Preventive effect of trace insulin on cognitive dysfunction induced by sevoflurane inhalation anesthesia in newborn rats and its possible mechanism / 解剖学报

Objective To study the preventive effect of microinsulin on cognitive dysfunction induced by sevoflurane inhalation anesthesia in rats and its possible mechanism. Methods Sixty newborn rats were randomly divided into control group (CON), insulin prevention low dose group (LIP), insulin prevention hihg dose group (HIP), and sevoflurane model group (MOD). The prevention group and the model group were induced by sevoflurane to construct rat cognitive dysfunction model. Morris water maze directional sailing test and space exploration test were used to evaluate the learning and memory function of rats; HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphological changes of hippocampus in rats; Flow cytometry was used to detect the hippocampus of rats cell apoptosis; Detection of rapamycin target protein (mTOR) and eukaryotic peptide chain elongation factor 2 (eEF-2) mRNA levels in hippocampus by RT-PCR; The expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), post-synaptic dense protein-95 (PSD-95), synapsin- I, and calmodulin kinase II α (CaMK II α), mTOR and eEF-2 protein were detected by Western blotting. Results The result of the Morris water maze experiment showed that insulin significantly reduced the escape latency and swimming distance of rats, and increased the number of crossing platforms; Flow cytometry result showed that the insulin prevention group significantly inhibited the apoptosis of rat brain neurons, and the inhibition effect of high-dose insulin prevention group was more obvious; RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis found that the expression levels of mTOR and eEF-2 mRNA and proteins in the hippocampus of the model group increased significantly, while the expression levels of BDNF, PSD-95, synapsin- I, and CaMK II α proteins reduced significantly. The expression levels of mTOR and eEF-2 mRNA and proteins in the hippocampus of rats in the insulin prevention group decreased significantly, while the expression levels of BDNF, PSD-95, synapsin- I, and CaMK II α protein increased significantly. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion Trace insulin can increase the expression of synapse-related proteins in the hippocampus of cognitive dysfunction rats, reduce their mTOR and eEF-2 mRNA expression levels, and prevent sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in rats. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of mTOR-eEF-2 approach.

Protective effect of edaravone on balance of mitochondrial fusion and fission in MPP-treated PC12 cells / 生理学报

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of edaravone (Eda) on the balance of mitochondrial fusion and fission in Parkinson's disease (PD) cell model. A cell model of PD was established by treating PC12 cells with 500 μmol/L 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP). Thiazole blue colorimetry (MTT) was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of Eda on the survival rate of PC12 cells exposed to MPP. The mitochondrial morphology was determined by laser confocal microscope. Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of mitochondrial fusion- and fission-related proteins, including OPA1, MFN2, DRP1 and Fis1. The results showed that pretreatment with different concentrations of Eda antagonized MPP-induced PC12 cell damage in a dose-dependent manner. The PC12 cells treated with MPP showed mitochondrial fragmentation, up-regulated DRP1 and Fis1 protein expression levels, and down-regulated MFN2 and OPA1 protein expression levels. Eda could reverse the above changes in the MPP-treated PC12 cells, but did not affect Fis1 protein expression. These results suggest that Eda has a protective effect on the mitochondrial fusion disruption induced by MPP in PC12 cells. The mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of OPA1/MFN2 and down-regulation of DRP1.

Fatigue correlates with sleep disturbances in Parkinson disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Many Parkinson disease (PD) patients complain about chronic fatigue and sleep disturbances during the night. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between fatigue and sleep disturbances by using polysomnography (PSG) in PD patients.@*METHODS@#Two hundred and thirty-two PD patients (152 with mild fatigue and 80 with severe fatigue) were recruited in this study. Demographic information and clinical symptoms were collected. Fatigue severity scale (FSS) was applied to evaluate the severity of fatigue, and PSG was conducted in all PD patients. FSS ≥4 was defined as severe fatigue, and FSS <4 was defined as mild fatigue. Multivariate logistic regression and linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between fatigue and sleep disturbances.@*RESULTS@#Patients with severe fatigue tended to have a longer duration of disease, higher Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale score, more advanced Hoehn and Yahr stage, higher daily levodopa equivalent dose, worse depression, anxiety, and higher daytime sleepiness score. In addition, they had lower percentage of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (P = 0.009) and were more likely to have REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) (P = 0.018). Multivariate logistic regression analyses found that the presence of RBD and proportion of REM sleep were the independent predictors for fatigue. After the adjustment of age, sex, duration, body mass index, severity of disease, scores of Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and other sleep disorders, proportion of REM sleep and degree of REM sleep without atonia in patients with PD were still associated with FSS score.@*CONCLUSION@#Considering the association between fatigue, RBD, and the altered sleep architecture, fatigue is a special subtype in PD and more studies should be focused on this debilitating symptom.

Effect of Icariin on Damaged Neurons Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To observe the effect of icariin on damaged neurons from the perspective of endoplasmic reticulum stress, in order to explore some mechanisms for repairing damaged neurons. Method::PC12 cells were induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) to differentiate into neurons, and the positive rate of microtubule associated protein-2 (MAP2) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) expressions was determined by flow cytometry. The experiment was divided into 4 groups, blank control group: PC12 induced differentiation into neuronal cells, solvent control group: PC12 induced differentiation into neurons+ 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), thapsigargin group: PC12 induced differentiation into nerves Yuan+ 2 μmol·L-1 thapsigargin, and icariin group: PC12 induced differentiation into neurons+ 2 μmol·L-1 thapsigargin+ 0.1 μmol·L-1 icariin. The proliferation of the cells was detected by using cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) method, the apoptosis of the cells was detected by flow cytometry, the protein expressions of CCAAT/enhace-binding protein homologous protein(CHOP) and glucoseregulated protein 78(Grp78) were detected by Western blot, and the mRNA expressions of CHOP and Grp78 were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR). Result::Compared with the solvent control group, the thapsigargin group inhibited the proliferation of neuron-like PC12 cells induced by NGF, promoted apoptosis, and up-regulated the expressions of CHOP and Grp78 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the thapsigargin group, the icariin group can alleviate the inhibition of neurotrophic activity by thapsigargin, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and down-regulate the expressions of CHOP and Grp78 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion::Icariin can inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress by down-regulating the expressions of CHOP and Grp78 and promote the repair of damaged neurons.

Positive Association of Human SHC3 Gene with Schizophrenia in a Northeast Chinese Han Population

Objective@#Schizophrenia is one of the most devastating neuropsychiatric disorders. Genetic epidemiological studies have confirmed that schizophrenia is a genetic disease. Genes promoting neurodevelopment may be potential candidates for schizophrenia. As an adaptor linking a number of tyrosine kinase receptors in multiple intracellular signaling cascades, Src homology 2 domain containing transforming protein 3 (SHC3) is a member of the Shc-like adaptor protein family, and expressed predominantly in the mature neurons of the central nervous system (CNS). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association of SHC3 and schizophrenia. @*Methods@#An independent case-control association study was performed in a sample including 710 schizophrenia patients and 1314 healthy controls from a Northeast Chinese Han population. @*Results@#The allelic and genotypic association analyses showed that four SNPs in SHC3 significantly associated with schizophrenia (rs2316280, rs4877041, rs944485 and rs7021743). The haplotype composing of these four SNPs also showed significantly individual and global association with schizophrenia. @*Conclusion@#Our present results suggest SHC3 as a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia.

Methods used for gene manipulation in mammal female germ cells and early embryos / 生理学报

For sexual reproduction, oocytes are mammalian female germ cells that provide the majority of maternal genetic material for early stage embryo production and development. Early stage embryos begin the process of multicellular organism formation through cell differentiation. Studies on mammalian female germ cells (oocytes) not only reveal its unique physiological characteristics, but also help understand the mechanism involved in cell differentiation of other cell types. However, because it is difficult to culture in vitro, our understanding of the function of oocytes and early stage embryos remains very limited. Gene editing or manipulation is one of the most commonly used method, which is also useful in the field of gametes study. In this review, we summarized the principles, advantages and disadvantages of techniques, which include conditional knockout, RNA interference, Morpholino, Trim-Away and antibody-mediated inhibition of protein function, currently used for gene manipulation in oocytes and early stage embryos. We also discuss the issues the investigators need to consider. Finally, we highlight the future directions for gene manipulation or editing in female germ cells and early stage embryos.

Effect of Naoxintong Capsule on Inflammation in Peripheral Ischemic Tissue and Its Mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the mechanism of naoxintong capsule (NXT) -inhibiting peripheral ischemic inflammation.@*METHODS@#Mice were randomly double-blindly divided into 3 groups: sham-operation group, model group and NXT group. Both model and NXT groups underwent the hind limb ischemia (HLI) surgery followed by oral gavage with saline or NXT, respectively, one hour after operation. Three days after operation, the percentages of neutrophils and macrophages in the gastrocnemius muscle were examined by flow cytomety and immunohistochemical method. The changes in gene and protein expressions induced by NXT were examined by real-time PCR and protein chip, respectively. The changes of signaling pathways were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Compared with sham oparation and model groups, NXT could decrease the ratios of neutrophils and macrophages in gastrocnemius inflammation site (P＜0.01), and downregulate the mRNA expression of gene EMR1 (P＜0.01). NXT reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β at both mRNA (P＜0.001) and protein levels (P＜0.05). The proteomic analysis showed that the use of NXT resulted in the expression changes of 13 proteins. The expression of 6 cytokines was increased, and the secretion of 7 proteins was upregulated. Besides, most of identified 13 proteins were involved in the function regulation of other immune cells.@*CONCLUSION@#NXT can significantly alleviate ischemia-induced peripheral inflammation by reducing the ratio of immune cells and altering the expression patterns of mRNA and protein. The expression changes provide theoretical guidance and the potential targets for the clinical use of NXT in the treatment of ischemia-induced peripheral inflammatory diseases.

Effect of Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity and Cognition of Parkinson's Disease Patients / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>Background</b>Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are the most common sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this study was to identify whether RBD could alleviate OSA severity in PD patients and its effect on cognitive impairment.</p><p><b>Methods</b>From February 2014 to May 2017, we recruited 174 PD patients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, all of whom underwent polysomnography (PSG). We collected clinical data, PSG results, and compared information between patients with and without RBD or OSA by analysis of covariance. We also investigated the effect of these sleep disorders on cognitive impairment using linear regression.</p><p><b>Results</b>We grouped participants as follows: PD only (n = 53), PD + OSA (n = 29), PD + RBD (n = 61), and PD + RBD + OSA (n = 31). Minimum oxygen saturation (SaO) during whole sleep and in REM sleep was higher in PD + RBD + OSA patients than that in PD + OSA patients. PD + RBD patients had worse Mini-Mental Status Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores than those in the PD group (P < 0.001), especially in visuospatial/executive, attention, and memory functions. The PD + OSA group performed worse than the PD group in the delayed recall domain. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, education, disease severity, and other sleep disorders, MoCA was negatively associated with OSA (β = -0.736, P = 0.043) and RBD (β = -2.575,P < 0.001). The severity of RBD (tonic/phasic electromyography activity) and OSA (apnea-hypopnea index/oxygen desaturation index/minimum SaO) were also associated with MoCA. The adjusted β values of RBD-related parameters were higher than that for OSA.</p><p><b>Conclusions</b>We found that RBD alleviated OSA severity; however, RBD and OSA together exacerbated PD cognitive impairment. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether OSA treatment can improve cognition in PD.</p>

Effect of traditional Chinese medicine in inhibiting obesity and inflammatory diseases by regulating gut microbiota / 中国中药杂志

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has been increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity-related diseases. However, its mechanism of action is not yet clear. In recent years, with the development of high-throughput sequencing technology, scientific researches have found that the disorder of gut microbiota is associated with obesity and other diseases. Furthermore, it has been found that TCM can improve the structure of gut microbiota by increasing probiotics and reducing pathogens, which play an importent role in preventing the development and progression of obesity and other diseases. This article first explores the possible association between intestinal microbiota and obesity. Then, it reviews the traditional Chinese medicine and its role in regulating intestinal microbiota for the prevention and treatment of diseases, including obesity and inflammation, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease and other diseases, in theexpectation of new strategies and research direction for treating obesity and relevant diseases, and providing important guidance for further studies in this field in the future.

Long-term Levodopa Treatment Accelerates the Circadian Rhythm Dysfunction in a 6-hydroxydopamine Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with long-term levodopa (L-DOPA) treatment are suffering from severe circadian dysfunction. However, it is hard to distinguish that the circadian disturbance in patients is due to the disease progression itself, or is affected by L-DOPA replacement therapy. This study was to investigate the role of L-DOPA on the circadian dysfunction in a rat model of PD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rat model of PD was constructed by a bilateral striatal injection with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), followed by administration of saline or 25 mg/kg L-DOPA for 21 consecutive days. Rotarod test, footprint test, and open-field test were carried out to evaluate the motor function. Striatum, suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), liver, and plasma were collected at 6:00, 12:00, 18:00, and 24:00. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the expression of clock genes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the secretion level of cortisol and melatonin. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure the neurotransmitters. Analysis of variance was used for data analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>L-DOPA alleviated the motor deficits induced by 6-OHDA lesions in the footprint and open-field test ( P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively). After L-DOPA treatment, Bmal1 decreased in the SCN compared with 6-OHDA group at 12:00 ( P < 0.01) and 24:00 ( P < 0.001). In the striatum, the expression of Bmal1, Rorα was lower than that in the 6-OHDA group at 18:00 (P < 0.05) and L-DOPA seemed to delay the peak of Per2 to 24:00. In liver, L-DOPA did not affect the rhythmicity and expression of these clock genes (P > 0.05). In addition, the cortisol secretion was increased (P > 0.05), but melatonin was further inhibited after L-DOPA treatment at 6:00 (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In the circadian system of advanced PD rat models, circadian dysfunction is not only contributed by the degeneration of the disease itself but also long-term L-DOPA therapy may further aggravate it.</p>

Tonic Electromyogram Density in Multiple System Atrophy with Predominant Parkinsonism and Parkinson's Disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Both Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) have associated sleep disorders related to the underlying neurodegenerative pathology. Clinically, MSA with predominant parkinsonism (MSA-P) resembles PD in the manifestation of prominent parkinsonism. Whether the amount of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep without atonia could be a potential marker for differentiating MSA-P from PD has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to examine whether sleep parameters could provide a method for differentiating MSA-P from PD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study comprised 24 MSA-P patients and 30 PD patients, and they were of similar age, gender, and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) prevalence. All patients underwent clinical evaluation and one night of video-polysomnography recording. The tonic and phasic chin electromyogram (EMG) activity was manually quantified during REM sleep of each patient. We divided both groups in terms of whether they had RBD to make subgroup analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No significant difference between MSA-P group and PD group had been found in clinical characteristics and sleep architecture. However, MSA-P patients had higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI; 1.15 [0.00, 8.73]/h vs. 0.00 [0.00, 0.55]/h, P = 0.024) and higher tonic chin EMG density (34.02 [18.48, 57.18]% vs. 8.40 [3.11, 13.06]%, P < 0.001) as compared to PD patients. Subgroup analysis found that tonic EMG density in MSA + RBD subgroup was higher than that in PD + RBD subgroup (55.04 [26.81, 69.62]% vs. 11.40 [8.51, 20.41]%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, no evidence of any difference in tonic EMG density emerged between PD + RBD and MSA - RBD subgroups (P > 0.05). Both disease duration (P = 0.056) and AHI (P = 0.051) showed no significant differences during subgroup analysis although there was a trend toward longer disease duration in PD + RBD subgroup and higher AHI in MSA - RBD subgroup. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis identified the presence of MSA-P (β = 0.552, P < 0.001) and RBD (β = 0.433, P < 0.001) as predictors of higher tonic EMG density.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Tonic chin EMG density could be a potential marker for differentiating MSA-P from PD.</p>

Expression of Oct4 and its prognostic role in left-and right-side colon cancer / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective:To investigate the expression and prognostic value of the Oct4 protein in colon cancer.Methods:Immunohistochemical technique was used to examine the expression of Oct4 protein in 89 left side colon cancer(LCC)tissues and 77 right-side colon cancer(RCC) tissues.The relationship among Oct4 expression,clinicopathological parameters,and the prognostic value of Oct4 in colon cancer was analyzed.Results:The positive rate of Oct4 protein in LCC was 68.54%,and that in RCC was 71.43%.There was no significant difference between the two values.In addition,Oct4 expression in RCC was positively correlated with histological grade,lymph node metastasis,and Dukes staging.By contrast,Oct4 expression in LCC was only positively correlated with histological grade and Dukes staging.In survival analysis, the 5-year survival rate of LCC was significantly higher than that in RCC(P<0.01).In patients with LCC,no obvious correlation was found between positive and negative Oct4 expression levels in OS.In patients with RCC,Oct4 overexpression indicated poor prognosis(P<0.05). Also,in Cox survival analysis,Oct4 overexpression indicated poor prognosis in RCC but not in LCC.Conclusion:These results indicated that Oct4 plays different roles in LCC and RCC.These roles can be used as theoretical basis for exploring new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.

Expression of Oct4 and its prognostic role in left-and right-side colon cancer / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective:To investigate the expression and prognostic value of the Oct4 protein in colon cancer.Methods:Immunohistochemical technique was used to examine the expression of Oct4 protein in 89 left side colon cancer(LCC)tissues and 77 right-side colon cancer(RCC) tissues.The relationship among Oct4 expression,clinicopathological parameters,and the prognostic value of Oct4 in colon cancer was analyzed.Results:The positive rate of Oct4 protein in LCC was 68.54%,and that in RCC was 71.43%.There was no significant difference between the two values.In addition,Oct4 expression in RCC was positively correlated with histological grade,lymph node metastasis,and Dukes staging.By contrast,Oct4 expression in LCC was only positively correlated with histological grade and Dukes staging.In survival analysis, the 5-year survival rate of LCC was significantly higher than that in RCC(P<0.01).In patients with LCC,no obvious correlation was found between positive and negative Oct4 expression levels in OS.In patients with RCC,Oct4 overexpression indicated poor prognosis(P<0.05). Also,in Cox survival analysis,Oct4 overexpression indicated poor prognosis in RCC but not in LCC.Conclusion:These results indicated that Oct4 plays different roles in LCC and RCC.These roles can be used as theoretical basis for exploring new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.

Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder Symptoms Correlate with Domains of Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, little is known regarding the relation between the severity of RBD and the different domains of cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was: (1) to investigate the domains of cognitive impairment in patients with PD and RBD, and (2) to explore risk factors for PD-mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) and the relationship between RBD severity and impairment in different cognitive domains in PD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The participants were grouped as follows: PD without RBD (PD-RBD; n = 42), PD with RBD (PD + RBD; n = 32), idiopathic RBD (iRBD; n = 15), and healthy controls (HCs; n = 36). All participants completed a battery of neuropsychological assessment of attention and working memory, executive function, language, memory, and visuospatial function. The information of basic demographics, diseases and medication history, and motor and nonmotor manifestations was obtained and compared between PD-RBD and PD + RBD groups. Particular attention was paid to the severity of RBD assessed by the RBD Questionnaire-Hong Kong (RBDQ-HK) and the RBD Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ), then we further examined associations between the severity of RBD symptoms and cognitive levels via correlation analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to PD-RBD subjects, PD + RBD patients were more likely to have olfactory dysfunction and their Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores were higher (P < 0.05). During neuropsychological testing, PD + RBD patients performed worse than PD-RBD patients, including delayed memory function, especially. The MCI rates were 33%, 63%, 33%, and 8% for PD-RBD, PD + RBD, iRBD, and HC groups, respectively. RBD was an important factor for the PD-MCI variance (odds ratio = 5.204, P = 0.018). During correlation analysis, higher RBDSQ and RBDQ-HK scores were significantly associated with poorer performance on the Trail Making Test-B (errors) and Auditory Verbal Learning Test (delayed recall) and higher RBD-HK scores were also associated with Rey-Osterrieth complex figure (copy) results.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>When PD-RBD and PD + RBD patients have equivalent motor symptoms, PD + RBD patients still have more olfactory dysfunction and worse daytime somnolence. RBD is an important risk factor for MCI, including delayed memory. Deficits in executive function, verbal delayed memory, and visuospatial function were consistently associated with more severe RBD symptoms.</p>

Sonographic Alteration of Basal Ganglia in Different Forms of Primary Focal Dystonia: A Cross-sectional Study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Few studies have addressed whether abnormalities in the lenticular nucleus (LN) are characteristic transcranial sonography (TCS) echo features in patients with primary dystonia. This study aimed to explore alterations in the basal ganglia in different forms of primary focal dystonia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>cross-sectional observational study was performed between December 2013 and December 2014 in 80 patients with different forms of primary focal dystonia and 55 neurologically normal control subjects. TCS was performed in patients and control subjects. Multiple comparisons of multiple rates were used to compare LN hyperechogenicity ratios between control and patient groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirteen individuals were excluded due to poor temporal bone windows, and two subjects were excluded due to disagreement in evaluation by sonologists. Totally, 70 patients (cervical dystonia, n = 30; blepharospasm, n = 30; oromandibular dystonia, n = 10) and 50 normal controls were included in the final analysis. LN hyperechogenicity was observed in 51% (36/70) of patients with primary focal dystonia, compared with 12% (6/50) of controls (P < 0.001). Substantia nigra hyperechogenicity did not differ between the two groups. LN hyperechogenicity was observed in 73% (22/30) of patients with cervical dystonia, a greater prevalence than in patients with blepharospasm (33%, 10/30, P = 0.002) and oromandibular dystonia (40%, 4/10, P = 0.126). LN hyperechogenicity was more frequently observed in patients with cervical dystonia compared with controls (73% vs. 12%, P < 0.001); however, no significant difference was detected in patients with blepharospasm (33% vs. 12%, P = 0.021) or oromandibular dystonia (40% vs. 12%, P = 0.088).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>LN hyperechogenicity is more frequently observed in patients with primary focal dystonia than in controls. It does not appear to be a characteristic TCS echo feature in patients with blepharospasm or oromandibular dystonia.</p>

Case control study on postoperative rehabilitation of patellar fracture by modified seated position of different knee flexion angles / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical results of postoperative rehabilitation of patellar fracture by modified seated position of different knee flexion angles, thereby enrich the therapeutic tool of orthopaedics of traditional Chinese and western medicine and provide the evidences for refinement and modernization of traditional Chinese exercise therapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2009 to June 2012,90 patients with patellar transverse fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation by tension band wire and rehabilitation exercises. There were 52 males and 38 females, aged from 21 to 77 years old with an average of 50.0 years old. Three methods of rehabilitation exercises were adopted in the patients after fractures clinical union. There were 21 males and 14 females in group A (trained by modified seated position of knee flexion about 60 degree), 21 males and 14 females in group B (trained by modified seated position of knee flexion about 30 degree), 10 males and 10 females in group C (trained by walk). The rehabilitation-training time was 1 month. Fracture healing informations were observed by X-ray films. The Böstman patellar fracture function scores were compared before and after training among three groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Postoperative follow-up time was 6 months. All fractures obtained bone union and the average healing time was 3 months (ranged,2 to 4 months). Böstman patellar fracture function scores in group A, B, C before training were 18.89 ± 2.19, 18.74 ± 2.03, 18.85 ± 2.92, respectively; there was no significant differences in among three groups (P > 0.05). After training, Böstman patellar fracture function scores in group A, B, C were 29.40 ± 1.14, 26.09 ± 3.86, 25.70 ± 4.09, respectively; group A was highest than other two groups; and there was no significant differences between group A and group B.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Modified seated position of knee flexion about 60 degree was practical and effective training in postoperative rehabilitation for the treatment of patellar fracture, it can obtain the better clinical results than other training method such as walk or modified seated position of knee flexion about 30 degree.</p>

Safety of 0.5% epidural levobupivacaine for cesarean section / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To study the efficacy of 0. 5% epidural levobupivacaine for cesarean section and its serum level in the parturients and transportation via the placenta by comparing with 0. 5% bupivacaine. Methods: Forty healthy parturients undergoing elective cesarean section with epidural anesthesia were randomized to receive 15 ml of either 0. 5% levobupivacaine (group L) or 0. 5% bupivacaine (group B) in a double-blind fashion. The efficacy endpoint measures included onset, offset, adverse effect, and quality of anesthesia. Neonatal blood gas analyses, Apgar score determinations, and neurobehavioral examinations were performed. The drug concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography in the parturients and neonates; and the serial electrocardiograms were obtained. Results: The onset and persistence of sensory block and motor block, maximal block level, electrocardiogram changes, Apgar score determinations, neurobehavioral examinations, and blood gas findings were similar between the two groups. The frequency of hypotension was 75. 0% in the levobupivacaine group and 90. 0% in the bupivacaine group (P=0. 051), and there was no severe adverse reactions. The maximum drug concentrations were seen 30 min later in the parturients, being(896±86) and (901 ±79) ng/mL in group L and B, respectively, with the areas under the concentration-time curve being (3 167± 132) and (2 935±96) h/(ng • mL-1), and the umbilical vein-to-maternal vein ratios being 0. 300 ±0. 091 and 0. 279 ±0. 116, respectively. Conclusion Epidural 0. 5% levobupivacaine for cesarean section has similar efficacy with 0. 5% bupivacaine, and can meet the demand of operation, with less adverse effect to the parturients and no effect to the neonates. The pharmacokinetic parameters and trans-placenta transportation rates are also similar to between levobupivacaine and bupivacaine.

Impact and potential mechanism of human α-defensin 1 on low-density lipoprotein oxidation ability of ECV304 cells / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the role and potential mechanism of human α-defensin 1 (HNP-1) on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation ability of human endothelial cells (EVC304).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Post incubation with LDL for 3 h, the malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) were detected in untreated ECV304 (control) and in HNP-1 transfected ECV304 in the presence and absence of siRNA against HNP-1. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy were used to detect the generation of oxygen free radical in the ECV304 which have been pretreated by LDL, LPS and HNP-1, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared with control group, MDA level was significantly increased in HNP-1 transfected [(4.21 ± 0.03) vs. (3.15 ± 0.02) nmol/mg · pro] or in HNP-1 stimulated ECV304 cells [(14.49 ± 1.10) vs. (9.47 ± 1.18) nmol/mg · pro], which could be significantly downregulated by siRNA [(3.76 ± 0.48) vs. (4.54 ± 0.28) nmol/mg·pro, all P < 0.05]. PCO was also significantly increased in HNP-1 transfected ECV304 cells. The levels of free radical were significantly increased in HNP-1 transfected or HNP-1 stimulated ECV304 cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HNP-1 can enhance the LDL oxidation ability of human endothelial cells via promoting the generation of free radicals.</p>

Exogenous hydrogen sulfide delays the senescence of human umbilical vein endothelial cells by lessening oxidative stress / 生理学报

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of pretreatment with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) senescence and the underlying mechanism. Cultured HUVECs at twelfth and fourth passages were taken as old and young groups, respectively. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, donor of H2S) group was treated with NaHS from fourth to twelfth passage. The cell senescence was determined by senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA β-gal) staining. DAPI fluorescent dye was used to detect cellular apoptosis. Western blot was used to analyze the expression levels of xanthine oxidase (XOD), manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and the subunits p67(phox) of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase in the HUVECs. Colorimetric method was used to detect SOD activity and cellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level. The results showed that, compared with young group, the old group exhibited higher SA β-gal positive rate and cellular apoptosis, while NaHS pretreatment decreased SA β-gal positive rate and cellular apoptosis. Compared with the young group, the old group showed increased expression levels of XOD and p67(phox), as well as lower Mn-SOD expression level. With the pretreatment of NaHS, the up-regulations of XOD and p67(phox) levels and down-regulation of Mn-SOD level were inhibited. Compared with the young group, the old group showed lower SOD activity and higher H2O2 level, whereas NaHS pretreatment reversed the changes of SOD activity and H2O2 level. These results suggest that H2S delays senescence of HUVECs through lessening oxidative stress.

The relationship between systemic inflammatory response syndrome and severity of acute pancreatitis combined with plateau erythrocythemia / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS) and severity of acute pancreatitis combined with plateau erythrocythemia in the high altitude.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective analysis on the clinical data which involved acute pancreatitis combined with plateau erythrocythemia (n = 40) and without plateau erythrocythemia (n = 40) admitted from September 2006 to September 2009 was conducted. According to the unified standards, these cases were divided into plateau erythrocythemia group and no plateau erythrocythemia group. The patients in plateau erythrocythemia group were further divided into severe group and mild group according to scores of APACHEII. The data was analyzed according to the patient with (or without) SIRS, SIRS's standard indicators, diagnostic parameter and relation of severity and duration of SIRS in acute pancreatitis combined with plateau erythrocythemia.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was significantly discrepancy between plateau erythrocythemia group and no plateau erythrocythemia group not only in the incidence of patients who developed SIRS, but also in two items of patients fulfilling or not fulfilling diagnostic criteria of SIRS (P < 0.05). There was significant statistical difference in three items of diagnostic parameter of SIRS between plateau erythrocythemia group and no plateau erythrocythemia group (P < 0.05). Significant difference in two and three diagnostic parameter was found on severity of SIRS in acute pancreatitis combined with plateau erythrocythemia (P < 0.05). The more severity acute pancreatitis combined with plateau erythrocythemia was, the longer duration of SIRS was.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SIRS is highly correlated with the severity of SIRS in acute pancreatitis combined with plateau erythrocythemia in the high altitude.</p>