Endocarditis infecciosa de válvula nativa: factores asociados a resultados adversos / Mortality predictors in patients with native valve infec tive endocarditis

Resumen Introducción : La mortalidad de la endocarditis infec ciosa (EI) en Argentina continúa siendo elevada. El obje tivo del trabajo fue describir las características clínicas e identificar factores asociados a mortalidad en pacientes con EI de válvula nativa. Métodos : Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva que inclu yó pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de EI de válvula nativa internados durante 2011-2021. Resultados : Se incluyeron 129 pacientes con una edad promedio de 66±17 años. El organismo responsa ble más frecuente (38.8%, n = 50) fue el Staphylococcus aureus (SA). El 63.6% presentó criterios de indicación quirúrgica. La mortalidad durante la internación fue del 22.5%. En el análisis multivariado que incluyó índice de comorbilidad Charlson, infección por SA y la presencia de criterios de indicación quirúrgica, se observó un OR ajustado de mortalidad de 1.32 (IC95% 1.10-1.57; p = 0.003), 2.75 (IC95% 1.11-6.8; p = 0.028) y 4.14 (IC95% 1.34-12; p = 0.013), respectivamente. En el análisis mul tivariado para mortalidad alejada que agregó el criterio quirúrgico y la realización de cirugía durante la inter nación, se observó un OR ajustado de 1.62 (IC95% 1.31- 2.00; p < 001), 0.77 (IC95% 0.31-1.93; p = 0.58), 7.49 (IC95% 2.07-27.07; p = 0.002) y 0.21 (IC95% 0.06-0.70; p = 0.01), respectivamente. Conclusiones : La mortalidad de la EI se asoció al grado de comorbilidad previa, a la forma de presenta ción y, en relación inversa, a la realización oportuna del tratamiento quirúrgico.

Abstract Introduction : Mortality of infective endocarditis (IE) in Argentina continues to be high. The aim objective was to describe the clinical characteristics and identify factors associated with in-hospital and long-term mortality in patients with native valve IE. Methods : Retrospective cohort study including adult patients with diagnosis of native valve IE, hospitalized during 2011-2021. Results : A total of 129 patients with a mean age of 66±17 years were included. The most frequent respon sible organism was Staphylococcus aureus (SA) (38.8%). Surgical indication criteria were present in 63.6% of the patients. Mortality during hospitalization was 22.5% .In the multivariate analysis that included Charlson comorbidity index, SA infection and the presence of surgical indication criteria, an adjusted OR of mor tality of 1.32 (95%CI 1.10-1.57; p = 0.003), 2.75 (95%CI 1.11-6.8; p = 0.028) and 4.14 (95%CI 1.34-12; p = 0.013), respectively, was observed. In the multivariate analysis for long term mortality, that added surgical indication criteria and the performance of surgery during hospitalization, an adjusted OR of 1.62 (CI95% 1.31-2.00; p<001), 0.77 (95%CI 0.31-1.93; p = 0.58), 7.49 (95%CI 2.07-27.07; p = 0.002) and 0.21 (95%CI 0.06-0.70; p = 0.01), respec tively, was observed. Conclusions : Mortality in IE was associated with the degree of previous comorbidity, with the presence of surgical indication criteria and, inversely, with the timely completion of surgical treatment.

Clinical efficacy of sequential invasive-noninvasive mechanical ventilation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated by type II respiratory failure / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of sequential invasive-noninvasive mechanical ventilation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated by type II respiratory failure.Methods:Eighty-four patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated by type II respiratory failure who received treatment in The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from January 2017 to December 2019 were included in this study. Patients were selected to withdraw the ventilator for performing a spontaneous breathing test according to recovery status. Patients who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation were included in the control group ( n = 42). Patients who underwent sequential invasive-noninvasive mechanical ventilation based on the pulmonary infection control window were included in the observation group. Mortality rate, reintubation rate, total ventilation time, length of hospital stay, heart rate, and blood gas analysis were compared between the two groups. Results:The length of hospital stay and total ventilation time in the observation group were (9.69 ± 1.94) days and (7.49 ± 1.53) days, respectively, which were significantly shorter than those in the control group ( t = 8.87, 5.10, both P < 0.05). Reintubation rate and mortality rate in the observation group were 4.76% (2/42) and 2.38% (1/42), respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group ( χ2 = 5.13, 3.90, both P < 0.05). In each group, heart rate, partial pressure of carbon dioxide and partial pressure of oxygen measured after treatment were superior to those measured before treatment (all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Based on pulmonary infection control window, invasive-noninvasive sequential ventilation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated by type II respiratory failure can not only reduce total ventilation time and length of hospital stay, remarkably improve clinical manifestations, but also effectively reduce reintubation rate and mortality rate.

Tumor papilar sólido-quístico pancreático / Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar del páncreas es una entidad rara, que típicamente se presenta en mujeres jóvenes. Suele presentar síntomas abdominales inespecíficos. Es un tumor maligno de bajo grado de malignidad. Objetivos : el objetivo del siguiente informe de serie de casos es presentar 9 casos tratados en un cen tro y realizar una revisión bibliográfica del tema. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de los casos con diagnóstico anatomopatoló gico de neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar en el Servicio de Cirugía General, desde febrero de 2013 hasta septiembre de 2019. Se contemplaron como variables: edad, sexo, localización del tumor, tratamiento quirúrgico realizado, tiempo operatorio, complicaciones, estancia hospitalaria y seguimiento alejado. Resultados: fueron 9 casos, todos de sexo femenino con media de edad de 30 años (rango 20 a 70 años). La localización más frecuente fue en cola de páncreas en 4 casos (45%). Todas las pacientes fueron sometidas a cirugía, con abordaje laparoscópico en el 60% de los casos (n = 5); la resección pancreática distal con preservación esplénica fue la conducta más utilizada (n = 6). Se constataron tres complicaciones, de las cuales dos fueron colecciones abdominales como consecuencia de una fístula pancreática que se abordaron por vía percutánea, y la restante fue un retardo del vaciamiento gástrico por lo cual la paciente requirió internación prolongada. Conclusión: la neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar pancreática es una enfermedad poco frecuente, ma ligna pero con bajo riesgo de malignidad. Presenta buena sobrevida cuando se somete a cirugía de carácter curativo; la laparoscopia es la vía de abordaje de elección en centros con experiencia.

ABSTRACT Background: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare condition that affects young women. The most common symptom is unspecific abdominal pain. It is a malignant tumor of low malignant potential. Objective: The aim of this study is to report a case series of patients treated in a single center and perform a bibliographic review. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective study of the cases with pathological diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas treated in the Department of General Surgery between February 2013 and September 2019. The following variables were analyzed; age, sex, tumor location, surgical treatment, operative time, complications, length of hospital stay and long-term follow-up. Results: Nine patients were included; all of them were women with mean age of 30 years (range: 20 - 70 years). The most common location of the tumor was the tail of the pancreas (n = 4; 45%). Surgery was performed in all the cases; five cases underwent video-assisted laparoscopy and spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy was the technique more commonly used (n = 6). Three complications were recorded: two abdominal collections due to biliary leaks were trated by percutaneous approach and the other patient presented delayed gastric emptying and required prolonged hospitalization. Conclusion: Solid pseudopapillary tumor pf the pancreas is a rare low-grade malignant neoplasm. The prognosis is favorable after surgery and laparoscopy is the preferred approach in centers with experience.

Early intervention of bone-nearby acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture on morphine tolerance in bone cancer pain rats and its effect on the expression of HDAC and MOR in dorsal root ganglia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of early intervention of bone-nearby acupuncture (BNA) combined with electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of histone deacetylase1(HDAC1), histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) andμ-opioid recepter (MOR) in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of bone cancer pain-morphine tolerance (BCP-MT) rats, and to explore its possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 35 SD rats were randomized into a sham BCP group (=6), a BCP group (=7), a MT group (=7), a BNA+EA group (=8) and a shame BNA group (=7). Except of the sham BCP group, cancer cell inoculation operation at left tibia was given in the other 4 groups to establish the bone cancer pain model. In the MT group, the BNA+EA group and the shame BNA group, intraperitoneal injection of morphine hydrochloride was given to establish the morphine tolerance model. After the operation, bone-nearby acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture was applied at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Kunlun" (BL 60) in the BNA+EA group, with dilatational wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 0.5 to 1.5 mA in intensity. Intervention in the shame BNA group was applied at the same time and acupoints as those in the BNA+EA group, the needles were pierced the skin without any electrical stimulation. The needles were retained for 30 min, once a day for continuous 7 days in both BNA+EA and shame BNA groups. Before and 10, 11, 15, 22 days after the operation, the left paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) was measured in the 5 groups. The levels of HDAC1, HDAC2 and MOR in DRG were detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Ten days after the cancer cell inoculation operation, the PWT of the BCP, MT, BNA+EA and sham BNA groups was decreased compared with the sham BCP group (0.05); the PWT of the BNA+EA group was increased compared with the MT and sham BNA group (<0.01). In the BCP group, the DRG levels of HDAC1 and HDCA2 were increased, while the level of MOR was decreased compared with the sham BCP group (<0.05, <0.01). In the MT group, the DRG level of HDAC1 was increased compared with the BCP group (<0.05). In the BNA+EA group, the DRG level of HDAC1 was decreased compared with the MT group and the sham BNA group (<0.01, <0.05), while the level of MOR was increased (<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Early intervention of bone-nearby acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture can relieve the morphine tolerance in bone cancer pain rats, it may relate to down-regulating the expression of HDAC1 and up-regulating the expression of MOR in the dorsal root ganglia.

La era de los microorganismos multirresistentes: impacto en pacientes neutropénicos febriles / he era of multidrug-resistant microorganisms: impact on febrile neutropenic patients

Introducción: El tratamiento antimicrobiano para los pacientes neutropénicos febriles (NF) se ha convertido en un desafío debido a la emergencia de microorganismos multirresistentes (MOR). El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar las características de estos pacientes y la incidencia de MOR. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional y descriptivo desde junio de 2015 hasta agosto de 2017 en adultos neutropénicos febriles hospitalizados en un hospital público de la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Se analizaron características demográficas, clínicas y microbiológicas, incluyendo los siguientes MOR: enterobacterias productoras de carbapenemasas (EPC) y beta-lactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE), Acinetobacter baumannii complex, Enterococcus vancomicina resistente (EVR) y Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 32 pacientes, 56% mujeres con 84% de neoplasias hematológicas. Hubo colonización por EPC o EVR en el 59% de los pacientes. Se registraron 148 episodios infecciosos con 41% de documentación microbiológica. Los MOR fueron responsables del 25% de los episodios, siendo los más frecuentes Klebsiella pneumoniae productora de carbapenemasa y BLEE; los focos más frecuentes fueron bacteriemias e infecciones urinarias. Los pacientes con leucemias agudas (67%) presentaron colonización por EPC o EVR en el 80%. El tratamiento fue inadecuado en el 63% de las infecciones RESUMENARTÍCULO ORIGINALpor MOR y en el 12% por microorganismos sensibles (MS) (p<0,01). La mortalidad global fue 53% con MOR y del 27% con MS (p=ns). Conclusión: las infecciones por MOR fueron frecuentes con predominio de bacteriemias, especialmente EPC y BLEE. Por ello los MOR deben ser tenidos en cuenta para el tratamiento empírico en pacientes neutropénicos febriles

Background: Antimicrobial treatment for febrile neutropenic (FN) patients has become a challenge due to the growing emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDR-MO). The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics of these population and the incidence of MDR-MO. Methods & Materials: Retrospective, observational and descriptive study from June 2015 to August 2017 in FN adults hospitalized at a public hospital in Buenos Aires city, Argentina. Demographic, clinical and microbiological characteristics were analyzed. We included the following MDR-MO: extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), Acinetobacter baumannii complex, vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Results: Thirty-two patients were included; 56% were women, with 84% haematological diseases. Colonization by CPE or VRE was observed in a 59% of the patients. There were 148 infectious episodes. Of them 41% had microbiological documentation. MDR-MO were responsible for 25% of the episodes and the most frequent were carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae. MDR-MO were isolated mainly from bacteremia and urinary infections, patients had acute leukemia in a 67% and colonization CPKP or VRE in 80%. Inadequate treatment for MDR-MO was observed in 63% of the cases and 12% for susceptible microorganisms (p<0,01). The mortality was 53% for MDR-MO and 27% for susceptible microorganisms (p=ns). Conclusion: MDR-MO infections were frequent with predominance of bacteremia especially CPE and ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae. According to these results MDR-MO should be taken into account for the empiric antimicrobial treatment in febrile neutropenic patients

Surgical management of concomitant pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors inhereditary tumor syndromes / 中国实用外科杂志

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(pNENs)might present as part of complex hereditary(familial)syndromes caused by germline mutations such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1(MEN1),von Hippel-Lindau disease(VHL),tuberous sclerosis,and neurofibromatosis type1(NF1).Increasing knowledge of hereditary pNENs in both their genetic underpinnings and clinical implications has affected the entire spectrum of their surgical management.However,the appropriate surgical timing and management of concomitant pNENs inhereditary tumor syndromes is still debated.

Effects of Astragalus Lily Granules on enhanced hypoxia tolerance in mice exposed to sodium nitrite poisoning / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To study the effect of Astragali Lilium Granules on the survival time,CAT,ATP,and pathological changes in mice exposed to sodium nitrite (NaNO2)poisoning.Methods We randomly divided 60 male mice of SPF grade KM into blank group,positive control group,model group and Astragali Lilium Granules low-,medium-and high-dose groups.After 3 days of normal feeding,blank group and model group received intragastric gavage of normal saline,and positive control group was given Rhodiola rosea capsule solution.Astragali Lilium Granules groups received intragastric gavage according to the concentration (1.75,3.5 and 7 mg/kg per day) for 30 days. One hour after the last administration, all groups except the blank control group received intraperitoneal injection of NaNO2(200 mg/kg,injection amount of 0.1 mL/g).We recorded the mice's survival time,observed the pathological changes of brain,lung and heart tissues by HE staining under the microscope.The activity of CAT and the level of ATP in brain tissue were determined by colorimetric analysis.Results Compared with the blank group,the survival time in model group [(9.64±1.60)min,P＜0.05]was significantly lower;in model group,the lung tissue showed extensive pulmonary edema,red cell exudation,emphysema,and local atrophy of the lung;the interstitium of the myocardium was dilated and congested,and the local cells in the epicardium became edematous and denatured;brain cells showed necrosis,cytoplasm condensation,pyknosis,and perinuclear vacuoles.The tissues were loose and the spaces between the vessels and nerve cells widened;the activity of CAT decreased and the content of ATP decreased in lung,heart and brain tissues (P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the survival time was significantly prolonged in Astragali Lilium Granules low-[(12.78±2.20)min]and medium-dose [(13.22±2.10)min]groups (P＜0.05).Compared with model group,the three dose groups had lessened lung tissue edema and emphysema,cardiac interstitial vascular dilatation and congestion,necrosis and nuclear pyknosis of brain nerve cells;the activity of CAT increased and the content of ATP increased in lung,heart and brain tissues (both P＜0.05).Conclusion Astragali Lilium Granules can improve the toxicity of NaNO2in mice and thus effectively protect against NaNO2-induced anoxic injury.

Establishment of Mesoporous Carbon Nano-drug Delivery System and Study on Its Chemotherapy-photo-therapy Combination for Anti-multidrug-resistant Tumor / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To establish the mesoporous carbon nano-drug delivery system (MCNs) with chemotherapy drugs loaded and holding photothermal and photodynamic combined effect,and study its anti-multidrug-resistant tumor effect in vitro. METHODS:MCNs was prepared by low-concentration hydrothermal route,and the MCNs surface was carboxylated by the mixed acid ultrasound method to made MCNs-COOH (MCNC). The morphology and surface properties were evaluated. Adriamycinc (ADR)was loaded into MCNC to fabricate ADR/MCNC via adsorption method. Drug loading capacity was calculated by UV,and drug release profile was investigated by dialysis method. ADR-resistant human breast cancer MCF-7/ADR cells were chosen,and cell uptake and positioning of ADR/MCNC were observed by confocal laser microscopy;cytotoxicity of ADR/MCNC was detected by MTT method;and intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)level under NIR irradiation was measured by flow cytometry. RE-SULTS:The particle size of prepared MCNs was about 90 nm,with carboxyl in surface. The specific surface area was 541.62 m2/g,pore volume was 0.34 cm3/g,and pore size distribution was 2.5 nm,with significant photothermal effect. The drug loading ca-pacity of ADR/MCNC was 47.4%,showing pH/NIR responsiveness release characteristics. It can promote ADR in cell uptake and nuclear accumulation and induce MCF-7/ADR cell to generate ROS under NIR irradiation,with significant inhibitory effect. CON-CLUSIONS:MCNs is prepared successfully,and ADR/MCNC has an effect on anti-multidrug-resistant tumors.

Applications of resting-state functional MRI in low-frequency fluctuation combined with voxel-based mor-phometry in schizophrenia / 实用医学杂志

Objective To research the applications of resting-state functional MRI in conjunction with voxel-based morphometry on cerebral functions and structures in patients with schizophrenia. Methods Thirty-two patients with schizophrenia and 32 healthy people underwent resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (Rs-fMRI)and sagittal scanning T1WI with 3D FFE Pulse Sequence. Rest1.8 software was applied to calculate the differences of amplitude of standardized low-frequency fluctuation(ALFF)between the two groups,then the voxel-based morphometry(VBM)data of abnormal brain regions were evaluated to compare the differences of grey matter intensity. Finally,combining with ALEF and VBM,we explored the changes of cerebral functions and structures. Results As compared to the control group ,the ALFF-elevated regions were the right putamen ,the left orbital frontal cortex extending to the left putamen and left dorsal-lateral superior frontal gyrus;the ALFF-decreased regions were the right inferior tempotalgyrus,the left posterior cingulated gyrus and the left angular gyrus(P<0.05). No elevated regions of grey matter intensity were found in the patient group. Conclusions Extensive abnormal active regions of the brain under resting state could be found in patients with schizophrenia ,the grey matter intensity of abnormal regions also decreased generally. They are in accordance with the glutamate-hypothesis of schizophrenia ,which involves extensive impairments of neurons ,disorders of neurotransmitter′s circulations and balances.

Progress in roles of cytokines in bone formation and remodeling / 军事医学

Bone growth factors play an important role in the process of bone metabolism and perform a variety of physio -logical functions such as regulating bone growth , differentiation and remodeling .Meanwhile , these cytokines are associated with orthopedic disorder and therapy .The curative effect of the overturned sartorius iliac flap in repair of acetabular defect in developmental dysplasia of the hip proves to be good , but mechanism between the overturned flap and the surrounding bone tissue is unclear .This review briefly summarizes the functions and applications of several major cytokines in bone for -mation and remodeling , which may provide new ideas and methods for illuminating the mechanism of these cytokines during the repair of the acetabular defect .

Diagnostic and Curative Evaluation Value of ProGRP and NSE in Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / 实用医学杂志

Obejective To explore the diagnostic and curative evaluation value of gastrin-releasing pep-tide precursor (ProGRP) and neuron specific enolization enzyme (NSE) in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods Sixty SCLC patients, sixty non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and forty patients with be-nign pulmonary disease were collected fromJanuary 2014 to October 2015. The levels of serum ProGRP and NSE in all patients were determined by ELISA method and radioimmunoassay respectively then the clinical value of ProGRP and NSE on SCLC was evaluated. Results The levels of ProGRP and NSE in SCLC group were signif-icantly higher than those in NSCLC group and those in lung benign disease group (P 0.05). Conclusion ProGRP and NSE can be used as markers for the diagnostic and curative evaluation of SCLC. And ProGRP has higher sensitivity and specificity than NSE and can be promoted in clinic.

Value of Detecting Peripheral Blood Cell Morphology Combined with EBV-DNA Quantity in the Initial Diagnosis for Infants Patients with Infectious Mononucleosis / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of detecting abnormal lymphocyte morphology in peripheral blood and Epstein Barr Virus(EBV)DNA quantity through real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR)in the initial diagnosis for infants patients with infectious mononucleosis (IM).Methods From Jan.2013 to Dec.2014 212 infants patients with IM were analysed ret-rospectively,which were all in-patients in the hospital.The abnormal lymphocyte morphology in peripheral blood and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)DNA quantity were both detected in the initial fever period and a week later.The latter was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR),combined with all the symptoms were all analysed comprehensively.The percentage of abnormal lymphocyte more than 10% was positive,and the EBV-DNA quantity more than 1.0×103 copy per ml was posi-tive,too.Results Of all the infants patients,in the initial fever period,82 patients had more than 10% positive abnormal lymphocyte and 100 patients had positive EBV-DNA quantity.But a week later,156 patients had more than 10% positive ab-normal lymphocyte,the maximum abnormal lymphocyte was 56%.And 180 patients had positive EBV-DNA quantity.When both abnormal lymphocyte morphology in peripheral blood and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)DNA quantity were detected,in the initial fever period,125 patients were positive,it rose significantly more than that of abnormal lymphocyte morphology in peripheral blood (χ2=17.45,P0.05).Conclusion The detecting of peripheral blood cell morphology combined with EBV-DNA quantity are very important in the initial diagnosis for infants patients with infectious mononucleosis.Including all the symp-toms,they could improve the diagnosis timely and accurately.

Trazodona en el trastorno del comportamiento del sueño MOR / Trazodone in REM sleep behavior disorder

A un varón adulto mayor, con un cuadro clínico documentado de trastorno comportamental del sueño MOR, inicialmente se le ofreció tratamiento farmacológico con clonazepam, recomendado por la literatura, pero se obtuvo mala adherencia por intolerancia a los efectos secundarios y la persistencia sintomática. Por ese motivo, se propuso el tratamiento con trazodona y se logró control sintomático completo, sin efectos adversos reportados por el paciente. Es claro que la trazodona no tiene indicación conocida para este tipo de trastornos, pero se consideró en este caso por su perfil farmacológico y se obtuvo un resultado clínico satisfactorio. Se plantea la necesidad de realizar mayores estudios que permitan documentar de manera suficiente la acción, la eficacia y la utilidad de esta molécula en casos como el ilustrado.

This case concerns an elderly man with a REM sleep behavior disorder, who was initially offered a pharmacological treatment with clonazepam, recommended by other articles, but with poor adherence due to its adverse reactions and persistence of symptoms. He was then offered a treatment with Trazodone was offered, achieving a complete remission of symptoms, with no reported side effects. It is clear that Trazodone has no known indication for this type of disorder; nevertheless, it was considered in this case because of its pharmacological profile, obtaining satisfactory results. Further research is needed in order to document thoroughly the mechanisms of action, efficacy and utility of this molecule in cases such as the one presented.

Fluctuating asymmetry in Apis mellifera(Hymenoptera: Apidae) as bioindicator of anthropogenic environments / Asimetría fluctuante en Apis mellifera (Hymenop-tera: Apidae) como bioindicador de ambientes antropo-génicos

The successful distribution of A. melliferais due to their ability to adjust to seasonal variations, considerable control over their internal physical environment and exploration of different resources. However, their populations have experienced different forms and levels of environmental pressure. This research aimed to verify the phenotypic plasticity in both size and shape of wings in A. melliferausing fluctuating asymmetry, based on geometric morphometrics from apiaries located in sites with high and low levels of anthropization. We sampled 16 locations throughout all five geographic regions of Brazil. At each site, samples were collected from 20 beehives installed in apiaries: 10 installed near high anthropogenic environments (Cassilàndia - MS, Fortaleza - CE, Maringá - PR, Aquidauana - MS, Rolim de Moura - RO, Riachuelo - SE, Ubirata - PR and Piracicaba - SP), and 10 in sites with low levels of human disturbance (Cassilàndia - MS, Itapiúna CE, Uniao da Vitoria - PR, Aquidauana - MS, Rolim de Moura - RO, Pacatuba - SE, Erval Seco - RS, Rio Claro - SP). A sample of 10 individuals was taken in each hive, totaling 200 per location, for a total of 1 600 individuals. We used fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in size and shape of the forewing through geometric morphometrics. The FA analysis was conducted in order to check bilateral differences. The indexes of size and shape were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA), where the characters evaluated were used as factors to verify the size and shape differences. The results indicated an asymmetry on the shape of the wing (P < 0.001) but no asymmetry was observed on wing size. Considering FA as an environmental response and high and low impacted areas as a fixed factor, we observed significant differences (P < 0.05). The results for the wing shape in A. melliferademonstrated that this feature undergoes more variation during ontogeny compared to the variation in size. We concluded that bee samples collected from colonies with higher levels of human disturbance had higher wing-shape asymmetry; the variation of fluctuating asymmetry in the wing shape of honeybees can be used as an indicator of the degree of environmental anthropization.

La distribución exitosa de A. melliferase debe a su capacidad para adaptarse a las variaciones estacionales, controlar considerablemente su ambiente físico interno y por la exploración de recursos. Sin embargo, sus poblaciones experimentan diferentes formas y niveles de presión ambiental. Esta investigación evaluó colmenares, ubicadas en entornos con distintos niveles de antropización. Ambientes considerados altamente antropogénicos fueron escogidos: áreas urbanas, agrícolas con aplicaciones de insecticidas, y las industrias con grandes áreas (regiones con altos índices de contaminación). Por otra parte, los entornos considerados con bajos niveles de perturbación humana fueron elegidos: áreas de preservación permanente de los bosques restantes (Mata Atlántica, Planalto, Cerrado), áreas ribereñas o reservas ecológicas. Se muestrearon 16 localidades que abarcan las cinco regiones del Brasil. Estamos utilizando la asimetría fluctuante desde el tamaño y la forma del ala anterior por técnicas de morfometría geométrica. En cada sitio, las muestras se obtuvieron de las 20 colmenas instaladas en los colmenares: 10 instalados cerca de entornos altamente antropogénicos (Cassilándia - MS, Fortaleza - CE, Maringá - PR, Aquidauana - MS, Rolim de Moura - RO, Riachuelo - SE, Ubirata - PR y Piracicaba - SP) y 10 en sitios de bajo nivel de perturbación humana (Cassilándia - MS, ItapiúnaCE, Uniao da Vitória - PR, Aquidauana - MS, Rolim de Moura - RO, Pacatuba- SE, Erval Seco - RS, Rio Claro - SP). Los índices de tamaño y forma fueron sometidos a análisis de varianza (ANOVA), donde se utilizaron los caracteres evaluados como factores, para verificar las diferencias de tamaño y forma. La asimetría de análisis fluctuante (AF) se llevó a cabo con el fin de comprobar las diferencias bilaterales. Los resultados indican la existencia de la asimetría de la forma del ala (P < 0.001), pero no se observó asimetría del tamaño del ala. Considerando AF como respuesta ambiental y áreas de alto y bajo grado de alteración humana como factor fijo, observamos diferencias significativas (P < 0.05). Los resultados, para la forma de ala de la A. mellifera,muestran que esta característica se somete a más variación durante la ontogenia en comparación con la variación en el tamaño. Llegamos a la conclusión de que las colonias de abejas recogidas en ambientes con niveles más altos de la perturbación humana tienen una mayor asimetría en forma de ala, por lo que la asimetría fluctuante en forma de alas de las abejas puede ser utilizada como un indicador del grado de antropización del medio ambiente.

Effect of echinacoside on learning-memory ability and oxygen free radicals on model rats with Alzheimer's disease / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of echina-coside ( ECH ) on the learning and memory capacities and brain level of oxygen free radicals of rats with de-mentia induced by amyloid β-peptide. Methods Six-ty Sprague Dawley rats, weighing (300±10) g, were randomly divided with 10 rats pergroup into 6 groups:sham operated group, model, ECH high dose (40 mg ·kg-1·d-1), ECH middle dose (20 mg· kg-1· d-1), ECH low dose (10 mg·kg-1·d-1) and Hup A (Huperzine A, 0. 02 mg·kg-1·d-1) group. Mor-ris maze tests were conducted for evaluating the learn-ing and memory ability. Content of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and activities of superox-ide dismutase ( SOD) and NO synthase ( NOS) in the hippocampus and cortex were detected. ResultsAβ25-35 induced significant learning and memory im-pairment in the rats. Compared with the rats in model group, those treated with ECH at different doses all manifested alleviation of learning and memory impair-ment ( P<0 . 01 , P<0 . 05 ) . Cotents of MDA of ECH treatment group were obviously decreased, while SOD activities were obviously increased, and significantly reduced the release of NO and NOS in the hippocam-pus and cortex brain tissue ( P <0 . 01 , P <0.05 ) . Conclusion ECH can enhance the learning and mem-ory ability in rats with AD, which is presumably relat-ed to accelerating the cleaning of oxygen free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in brain of AD rats.

Protective effect of Compound Ginkgo against acute alcohol-induced liver injury and its mechanism / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE ToobservetheprotectiveeffectandmechanismofCompoundGinkgo biloba(CGB)againstalcohol-inducedliverinjury.METHODS MiceweregivenCGB0.125,0.25and 0.75 g·kg -1 ,Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE)0.1 25 g·kg -1 and bifendate(Bif)0.1 5 g·kg -1 for 8 weeks, respectively.At the end of 4th week the mice were given wine by gavage (56% V/V,0.01 L·kg -1 ), and (56% V/V,0.016 L·kg -1 )at the end of the 8th week.The serum was obtained to measure alanine transaminase (GPT),aspartate aminotransaminase (GOT),mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase (mGOT)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α).Liver histopathology was revealed by HE staining.The protein expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP)2E1 ,NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)and TNF-αin the liverwasanalyzedbyWesternblotting.RESULTS Comparedwithnormalcontrolgroup,theactivitiesof GOT and mGOT were increased in model group (P0.05).Fatty degeneration and neutrophil infiltration were significantly ameliora-ted in CGB 0.25 and 0.75 g·kg -1 groups.Preliminary mechanism research showed CGB not only increased the protein expression of Nrf2 with a positive dose-effect relationship (r=0.942,P<0.01 ), but reduced the protein expression of hepatic CYP2 E1 and the level of TNF-αin hepatic tissue with a negative dose-effect relationship (r=-0.987,P<0.05;r=-0.940,P<0.05).In addition.The level ofTNF-αwasalsosignificantlydecreasedintheserum(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION CGB may protect the liver fro m acute alcoholic injury and the mechanis m may be that it increases the protein expression of Nrf2,restrains the protein expression of hepatic CYP2E1 and TNF-αand reduces the TNF-αlevel in the serum.

Expression and Clinical Significance of Neuropilin-1 and 2 in Colorectal Carcinoma / 天津医药

Objective To observe the expression of Neuropilin (NRP)-1, 2, to calculate micro vessel density (MVD) in colorectal cancer, paraneoplastic tissues, normal tissues, and to investigate the correlation between NRP-1, 2 and MVD to understand the role of NRP-1, 2 in the process of tumor angiogenesis. Methods Expression of NRP-1 and NRP-2 were studied by immunohistochemistry in 66 specimens from colorectal cancer, paraneoplastic tissues and normal tissues. MVD was assessed based on CD105 immunohistochical staining. Results (1) The positive expression of NRP-1, 2 in colorectal cancer, paraneoplastic tissues, normal tissues were 71.2%, 25.8%, 0;80.3%, 15.2%, 0 respectively. There was a statistical difference between them (P0.05). (4) The MVD value had no correlation with the gender or age of patients, tumor size, position, histological types (P>0.05), but had a good correlation with infiltrating depth, lymphatic metastasis and Dukes staging (P<0.05). (5) There was a positive correlation between NRP-1, 2 and MVD value (P<0.01). Conclusion NRP-1, 2 may play an important role in the angiogenesis of the colorectal cancer, and it correlates with the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer closely.

A new Corydoras Lacépède, 1803 (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from the rio São Francisco basin, Brazil

A new species of Corydoras is described from the rio São Francisco basin in northeastern Brazil, Minas Gerais and Bahia States. The new species is distinguished from most of its congeners by the anterior portion of the infraorbital 1 very large, conspicuously expanded towards the anteroventral margin of the snout and almost entirely covering its lateral margin. Other characters that distinguish the new species are the infraorbital 2 slender on its dorsal tip, contacting only sphenotic and not compound pterotic; and the presence of two laterosensory canals on trunk. A phylogenetic analysis including the new species found it sister-group of C. flaveolus, and both species sister-group of C. paleatus. An identification key to the species of the rio São Francisco basin is also provided.

Uma espécie nova de Corydoras é descrita da bacia do rio São Francisco no nordeste do Brasil, estados de Minas Gerais e Bahia. A espécie nova se distingue da maioria de suas congêneres por apresentar a porção anterior do infraorbital 1 muito desenvolvida, expandindo-se conspicuamente em direção à margem anteroventral do focinho, quase cobrindo completamente sua margem lateral. Outros caracteres que distinguem a espécie nova são o infraorbital 2 estreito em sua extremidade dorsal, em contato apenas com o esfenótico e não com o pterótico composto, e presença de somente dois canais látero-sensoriais no tronco. Uma análise filogenética incluindo a espécie nova encontrou-a como grupo-irmão de C. flaveolus, e ambas como grupo-irmão de C. paleatus. Uma chave para identificação das espécies da bacia do rio São Francisco também é fornecida.

Association of the C-reactive protein gene polymorphisms and plasma hs-CRP level in ischemic stroke / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the association of C-reactive protein (CRP) gene polymorphisms and plasma hs-CRP level,and effect on the genetic susceptibility of ischemic stroke (IS).Methods A case-control study was conducted and 548 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 993 agematched controls from community-based population were included in this study.Epidemiological questionnaires were managed to collect for demographic information.Blood pressure was measured and blood glucose,triacylglycerol,cholesterol,and high sensitivity C-reaction protein (hs-CRP) were detected.Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used for genotyping of CRP gene in all participants.Results The levels of plasma hs-CRP and the proportion of elevated plasma hs-CRP (≥3.0 mg/L) in the ischemic stroke patients (3.534 ± 3.484) mg/L (43.1％) were significantly higher than those of controls (1.957 ±2.344) mg/L (16.6％),t =9.475,P ＜ 0.01,x2 =128.326,P ＜ 0.01.The results of association analysis indicated that rs3093059 and rs3091244 of CPR gene presented statistical associations with ischemic stroke.After correction for confounding factors,ORs (95％ CI) of additive model and dominant model of rs3093059 were 0.697 (0.528-0.921),0.671 (0.487-0.923) respectively.ORs 95％ CI) of dominant model of rs3091244 was 0.728 (0.536-0.988).Further analysis indicated the polymorphism of rs876537,rs3093059,rs3091244 of CPR genotyping were significantly associated with plasma hs-CRP elevation (≥ 3.0 mg/L) both in ischemic stroke patients and in controls (P ＜0.05).Conclusion The CRP genetic polymorphisms were negatively associated with ischemic stroke,and positively corrleted with plasma hs-CRP elevation.However,plasma hs-CPP was positively correlated with ischemic stroke.These results suggested that the plasma hs-CRP levels might be accompanied by ischemic stroke.

Mortalidade por causas externas em idosos em Minas Gerais, Brasil / Mortality from external causes among elderly in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Mortalidad por causas externas en ancianos en Minas Gerais, Brasil

Perfil dos óbitos dessa faixa etária, em Minas Gerais, Brasil, no período de 1999 a 2008. Os dados foram obtidos a partir do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade do Ministério da Saúde e do Depar tamento de Informática do Ministério da Saúde. Os resultados apontaram coeficientes crescentes de mortalidade em idosos durante os anos estudados. Destacaramse como principais causas as quedas e os acidentes de transporte. Também foram registradas taxas ascendentes doscasos de homicídios e suicídios, especialmente em idosos do sexo masculino. São necessárias medidas preventivas imediatas, pois os idosos se mostram cada vez mais sujeitos às mor tes por causas externas.