Objective To determine the effects of a 12-week aerobic exercise program on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity ( baPWV) in sedentary and under-exercised healthy older adults. Methods A total of 35 sedentary and unfit but healthy older adults with mean age of 74.7 years were randomly assigned to a progressively increased intensity aerobic exercise group ( n = 17) or a control group ( n = 18). The exercise group performed aerobic exercise 3 times each week for 12 weeks. The control group didn't participate in the exercise program. Heart rate,blood pressure and baPWV were evaluated at admission to the aerobic exercise program and at the end of the 12 weeks in both groups. Results The mean baPWV in the aerobic exercise group decreased from 15.88 m/s to 14.62 m/s after exercise, a significant reduction. Blood pressure in the exercise group showed a decrease which was not significant. No significant improvement was identified in the control group. Conclusions Only 12 weeks of aerobic exercise with progressively increased intensity can improve arterial elasticity in sedentary and unfit older adults.

OBJECTIVEThis work lays the foundation for establishing a digital model database with normal occlusion. A digital dental cast is acquired through grating projection, and model features are measured through reverse engineering.

METHODSThe grating projection system controlled by a computer was projected onto the surface of a normal dental model. Three-dimensional contour data were obtained through multi-angle shooting. A three-dimensional model was constructed, and the model features were analyzed by using reverse engineering. The digital model was compared with the plaster model to determine the accuracy of the measurement system.

RESULTSThe structure of three-dimensional reconstruction model was clear. The digital models of two measurements exhibited no significant difference (P > 0.05). When digital and plaster models were measured, we found that the crown length and arch width were not statistically different (P > 0.05), whereas the difference between the crown width and arch length was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe reconstruction of a digital model by using the grating projection technique and reverse engineering can be used for dental model measurement in clinic al and scientific research and can provide a scientific method for establishing a digital model database with normal occlusion.

Objective To evaluate the optimal degree of neuromuscular blockade for inhibiting obturator nerve-muscle responses induced by transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) with general anesthesia.Methods Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ-Ⅲ patients of both sexes,aged 26-64 yr,weighing 50-80 kg,scheduled for elective TURBT for lateral bladder wall tumors with general anesthesia,were divided into 3 groups (n =30 each) using a random number table:low-dose mivacurium group (group L),medium-dose mivacurium group (group M) and high-dose mivacurium group (group H).After mivacurium 0.15 mg/kg was injected intravenously during anesthesia induction,mivacurium was continuously infused at a rate of 0.2,0.3 and 0.4 mg · kg-1 · h-1 in L,M and H groups,respectively,until the end of operation.Neuromuscular blockade was continuously monitored during operation.When T1％ and TOF count (TOFC) disappeared,post tetanic count (PTC) was used.ROC curve was applied to analyze the relationship between the occurrence of obturator nerve-muscle responses and degree of neuromuscular blockade.Results T1％ and TOFC were recorded in 16 patients (15 cases in group L,1 case in group M) during the resection of tumor,and the obturator nerve-muscle response was observed in all of these patients.In the other 74 patients,T1％ and TOFC disappeared,and PTC recorded was 10.0±3.1 (group L,n=15),6.0± 3.5 (group M,n=29) and 4.0±2.2 (group H,n=30).Among the 74 patients,the obturator nerve-muscle response was found in 18 patients (8 cases in group L,10 cases in group M).The area under the ROC curve of PTC value in predicting the occurrence of obturator nerve-muscle responses was 0.882 with a PTC cut-off of 9 (P＜0.05).The sensitivity and specificity were 87.3％ and 72.2％,respectively.Conclusion In order to inhibit the obturator nerve-muscle response during TURBT with general anesthesia,the optimal degree of neuromuscular blockade should be kept not more than 9 for PTC.

Objective To prove the advantages of telemetry by comparing with the traditional methods in safety pharmacology.Methods To monitor continuously the heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and ECG of Beagle dogs by traditional and telemetry methods respectively, analyze and compare the changes between anesthetized and conscious dogs before and after feeding.Results Maintenance of anesthesia changed significantly the heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and QT interval in the ECG of animals.The changes of physiological indicators in 24 h is not obvious in conscious animals, and showed a certain biorhythm.Compared with the conscious animals, the anesthetized dogs’ heart rate was significantly higher, blood pressure increased significantly, QRS and QTcf interval prolonged significantly, respiratory frequency decreased, heart rate increased significantly after feeding, and QTcf interval extended very significantly.Conclusions Traditional methods in safety pharmacology affect animal physiological indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and QT interval, which affect the objectivity of drug evaluation.Using conscious animals by telemetry can reduce these errors, however, the interference from outside should be eliminated.

Background Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine involving in inflammation and wound healing.Previous report found that IL-6 increases phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) level and promotes corneal epithelial wound healing by stimulating migration.However,the essential role of IL-6 in corneal epithelial wound healing and the expression changes in diabetic mellitus remains unknown.Objective This study was to explore the roles of IL-6 in corneal epithelial proliferation and wound healing in both normal and diabetic mice.Methods Fifty-two normal C57BL/6 mice were randomized into normal control group (32 mice) and diabetic group (20 mice).Type 1 diabetic mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injections of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin once per day for consecutive 5 days in the mice of the diabetic group.Whole corneal epithelium was scraped in all mice,and the corneal epithelial defect area was examined by fluorescein staining in 24,48 and 72 hours after corneal epithelium removal.Recombinant mouse IL-6 or anti-IL-6 blocking antibody of 5 μl were subconjunctivally injected according to the grouping and contrasted with PBS injection group or isotype control antibody group,respectively.TKE2 cells,a mouse corneal epithelial stem/progenitor cell line,were trypsinized and incubated in the KSFM with different concentrations of IL-6 or without IL-6,and colony formation efficency (CFE) was examined by crystal violet staining.The expressions of △NP63 and Ki67,specific makers of stem cells,were detected by immunofluorescine technology.The expressions of △NP63,Ki67 and p-STAT3 proteins were assayed in the cells by Western blot,respectively.The expression of IL-6 mRNA and protein in the regenerated corneal epithelium was detected by real time quantitative PCR and ELISA.The use and care of the mice complied with the Statement of Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.Results The percentage of residual corneal epithelium defect area with initial detect area was gradually shrinked over time after PBS and IL-6 injection in both normal control mice and diabetic mice,and the percentage of residual corneal epithelium defect area was significantly reduced in the IL-6 injected group compared with the PBS injected group (normal control group:Fgroup =19.982,P ＜ 0.01;Ftime =589.350,P ＜ 0.01;Diabetic group:Fgroup =25.411,P＜0.01;Ftime =334.807,P＜0.01).The CFE was (13.23± 1.12)％,(15.87± 1.30)％,(21.69±1.62)％,(25.33±1.28)％ and (18.67±1.54)％ in the blank control group and 10,20,50,100 ng/ml IL-6-treated groups,respectively,showing a gradual increase of CFE dependent upon IL-6 concetrations (F =35.547,P＜0.01).The expressions of △NP63,Ki67,p-STAT3 proteins in the cells were gradually increased over time after 50 ng/ml IL-6 treated for 5,10,15,30 and 60 minutes,and the relative expression level of the cytokines was significnatly higher in the IL-6 cultured groups than that without IL-6 culture group (all at P＜0.05).The relative expression of IL-6 mRNA in the regenerated corneal epithelilum was 0.45±0.21 and 1.00±0.16 in the diabetic group and normal control group,respectively,and compared with the normal control group,the expression of IL-6 mRNA reduced by 56％ (t=3.42,P=0.03).The content of IL-6 protein in regenerated corneal epithelium of the diabetic group was (257±12) ng/μl,which was significantly lower than (323 ± 17) ng/μl of the normal control group (t =5.60,P＜0.01).Conclusions IL-6 promotes the proliferation and regeneration of corneal limbal stem cells to repair defected corneal epithelium by activating STAT3 signaling pathway in both normal and diabetic mice,while the blocking of endogenous IL-6 impairs the corneal epithelial cell activation and wound healing.

Objective To compare proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels between premenopausal and postmenopausal women,and to investigate the relationship between serum PCSK9 and metabolic factors.Methods Totally 515 women were enrolled from the study on diabetes of prediction,prevention,and intervention in Nanjing in 2009.Survey,physical examinations,and determination of related metabolic indexes were performed.Serum PCSK9 level was measured by sandwich ELISA.Results Serum PCSK9 level was positively correlated with low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C),total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride,fasting plasma glucose,body mass index,waist-hip ratio,and age in women (all P＜0.01).PCSK9 level was significantly lower in premenopausal women than that in postmenopausal women [(58.18 ± 25.44 vs 80.91 ± 33.74) ng/ml,P ＜0.01].Conclusion Higher level of PCSK9 exists in postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women.The level of PCSK9 is closely correlated with age,TC,and LDL-C.

BACKGROUND: The minimal latency and conduction velocity of F-wave have been widely used for the detection of varied neurological disorders,whereas the significance and the diagnostic value for the other parameters of F wave are seldom reported. How sensitive are these parameters in the earlier evaluation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) ?OBJECTIVE: To investigate the evaluating value of F-wave parameters for the earlier DPN, providing references for earlier clinical rehabilitative intervention.DESIGN: Case-control study with type 2 diabetic patients and health people as subjects.SETTING: The wards and outpatients in the Departments of Neurology and Endocrinology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University.PARTICIPANTS: Between January 1999 and December 2000, there were totally 106 patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus(DM) at the wards and outpatients in the department of neurology and endocrinology in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, including 64 males and 42 females, with the average age of (55 ± 13) years and the average DM course of (10.2 ± 4. 8)years. Meanwhile, 75 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the control group,including 45 males and 30 females, with the mean age of(54 ± 12) years.Two groups were matched in age and leg length( P ＞ 0. 05).INTERVENTIONS: Using Nicolet Viking-Ⅳ, F wave and M-wave parameters of tibial nerve stimulation were analyzed.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The minimum latency (Fmin), duration (Fdur), amplitude(Famp) and area(Farca) of F wave; and the amplitude (Mamp)and aera(Marea) of M-wave.neuropathy( n = 30), there were 8 cases(the abnormal rate being 27% ) with increased Fdur, 4(13% ) with prolonged Fmin and 2(7% ) with increased F/Mamp and F/Marea increased significantly in the patients with DPN( n = 76).mality rate of Fdur was significantly higher (96% vs 21%, P ＜0.01), the abnormality rate of Fmin was significantly lower(51% vs 76%, P ＜ 0.05 ) and there were no significant difference of other parameters( P ＞ 0.05) in the patients with mild DPN subgroup ( n = 47).diagnostic parameter for earlier DPN, and therefore detect the sub-clinical DPN, and the proximal may be earlier involved than the distal.

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of DTI for prostate cancer.Methods From October 2009 to December 2010,44 patients suspected of prostate cancer received MRI and DTI.The data of MRI and DTI were analyzed retrospectively.By histopathology,prostate cancer was proved in 16 patients,and benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) was proved in 28 patients.Differences in ADC and FA values between prostate cancer and BPH were compared by independent samples t test.Diagnostic accuracy of FA value and ADC value for prostate cancer was analyzed by using ROC curve,and the diagnostic threshold of FA value and ADC value for prostate cancer was determined.Results The mean FA value of the tumor regions and BPH were 0.308 +0.084 and 0.203 ±0.029,respectively.The mean ADC value of the tumor regions and BPH were (0.883 +0.192) × 10 -3 mm2/s and ( 1.408 ±0.130) × 10-3 mm2/s,respectively.There were statistically significant differences in ADC and FA values between tumor regions and BPH (t values were 4.833 and 10.779 respectively,P＜0.01).The ADC value area under curve of ROC was 0.996 (95％ CI was 0.984 to 1.007) ; the FA value area under curve of ROC was 0.904(95％ CI was 0.812 to 0.996) ; Combined the FA and ADC value area under curve of ROC is 0.996(95％ CI was 0.984to 1.007) ; Using the ADC value of 0.725 × 10 3 mm2/s as the ROC cut off point,the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 100.0％ and 96.0％,respectively; Using the FA value of 0.311as the ROC cut off point,the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was 100.0％ and 68.7％,respectively.Conclusion DTI imaging can provide valuable information for prostate cancer diagnosis and differential diagnosis,and improve the diagnosis ability of prostate cancer.

Objective To study miRNA expression differences in ovalbumin(OVA)- induced murine asthma models of mice and mast cells stimulated by inflammatory cytokines stimulation,and to better understand asthma deve-lopment so as to provide potential target for its prevention and treatment. Methods OVA - induced murine asthma models were validated by detecting cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)and histopathology. And miRNA ex-pression differences in the lung tissues between the model group and the normal control group were detected by real -time polymerose chain reaction PCR . After tumor necrosis factor - α(TNF - α),interleukin 12(IL - 12)stimulation, miRNA expression differences in murine mast cells P815 were detected. Results The number of total cells and eosino-phil cells both increased in BALF of the model group[(12. 8 ± 2. 2)x 107 / L vs(5. 6 ± 2. 5)x 107 / L,t = 4. 760,P ﹤0. 05;(6. 6 ± 1. 9)x 107 / L vs(0. 8 ± 0. 8)x 107 / L,t = 8. 068,P ﹤ 0. 05]. In addition,histopathology showed more inflammatory cell infiltration in the model group than that in the normal control group,indicating that the models were validated. The expression of miRNA - 155 was up - regulated approximately 5. 0 - fold in the lung tissues of the model group(P ﹤ 0. 05),while miRNA - 192 showed no differences compared with the controls. After TNF - α and IL - 12 stimulated P815 mast cells,miRNA - 192 expressions in P815 were expression in P815 was up - regulated approximate-ly 1. 9 - fold and 1. 7 - fold after TNF - α and IL - 12 stimulation,respectively(P ﹤ 0. 05). Conclusions It is conclu-ded that miRNAs are differentially expressed in the presence of OVA - induced murint asthma models and mast cells stimulated by inflammatory cytokines. These differentially expressed miRNAs may regulate the function of mast cells and involved in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Objective To evaluate the anatomic localization and size of acute necrotic myocardium in the ischemic-reperfused rat hearts using 99m TC-Glucarate and microSPECT/CT.Methods The ischemic-reperfused ( IR) rat heart models were established by ligating left anterior descending coronary artery for 60 min.99mTC-Glucarate was intravenously injected into the rats 24 hours after IR operations .Images were acquired 30 min after administration of 99m TC-Glucarate using microSPECT/CT. Anatomic localization and size of acute necrotic myocardium were analyzed with microSPECT/CT imaging , and these results were compared to those determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride ( TTC ) staining.Results The microSPECT/CT images showed hot spot accumulations of 99mTC-Glucarate in IR hearts (the heart-to-liver ratio was 1.90 ±0.33), not in controls (P <0.05).The anatomic localization of 99mTC-Glucarate-labeled necrotic myocardium were in correspondence with TTC staining results .The hot spot size was related significantly to necrotic myocardial size determined by TTC staining ( R2 =0.964 ) .Conclusions The localization and size of acute necrotic myocardium can be assessed by non-invasive microSPECT/CT imaging with99m Tc-Glucarate.