AIMTo study the effects of hydrocortisone sodium succinate on sodium current in human atrial myocytes and in guinea pig ventricular myocytes.

METHODSSingle cardiac myocytes were isolated by enzyme. The effects of hydrocortisone sodium succinate on sodium current (INa) were assessed by applying whole-cell patch clamp techniques.

RESULTSHydrocortisone sodium succinate (1, 3, 10 micromol x L(-1)) was shown to inhibit INa of both human atrial myocytes and guinea pig ventricular myocytes in concentration dependent manner and the IC50 were 6.97 and 8.74 micromol x L(-1), respectively. The inhibition effects acted quickly (1-3 min) and the maximal activating voltage of INa was not changed in both human and guinea pig cardiac myocytes.

CONCLUSIONHydrocortisone sodium succinate can exhibit inhibitory effects on INa in both human and guinea pig cardiac myocytes, and its inhibitory effects act rapidly, which are not consistent with genomic effects, so there may be nongenomic effects.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Animals ; Cell Separation ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Guinea Pigs ; Heart Atria ; pathology ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; pathology ; Heart Ventricles ; cytology ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; physiology ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Sodium Channels ; drug effects

Objective： The aim of this study was to investigate the best choice of the three treatment modalities of preserving laryngeal functions in T3 laryngeal carcinoma. Methods： There were 94 cases with T3 laryngeal carcinoma (Stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ ) who were treated by three kinds of modalities of preserving laryngeal functions： definitive radiotherapy, salvage surgery for the failures of definitive radiotherapy, partial laryngectomy. We compared their survival curve, recurrence rate of the primary and secondary site, and the complications. Results： The survival curve of the partial laryngectomy groups was better than that of the definitive radiotherapy group in supraglottic carcinoma (P=0.0248). In glottial carcinoma, the survival curve of partial laryngectomy group and salvage surgery group were insignificantly different, both of them were better than that of definitive radiotherapy group (P=0.0075). The complication rate of the salvage surgery group was significantly higher than that of partial laryngectomy group (60％ Vs 16.7％ ); We regarded the definitive radiotherapy group and salvage surgery group as one group, it's primary site recurrence rate was significant higher than that of partial laryngectomy group (45.8％ Vs 19.4％ ). Conclusion： Partial laryngectomy is the most effective way among the three modalities of preserving laryngeal functions to treat T3 laryngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVETo investigate reasonable surgical therapy for conjoined twins.

METHODSTwo pairs of gastrothoracopagus were admitted in July 2004 and April 2005 respectively. The first pair was separated by emergency surgery for the rupture of umbilical hernia resulting in the exposure of intestines. The thoracic and abdominal wall was repaired with local skin flaps, and the secondary wound was covered with artificial skin. Skin expanders were embedded in thoracic and abdominal wall 2 months after birth in the second pair. The surgical separation was performed one month after. The deficiencies of pericardium, sternum and abdominal wall were reconstructed by allogenic grafting of pericardium, porous polyethylene implant and monofilament polypropylene patch respectively. The thoracic and abdominal wall was repaired with expanded rotation skin flap.

RESULTSThe first twins died of respiratory failure and circulatory and respiratory failure 2 hours and 39 hours after the separation respectively. Both of the second pair survived and were discharge after healing.

CONCLUSIONSThe separation of gastrothoracopagus should be performed after skin expansion in the interest of the closure of wound. It's better to use porous polyethylene implant and monofilament polypropylene patch to reconstruct the sternum and abdominal wall respectively.

Abdominal Wall ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Fatal Outcome ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Thoracic Wall ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Twins, Conjoined ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the factors that influence survival of the patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma in young people and evaluate the efficiency of unilateral lobectomy plus isthmectomy with therapeutic cervical lymph node dissection and postoperative TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) suppressive therapy.

METHODSOne hundred and thirty-one patients under 30 years old with differentiated thyroid carcinoma treated in this hospital (14 cases no more than and 117 cases more than 16 years) from Jan. 1st, 1985 to Dec. 31st, 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred and twenty-eight patients were received only surgery and TSH suppressive therapy, and 3 patients received chemotherapy or radiotherapy because of the progressive metastasis in necks or mediastina. A multivariate analysis was performed in these patients by the Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTSThe mean follow-time (x +/- s) of all patients were (140.86 +/- 43.76) months, with range from 20 to 229 months; Ninety-eight patients followed more than 10 years. Ten patients died of thyroid cancer. The overall 10-year survival rate was 97.18%. The 10-year survival rate for patients < or = 16 years of age and > 16 years were 75.97% and 96.57% respectively (P = 0. 0006). The 10-year survival rate for women and men were 94.91% and 93.69% respectively (P = 0.5261). The 10-year survival rates of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and follicular thyroid carcinoma were 93.77% and 96. 55% respectively (P = 0.8137). For patients with tumor size of < or = 1 cm, 1-4 cm and >4 cm the survival rate was 100.0%, 96.40%, and 80.67% respectively (P = 0. 0589). The 10-year survival rates of patients with or without lymph node metastasis were 88.37% and 100. 0% respectively (P = 0.0313). For patients of with or without distant metastasis, The survival rate was 96.64% or 60.00% (P = 0.0000). The 10-year survival rates with or without recurrence were 86. 67% and 95.48% respectively (P = 0. 5681). Using multivariate analysis, risk factors that independently influence survival were distant metastasis, tumor size and age.

CONCLUSIONSThe distant metastasis, tumor size and age at diagnosis were the independent factors influencing survival significantly. The status of lymph node metastasis may have certain effect on the prognosis. Unilateral lobectomy plus isthmectomy with a therapeutic cervical lymph node dissection followed by postoperative TSH suppressive therapy is a favourable model to children and young adults with DTC without distant metastasis, but to the patients with distant metastasis, their prognosis of this therapy model is disappointing.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Papilloma ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the potential cell sources of neointimal cells in autologous vein graft in rat model.

METHODSVein graft neointimal cell origins were investigated using a model of vein-to-artery interposition modal. Slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemical staining was also performed with primary antibodies alpha-smooth actin or CD34.

RESULTSNeointimal thickening was greater at the proximal ends (65.2 +/- 4.6) microm and, to a lesser extent, distal ends (64.7 +/- 5.3) microm, in comparison to the middle of the graft (63.5 +/- 5.6) microm. Vein-originating cells survived and make a contribution to neointimal formation within the vein graft, mostly adjacent to the lumen, suggesting an intimate association with endothelial cells, donor arterial smooth muscle cells or circulating progenitor cells.

CONCLUSIONSVein graft neointimal cells arise predominantly from vein-derived endothelial cells, donor arteria smooth muscle cells or circulating progenitor cells. It suggests clinical relevance of stenosis-inhibiting therapies directed at the vein graft or early system pharmacologic administration.

Anastomosis, Surgical ; Animals ; Carotid Artery, Common ; surgery ; Hyperplasia ; Jugular Veins ; pathology ; transplantation ; Male ; Models, Animal ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Tunica Intima ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo develop a multiplex PCR protocol, which could be suitable for routine screening of microdeletions on the Y chromosome in azoospermic and oligozoospermic male infertility patients.

METHODSFive multiplex sets were established. Eighty-seven azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) center and 30 azoospermic men undergoing testicular biopsy in the clinic of Urology Surgery were screened for microdeletions of Y chromosome.

RESULTSA total of 19 (16.2%) cases of microdeletions were found in 117 azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients by screening of Y chromosome microdeletions. Of these, 11 cases (18.0%) were found in 61 oligozoospermic patients, and 8 cases (14.3%) were found in 56 azoospermic patients.

CONCLUSIONThe multiplex PCR protocol presented in this study is an easy-to-do and reliable method for detecting microdeletions on the Y chromosome. Routine screening of microdeletions on the Y chromosome for azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients is essential.

Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Y ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; methods ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVERNA interference is a new technology that inhibit effectively the expression the specific genes. The current study was designed to investigate whether the plasmid containing the short hairpin RNA (shRNA) of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT(1)R) can inhibit the hyperplasia of vascular smooth muscle cells in rat.

METHODSThe plasmids containing the shRNA of AT(1)R were constructed, and transfected vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) to detect the effect on the AT(1)R expression by RT-PCR and Western blot, observe the shape of VSMCs by the inverted phase contrast microscope, and detect the hyperplasia of VSMCs by trypan blues staining and MTT.

RESULTSThe plasmids was certified to be in the right rank. After transfecting cells, there was significant difference (P < 0.01) in the expression of AT(1)R mRNA between the plasmid transfected group (pAT(1)R-shRNA(1) 1.37 +/- 0.15; pAT(1)R-shRNA(2) 1.45 +/- 0.12) and the control group (2.09 +/- 0.26), and there was significant difference (P < 0.01) in the expression of AT(1)R protein between the gene transfected group (pAT(1)R-shRNA1 1.12 +/- 0.04; pAT(1)R-shRNA2 1.20 +/- 0.07) and the control group (3.17 +/- 0.21). It is shown that pAT(1)R-shRNA can decrease the expression of AT(1)R mRNA and protein. There was significant difference (P < 0.01) in the Cell number between the plasmid transfected adding AngII group (pAT(1)R-shRNA1 5.48 +/- 0.44; pAT(1)R-shRNA2 5.55 +/- 0.45) and the AngII control group (8.13 +/- 0.41); there was significant difference (P < 0.01) in the Ratio of light density by MTT between the plasmid transfected adding AngII group (pAT(1)R-shRNA1 0.365 +/- 0.024; pAT(1)R-shRNA2 0.307 +/- 0.025) and the control group (0.485 +/- 0.011); It is shown that that pAT(1)R-shRNA can inhibit the hyperplasia of VSMCs, and matching the result of morphology observation.

CONCLUSIONSThe plasmids containing the shRNA of AT(1)R can inhibit the expression of AT(1)R mRNA and protein in VSMCs, and inhibit the hyperplasia of VSMCs induced by AngII in rat.

Angiotensin II ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Aorta ; cytology ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Hyperplasia ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; pathology ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; cytology ; metabolism ; Plasmids ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the performance of vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) for the bio-decontamination of the high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter unit.

METHODSSelf-made or commercially available bioindicators were placed at designated locations in the HEPA filter unit under VHP fumigation. The spores on coupons were then extracted by 0.5 h submergence in eluent followed by 200- time violent knocks.

RESULTSDue to the presence of HEPA filter in the box, spore recovery from coupons placed at the bottom of the filter downstream was significantly higher than that from coupons placed at the other locations. The gap of decontamination efficiency between the top and the bottom of the filter downstream became narrower with the exposure time extended. The decontamination efficiency of the bottom of the filter downstream only improved gently with the injection rate of H2O2 increased and the decontamination efficiency decreased instead when the injection rate exceeded 2.5 g/min. The commercially available bioindicators were competent to indicate the disinfection efficiency of VHP for the HEPA filter unit.

CONCLUSIONThis assay developed can detect all 16 β-lactams demanded by the European Union (EU). The whole procedure takes only 45 min and can detect 42 samples and the standards with duplicate analysis.

Air Filters ; Fumigation ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of intrathecal ouabain and tizanidine injection for treatment of neuropathic pain in rats.

METHODSMale SD rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 6), namely the control group, ouabain group, tizanidine group, combined ouabain and tizanidine injection group, and the antagonist group. Intrathecal catheter was implanted 7 days before spinal nerve ligation to establish the neuropathic pain model. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) before and after intrathecal administration of the agents was recorded in the rats. Isobolographic analysis was performed to evaluate the interactions between the agents.

RESULTSIntrathecal injection of ouabain (0.25-5 microg) or tizanidine (0.5-5 microg) alone produced dose-dependent analgesic effect against the neuropathic pain (P < 0.05). Isobolographic analysis revealed a synergistic interaction between ouabain and tizanidine. Intrathecal pretreatment with atropine (5 microg) or yohimbine (20 microg) antagonized the effects of ouabain and tizanidine administered alone or in combination (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIntathecal injection of ouabain or tizanidine produces dose-dependent analgesic effects against neuropathic pain, and their synergistic effect after combined injection probably involves the cholinergic transmission and alpha2 receptor.

Analgesics ; administration & dosage ; Animals ; Clonidine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Injections, Spinal ; Ouabain ; administration & dosage ; Pain ; drug therapy ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spinal Nerves ; injuries

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of NBD-peptide pretreatment of the donor dendritic cells in immune tolerance induction in mouse allograft recipients and investigate the mechanisms.

METHODSBALB/c mouse DCs pretreated with NBD-peptide (NBD-Peptide-DC) were injected into the recipient C57BL/6 mice 7 days before transplantation. Cervical heterotopic heart transplantation model was established using the cuff technique and the cardiac allograft survival time was observed. Pathological analysis were performed to examine the graft injection and the responsiveness of the recipient spleen T cell to the donor alloantigen was determined by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). The serum levels of cytokines were determined using ELISA.

RESULTSThe cardiac allograft survival time in the NBD-Peptide-DC-treated group (21.83-/+3.54 days) was significantly longer than that in the Day9-DC group (13.33-/+2.58 days) and PBS-treated group (6.66-/+1.21 days) (P<0.01), with also significantly lower pathological grade for graft rejection (P<0.01). The donor-derived NBD-Peptide-DCs induced alloantigen-specific T-cell hyporesponsiveness. In the NBD-Peptide-DC-treated group, the serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma decreased significantly (P<0.01), but the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 increased significantly (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONInjection of donor-derived NBD-Peptide-DCs can leads to donor-specific tolerance in the transplant recipients, and the induction of recipient T-cell hyporesponsiveness and polarization of Th2 response may play important roles in immune tolerance to cardiac allografts.

Animals ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; immunology ; transplantation ; Graft Rejection ; immunology ; Graft Survival ; immunology ; Heart Transplantation ; immunology ; methods ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Peptides ; immunology ; Transplantation, Homologous