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A total of 360 patients with prostate hyperplasia underwent transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in Department of Urology of Jinhua People′s Hospital from July 2019 to December 2022. Among 360 patients, lower urinary tract symptoms occurred one month after operation in 40 cases with an incidence rate of 11.11%. The age, body mass index (BMI), course of disease, nature of disease, preoperative prostate volume, postoperative prostate volume, preoperative IPSS score, postoperative IPSS score, preoperative maximum urine flow rate, postoperative maximum urine flow rate, preoperative residual urine volume, postoperative residual urine volume, postoperative urinary tract infection, operative time, postoperative catheter retention time were compared between patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (study group) and those without (control group). There were significant differences in the course of disease, preoperative prostate volume, preoperative IPSS score, preoperative maximum urine flow rate, preoperative residual urine volume, postoperative urinary tract infection and postoperative catheter retention time between two groups ( t=28.01, 6.35, 8.79, 17.92, 34.84, 11.45;all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the course of disease, preoperative prostate volume, preoperative IPSS score, postoperative urinary tract infection, and postoperative catheter retention time were independent risk factors for postoperative lower urinary tract symptoms ( OR=6.964, 3.442, 1.944, 4.836, 4.225, 4.894; all P<0.05); while the preoperative maximum urinary flow rate was the protective factor( OR=0.043, P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative lower urinary tract symptoms in patients undergoing transurethral holmium laser enucleation of prostate is high. Effective protective measures should be taken based on the risk factors to reduce the incidence of postoperative lower urinary tract symptoms and to promote the early recovery of patients.
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Objective:To construct a deep learning-based diagnostic system for gastrointestinal submucosal tumor (SMT) under endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), so as to help endoscopists diagnose SMT.Methods:From January 1, 2019 to December 15, 2021, at the Digestive Endoscopy Center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 245 patients with SMT confirmed by pathological diagnosis who underwent EUS and endoscopic submucosal dissection were enrolled. A total of 3 400 EUS images were collected. Among the images, 2 722 EUS images were used for training of lesion segmentation model, while 2 209 EUS images were used for training of stromal tumor and leiomyoma classification model; 283 and 191 images were selected as independent test sets to evaluate lesion segmentation model and classification model, respectively. Thirty images were selected as an independent data set for human-machine competition to compare the lesion classification accuracy between lesion classification models and 6 endoscopists. The performance of the segmentation model was evaluated by indexes such as Intersection-over-Union and Dice coefficient. The performance of the classification model was evaluated by accuracy. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.Results:The average Intersection-over-Union and Dice coefficient of lesion segmentation model were 0.754 and 0.835, respectively, and the accuracy, recall and F1 score were 95.2%, 98.9% and 97.0%, respectively. Based on the lesion segmentation, the accuracy of classification model increased from 70.2% to 92.1%. The results of human-machine competition showed that the accuracy of classification model in differential diagnosis of stromal tumor and leiomyoma was 86.7% (26/30), which was superior to that of 4 out of the 6 endoscopists(56.7%, 17/30; 56.7%, 17/30; 53.3%, 16/30; 60.0%, 18/30; respectively), and the differences were statistically significant( χ2=7.11, 7.36, 8.10, 6.13; all P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the accuracy of the other 2 endoscopists(76.7%, 23/30; 73.3%, 22/30; respectively) and model(both P<0.05). Conclusion:This system could be used for the auxiliary diagnosis of SMT under ultrasonic endoscope in the future, and to provide a powerful evidence for the selection of subsequent treatment decisions.
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Objective:To construct a deep learning-based artificial intelligence endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) bile duct scanning substation system to assist endoscopists in learning multi-station imaging and improve their operation skills.Methods:A total of 522 EUS videos in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Wuhan Union Hospital from May 2016 to October 2020 were collected, and images were captured from these videos, including 3 000 white light images and 31 003 EUS images from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, and 799 EUS images from Wuhan Union Hospital. The pictures were divided into training set and test set in the EUS bile duct scanning system. The system included filtering model of white light gastroscopy images (model 1), distinguishing model of standard station images and non-standard station images (model 2) and substation model of EUS bile duct scanning standard images (model 3), which were used to classify the standard images into liver window, stomach window, duodenal bulb window, and duodenal descending window. Then 110 pictures were randomly selected from the test set for a man-machine competition to compare the accuracy of multi-station imaging by experts, advanced endoscopists and the artificial intelligence model.Results:The accuracies of model 1 and model 2 were 100.00% (1 200/1 200) and 93.36% (2 938/3 147) respectively. Those of model 3 on the internal validation dataset in each classification were 97.23% (1 687/1 735) in liver window, 96.89% (1 681/1 735) in stomach window, 98.73% (1 713/1 735) in duodenal bulb window, and 97.18% (1 686/1 735) in duodenal descending window. And those on the external validation dataset were 89.61% (716/799) in liver window, 92.74% (741/799) in stomach window, 90.11% (720/799) in duodenal bulb window, and 92.24% (737/799) in duodenal descending window. In the man-machine competition, the accuracy of the substation model was 89.09% (98/110), which was higher than that of senior endoscopists [85.45% (94/110), 74.55% (82/110), and 85.45% (94/110)] and close to the level of experts [92.73% (102/110) and 90.00% (99/110)].Conclusion:The deep learning-based EUS bile duct scanning system constructed in the current study can assist endoscopists to perform standard multi-station scanning in real time more accurately and improve the completeness and quality of EUS.
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Objective:To investigate the effect of transurethral plasma enucleation of prostate with bladder neck and prostatic apex urethral mucosa preservation on the incidence of retrograde ejaculation after surgery.Methods:The clinical data of 77 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) admitted to Jinhua people's Hospital from January 2018 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The ages of the two groups [(62.06±2.01)years old and (62.36 ± 2.12)years old] were comparable. There were no significant differences between the groups( P>0.05) in term of the prostate volume (72.91±17.57) ml vs. (68.07±17.28)ml, Q max [(7.33±2.02)ml/s vs. (7.79±2.09)ml/s)], and IPSS (25.51±5.66) vs.(25.17±4.90). The conventional operation group was treated with " trefoil" enucleation of prostate. The modified operation group underwent the following three improved techniques. Firstly, the anterior mucosa of the verumontanum was cut 1.5 cm away from the medial surface of the verumontanum to prevent the external sphincter injury. Secondly, part of the prostate tissue was retained by exceeding the verumontanum when cutting off the bilateral lobes. Thirdly, the middle lobe of the prostate was bluntly stripped to the bladder neck with the sheath of the electroscope in order to protect the transverse muscle fibers as well as the integrity of the bladder neck. The outcome and the ejaculation function of the two groups were analyzed. Results:There was no significant difference in operation time [(66.74±9.29)min vs. (71.29±15.32) min], catheter indwelling duration [(5.31±0.76)d vs.(5.00±1.06)d], and hospital stay [(7.57±0.88) d vs. (7.17±1.45)d] between the two groups ( P>0.05) after more than 6 months of follow-up. According to IIEF score, mild erectile dysfunction occurred in both groups, with the incidence rate of 20.7%(6/29) and 13.5%(5/37) respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). The postoperative maximum urinary flow rate (Q max) [(23.51±4.25) ml/s vs.(24.05±3.81)ml/s] and IPSS score (6.46±2.72 vs. 6.55±2.99) was significantly different from that before the operation ( P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). The incidence of retrograde ejaculation in conventional operation group and modified operation group was 23/35(65.7%) and 13/42(31.0%), and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Immediate urinary continence were 24/35(68.6%) and 36/42(85.7%) in the conventional operation group and the modified operation group respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups( P>0.05). After 6 months of follow-up, urinary continence in both groups was 100.0%. Conclusions:Transurethral plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate with the preservation of bladder neck and urethral mucosa of prostate apex is the same effective as conventional operation in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, but the incidence of retrograde ejaculation after operation is significantly reduced, which is suitable for those patients who desire to retain their ejaculation function.
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Objective:To develop an endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) station recognition and pancreatic segmentation system based on deep learning and to validate its efficacy.Methods:Data of 269 EUS procedures were retrospectively collected from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University between December 2016 and December 2019, and were divided into 3 datasets: (1)Dataset A of 205 procedures for model training containing 16 305 images for classification training and 1 953 images for segmentation training; (2)Dataset B of 44 procedures for model testing containing 1 606 images for classification testing and 480 images for segmentation testing; (3) Dataset C of 20 procedures with 150 images for comparing the performance between models and endoscopists. EUS experts (with more than 10 years of experience) A and B classified and labeled all images of dataset A, B and C through discussion, and the results were used as the gold standard. EUS expert C and senior EUS endoscopists (with more than 5 years of experience) D and E classified and labeled the images in dataset C, and the results were used for comparison with model. The main outcomes included accuracy of classification, Dice (F1 score) of segmentation and Cohen Kappa coefficient of consistency analysis.Results:In test dataset B, the model achieved a mean accuracy of 94.1% in classification. The mean Dice of pancreatic and vascular segmentation were 0.826 and 0.841 respectively. In dataset C, the classification accuracy of the model reached 90.0%. The classification accuracy of expert C, senior endoscopist D and E were 89.3%, 88.7% and 87.3%, respectively. The Dice of pancreatic and vascular segmentation in the model were 0.740 and 0.859, 0.708 and 0.778 for expert C, 0.747 and 0.875 for senior endoscopist D, and 0.774 and 0.789 for senior endoscopist E. The model was comparable to the expert level.Consistency analysis showed that there was high consistency between the model and endoscopists (the Kappa coefficient was 0.823 between model and expert C, 0.840 between model and senior endoscopist D, and 0.799 between model and senior endoscopist E).Conclusion:EUS station classification and pancreatic segmentation system based on deep learning can be used for quality control of pancreatic EUS, with a comparable performance of classification and segmentation to that of EUS experts.
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Objective:To explore the relationship between the changes of anorectal angle (ARA) under 3 physiological states and pelvic organ prolapse(POP) in postpartum women by transperineal ultrasound.Methods:The retrospective study enrolled 147 female in 6-8 weeks after delivery examined by pelvic floor ultrasound examinations in Fujian Medical University Second Affiliated Hospital from November 2019 to June 2021, who were divided into POP group and control group. Volume data of pelvic floor ultrasound examinations were obtained at rest, during contraction and during maximal Valsalva maneuver. The differences in the changes of ARA under 3 physiological states between the two groups were compared, and the correlation between the change state of ARA during maximal Valsalva maneuver and POP was analyzed.Results:Compared with ARA at rest, ARA decreased during contraction (χ 2=42.64, P<0.001) and increased during maximal Valsalva maneuver (χ 2=38.43, P<0.001). There was no difference of ARA between the POP group and control group in the 3 physiological states ( P>0.05). However, the risk of POP increased when ARA decreased during maximal Valsalva maneuver ( OR=2.690, 95% CI=1.074-6.739, P<0.05). Conclusions:The decrease of ARA during maximal Valsalva maneuver may increase the risk of POP, and the change of ARA during maximal Valsalva maneuver can be brought into the ultrasonic observation indicators of POP.
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Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of bilirubin absorption(BA) combined with low volume plasma exchange(PE) in the treatment of severe hepatitis.Methods Forty-five inpatients with severe hepatitis in this hospital from January 1,2015 to December 31,2016 were performed the prospective study.All cases were given the therapy of BA combined with low volume PE.The indicators of liver function (ALT,AST,TBIL,CHE,ALB),coagulation function (PTA,INR),blood routine (WBC,Hb,PLT),electrolytes(K+,Na+,Cl-,Ca2+) and renal function(BUN,Cr) were collected before and after treatment.The changes of clinical symptoms and signs(weak,anorexia,abdominal distension,etc.) before and after treatment were recorded in all cases.The complications during the treatment process were also observed and recorded.The t-test was used for the inter-group comparison of the measurement data and the abnormal distribution adopted the Wilcoxon rank sum test.Results After the treatment of BA and low volume PE,the clinical symptoms of the patients were improved in different levels.The levels of ALT,AST and TBIL were decreased(P＜0.01),the CHE level was increased(P＜0.01),ALB level was decreased(P＜0.01);PTA was increased(P＜0.05),INR was decreased(P＜0.01);WBC,HGB and PLT were decreased(P＜0.05).Nineteen cases(31.1％) developed adverse reactions,which were recovered to normal after general symptomatic treatment.The treatment compliance was good without influence on artificial liver therapy.Conclusion BA combined low volume PE for treating severe hepatitis can significantly improve the liver function with safety and effectiveness.
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AIM:To explore the protective effects of berberine (Ber) on islet beta cells and related possible mechanisms.METHODS:The injury of INS-1 cells was induced by treatment with alloxan ( Axn) .Berverine was then given at serial concentrations.The cells were divided into control group ( Con) , injury group ( Axn) , low-dose berberine group (LBer), medium-dose berberine group (MBer) and high-dose berberine group (HBer).Flow cytometry was em-ployed to detect the apoptosis.The activation of PTEN/PI3K/Akt and HNF-1α/PDX-1 pathways and the protein level of cleaved caspase-3 were evaluated by Western blotting.The insulin releases under normal or high-glucose stimulation were measured by ELISA.RESULTS:Compared with Con group, the apoptotic rate increased significantly in Axn group.Ber-berine treatment reduced the apoptotic rate in LBer group, MBer group and HBer group in a concentration-dependent man-ner.Compared with Con group, the protein levels of PTEN and cleaved caspase-3 increased, while PI3K and phosphoryla-tion of Akt decreased significantly in Axn group.However, this effect was reversed by berberine in a concentration-depend-ent manner.Compared with Con group, the activation of HNF-1α/PDX-1 signaling pathway was inhibited in Axn group but recovered by berberine administration.The abilities of releasing insulin under normal or high-glucose stimulation were im-paired in Axn group but recovered by berberine treatment in LBer group, MBer group and HBer group in a concentration-dependent manner.CONCLUSION:Berberine shows protective effects against alloxan-induced damage in beta cells by in-hibiting apoptosis and recovering insulin secretion, thus attenuating the activation of PTEN/PI3K/Akt and HNF-1α/PDX-1 signaling pathways.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the expression of proteoglycan 4 (PRG-4) induced by hydrostatic pressure in rat temporomandibular synovial fibroblasts and investigate the possible mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The cultured rat temporomandibular synovial fibroblasts were subjected to 100 kPa magnitude intermittent hydrostatic pressure (IHP) at frequency of 4 h/day, and the static group served as control. The expressions of Smad pathway proteins and p38MAPK pathway proteins were analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Then the cells were incubated with SB431542, the inhibitor of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β receptor. Western blot and reverse transcription PCR were used to detect the PRG-4 expression after 72 h.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of phosphorylated Smad-2 and phosphorylated Smad-3 were increased after 1 h of IHP, reaching a maximum after 2 h and 4 h of IHP, respectively.However, the protein content of phosphorylated p38 did not vary significantly. In addition, IHP induced nuclear translocation of Smad-2/-3, and the immunofluorescence staining signal intensity markedly increased (24.11 ± 4.70)(P < 0.05). The levels of PRG-4 mRNA were significantly increased by IHP (1.48 ± 0.08)(P < 0.05). Treatment of cells with SB431542 could decrease the expression of PRG-4 mRNA significantly after IHP (0.47 ± 0.05)(P < 0.05). In addition, SB431542 inhibited the expression of PRG-4 protein induced by IHP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Smad signal acts as an essential signal pathway to regulate PRG-4 expression induced by IHP.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Cells, Cultured , Fibroblasts , Hydrostatic Pressure , Phosphorylation , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases , Proteoglycans , RNA, Messenger , Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta , Signal Transduction , Smad Proteins , Physiology , Synovial Fluid , Metabolism , Temporomandibular Joint , Metabolism , p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein KinasesABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effects of sulforaphane (SFN) on the proliferation of prostate cancer DU145 cells and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-lα) expression,and to explore the possibility of SFN in the prevention of prostate cancers.Methods The DU145 cells were treated with different doses and different time of SFN.The cell proliferation viability were measured by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-zy1)-3,3,5-di-phenytetrazo`liumromide (MTT) proliferation and cytotoxicity assay kit.The hypoxia tumor microenvironment was stimulated by pretreating cells with 1％ O2,HIF-lα expression and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activitity were detected by Western-blot and ELISA,respectively.Results SFN had an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human prostate cancer DU145 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner.The cell proliferation inhibition rate exceeded 50％ in more than 20 μ mol/L SFN-treated groups after 48 hours.SFN could inhibit the expression of HIF-1α induced by 1％ O2 and VEGF activity.10 μmol/L SFN showed inhibitory effect on the expression of HIF-1α after 24 hours.20 μ mol/L SFN showed a significant inhibitory effect on the expression of HIF-1α after 12 hours.And peroxidase had synergistic inhibition on HIF-1α.Conclusions SFN can inhibit the proliferation of DU145 prostate cancer cells and HIF-lα expression.SFN can be used as a potential chemotherapeutic agent against human prostate cancer.
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Objective To explore the effect of psychological nursing on the treadmill exercise tests(TET)in patients with cardiacneurosis.Methods 86 patients with cardiacneurosis were randomly divided into the treatment group(n=44)and the control group(n=42): both were treated with medication for two weeks and the former with extra treatment of psychological nursing intervention.Then the anxiety and depression among all the participants were assessed using the Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS).The two groups were compared in terms of anxiety and depression as well as TET.Results The scores on anxiety and depression in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group and the negative rate of TET was significantly higher than that in the control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion The psychological nursing intervention may reduce the anxiety and depression of the patients with cardiacneurosis and improve the accuracy of TET.
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ObjectiveTo explore the effects of myoblast formation around the urethra of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) rats after treated with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) or musclelike cells/calcium alginate composite gel injection therapy.MethodsIsolation,cultivation and identification of Sprague-Dawley rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell were performed.5-azacytidine was introduced to induce muscle-like cells.Calcium alginate gel was initially prepared by 2％ sodium alginate and 1％ calcium chloride solution at a volume ratio of 5∶1.Compounds of stem cells or muscle-like cells were mixed with gel,respectively,and were prepared for microinjection.SUI was produced in 72 6-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats.The rats were then divided into 4 groups:Gel group,stem cell-gel group,muscle-like cell-gel group and mock control group.Each group was further divided into 3 groups.Submucosal injection of gel was performed at urethra and bladder neck.After preparation of cross sections of rat urinary tract at 4 weeks and 8 weeks after injection,HE staining,fluorescent tracing,staining of Desmin and α-skeletal muscle actin (α-SMA) were performed.OD values of positive rates were compared.ResultsAt 4 weeks and 8 weeks after injection in stem cell-gel group and muscle-like cell-gel group,growth of blood vessels gradually increased at gel edge,BMSCs and muscle-like cells gathered around the new blood vessels observed by fl(u)orescence tracer,muscle-like cells grew into elongated spindle-like cells.Desmin and α-SMA staining were positive in these groups,and the OD values in the stem cell-gel group and muscle-like cell-gel group was significantly higher than that from the gel only group and control group,but no difference was found between stem cell-gel group and muscle-like cell-gel group.ConclusionsCompound of BMSCs,muscle-like cells and calcium alginate composite gel has the potential to differentiate into muscle cells in the microenvironment of SUI rat model.In short term,the myoblast formation potential is the same whether the BMSCs was introduced into the micro-environment in vivo directly,or the BMSCs was implanted into microenvironment after the formation of the muscles cells induced by 5-azacytidine in vitro.
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BACKGROUND:Although drug treatment.physics-behavior therapy,and postoperative therapy have been commonly used to treat stress urinary incontinence(SUI),there is still no satisfactory treatment at present.OBJECTlVE:To build a stable animal model simulating stress urinary incontinence(SUI)by bilateral transaction of pudendal nerve and nerves innervating pelvic floor muscles,including iliococcygeous muscle and pubococcygeous muscle.METHODS:A total of 18 6-week-old female SD rats weighing(1 99.44±8.41)g were randomly divided into 3 groups:normal,model,and sham-surgery groups,with 6 rats in each group.Rats in the model group underwent bilateral transaction of pudendal nerves and nerves innervating iliococcygeous/pubococcygeous muscles,while rats in the sham-surgery group had same procedures except nerve transaction.The normal group did not undergo any operation.Each rat was subjected to measure leak point pressure(LPP)at 2 weeks after the operation.After the measurement of LPP,cross sections of connection area of bladder and urethra were sent to histology.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:One rat in the sham-surgery group died at 1 week after the operation.The LPP of model group decreased significantly by approximately 33%compared with the normal group(P＜0 05):however,there was no significant difference in LPP between sham-surgery and normal groups(P＞0.05).The results of histology showed loosely arrangement and atrophy of urethral sttriated muscle fibers in rats of the model group.Bilateral transaction of pudendal nerves and nerves innervating to iliococcygeous/pubococcygeous muscles resulted in SUI in rats stably.
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To examine the effect of Gankang Suppository on duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV), the serum biochemistry and hepatic histology in an animal model of DHBV infection, a model of DHBV infection was established by infecting 1-day-old Yingtaogu ducklings with DHBV-positive serum. The successful model was confirmed by PCR assay and 48 ducklings infected with DHBV were randomly divided into 3 groups: a Gankang Suppository treatment group, an acyclovir (ACV) group and a DHBV model group (control), with each group having 16 animals. All the animals were given the medicines for 4 weeks in a row. The serum of the animals was taken 14 and 28 days after the medication and 7 days after drug discontinuation. Real-time PCR was performed to detect the copy numbers of DHBV DNA in the serum. ALT and AST were dynamically monitored. The ducklings were sacrificed on the 7th day after the discontinuation of the treatment and livers were harvested and examined for inflammation and degeneration of liver cells by using HE staining. The results showed that on day 14, 28 after the treatment and day 7 after the withdrawal, the logarithmic values (log) of DHBV DNA copy numbers in ducklings of Gankang Suppository treatment group were significantly lower than that before the treatment (P=0.0092, P=0.0070, P=0.0080, respectively). Compared with DHBV model control group, the ALT level was significantly decreased (P=0.0020, P=0.0019, respectively) on day 28 after the treatment and on day 7 after the withdrawal. The AST level was also reduced on day 14 after the treatment (P=0.0298). Compared with the ACV control group, the level of ALT was lower on day 7 after the withdrawal (P=0.0016). Histologically, the hepatocyte swelling, vacuolous degeneration and acidophilic degeneration in Gankang Suppository treatment group were alleviated 7 days after the withdrawal as compared with model control group (P=0.0282, P=0.0084, P=0.0195, respectively). It is concluded that Gankang Suppository can effectively suppress DHBV replication, reduce the levels of serum ALT and AST and improve hepatic histology.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the adaptive alterations of elastic fibers in the bilaminar zone (BZ) of rabbit temporomandibular joint (TMJ) following disc displacement.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-eight Japanese white rabbits were used in this study. The right temporomandibular joints of 20 of 28 rabbits were subjected to the surgical procedure of anterior disc displacement (ADD). Four rabbits in the surgical group were sacrificed at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks after operation. Their temporomandibular joints were studied histochemically.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Elastic fibers were reduced in number and ran irregularly in the superior lamina of BZ from ADD rabbits. The jungly elastic fibers (EFs) could still be seen at 2 weeks after operation. At 4 weeks, the number of EFs decreased significantly; EFs lost their jungly arrangement and were shaped like rough dots, of which the arrangement and the lengths were different. Six weeks after operation, many EFs were replaced by distorted, uneven, non-oriented fine EFs, distributed unevenly and some thick or fine EFs that ran irregularly. The number of EFs decreased further and their arrangement was more deranged at 8 weeks. At 10 and 12 weeks, EFs in the superior lamina of BZ were similar to those at 8 weeks.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results show that EFs lost their function as well as their distribution and arrangement after disc displacement.</p>