Epidemiological analysis and prediction of varicella in Liaoning, 2006-2021 / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　By collecting and sorting the information of varicella cases reported in Liaoning Province from 2006 to 2021, the epidemiological characteristics were analyzed, and the monthly incidence data were predicted, so as to explore the prevention and control strategy of varicella disease in Liaoning Province. Methods　By collecting the characteristic information of varicella cases in Liaoning Province, epidemiological analysis was carried out on the regional, population, and temporal characteristics of varicella incidence. The monthly incidence data of varicella were fitted with Eviews software, seasonal ARIMA model was used for modeling, and models were selected according to SC and AIC. After modeling, the model was used to predict the incidence data in 2022. Results　The incidence rate of varicella in Liaoning Province has increased in recent years. The onset time was "bimodal distribution", with the main peak occurring from November to January of the next year and the secondary peak occurring from May to June. Since 2019, the onset age has shifted backward. From the original 0-<10 age group with the highest incidence rate, it shifted to the 10-<20 age group with the highest incidence rate. From 2006 to 2021, the incidence of varicella mainly concentrated in people aged 0 to <40 years old, and the incidence rate of the population over 40 years old showed a cliff-like decline. The incidence of chickenpox was higher in the central region of Liaoning Province, such as Shenyang, Dalian, Anshan and Panjin, and relatively low in Huludao, Jinzhou, Fuxin and Liaoyang. The distribution of the population was mainly students, followed by kindergartens and scattered children. ARIMA model of monthly incidence data was established by software as ARIMA (1, 0, 1) (1, 1, 1)12. Conclusions　The incidence rate of varicella in Liaoning Province has been rising in recent years. The incidence is obviously seasonal, and the age group of the affected population has moved backward. It is predicted that the incidence will continue to increase in 2022. The prevention and control of varicella should still be the current key work. In order to reduce the population incidence rate, two-dose vaccination strategies should be vigorously promoted the implementation of the, and the inclusion of varicella vaccine in the immunization program should be achieved as soon as possible.

Serological analysis of varicella-zoster virus IgG antibody in healthy people aged 1～30 years in Liaoning Province / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Abstract：Objective To carry out serological analysis of varicella⁃zoster virus（VZV）IgG antibody level in healthy people aged 1 ~ 30 years in Liaoning Province. Methods In October 2020，3～5 mL venous blood samples were collected from 617 healthy people aged 1～30 years selected from six counties and districts in Shenyang，Fuxin and Dandong of Liaoning Province by stratified random sampling method，of which serum samples were collected and determined for VZV IgG antibody level by ELISA. The positive rate of serum antibody and geometric mean concentration（GMC）of antibody were calculated and compared. Results Among 617 serum samples，302 samples were positive for VZV IgG antibody，the positive rate was 48. 947%，and the GMC was 112. 772 mIU／mL. The positive rate of VZV IgG antibody was 29. 670%～75. 789% and the GMC was 45. 508～366. 559 mIU／mL in healthy people of various ages. Both of the antibody positive rate（χ2 = 67. 104， P < 0. 001）and GMC（F = 20. 685，P < 0. 001）showed significant differences. The positive rates of VZV IgG antibody in male and female were 44. 817% and 53. 633% respectively，which showed significant difference（χ2 = 4. 779，P = 0. 029）， while the GMCs were 96. 983 and 133. 829 mIU／mL respectively（t = -1. 958，P = 0. 051）with no significant difference. The positive rates of VZV IgG antibody of healthy people in Shenyang，Fuxin and Dandong of Liaoning Province were 55. 224%，40. 201% and 51. 152% respectively with significant differences（χ2 = 9. 683，P = 0. 008），of which the positive rate of FuxinwassignificantlylowerthanthoseofShenyangandDandong（χ2 =9. 046and5. 013，P =0. 003and0. 025，respectively）； While the GMCs were 133. 523，85. 953 and 123. 713 mIU／mL respectively with no significant difference（F = 0. 514， P = 0. 598）. Among 617 serum samples，54 sampleswere suspicious，which remained within the criticalrange afterre⁃examina⁃ tion，while the gap between positive rate and the total percentage of positive and suspicious results gradually decreased with the increase of age，indicating that the immunity to varicella gradually increased with the increase of age. Conclusion The VZV⁃IgG antibody level of healthy people aged 1～30 years in Liaoning Province increased gradually with age，while the overall level was low. To control the spread of varicella virus，it is recommended to increase varicella vaccine coverage in vulnerable areas and susceptible population to build VZV immune barrier.

Experimental investigation of early assessment of corpora cavernosa fibrosis with two-dimensional shear wave elastography / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

This study explored the usefulness of two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) in the early assessment of corpora cavernosa fibrosis (CCF). New Zealand male rabbits were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. Recombinant human transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) was injected into the dorsal penis tissue of rabbits in the experimental group. Conventional ultrasound and 2D-SWE examinations were performed before and 20 days after injection. Penile histological analysis was performed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, sirius red staining, and immunohistochemistry. Measurement of 2D-SWE examination results was performed using shear wave elastography quantitative measurement (SWQ). Histological analysis outcomes were the proportion of smooth muscle cells (SMCs), collagen fibers (CFs), collagen type I (Col I), and collagen type III (Col III), as well as the SMCs/CFs ratio, measured by sirius red staining. Other histological analysis outcomes were the positive area proportion (PAP) of TGF-β1 (PAPT), fibronectin (PAPF), and Col III (PAPC), measured by immunohistochemistry. After recombinant human TGF-β1 injection, SWQ was higher in the experimental group than that in the control group (P < 0.001); however, there were no differences in conventional ultrasound results. There were significant differences in histological outcomes between the two groups (all P < 0.05). These results indicated that 2D-SWE was superior for identifying early histological changes in CCF.

Effect of wheat-grain moxibustion on the expression of Beclin-1/GRP78 in spinal dorsal horn in rats with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14) on the expressions of Beclin-1 and GRP78 in spinal dorsal horn in rats with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR), and to explore the possible analgesic mechanism of wheat-grain moxibustion for CSR.@*METHODS@#A total of 48 SD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, a wheat-grain moxibustion group and a wheat-grain moxibustion+3-MA group, 12 rats in each group. The CSR model was prepared by spinal cord insertion method. Three days after modeling, the rats in the model group were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution; the rats in the wheat-grain moxibustion group were treated with wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14, 6 cones per time) on the basis of the model group; the rats in the wheat-grain moxibustion+3-MA group were intraperitoneally injected with 3-MA solution and wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14, 6 cones per time). The three groups were intervened for 7 days, once a day. The gait score and mechanical pain threshold were observed before treatment and 7 days into treatment; after the treatment, the expressions of mRNA and protein of Beclin-1 in spinal dorsal horn were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry; the expression of GRP78 protein in spinal dorsal horn was detected by Western blot method; the autophagosomes and ultrastructure in spinal dorsal horn neurons were observed by electron microscope.@*RESULTS@#After the treatment, compared with the sham operation group, in the model group, the gait score was increased and the mechanical pain threshold was decreased (P<0.01), and the expression of GRP78 protein in spinal dorsal horn was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the wheat-grain moxibustion+3-MA group, in the wheat-grain moxibustion group, the gait score was decreased and mechanical pain threshold was increased (P<0.01), and the expression of GRP78 protein in spinal dorsal horn was decreased, and the expressions of mRNA and protein of Beclin-1 were increased (P<0.01). Under electron microscope, the ultrastructure of spinal dorsal horn neurons in the wheat-grain moxibustion group was not significantly damaged, and its structure was basically close to normal, and the number of autophagosomes was more than the other three groups.@*CONCLUSION@#Wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14) has analgesic effect on CSR rats. The mechanism may be related to moderately up-regulate the expression of Beclin-1, enhance autophagy and reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Observation on clinical effect of acupuncture combined with wheat-grain moxibustion for mild to moderate postpartum depression / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effect of acupuncture combined with wheat-grain moxibustion and oral sertraline hydrochloride dispersible tablets in the treatment of mild to moderate postpartum depression.@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with mild to moderate postpartum depression were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with psychotherapy. The control group was treated with oral sertraline hydrochloride dispersible tablets, 50 mg each time, once a day; the observation group was treated with acupuncture at Qihai (CV 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Xuehai (SP 10), Hegu (LI 4), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taixi (KI 3), etc. combined with wheat-grain moxibustion at Xinshu (BL 15), Pishu (BL 20), Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23), once every other day, 3 times a week. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks as a course, with 2 consecutive courses of treatment. Before and after treatment and follow-up of 3 months after the end of treatment, the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) and World Health Organization quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) score of the two groups were compared, and the clinical effect was assessed.@*RESULTS@#After treatment and during follow-up, the HAMD and EPDS scores of the two groups were lower than before treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture combined with wheat-grain moxibustion can improve the depressive symptoms of patients with mild to moderate postpartum depression and improve their quality of life, and the clinical effect is more lasting and stable than oral sertraline hydrochloride dispersible tablets.

Role of HDAC6 in spinal dorsal horn in dexmedetomidine-induced reduction of neuropathic pain in rats / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the role of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) in spinal dorsal horn in dexmedetomidine-induced reduction of neuropathic pain (NP) in rats.Methods:Forty clean-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 7-9 weeks, weighing 190-240 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=8 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), sham operation group (group SH), group NP, dexmedetomidine group (group D), and specific HDAC6 inhibitor ACY-1215 plus dexmedetomidine group (group AD). The animals were commonly fed without any treatment in group C. The sciatic nerve was only isolated but not ligated in group SH.The animals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal 10% chloral hydrate 350 mg/kg.NP was induced by chronic constrictive injury (CCI). The right sciatic nerve was exposed, and 4 loose ligatures were placed on the sciatic nerve at 1-mm intervals with 4-0 silk thread in NP and D groups.In group D, dexmedetomidine 40 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected once a day starting from the end of operation until the animals were sacrificed.In group AD, ACY-1215 25 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected every day immediately before CCI, and dexmedetomidine 40 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected daily after CCI until 15 days after CCI.The equal volume of solvent was given instead of dexmedetomidine in S and NP groups.The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold to von Frey filament stimulation (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured at 1 day before CCI (baseline, T 0) and 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days after CCI (T 1-5). The rats were then sacrificed, and the dorsal horn tissues of L 4-6 spinal cord were obtained for determination of the expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 by Western blot. Results:Compared with group C and group SH, the MWT was significantly decreased, and the TWL was shortened at T 1-5, and the expression of MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in the spinal dorsal horn was up-regulated in NP, D and AD groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group NP, the MWT was significantly increased, and the TWL was prolonged at T 1-5, the expression of MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in the spinal dorsal horn was down-regulated in group D ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group AD ( P>0.05). Compared with group D, MWT was significantly decreased, and TWL was shortened at T 1-5, and the expression of MyD88 and NF-κB p65 was up-regulated in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in group AD ( P<0.05). Conclusion:HDAC6 in spinal dorsal horn is involved in dexmedetomidine-induced reduction of NP in rats, which is related to inhibiting MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Effect of ulinastatin on hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury in infantile rats: relationship with Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of ulinastatin on hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and its relationship with Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in infantile rats.Methods:A total of 36 clean-grade Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 14 days, weighing 40-50 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each): control group (C group), hyperoxia-induced ALI group (ALI group) and ulinastatin group (UTI group). Hyperoxia-induced ALI was induced by inhaling oxygen at concentration greater than 90% for 72 h. At 1 day after the model was established successfully, ulinastatin 50 000 U/kg was injected intraperitoneally daily at the same time for 3 consecutive days in group UTI, while the equal volume of normal saline was injected intraperitoneally at the same time point in C and ALI groups.The animals were sacrificed at 4 days after the model was established successfully, the lung tissues were taken for determination of the wet/dry weight ratio (W/D ratio), for microscopic examination of the pathological changes which were scored, for measurement of interleukin-6 (IL-6) IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and for detection of the expression of phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase (p-GSK-3β), Wnt3a and β-catenin by Western blot, and ultrastructure was examined with with an electron microscope. Results:Compared with C group, W/D ratio and lung injury score were significantly increased, the contents of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were increased, and the expression of p-GSK-3β, Wnt3a and β-catenin were up-regulated in lung tissues in group ALI ( P<0.05). Compared with group ALI, W/D ratio and lung injury score were significantly decreased, the contents of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased, and the expression of p-GSK-3β, Wnt3a and β-catenin were down-regulated in lung tissues in group UTI ( P<0.05). The ultrastructure injury in group UTI was reduced as compared with group ALI. Conclusion:The mechanism by which ulinastatin can alleviate hyperoxia-induced ALI is related to inhibiting the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and decreasing inflammatory response in infantile rats.

A novel dammarane-type saponin from Gynostemma pentaphyllum and its neuroprotective effect / 中国中药杂志

One new and two known dammarane-type saponins were isolated from the leaves of Gynostemma pentaphyllum using various chromatographic methods. Their structures were identified by HR-ESI-MS,~( 1)H-NMR, ~(13)C-NMR, 2 D-NMR spectra as 2α,3β,12β,20,24(S)-tetrahdroxydammar-25-en-3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-20-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside(1, a new compound, namely gypenoside J5) and 2α,3β,12β,20,24(R)-tetrahdroxydammar-25-en-3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-20-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside(2) and 2α,3β,12β,20-tetrahydroxy-25-hydroperoxy-dammar-23-en-3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2)][β-D-glucopyranosyl]-20-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→6)]-β-D-glucopy-ranoside(3), respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 were a pair of C-24 epimers. All compounds showed weak cytotoxicity agxinst H1299, HepG2, PC-3, SH-SY5 Y cancer cell lines. However, they exerted protective effect against SH-SY5 Y cellular damage induced by H_2O_2 dose-dependently, of which compound 1 displayed the strongest antioxidant effect. The present study suggested that G. pentaphyllum has antioxidative potential and the saponins from G. pentaphyllum are considered as the active compounds with neuroprotecitve effect.

Protective effects of flavonoids from Gynostemma pentaphyllum on oxidative damage in LLC-PK1 cells / 中国中药杂志

Four flavonoids were isolated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum by chromatography methods and their structures were identified by MS and NMR spectra data as quercetin-3-O-( 2″,6″-di-α-L-rhamnosyl)-β-D-galactopyranoside( 1),quercetin-3-O-( 2″,6″-di-α-L-rhamnosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside( 2),quercetin-3-O-( 2″-α-L-rhamnosyl)-β-D-galactopyranoside( 3),and quercetin-3-O-( 2″-α-L-rhamnosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside( 4). Among them,compounds 1-3 were obtained from the Cucurbitaceae family for the first time.The four flavonoids showed potent antioxidant effects against the DPPH,·OH and ■radicals in vitro,especially for DPPH radical scavenging activity with the IC50 values of 71. 4,29. 5,48. 3 and 79. 2 μmol·L~(-1),respectively. Moreover,the four flavonoids displayed strong cytoprotection against AAPH-induced oxidative damage in LLC-PK1 cells by suppressing the increase of malondialdehyde( MDA) and the decrease of the superoxide dismutase( SOD) and glutathione( GSH). Since further research is needed to prove its efficacy in vivo and clinical trial,the study may provide four potential antioxidants from G. pentaphyllum.

Effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on TLR4/NF-κВ signaling pathway in non-ventilated lung injury in patients undergoing radical operation for lung cancer / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in non-ventilated lung injury in the patients undergoing radical operation for lung cancer.@*Methods@#A total of 100 patients, aged 40-64 yr, with body mass index 18-27 kg/m2, of American Society of Anesthesiology physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ, undergoing radical operation for lung cancer, were divided into 2 groups (n=50 each) according to the random number table method: control group (group C) and PHC group.PHC 0.01 mg/kg was intravenously injected at 10 min before anesthesia induction in group PHC, while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group C. The peripheral tissues of the removed lung tissues were obtained for determination of wet/dry weight ratio (W/D ratio). The pathological changes and ultrastructure of lung tissues were observed under light microscope, and lung injury was assessed and scored.The expression of TLR4 and NF-κB protein and mRNA was detected by Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively.Before administration (T0), at the onset of one-lung ventilation (T1), at 60 min of one-lung ventilation (T2), immediately after the end of one-lung ventilation (T3), at the end of operation (T4) and at 24 h after operation (T5), blood samples were collected from the internal jugular vein for determination of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.@*Results@#Compared with group C, the W/D ratio and lung injury scores were significantly decreased, the expression of TLR4 and NF-κВ protein and mRNA was down-regulated, and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 were decreased at T2-T5 in group PHC (P<0.05). The pathological changes and damage to ultrastructure of lung tissues were significantly attenuated in group PHC as compared with group C.@*Conclusion@#The mechanism by which PHC attenuates non-ventilated lung injury is related to blocking TLR4/NF-κВ signaling pathway and reducing inflammatory responses in the patients undergoing radical operation for lung cancer.

Effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in non-ventilated lung injury in patients undergoing radical operation for lung cancer / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) /nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in non-ventilated lung injury in the patients undergoing radical operation for lung cancer.Methods A total of 100 patients,aged 40-64 yr,with body mass index 18-27 kg/m2,of American Society of Anesthesiology physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ,undergoing radical operation for lung cancer,were divided into 2 groups (n=50 each) according to the random number table method:control group (group C) and PHC group.PHC 0.01 mg/kg was intravenously injected at 10 min before anesthesia induction in group PHC,while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group C.The peripheral tissues of the removed lung tissues were obtained for determination of wet/dry weight ratio (W/D ratio).The pathological changes and ultrastructure of lung tissues were observed under light microscope,and lung injury was assessed and scored.The expression of TLR4 and NF-κB protein and mRNA was detected by Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction,respectively.Before administration (T0),at the onset of one-lung ventilation (T1),at 60 min of one-lung ventilation (T2),immediately after the end of one-lung ventilation (T3),at the end of operation (T4) and at 24 h after operation (T5),blood samples were collected from the internal jugular vein for determination of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha,interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Compared with group C,the W/D ratio and lung injury scores were significantly decreased,the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB protein and mRNA was down-regulated,and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha,IL-6 and IL-8 were decreased at T12-T5 in group PHC (P＜0.05).The pathological changes and damage to ultrastructure of lung tissues were significantly attenuated in group PHC as compared with group C.Conclusion The mechanism by which PHC attenuates non-ventilated lung injury is related to blocking TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing inflammatory responses in the patients undergoing radical operation for lung cancer.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on retinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice.Metbods Forty-eight C57BL/6 male mice,aged 8 weeks,weighing 20-24 g,were divided into 3 groups (n =16 each) using a random number table:control group (C group),I/R group and dexmedetomidine group (D group).The model of retinal I/R injury was established by elevating intraocular pressure for 60 min using anterior chamber cannulation followed by 24 h of reperfusion.At 15 min before ischemia and 5 min before reperfusion,dexmedetomidine 25 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected in group D,and the equal volume of normal saline was intraperitoneally injected in C and I/R groups.Eight mice were sacrificed at 24 h of reperfusion,and the retina was removed for microscopic examination of pathologic changes (with light microscope) after haematoxylin and eosin staining and for determination of cell apoptosis in retinal tissues (by TUNEL).Apoptosis index (AI) was calculated.Eight mice were sacrificed at 24 h of reperfusion,and the retina was removed for determination of the expression of Bcl-2,Bax,caspase-3 and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) in retinal tissues (by Western blot).Bcl-2/Bax ratio was calculated.Results Compared with group C,AI was significantly increased,the expression of Bax,caspase-3 and CHOP was up-regulated,the expression of Bcl-2 was down-regulated,Bcl-2/Bax ratio was decreased (P＜0.05),and pathologic changes were found in retinal tissues in group I/R.Compared with group I/R,AI was significantly decreased,the expression of Bax,caspase-3 and CHOP was down-regulated,the expression of Bcl-2 was up-regulated,Bcl-2/Bax ratio was increased (P＜0.05),and pathologic changes of retinal tissues were significantly attenuated in group D (P＜0.05).Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can reduce retinal I/R injury,and the mechanism mav be related to inhibiting cell apoptosis in mice.

Establishment and evaluation of a guinea pig model of itching / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To optimize the optimal doses of histamine and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) in the establish-ment of guinea pigs models of itching, and to establish a new guinea pig model of itching. Methods The central composite design-response surface method was used to arrange the experiment. In the experiment different pruritus agents were hypo-dermically injection of 0. 5 mL in the depilated area, and the scratching incubation period and scratching number in 30 mi-nutes were counted after the injection. The guinea pig itching model was evaluated by observing the behavioral changes of guinea pigs and measuring the levels of histamine and interleukin-6 in the blood. Results The behavioral experiments found that the scratching frequency in the the combination group was significantly higher than the histamine group and 4-AP group (P<0. 01). The itching latency of the combination group was significantly shorter than that of the histamine group and 4-AP group (P<0. 01). Compared with the control group, the histamine concentrations of the combination group and histamine group were significantly increased ( P<0. 05 or P<0. 01 ) , and the level of the combination group was lower than that of the histamine group (P<0. 05). Compared with the control group, the serum IL-6 concentrations of histamine group, 4-AP group and combination group were significantly higher (P<0. 01 or P<0. 05), and those in the combination group were significantly higher than the histamine and 4-AP groups. Compared with the control group, pathologic examina-tion showed proliferation of inflammatory cells in all model groups, and the reaction of the combination group was more ob-vious. Conclusions The optimal conditions used in this experiment are easy to achieve and have good reproducibility in the establishment of a guinea pig model of itching.

Establishment and evaluation of a guinea pig model of itching / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To optimize the optimal doses of histamine and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) in the establish-ment of guinea pigs models of itching, and to establish a new guinea pig model of itching. Methods The central composite design-response surface method was used to arrange the experiment. In the experiment different pruritus agents were hypo-dermically injection of 0. 5 mL in the depilated area, and the scratching incubation period and scratching number in 30 mi-nutes were counted after the injection. The guinea pig itching model was evaluated by observing the behavioral changes of guinea pigs and measuring the levels of histamine and interleukin-6 in the blood. Results The behavioral experiments found that the scratching frequency in the the combination group was significantly higher than the histamine group and 4-AP group (P<0. 01). The itching latency of the combination group was significantly shorter than that of the histamine group and 4-AP group (P<0. 01). Compared with the control group, the histamine concentrations of the combination group and histamine group were significantly increased ( P<0. 05 or P<0. 01 ) , and the level of the combination group was lower than that of the histamine group (P<0. 05). Compared with the control group, the serum IL-6 concentrations of histamine group, 4-AP group and combination group were significantly higher (P<0. 01 or P<0. 05), and those in the combination group were significantly higher than the histamine and 4-AP groups. Compared with the control group, pathologic examina-tion showed proliferation of inflammatory cells in all model groups, and the reaction of the combination group was more ob-vious. Conclusions The optimal conditions used in this experiment are easy to achieve and have good reproducibility in the establishment of a guinea pig model of itching.

Simulation and Validation of Cisco Habitat in Minnesota Lakes Using the Lethal-Niche Boundary Curve.

Fish survival in lakes is strongly influenced by water temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration. A one-dimensional (vertical) lake water quality model MINLAKE 2012 was calibrated in 23 Minnesota lakes and used to simulate daily water temperature and DO concentrations in 36 representative lake types under past (1992–2008) climate conditions and a future climate scenario (MIROC 3.2). The 36 representative Minnesota lake types were developed based on three maximum depths (Hmax = 4, 13, and 24 m), three surface areas (As = 0.2, 1.7, 10 km2), and four Secchi depths (SD = 1.2, 2.5, 4.5, and 7 m, from eutrophic to oligotrophic lake). A fish habitat model using the lethal-niche- boundary curve of adult cisco (Coregnous artedi, a cold-water fish species) was then developed to evaluate cisco oxythermal habitat and survival in Minnesota lakes.The fish habitat model was validated in the 23 Minnesota lakes of which 18 had cisco mortality while 5 had no cisco mortality in the unusually warm summer of 2006. Cisco lethal and habitable conditions in the 23 lakes simulated by the model had anoverall good agreement with observations in 2006. After model validation, cisco lethal days in the 36 lake types were modeled using simulated daily temperature and DO profiles from MINLAKE2012. Polymictic shallow lakes with lake geometry ratio As 0.25/Hmax> 5.2 m-0.5 were simulated to typically not support cisco oxythermal habitat under past climate conditions and the future climate scenario. Medium-depth lakes are projected to be most vulnerable to climate warming with most increase in the number of years with cisco kill (average increase 13 years out of 17 simulation years). Strongly stratified mesotrophic and oligotrophic deep lakes are possible to support cisco habitat under both past and future climate conditions, and these deep lakes are good candidates for cisco refuge lakes that should be protected against water quality deteriorations.

Impact Assessment of Hydrology and Water Quality in the Saugahatchee Creek under Projected Land Use and Climate Change Scenarios Using WARMF.

The hydrology and water quality of a stream or reservoir can be affected due to rapid urbanization and land use change in its watershed. Climate change, if it occurs, is likely to have additional impacts on hydrology and water quality of the watershed system. In this study, a watershed model WARMF (Watershed Analysis Risk Management Framework) was applied to the Saugahatchee Creek Watershed which includes two stream branches that were listed on State of Alabama’s 303(d) list of impaired water for nutrients and organic enrichment/dissolved oxygen. WARMF model for the Saugahatchee Creek Watershed was developed and model calibration and validation were performed. The model was then used to investigate hydrologic and water quality response to two different land use scenarios (LU 2009 and LU 2030) and four statistically downscaled future climate scenarios derived from Canadian Global Coupled Model (CGCM3) and Hadley Centre Coupled Climate Model (HadCM3). Temperature, dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and algal concentration were the water quality parameters simulated along with flow. Based on monthly average of daily predicted values, the effect due to land use change was not significant except for nutrient concentration. The monthly average of daily total phosphorus concentration for LU 2030 is predicted to increase up to 72% more than baseline (LU 2009) under past climate conditions (1981–2010). Based on model results, the monthly average of daily surface water temperature is predicted to rise for all future climate scenarios. The monthly average of daily flow is predicted to increase corresponding to CGCM3 (annual average increase of 88%) and decrease corresponding to HadCM3 scenarios (annual average decrease of -49%). Accordingly, nutrient concentration is expected to decrease corresponding to CGCM3 and increase corresponding to HadCM3 scenarios. DO concentration are predicted to fall up to 2.3 mg/l (monthly average), especially in summer for the four climate scenarios. Combined land use and climate change scenarios cause the increase in nutrient concentrations for future land use and climate scenarios (e.g., annual TP from 0.082 mg/l for the baseline to 0.203 mg/l for HadCM3 A2 20s scenario). Chlorophyll-a concentration during the growing season is expected to increase to 25.8 and 26.3 μg/l under HadCM3 A2 and B2 scenarios due to combined effect, respectively, in comparison to 18 μg/l for the baseline (1981–2010 and LU2009). The results of this study can be incorporated into watershed management and planning strategies.

Progress on the relationship between metformin and breast cancer / 中国肿瘤临床

Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of breast cancer and affects the prognosis of breast cancer patients. Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, decreases blood glucose level and has a role in suppressing various cancers. In addition, metformin has a unique in-hibitory effect on breast cancer, i.e., it can inhibit breast cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, metformin exerts its anti-tumor ef-fect on epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) positive and monoclonal antibody trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer cell lines, breast cancer stem cells, and triple negative breast cancer cells. Metformin can reduce the risk of the breast cancer in patients with dia-betes, lower histologic grade, and increase expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors. Furthermore, metformin has certain effect on neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. This review aims to clarify the mechanism of metformin in restraining breast cancer based on basic and clinical study results.

Progress in the clinical application of fiberoptic ductoscopy / 中国肿瘤临床

Conventional diagnostic methods used for pathologic nipple discharge (PND) include color ultrasound, mammary mo-lybdenum target X-ray radiography (mammography), nipple cytologic smears, and ductography. Diagnosis of PND through inspection yields indirect signs and has low positive rate. Fiberoptic ductoscopy (FDS) allows direct visualization of intra-ductal lesions, evaluates etiology of PND, and accurately locates intraductal lesions through wire marking. FDS is a valuable test for the early diagnosis of breast cancer and can help identify appropriate location for surgical excision. Interventional treatment for ductal ectasia and inflamma-tion is also efficient. Our study discusses FDS as a novel diagnosis and treatment method for PND patients.

Clinical observation of phacoemulsification combined goniosynechialysis in treating absolute glaucoma after trabeculectomy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To observe the effect of combined goniosynechialysis in treating absolute glaucoma after trabeculectomy. METHODS:Phacoemulsification combined goniosynechialysis was performed on 16 patients ( 16 eyes ) with absolute glaucoma after trabeculectomy, and they were followed up for 6 ~12mo, The postoperative intraocular pressure ( IOP ) and anterior chamber depth, preoperative and postoperative medication types (quantity), preoperative and postoperative 1 month's status of anxiety and depression, symptoms of ocular surface were observed. RESULTS: The IOP decreased significantly after phacoemulsification combined goniosynechialysis. The mean IOP was 35. 00±15. 43mmHg preoperatively, and it was 12. 00±6. 69mmHg, 15. 00±4. 26mmHg and 15. 3±5.2mmHg on 1d, 6 and 12mo after the surgery. The statistic difference was found between preoperative and postoperative (t=6. 22, PCONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification combined goniosynechialysis in treating absolute glaucoma after trabeculectomy is a safe and effective surgical option.