Objective To analyze the timing and frequency of spontaneous gasping during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a rat model,and evaluate its value bearing some relation to duration of cardiac arrest (CA ) in predicting the severity of post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction.Methods Twenty-seven healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly (random number)divided into 3 groups according to different durations of CA:CA 4 min (n=9),CA 6 min (n=9)and CA 8 min (n=9).CA of rats was electrically induced and untreated for 4,6 or 8 min respectively in the corresponding groups,and then cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)was initiated and continued for 8 min in all animals.The emergence timing and frequency of spontaneous gasping during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and resuscitation outcomes were documented.Myocardial function such as cardiac output,ejection fraction and Tei index was measured by echocardiography prior to CA and at 1 h,2 h and 4 h post-resuscitation.Results The earliest appearance of gasping with highest frequency was observed in the CA 4 min group during CPR.Gasping appeared later with decreased frequency observed following longer duration of CA.There were statistically significant differences in the timing and frequency of gasping among the 3 groups.In the CA 4 min group with frequent gasping,all animals were successfully resuscitated with 8-min CPR with the least number of defibrillation,which was significantly better than that in the CA 8 min group.During the evaluation of post-resuscitation myocardial function,cardiac output,ejection fraction and myocardial work index (Tei index) were better in the CA 4 min group with frequent gasping,worse in the CA 6 min group and worst in the CA 8 min group, showing statistically significant differences in cardiac function among the 3 groups. Conclusions The spontaneous gasping appeared sooner with higher frequency during cardiopulmonary resuscitation indicated shorter duration of CA,and predicted better success of resuscitation and post-resuscitation myocardial function.

Objective To study the effect of tranilast on cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human renal tubular epithelial cells, and investigate the mechanism of its antifibrotic effect. Methods Cultured HK-2 cells were divided into four groups: (1)In the control group, cells were treated without any medicine; (2) The cell were treated with CsA (4. 2μmol/L) for 72 h; (3) The cells were treated with a combination of CsA (4. 2 μmol/L) and tranilast (100μmol/L); (4) The cells were treated with tranilast (100 μmol/L) alone for 72 h.Morphological changes of the cells were assessed by phase-contrast microscopy. The immunofluorescence and Western blotting were adopted to detect the expression of E-cadherin, α-SMA and OPN mRNA and proteins respectively. Results Tranilast could markedly ameliorate the morphological changes of HK-2 cells stimulated by CsA. The irmmunofluorescence staining revealed the expression of E-cadherin was markedly decreased in HK-2 cells stimulated with CsA for 72 as compared with the control group, while the expression of α-SMA and OPN was significantly higher in CsA group than the control group. The expression of E-cadherin in the CsA + Tranilast group was higher than the CsA group, while the expression of α-SMA and OPN in the CsA + Tranilast group was lower than the CsA group. Western blotting showed that protein expression level of E-cadherin in CsA group was dramatically lower than that in the control group (P＜0. 05), while that of α-SMA and OPN in CsA group was significantly higher than in the control group (P＜0.05). The protein expression level of E-cadherin in HK-2 cells in the CsA + Tranilast group was markedly higher than in the CsA group (P＜0.05), and that of α-SMA and OPN in CsA + Tranilast group was significantly lower than in the CsA group (P＜0. 05). Conclusion Tranilast can block the CsA-induced epithelialto-mesenchymal transition in HK-2 cells probably by suppressing the expression of OPN.

BACKGROUND: Adequate preparation of donors and recipients prior to living-related donor renal transplantation, short warm and cold ischemia time for donor kidney, good histocompatibility of human leukocyte antigen match, and low postoperative rejection incidence provide feasibility for use of low-dose immunosuppressive agents after living-related donor renal transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of low-dose calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), an immunosuppressive agent, in living-related donor renal transplantation. METHODS: A total of 38 recipients who underwent living-related donor renal transplantation at the Center of Renal Transplantation of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2006 to June 2008 were randomized for treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (750 mg twice a day), prednisone, and either standard-dose CNI (n=18) or low-dose CNI (n=20) during 12 months post-transplantation. Ciclosporin A was given orally (starting dose, 6 and 4 mg/kg per day, respectively) in two divided doses to achieve the 12-hour whole blood concentration as measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. The starting dose of tacrolimus was 0.12 and 0.08 mg/kg per day respectively, and its whole blood concentration was measured by enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique. After transplantation, patients were followed up. Renal function, pulmonary infection, liver dysfunction, and CNI nephrotoxicity at different time periods were compared between different regimens. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: During 12 months post-transplantation, patient death occurred in one of 18 patients (5.6%) in the CNI standard-dose group and none of 20 patients (0%) in the CNI low-dose group. There was no significant difference in renal function and acute rejection between CNI standard-dose and CNI low-dose groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of liver dysfunction and CNI nephrotoxicity was significantly lower in the CNI low-dose group than in the CNI standard-dose group (P < 0.05). In addition, a low-dose CNI regimen helped recipients to lessen the economic burdens. These findings indicate that it is effective, safe and economical to use a low-dose CNI regimen in living-related donor renal transplantation.

Objective To investigate the expression of OPN, α-SMA, E-cadherin and their correlation in the chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) rat model, and to explore the possible role of OPN in CAN.Methods Orthotopic renal-transplantation using Fisher rats as donors and Lewis rats as recipients was done to establish CAN group, and Lewis to Lewis rats as control group. Rats in each group were sacrificed 12 weeks after the surgery. Blood and urine were collected for further test. Allograft samples were collected and sectioned for HE, Sirus-red staining, immunohistochemistry and Western blot.Results There were CAN morphological changes of the allograft in CAN group. As compared with control group, immunohistochemistry and Western blot revealed that the expression of OPN and α-SMA in CAN group was significantly increased, and that of E-Cadherin reduced. Its trend was correlated with the inflammatory response and the EMT of tubule epithelial cells.Conclusions OPN expression in rat CAN model is significantly up-regulated. OPN may play a role in CAN. OPN might affect the CAN by promoting EMT of tubule epithelial cells.

Objective:Labview and VC were used to design software based on the Active One biopotential measurement system to realize the visual evoked potential based brain-computer interface.Methods:The data acquisition software was designed by Labview,the human-interface,real time signal processing and dynamic link library software were designed by VC.Data transmission between Labview and VC was realized through the dynamic link library using shared memory technology.The multimedia timer,DirectDraw technology and parallel port data output were used to design the visual stimulation interface.The 5 points averaging filter combining with averaging method were used to detect the visual evoked potential and the correlation coefficient was computed for signal recognization.Results:The experiments showed that the visual stimulator can produce effective visual stimulation.The data transmission method using the dynamic link library can satisfy the requirement of the system.Conclusions:The real-time signal processing method can improve signal-noise ratio and realize detection and recognization of visual evoked potential.The system can determine which module the subject was fixating and the result was feedback to the subject in real time.

Objective To investigate the effects of limb ischemic post-conditioning (LIpostC) alone or its combination with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) on systemic inflammatory response and lung injury after cardiac arrest (CA) and resuscitation. Methods Twenty-one healthy male pigs weighing (37±2) kg were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 7 each): control group, LIpostC group, and LIpostC+TH group. The animal model was established by 10 minutes of untreated CA and then 5 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).Coincident with the start of CPR, LIpostC was induced by four cycles of 5 minutes of limb ischemia followed by 5 minutes of reperfusion in the LIpostC and LIpostC+TH groups. After successful resuscitation, TH was implemented by surface cooling to reach a temperature of 32-34℃ until 4 hours post-resuscitation, followed by a re-warming rate of 1 ℃/h for 4 hours in the LIpostC+TH group. Normal temperature was maintained in the control and LIpostC groups. The resuscitation outcomes in each group were recorded during CPR. At 15 minutes prior to CA (baseline) and during 4 hours post-resuscitation, the level of arterial lactate was measured and PaO2/FiO2 was calculated, and extra-vascular lung water index (EVLWI) and pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI) were measured meanwhile by a PiCCO monitor. At 15 minutes prior to CA (baseline) and during 24 hours post-resuscitation, the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Six animals in each group were successfully resuscitated. Coronary perfusion pressure (CPP), duration of resuscitation, number of shocks and epinephrine dosage during CPR were not statistically significant among the three groups. The baseline of arterial lactate, PaO2/FiO2, EVLWI, PVPI and cytokines prior to CA were also not statistically significant among the three groups. The levels of serum TNF-α and IL-6 after resuscitation were gradually increased in all the three groups; however, the values of TNF-αand IL-6 were significantly lower in the LIpostC and LIpostC+TH groups than that in the control group, and they were further decreased in the LIpostC+TH group when compared to the LIpostC group [TNF-α (ng/L): 305±22 vs. 343±26 at 4 hours, 350±29 vs. 389±18 at 24 hours; IL-6 (ng/L): 239±14 vs. 263±19 at 24 hours, all P < 0.05]. The levels of lactate reached the peak at 2 hours post-resuscitation and then gradually decreased in all the three groups; it finally returned to the baseline in the LIpostC and LIpostC+TH groups, which was markedly lower than that in the control group (mmol/L: 1.4±0.7, 1.2±0.3 vs. 3.1±1.7, both P < 0.05). During 4 hours post-resuscitation, PaO2/FiO2 was significantly higher and EVLWI and PVPI were markedly lower in the LIpostC and LIpostC+TH groups than that in the control group; additionally, PaO2/FiO2 and EVLWI were further improved in the LIpostC+TH group than the LIpostC group [4-hour PaO2/FiO2 (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 391±26 vs. 361±20; 4-hour EVLWI (mL/kg): 10.1±1.5 vs. 12.1±1.2, both P < 0.05]. Conclusion LIpostC can be used to alleviate systemic inflammatory response and lung injury after porcine CA and CPR, and its combination with TH further enhanced its protective effects.

A total of 105 patients with first-episode schizophrenia (male =51,female =54) and 99 normal controls (male =51,female =48) were included into this retrospective case-control study.Childhood trauma questionnaire-28 item short form (CTQ-SF) was used to assess the experience of childhood abuse.The result of binary logistic regression showed that emotional abuse (β =0.630,P ＜ 0.05) and emotional neglect(β =0.270,P ＜ 0.05) were included into the final model of predicting schizophrenia.It indicates that patients with first-episode schizophrenia experienced more early life stress than controls.Particularly emotional abuse and emotional neglect may play important roles in the onset of schizophrenia.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of regional electrocardiographic consultation network for primary medical institutions.Methods A distance electrocardiographic ( ECG ) consultation center was established in Yuyao People′s Hospital in September 2012, which was connected to 56 regional primary medical through internet.The online consultation was provided by ECG specialists in the center for general practitioners in regional primary health care institutions.Additionally, the ECG training course was also conducted monthly for general practitioners.The 2-year data of ECG consultation were retrospectively reviewed and the effectiveness of the consultation network was evaluated.Results During the past two years, 86 593 electrocardiograms were uploaded by primary medical institutions, in which 3 976 were required for consultation. The monthly number of electrocardiograms sent by general practitioners was increased from 3 269 ±290 in the first year to 3 947 ±376 in the second year ( P<0.01 ) .However, the requirements of ECG consultation were not significantly different between two years.Compared to the first year, the rates of consultation requirements, misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis for ECGs of atrial and ventricular premature beats, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, left and right bundle branch blocks,ⅠandⅡdegree atrioventricular blocks and myocardial infarction were significantly decreased ( all P<0.05) in the second year;meanwhile there was a tendency towards the reduction for ECGs of atrial flutter and Ⅲ degree atrioventricular block in the second year.Conclusion The regional electrocardiographic consultation network is effective to improve the capability of primary medical institutions in electrocardiographic diagnosis.

Objective To present the experience of laparoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy and evaluate its safety and efficacy. Methods A total of 91 patients diagnosed with localized prostate carcinoma were admitted from February 2003 to June 2008. The level of serum PSA ranged from 7. 5 - 47. 0 ng/ml(mean 14. 0 ng/ml). The volume of the prostate ranged from 35 - 75 ml(mean 52 ml). Biopsy was performed before the operation and the pathological results revealed prostate carcinoma with Gleason score no more than 8. CT, MR and ECT revealed there was no lymph node or seminal vesicle involvement and there was no bone metastasis. The procedures were performed with an-tegrade techniques and pelvic lymphadenectomies were performed in 32 cases and nerve-sparings were performed in 11 cases. Results The operation duration ranged from 105 - 270 min (mean 173 min). Intraoperative blood loss was 110 - 1200 ml(mean 315 ml). Incontinence occurred in 19 cases in early stage and 18 cases recovered within 3 months. Positive surgical margin occurred in 11 cases. There was no complication of urethra stricture during 3 - 30 months' follow-up. No lymph node was involved in 32 cases with pelvic lymphadectomy. Five of the 11 cases received nerve-sparing prostatectomy had normal erectile function during the follow-up. Conclusions Laparoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy is a safe, effective and efficient surgical procedure with the minimal invasion, less morbidity and rapid recovery. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is emerging as an alternative to open radical prostatectomy.

Objective To report the modified liver mobilization technique in management of renal cell carcinoma with intrahepatic inferior vena cava thrombus. Methods 10 cases (7 men and 3 women at the average age of 49 years) of renal cell carcinoma with intrahepatic inferior vena cavs thrombus were reviewed.The operations were carried by using father clamp to control inferior vena cava,combined with hepatic portal blocking. Results There was no postoperative complication.The average blood loss was 800 ml.The mean hospital stay was 13 days.The time of follow-up ranged from 1 to 48 months. Conclusions The technique of using father clamp to control suprahepatic inferior vena cava combined with hepatic portal blocking is feasible for the treatment of the renal cell carcinoma with intrahepatic inferior vena cava thromhosis.