Molecular mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ against atherosclerosis by regulating miR-17-5p and PCSK9/VLDLR signal pathway / 中国中药杂志

This study explores the regulatory effect of astragaloside Ⅳ on miR-17-5 p and its downstream proprotein convertase subtillisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9)/very low density lipoprotein receptor(VLDLR) signal pathway, aiming at elucidating the mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ against atherosclerosis(AS). In cell experiment, oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL) was used for endothelial cell injury modeling with vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs). Then cells were classified into the model group, miR-17-5 p inhibitor group, blank serum group, and astragaloside Ⅳ-containing serum group based on the invention. Afterward, cell viability and the expression of miR-17-5 p, VLDLR, and PCSK9 mRNA and protein in cells in each group were detected. In animal experiment, 15 C57 BL/6 mice were used as the control group, and 45 ApoE~(-/-) mice were classified into the model group, miR-17-5 p inhibitor group, and astragaloside Ⅳ group, with 15 mice in each group. After 8 weeks of intervention, the peripheral serum levels of interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-10(IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and the expression of miR-17-5 p, VLDLR, and PCSK9 mRNA in the aorta of mice were detected. The pathological changes of mice in each group were observed. According to the cell experiment, VSMC viability in the miR-17-5 p inhibitor group and the astragaloside Ⅳ-containing serum group was higher than that in the model group(P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of miR-17-5 p and VLDLR in VSMCs in the miR-17-5 p inhibitor group and the astragaloside Ⅳ-containing serum group was lower than that in the model group(P<0.05), but the mRNA and protein expression of PCSK9 was higher than that in the model group(P<0.05). As for the animal experiment, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the peripheral serum of the miR-17-5 p inhibitor group and the astragaloside Ⅳ group were lower(P<0.05) and the serum level of IL-10 was higher(P<0.05) than that of the model group. The mRNA expression of miR-17-5 p and VLDLR in the aorta in the miR-17-5 p inhibitor group and the astragaloside Ⅳ group was lower(P<0.05), and PCSK9 mRNA expression was higher(P<0.05) than that in the model group. Pathological observation showed mild AS in the miR-17-5 p inhibitor group and the astragaloside Ⅳ group. In summary, astragaloside Ⅳ can prevent the occurrence and development of AS. The mechanism is that it performs targeted regulation of miR-17-5 p, further affecting the PCSK9/VLDLR signal pathway, inhibiting vascular inflammation, and thus alleviating endothelial cell injury.

Joint attention to emotional and behavioral problems among firstborn children under the universal two child policy / 中国学校卫生

Abstract@#With the amendment of China s family planning, the number of firstborn children has increased gradually, thus resulting in only children transitioning to non only children. The emotional changes and the mental and behavioral problems faced by these firstborn children have begun to receive extensive attention among scholars and society. Childhood emotional and behavioral problems can affect later adult life, such as by increasing the risk of maladjustment and peer rejection in adulthood. Research using innovative study designs is crucial to examine firstborn children s emotional and behavioral problems, and the factors influencing these problems. Empirical research on interventions will be highly important to ensure a healthy transition of firstborn children from only children to non only children.

Clinical Observation of Addition and Subtraction Therapy of Shenling Baizhu San to Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea with Spleen-stomach Deficiency and Cold Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To discussed the clinical efficacy of addition and subtraction therapy of Shenling Baizhu San to antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) with spleen-stomach deficiency and cold syndrome, and to investigate its effects on immune function and intestinal flora. Method:One hundred and fifteen patients were randomly divided into control group (57 cases) and observation group (58 cases) by random number table. Patients in control group got Shuangqi Ganjun Sanlian Huojun San, 2 bags/time, 2 times/days. Mengtuoshi San, 1 bag/time, 3 times/days, and they also got measures to prevent disturbance of water, electrolyte, acid-base balance and nutritional support. Based on the treatment in control group, patients in observation group also got addition and subtraction therapy of Shenling Baizhu San, 1 dose/day. The course of treatment was 7 days in both groups. Before and after treatment, scores of symptoms, intestinal secretory immunoglobulin (SIgA) levels, peripheral blood immunoglobulin A (IgA), G (IgG), M (IgM) and T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+and CD4+/CD8+). Detection of bacillus faccalis in feces before and after treatment and the bacteria were cultured to identify and count bifidobacterium, lactobacillus and enterococcus. In addition, diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactic acid levels were detected before and after treatment. Result:In rank sum test, clinical efficacy in observation group was better than that in control group (Z=2.268, PPP+, CD4+and CD4+/CD8+were higher than those in control group (P+was lower than that in control group (PPPPD-lactic acid were significantly lower than those in control group (PConclusion:Based on conventional treatment, addition and subtraction therapy of Shenling Baizhu San can alleviate symptoms, improve clinical efficacy, improve immune function, regulate intestinal flora and promote the repair of intestinal mucosal barrier in the treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) with spleen-stomach deficiency and cold syndrome.

Podoplanin expression and clinical prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To analyze the Podoplanin expression in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and to find out the relationship between Podoplanin expression and tumor embolus, lymph node metastasis, tumor differentiation as well as prognosis, and to provide clinical evidence for reducing the recurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and prolonging the disease-free survival and overall survival. Methods    A retrospective analysis of 70 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in our hospital from June 2010 to June 2012 was conducted, including 39 males and 31 females, with a mean age of 63.6 years. Positive diagnosis of tumor thrombus was achieved in 35 patients and negative in 35 patients. Postoperative pathological specimens were examined and normal esophageal tissues (esophageal tissue more than 5 cm from the edge of the tumor) of patients were excised as a control group. Results    The positive rate of Podoplanin was 34.2% in normal esophageal tissues and 62.8% in tumor tissues. The positive rate of Podoplanin expression was 77.1% and 48.6% in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with or without tumor embolus, respectively. The positive rate of Podoplanin expression in tumor cells of patients with positive and negative lymph node metastasis was 71.9% and 23.1%, respectively (P<0.05). The mean disease-free survival of patients with Podoplanin expression-negative esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was 15.2 months, which was significantly longer than that of patients with Podoplanin expression-positive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (P<0.05).  Conclusion    Podoplanin expression in the tumor cells and vessels can be an important reference index to the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Research Progress in Hypoglycemic Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway / 中国药师

Traditional Chinese medicine shows good hypoglycemic effect with mild efficacy, long duration and few adverse reac-tions. In recent years, the researches on the hypoglycemic effect of Ruikang Hospital Affilliated to traditional Chinese medicine mainly started from the mechanism of new target protein and pathway, for example, Chinese medicine monomers or compounds including as-tragalus polysaccharide, curcumin, berberine, emodin, total saponins of momordicacharantia, total saponins of momordicacharantia, Yitangkang, Jiangtang Sanhuang tablets, Jianpixiaokefang and Tangnaikang granule can activate Adenosine monophosphate ( AMP)-activated protein kinase ( AMPK) to play hypoglycemic effect.

Correlation of Twist expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas with clinical prognosis / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To observe the expression of Twist in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and analyze the relationship between positive expression of Twist and disease-free survival, and to provide clinical evidence for reducing tumor recurrence, prolonging disease-free survival and improving prognosis. Methods    Retrospective analysis of 70 ESCC patients receiving thoracic surgery from June 2010 to June 2012 in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital was done, including 39 males and 31 females with an average age of 63.6 years. The expression of Twist in normal esophageal tissue, tumor tissue and vascular tumor emboli was observed by immunohistochemical staining of paraffin specimens. Results    The positive rate of Twist in normal esophageal tissues was 42.9%, and in tumor tissue was 77.1% (P<0.05). The positive expression rate of Twist in tumor cells was 74.3% in patients with vascular tumor emboli and 80.0% in patients without vascular tumor emboli (P>0.05). The positive expression rate of Twist in tumor cells and in vascular tumor emboli was 74.3% and 71.4%, respectively (P>0.05). The expression of Twist in lymphatic vessels and blood vessels of patients with vascular tumor emboli was 56.0% and 72.0%, respectively (P>0.05). Conclusion    Twist expression in esophageal cancer tissues is significantly higher than that in normal tissues, but there is no significant difference in the positive expression of Twist between tumor cells and the mean disease-free survival (P>0.05). At present, Twist expression can not be used as a prognostic indicator of esophageal cancer, and more researches need be further implemented.

Curcuma wenyujin Diterpenoid compound C fought against gastric cancer: an experimental study / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the role of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB pathway with p38MAPK in Curcuma wenyujin diterpenoid compound C (CDCC) fighting against inflammation and inducing gastric cancer cell apoptosis by stimulating gastric cell SGC7901 with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells were in vitro acted by CDCC in different concentrations at different time points. Their growth inhibition ratios were measured by MTT assay. The apoptosis rate of gastric cancer cells was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. Nuclear translocation of p65 was detected by cell immunofluorescence. Expression levels of p38MAPK/P-p38MAPK, p65/P-p65, and Caspase 3/P-Caspase 3 were measured by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>CDCC had significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of SGC-7901. It also could effectively induce the apoptosis of gastric cancer cell SGC-7901. It also could reduce nuclear translocation of p65 in gastric cancer cell SGC-7901. Results of Western blot indicated that expression levels of p38MAPK and p65 were reduced and the expression level of Caspase-3 was elevated along with increased concentrations of CDCC (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Apoptosis executive protein Caspase 3 activated by regulating p65 via p38MAPK might be one of possible mechanisms for CDCC fighting against inflammation and gastric cancer.</p>

Periacetabular stress distributions during normal gait cycle and its guiding function in acetabular reconstruction of THA / 医用生物力学

Objective To study the basic regular patterns of stress distributions inside and outside periacetabular districts during normal gait cycle of healthy adults, so as to provide clinical guidance for acetabular reconstruction of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods Based on CT scans of a male and a female healthy adult volunteer, The three-dimensional model including pelvis and proximal femur was reconstructed. By using an inhomogeneous material distribution scheme which was based on CT data to calculate elastic modulus and convergence analysis, each element was given a corresponding material attribute. The dynamic change of hip contact force during a normal gait cycle was used as the load condition to the model. Von Mises stress of the nodes inside and outside the model was considered as the criterion to assess the results. Results During normal gait, the stress on the hip surface of two volunteers was mainly transmitted from postersuperior part of acetabulum to auricular surface along posterolateral of iliac wing, and the maximum stress was at the district near greater sciatic. As for the superior, middle and inferior section of two volunteers' acetabulum, the stress was distributed both on cortical and cancellous bone of postersuperior part. However, in terms of acetabular anterior and posterior column, the stress distribution was mainly found on cortical bone. Conclusions According to the observed acetabular stress distribution pattern of health adults during normal gait cycle, choosing acetabular component with more suitable size and controlling the placement of acetabular component with more accuracy could obtain some acetabular reconstruction plan better in accordance with stress distributions during normal gait.

Influence from acetabular component orientation on stress distributions of periacetabulum / 医用生物力学

Abstract： Objective To study the influence from different placement angles of acetabular component on inner and outer stress distributions of periacetabulum in acetabular reconstruction of total hip arthroplasty (THA), so as to explore proper orientation for improving stability of acetabular component after THA. Methods Based on model with inhomogeneous material property assignment, nine THA models with acetabular component at different anteversion angles(15°, 20°, 25°) and abduction angles(40°, 45°, 50°) as well as one normal hip model were constructed. The maximal hip contact force in phase of single leg stance during normal gait cycle was chosen as the loading condition. In addition, according to the qualitative and quantitative principle, inner and outer stress distributions on 9 THA models were analyzed and compared with the normal hip model as control. Results When abduction angle of acetabular component was the nearest to anatomic angle (19° anteversion, 46° abduction) of acetabulum, the phenomenon of stress shielding on periacetabulum was the most obvious. When abduction angle of acetabular component was placed at 45° and anteversion angle changed from 15° to 25°, no significant influence was exerted on the whole stress distributions of THA models. Meanwhile, when anteversion angle of acetabular component was 15°, the THA model had good stability in stress distributions, and the phenomenon of stress shielding on cortical and cancellous bone was obviously improved. Conclusions For patients who have normal anatomic acetabulum and need to be treated with THA, the abduction angle of acetabular component should be placed at 45°, as that of normal acetabulum; the anteversion angle should be 5° smaller than that of normal acetabulum and between 15° and 20°.

Anatomic assessment of femoral tunnel by transtibial drilling technique in double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: an in vivo study / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the anatomy of femoral tunnels created by simulated transtibial technique in double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two tibial tunnels, anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL), were drilled 45?and 55?to tibial plateau respectively. On the femoral side, the AM and PL tunnels were drilled through anteriomedial portal. After the four tunnels were established, the shaft of a reamer was introduced into the joint through tibial tunnel and reached against the lateral wall of intercondylar notch. The position that the reamer shaft can reach was marked and recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Neither femoral AM nor PL tunnel opening can be fully or partially reached by the reamer shaft through the tibial AM tunnel in all cases. The evaluation through the tibial PL tunnel showed that only in 8 of 50 cases (16%) the femoral AM tunnel opening and in 4 cases (8%) the PL opening can be fully reached. On the other hand, in 12 cases (24%) the femoral AM tunnel opening and in 10 cases (20%) the PL opening can be partially reached by the shafts through the tibial PL tunnel.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The result strongly suggests that transtibial technique is not well competent for femoral tunnel drilling in anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction as we have hypothesized.</p>

Trochanteroplasty for the Treatment of Uncontrolled Infected Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Report

Trochanteroplasty is a salvage procedure that is normally performed in septic infant hips. The procedure can provide a stable, painless, functional hip, and reduce any leg-length discrepancy. The authors describe a case of revisional total hip arthopalsty performed on a 65 year-old male patient 4 years after trochanteroplasty for an uncontrolled infection after total hip arthoplasty. The available literature on trochanteroplasty was reviewed. The authors provide a feasible strategy for treating adult hip infections with deficient bone stock in the proximal femur.

Antioxidant activity of natural and cultured Cordyceps sp / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Investigating the antioxidant activities of water and ethanol extracts of natural Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris and their fermentation preparations.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The samples were tested through 6 assays: inhibition ability of linoleic acid oxidation; scavenging activity of DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion; and metal chelating activity.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Samples showed different antioxidant ability, and there was not an extract that exhibited high activity in all assays; however, water extract of natural C. militaris could be regarded as the most powerful antioxidant among 8 samples. It had high activity in inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation, chelating metal ions, and scavenging DPPH and hydroxyl radical. The research also indicated that the contents of phenolic compounds in water and ethanol extracts of natural and cultured Cordyceps sp. had huge difference.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Natural Cordyceps sp. and its fermentation preparations could be used as potential natural antioxidants. The fermented process affected the antioxidant ability of cultured Cordyceps sp., and the antioxidant activity of both natural and cultured Cordyceps sp. did not significantly related with the quantity of phenolics.</p>

Evaluation of neuroprotective effects of long-term low dose hormone replacement therapy on postmenopausal women brain hippocampus using magnetic resonance scanner / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of long-term low dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on postmenopausal women in hormone level, cognition score, hippocampus volume, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) parameters.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 182 postmenopausal women aged 50-87 years were chosen at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and assigned to HRT group and control group. The volunteers of HRT group had taken low dose hormone [estradiol (E2) 0.5-1.0 mg and progesterone 0.5-2.0 mg, once a day] for 4-33 years. The concentrations of E2, progesterone, and testosterone were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The gene types of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) were measured by polymerase chain reaction, and the subjects with susceptible genes (ApoE epsilon3/epsilon4) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) were screened. Their hippocampus volumes and MRS parameters were obtained through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and results in two groups were analyzed by statistical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with control group, the concentrations of E2 at each age stage in HRT group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) except the 80-89 years old subgroup; yet, there were no statistical differences in the concentrations of progesterone and testosterone between the two groups. There was no obvious difference in ApoE subtypes distribution between the two groups. The results of hippocampus MRI for the subjects with susceptible genes ApoE epsilon3/epsilon4 (HRT group 14 cases, control group 11 cases) showed that the ratio of bilateral hippocampus volume to whole brain volume in HRT group (0.406 +/- 0.028) was significantly higher than control group (0.369 +/- 0.031, P < 0.05). The results of 1H MRS for the subjects with susceptible genes ApoE epsilon3/epsilon4 (HRT group 12 cases, control group 11 cases) showed that the N-acetylaspartate/total creatine at the area of hippocampus in HRT group (1.54 +/- 0.08) were significantly higher than control group (1.45 +/- 0.13, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For postmenopausal women, long-term low dose HRT can maintain the physiological concentration of E2 in plasma. Furthermore, the hippocampus MRI performed on those with ApoE epsilon3/epsilon4 genes shows that long-term low dose HRT can prevent hippocampus atrophy, which is beneficial to maintain the brain function and prevent AD.</p>

Effects of long-term and low-dose hormone replacement therapy on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of long-term and low-dose hormone replacement therapy on bone mineral density (BMD), and the incidence of bone pain in postmenopausal women.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 141 postmenopausal women were selected from the medical staff of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Of them, 63 women treated with low-dose sex hormone for over 5 (5-32) years were divided into hormone replacement therapy (HRT) group, and 78 never receiving HRT were divided into control group. The BMD was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at lumbar spine, Ward's triangle, femoral neck, trochanter, and total hip, and the incidence of bone pain was inquired.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The BMD in the HRT group was 9.1% higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of bone pain was significantly lower in the HRT group (71.4%) than that in the control group (89.7%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Long-term and low-dose hormone replacement therapy can reduce bone loss and the incidence of bone pain.</p>

Preparation of nosiheptide liposomes and its inhibitory effect on hepatitics B virus in vitro / 药学学报

<p><b>AIM</b>To prepare liposomes of nosiheptide and study its ability to inhibit hepatitis B virus HBsAg and HBeAg secreted.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Liposomes of nosiheptide was prepared by sodium deoxycholate dialysis and sonication. Nosheptide was determined by HPLC and partical size was determined by using laser light scattering instrument. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to examine the morphology of liposomes. Its actions to inhibit hepatitis B virus HBsAg and HBeAg secreted was studied by a HBV-transfectted cell line (HepG2 2. 2. 15 ).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Encapsulation efficiency of liposomes by chloroform:methanol (2:1, v/v) was higher than that by dioxane. With the increase of the ratio of nosiheptide: PC (W/W), the encapsulation efficiency of liposomes decreased with the increase of ratio of sodium deoxycholate: PC, the liposomes partical size decreased. The liposomes kept stable at -20 degrees C after 2 years. The drug concentrations of liposomes that inhibit HBsAg secreted by (46.9 +/- 2. 6) %, (55.4 +/- 1.2) %, (65 +/- 3) % and HBeAg secreted by (15.1 +/- 2.3) %, (36.2 +/- 1.7) %, (36.8 +/- 2.5) % were 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 microg x mL(-1), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Liposomes of nosheptide can be prepared by sodium deoxycholate dialysis and sonication, which ability to inhibit hepatitis B virus HBsAg and HBeAg secreted is better than nosheptide.</p>

Bone mineral and body composition analysis of whole body in 292 normal subjects assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand whole body bone mineral and body composition changes in normal subjects, and study the relationship between body composition and bone mineral.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>292 normal subjects aged 10-79 years old, including 140 males and 152 females, were selected to be measured bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD) lean and fat of whole body by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Individuals were divided into age-groups by every ten years and were analyzed by statistical methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In males, peak values of BMC, BMD, lean and fat were in the 30-39, 20-39, 30-39, 70-79 age-groups. In females, they were in the 30-39, 30-39, 30-49, 50-69 age-groups respectively. Peak values of BMC, BMD and lean were higher in males than that in females, but peak value of BMD was not significantly higher in males than that in females. Peak value of fat was higher in females than that in males. Loss of BMC and BMD for females were more pronounced than that for males. Loss of lean for males was more pronounced than that for females. There are significant positive correlation between lean, weight and bone mineral in males and females. Fat has significant effect on BMC in females only.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The normal bone mineral and body composition data of whole body for males and females, and the characteristic of changes with aging are provided for analyzing the relationship between bone mineral and body composition with ease.</p>

Treatment and clinicopathologic analysis of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the salivary glands / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To further understanding of lymphoma of salivary gland through clinicopathologic analysis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical findings, pathologic features, clinical staging, therapy and prognosis of 4 cases were reviewed and clinically analysed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Different treatment were received by the 4 patients, one had stage IIIA disease and three had stage IE disease. All patients got their illness completely remitted.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the salivary glands is an indolent disease. Different treatments can all result in prolonged remission, and it has better outcome than other NHL.</p>

Right attitude towards the postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy / 中国医学科学院学报

We have gone through decades using hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The first problem encountered was increased endometrial cancer and solved by addition of progesterone. Now we are facing cardiovascular complications and how could we solve in the use of HRT. Research in vitro with HUAR and HUVEC and clinically seemed to show that small physiological doses might be the solution in protection of CVD.

One-stage reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defect by using forearm free flap / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study technique of one-stage reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defect by using forearm free flap.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The microsurgery procedure was used in the treatment of 4 oral cancer patients with oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defect after surgery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The forearm free flap was survived, for 4-18 months the oral function was well, and the appearance was satisfactory.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This is a good approach to the reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defect by using forearm free flap technique.</p>

Effects of sex hormones on serum levels of nitric oxide and plasma angiotensin II in postmenopausal women / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of estrogen and progestin on the blood levels of nitric oxide and angiotensin II in aid of the application of hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The serum nitric oxide and plasma angiotensin II levels in postmenopausal women were determined before and 3 months after oral intake of estradiol valerate 1 mg/day (n = 10) or estradiol valerate, 1 mg/d plus medroxyprogesterone acetate, 2 mg/d (n = 30).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The serum nitric oxide levels of postmenopausal women were significantly increased by 3 months of oral estradiol valerate 1 mg/d (P < 0.05), whereas the plasma levels of angiotensin II tended to decrease. The positive correlation between the increases of nitric oxide and the changes of estradial 3 months after oral intake of estradiol valerate 1 mg/d was significant. Compared with the baseline, no significant changes were observed in both serum nitric oxide levels and plasma angiotensin II levels 3 months after oral intake of estradiol valerate, 1 mg/d plus medroxyprogesterone acetate, 2 mg/d (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The vascular functions can be improved through increasing the serum nitric oxide level after 3-month oral intake of estradiol valerate, 1 mg/d in postmenopausal women, and estradiol valerate plus medroxyprogesterone acetate intake may attenuate the beneficial effects.</p>