Objective To evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine on the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in neutrophil granulocytes during one-lung ventilation in the patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy.Methods Thirty-eight ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients,aged 40-64 yr,weighing 50-75 kg,scheduled for elective pulmonary lobectomy,were randomized into 2 groups (n =19 each) using a random number table:control group (group C) and dexmedetomidine group (group D).In group D,dexmedetomidine 1.0 μg/kg was infused intravenously over 15 min before induction of anesthesia,followed by infusion at a rate of 0.5 μg· kg-1 · h-1 until 30 min before the end of operation.The equal volume of normal saline was given in group C.At 5 min after intubation,0,30 and 60 min of one-lung ventilation,0 and 30 min of two-lung ventilation,and 30 min after operation,blood samples were taken from the radial artery for blood gas analysis and for measurement of plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).The oxygenation index and respiratory index were calculated.The nuclear protein of neutrophil granulocytes was extracted for measurement of NF-κB DNA-binding activity.Results Compared with group C,the respiratory index,plasma concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 and NF-κB DNA-binding activity were significantly decreased,and no significant difference was found in the oxygenation index in group D.Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can inhibit the activation of NF-κB in neutrophil granulocytes and is helpful in reducing the systemic inflammatory responses during one-lung ventilation in the patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy.

Accidents, Occupational ; Humans ; Hydrogen Sulfide ; poisoning

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficiency of Spanishneedles Herb eye drops in treating perimenopausal xerophthalmia in rabbits.

METHODTotally 36 rabbits (36 right eyes) were ovariectomized, and 2 months later divided into three groups: the experimental group (group A, n = 12) given Spanishneedles Herb eye drops, the control group (group B, n = 12) given PBS and the model group (group C, n = 12) given no drug. The Schirmer I test (SIT), fluorescent (FL), total tear protein, diastase activity, lactoferrin and lysozyme contents and confocal scanning microscopy were performed at before the treatment and at 1 w, 2 w, 1 mo, 2 mo after the treatment.

RESULTBefore the treatment, There was no significant difference in SIT, FL, total tear protein, lysozyme, lactoferrin and amylase activity between two groups. Two months later after the treatment, both the group B and the group A showed differences degrees of changes in SIT, FL, total tear protein, lysozyme, lactoferrin and amylase activity compared with that before the treatment, with statistical differences (P < 0.05); At each time point, both groups revealed statistical differences in SIT, FL, total tear protein, lysozyme, lactoferrin and amylase activity (1 < 0.05). Two months later alter the treatment, densities of basal epithelial cells and inflammatory cells in the group A were (4 122 ±416) cells/mm2 and (339 ± 131) cells/mm2, while that in the group B were (3 343 ± 424) cells/mm2 and (49 ± 17) cells/mm2, with statistical differences between them (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSpanishneedles Herb eye drops could effectively treat perimenopausal xerophthalmia in rabbit caused by sex hormones decline.

Animals ; Asteraceae ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Ophthalmic Solutions ; administration & dosage ; Perimenopause ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Tears ; secretion ; Xerophthalmia ; drug therapy ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the role of PI_3 K/Akt signal pathway in Ephrin-Al gene mediated invasion,metastasis of Huh-7 cells.Methods Western blot was used to test the protein expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI_3 K)and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)after Huh-7 cells were treated with Ephrin-A1/Fc fusion protein.According to the protein expression,LY294002 was used to block PI_3 K/Akt pathway specifically,then p-Akt protein expression,mobility and invasive ability of Huh-7 cells were examined.Results In Huh-7 cells actived by Ephrin-Al/Fc fusion protein,p-Akt expression was higher than that in control group(t=4.564,P＜0.05),but there was no difference of p-p38MAPK expression between Ephrin-Al/Fc fusion protein group and IgG/Fc fusion protein group(P＞0.05).PI_3 K/Akt pathway was specifically blocked by LY294002,the p-Akt protein expression decreased in Huh-7 cells,and the mobility and invasive ability mediated by Ephrin-Al in Huh-7 cells decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusions PI_3 K/Akt pathway effects an important role in mobility and invasive ability of Huh-7 cells mediated by Ephrin-A1.

Objective To use functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI) to observe the efficacy of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with speech training in treating those with lateral fissure aphasia.Methods Forty-eight persons with lateral fissure aphasia were divided randomly into a control group and a treatment group,each of 24.The treatment group was treated with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with speech training,while the control group was given only speech training.Before the treatment and 2 weeks and 8 weeks after the treatment,BOLD-fMRI images were collected to observe any changes in the language areas of the brain activated.A Chinese aphasia examination (CRRCAE) was used to assess speech function before and after treatment for both groups.Results The average CRRCAE scores of the two groups were not significantly different right before the treatment and at the end of 2 weeks of treatment,but at the end of 8 weeks of treatment the average score of the treatment group was significantly better.The biggest improvement was among those with Broca's aphasia,followed by those with Wernicke aphasia and conduction aphasia.No such differences were observed in the control group.After the 8 weeks of treatment,the average CRRCAE score of the treatment group patients had improved significantly,but in the control group only those with Broca's aphasia had improved significantly.In the treatment group,after 2 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment the activated language areas of the right hemisphere were significantly smaller than before treatment and significantly smaller than the activated areas in the left hemisphere at the same time points.Conclusions Low-frequency,repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with speech therapy is an early intervention which may promote recovery from lateral fissure aphasia through restoring lingual function after stroke.

ObjectiveTo assess the validity of virtual-reality simulator UroMentorTM in skill training of ureteroscopy. MethodsThirty urologists were included and divided into groups A (n =18) and B (n =12 ) based on former ureteroscopy experience ( ≥ 20 or ＜ 20).Participants were assessed on their ability to perform cystoscopy,gnidewire insertion,semirigid ureteroscope advancement and basket extraction of a distal ureteric stone on the simulator.A blinded examiner assessed the subjects' performance using global rating scale (GRS).In addition,computer-generated parameters including time to complete the task,endoscope and instrument trauma,and the number of attempts to insert a guidewire were recorded as pretest.After 2 days of simulator training,they were retested with the same task. ResultsAll participants had reduced time to completion (333 ± 32 s & 228 ± 18 s,P =0.001 ) and improved GRS (24.4 ± 2.1 & 28.1 ±1.2,P =0.010).Differences were significant between the two groups in the time to completion (before 405 ±40 s & 262 ±22 s,P =0.014; after 276 ± 12 s & 179 ±9 s,P =0.000),and GRS (before 19.6 ±2.5 & 29.2 ± 1.3,P =0.009 ; after 25.0 ± 1.1 & 31.2 ± 0.7,P =0.002).Previous ureteroscopy experience was correlated to GRS (before r=0.705,after r=0.756). ConclusionThe UroMentor virtual-reality simulator is an appropriate and useful tool in training and assessing the skills of ureteroscopy.

Objective To assess the face and construct validity of a full procedural transurethral prostate resection simulator (TURPSimTM) in the training of transurethral resection of the prostate. Methods Ten experienced and thirteen inexperienced urologists (TURP experience ≥ 30 and ≤ 3 respectively) were included for TURP training on TURPSimTM. Each participant filled out a questionnaire regarding their previous experience and opinion of the usefulness of the simulator before and after performing six full procedures at level-2 difficulty. Performance was evaluated between the two groups and pre- /post-training, including GRS and objective parameters recorded on the simulator. Results The experienced group had higher GRS scores (16.3±2.6 vs 12.9±4.0, P=0.024) and prostate resection rate [(94.6±2.8)% vs (89.8±4.4)%, P=0.006]. Less blood loss [(78 ml vs 115 ml, P=0.208) and less capsule resection rate [(27.6±5.4)% vs (29.1±6.2)%, P=0.558] were detected in the experienced group than in the inexperienced group with no significant differences. After training, GRS and coagulation precision increased (14.4±3.8 vs 20.0±3.4, P<0.001; 93% vs 100%, P=0.001) ,while capsule resection rate [(28.4±5.8)% vs (20.8±3.9)%, P<0.001), blood loss (86 ml vs 76 ml, P=0.039) and injury of sphincter (5.5±2.2 vs 3.2±1.7, P<0.001) decreased in both groups. Conclusions Proof of face and construct validity is shown for this full procedural simulator to simulate the skills necessary to perform TURP. The surgical skills of urologists may be enhanced after training on the simulator.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation is an evolving field,especially for chronic atrial fibrillation.Several approaches have been performed in clinic practice,which include circumferential pulmonary vein ablation/isolation,left atrial linear ablation,CFAE ablation,pulmonary vein denervation or stepwise ablation.However,a standard approach has not been established.The total successful rates vary from 21% to 95%.The investigations in the mechanism of chronic atrial fibrillation and methods of three-dimensional mapping,and the usage of new source and technique of ablation will increase the successful rate,decrease the recurrence rate and procedure time.The long-term result of ablation of chronic atrial fibrillation and its impact on the structure and function of heart need further investigations.

SUMMARY Pregnancy-related pelvic ring disease brings great suffering to pregnant women, including the separation of the pubic symphysis and sacroiliac joint pain.Hormonal changes leading to ligamentous laxity is the main reason for pregnancy-related pelvic ring disease.In normal pregnant cases, and the physiologic widening at the symphysis is about 3-7 mm.When the widening of the symphysis is more than 10 mm, it may lead to symptoms and need active treatment.Currently the diagnosis of the pubic symphysis separation is based on the clinical symptoms and signs.The treatment of acute pubic symphysis separation bases on conservative therapy, includes bed rest and physical therapy.But when the widening of the symphysis is more than 4 cm, the surgery intervention may be a good treatment.If the conservative treatment is not obviously effective, the surgery consists of plate fixation in the pubic symphysis and sac-roiliac screw fixation.Other indications for the surgical intervention include inadequate reduction, recur-rent diastasis, intractable symptoms, and open rupture.

Objective To study the anatomy basis and biomechanical stability of euthyphoria reduction and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation for sacroiliac dislocation,and to evaluate the primary clinical efficacy of this method.Methods The distances from the anterior branches of the nerve roots at L4,and L5 and obturator nerve on the superior border of sacral ala to the sacroiliac joint were measured on 12 adult cadavers (24 sides) fixed and preserved by formalin.Models of sacroiliac dislocation were made on six pelvic specimens of fresh cadavers.A comparison of stability was made on the six models between the fixation studied here and the traditional fixations by posterior percutaneous sacroiliac screws and by anterior sacroiliac joint plates.At the same time,17 patients with type C Tile fracture were treated with our method.The clinical efficacy was analyzed for the 17 patients.Results The distances from the anterior branches of the nerve roots at L4,and L5 and obturator nerve on the superior border of sacral ala to the sacroiliac joint were 20.24?1.20mm,23.80?1.43mm,and 16.26?2.07 mm respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in stability between our method and the traditional fixation by posterior percutaneous sacroiliac screws,though ours seemed better.Follow-ups for the 17 cases averaged 2.2 years,re- vealing fine functional recovery in all according to Matta scoring.Conclusions Euthyphoria reduction and per- cutaneous cannulated screw fixation can lead to sufficient biomechanical stability for the sacroiliac joint and effec- tively avoid nervous injuries.In addition,our method is simple and clinically effective,It is recommendable for small and middle-sized hospitals.