Application of microneedle-assisted percutaneous drug delivery system in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis:a review / 中国中药杂志

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by inflammation. Due to the complex causes, no specific therapy is available. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and corticosteroids are often used(long-term, oral/injection) to interfere with related pathways for reducing inflammatory response and delaying the progression of RA, which, however, induce many side effects. Microneedle, an emerging transdermal drug delivery system, is painless and less invasive and improves drug permeability. Thus, it is widely used in the treatment of RA and is expected to be a new strategy in clinical treatment. This paper summarized the application of microneedles in the treatment of RA, providing a reference for the development of new microneedles and the expansion of its clinical application.

Sagittaria sagittifolia polysaccharides regulates Nrf2/HO-1 to relieve liver injury caused by multiple heavy metals in vivo and in vitro / 中国中药杂志

This study explored whether Sagittaria sagittifolia polysaccharides(SSP) activates the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) signaling pathway to protect against liver damage jointly induced by multiple heavy metals. First, based on the proportion of dietary intake of six heavy metals in rice available in Beijing market, a heavy metal mixture was prepared for inducing mouse liver injury and HepG2 cell injury. Forty male Kunming mice were divided into five groups: control group, model group, glutathione positive control group, and low-and high-dose SSP groups, with eight mice in each group. After 30 days of intragastric administration, the liver injury in mice was observed by HE staining. In the in vitro experiment, MTT assay was conducted to detect the effects of SSP at 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg·mL~(-1) on HepG2 cell survival at different time points. The content of alanine transaminase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) in the 48-h cell culture fluid was measured using micro-plate cultivation method, followed by the detection of the change in reactive oxygen species(ROS) content by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 in cells were determined by RT-PCR, and their protein expression by Western blot. HE staining results showed that compared with the model group, the SSP administration groups exhibited significantly alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and fatty infiltration in the liver, with better outcomes observed in the high-dose SSP group. In the in vitro MTT assay, compared with the model group, SSP at four concentrations all significantly increased the cell survival rate, decreased the ALT, AST, and ROS content(P<0.05), and down-regulated Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA and protein expression(P<0.05). SSP significantly improves inflammatory infiltration in the liver tissue of mice exposed to a variety of heavy metals and corrects the liver fat degeneration, which may be related to its regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, reduction of ROS, and alleviation of oxidative damage.

Gegen Qinliantang Regulates MMP-9/p38 MARK Pathway to Repair Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the protective effect of Gegen Qinliantang on the intestinal mucosal epithelial barrier function of ulcerative colitis （UC） mice， and to explore its mechanism of action in the treatment of ulcerative colitis via matrix metallopeptidase-9 （MMP-9）/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK） signaling pathway. Method:The 48 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， sulfasalazine group （0.3 g·kg^-1） and Gegen Qinliantang high， medium and low dose groups （2.84，1.42，0.71 g·kg^-1）. The UC murine model was established by 3% dextran sulfate sodium （DSS）. Gegen Qinliantang and sulfasalazine were intragastrically administered on the 8^th day after the model was established for 7 days， and the normal group was treated with the same amount of normal saline. Colon tissues were collected after the last administration， and the pathological changes of colon tissues were detected by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The expression of tight junction （TJ） proteins such as Occludin and zonula occludens-1（ZO-1） in colon tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）， and the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-<italic>α</italic>）， interleukin-1<italic>β</italic> （IL-1<italic>β</italic>）， and MMP-9 mRNA in colon tissues were detected by Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK （p-p38 MAPK）， p38 MAPK and MMP-9 protein in colon tissues was detected by Western blot. Result:Compared with normal group， the body weight of mice decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.01） and disease activity index （DAI） score increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.01） in model group， the colon tissues of the model group were damaged more obviously， the expression of occludin and ZO-1 proteins in model group was significantly reduced （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and the relative expression levels of TNF-<italic>α</italic>， IL-1<italic>β</italic>， and MMP-9 mRNA in model group were significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the expression of p-p38 MAPK and MMP-9 in model group was significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with model group， the body mass and DAI score of the sulfasalazine group and Gegen Qinliantang group were significantly improved （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the colonic tissues damage were significantly improved， and the expression of Occludin and ZO-1 protein was significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the relative expression levels of TNF-<italic>α</italic>， IL-1<italic>β</italic>， and MMP-9 mRNA were significantly decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and the expression of p-p38 MAPK and MMP-9 was significantly decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The changes in the middle dose group were the most obvious among the various dose groups of Gegen Qinliantang. Conclusion:Gegen Qinliantang repairs the intestinal mucosal barrier function by inhibiting the expressions of MMP-9 and inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-<italic>α</italic> and IL-1<italic>β</italic>， blocking the activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway， and increasing the expressions of tight junction protein.

Allium tuberosum alleviates pulmonary inflammation by inhibiting activation of innate lymphoid cells and modulating intestinal microbiota in asthmatic mice / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#This study tests whether long-term intake of Allium tuberosum (AT) can alleviate pulmonary inflammation in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice and evaluates its effect on the intestinal microbiota and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs).@*METHODS@#BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: phosphate buffer saline, OVA and OVA + AT. The asthmatic murine model was established by sensitization and challenge of OVA in the OVA and OVA + AT groups. AT was given to the OVA + AT group by oral gavage from day 0 to day 27. On day 28, mice were sacrificed. Histopathological evaluation of lung tissue was performed using hematoxylin and eosin, and periodic acid-Schiff staining. The levels of IgE in serum, interleukin-5 (IL-5) and IL-13 from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The ILCs from the lung and gut were detected by flow cytometry. 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing was used to analyze the differences in colon microbiota among treatment groups.@*RESULTS@#We found that long-term intake of AT decreased the number of inflammatory cells from BALF, reduced the levels of IL-5 and IL-13 in BALF, and IgE level in serum, and rescued pulmonary histopathology with less mucus secretion in asthmatic mice. 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing results showed that AT strongly affected the colonic bacteria community structure in asthmatic mice, although it had no significant effect on the abundance and diversity of the microbiota. Ruminococcaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae were identified as two biomarkers of the treatment effect of AT. Moreover, AT decreased the numbers of ILCs in both the lung and gut of asthmatic mice.@*CONCLUSION@#The results indicate that AT inhibits pulmonary inflammation, possibly by impeding the activation of ILCs and adjusting the homeostasis of gut microbiota in asthmatic mice.

Long-term high-fat diet inhibits hippocampal expression of insulin receptor substrates and accelerates cognitive deterioration in obese rats / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the effect of long-term high-fat diet on the expressions of insulin receptor substrates in the hippocampus and spatial learning and memory ability of obese rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 100 4-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups and fed with common diet (CD group, n=40) or high-fat diet (HFD group, n=60) for 16 weeks. At 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks, 8 rats were randomly selected from each group for testing their spatial learning and memory function using Morris water maze. After the tests, the rats were sacrificed for measurement of the metabolic parameters and detection of the expressions of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and IRS-2 mRNAs in the CA1 region of the hippocampus.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with those in CD group, the rats in HFD group showed a prolonged escape latency, longer swimming distance, faster average swimming speed, and shorter stay in the platformat 12 weeks. In HFD group, the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting insulin were all significantly increased (P<0.05) and the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased (P<0.01) in comparison with those in CD group at each of the time points. No significant difference was found in fast glucose levels between the two groups (P>0.05), but the expressions of IRS-1 and IRS-2 mRNAs were significantly decreased in HFD group at 12 weeks (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In obese rats, long-term feeding with high-fat diet leads to insulin resistance, which interferes with hippocampal expression of insulin receptor substrates and insulin metabolism to cause impairment of the cognitive function and accelerate cognitive deterioration.</p>

Effect of globular adiponectin on proliferation, migration and tube formation of ovarian microvascular endothelial cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the effect of globular adiponectin on angiogenesis of ovarian microvascular endothelial cells (OMECs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mouse OMECs were isolated and purified by density gradient centrifugation with Percoll and identified by immunofluorescence analysis of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and endothelial cell marker von Willebrand factor (vWF). The capillary-like tube formation of OMECs was determined by vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) treatment in Matrigel matrix. OMECs treated with recombinant globular adiponectin protein were examined for cell proliferation with MTS assay and cell migration with scratch wound healing assay, and capillary-like tube formation was tested in Matrigel matrix. Western blotting was performed to detect the effect of globular adiponectin on AMPK phosphorylation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The signals of LHR and vWF, but not that of FSHR, were detected in the isolated cells. VEGFA treatment of the cells induced capillary-like tube formation, indicating their properties of ovarian-specific endothelial cells. Treatment with 1 and 3 µg/mL of recombinant globular adiponectin significantly increased the number of OMECs by (158.72∓14.50) % and (186.50∓4.20)% (P<0.01) and resulted in scratch wound closure rates of (49.43∓3.43)% (P<0.05) and (69.67∓1.2) % (P<0.01) respectively. The cells treated with 3 µg/mL globular adiponectin formed a capillary-tube length 6.63∓0.66 folds greater than that formed by the control cells (P<0.01). Treatment of the cells with 3 µg/mL globular adiponectin for 15 and 30 min resulted in pAMPK/AMPK ratios of 0.86∓0.08 and 0.66∓0.13, respectively significantly higher than that in the control cells (0.13∓0.12, P<0.01). Compound C obviously suppressed the tube formation and AMPK phosphorylation induced by globular adiponectin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Globular adiponectin promotes angiogenesis of OMECs through activation of the AMPK signal pathway.</p>

Numerical study of effects from interference fit in titanium implants on mandibular bone remodeling / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate stress and bone density distribution changes in the mandible due to the interference fit in titanium dental implants for mandible reconstruction, and study the influence of interference magnitudes on mandibular bone remodeling. Methods Eight interference fit models with titanium implants were established by finite element method. Bone remodeling based on strain energy density (SED) algorithm was employed to investigate changes in stress and bone density of the mandible in the models during 36 months with inference magnitude of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% and 40%, respectively. Results When the diameter of pilot hole was larger than the internal diameter of titanium screw, the increment of interference magnitude would gradually enhance the screw fixation at the bone titanium dental implant interface. However, once the magnitude of interference exceeded 30%, the increase in interference magnitude might weaken the screw fixation due to the failure and loss of bone. Conclusions The diameter of pilot hole equal to or slightly smaller than the internal diameter of titanium screw is recommended for mandibular reconstruction.

Topology optimization on the configuration of titanium reconstruction plate for bridging mandibular angle defect / 医用生物力学

Objective To provide an optimization method and a basic configuration for the configuration design of mandibular defect-repair implant. Methods A topology optimization computation based on density method was adopted to make topology optimization on reconstruction titanium plate for repairing mandibular defect. Results The effects of volume fraction F and penalization factor p on the optimized configuration were compared and analyzed, respectively, and the optimum parameters were chosen to be F=0.65 and p=3.5. Using this set of parameters, optimized computation was performed on the mandibular defect-repair implant, and the three opening configuration was proved to be the basic optimization configuration. The result also showed that unilateral molar clenching had more significant effect on stress distributions in the implant as compared to incisal clenching. Conclusions A set of parameters suitable for optimizing configuration of mandibular defect-repair implant, as well as the basic configuration of optimized titanium plate were obtained, which could provide references for the design of mandibular defect-repair implant in clinic.

The anesthesiologic value of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation combined with general intravenous anesthesia in endoscopic thyroidectomy patients: a clinical study / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical anesthesia value of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation (TAES) combined with general intravenous anesthesia in endoscopic bilateral thyroidectomy patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 60 patients who underwent endoscopic bilateral thyroidectomy were equally randomly assigned to 2 groups, the treatment group and the control group, 30 in each group. Patients in the treatment group received TAES combined general intravenous anesthesia, while those in the control group received total intravenous anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained by target controlled infusion of propofolum combined constant speed infusion of remifentanil in the two groups. TAES was maintained from 30 min before anesthesia induction to the end of endoscopic thyroidectomy at bilateral Hegu (L14) and Neiguan (PC6). The mean artery pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded at different time points of anesthesia, i.e., immediately after entry into the operating room (TO), immediately after intubation (T1), 5 min after intubation (T2), 5 min before incision (T3), 5 min after incision (T4), 30 min after inflation (T5), at the end of surgery (T6), 5 min before extubation (T7), immediately after extubation 0 (T8), and 5 min after extubation (T9). The concentration of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were measured at TO, T3, T5, and T6. The target concentration of propofol was also recorded at T3, T4, and T5.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no statistical difference in the operation time between the two groups (P >0.05). Compared with TO in the same group, HR at T3-T4 decreased and increased at T8-T9, and MAP increased at T7-T9 in the treatment group; HR decreased at T3 and increased at T7-T9, MAP increased at T1, T5, T7-T9, and MAP decreased at T2-T3 in the control group. IL-6 increased at T5-T6, while TNF-alpha decreased at T6 in the two groups (P <0.01,P <0.05). Compared with the control group at the same time point, HR decreased at T6-T9, MAP decreased at T1, T4, T5, T7-T9, MAP increased at T3, and IL-6 decreased at T5-T6 in the treatment group (P <0. 05). The concentration and the total amount of propofol were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P <0.01,P <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>TAES could maintain the hemodynamics more stably and inhibit the stress response in endoscopic thyroidectomy. It also reduce the dosage of anesthetics and improve the safety of anesthesia.</p>

Effect of hypervolemic hemodilution on C-reactive protein level in patients receiving spinal surgery / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels following acute hypervolemic hemodilution (AHH) in patients undergoing spinal surgery and assess the safety of AHH in terms of postoperative infection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty patients undergoing spinal operation were randomly assigned into observation group and control group (n=20). Each patient was infused 4 ml/kg/h lactated Ringers solution for maintenance of the total blood volume, and in the observation group, the patients received additional infusion of 4% gelofusine solution at the rate of 20 ml/kg/h 30 min before the operation. Venous blood samples were collected to monitor the hematocrit (Hct), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and hs-CRP before anesthesia (T0), 2 h after the beginning of the operation (T1), at the end of the operation (T2), and 24 h after the operation (T3).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After AHH, Hct decreased significantly at T1 as compared with that at T0 (P<0.05) and that of the control group (P<0.01), but showed no significant difference between the two groups at T2. PT and APTT showed significant changes at T1 compared with T0 (P<0.05) but within the normal range, and were similar between the two groups at T3. hs-CRP increased significantly in the two groups at T3 compared with that at T0 (P<0.05), and a significant difference was noted between the two groups (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>AHH does not affect the hemodynamics and blood coagulation of the patients undergoing spinal surgery but causes a significant elevation of hs-CRP, suggesting an increased risk of postoperative infection.</p>

Stereological study of the placenta in parturients with different prophylactic measures for hypotension during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the optimal approach to the prevention of hypotension during cesarean section for the benefits of both the parturients and the newborns.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty singleton full-term pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean delivery were randomly allocated into two equal groups. For prevention of hypotension during spinal anesthesia, ephedrine or pre-anesthetic volume with Voluven was administered. The changes of blood pressure, heart rate, and Apgar scores of the newborns were monitored and recorded, and the umbilical arterial blood gas variables were compared between the two groups. The placental samples were collected and immunohistochemistry for CD34 was performed for stereological study of the placental villous capillaries.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The umbilical arterial PaCO(2), PaO(2) and Apgar scores showed no significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05). The heart rate, incidence of hypotension and the lactic acid value were significantly higher, and the umbilical arterial pH significantly lower in ephedrine group than in the Voluven group (P>0.05). While the length density of the villous capillaries was comparable between the two groups (P>0.05), the volume density of the villous capillaries was significantly decreased in ephedrine group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pre-anesthetic volume expansion with Voluven can maintain stable hemodynamics during spinal anesthesia and also efficiently improve the tissue perfusion, microcirculation and uteroplacental blood flow, thus increasing the oxygen supply to the fetus.</p>

Preparation and in vitro drug release performance of morphine-loaded chitosan microspheres / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To prepare morphine-loaded chitosan microspheres by emulsion ionic cross-linking and investigate the effect of initial morphine quantity and different cross-linking degrees on drug loading, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Chitosan (with a relative molecular mass of 50,000 and deacetylation degree no less than 90%) at 100 mg and morphine at 20, 30, 40, or 50 mg were dissolved by 2% acetate and dripped slowly into 15 ml soy-bean oil containing 0.75 ml Span80. After full emulsification at 35 degrees C; for 1.5 h, the mixture was dripped slowly into sodium tripolyphosphate (10 mg/ml) at the mass ratio of 5:1, 7:1, or 9:1 to allow cross-linking for 2 h. The drug loading, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release of the preparations were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The drug loading in the microsphere increased while the encapsulation efficiency reduced with the increment of the initial morphine quantity. High cross-linking degree resulted in prolonged release time of the drug loaded in the preparations.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The microspheres loaded with morphine allows sustained release of morphine.</p>

Postoperative analgesic effect of parecoxib sodium in patients with posterior spinal surgery / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the postoperative analgesic effect of parecoxib sodium in patients with posterior spinal surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty patients undergoing posterior spinal surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into parecoxib sodium group and placebo group (n=40). All the patients received a single dose of m ml morphine (1.0 mg/ml) as the background analgesia immediately after the operation. The patients in parecoxib sodium group were given 40 mg parecoxib sodium intravenously, and those in the placebo group received an equivalent volume of saline instead, and at 24 and 48 h after the operation, the same dose was repeated. The visual analog pain score, patient satisfaction and adverse reactions were recorded after the administrations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the placebo group, the patients in parecoxib sodium group had significantly lowered VAS score at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after the operation (P<0.05). No significant differences were noted in the patient satisfaction and adverse reactions between the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Postoperative short-term use of parecoxib sodium can can provide good postoperative analgesic effect in patients undergoing posterior spinal surgery.</p>

Nanometer detection of self-assembly morphology of sodium hyaluronate injection on mica / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the self-assembly morphology of sodium hyaluronate injection on mica using atomic force microscopy(AFM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Atomic force microscopy with nanometer resolution was used to observe the self-assembly morphology of different concentrations of sodium hyaluronate injection on mica at room temperature.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The self-assembly morphology of 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 mg/ml sodium hyaluronate injection on mica featured piebald, reticular and dendritic structures, respectively. At 1 and 5 mg/ml, sodium hyaluronate injection displayed bacilliform and spherical structures on mica, respectively; the diameter and height of the particles of 5 mg/ml sodium hyaluronate was 197.97±78.48 nm and 30.79±18.67 nm, significantly greater than those of 0.1 mg/ml sodium hyaluronate injection (49.52±11.93 nm and 5.37±1.59 nm, respectively, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The self-assembly morphology of sodium hyaluronate injection on mica varies with its concentration. The piebald and reticular structure may facilitate the function of sodium hyaluronate, and the dendritic feature resembles the representative model of diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA).</p>

Comparison of single intubating dose and continuous infusion of rocuronium in prolonged gynecologic laparoscopic surgery / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the cardiorespiratory factors and surgical conditions during total intravenous anesthesia for prolonged laparoscopic pelvic surgery with or without supplemental muscle relaxants.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty female ASA I or II patients undergoing laparoscopic pelvic surgeries were randomized into two groups A and B, both with standardized anesthesia via a intravenous bolus injection of rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg). The patients in group B received continuous rocuronium infusion upon observation of one TOF twitch response with the T1 value maintained within 0-10% and rocuronium withdrawal at 20 to 30 min before the completion of the surgery. The patients in group A received no supplemental muscle relaxants. The cardiorespiratory parameters were measured during the operation. The respiratory system compliance (Ceff rs) was calculated as the quotient of the tidal volume (VT) and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), and the operative conditions were graded by the operating gynecologist.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The cardiorespiratory parameters significant increased and Ceff rs decreased after pneumoperitoneum, but no significant differences were found between the two groups. The surgical conditions were also comparable between the two groups, but the duration of intubation and the operating time were significantly shorter in the group A.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pneumoperitoneum severely affects the cardiorespiratory parameters during laparoscopy, which can not be lessened by neuromuscular block agents. A single intubating dose of rocuronium can suffice the requirement of prolonged gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.</p>

Epidural butorphanol analgesia in elderly patients undergoing hip replacement / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of continuous epidural analgesia (CEA) with butorphanol in elderly patients undergoing hip replacement.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty patients scheduled for selective hip replacement were randomized into group B (n=30) to receive patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with butorphanol and group M (n=30) to receive PCEA with morphine. Their pain distribution at 5 time points, postoperative global score and the adverse effects in 48 h were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The pain distribution at the 5 time points or the global score for postoperative PCEA in 48 h showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Analgesia with butorphanol caused less adverse effects (respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting, itching and abdominal distension) than that with morphine (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CEA with butorphanol is safe and effective for the treatment of postoperative pain in elderly patients and causes less adverse effects than morphine.</p>

Evaluation of transcutaneous electroacupoint stimulation with the train-of-four mode for preventing nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electroacupoint stimulation with a train-of-four (TOF) mode for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-six ASA Grade I - II patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into Neiguan (P6) electroacupoint stimulation group (treated group) and a placebo control group (placement of electrodes without electroacupoint stimulation). The anesthetic regimen was standardized by needling at Neiguan on the left side and connecting the TOF peripheral nerve stimulator. The incidence of nausea, vomiting, severity, antiemetic dosage and the degree of pain were assessed at 0, 60, 120 min, and 24 h after surgery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidence of nausea and vomiting, the dose of antiemetics and the occurrence of severe nausea were all significantly lower in the treated group compared with the control group and the score for pain was obviously reduced in patients of the treated group at 24 h post-operation (P<0.05 or P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Transcutaneous electroacupoint stimulation at P6 with the TOF mode could reduce the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting with analgesic effects.</p>

Evaluation of the effect and profitability of gene-assisted selection in pig breeding system / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect and profitability of using the quantitative trait loci (QTL)-linked direct marker (DR marker) in gene-assisted selection (GAS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three populations (100, 200, or 300 sows plus 10 boars within each group) with segregating QTL were simulated stochastically. Five economic traits were investigated, including number of born alive (NBA), average daily gain to 100 kg body weight (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), back fat at 100 kg body weight (BF) and intramuscular fat (IMF). Selection was based on the estimated breeding value (EBV) of each trait. The starting frequencies of the QTL's favorable allele were 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5, respectively. The economic return was calculated by gene flow method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The selection efficiency was higher than 100% when DR markers were used in GAS for 5 traits. The selection efficiency for NBA was the highest, and the lowest was for ADG whose QTL had the lowest variance. The mixed model applied DR markers and obtained higher extra genetic gain and extra economic returns. We also found that the lower the frequency of the favorable allele of the QTL, the higher the extra return obtained.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GAS is an effective selection scheme to increase the genetic gain and the economic returns in pig breeding.</p>

Effect of electroacupuncture on bispectral index of electroencephalography in patients undergoing subtotal thyroidectomy / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on bispectral index (BIS) of electroencephalography in patients undergoing subtotal thyroidectomy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty patients were equally randomized into group A given electroacupuncture combined with cervical plexus block (CPB) and group B given CPB alone. After needling sensation was reached in bilateral "Hegu" and "Neiguan" acupoints, 5 min of high frequency electrical stimulation by electrical stimulation device followed with CPB was applied to group A, while only CPB was performed in group B. Visual analog scale (VAS) and verbal stress scale (VSS) were monitored, complication and adverse reaction were observed and BIS, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) were monitored continuously in the perioperative period.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HR increased and BIS decreased in group A, both were lower significantly than those in group B (P < 0.01); MAP, the complementary dosage of fentanyl and lidocaine used and scores of VAS and VSS were also lower in group A than those in group B (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Electroacupuncture could enhance the anesthetic effect of CPB, lower the BIS value during subtotal thyroidectomy.</p>