Objective:To explore the effects of Xiaoyao Conger Decoction pretreatment on model rats of tinnitus with syndrome of liver-qi stagnation and spleen deficiency (TLSSD) and its preliminary mechanisms.Methods:The rats were divided into four groups: a blank group, a model group, a positive group, and Xiaoyao Conger high- and low-dosage groups, with 7 rats in each group according to random number table method. Except for the blank group, the TLSSD model was prepared by the composite etiological method in all groups of rats. The positive group received a gavage of carbamazepine at 15 mg/kg, while Xiaoyao Conger high- and low-dosage groups were given 30 g/kg and 15 g/kg of Xiaoyao Conger Decoction, respectively. The blank and model groups were administered an equal volume of saline once daily for 4 weeks. The frequency of conditioned avoidance response behaviors in rats was recorded before and at 2 and 4 weeks post-drug administration; TCM syndrome scores were documented before and after treatment; auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds were monitored at frequencies of 4, 12, 20, and 28 kHz; IL-1β mRNA expression in the inferior colliculus and cochlea was detected by RT-qPCR; and the levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid (Glu) in hippocampal tissues were determined by LC-MS/MS.Results:The model group exhibited symptoms of liver depression, including irritability, yellow fur, and a dark red tongue, along with signs of spleen deficiency such as lethargy, decreased activity, and loose stools. Compared to the model group, rats in the Xiaoyao Conger high- and low-dosage groups demonstrated a reduction in conditioned avoidance response behaviors ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), a decrease in TCM syndrome scores ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), lower ABR thresholds at 12, 20, and 28 kHz ( P<0.01), reduced levels of IL-1β mRNA in the inferior colliculus and cochlea ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), and decreased hippocampal Glu levels ( P<0.01). Conclusion:The therapeutic effect of Xiaoyao Conger Decoction pretreatment on TLSSD rats may be related to its ability to improve the mood disorders and stress, reduce the neuroinflammatory response, regulate the CNS neurotransmitter balance, and correct the overexcitability of the auditory centre, etc.

Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYA) on rats with tinnitus and investigate its influence on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid (Glu) levels of inferior colliculus.Methods:The model of rats with tinnitus received an injection of sodium salicylate and "water-drinking suppression" was extablished, and then were divided into four groups with random number table method: normal group, model group, positive control (carbamazepine 5 mg/kg) and HYA (20 mg/kg) groups. Animals were intraperitoneally injected for 15 days. The recovery time of water-drinking suppression of all groups were recorded. The threshold value of auditory brainstem response (ABR) under the different frequency (4, 12, 20 and 28 kHz) in each rat was measured. The levels of GABA and Glu in inferior colliculus in rats with tinnitus were detected by LC-MS/MS.Results:Compared with the model group, the recovery time of water drinking suppression [(3.55±0.69)d vs.(1.83±0.58)d] in HYA group was significantly prolonged ( P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the threshold value of ABR under different frequency (4, 12, 20 and 28 kHz) were significantly reduced in HYA group ( P<0.01). The GABA levels [(2.25±0.26) μmol/g vs.(1.96±0.19)μmol/g] in inferior colliculus of tinnitus rats in HYA group was significantly increased ( P<0.05) while the Glu levels [(2.95±0.34)μmol/g vs.(3.71±0.39)μmol/g] were significantly decreased ( P<0.01). Conclusion:HYA treatment could relieve tinnitus symptoms induced by sodium salicylate, which might be related to the recovery of excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitter balance.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of paravertebral nerve block (PVNB) combined with general anesthesia on intraoperative regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO 2) in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy. Methods:Seventy American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ patients of both sexes, aged 60-85 yr, with body mass index of 18-25 kg/m 2, were divided into 2 groups ( n=35 each) using a random number table method: general anesthesia group (group G) and PVNB combined with general anesthesia group (group PG). PVNB was performed at T 4 and T 6 with 0.5% ropivocaine 10 ml for each site under ultrasound guidance before induction of anesthesia in group PG.After induction of anesthesia, anesthesia was maintained with IV propofol and remifentanil, and a patient-controlled intravenous analgesia pump was connected at the end of operation.The maximum and minimum rScO 2 and cumulative time of rScO 2 below the baseline value were recorded.The rScO 2 was recorded before anesthesia (T 0), at 5 min before one-lung ventilation (T 1), at 5 min after one-lung ventilation (T 2) and at tracheal extubation (T 3). The length of postoperative hospital stay and complications within 30 days after operation were recorded. Results:Compared with group G, the minimum rScO 2 and rScO 2 at T 2 and T 3 were significantly increased, the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction was reduced ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the other parameters mentioned above in group PG ( P>0.05). Conclusion:PVNB combined with general anesthesia can improve intraoperative rScO 2 and reduce the development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Objective:To identify the risk factors for decrease in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO 2) during one-lung ventilation (OLV) in the patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Methods:A total of 175 patients of both sexes, aged ≥55 yr, with expected operation time≥2 h, scheduled for elective thoracic surgery with OLV, were selected in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from August 2017 to September 2018.The rScO 2 was continuously monitored from the beginning of anesthesia induction until removal of tracheal intubation.General anesthesia, general anesthesia combined with epidural block or general anesthesia combined with local nerve block were used.The baseline characteristics, previous medical history and history of anesthesia surgery, type of surgery, method of anesthesia, duration of anesthesia, duration of OLV, duration of surgery, and intraoperative adverse events (hypoxemia, hypotension, bradycardia, etc.) were recorded.According to whether a decrease in rScO 2 occurred during OLV (absolute value of rScO 2 was less than 65% or a decrease of more than 20% of the baseline value), the patients were divided into 2 groups: low rScO 2 group and normal rScO 2 group.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for decrease in rScO 2 during OLV. Results:One hundred and seven patients developed decrease in rScO 2 during OLV, with an incidence of 61.1%.The results of logistic regression analysis showed that hypoxemia was an independent risk factor for decrease in rScO 2, and general anesthesia combined with epidural block was a protective factor for decrease in rScO 2 during OLV. Conclusion:Hypoxemia is an independent risk factor for decrease in rScO 2 during OLV, while general anesthesia combined with epidural block is a protective factor for decrease in rScO 2 in the patients undergoing thoracic surgery.