Objective To investigate the effect of astaxanthin( ASX)on endothelial progenitor cells( EPCs)injury induced by oxidative stress in vitro and to explore its underlying mechanism. Methods Cultured EPCs isolated from peripheral blood were randomly divided into 5 groups:normal control,model group[ tert-butyl hydroperoxide( tBHP)100μmol·L-1 ],and ASX+tBHPgroups(thecellswerepreconditionedwithASX0.1,1.0,and10.0nmol·L-1,respectively).Thecellviabilitywas measured by MTT method. The level of reactive oxygen species( ROS)was determined by DCFH-DA method. The changes of mitochondrial membrane potential( MMP)and apoptosis ratio were detected by JC-1 method and DAPI method,respectively. caspase-3 activity changes of EPCs were detected. Results The cell viability of EPCs was improved with the increasing concentration of ASX. Compared with the model group[(48. 5±4. 3)%],0. 1,1. 0,10. 0 nmol·L-1 ASX significantly increased the cell viabilities[(57. 6±8. 2)%,(77. 6±7. 5)%,and(85. 3±6. 1)%,P﹤0. 05]. The results of DAPI staining revealed that ASX pretreatment could significantly reduce the apoptotic rate of EPCs. The apoptotic rate of the model group was( 27. 8 ± 3. 2)%,while that of ASX+tBHP groups was[(20. 4±2. 9)%,(14. 9±1. 7)%,and(7. 8±0. 7)%,P﹤0. 05],respectively. The data from caspase-3 activity assay indicated that ASX precondition could also remarkably decrease the caspase-3 activity for EPCs. The caspase-3 activity of the model group was(0. 345±0. 018),while that of the ASX+tBHP group were[(0. 291± 0. 013),(0. 209±0. 004),and(0. 169±0. 013),P﹤0. 05],respectively. In addition,treatment with tBHP resulted in an increase of DCF fluorescence,while ASX precondition could decrease the DCF fluorescence,which suggested the accumulation of intercellular ROS for EPCs. Injury of michondrial membrane resulted in the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential( MMP). The MMP detected by JC-1 method revealed that compared with model group,pretreatment of ASX inversed the reduction of MMP. Conclusion Astaxanthin inhibits endothelial progenitor cell apoptosis induced by oxidative stress through inhibiting ROS production,improving the mitochondrial function and down-regulating caspase-3 activity.

Objective To study the rule of lymph node metastasis rate in cN 0 papillary thyroid microcar-cinoma( cN0-PTMC) and to evaluate an appropriate region of neck dissection .Methods Data of 233 cases of cN0-PTMC were retrospectively analyzed .Univariate analysis with chi-square test was used to analyze the statisti-cal correlation between gender , age, tumor diameter and lymph node metastasis respectively .Results 81 out of 233 patients(34.8%)had cervical lymph node metastasis (30.0%in central region and 9.9%in lateral region). For patients with tumor diameter ( D)≤5 mm and D>5 mm, lymph node metastasis rate in central region was 21.6%and 36.6%(χ2 =6.199,P<0.05) and it was 4.9% and 13.7% respectively in lateral region (χ2 =5.035,P<0.05).For male and female patients, lymph node metastasis rate in central region was 42.1% and 26.1%respectively(χ2 =5.224,P<0.05), and it was 21.1% and 6.3% respectively in lateral region (χ2 =10.604,P<0.01).Lymph node metastasis rate in patients≤45 years old and >45 years old was 37.9% and 21.1% respectively (χ2 =7.792, P <0.01 ) .The lateral region lymph node metastasis rate was 17.1% and 6.7%when the central region lymph node was infringed or not (χ2 =5.947, P<0.05).Conclusions All cN0-PTMC patients should have a normative central neck dissection .Male patients with PTMC and tumor diameter >5 mm should receive the lateral neck lymphoid tissue exploration during surgery in order to find subclinical metas -tasis.

Objective To discuss the operative strategies for cervical spine fracture combined with ankylosing spondylitis and the deformity of cervicothoracic kyphosis.Methods Retrospectively analyzed 21 cases of cervical spine fracture combined with ankylosing spondylitis and the deformity of cervicothoracic kyphosis,who underwent surgeries from January,2007 to August,2014.Twenty males and 1 female were included.Mean age was (48.6±7.5) years (range,36-65 years).The preoperative American Spine Injury Association (ASIA) classification distribution:2 cases of Grade A,6 cases of Grade B,7 cases of Grade C,5 cases of Grade D,and 1 case of of Grade E.The investigative surgical methods including posterior cervical open reduction,internal fixation and bone graft fusion;posterior cervical open reduction/decompression,internal fixation and bone graft fusion;or combined posterior and anterior cervical decompression,bone graft fusion and instrumentation.The operative time and blood loss were recorded,the clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score,ASIA grade improvement,cervical curvature (the angle between a line drawn parallel to the inferior endplate of C2 and a line drawn parallel to the inferior endplate of C7 in the lateral plane of an X-ray image) and radiological assessment (including bone graft fusion condition and internal fixation position).Results One case died from severe pulmonary infection and respiratory failure at the 45th day after operation.All the other 20 patients obtained complete follow-up with a mean time of (39.4±8.76) months (range,25-59 months).7 cases received posterior cervical open reduction,internal fixation and bone graft fusion,average operative time was (92.1±5.4) minutes and average blood loss was (96.1+23.7) ml.9 cases received the posterior cervical open reduction and decompression,internal fixation and bone graft fusion,mean operation time was (121.4± 14.0) minutes and blood loss was (250.0±38.9) ml.3 cases experienced combined posterior and anterior cervical decompression,bone graft fusion and fixation,average operative time was (222.4± 14.9) minutes and average blood loss was (354.3+46.7) ml.Mean of VAS scores at the 3th month postoperatively was 2.76±0.46,significantly lower than the preoperatively VAS scores (8.95±0.36).Mean of VAS scores at the 24th month postoperatively was 1.77±0.39,significantly lower than those at the 3th month postoperatively.The neurological function of spinal cord achieved significant improvement after operations and continued recovered gradually in the subsequent follow up.ASIA Classification distribution at the 24th month postoperatively was:0 case of Grade A,0 case of Grade B,3 cases of Grade C,8 cases of Grade D,9 case of Grade E.Mean of the cervical curvature after operation was-7.1°± 1.9°,significantly higher than preoperatively(-13.4°±3.3°) and did not have any loss of Cobb's angles at 24th month after operation.All the surviving cases achieved solid bone graft fusion.Mean bone graft fusion time was 5.8 months (range,4-9 months).There was no internal fixation loose,fracture and dislocation occurred during follow up.Conclusion All procedures can significantly relieve the painful symptoms,effectively restore the normal cervical alignment and stability,and remarkably improve the neural function of the patients suffering cervical spine fracture combined with ankylosing spondylitis and the deformity of cervicothoracic junction kyphosis.

To identify the cause of an outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) in Jiangxi (China) in 2010, 20 eye conjunctival swabs were first collected from AHC patients. Then, viruses were isola- ted and tested for human enterovirus 70, coxsackievirus A24 variant (CV-A24v) and adenovirus using the polymerase chain reaction. All CV-A24v isolates underwent sequencing of 3C and VP1 coding regions. Then, a phylogenetic tree was constructed for Jiangxi CV-A24v and worldwide CV-A24v based on,3C and VP1 regions, respectively. Ten out of 20 specimens were positive for CV-A24v, implying that the outbreak was caused by CV-A24v. The phylogenetic tree based on the 3C region showed that Jiangxi CV- A24v belonged to cluster 5 in genotype IV (GIV-C5) with strains isolated throughout the world after 2010, and were divided further into A and B lineages. Phylogenetic analyses of the VP1 region showed that all of the worldwide CV-A24v strains isolated after 2000 could be divided into five groups (1-5). Jiangxi CV-A24v was classified into group 5 and also divided further into A and B lineages upon analyses of the 3C region. These data suggested that CV-A24v causing AHC outbreaks in China in 2010 belonged to GIV-C3 and GIV-C5. At least two transmission lineages were circulated in Jiangxi in 2010. The classification of CV-A24v isolated after 2010 worldwide using the phylogenetic tree based on the VP1 region was almost consistent with that based on the 3C region and also had significant chronological clustering.
China ; epidemiology ; Conjunctivitis, Acute Hemorrhagic ; epidemiology ; virology ; Coxsackievirus Infections ; epidemiology ; virology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Enterovirus C, Human ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Genotype ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Viral Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate preverbal communication skills in Chinese deaf children with cochlear implants, and to provide a basis for designing the habilitation program and establish a precursor for outcomes of habilitation. METHOD: Thirty children with cochlear implants participated in this study with a mean age of 32 months. They all had used the cochlear implant system within 12 months with a mean of 5. 8 months. All the children were diagnosed with prelingual profound hearing loss before cochlear implantation. Tait video analysis was used to analyze and assess the preverbal communication skills including turn-taking, autonomy, eye contact and auditory awareness. All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 13.0 statistical software package with a criterion of statistical significance set at P < 0.05. RESULT: The skill of turn-taking developed quickly within 12 months after cochlear implantation. The vocal turn developed in a similar pattern, and the score of gesture turn decreased slowly. The skills of autonomy and appropriate eye contact showed small changes over time at a lower level. The score of auditory awareness increased gradually after surgery. CONCLUSION Children established a vocal/auditory mode of early communicative behavior following cochlear implantation. They preferred to communicate with others in a more vocal style. Video analysis is a useful tool to assess preverbal communication skills in deaf children with cochlear implants in China.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cochlear Implantation ; Cochlear Implants ; Deafness ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Language Development ; Male

Objective To explore the lateral neck lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients affected by papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC) with clinically negative neck (cN0-PTC) and to discuss the necessity of prophylactic lateral neck lymph node dissection.Methods Clinical data of 651 cN0-PTC patients who underwnt surgical procedure in Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University from Jan.2012 to May.2015 were retrospectively analyzed.Chi-square test was used for univariate analysis.Results Of the 651 cN0-PTC patients,62.9％ had LNM (51.3％ in central neck,41.0％ in lateral neck,and 11.7％ with "skip" metastasis).The lateral neck metastasis rate was 50.9％ in men and 37.7％ in women (P＜0.05),61.9％ in patients with tumor diameter ＞1.0 cm and 25.9％ in patients with tumor diameter ≤ 1.0 cm (P＜0.001),47.2％ with multifocal cancer and 40.3％ with unifocal tumor(P＜0.05),63.1％ with extrathyroidal extention and 34.3％ without extention (P＜0.001),64.1％ with ≥3 positive nodes in central neck and 48.3％ with ＜3 positive nodes (P＜0.05),52.4％ with upper lobe cancer and 32.9％ with other locations(P＜0.001),41.0％ in patients ≤45 years and 40.9％ in patients ＞45 years(P＞0.05).Conclusion Central neck dissection should be performed in all cN0-PTC patients.Prophylactic lateral neck dissection should beselectively performed in cN0-PTC patients with following high-risk factors:male,tumor diameter ＞1.0 cm,multifocal cancer,extrathyroidal extention,≥ 3 positive nodes in central neck and upper lobe cancer.

Objective To investigate the related factors of central regional lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).Methods The clinical and pathological fea tures of 550 cases of PTMC with clinical lymph node negative (cN0) were retrospectively analyzed.x2 test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the related factors of CLNM.ROC curve was used to analyze tumor diameter and CLNM of PTMC.Results The CLNM rate was 35.6％.Univariate analysis showed that patients aging less than 45 y(x2=13.983,P＜0.001),with tumor diameter≥7 mm (x2=14.263,P＜0.001),with capsule invasion (x2=7.316,P=0.006),multifocality (x2=14.321,P＜0.05) and bilateral tumors (x2=9.265,P=0.002) were more likely to have CLNM.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age ＜45 y,tumor diameter ≥7 mm,invasion of capsule and multifocal are all independent risk factors of CLNM for patients with PTMC.The optimal cutoff value of CLNM by diameter was 8 mm.Conclusion The CLNM of PTMC is related to many factors.When the age of the patient is less than 45 y,the diameter of the tumor is more than 7 mm,the invasion of the capsule and the multifocal lesion,the central lymph node dissection should be performed.

Objective: To investigate the early intervention effects of metoprolol on connexin 43(Cx43) and phosphorylated Cx43 (p-Cx43) expression in rabbits with post myocardial infarction. Methods: A total of 24 adult male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into sham group (n=6), early treatment group(n=6), routine treatment group(n=6), and myocardial infarction group(n=6) with a randomized block design blocked by weight. Myocardial infarction was induced by left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation. Rabbits in sham group received similar surgical procedure without LAD ligation. Metoprolol (12.5 mg/kg dissolved in 2 ml distilled water) was applied to rabbits in early treatment group and routine treatment group per gavage immediately after recovery from anesthesia and at 24 hours after myocardial infarction, respectively, then treated daily for 40 days. Rabbits in sham group and myocardial infarction group received 2 ml distilled water per gavage daily for 40 days. Plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) level were detected by automatic biochemistry analyzer after 6 hours in all rabbits. Ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) was measured in vivo by bipolar pacing electrodes at 40 days. Cx43 and p-Cx43 distribution in ventricular tissue was detected by immunofluorescence analyses. Cx43 and p-Cx43 protein level in ventricular tissue was determined by Western blot. Results: (1) Plasma LDH ((851.7±85.9)U/L vs. (332.3±39.6)U/L, P<0.01) and CK ((1 192.7±105.3)U/L vs. (462.3±65.6)U/L, P<0.01) were significantly higher in myocardial infarction group than in sham group (both P<0.01). (2) VFT was significantly lower in myocardial infarction group than that in sham group ((470.0±91.0) beats per minute vs. (683.3±60.9) beats per minute, P<0.05), and VFT was significantly higher in early treatment group ((633.3±43.2) beats per minute) and routine treatment group ((645.0±30.8) beats per minute) than in the myocardial infarction group (both P<0.05). (3) Immunofluorescence analyses showed that Cx43 was mainly localized in the intercalated disk, which was perpendicular to the cell long axis with linear arrangement, and less lateral distribution in sham group, early treatment group and routine treatment group, which was significantly different as the case in the myocardial infarction group. The expression of p-Cx43 in myocardial infarction group was less than in sham group, which was significantly upregulated in in early treatment group and routine treatment group when compared with myocardial infarction group, and expression of p-Cx43 was significantly higher in early treatment group than in routine treatment group. (4)The p-Cx43/Cx43 ratio of protein was significantly lower in myocardial infarction group than in sham group (0.165±0.011 vs. 0.363±0.046, P<0.05), and significantly higher in early treatment group (0.720±0.063) and routine treatment group (0.364±0.030) than in myocardial infarction group (both P<0.05), and this ratio was significantly higher in early treatment group than in routine treatment group (P<0.05). Conclusion Metoprolol treatment, especially the early metoprolol treatment (within 24 hours after LAD ligation), could significantly improve VFT by ameliorating the distribution and dephosphorylation of myocardial Cx43 in rabbits with experimental myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVETo observe the intervention effects of acupuncture combined with standardized treatment of western medicine on blood-stasis syndrome in unstable angina (UA) patients with different thrombolysis in myo-cardial infarction (TIMI) risk stratification.

METHODSAccording to TIMI risk score, a total of 72 UA patients were included, 24 cases in low-risk (0 to 2 points) group, 24 cases in moderate-risk (3 to 4 points) group and 24 cases in high-risk (5 to 7 points) group. Based on routine standardized treatment of western medicine, acupuncture was applied at Xinshu (BL 15), Xuehai (SP 10), Geshu (BL 17), Danzhong (CV 17), Jueyinshu (BL 14), Ximen (PC 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) in three groups. Acupuncture was given once a day, 14 days as a session. After one session, each symptom score and total score of blood stasis syndrome were observed.

RESULTSOne patient dropped out respectively, and 23 patients in each group were included in the analysis. After treatment, the score of angina symptom and total score of blood stasis syndrome were significantly improved in three groups (all<0.01). The improvements of each score and total score of blood stasis syndrome in the high-risk group were superior to those in the low-risk group and moderate-risk group (<0.05,<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSWith the higher TIMI scores, the blood stasis syndrome is aggravated accordingly. Acupuncture combined with standardized treatment of western medicine could effectively intervene blood stasis syndrome, especially for the score of blood stasis syndrome of patients in high-risk group.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head （ONFH） is a painful and debilitating disease caused by impaired blood supply to the femoral head and cellular and tissue degeneration， leading to gradual destruction of the bone structure and progressive collapse of the femoral head. The main pathological mechanism of ONFH is the disruption of the balance between bone absorption and the reconstruction of new bone， resulting from microcirculation damage and decreased cellular tissue ability. This imbalance leads to biomechanical changes and accelerates the pathological progression of ONFH. In the early stages， clinical manifestations may not be obvious， mainly presenting as pain or discomfort in the hip or groin area， which can be relieved after rest. In the later stage of the disease， pain intensifies， and limb shortening， lower limb weakness， difficulty walking， or limping may occur. Currently， western medicine commonly uses osteogenic agents， anticoagulants， and artificial joint replacement for treatment， but there are also many issues such as prosthesis loosening and infection. Research has shown that traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） treatment of ONFH takes a holistic approach and employs multi-functional， multi-target， and multi-system Chinese medicine therapies， ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. The osteoprotegerin （OPG）/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB （RANK）/RANK ligand （RANKL） signaling pathway plays a crucial role in maintaining the dynamic balance of bone remodeling. TCM treatments utilize this pathway to promote apoptosis of osteoclasts， reduce bone resorption， and accelerate bone formation， thereby playing an important role in the prevention and treatment of ONFH. This paper reviewed the role of OPG/RANK/RANKL signaling pathway and related cytokine expression in ONFH by reviewing relevant literature in China and abroad and research status of Chinese medicinal monomers， Chinese medicinal formulations， and combinations with physical therapy in increasing osteoblast secretion， promoting OPG expression， enhancing cytokine expression levels， and inhibiting osteoclast activity for the prevention and treatment of ONFH. This paper is expected to provide new ideas and directions for TCM in the prevention and treatment of ONFH.