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@#Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of esophageal ultrasound-guided percutaneous femoral artery closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD). Methods The clinical data of 24 patients with congenital VSD in our hospital from March 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 6 males and 18 females, with a median age of 12 (3-42) years, weight of 32 (12-91) kg, and VSD diameter of 4 (3-7) mm. There were 3 patients with VSD combined with atrial septal defect. Results Twenty-four patients successfully underwent interventional closure of percutaneous femoral artery under esophageal ultrasound guidance, and the position and shape of the occluders were good. The operation time was 45 (39-54) min, and the waist size of the occluders was 7 (5-12) mm. Among the patients, 14 patients used symmetric ventricular occlusion devices, 8 patients used asymmetric ventricular occlusion devices, and 2 patients used ventricular occlusion muscle occluders. Small amount of residual shunt occurred in 2 patients after the operation and it disappeared 3 months after the operation. One patient with right bundle branch block, which disappeared after 1 week of observation. There were no complications such as occluder closure, pericardial effusion or valve regurgitation during the perioperative period. During the follow-up period [3-18 (9.25±5.04) months], no serious complication occurred. Conclusion Transesophageal ultrasound-guided transfemoral artery occlusion for VSD is simple and safe, and it avoids the damage of radiation and contrast medium. It has advantages over traditional percutaneous interventional occlusion therapy.
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@#Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and application value of percutaneous interventional treatment for structural heart diseases under guidance of ultrasound. Methods The clinical data of 1 010 patients with structural heart diseases treated by transcutaneous ultrasound-guided occlusion in our hospital from December 2, 2015 to December 31, 2019 were retrospectively reviewed, including 360 males and 650 females, aged 1-50 years. There were 692 patients of atrial septal defect (603 with central type, 9 combined with arterial catheter, 80 with ethmoid type), 116 patent foramen ovale, 25 ventricular septal defects (3 combined with atrial septal defect), 132 patent ductus arteriosus, 32 pulmonary valve stenosis (3 combined with atrial defect), 1 main pulmonary artery window, and 3 aneurysm rupture of aortic sinus. All patients were diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before operation. Treatment was accomplished intraoperatively through TTE or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) via the femoral artery or femoral vein. After operation, echocardiography, electrocardiogram and chest radiograph were reexamined. Results Satisfactory results were obtained in 1 005 patients, and 1 patient failed to seal the ventricular defect and was repaired under direct vision, occluder detachment occurred in 5 patients after operation (3 patients of atrial septal defects underwent thoracotomy for Amplatzer device and were repaired, 1 patient of atrial septal defects was closed after removing Amplatzer device, 1 patient of patent ductus arteriosus underwent thoracotomy for Amplatzer device and was sutured), mild pulmonary valve regurgitation occurred after balloon dilation in 2 patients with pulmonary stenosis, a small amount of residual shunt was found in 2 patients with ventricular defect, which disappeared after 3 months of follow-up, and 1 patient of right bundle branch block occurred and disappeared after 1 week. After follow-up of 1-24 months, 3 patients of ethmoidal atrial septal defect were reexamined with mild shunt. The occluder was in good position and the pressure difference of pulmonary valve was significantly reduced. There was no complication such as hemolysis, arrhythmia, embolism or rupture of chordae tendinae. Conclusion Percutaneous transfemoral artery and vein guided by TTE or TEE is safe and effective, with little trauma, no radiation or contrast agent damage, and has significant clinical efficacy and application values.
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OBJECTIVE@#To explore the safety, effectiveness and consistency of "Zoning Method" foraminotomy in posterior cervical endoscopic surgery.@*METHODS@#From March 2016 to October 2018, 21 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were enrolled. Endoscopic foraminotomy and nucleus pulposus enucleation were performed in the patients. There were 13 males and 8 females, aged from 35 to 56 years old with an average of (47.3±5.1) years. The surgical segment of 6 cases were C, 10 cases were C and 5 cases were C. The "Zoning Method" was proposed and used to complete the foraminotomy under endoscope, and then to perform nucleus pulposus removal and nerve root decompression. The operation length, intraoperative bleeding volume and complications were recorded, and NDI, VAS were evaluated before operation, 1 day after the operation and 1 week after the operation.@*RESULTS@#All the operations were successful. The operation length was(46.10±26.39) min, intraoperative bleeding volume was (50.10±18.25) ml, and there were no complications such as nerve injury, dural tear or vertebral artery injury. All 21 patients were followed up for 3 to 9 months, with a median of 6 months. Postoperative VAS and NDI were obvious improved (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Endoscopic foraminotomy with "Zoning Method" is safe clinically significant, and consistent.
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Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Cervical Vertebrae , Decompression, Surgical , Foraminotomy , Neuroendoscopy , Radiculopathy , Spondylosis , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical effect of double-door laminoplasty combined with C dome decompression in treatment of cervical spinal stenosis.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 28 patients with cervical spinal stenosis who underwent double-door laminoplasty combined with C dome decompression from June 2016 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 17 males and 11 females, aged 39 to 74 years with an average of (61.0±6.7) years. The clinical effects were evaluated by JOA score, axial symptoms, cervical spine activity, cervical spinal cord compression degree and so on.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for 6 to12 months with an average of 10.2 months. The JOA score in the final follow-up was significantly improved (0.05). After operation, sagittal diameter at the narrowest level of C-C spinal canal was (16.20±1.82) mm, which was significantly higher than (8.38±1.16) mm before operation (<0.05). There were 4 cases with axial symptoms in 24 patients with the incidence rate of 14.29% (4/24).@*CONCLUSION@#Double-door laminoplasty combined with C dome decompression can directly expand the volume of C-C spinal canal, relieve the compression of spinal cord and nerve root, reduce the damage to the posterior cervical ligament complex as much as possible, maintain the stability of cervical spine sequence, reduce the occurrence of axial symptoms, and the operation is relatively simple, without the need of metal internal fixation.
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@#Objective To analyze the efficacy and safety of percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (PBPV) for pulmonary valve stenosis guided by ultrasound. Methods From March 2016 to July 2019, 32 patients with pulmonary valve stenosis were treated in our hospital. There were 19 males and 13 females with an average age of 1-12 (6.2±3.1) years and weight of 7-45 (22.7±9.2) kg. The clinical efficacy of PBPV guided by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was evaluated. Results The transvalvular pressure gradient (PG) of the patients before PBPV was 65.4±11.9 mm Hg. All patients successfully received PBPV under TTE guidance. The PG was 19.7±4.0 mm Hg immediately after operation, which was significantly decreased (P<0.001). All patients survived without any serious complications. The PG values at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after operation were 18.4±4.0 mm Hg, 16.4±3.9 mm Hg, 15.2±3.3 mm Hg, respectively, which were significantly lower than that before the operation (P<0.001). Conclusion PBPV guided by echocardiography is safe and effective in the treatment of pulmonary valve stenosis with low complications rate.
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This paper aimed to investigate the release efficiency of peptide at carbon terminal triggered by tetrazine bioorthogonal click-to-release reaction, and further explored the potential application of this reaction in functional modification and mild cleavage in solid-phase peptide synthesis. Thirteen peptide derivatives modified by trans-cyclooctene (TCO) were designed and synthesized, which were reacted with tetrazine to release the peptides. The results showed that the release rates of peptide were 90.0% to 97.7% in one hour. The strategy has good compatibility with the functional side-groups and the length of peptides, which expands the applications scope of tetrazine bioorthogonal click-to-release reaction. At the same time, a novel bifunctional trans-cyclooctene molecule was designed and synthesized. The active peptide GIRLRG was modified by fluorophore on the solid-phase resin, and released through tetrazine click-to-release reaction under mild condition, providing a new strategy for the solid-phase modification and release strategy of the peptide.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aimed to evaluate the hepatotoxicity, metabolic disturbance activity and endocrine disrupting activity of mice treated by Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this study, Balb/C mice were treated orally by gavage with various doses of DBDPE. After 30 days of treatment, mice were sacrificed; blood, livers and thyroid glands were obtained, and hepatic microsomes were isolated. Biochemical parameters including 8 clinical chemistry parameters, blood glucose and hormone levels including insulin and thyroid hormone were assayed. The effects of DBDPE on hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) levels and activities and uridinediphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UDPGT) activities were investigated. Liver and thyroid glands were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no obvious signs of toxicity and no significant treatment effect on body weight, or liver-to-body weight ratios between treatment groups. The levels of ALT and AST of higher dose treatment groups were markedly increased. Blood glucose levels of treatment groups were higher than those of control group. There was also an induction in TSH, T3, and fT3. UDPGT, PROD, and EROD activities were found to have been increased significantly in the high dose group. Histopathologic liver changes were characterized by hepatocyte hypertrophy and cytoplasmic vacuolization. Our findings suggest that DBDPE can cause a certain degree of mouse liver damage and insufficiency.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DBDPE has the activity of endocrine disruptors in Bal/C mice, which may induce drug-metabolizing enzymes including CYPs and UDPGT, and interfere with thyroid hormone levels mediated by AhR and CAR signaling pathways. Endocrine disrupting activity of DBDPE could also affect the glucose metabolism homeostasis.</p>
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Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) guided by transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) through the femoral artery.Methods From February 2016 to December 2017,53 patients with simple PDA were selected,the funnel type in 30 cases,cast type in 23 cases.All patients were guided by TTE and transcatheter closure of PDA through the femoral artery.The femoral artery was guided by TTE by establishing the orbit of the femoral artery-catheter-pulmonary artery to the right ventricle.The right ventricular septal defect was placed under the femoral artery approach,and the therapeutic effect was evaluated by echocardiography after occlusion.The outpatient visits were made at 1,3,and 6 months after operation.Results PDA closure was successfully completed under TTE guidance in 53 patients.In one adult PDA,the ultrasonic diagnosis of the inner diameter of the catheter was incorrect due to the image quality,which resulted in the replacement of the occluded device several times,but the occlusion was successful.The operative time was (30 ± 10)min.And the back diameter of the transcatheter closure device was (12 ± 6) mm and the murmur of the transmission sheath disappeared.There was no shunt between the main pulmonary artery and the main pulmonary artery,and the length of hospitalization was 3-4 days.No shunt signal was found at 1,3 and 6 months follow-up.Left atrial diameter (LAD) [(25.8 ± 6.1) mm vs (30.6 ± 8.4) mm] and left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) [(38.5 ±9.1)mm vs (45.2 ± 11.5)mm],were decreased significantly (P ＜0.05).Conclusions It is safe and effective to block PDA by using femoral artery approach under the guidance of TTE,which avoids the damage of X-ray and contrast agent,and its prospect of clinical application is promising.
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Aim To observe the effect of epidurally application of osthole on the model of nucleus pulposusinduced inflammatory radicular pain and the expression of p38 MAPK signaling related pathway in the spinal dorsal horn of rats.Methods The model of radicular pain was generated by putting nucleus pulposus to the L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG).50％ MWT was measured using Von Frey filaments to calculate mechanical pain threshold before and after operation.50 μL of 20 g · L-1 osthole was administered epidurally in group Ost and 50 μL of 100 mL · L-1 DMSO in group DMSO at postoperative day (POD).The expression of phosphorylated p38 (p-p38),IL-18 and IL-18R in the lumbar spinal dorsal horn was detected by Western blot.IL-18 mRNA was assessed by real-time PCR.Results The mechanical pain threshold significantly decreased after operation (P ＜ 0.05),while the expression of protein p-p38 MAPK,IL-18,IL-18R and IL-18 mRNA was significantly different.Compared with DMSO group,50％ MWT was significantly increased and accompanied with the decrease of protein p-p38,IL-18,IL-lgR and IL-18 mRNA in Ost group after drug administration (P ＜ 0.05).The correlation analysis between protein concentration of p38 MAPK and IL-18 mRNA showed that the Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.9 (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion p-p38 and IL-18 of spinal dorsal horn participate in the rat model with inflammatory radicular pain induced by nucleus pulposus,and IL-18R plays a role in maintenance of the pain.Osthole administered epidurally in the early stage of pain could alleviate the pain for a long time,which may be related with inhibiting p38 MAPK signaling related pathways.
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Objective:TThe aim of this study was to observe the changes of the volume and distribution of body fluid after abdominal surgery,and further to explore its characteristics and influence factors.Methods:Sixtyone patients were included between March and June in 2016.The volume of intracellular water (ICW),extracellular water (ECW) and total body water (TBW) was estimated by InbodyS 10 on preoperative day 1 (PreD 1) and postoperative day (POD) 1,3,5 and 7.Furthermore,the patients were grouped according to the age,sex,type of operation,operation time and the daily liquid input,and the influence factors of postoperative fluid volume were analyzed in each subgroup.Results:Comparing to that of PreD1,the ICW,ECW,and TBW,mainly ECW,were increased significantly on POD1 (P＜ 0.05),and the level of postoperative fluid volume was decreased to that of PreD1 between POD3 and POD7.It showed that there was difference in the net increasing of body fluid on POD1 between different type of the patients.Obviously,the net increasing of fluid volume in woman on POD 1 was more than that in man.The net increasing of fluid volume on POD1 was correlated with the operation time and net liquid input.Conclusion:The fluid retention was found in the early stage of postoperative patients,and mainly exists in ECW.The main influence factors resulting postoperative fluid retention were prolonged operation time and increased net fluid input.
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Objective To investigate the role of IL-6/STAT3/miR-21 in the treatment of cerebral ischemia reper?fusion injury in mice by pine bark extract. Methods 120 KM mice were randomly divided into normal control group, sham operation group, 14 d and 28 d model groups, 14 d and 28 d treatment groups, each group with 20 mice. The model of cerebral ischemia?reperfusion injury model was made by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. The mice in the treat?ment group were treated with pine bark extract procyanidins by intragastric administration for 7 days before the execution. The control group and sham operation group were treated with normal saline. The differences in learning and memory abili?ties and histopathological changes in the hippocampus of mice in each group were examined. The levels of interleukin 6, STAT3, p?STAT3 and miR?21 were measured. Results The learning and memory abilities of the mice in the treatment group were higher than that in the model group at the same time points. The treatment group had less irregularity in the ar?rangement of Nissl body, irregular shape of the cells, with relatively lighter cytoplasmic staining, but was better than the model group. The expression level of IL?6 in the 28 d model group was lower than that in the 14 d model group, The IL?6 in the hippocampus of the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the model group at the same time point. Therewere no significant differences in the contents of total STAT3 protein in the hippocampus between the groups (P>0. 05). The expression of p?STAT3 in the treatment group was lower than model group at the same time point. The expression of miR?21 in the hippocampus of 14 d, 28 d treatment groups was lower than that in the model group at the same time point, and decreased with time. Conclusions The procyanidins extracted from pine bark may effectively inhibit IL?6, then the phosphorylation level of STAT3 is significantly decreased and finally decreases the expression of miR?21, so as to alleviate the cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in mice.
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This study was conducted to do exposure assessment of the possible migration of antimony trioxide (Sb2O3) from Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) food contact materials (FCM). Consumption Factor (CF) and Food-type Distribution Factor (fT) were calculated from survey data with reference to the US FDA method. The most conservative migration conditions were obtained by testing Sb migration from PET FCM based on the Chinese national standard of GB/T 5009.101-2003[1]. Migration levels of Sb from PET FCM were tested and migration levels of Sb2O3 were obtained through molecular weight conversion between Sb and Sb2O3. Exposure assessment of Sb2O3 was undertaken. The Chinese Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of Sb2O3 resulted from PET FCM was 90.7 ng p-1d-1.
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Humans , Antimony , China , Environmental Exposure , Food Contamination , Food Packaging , Reference Standards , Polyethylene TerephthalatesABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the potential involvement of DMT1 (IRE) protein in the brain vascular system in vivo during Pb exposure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to Pb in drinking water, among which two groups were concurrently administered by oral gavage once every other day as the low and high Fe treatment group, respectively, for 6 weeks. At the same time, the group only supplied with high Fe was also set as a reference. The animals were decapitated, then brain capillary-rich fraction was isolate from cerebral cortex. Western blot method was used to identify protein expression, and RT-PCR to detect the change of the mRNA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Pb exposure significantly increased Pb concentrations in cerebral cortex. Low Fe dose significantly reduced the cortex Pb levels, However, high Fe dose increased the cortex Pb levels. Interestingly, changes of DMT1 (IRE) protein in brain capillary-rich fraction were highly related to the Pb level, but those of DMT1 (IRE) mRNA were not significantly different. Moreover, the consistent changes in the levels of p-ERK1/2 or IRP1 with the changes in the levels of DMT1 (IRE).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results suggest that Pb is transported into the brain through DMT1 (IRE), and the ERK MAPK pathway is involved in DMT1 (IRE)-mediated transport regulation in brain vascular system in vivo.</p>
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Animals , Male , Rats , Blood-Brain Barrier , Metabolism , Cation Transport Proteins , Genetics , Physiology , Cerebral Cortex , Metabolism , Dietary Supplements , Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases , Metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation , Iron , Metabolism , Lead , Pharmacokinetics , MAP Kinase Signaling System , Physiology , RNA, Messenger , Metabolism , Rats, Sprague-DawleyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the relation of plasma D-dimer levels and incidence of deep venous thrombosis after spinal surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 63 patients underwent spinal surgery from October 2009 to October 2010 were retrospective analyzed. There were 40 males and 23 females with an average age of 48 years old(21 to 76) in operation. Operation levels of 15 cases were in cervical vertebrae, 4 cases were in thoracic vertebrae,and 44 cases were in lumbar vertebrae. Thirty patients with spinal fracture were caused by trauma and 33 patients without trauma, 11 patients combined with nerve injury. The patients were divided into two groups according to plasma D-dimer levels, more than or equal to 500 microg/L was D-dimer positive group and less than 500 microg/L was D-dimer negative group. Venous blood of all patients early morning with empty stomach were testd on admission, and at 2 h, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d, 4 d, 6 d, 8 d, 10 d, 15 d after operation,respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no statistically significant differences in sex, operative segments, implants, operative posture, age, bleed volume, body weight, peroperative D-dimer levels between two groups. After operation, plasma D-dimer of 19 patients were more than or equal to 500 microg/L, with persistent or progressive increasing. Two cases occurred deep venous thrombosis in D-dimer positive group, they respectively were found at 3 days and 8 days after operation. Both of them underwent posterior decompression and internal fixation. However,no deep venous thrombosis was found in D-dimer negative group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Postoperative D-dimer assay can effective predict deep venous thrombosis occurrence. D-dimer level more than or equal to 500 microg/L will be considered as a risk factor for deep venous thrombosis after spinal surgery.</p>
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Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products , Metabolism , Retrospective Studies , Spine , General Surgery , Ultrasonography , Venous Thrombosis , Blood , Diagnostic Imaging , General SurgeryABSTRACT
Information regarding decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) effects on hepatotoxicity and metabolism is limited. In the present study, Wistar rats were given oral DBDPE at different doses. DBDPE induced oxidative stress, elevated blood glucose levels, increased CYP2B2 mRNA, CYP2B1/2 protein, 7-pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase (PROD) activity, and induced CYP3A2 mRNA, CYP3A2 protein, and luciferin benzylether debenzylase (LBD) activity. UDPGT activity increased with its increasing exposure levels, suggesting that oral DBDPE exposure induces drug-metabolizing enzymes in rats via the CAR/PXR signaling pathway. The induction of CYPs and co-regulated enzymes of phase II biotransformation may affect the homeostasis of endogenous substrates, including thyroid hormones, which may, in turn, alter glucose metabolism.
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Animals , Female , Male , Rats , Bromobenzenes , Toxicity , Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury , Flame Retardants , Toxicity , Liver , Metabolism , Random Allocation , Rats, Wistar , Toxicity TestsABSTRACT
Burn patients often suffer from different degrees of dysfunction, such as residual burn wounds, formation of hyperplastic scar, scar itching, cardiopulmonary dysfunction, limitation of motion, and psychological disorders, which exert severe impact on their daily life. This article reviews various rehabilitation treatments for dysfunction after burn injury to promote rehabilitation of burn patients.
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Humans , Burns , Rehabilitation , China , Rehabilitation , MethodsABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the toxic effects of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), used as an alternative to decabromodiphenyl ether in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HepG2 cells were cultured in the presence of DBDPE at various concentrations (3.125-100.0 mg/L) for 24, 48, and 72 h respectively and the toxic effect of DBDPE was studied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>As evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays and nuclear morphological changes, DBDPE inhibited HepG2 viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner within a range of 12.5 mg/L to 100 mg/L and for 48 h and 72 h. Induction of apoptosis was detected at 12.5-100 mg/L at 48 h and 72 h by propidium iodide staining, accompanied with overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a widely used ROS scavenger, significantly reduced DBDPE-induced ROS levels and increased HepG2 cells viability.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DBDPE has cytotoxic and anti-proliferation effect and can induce apoptosis in which ROS plays an important role.</p>
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Humans , Apoptosis , Bromobenzenes , Toxicity , Cell Survival , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Environmental Pollutants , Toxicity , Hep G2 Cells , Reactive Oxygen Species , Time FactorsABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs has proinflammatory characteristics that play a key role in neuropathic pain in lumbar herniated intervertebral disc. One of the most commonly used animal models (the traditional model) of non-compressive lumbar herniated intervertebral disc is created by L4-L5 hemilaminectomy and the application of autologous nucleus pulposus to cover the left L4 and L5 nerve roots in rats. However, such procedures have the disadvantages of excessive trauma and low success rate. We proposed a modified model of non-compressive lumbar herniated intervertebral disc in which only the left L5 dorsal root ganglion is exposed and transplanted with autologous nucleus pulposus following incision of epineurium. We aimed to compare the modified model with the traditional one with regard to trauma and success rate.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomized into three groups: sham operation group (n = 6), traditional group (n = 12), and modified group (n = 12). The amount of blood loss and operative time for each group were analyzed. The paw withdrawal threshold of the left hind limb to mechanical stimuli and paw withdrawal latency to heat stimuli were examined from the day before surgery to day 35 after surgery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the traditional group, the modified group had shorter operative time, smaller amount of blood loss, and higher success rate (91.7% versus 58.3%, P < 0.05). There was no decrease in paw withdrawal latency in any group. The sham operation group had no decrease in postoperative paw withdrawal threshold, whereas the modified and traditional groups had significant reduction in paw withdrawal threshold after surgery (mechanical hyperalgesia).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Transplantation of nucleus pulposus onto the L5 dorsal root ganglion following incision of epineurium in rats established an improved animal model of non-compressive lumbar herniated intervertebral disc with less trauma and more stable pain ethology.</p>
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Animals , Male , Rats , Disease Models, Animal , Ganglia, Spinal , Pathology , Intervertebral Disc Degeneration , Pathology , Intervertebral Disc Displacement , Pathology , Random Allocation , Rats, Sprague-DawleyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Carnitine, the only carrier for fatty acid to enter mitochondria for oxidation, has significant effects on serum lipids metabolism and male fertility. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of serum carnitine levels with sex and age among healthy Chinese adults in Nanjing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We obtained fasting blood samples from 347 healthy Chinese adults in Nanjing (182 males, 165 females, aged from 20 to 89), determined the levels of serum free, acylcarnitine and total carnitine by high performance liquid chromatography with pre-column ultraviolet derivatization, and analyzed the correlation of serum carnitine levels with the age and sex of the subjects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Total and free carnitine levels were significantly higher in the males than in the females (P < 0.05) while no statistically significant differences were found in the acylcarnitine level (P > 0.05). Among those aged between 20 to 50 years, levels of serum free and total carnitine were significantly higher in men than in women (P < 0.05) and they increased with age in females, but with no significant differences between males and females older than 50 years. The acylcarnitine level showed no obvious differences in any age and sex groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Serum free and total carnitine levels are correlated with sex and age in healthy adults.</p>
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Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Age Factors , Asian People , Carnitine , Blood , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the oxidative damage to lung tissue and peripherial blood in PM2.5-treated rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PM2.5 samples were collected using an auto-sampling instrument in summer and winter. Treated samples were endotracheally instilled into rats. Activity of reduced glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) were used as oxidative damage biomarkers of lung tissue and peripheral blood detected with the biochemical method. DNA migration length (microm) and rate of tail were used as DNA damage biomarkers of lung tissue and peripheral blood detected with the biochemical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The activity of GSH-Px and the concentration of MDA in lung tissue significantly decreased after exposure to PM2.5 for 7-14 days. In peripheral blood, the concentration of MDA decreased, but the activity of GSH-Px increased 7 and 14 days after experiments. The two indicators had a dose-effect relation and similar changing tendency in lung tissue and peripheral blood. The DNA migration length (microm) and rate of tail in lung tissue and peripheral blood significantly increased 7 and 14 days after exposure to PM2.5. The two indicators had a dose-effect relation and similar changing tendency in lung tissue and peripheral blood.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PM2.5 has a definite oxidative effect on lung tissue and peripheral blood. The activity of GSH-Px and the concentration of MDA are valuable biomarkers of oxidative lung tissue damage induced by PM2.5. The DNA migration length (microm) and rate of tail are simple and valuable biomarkers of PM2.5-induced DNA damage in lung tissues and peripheral blood. The degree of DNA damage in peripheral blood can predict the degree of DNA damage in lung tissue.</p>