Exploring the effect of Tuina on the dendritic structure of spinal cord dorsal horn in rats with lumbar disc herniation based on NR2B/PSD-95 pathway / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To investigate the analgesic mechanism of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) by observing the effect of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2B (NR2B)/postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) pathway on the dendritic structure of spinal cord dorsal horn in rats with lumbar disc herniation. Methods: Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Tuina group, a blocker agent group, and a blocker agent + Tuina group. The sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was prepared by the sciatic nerve ligation method. From the 4th day after modeling, rats in the Tuina group and the blocker agent + Tuina group were subject to daily Tuina intervention, and those in the blocker agent group and the blocker agent + Tuina group were daily intrathecally injected with NR2B blocker agent (MK-801). The spontaneous pain score was used to observe the pain behavior of all rats. The expression levels of NR2B and downstream PSD-95 were measured by immunohistochemistry, and the dendritic structure changes were observed by Golgi staining for rat spinal cord dorsal horn after 14 d of continuous intervention. Results: Compared with the blank group, the degree of rat spontaneous pain after CCI was elevated in both the model and the Tuina groups (P<0.01) and was reduced in the Tuina group after the Tuina intervention compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the rat spontaneous pain level after blocking NR2B was reduced in both the blocker agent group and the blocker agent + Tuina group (P<0.05). The NR2B and PSD-95 protein levels were significantly higher in the model group compared with the blank group (P<0.01); the total number of dendritic branches was increased (P<0.01), and the total dendritic length became longer (P<0.01) in the spinal cord dorsal horn. The rat NR2B and PSD-95 protein levels were significantly decreased in the Tuina group compared with the model group (P<0.01); the total dendritic branch number was reduced (P<0.01) and the total length was shortened (P<0.01) in the spinal cord dorsal horn. After blocking NR2B, the expression levels of NR2B and downstream PSD-95 protein were significantly lower in both the blocker agent group and the blocker agent + Tuina group compared to the model group (P<0.01). The total branch number was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the total length was significantly shortened (P<0.01) of the dendrites in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Conclusion: Tuina may exert an analgesic effect by remodeling the dendritic structure in the spinal cord dorsal horn in rats with lumbar disc herniation, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NR2B/PSD-95 signaling pathway.

Intervention effect of Tuina pressing and kneading the Huantiao (GB30) acupoint on NF-κB p65 protein at spinal cord dorsal horn in sciatica rats / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the analgesic effect of Tuina by pressing and kneading the Huantiao (GB30) acupoint on rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) and to explore the analgesic mechanism of Tuina on sciatica rats.@*METHODS@#Thirty-two SPF male SD rats weighing 180 to 220 g were randomly divided into fore groups:blank group (without any treatment), sham group (only exposed without sciatic nerve ligating), model group (sciatic nerve ligating) and Tuina group (manual intervention after lsciatic nerve ligating). The CCI model was prepared by ligating the right sciatic nerve of the rats, on the third day of modeling, the rats in the Tuina group were given pressing and kneading the Huantiao (GB30) point for 14 days, and the changes of paw withdrawal threshold(PWT), paw withdrawal latency(PWL) were measured before and on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 10th, 14th and 17th days after modeling. The changes of sciatic functional index(SFI) were measured before and on the 1st and 17th day after modeling. The morphological changes of the sciatic nerve were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining;and the differences in NF-κB protein expression in the right dorsal horn of the spinal cord of rats were detected.@*RESULTS@#Following modeling, there was no significant difference in PWT, PWL and SFI between the blank group and the sham group (P>0.05), but the PWT, PWL and SFI of the model group and the Tuina group decreased significantly (P<0.01). After manual intervention, the pain threshold of rats in Tuina group increased. On the 8th day of manual intervention (the 10th day after modeling), PWT in Tuina group increased significantly compared with that in model group (P<0.01). On the 5th day of manual intervention (the 7th day after modeling), the PWL of the massage group was significantly higher than that of the model group (P<0.01). The pain threshold of rats in Tuina group continued to rise with the continuous manipulation intervention. After 14 days of manipulative intervention, the sciatic nerve function index of rats in the Tuina group increased significantly(P<0.01). Compared with the blank group and sham group, the myelinated nerve fibers of sciatic nerve in the model group were disordered and the density of axons and myelin sheath was uneven. Compared with the model group, the nerve fibers of rats in the Tuina group were gradually continuous and the axons and myelin sheath were more uniform than those in the model group. Compared with the blank group and sham group, the expression of NF-κB protein in the right spinal dorsal horn of the model group was significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of NF-κB protein in the right spinal dorsal horn of rats in Tuina group decreased significantly(P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Pressing and kneading the Huantiao (GB30) point restores nerve fiber alignment;and improves the PWT、PWL and SFI in the CCI model by decreasing NF-κB p65 protein expression in the spinal dorsal horn. There fore, Tuina demmstrates an analgesic effect and improves the gait of rats with sciatica.

MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF THE FRONTAL HORN OF LATERAL VENTRICLES OF BRAIN BY IMAGING USING COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY

Introduction The cerebral ventricular system consists of a series of interconnecting spaces and channels which originate from the central lumen of the embryonic neural tube. The ventricular system ?lled with cerebrospinal ?uid, is an essential part of the brain. Understanding the normal anatomy and the variations of the ventricular system of brain is helpful for clinicians, neurosurgeons and radiologists in day-to-day clinical practice1. Aims And Objectives To determine the average dimensions and variations of the frontal horn of the normal lateral ventricles of brain by CT scan. Materials And Methods The study was conducted in individuals who attended the Department of Radiodiagnosis in Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Those patients whose brain CT scans were read as normal by the radiologist were taken up for the study. A total of 200 CT brain of individuals above 10 years of age were taken during the period from January 2017 to June 2018.100 males and 100 females were included in the study group. The length of the frontal Results horn of lateral ventricle of brain was found to be more on the left side and in male gender. It was also observed to be increasing with age. The present study outlines the normal values of the length of frontal horn of the lateral ventricles of brain Conclusion using Computerized tomography which would aid in the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders.

Hemerobiidae from Deceit Island: the Southernmost Neuroptera in the Americas

ABSTRACT The Neuropteran fauna on the most meridional part of South America is relatively scarce. Two families, Hemerobiidae and Coniopterigydae, have been recorded so far. Accordingly, only a few species have reached the south of Tierra del Fuego. Currently, the southernmost records of these species, Hemerobius chilensis Nakahara, 1965 and Megalomus flinti (Nakahara, 1965), are from Puerto Williams, Navarino Island (54°56′S 67°37′W), which makes them the southernmost distributed neuropterans in the continent. Here we provide the first records for two Neuroptera species, Hemerobius nekoi Monserrat, 1996 and Megalomus flinti; from Deceit Island, a remote subantarctic island within the Cape Horn archipelago (55°51′41″S 67°08′31″W). The records provided makes these species the southernmost recorded lacewings in the continent; extending the known distribution of neuropterans in South America nearly 110km towards the south.

Chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in rats / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion (CCD) on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in the spinal dorsal horns of rats.Methods:Forty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham group ( n=9) and a CCD group ( n=33). The CCD group was subdivided into a 1d group ( n=6), a 3d group ( n=6), a 7d group ( n=9), a 14d group ( n=6), and a 28d group ( n=6) based on the post-operative time of the experiments. Before the operation for CCD and 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days afterward the mechanical withdrawal threshold was detected for all rats. Western blotting was conducted to detect the expression of active β-catenin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after the surgery. Seven days after the operation immunofluorescence was employed to detect the nuclear translocation of active β-catenin and the activation of astrocytes in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Results:The average mechanical withdrawal thresholds of the CCD groups were significantly lower than that of the sham group at each time point. The western blotting showed that the expression of active β-catenin in the CCD groups was significantly greater than in the sham group at each time point. Seven days after compression the expression of GFAP in the rats′ dorsal horns was significantly higher than in the sham group. Immunofluorescence indicated nuclear translocation of active β-catenin and the activation of astrocytes in the dorsal horn.Conclusion:The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways are significantly activated in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord after CCD, at least in rats. It may play an important role in the development of neuropathic pain.

Effect of electroacupuncture and pretreatment of electroacupuncture on pain sensitization and expression of P2X7R in spinal dorsal horn in rats with diabetic neuropathic pain / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the occurrence time of neuralgia and the expression of purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7 receptor (P2X7R) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord after intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in diabetic rats, and to explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) and pretreatment of EA on the heat pain threshold and expression of P2X7R in the spinal dorsal horn in rats with diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP), and to explore the possible mechanism of EA for DNP.@*METHODS@#PartⅠ: Thirty male SD rats were randomly selected from 64 male SD rats as the control group; the remaining rats were given intraperitoneal injection of STZ (10 mg/mL) at a dose of 65 mg/kg to establish the diabetes model, and 30 rats were successfully modeled as the model group. The control group and the model group were divided into three subgroups respectively at 7, 14 and 21 days, with 10 rats in each subgroup. Body mass, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and thermal pain threshold were recorded at 7, 14 and 21 days after injection; the expression of P2X7R in spinal dorsal horn was detected by Western blot. PartⅡ: Eight SD rats were randomly selected from 35 male SD rats as the blank group, and the remaining 27 rats were given intraperitoneal injection of STZ (10 mg/mL) at a dose of 65 mg/kg to establish the diabetes model. The 24 rats with successful diabetes model were randomly divided into a DNP group, an EA group and a pre-EA group, 8 rats in each group. Fifteen to 21 days after STZ injection, the EA group received EA at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Kunlun" (BL 60), continuous wave, frequency of 2 Hz, 30 min each time, once a day; the intervention method in the pre-EA group was the same as that in the EA group. The intervention time was 8 to 14 days after STZ injection. The body mass, FBG and thermal pain threshold were recorded before STZ injection and 7, 14 and 21 days after STZ injection; the expression of P2X7R in spinal dorsal horn was detected by Western blot 21 days after injection.@*RESULTS@#PartⅠ: Compared with the control group, in the model group, the body mass was decreased and FBG was increased 7, 14 and 21 days after STZ injection (P<0.01), and the thermal pain threshold was decreased 14 and 21 days after STZ injection (P<0.05), and the expression of P2X7R in spinal dorsal horn was increased 7, 14 and 21 days after STZ injection (P<0.05, P<0.01). PartⅡ: Compared with the blank group, in the DNP group, the body mass was decreased and fasting blood glucose were increased 7, 14 and 21 days after STZ injection (P<0.01). Compared with the DNP group, in the pre-EA group, the heat pain threshold was increased 14 and 21 days after STZ injection (P<0.05), while in the EA group, the heat pain threshold was increased 21 days after STZ injection (P<0.01), and the expression of P2X7R in the dorsal horn in the EA group and the pre-EA group was decreased (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The diabetic neuropathic pain is observed 14 days after STZ injection. EA could not only treat but also prevent the occurrence of DNP, and its mechanism may be related to down-regulation of P2X7R expression in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.

RUPTURE ECTOPIC PREGNANCY AT 14 WEEKS IN NONCOMMUNICATING RUDIMENTARY HORN OF UNICORNUATE UTERUS: A CASE REPORT

Rudimentary horn pregnancy is rare but, if occurs it gives a grave risk to the health of the pregnant woman. In most cases it presents in the form of ectopic pregnancy. Despite availability of good USG facility, it is very difficult to timely diagnose rudimentary horn pregnancy. Confirmatory diagnosis made only by laparoscopy or during laparotomy. In the rudimentary horn the constitution of the muscle wall thickness is variable so the pregnancy can be accommodated until late pregnancy. Here we present a case of 24 years female Gravida3 Para2 Live2 with 14 weeks pregnancy presented to us in shock with clinical features of ruptured ectopic pregnancy. On laparotomy we found non-communicating rudimentary horn rupture with dead fetus in peritoneal cavity

Mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma intervention on central sensitization of Panx1-Src-NMDAR-2B signaling pathway in neuropathic pain model rats / 中国中药杂志

Excitatory toxicity(ET) is an important factor of neuropathic pain(NPP) induced by central sensitization(CS), and the association of pannexin-1(Panx1)-Src-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2 B(NMDAR-2 B) is an important new pathway for ET to initiate CS. The present study confirmed whether the central analgesic effect of Chuanxiong Rhizoma extract(CRE) was achieved through the synchronous regulation of the brain and spinal pathways of Panx1-Src-NMDAR-2 B. In this study, dynamic and simulta-neo-us microdialysis of the brain and spinal cord in vivo combined with behavioristics, high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)-fluorescence detection, microdialysis analysis(ISCUS~(flex)), ultrasensitive multifactorial electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, ELISA, and Western blot was employed to investigate the protein expression of NMDAR-2 B, Src, and Panx1, extracellular excitatory amino acids, cytokines, energy metabolites, and substance P in spinal dorsal horn(SDH) and anterior cingulate cortex(ACC) after CRE intervention with the rat model of spared sciatic nerve injury(SNI) as the experimental tool. Compared with the sham group, the SNI group exhibited diminished mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT)(P<0.01), increased cold spray scores(P<0.01), glutamate(Glu), D-serine(D-Ser), and glycine(Gly) in extracellular fluids of ACC, and Glu, D-Ser, interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and lactic acid(Lac) in extracellular fluids of SDH(P<0.05), dwindled tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)(P<0.05), and elevated protein levels of NMDAR-2 B, Src, and Panx1 in ACC(P<0.05). Compared with the SNI model rats, high-and medium-dose CRE(CRE-H/M) could potentiate the analgesic activity as revealed by the MWT test(P<0.05) and CRE-M enabled the decrease in cold spray scores(P<0.05). CRE-H/M could inhibit the levels of Glu, D-Ser and Gly in the extracellular fluids of ACC(P<0.05), and the levels of Glu in the extracellular fluids of SDH(P<0.05) in SNI rats. CRE-M significantly increased the levels of glucose(Gluc), Lac, interferon-gamma(IFN-γ), keratinocyte chemoattractant/human growth-regulated oncogenes(KC/GRO), and IL-4 in extracellular fluids of SDH in SNI rats(P<0.05). CRE-H/M/L could also inhibit the levels of NMDAR-2 B, Src and Panx1 in ACC and SDH in SNI rats(P<0.05). The central analgesic effect of CRE is presumedly related to the inhibited release of excitatory amino acid transmitters(Glu, D-Ser and Gly) in ACC and SDH of SNI rats, decreased protein expression of NMDAR-2 B, Src and Panx1 in the two regions, and the regulation of the Panx1-Src-NMDAR-2 B pathway in the spinal cord and brain. The above findings partially clarified the scientific basis of clinical analgesic effect of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.

Label-free quantitative peptidomics-based analysis on glycopeptides in deerhorn gelatin and deer-hide gelatin / 中国中药杂志

Nano-LC-MS/MS was used to analyze trypsin digested deer-horn gelatin( DCG) and deer-hide gelatin( DHG) samples.The glycopeptides in DCG and DHG were quantified by Label-free quantitative( LFQ) peptidomics,on the basis of which the glycopeptides with significant difference in DCG and DHG were determined. As a result,5 736 peptides were identified from DCG samples,including 213 galactosyl-hydroxylysine containing peptides( Gal-Hyl-peptides) and 102 glucosyl-galactosyl-hydroxylysine containing peptides( Glc-Gal-Hyl-peptides),while 6 836 peptides were identified from DHG samples,among which there were 250 Gal-Hyl-peptides and 98 Glc-Gal-Hyl-peptides. With over 3-fold peak area difference and highly significant intergroup difference( P < 0. 01) as the screening criteria,444 differential peptides were determined in DCG and DHG,including 16 Gal-Hyl-peptides and 5 Glc-Gal-Hyl-peptides. Then XIC peak shapes,standard deviation of peak area,and fold change were applied for further screening and 5 glycopeptides with significant differences in DCG and DHG were confirmed,which could serve as potential biomarkers for distinguishing DCG and DHG. The present study provided ideas and strategies for the in-depth investigation on the discrimination of DCG and DHG and is of good theoretical significance and application value for the further research on chemical constituents and quality control of gelatin derived Chinese medicinals.

Histopathological and clinical analysis of 204 patients with cutaneous horns / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To analyze clinical and histopathological features of cutaneous horns, and to explore their relationship.Methods:A total of 204 patients with cutaneous horns confirmed by clinical and histopathological examinations were collected from Department of Pathology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital between January 2014 and May 2020, and their clinical and histopathological data were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among 204 patients, there were 88 males and 116 females with the age being 70.47±14.76 years and median ( P25, P75) course being 6 (6, 24) months. Cutaneous horns were solitary in 201 cases, and multiple in 3. There were a total of 207 cutaneous horns, including 163 (78.74%) located on the head, face and neck, 18 (8.70%) on the trunk and 26 (12.56%) on the extremities. According to histopathological conditions at the base of the cutaneous horns, 154 (74.40%) cutaneous horns were considered to arise from benign lesions (named as benign horns) , including viral warts ( n=129) , seborrheic keratosis ( n=15) , inverted follicular keratosis ( n=3) , trichilemmomas ( n=5) , pyogenic granuloma ( n=1) and calcifying epithelioma ( n=1) ; 40 (19.32%) were considered to arise from premalignant lesions (actinic keratosis) and named as premalignant horns; 13 (6.28%) were considered to arise from malignant lesions (named as malignant horns) , including Bowen′s disease ( n=5) and squamous cell carcinoma ( n=8) . The average ages of patients with premalignant and malignant horns were significantly higher than those of patients with benign horns ( H=4.05, 3.16, respectively, both P < 0.01) . The base width of the malignant horns was significantly higher than that of the premalignant and benign horns ( H=2.74, 3.49, P < 0.05, 0.01, respectively) , and there was no significant difference between the premalignant and benign horns ( H=0.73, P > 0.05) . The height to base width ratio was significantly lower in the premalignant and malignant horns than in the benign horns ( H=4.06, 3.72, respectively, both P < 0.01) . The incidence rate of basal erythema was significantly higher in the premalignant and malignant horns than that in the benign horns ( χ2=29.57, 6.23, P < 0.01, 0.05, respectively) , and bleeding and crusting occurred more frequently in the malignant horns compared with the benign horns ( χ2=4.89, P < 0.05) . Conclusions:The base of most cutaneous horns is benign, which mainly includes viral warts, and premalignant and malignant horns account for about a quarter. Male, older age, wide base, low ratio of the height to base width, basal erythema, history of bleeding and crusting can serve as clues to early recognition of malignant lesions at the base of cutaneous horns.

Experiencias en el tratamiento del embarazo ectópico del cuerno uterino / Treatment experiences about uterine horn ectopic pregnancy

Introducción: El embarazo intersticial es poco frecuente y su mortalidad es superior a otras localizaciones. Su diagnóstico cada vez más precoz, permite escoger tratamientos menos agresivos. La piedra angular, es la hemostasia. Objetivo: Describir los resultados del tratamiento de pacientes atendidas por embarazo ectópico del cuerno. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en 18 mujeres con embarazo ectópico intersticial, atendidas en el Hospital Militar Central Dr. Luis Díaz Soto del 2010 al 2019. Fueron tratadas mediante laparotomía y sutura circular del cuerno, con posterior resección cornual y extracción del material ovular. Se estudiaron las variables edad, factores de riesgo, tiempo quirúrgico, sangramiento transoperatorio, evolución (complicaciones, recuperación, fracción beta de la gonadotropina coriónica, controles ecográficos posoperatorios) y estadía hospitalaria. Resultados: El 72 por ciento de las pacientes estuvo entre 20 - 25 años, el 61,1 por ciento tuvo antecedentes de abortos provocados, seguido de enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica en el 44,4 por ciento. La media del tiempo quirúrgico fue de 36 minutos. Ninguna paciente tuvo sangramiento en el sitio de la cirugía. La fracción beta de la gonadotropina coriónica, se negativizó a la cuarta semana y los controles ecográficos posoperatorios de todas las pacientes fueron normales el día 15. En todas las pacientes se utilizó la sutura en jareta. Conclusiones: Los resultados en el tratamiento de las pacientes atendidas por embarazo instersticial, fueron favorables, la reparación de la pared uterina se realizó mediante un procedimiento seguro que mostró la aplicabilidad de la sutura en jareta. Se evitaron las pérdidas sanguíneas y complicaciones como la histerectomía(AU)

Introduction: Interstitial pregnancy is rare and its mortality is higher than in other locations. Its increasingly early diagnosis allows the choice of less aggressive treatments. The cornerstone is hemostasis. Objective: To describe the results of the treatment of patients treated for ectopic horn pregnancy. Method: A descriptive study was carried out in 18 women with interstitial ectopic pregnancy, treated at the Hospital Militar Central Dr. Luis Díaz Soto from 2010 to 2019. They were treated by laparotomy and circular suture of the horn, with subsequent cornual resection and extraction of ovular material. The variables age, risk factors, surgical time, intraoperative bleeding, evolution (complications, recovery, beta fraction of chorionic gonadotropin, postoperative ultrasound controls) and hospital stay were studied. Results: 72 percent of the patients were between 20 - 25 years old, 61.1 percent had a history of induced abortions, followed by pelvic inflammatory disease in 44.4 percent. The mean surgical time was 36 minutes. No patient had bleeding at the surgery site. The beta fraction of chorionic gonadotropin was negative at the fourth week and postoperative ultrasound controls of all patients were normal on day 15. The drawstring suture was used in all patients. Conclusions: The results in the treatment of the patients attended for interstitial pregnancy were favorable, the repair of the uterine wall was carried out by means of a safe procedure that showed the applicability of the drawstring suture. Blood loss and complications such as hysterectomy were avoided(AU))

Rudimentary horn pregnancy: a rare entity

Unicornuate uterus is the type 2 variety of mullerian duct anomaly resulting in unilateral agenesis or hypoplasia. The hypoplastic (Rudimentary) horn can be functioning or non-functioning and communicating or noncommunicating with the main uterine cavity. Pregnancy in the rudimentary horn is an extremely rare entity. It is often missed at ultrasound in the early trimester, presenting later with massive hemoperitoneum and shock from rupture of the horn.  A “high index of suspicion” is essential to derive at the correct diagnosis. Hence reporting this rare case for emphasizing the importance in early diagnosis and prompt management.

Ruptured rudimentary horn pregnancy: a case report

Uterine anomalies are congenital malformations arising due to embryological mal-development of mullerian ducts. The European society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) classifies these anomalies into 6 classes. Hemi-uterus is one such class of formation defect of mullerian duct with unilateral uterine development; the contralateral part could be either incompletely formed or absent. In a rare form of ectopic pregnancy, implantation can occur in the cavity of a rudimentary horn of the hemi-uterus. Authors report a case of 22-year G2P1L1 with 12 weeks gestation who presented with acute abdomen. Ultrasound showed hemoperitoneum with suspicion of ectopic pregnancy. Laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis of ruptured right rudimentary horn with fetus and placenta in the peritoneal cavity. Immediate laparotomy and excision of the horn with transfusion of blood and blood products saved the patient in the nick of time.

Unicornuate uterus with functional non communicating rudimentary horn: a refractory cause of dysmenorrhea

Mullerian duct anomalies are rare. Unicornuate uterus with a non-communicating rudimentary horn is a rare type of mullerian duct anomaly which occurs due to defective fusion of malformed duct with contralateral duct. The incidence is approximately 1:100000. Patient usually remain asymptomatic due to the absence of functional endometrium in most of the cases. If the rudimentary uterine horn has an endometrium lined uterine cavity and doesn’t communicate externally then the signs and symptoms of obstructed menstruation appears, as soon as menarche begins. It will be associated with severe dysmennorhoea and hematometra. Other complications may be abdominal lump, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, endometriosis, adenomyosis and ectopic pregnancy in rudimentary horn. Authors are presenting a case of refractory dysmenorrhea with lump abdomen in a patient with unicornuate uterus with functional non communicating horn. In a patient with refractory dysmenorrhea mullerian duct anomaly should be kept as differential diagnosis.

An unusual case of ruptured noncommunicating rudimentary horn pregnancy at 10 weeks

Unicornuate uterus with noncommunicating rudimentary horn occurs due to incomplete fusion of mullerian ducts. Pregnancy in this horn is a rare phenomenon usually resulting in rupture during second trimester of pregnancy. Prerupture diagnosis of pregnancy in rudimentary horn with ultrasonography is technically difficult, with sensitivity of 30%. We report a case of ruptured non-communicating rudimentary horn at 10 weeks 3 days in a woman. She had a routine USG before pregnancy in which diagnosis was missed. Later she presented to emergency in shock, with massive hemoperitoneum and ruptured horn. So, a high index of suspicion is required to save this catastrophic event and associated maternal morbidity and mortality.

Effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture on the expression of glutamate and NMDA receptor of the spinal dorsal horn in rats with neuropathic pain / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture (WA) stimulation at "R4"- "R5" - "R6" on the expression of glutamate (Glu) and phosphorylated protein NMDAR1(p-NMDAR1) of the spinal dorsal horn in spared nerve injury (SNI) rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of SNI. METHODS: A total of 36 SD rats were randomly divi-ded into sham operation, model and WA groups, with 12 rats in each group. The SNI procedure comprised an axotomy and ligation of the tibial and common peroneal nerves leaving the sural nerve intact. Rats of the WA group were treated by acupuncture at "R4"-"R5"-"R6" points from the 5th day to the 14th day after modeling. The mechanical pain thresholds were measured before and 5, 10 and 14 d after SNI, respectively. The cold allodynia was dectected by Acetone solution dropped onto the lateral plantar surface of the paw. Glu content and p-NMDAR1 expression of spinal dorsal horn were detected by 1H-MRS, ELISA and immunohistochemistry Methods. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the mechanical pain threshold of the model group was significantly decreased (P<0.01), the duration of cold stimulation foot contraction was increased (P<0.01), and the Glu content and p-NMDAR1 expression in the spinal dorsal horn were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). After WA intervention, the mechanical pain threshold was significantly increased (P<0.01), the duration of cold stimulation was significantly shortened (P<0.01), and Glu content and p-NMDAR1 protein expression of spinal dorsal horn were decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the WA group compared with the model group. CONCLUSION: WA can reduce pain sensitivity in rats with neuropathic pain, possibly by inhibiting the expression of Glu and p-NMDAR1 in the spinal dorsal horn.

Etomidate reduces excitability of the neurons and suppresses the function of nAChR ventral horn in the spinal cord of neonatal rats / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of etomidate on electrophysiological properties and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) of ventral horn neurons in the spinal cord.@*METHODS@#The spinal cord containing lumbosacral enlargement was isolated from 19 neonatal SD rats aged 7-12 days. The spinal cord were sliced and digested with papain (0.18 g/30 mL artificial cerebrospinal fluid) and incubated for 40 min. At the ventral horn, acute mechanical separation of neurons was performed with fire-polished Pasteur pipettes, and perforated patch-clamp recordings combined with pharmacological methods were employed on the adherent healthy neurons. In current-clamp mode, the spontaneous action potential (AP) of the ventral horn neurons in the spinal cord was recorded. The effects of pretreatment with different concentrations of etomidate on AP recorded in the ventral horn neurons were examined. In the voltage-clamp mode, nicotine was applied to induce inward currents in the ventral horn neurons, and the effect of pretreatment with etomidate on the inward currents induced by nicotine were examined with different etomidate concentrations, different holding potentials and different use time.@*RESULTS@#The isolated ventral horn neurons were in good condition with large diverse somata and intact processes. The isolated spinal ventral horn neurons (=21) had spontaneous action potentials, and were continuously perfused for 2 min with 0.3, 3.0 and 30.0 μmol/L etomidate. Compared with those before administration, the AP amplitude, spike potential amplitude and overshoot were concentration-dependently suppressed ( < 0.01), and spontaneous discharge frequency was obviously reduced ( < 0.01, =12). The APs of the other 9 neurons were completely abolished by etomidate at 3.0 or 30 μmol/L. At the same holding potential (VH=-70 mV), pretreatment with 0.3, 3.0 or 30.0 μmol/L etomidate for 2 min concentration-dependently suppressed the current amplitude induced by 0.4 mmol/L nicotine ( < 0.01, =7). At the holding potentials of - 30, - 50, and - 70 mV, pretreatment with 30.0 μmol/L etomidate for 2 min voltage-dependently suppressed the current amplitude induced by 0.4 mmol/L nicotine ( < 0.01, =6 for each holding potential). During the 6 min of 30.0 μmol/L etomidate pretreatment, the clamped cells were exposed to 0.4 mmol/L nicotine for 4 times at 0, 2, 4, and 6 min (each exposure time was 2 s), and the nicotinic current amplitude decreased gradually as the number of exposures increased. But at the same concentration, two nicotine exposures (one at the beginning and the other at the end of the 6 min pretreatment) resulted in a significantly lower inhibition rate compared with 4 nicotine exposures ( < 0.01, =6).@*CONCLUSIONS@#etomidate reduces the excitability of the spinal ventral neurons in a concentration-dependent manner and suppresses the function of nAChR in a concentration-, voltage-, and use-dependent manner.

Ideas and strategies for investigating the bioactive constituents of animal derived traditional Chinese medicines based on integrated "proteomics/peptidomics-modifications" methods / 药学学报

Animal derived traditional Chinese medicines (ATCMs) are an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The lack of proper ideas and strategies made it not systematic and perfect enough on investigating bioactive components and quality evaluation of ATCMs, which restrict many aspects of ATCMs investigation including clinical applications, pharmaceutical technologies, and quality control. Therefore, based on our previous investigations of animal horn and animal derived gelatin TCMs, and the research progress at home and abroad, ideas and strategies for investigating the correlations between proteins/peptides and their bioactivities in animal horn and animal gelatin derived TCMs based on integrated "proteomics/peptidomics-modifications" methods was proposed. Firstly, proteomics and peptidomics analysis can be used to study proteins and peptides in ATCMs. Secondly, modification analysis can be used to reveal those chemical modifications on proteins and peptides of ATCMs. Thirdly, the correlations between components, modifications and traditional bioactivities can be systemic discussed. Based on the present study, hopefully, enough evidences and reference can be provided to resolve the issues in ATCMs investigations on modernization and bioactive material basis.

Study on Mechanism of Analgesic Effect of 8-O-acetyl-safalinoside on Chronic Inflammatory Pain Model Rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To study the mechanism of analgesic effect of 8-O-acetyl-safalinoside （8-OaS） on chronic inflammatory pain model rats. METHODS ：Totally 30 male SD rats were divided into sham operation group （normal saline ）， model group （normal saline ），8-OaS low-dose ，medium-dose and high-dose groups （3，10，30 μg/kg），with 6 rats in each group. Except for sham operation group ，other groups were given planter injection of Freund ’s complete adjuvant to induce chronic inflammatory pain model. After successful modeling ，the rats in each group were given corresponding drugs intrathecally ，once a day，for 7 consecutive days. Then Von-Frey filaments were used to detect the planter pain threshold of the rats in each group ；the area under the planter pain threshold curve of each group and the half effective dose （ED50）of 8-OaS were calculated. Another 36 male SD rats were divided into sham operation group （normal saline ），model group （normal saline ）and 8-OaS group （dose of ED50），and the modeling method and administration route were the same as above. Immunofluorescence histochemical staining was used to observe the positive expression of ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1（Iba-1）and signal molecule phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p-p38 MAPK）；Western blotting assay was used to determine the expression of Iba- 1，p-p38 MAPK，IL-1β，IL-6 and TNF-α in spinal dorsal horn of rats. RESULTS：Compared with sham operation group ，plantar pain threshold and area under the curve in model group were reduced significantly （P＜0.01）. Compared with model group ，plantar pain threshold increased significantly after 5，6，7 days of administration in 8-OaS low-dose group （P＜0.05），plantar pain threshold and area under the curve in 8-OaS medium-dose and high-dose groups were increased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Most of above indexes in each dose group of 8-OaS were signifficantly different ，and ED 50 of 8-OaS was 18.87 μ g/kg. Results of immunohistochemistry staining and Western blotting showed that p-p 38 MAPK was mainly expressed in Iba- 1 positive cells. Compared with sham operation group ，the fluorescence density of Iba- 1 and p-p 38 MAPK in spinal dorsal horn ，the expression of Iba-1，p-p38 MAPK，IL-6，IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly increased in model group（P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with model group ，the fluorescence density of Iba- 1 and p-p 38 MAPK in spinal dorsal horn ，the expression of Iba- 1，p-p38 MAPK， IL-6，IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased significantly in 8-OaS group （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ：Intrathecal administration of 8-OaS can effectively alleviate chronic inflammatory pain in rats. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the phosphorylation of p 38 MAPK and the expression of IL- 6，IL-1β and TNF-α.

Uterine intussusception in immediate postpartum in bitches: case report / Intussuscepção uterina no puerpério imediato em cadelas: relato de caso

Uterine intussusception is a rare condition in bitches. This study aimed to report an unusual case of prolapsed uterine intussusception in a female dog. A 2-year-old American Bully bitch was received with labor history of large fetus requiring manual traction. The animal presented mucosal prolapse through the vulva, unproductive contractions and abdominal discomfort. After partial correction of mucosal prolapse, the dog was referred to ovary-hysterectomy surgery to correct prolapsed mucosa. During the surgical procedure, surgeons observed that the uterine horns were invaginated into the uterine body, rotated, and the tissue was slightly devitalized and congested. As previously described, this condition occurred during the immediate postpartum period. Thus, we suggest that this period can be a facilitator for the establishment of uterine intussusception.(AU)

A intussuscepção uterina é uma condição rara em cadelas. Portanto, este estudo tem por objetivo relatar um caso incomum de intussuscepção uterina prolapsada em fêmea canina. Uma cadela American Bully de dois anos de idade com histórico de parto de feto absoluto grande no qual necessitou de auxílio por tração manual foi apresentada. O animal exibiu um prolapso de mucosa através da vulva, contrações improdutivas e dores abdominais. Após a retração parcial do prolapso de mucosa, a cadela foi encaminhada para a ovário-histerectomia que teve por objetivo, também, corrigir a mucosa prolapsada. Durante o procedimento cirúrgico, foram verificados os cornos uterinos invaginados no corpo uterino, rotacionados, com o tecido levemente desvitalizado e congesto. Assim, como poucos casos encontrados na literatura, esta condição ocorreu durante o puerpério imediato. Dessa forma, sugere-se que este período, embora não seja um fator determinante para o estabelecimento da intussuscepção uterina, pode ser um facilitador no estabelecimento dessa condição.(AU)