be associated with a greater smoking intensity in Chinese. Further studies are needed to confirm this preliminary finding.

Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; etiology ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Receptors, Dopamine D2 ; genetics ; Smoking ; adverse effects