Proanthocyanidin protects H9C2 cells against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway / 生理学报

The present study was aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the protective effect of proanthocyanidin (Pro) against hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in H9C2 cells with a focus on Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway. H9C2 cells were randomly assigned to 5 groups, including the control group (Con), the H/R-injured group (H/R), the Pro-treated group (H/R+Pro), the JAK2 siRNA-treated group (H/R+Pro+JAK2 siRNA) and the JAK2 siRNA control group (H/R+JAK2 siRNA). The cells were pretreated with Pro (40 µmol/L) for 8 h before 2 h of hypoxia and 4 h of reoxygenation. Cellular viability and apoptosis rate were detected by MTT and TUNEL methods, and superoxide generation was measured. JAK2/STAT3 signaling, oxidative stress markers and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers were also detected by Western blot. We found that Pro treatment significantly improved cellular viability and reduced apoptosis rate in H/R-treated H9C2 cells. In addition, Pro treatment significantly up-regulated the phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3, down-regulated the superoxide generation, gp91, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and caspase-12 expression. However, these protective effects of Pro were all attenuated by JAK2 siRNA administration. Taken together, we demonstrated that Pro protects H9C2 cells against H/R-induced oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress injury via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Comparison of clinical efficacy between minimally invasive total hip artliroplasty and traditional total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To systematically review the effectiveness of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (MIS-THA) versus traditional total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with hip diseases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Through a method of combining Free words and keywords,we searched databases including PubMed,The Cochrane Library, EMbase,Web of Science, CBM , CNKI and Wanfang Data for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the comparison between MIS-THA and THA for hip disease from inception to June, 2014. Two reviewers independently screened literatures according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed the quality of the included studies according to the "bias risk assessment" tool recommended by Cochrane Handbook 5.0 for Systematic Reviews. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirteen RCTs involving 1 213 cases of surgeries and total 1 284 hips (MIS-THA: n = 631; THA: n = 653) were identified. The results of meta-analysis showed that statistically significant differences were found in Harris hip score on the 3rd month after operation [MD = 8.37, 95% CI (6.02,10.72)], Hematocrit [MD = 0.02, 95% CI (0.01, 0.03)] and Hemoglobin [MD = 0.50, 95% CI (0.16, 0.85)] at the 48th hour after operation, changed value of femoral offset [MD = 0.30, 95% CI (0.04, 0.56)] between two groups. In the change value of femoral offset, THA was better than MIS-THA; There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in Harris hip score at 1st year after operation [MD = 3.26, 95% CI (-3.25, 9.76)], WOMAC score [MD = -0.53, 95% CI (-3.67, 2.60)] and Oxford score [MD = 1.34, 95% CI (-3.46, 6.13)] at the 6th week after operation, Hematocrit at the 8th hour after operation [MD = -0.01, 95% CI (-0.02, 0.00)], the incidence of hip varus [RR = 0.82, 95% CI (0.45,1.52)] and dislocation [RR = 1.40, 95% CI (0.48, 4.12)].</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>THA brings less trauma, less hemorrhage and better early clinical outcome compared with MIS-THA, but the difference of the complication rates between the two groups is similar.</p>

EPCAM-positive normal hepatic progenitor cells transformation into liver stem cells and HBx-mediated effects on stability in adult mouse / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the transformative potential of hepatic progenitor cells to differentiate into liver stem cells using a normal adult mouse system and to determine the effects of HBx protein in these liver stem cells' differentiation into hepatic cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Hepatic progenitor cells were obtained from mice by means of an optimized two-step digestion and perfusion method followed by joint differential centrifugation and density gradient centrifugation. Transformation of the hepatic progenitor cells into liver stem cells was observed by immunofluorescent detection of CD 133, EPCAM, CD49f and CK19. Differentiation of the resultant liver stem cells into hepatic cells and bile duct epithelial cells was observed after DMSO addition by Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining followed by cell immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. To determine the effects of HBx on these liver stem cells' ability to differentiate into hepatic cells, cell transfection was used followed by observation of morphology and proliferation capacity.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Cell viability of the isolated hepatic progenitor cells was 78.67+/-4.04%. Stimulation with EGF and collagen led to growth of some of the paving-stone shaped cells attached to the hepatic progenitor cells which had gathered into spherical clumps, as is the nature of stem cells. The liver stem cells showed high expression of CD133, CD49f and CK19, and low expression of EPCAM. Under the effect of DMSO, the liver stem cells differentiated into hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells. After HBx transfecfion, the liver stem cells maintained the characteristic shape of stem cells and showed enhanced proliferation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EPCAM-positive adult hepatic progenitor cells can transform into liver stem cells.The HBx protein may play an important role in maintaining the stability of liver stem cells in the adult mouse.</p>

Technique of hearing preservation during acoustic neuroma surgery / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the possibility of hearing protection in acoustic neurinoma (AN) resection and to evaluate the effect of dynamic auditory monitoring and the effect of oto-endoscope for hearing protection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From July 2003 to July 2007, there were a total of 138 cases of AN received surgical treatment Continuous hearing monitoring was conducted in 18 cases with residual hearing. In these 18 cases, there were 6 males and 12 females, with 12 cases in left side and 6 cases in right. Fifteen cases were solitary AN, 3 cases were diagnosed as neurofibromatosis II. Maximal diameters of the tumor varied between 12 and 33 millimeters with an average of 19.9 millimeters. All cases were operated on by retrosigmoid approach with routine facial nerve monitoring. Ten cases were assisted by oto-endoscope. Eighteen cases were performed accompanying continuous auditory brainstem response (ABR) and electro-cochleogram (EcochG). The patients were given routine hearing function test 7 to 10 days after operation, and reexamined 6 months to 1 year. The duration of follow-up ranged 6 months to 2. 5 years. Hearing data of the last time was thought as the judging result. Preoperative and postoperative hearing standard refer to (AAO-HNS) classifying.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In all 18 cases, tumors were resected completely in 16 cases, but sub-totally removed in 2 cases which were II neurofibromatosis. There was no mortality and no severe complication in this series. All the 18 cases had no facial paralysis before operation, and during operation facial nerves in 18 cases were kept anatomic integrity. According to House-Brackmann grade system, for 18 AN patients 7 days after operation only 50.0% (9/18) were kept at grade I to II , but 88.9% (16/18) were kept at grade I to II 6 months after operation. Out of 18 cases, hearing function were preserved in 11 cases (61.1%, 11/18). After operation, there were 4 cases at hearing grade A, 4 cases at hearing grade B, 2 cases at hearing grade C and 1 cases at hearing grade D. In all 18 cases, there were 5 cases with tumor diameter more than 20 millimeters, in which only 2 cases of them preserved hearing function (2/5). However, 9 cases preserved their hearing function in the other 13 cases whose tumors diameter less than 20 millimeters (69.2%, 9/13). In 10 cases assisted by oto-endoscope, 8 cases obtained hearing protection (80.0%, 8/10) and 2 cases lost hearing. During operative monitoring, when drilling posterior lip of internal auditory canal (IAC), dragging and electric coagulating nearby IAC, especially clamping labyrinthine artery, removing tumor in IAC or electric coagulating arachnoid blood vessel on the top of tumor tissue, the ABR waves were affected greatly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For the AN patient with preoperative residual hearing, it was necessary to protect hearing by combining continuous auditory monitoring with oto-endoscope technique. Based on these efforts the patient could preserve applicable hearing after operation. Whether or not arachnoidal on the top of AN remain and the conditions about blood supplying were the main factors that affect postoperative hearing. Moreover trauma of labyrinthine artery was the key to postoperative hearing loss.</p>

Noise exposure in level III NICU environment in Beijing region and effects of intervention measures / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the source of noise in level III NICU in Beijing region, evaluate preliminary intervention measures, and improve the NICU environment by reducing the noise.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Noise measurements were performed in level III NICU of three hospitals (A, B and C) in Beijing region by dosimeter (B&K 2231, Denmark), during loud hours and quiet hours. In addition, the loud hours were divided into shift time, nursing time and operating time. "Quiet hours" represents the intervals among shift, nursing and operating time. The noise inside/outside incubator was recorded, measures to reduce the noise, including putting plastic foam in incubator, covering sheet and blanket outside incubator were taken, and an educational program was implemented for the staff to decrease noise in the NICU environment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the three hospitals, the average noise of was (62.60 +/- 2.33) dB during the loud time, and (55.80 +/- 2.61) dB during the quiet time, with a difference of 7 dB (P < 0.05). There was a significant decrease of 2.7 - 3.3 dB during shift time with the averages of A hospital (62.3 +/- 1.5) dB, B hospital (65.10 +/- 2.44) dB and C hospital (61.80 +/- 1.91) dB (F = 9.57, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), separately. There was a significant decrease of 3 dB during nursing time with the averages of A hospital (62.0 +/- 2.4) dB, B hospital (64.90 +/- 1.06) dB (P < 0.01), respectively, and 2.5 - 3.0 dB during treatment time with the averages of A hospital (60.7 +/- 2.2) dB, B hospital (63.30 +/- 1.19) dB (P < 0.05), separately. After educating the staff in hospital A, there was a significant decrease of 4.7 dB from (61.70 +/- 2.12) dB to (56.90 +/- 2.49) dB in the loud time (P < 0.01), no significant difference during quiet time from (55.0 +/- 1.7) dB to (53.90 +/- 0.88) dB (P > 0.05). There was a significant decrease of 10 dB (P < 0.01) between the averages of inside of incubator (58.60 +/- 3.43) dB and outside of incubator (67.10 +/- 1.87) dB; After installing foam material inside incubator with the average of (56.20 +/- 1.83) dB, there was a significant decrease of 2.8 dB (P < 0.01); covering sheet (in front and back) with the averages of (57.00 +/- 1.47) dB and (55.3 +/- 1.3) dB, respectively, and single or double blanket outside incubator (in the front and the back) noise value (54.50 +/- 1.33) dB, (54.10 +/- 1.15) dB and (54.70 +/- 0.63) dB and (54.10 +/- 1.14) dB, separately, there was a decrease of 1 - 4 dB (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The noise in level III NICU in Beijing region is much higher than that allowed by regulations in Europe and the USA. Staff behavior and the acoustical characteristics of the facility determine the level of noise; herein to staff behavior is the main cause. The level of noise can be lowered considerably by simply making the staff aware of the problem. At the same time, covering incubator and installing plastic foam material also significantly decreased the noise, the methods are simple, feasible and should be applied constantly.</p>

Preliminary study of intraoperative auditory monitoring techniques in acoustic neuroma surgery / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the value of intraoperative auditory monitoring techniques in acoustic neuroma surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ten cases with acoustic neuroma were resected with retrosigmoid approach. Continuous hearing monitoring of auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and transtympanic electrocochleography (ECochG) was performed during operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Before surgery, 3 patients had class A hearing, 4 had class B hearing, and 3 had class C hearing. With ABR monitoring, 5 patients had waves I , III and V, 5 had only waves I preoperation. After anesthesia,only 2 cases had waves I, III and V, 6 had wave I (Compound action potential, CAP N1 is equivalent to wave I of ABR) and 2 had no waves. The hearing was preserved in 2 cases, which had class A hearing post operation with tumor size <2 cm. With continuous hearing monitoring, the waves of I , III and V could be evoked in one case. In another case, the waves of I, III could be evoked after the tumor resection with the disappearance of wave V. The hearing was not preserved in 8 cases. The 6 out of 8 cases showed up CAP (waves I ) waveform. The CAP amplitudes decreased significantly in 4 cases and even dropped to zero while dissecting the tumor at the lateral end of the internal auditory canal (IAC) or clamping the internal auditory artery (IAA) during operation. After surgery, the CAP amplitudes were recovered to 50%-60% of normal level or normal. In one case, although the cochlear nerve was cut down, the CAP could still be recorded after the tumor resection. However, the CAP amplitudes was dropped to zero while pressurized and pulled cochlea nerve of brainstem lateral and the wave disappeared post-operation in another cases. The waves had not been recorded in two cases after anesthesia. One of them showed low amplitude of CAP wave when the tumor partially removed. The others had no wave all the time.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In combination with ABR monitoring, ECochG proved to be a useful supplementary tool for hearing preservation in acoustic neurinoma surgery. Drilling of the IAC and tumor removal at the lateral end of the IAC were the most critical steps for achieving hearing preservation. The surgeon's experience are the most significant factors influencing the hearing outcome after removal of acoustic neuroma.</p>