This study investigated whether the curative effect of short-pulse gastric electrical stimulation (GES) on the vasopressin-induced dyspeptic symptoms was mediated by central opioid peptide-producing neurons. Five female beagle dogs implanted with 1 pair of electrodes in gastric serosa were used in a two-experiment study. In experiment one, the brain was scanned by positron emission tomography in 3 dogs with and without short-pulse GES, and the radioactivity in nuclei of solitary tract (NST) and hypothalamus was detected. Experiment two was composed of 4 sessions. In session one, the dogs were injected with vasopressin in the absence of short-pulse GES. With session two, the short-pulse GES was simultaneously given via the electrodes with the injection of vasopressin. In sessions three and four, naloxone and naloxone methiodide was administered respectively in the presence of short-pulse GES. Motion sickness-like symptoms were scored and compared among the different sessions. The results showed that the short-pulse GES significantly increased the radioactivity in NST and hypothalamic nuclei (P<0.05, vs control). The short-pulse GES could ameliorate the vasopressin-induced motion sickness-like symptoms in dogs. Naloxone, but not naloxone methiodide could attenuate the curative effects of short-pulse GES. It is concluded that NST and hypothalamic nuclei may participate in the mediation of the curative effects of short-pulse GES on dyspepsia-like symptoms. Central opioid peptide-containing neurons presumably mediate the therapeutic effect on dyspeptic symptoms of short-pulse GES.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of ambroxol hydrochloride on severe pneumonia, and the influence on the inflammatory cytokines of TNF-alpha and hs-CRP etc.MethodsThe clinical data of 70 patients with severe pneumonia patients treated in our hospital from December 2014 to August 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into control group(n=30) and observation group(n=40) according to the treatment methods, the control group was given routine treatment, the observation group was given ambroxol hydrochloride on the basis of conventional treatment.The therapeutic effect of the two groups was observed, the differences of serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, pulmonary function, cough and expectoration symptom scores of the two groups were compared before and after treatment.ResultsThe effective rate of the observation group was 97.50%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group(80.00%);There was no significant difference in serum inflammatory cytokine levels between the two groups before treatment, after treatment,the levels of IL-6, IL-8, hs-CRP and TNF-alpha the observation group were lower than those in the control group;There was no significant difference in the indexes of lung function between the two groups before treatment.After treatment, the levels of FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC in the observation group were higher than those in the control group;There was no significant difference in symptom score between the two groups before treatment.After treatment, cough, sputum volume, cough ease and wheezing scores in the observation group were lower than in the control group.ConclusionAmbroxol hydrochloride has a good therapeutic effect on severe pneumonia,which can significantly reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and hs-CRP, and improve the related symptoms, and has good application value.

Objective To observe the effect of tiotropium combined Seretide in the treatment of elderly patients with moderate to severe COPD clinical curative effect and the influence on the quality of life of patients.Methods114 cases of moderate or severe COPD in our hospital from January 2014 to January 2016,were randomly divided into observation group and control group, 57 cases in each group.The control group was treated with Seretide treatment, the observation group were treated by tiotropium combined with Seretide treatment, compared two groups of patients with curative effect and quality of life.ResultsBefore treatment, there were no significant differences in lung function index, MRC score, 6MWT and WHOQOL-100 scores between the two groups;After treatment, FEV1/FVC and FEV1% in the observation group were significantly higher than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05);the dyspnea severity score (MRC) and six minute walk test (6MWT) in the observation group were significantly better than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05);the quality of life score (WHOQOL-100) in the observation group was significantly higher than in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).ConclusionTiotropium bromide combined with nimesulide in the treatment of elderly patients with moderate or severe COPD is effective, and can effectively improve the level of pulmonary function, improve the quality of life of patients.

Objective To investigate the effects of the site for access to internal jugular vein (lateral versus anterior),lying position of patients (supine versus Trendelenburg),and head rotation (0°,20°,and maximum) during central venous catheterization on the location depth and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the right internal jugular vein (IJV).Methods Fifteen healthy volunteers were recruited in this prospective observational study from September 2008 to October 2008.Healthy volunteers were placed in flat supine position and 15°.Trendelenburg position separately.In each position,IJV were measured ultrasonographically from lateral site and anterior site with the head oriented at 0°,20°,and maximum rotation separately.Data of measured CSA and location depth of internal jugular vein in different positions were compared.Results The largest CSA (2.16 ±0.89) cm2 and location depth [(1.38 ± 0.43)cm] were occurred at the lateral approach in Trendelenburg position with head oriented at maximum rotation.The CSA in Trendelenburg position was larger than that in flat supine position.Only at the maximum head rotation,lateral approach got statistically larger CSA.The effects of head rotation varied with different degrees of rotation.Conclusions Site of approach,lying position and head rotation had noticeable effects on internal jugular vein cross-sectional area.Trendelenburg position increased the CSA of IJV.

Objective To investigate the effect of fluvastatin (FLV) on the expression of β1 integrin in puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN)-treated podocytes and its mechanism.Methods Cultured human podocytes were divided into PAN,different concentrations of fluvastatin (1 × 10-8 to 1 × 10-5 mol/L),SOD,H2O21 groups respectively.Expressions of β1 integrin and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in podocytes were detected by Western blotting and DCFHDA (2' 7'-Dichlorofluoresecein 3' 6'-diacetate) respectively.The viability of podocyte was determined by MTT colorimetry.Results PAN and H2O2 significantly decreased the expression of β1 integrin and increased the synthesis of ROS in podocytes (P＜0.05respectively).Lower concentration fluvastatin or SOD treatment up-regulated β1 integrin and downregulated ROS of podocytes induced by PAN (P＜0.05 respectively).MTT revealed that lower podocyte viability was found in higher concentration fluvastatin,PAN and H2O2 groups.Lower concentration fluvastatin and SOD could protect podocytes against PAN.Conclusion Fluvastatin attenuates the injury of podocyte induced by PAN and increases the expression of β1 integrin,whose mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of the ROS activity.

Objective To discuss the treatment efficacy and radiotherapy side effects of the preoperative long-course radiochemotherapy and preoperative short-course radiotherapy.Methods 64 patients with local advanced middle and low rectal cancer who got the treatment from April 2004 to April 2010 were analyzed retrospectively.40 patients got the preoperative long-course radiochemotherapy under the dose of DT 45-50 Gy/25 F,1.8-2.0 Gy/F,5 F/W,combining with the synchronous capecitabine chemotherapy (1 650 mg/m2,2 F/d,d1-14/d21-35),and accepted operation 4-6 weeks after the radiotherapy.The rest 24 patients underwent the preoperative short-course radiotherapy under the dose of DT 25 Gy/5 F,5 Gy/F,5 F/W,and got the operation in 2 weeks after the radiotherapy.Results The radical and anus reservation rates in preoperative long-course radiochemotherapy group [85.0 ％ (34/40),65.0 ％ (26/40)] were higher than those in preoperative short-course radiotherapy group [58.3 ％ (14/24),33.3 ％ (8/24)] (x2 =5.689,P =0.019;x2 =6.040,P =0.041).There were no significant differences between the two groups on the index of remission rates,radiation injury,surgical complications,and overall survival rate of 1,3,5 years (all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions The remission rate and overall survival time between the preoperative long-course radiochemotherapy group and preoperative short-course radiotherapy have no significant difference.But the preoperative long-course radiochemotherapy may improve the anus reservation rate and the radical resection rate,without increasing the radiation injury and surgical complications.

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of five blood glucose measurements commonly used in ICU and to determine the potential factors interfering the accuracy. Method This prospective study carried out in consecutively enrolled 49 patients stayed more than 48 hours in the medical ICU of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from November 2007 to January 2008. A total of 130 blood samples were measured to determine blood glucose with five different methods, and the biochemistry analyzer in central laboratory was regarded as reference method for comparison with other four methods, ( 1 ) capillary blood/glucometer;(2) arterial blood/glucometer; (3) arterial blood/blood gas analyzer; and (4) arterial blood/biochemistry analyzer. The accuracy of a method tested was judged by the difference in level of blood glucose between it and reference method, correlation coefficient, bias correction factor and discrepancy. The independent factors for the discrepancies were identified by multivariate logistic regression. Results The values of differences in level of blood glucose between above four methods and the reference were ( 1.7 ± 1.4) mmol/L,( 1.6 ± 1.4 ) mmol/L, ( 1.1 ± 1.2) mmol/L, and (0.5 ± 1.2 ) mmol/L, respectively. The rates of discrepancy were 66.9%, 63.8%, 40.0% and 23.8%. The correlation coefficients were 0. 844, 0. 845, 0. 895and 0. 896. The bias correction factors were 0. 821,0.831,0.914 and 0. 979. Decrease in hematocrit was statistically associated with the discrepancy between glucometer analysis methods and the reference, with OR of 0.923 for capillary blood ( P = 0.03 ) and 0. 912 for arterial blood( P = 0.014), respectively. Conclusions Glucometer analysis poorly correlated with reference method and blood gas analysis in ICU patients. Decrease in hematocrit significantly increased the degree of discrepancy in glucose measurements between glucometer analysis and the reference.

Objective To observe the steps of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) calcification induced by high phosphate enviroment in vitro. Methods VSMCs were incubated with high phosphate (2.5 mmol/L or 3.5 mmool/L) medium for different times. Expression of core binding factor α1(Cbfα1), osteopontin(OP), collagen type Ⅰ(Col Ⅰ), osteocalcin(OC) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was investigated by Western blot, immunofluorcscencc staining and real time PCR. Mineral deposition was assessed by von Kossa aad Alizarin red staining. Ultrastructure of VSMCs calcification was observed by electron microscopy (EM). Results Up-regulated expression of osteoblast-specific transcription factor Cbfα1 in the nuclei oceured at as early as 12 hours. The protein of Col Ⅰ and OP was up-regalated when VSMCs were incubated in high phosphate medium for 3 days, and content of OC increased at the time of 6 days. When cultured in 2.5 mmol/L phosphate medium for 15 days, VSMCs lost their lineage marker α-SMA, developed granular calcium deposits. Moreover, the results of real time PCR indicated mRNA level of OP and Col Ⅰ increased at day 1, OC increased at day 5 and α-SMA level decreased at day 10, respectively. Ultrastructural analysis also confirmed the presence of collagen and matrix vesicles in the cells. Conclusion VSMCs phenotype transformation induced by high phosphate enviroment is an orchestrated, highly regulated process.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing number of patients undergoing knee arthroplasty in China, the complications caused by the mismatch of prosthesis with anatomical parameters arouse extensive attentions.OBJECTIVE: To measure the anatomical parameters of the knee joints in healthy Zhuang ethnic group from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, using three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology, thus providing reference for the design and placement of the hip prosthesis.METHODS: Sixty-eight individuals, including 30 females and 38 males, were selected from 217 healthy people undergoing CT examination. All data were imported into Mimics 15.0 software used for 3D reconstruction, and then the knee parameters were then measured and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in the parameters of the bilateral femur and tibia (P > 0.05). The femoral parameters had significant differences between genders (P < 0.05). The width of tibial platform, sagittal length of lateral tibial platform, distance between medial tibial plateau and fibular head, and posterior slope of tibial plateau showed no significant differences between genders (P > 0.05), while there were significant differences in the width of medial/lateral tibial platform, and sagittal length of medial tibial platform between genders (P < 0.05). The sagittal length of medial femoral condyle was negatively correlated with age, and all femoral parameters were positively correlated with height; while only the width of medial and lateral tibial platform were positively correlated with height. To conclude, 3D reconstruction technology is available for research on the morphology of the knee joint in the Zhuang ethnic group from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which provides references for prosthesis design and research appropriate for the Zhuang ethnic group.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have confirmed that ethanol can promote adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and up-regulate the expression of PPARγ and aP2 in the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) signaling pathway. As a member of the ZIP protein family, Zrt/Irt-like protein 1 (ZIP1) is closely related to bone metabolism and osteogenic differentiation.OBJECTIVE:To study the effect of BMSCs transfected by ZIP1 on TNF-α signaling pathway in the process of adipogenic differentiation.METHODS:The BMSCs from rabbits were isolated and cultured under different concentrations of alcohol (0.03, 0.09,0.15, 0.21 mol/L), followed by transfection by ZIP1 siRNA and ZIP1 expression vector.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After culture in alcohol, the expression levels of aP2 and PPARγ proteins were both significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the level of triglyceride was increased in all alcohol groups except for 0.03 mol/L alcohol group (P < 0.05). After siRNA transfection, the expression levels of aP2 and PPARγ as well as the level of triglyceride were increased significantly in all the alcohol groups (P < 0.05); however, ZIP1 transfection decreased the expression levels of aP2 and PPARγ proteins (P < 0.05). To conclude, ZIP1 siRNA could promote the adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs through the activation of TNF-α signaling pathway.