The effects of L-arginine (L-Arg), the physiological NO precureor and NO synthetase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) on endogenous endothelin (ET) secretion and renal function were observed in a model of glycerol-induced acute renal failure (ARF) in rat. It was found that endogenous ET secretion was significantly increased, while serum NO was markedly decreased in ARF rats. The administration of L-NNA to the ARF rats induced significant increases in plasma ET and positive immunoreactive particles of ET in renal tubular epithelial cells(EP cells), and the impairment of renal function was exaggerated. L-Arg might effectively decrease the level of plasma ET and the positive immunoreactive particles of ET in renal tubular EP cells, suggesting the improvement of the renal function. It is suggested that the ability of NO in improving renal function may relatedto the inhibition of endogenous ET secretion in glycerol-induced ARF rats.

Objective To explore the application value of real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) technique in diagnosing and staging of chronic viral hepatitis B and hepatic fibrosis and to establish Young's modulus reference range for diagnosing and staging of hepatic fibrosis.Methods Forty-eight patients with chronic hepatitis B and fifty-eight healthy adults were enrolled and their Young's modulus values of S5 and S6 segments of liver were measured.Histopathologic examination was performed on 48 patients with chronic hepatitis B.Comparative analysis was conducted between the pathological findings and Young's modulus values,by means of which Young's modulus reference range for diagnosis and staging of hepatic fibrosis was obtained.Results There was significant difference in Young's modulus values of S5 and S6 segments of liver between chronic hepatitis B group and the normal control group (P＜0.05).Young's modulus values of S5 and S6 segments of liver in chronic hepatitis B group were (11.7 ± 2.9) kPa and (12.1 ± 3.2) kPa respectively,which were significantly higher than those in the normal control group,(5.7 ± 1.1) kPa and (5.8 ± 1.3) kPa respectively.Significant differences of Young's modulus values were detected in every staging of hepatic fibrosis (P＜0.05).S5 segment of liver Young's modulus values in S0-S4 stages were (5.8 ± 2.2) kPa,(7.3 ± 1.9) kPa,(10.3 ± 2.8) kPa,(10.3 ± 2.8) kPa,and (25.3 ± 3.6) kPa,respectively.S6 segment of liver Young's modulus values in S0-S4 stages were (5.7 ± 2.3) kPa,(9.2±2.1) kPa,(10.5±2.1) kPa,(14.7±4.5) kPa,and (26.1 ±2.1) kPa,respectively.Young's modulus value of the liver rose with the increase of S stage.Conclusion SWE technique can establish the Young's modulus reference range for hepatic fibrosis stage.Besides,it features high sensitivity,specificity and accuracy.

Objective:To evaluate the actual measurement accuracy of 2 three-dimensional(3D)facial scanners for real person. Methods:3D digital face models of 1 0 volunteers with normal ficial form were obtained by 3dMD and FaceScan facial scanners respec-tively.The measurement values of 1 0 feature lengths and 5 feature angles were measured on each 3D model by the software respective-ly.The reference values of all characteristics were acquired by line laser scanner (Faro)with high accuracy.Statistical and surveying analysis were taken between the measurement values and reference values.Facial morphology measurement error and actual accuracy of facial scanners were obtained finally.Data were statistically analysed.Results:The length measurement accuracy of 3dMD and FaceS-can was(-0.37 ±0.68)mm and (-0.29 ±0.53)mm(P =0.223),the angle measurement accuracy was (-0.22 ±2.1 4)°and (0.1 2 ±2.69)°(P =0.428),respectively.Conclusion:The 3D data of ficial morphology obtained by the 2 scanners are not signifi-cantly different.

Objective To observe the cognitive function and its related factors in patients with essential epilepsy.Methods The cognitive function of 70 essential epilepsy patients (epilepsy group) and 40 healthy controls(control group) were evaluated by means of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adult-Chinese (WAIS-RC).The relation between the cognitive dysfunction and its related factors were analyzed.Results The scores of performance intelligence quotient,verbal intelligence quotient,full intelligence quotient in epilepsy group were significantly lower than those in control group [(98.06 ± 15.24) scores vs.(113.80 ± 12.14) scores,(98.09 ± 16.06) scores vs.(120.65 ± 11.28) scores,(98.06 ± 15.80) scores vs.(119.42 ± 11.85) scores] (P ＜ 0.01).The scores of 11 numbers of rating scales were significantly lower than those in control group (P ＜ 0.01).The factors related to the cognitive function were education level,age numbers,duration of the disease,frequency of seizures attack before medication,the duration of seizures and the quantity of antiepileptics.Conclusions Many of the essential epilepsy patients have cognitive function deficit.The cognitive condition of essential epilepsy patients should be pay more attention and reduce the dangerous factors in order to improve the life quality.

Objective:To assess a value of dual energy index(DEI)and effective atomic number(Zeff)of dual-energy computed tomography(DECT)combined with slope of energy spectrum curve in identifying the component of urinary tract stones.Methods:The clinical and DECT imaging data of 111 patients with urinary tract stones who admitted to Nantong Haimen People's Hospital from October 2019 to October 2022 were selected,and the diameters of the urinary tract stones of all patients were<5 mm.The components of outside body stones of all patients were analyzed by infrared spectrum.The accuracy,sensitivity and specificity of the DEI,Zeff,slope of energy spectrum curve and the combination of the them were respectively calculated in identifying the components of urinary tract stones.Results:In 111 patients,the patients with calcium oxalate stones were 75(67.57%),and ones with hydroxyapatite were 15 cases(13.51%),and ones with uric acid stones were 21 cases(18.92%),and there were no other type of stone included cysteine.The differences of CT values(F=487.691,P<0.001),DEI values(F=395.553,P<0.001),Zeff values(F=818.689,P<0.001)and the slopes of energy spectrum curves(H=19.615,P<0.001)were statistically significant among the three types of stones.The overall accuracies of DEI,Zeff and slope of energy spectrum curve were 87.39%(97/111),84.68%%(94/111)and 81.98%(91/111)in identifying the components of urinary tract stone.The range of diagnostic accuracies of DEI,Zeff and the slope of energy spectrum curve was between 80%and 100%for calcium oxalate stones,hydroxyapatite and uric acid stones.The overall accuracy of DEI,Zeff combined with slope of energy spectrum curve was 94.59%(105/111)in identifying the components of urinary tract stones.The diagnostic accuracies of DEI,Zeff combined with slope of energy spectrum curve were respectively 94.59%,94.59 and 100%for calcium oxalate stones,hydroxyapatite and uric acid stones.Conclusion:Compared with the single indicator of DECT,the DEI and Zeff combined with the slope of the energy spectrum curve showed better diagnostic accuracy in identifying the components urinary track stones.

Objective:To discuss the regulatory effect of berberine(BBR)on fatty acids in the human glioma T98G cells and its effect on the cell proliferation,migration,and invasion,and to clarify its potential mechanism.Methods:The T98G cells at logarithmic growth phase were divided into control group and different concentrations(25,50,and 100 mg·L-1)of BBR groups.Cell wound healing assay was used to detect the migration rates of the cells in various groups;Transwell chamber assay was used to detect the invasion rates of the cells in various groups.The T98G cells at logarithmic growth phase were divided into control group and 100 mg·L-1 BBR group,and Mass spectrometry was used to detect the fatty acid contents in the cells in two groups.The T98G cells at logarithmic growth phase were divided into control group and different concentrations(50,100,and 150 mg·L-1)of BBR groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K),protein kinase B(AKT),phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT),sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1(SREBP-1),and fatty acid synthase(FASN)in the cells in various groups.The expression of FASN was suppressed by gene silencing technology,and the T98G cells at logarithmic growth phase were divided into control group,shFASN1 group,and shFASN2 group.Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of FASN protein in the cells in various groups;clone formation assay was used to detect the clone formation of the cells in various groups;cell wound healing assay was used to detect the migration rates of the cells in various groups.Results:Compared with control group,the migration rates and invasion rates of the cells in different concentrations of BBR groups were decreased in a concentration-dependent manner(P<0.01),and the fatty acid content in the cells in 100 mg·L-1 BBR group was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with control group,the expression levels of p-PI3K,p-AKT,SREBP-1,and FASN proteins in the cells in 150 mg·L-1 BBR group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the expression level of SREBP-1 protein in the cells in 100 and 150 mg·L-1 BBR groups were significantly decreased(P<0.01).After suppression of FASN expression,compared with control group,the expression levels of FASN protein in the cells in shFASN1 and shFASN2 groups were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expression level of FASN protein in the cells in shFASN2 group was lower than that in shFASN1 group(P<0.05);compared with control group,the numbers of clone formation and migration rates of the cells in shFASN1 and shFASN2 groups were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the migration rate of the cells in shFASN2 group was significantly lower than that in shFASN1 group(P<0.05).Conclusion:BBR interferes with fatty acid synthesis in the glioma T98G cells by reducing the expression of the PI3K/AKT/SREBP-1/FASN pathway related proteins,and decrease their migration and invasion capabilities.

Objective:To investigate the dose-effect relationship of Xianfu ointment and its decomposed recipes the 1-chloro-2,4-dini-trochlorobenzene(DNCB) induced chronic eczema in mice, and confirm the median effective dose (ED50) of each formula and the synergetic effect by compatibility. Methods:DNCB was used to induce chronic eczema in C57 mice. The mice were treated with gradient dosages of the Xianfu ointment (11.71-11 662.50 mg?kg-1?d-1,k = 0.316), Anemone flaccid (0.53-530.12 mg?kg-1?d-1,k = 0.316), Xianfu ointment without Anemone flaccid (11.18-11 132.40 mg?kg-1?d-1,k =0.316),respectively. The pathological features were observed after hematoxylin-eosin staining. The volume ratio of epidermides and the number of lymphocyte infiltrated in dermis were analyzed with morphometry. The serum levels of IL-2,IFN-γ,IL-4,and IL-13 were detected by ELISA assay. The ED50was calculated by non-linear regression with various slope using Prism-5.0 software.Results:The effects of Xianfu ointment and its decomposed recipes on chronic eczema showed a dose-dependent tendency. The dose-response curves showed"S"shape. The efficacy of Xianfu ointment on chronic eczema was the most significant among the three formulas, which was demonstrated by decreased epidemical thicknes (ED50= 377.90 mg?kg-1?d-1), reduced infiltrated lymphocyte number(ED50= 153.20 mg?kg-1?d-1), increased serum IL-2(ED50=608.90 mg?kg-1?d-1) and IFN-γ (ED50= 205.50 mg?kg-1?d-1) levels, and decreased serum IL-4(ED50= 198.70 mg?kg-1?d-1) and IL-13 levels (ED50= 117.60 mg?kg-1?d-1). And the dose-effect curves of Anemone flaccid and Xianfu ointment without Anemone flaccid groups were both right shift when compared with that of Xianfu ointment. Conclusion:Xianfu ointment and its decomposed recipes can effectively treat chronic eczema. Anemone flaccid has obvious compatibility synergy in the whole formula. The effects of Xianfu ointment is most significant.

Objective: To study the dose-effect relationship of Yuning ointment and its decomposed recipes in the treatment of oleic acid induced acne in mice. Methods: Oleic acid was administrated to the back (2 cm ×2 cm) of the mice (once a day) for 21 days to induce acne. At d22, the gradient dosage of Anemone flaccida crude drug (1. 06-1 060. 23 mg?kg-1?d-1,k=3. 16), Yuning oint-ment without Anemone flaccida crude drug (4. 73-1 767. 75 mg?kg-1?d-1, k=3. 16) and Yuning ointment (2. 84-2 827. 28 mg?kg-1?d-1, k=3. 16) was respectively administrated to the back of mice for 14 days. The pathological changes of skin were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The diameter of sebaceous glands and the ratio of follicular keratinization area were morphomet-rically analyzed. The serum levels of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA assay. The median effective dosages (ED50) of A-nemone flaccida in the three prescriptions were regressed by Prism 5. 01 software to determine the prescription dose-effect. Results: All the therapy groups were with significantly relieved pathological changes of sebaceous glands hypertrophy and follicular keratinization, and decreased serum levels of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. The dose-response curves showed an "S" shape. A-mong the three therapy groups, the effect of Yuning ointment was the best. The ED50of Yuning ointment regressed by Anemone flaccida dose was 0. 28-fold for improving sebaceous glands hypertrophy, 0. 14-fold for inhibiting follicular keratinization, and 0. 15-, 0. 49-and 0. 24-fold for decreasing serum levels of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α. . Regressed by Yuning ointment without Anemone flaccida, the ED50of Yuning ointment was lower than Yuning ointment without Anemone flaccid in terms of improving pathological changes and inhibiting the secretion of cytokines. Conclusion: Yuning ointment can prevent and treat acne through regulating immune function. And the prescrip-tion compatibility can enhance the effects of Anemone flaccida.

Objective: To determine the optimal dose of dexmedetomidine required to prevent nausea and vomiting when used for postoperative analgesia after gynecological laparoscopic surgery. Methods: A total of 135 patients, aged 18-60 yr, weighing 52-80 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled for elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery, were divided into 3 groups (n=45 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg group (group D₁) and dexmedetomidine 2 μg/kg group (group D₂). Immediately after anesthesia induction, dexmedetomidine 0.4 μg·kg^-1·h^-1 was injected intravenously until 30 min before the end of surgery in all the patients.When the patient was fully awake at the end of surgery, the tracheal tube was removed, and patients were sent to postanesthesia care unit and received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). The PCIA solution contained sufentanil 1.2 μg/kg and dezocine 20 mg in 100 ml of 0.9% normal saline.The PCIA pump was set up with a 0.5 ml bolus dose, a 15 min lockout interval and background infusion at a rate of 2 ml/h.Dexmedetomidine 1 and 2 μg/kg were added to PCIA solution in group D₁ and group D₂, respectively.The occurrence of nausea and vomiting was recorded in postanesthesia care unit stay period (P₁) and in 0-12 h (P₂), 12-24 h (P₃), 24-36 h (P₄) and 36-48 h (P₅) periods after patients returned to the ward.Ramsay sedation score was recorded at 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after patients returned to the ward.When visual analogue scale score >3, patients were told to press PCIA.Patients were followed up for 48 h after surgery, and patients′ satisfaction, pressing times of PCIA and occurrence of pruritus, respiratory depression, bradycardia and dizziness were recorded. Results: Compared with group C, the incidence of nausea was significantly decreased in P₂ period, and the pressing times of PCIA were reduced in P_{2, 3} period in D₁ and D₂ groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Ramsay sedation score at each time point, patients′ satisfaction and incidence of bradycardia among the three groups (P>0.05). No patients developed pruritus, respiratory depression or dizziness in the three groups. Conclusion The optimal dose of dexmedetomidine required to prevent nausea and vomiting is 1 μg/kg when used for postoperative analgesia after gynecological laparoscopic surgery.