A simple and effective auxiliary device for detection of physiologic func-tion on isolated sciatic nerve and gastrocnemius in toads / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM: To design a simple and effective auxiliary device for detection of the compound action poten-tial (CAP) and the force on the isolated sciatic nerve and gastrocnemius in toads, and to investigate its practicability. METHODS: A simple “L” shape device (L tube), which was composed of a nerve chamber and an organ bath, was made for fixing the isolated sciatic nerve and gastrocnemius.After fixing, the sciatic CAP and the gastrocnemius force were detected by BL-420S data acquisition and analysis system.The specimens were radomly divided into control group, and the lidocaine nerve and muscle groups.The sciatic nerve or gastrocnemius of each lidocaine group was firstly treated with the corresponding concentration of lidocaine, and then washed out with Ringer’s solution, and its reversible anesthetic action on nerve conduction and muscle force was analyzed to verify the practicability of the L tube device.RESULTS: The CAP and the force of the sciatic-gastrocnemius specimens were detected concurrently by fixing the specimens in the L tube, and the liquid in the nerve chamber and organ bath was changed easily.Compared with the control, lidocaine at 0.05 and 0.2 g/L significantly increased the sciatic threshold stimulus voltage and maximal stimulus voltage (P ly blocked the sciatic conduction.The rest tension of the gastrocnemius was increased, and the maximal twitch force was decreased significantly by 1 g/L lidocaine (P <0.01), but the threshold and maximal stimulus voltage did not show statis-tic difference.The parameters of the sicatic nerve and gastrocnemius completely or partially recovered to the control level after washing out.CONCLUSION: As an auxiliary device, L tube makes the detection of CAP and force on the isolated sciatic nerve and gastrocnemius in toads more conveniently.

Research progress on NM23A (expressed in non-metastatic cells) protein / 中国药理学通报

NM23A protein is a kind of multifunctional protein distributed widely in the nature and it exists in almost all the or-ganism and cells. Apart from owning the nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity, NM23A also participates in the physiological process of signal transduction, gene regulation, cell growth and development and so on. NM23A plays important roles in the pa-thology process of the tumor development and metastasis and cen-tral nerve system disease.

Comparison of Reconstruction Methods after Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Carcinoma in Terms of the Long Term Physiologic Function and Nutritional Status; Billroth I Gastroduodenostomy versus Roux-en Y Gastrojejunostomy

PURPOSE: The only curative treatment for gastric carcinoma is surgery and it is still under debate which reconstruction method is better after performing gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. The typical reconstruction methods after distal gastrectomy are Billroth I, Billroth II and Roux-en Y reconstruction. Yet it is difficult to compare these methods and not so much is known about which reconstruction is better in terms of the physiologic and nutritional function. With this background, we compared two reconstruction methods after distal gastrectomy (Billroth I versus Roux-en Y reconstruction) in terms of the long term physiologic function and nutritional status to create a reference for selecting reconstruction methods after distal gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1999 and 2002, 663 patients who underwent distal gastrectomy for early gastric carcinoma filled out questionnaires every six months after operation, and these questionnaires evaluated the physiologic function. To evaluate their nutritional status, blood tests were performed every six months to check their albumin, protein and hemoglobin levels, and we checked the body weight every 6 months as well. RESULTS: The total score of the 15 questions on the questionnaire concerned with the physiologic function showed no difference between the two groups at every evaluation time, and both groups showed very low total scores, indicating tolerable physiologic function after operation. When comparing each question between two the groups, only symptoms of regurgitation and food passage showed a difference between the two groups, showing that the Roux-en Y group had better function in terms of these two symptoms. The Billroth I group showed a better nutrition status, indicating that the level of albumin, protein and hemoglobin were higher in the Billroth I group, with statistical significance. Body weight loss was severe in the Roux-en Y group. CONCLUSION: The physiologic function is slightly better in the Roux-en Y group in terms of some symptoms such as regurgitation and food passage. However, the nutritional status is better in the Billroth I group. In conclusion, because we cannot definitely ascertain which reconstruction is better when we consider both the physiologic and nutritional functions, it is reasonable that surgeon should choose reconstruction methods according to their experience and preference.

The research progresses in the application of Beta carotene / 肠外与肠内营养

The beta-carotene is a typical kind of carotenoid family, which is not only the important source of vitamin A, but also has a significant physiologic effect on the human being. The beta-carotene may prevent, improve and even cure some diseases and can also improve the immune function of human being. Meanwhile, this carotene is a kind of natural pigments with high prices, and it also acts as drugs, nutritional supplements or the supplements to foods, forages and cosmetics.