Aim To investigate the antagonistic action o f total saponins of panaxnotoginseng(PNS) on cardiac hypertrophy and its nervous mechanism.Methods (1)cardiac hypertrophy of rats due to pressure overload was induced by constricting of abdominal aorta. There were five groups in the experiments. The rats in Group A(control group)were sham operated . Group B was aorta-constricted group.The rats in Group C,D,E were given ip PNS 50,100,150 mg?kg?d -1 for three weeks respectively. Three weeks later, We measured the heart-weight(HW),left ventricular weight(LVW), the ratio of HW/BW,LVW/BW (LVI) and the cardiomyocyte diameters(MD) after dyeing by HE color.(2)The effects of PNS on the fast excitatory postsynaptic potential(f-EPSP),membrane depolarization induced by application of acetylcholine (ACh),membrane potential and membrane resistance of the isolated Stellate ganglion(SG)of the rats were investigated by means of intracellular recording techniques. Results (1)HW/BW, LVI and MD of Group E were significantly lower than that of Group B(P0.05).(2)At the concentration of 0.10 ～0.16 g?L -1, PNS reversibly depressed the amplitude of f-EPSP, but the ACh depolarization,membrane potential and membrane resistance were not significantly altered by PNS. Conclusion PNS can prevent cardiac hypertrophy due to pressure overload in rats and this action may underline its inhibitory action on presyn aptic effect of regulating calcium influx.

Histocytological Preparation Techniques ; methods ; Microtomy ; methods ; Tissue Embedding

Objective To explore the association of SDF1 3A genetic polymorphism with susceptibility of essential hypertension and captopril efficacy in patients with essential hypertension.Methods A total of 214 patients with essential hypertension and 228 healthy controls were genotyped for SDF1 3A polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Among 39 subjects with different SDF1 3A of genotypes, 13 hypertensive patients simultaneously took oral captopril (25 mg/d) and nitrendipine (30 mg/d), and 12 patients orally received nitrendipine alone for 8 consecutive weeks, and 14 healthy controls did not take any agents. The blood pressure of all subjects was measured to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Results There was a significant difference in the plasma SDF-1 level in individuals with AA+AG genotypes or GG genotypes of SDF1 3A treated with nitrendipine plus captopril compared with healthy control (P<0.05). Carriers with AA genotypes of SDF1 3A had lower total protein and globulin than those with GG genotypes (P<0.05). After captopril treatment, hypertensive patients with AA+AG genotypes had bigger attenuated systolic blood pressure compared with those with GG genotypes (P<0.05). Conclusion Genetic polymorphism of SDF1 3A could influence the therapeutic efficacy of captopril in Chinese hypertensive patients.

Objective To investigate the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)on both the excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in the pyramidal neurons in hippocampal CA1 region of rats.Methods Wistar male rats(3—4 weeks)were killed by cervical dislocation and hippocampal slices(400 ?m)were prepared,blind whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were performed on the CA1 pyramidal cells in hippocampal slices to examine and analyze the effects of PNS(0.05—0.4 g/L)on CA1 afferent fiber-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents(EPSCs)and inhibitory postsynaptic currents(IPSCs),respectively.Moreover,the Schaffer collateral/commissural pathway was stimulated with paired pulses(interpulse interval was 50 ms)and the paired-pulse facilitation(PPF)was analyzed by EPSC2/EPSC1(P2/P1)ratio.Results PNS(0.1—0.4 g/L)significantly depressed amplitude of EPSCs in neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region(P0.05).Conclusion The inhibitory effect of PNS on EPSCs in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons is not due to the reinforcement of the inhibiting interneurons.It may be a result of direct inhibition on excitatory synaptic transmission.The increasing of P2/P1 ratio after PNS application suggests that PNS depresses the excitatory synaptic transmission by presynaptic mechanism.

OBJECTIVEThe effect of sandblasting on the bond strength between 3mol% yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconium polycrystal (3Y-TZP) zirconia framework and veneering porcelain was evaluated.

METHODSA total of 21 specimens [(25 ± 1) mm x (3 ± 0.1) mmx (0.5 ± 0.05) mm] were prepared according to ISO 9693. The specimens were then randomly divided into 3 groups. Sandblasting was performed on 2 meshes of Al₂O₃ particles: group A with mesh 110 and group B with mesh 80. Group C, which was not sandblasted, was the control group. The surface roughness of the zirconia framework, as well as the bond strength between 3Y-TZP zirconia framework and veneering porcelain, was measured. The interface microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and elemental distribution was detected by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).

RESULTSSurface roughness values were (1.272 ± 0.149) μm for group A, (0.622 ± 0.113) μm for group B, and (0.221 ± 0.065) μm for group C. Statistical significance were found among groups (P < 0.05). The bond strength values were (28.21 ± 1.52) MPa for group A, (27.71 ± 1.27) MPa for group B, and (24.87 ± 3.84) MPa for group C. Statistical significance was found between group A and group C (P < 0.05), whereas the other groups had no statistical significance (P > 0.05). Interface adhesion failure was the primary performance. SEM images showed the close interface bonding, and EDS showed that the interface had no obvious element penetration.

CONCLUSIONAl₂O₃ sandblasting can slightly enhance the bond strength between zirconia framework and veneering porcelain.

Aluminum Oxide ; chemistry ; Dental Bonding ; Dental Porcelain ; chemistry ; Dental Stress Analysis ; Dental Veneers ; Materials Testing ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Shear Strength ; Surface Properties ; Yttrium ; chemistry ; Zirconium ; chemistry

Purpose Polypoid endometriosis is an uncommon and distinctive variant of endometriosis, and its detailed histopathological features have been investigated and analysed. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 10 cases with polypoid endometrio-sis by comparing clinical data, histopathologic and immunohistochemical changes. Results The patients were 27 to 54 years ( mean 39. 4 years) of age. The most common clinical presentations were a pelvic mass. The intraoperative findings suggested a neoplasm. Sites of involvement in order of frequency included ovary, uterine serosa and cervix. Polypoid, pink, gray or tan masses ranged up to 9 cm in maximal dimension. On microscopic examination, the polypoid masses were composed of an admixture of endometriotic glands and stroma. Most commonly glandular architectural patterns were simple hyperplasia. Tubal epithelial metaplasia was common. The stroma was fibrous, resembling to some extent the stroma of the endometrial polyp and atypical stromal cells can be seen. Nine cases were associated with usual endometriosis. Follow-up data in nine patients indicated that all of patients were alive without evidence of re-sidual disease. The main lesion in the differential diagnosis is a mullerian adenosarcoma. Conclusion Polypoid endometriosis is a rare manifestation of endometriosis, and probably is overgrowth of local ectopic endometrium based on endometriosis. Understanding of such lesions is avoided misdiagnosing for other benign or malignant tumors on clincal, intraoperative or pathologic assesment, and influ-ences the clinical treatment.

Objective To observe the curative effect of continuous airway positive pressure ventilation (CPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and cough syncope. Methods Forty-three hospitalized patients with OSAHS and cough syncope were collected in the Department of Respiration of Tianjin General Hospital, and analyzed the related information. They were given CPAP treatment, and were divided into good compliance group (n=26) and poor compliance group (n=17) according to CPAP compliance after a half-year treatment. The apnea hypoventilation index (AHI) and c-reactive protein (CRP) were compared before and after treatment between two groups. Results The positive correlation was found between the frequency of the cough syncope and indicators of OSAHS, such as AHI, body mass index (BMI), CRP, sleepiness score (ESS) and circumference of abdomen and neck (r=0.612, 0.431, 0.224, 0.654, 0.435 and 0.344,P<0.05). All these patients were cured after the treatment of both CPAP and medication for 1 or 2 weeks. During a half-year follow-up, the cough syncope didn’t occur in those patients of good compliance group, otherwise cough syncope still happened but with less frequency in patitents of poor compliance group. Before the treatment , there was no significant difference in AHI (45.00±15.69 vs. 48.70±16.47) and CRP (3.46± 1.15 vs. 3.38±0.72) between the two groups. After treatment, AHI (26.97±14.06 vs. 48.18±15.96) and CRP (1.56±0.76 vs. 3.18± 0.78) were significantly lower in the good compliance group than those of the poor compliance group (P<0.01). Conclusion Timely and sustained treatment of OSAHS may help reduce the incidence of cough syncope and significantly improve AHI, CRP and cough symptoms.

Objective To study the findings of CT and MRI in tongue cancer.Methods 21 cases of tongue cancer were examined by CT or MRI,CT examined 7 cases,MRI examined 14 cases.Results MRI could display the tongue cancer in all the cases,but CT only display 5 of 7 cases of the tumour.The value of CT and MRI was same in displaying soft tissue direct invasion.MRI and contrast enhanced CT could display cervical lymph node metastases.CT was superior to MRI in the diagnosis of mandible invasion.Conclusion MRI is superior to CT in the display soft tissue of tongue cancer and the metastases.CT is optimal in detection of cortical bone invasion.

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes of different flaps for repairing the soft tissue defects of heels.Methods A total of 26 patients with soft tissue defects around the heel treated modified propeller perforator flap,medialis pedis flap,or anterolateral thigh flap from March 2012 to June 2016 were analyzed retrospectively.There included 19 males and 7 females,aged 4-64 years (mean,38.1 years).There were 9 patients with posterior heel defect,3 with weight-bearing defect,6 with posterior medial defect and 8 with posterolateral defect.The wound areas were from 6.0 cm × 4.0 cm to 12.0 cm × 9.5 cm,while the flap areas were from 7.0 cm × 5.0 cm to 13.5 cm × 10.5 cm.According to the principle of flap selection,the pedicled skin flap instead of free skin flap was selected in order to minimize damage to the donor site area.Modified propeller perforator flap was applied in 13 patients,medialis pedis flap in 3 patients and anterolateral thigh flap in 14 patients.The flap donor site was directly sutured in 23 patients and a simultaneous skin graft was applied in 3 patients.The survival rate,appearance,texture and feeling recovery of flaps,complications,walking ability,and the status of donor sites were compared.Besides,postoperative functions of all cases were estimated according to foot scoring scale of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS).Results All flaps survived well in 26 patients.The wounds of flaps and flap donor sites were healed at Ⅰ stage.A total of 24 patients were followed up for 12-36 months (average 16 months).The appearance,color and texture of the flaps were good.There was no ulcer in flaps or flap donor sites.The protective feeling of flaps was recovered and the feeling of distinguishing two points was 6-13 mm.Modified propeller perforator flap donor site was directly sutured,the wound of which showed a linear healing.There was no fat deformity or obvious scar formation around ankle.The skin graft of the medialis pedis flap donor site was healed well,without scar hyperplasia,rupture,or deformity of arch.The anterolateral thigh flap was healed linearly without scar,and the anterolateral skin felt slightly depressed.The muscle strength of the four biceps femoris muscle was 4.According to AOFAS score,the feet's functions were evaluated as excellent in 5,good in 16,fair in 4,and poor in 1,with excellence rate of 81％.Conclusions For different soft tissue defects of the heels,propeller perforators flap,medial plantar flap or anterolateral thigh flap can not only attain appearance reconstruction of the defects and good functional recovery,but also minimize the injury of flap donor site.

Objective To study the CT characteristics of coexisting pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer.Methods One hundred and four patients of coexisting pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer proved by histology,cytology or clinical underwent CT examination.All patients were divided into two groups,group Ⅰ were the patients with the lung cancer after tuberculosis or both found simultaneously (group Ⅰ a with peripheral lung cancer and group Ⅰ b with central lung cancer),group Ⅱ with tuberculosis during lung cancer chemotherapy (group Ⅱ a with peripheral lung cancer and group Ⅱ b with central lung cancer).Imaging characteristics of tuberculosis and lung cancer were compared.x2 test and t test were used for the statistical analysis.Results Of 104 patients,there were 92 patients (88.5％) in group Ⅰ and 12 patients (11.5％)in group Ⅱ.Seventy patients (76.1％) of lung cancer and tuberculosis were located in the same lobe and 22 patients (23.9％) in the different lobes in group Ⅰ.There was no significant difference in distribution of tuberculosis between group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ (x2 =4.302,P =0.507).The fibrous stripes,nodules of calcification and pleural adhesion of tuberculosis were statistically significant between the two groups (x2 =22.737,15.193,27.792,P ＜0.05).There were 33 central lung cancers and 71 peripheral lung cancers.In group Ⅰ a (64 patients of peripheral lung cancers),39 patients (60.9％) had typical manifestations and most of the lesions were ≥ 3 cm(n =49,76.6％),solid lesions showed variable enhancement.Conclusions Secondary tuberculosis during lung cancer chemotherapy has the same CT characteristics with the common active tuberculosis.The morphology,enhancement pattern of lesion and follow-up are helpful for the diagnosis of lung cancer after tuberculosis.