Efficacy and Safety of Lianhua Qingwen for Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis / 中国结合医学杂志

BACKGROUND@#Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread around the world since its outbreak, and there is no ascertained effective drug up to now. Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW) has been widely used in China and overseas Chinese, which had some advantages in the treatment of COVID-19.@*OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy and safety of LHQW for COVID-19 by conducting a systematic review with meta-analysis.@*METHODS@#A comprehensive literature search was conducted in 12 electronic databases from their establishment to October 30, 2021. Note Express 3.2.0 was used for screening of trials, and the data was independently extracted in duplicate by 2 researchers. The risk of bias of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies were assessed by using the Cochrane collaboration tool and Newcastle Ottawa Scale, respectively, followed by data analysis using RevMan 5.3. The RCTs or retrospective studies to treat COVID-19 using LHQW were included. The intervention measures in the experimental group were LHQW alone or combined with chemical drugs (LCWC), and that in the control group were chemical drugs (CDs). Outcome measures included computed tomography (CT) recovery rate, disappearance rates of primary (fever, cough, fatigue), respiratory, gastrointestinal and other symptoms, exacerbation rate and adverse reaction. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to whether LHQW was combined with CDs and the different treatment methods in the control group.@*RESULTS@#Nine trials with 1,152 participants with COVID-19 were included. The CT recovery rates of LHQW and LCWC were 1.36 and 1.32 times of CDs, respectively (P<0.05). Compared with CDs, LCWC remarkably increased the disappearance rates of fever, cough, fatigue, expectoration, shortness of breath, and muscle soreness (P<0.05). LHQW also obviously decreased the exacerbation rate, which was 0.45 times of CDs alone (P<0.05). There was no obvious difference between LCWC and CDs in adverse reaction (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#LHQW was more suitable for treating COVID-19 patients with obvious expectoration, shortness of breath and muscle soreness. LHQW had advantages in treating COVID-19 with no obvious exacerbation. (PROSPERO No. CRD42021235937).

Risk factors for chronic subdural hematoma recurrence and the reoperation strategies in elderly patients / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the risk factors for chronic subdural hematoma(CSDH)recurrence and reoperation strategies in elderly patients.Methods:From October 2012 to December 2018, 56 patients aged 85 years and over with CSDHs undergoing surgery in our hospital were enrolled.After surgery, 12 patients had hematoma recurrence, of whom 11 received reoperation.The strategies of reoperation and the risk factors of recurrence were analyzed.Results:The average age was similar between patients with and without recurrence( t=0.308, P=0.759). However, the rates of recurrence between patients with mixed and with homogeneous density were significantly different(53.3% vs 12.8%, χ2=6.54, P=0.011), and there was also a significant difference in recurrent rate between patients with a small maximum thickness(1.0 cm to 2.5 cm)and those with a large maximum thickness(≥2.5 cm)before operation(12.5% vs 50.0%, χ2=4.753, P=0.029). Patients with a maximum thickness≥1.0 cm after surgery was associated with a comparable risk of hematoma recurrence compared with those with a thickness<1.0 cm(31.0% vs 12.0%, χ2=1.823, P=0.177). Most patients(10/11)achieved a good prognosis after reoperation. Conclusion:Reoperation can improve the quality of life in elderly patients with CSDH recurrence and without obvious contraindications.

Application of narrative family therapy in continuous nursing for elderly patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment non-dementia / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To explore the effect of continuing nursing care based on narrative family therapy for elderly patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment non-dementia (PSCIND). Methods One hundred elderly patients with PSCIND were firstly diagnosed in Sandun Hospital District of Zhejiang Hospital from January to December 2017, the patients discharged between January and June were set as a control group, and the patients discharged between July and December were arranged in an experimental group, 50 cases in each group. Finally, 46 cases in control group and 48 cases in experimental group completed the study. The control group was given routine continuing nursing; while the experimental group was given continuing nursing based on narrative family therapy. The differences of Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score and Caregiver Load Scale (ZBI) score between the two groups after 12 weeks of intervention were compared. Results There were no statistical significant differences in the scores of MoCA, MBI and ZBI between the two groups before intervention (all P > 0.05). After intervention, the MoCA score of experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group (24.61±2.03 vs. 22.98±2.34, P < 0.05), and the ZBI score was obviously lower than that of control group (34.89±7.12 vs. 38.17±6.53, P < 0.05). But, there was of no statistical significant difference in MBI score between experimental group and control group (54.65±6.32 vs. 52.33±7.36, P < 0.05). Conclusion Narrative family therapy in continuing nursing care can effectively improve the cognitive function of elderly patients with PSCIND and reduce the burden of caregivers.

Killing effect of icotinib combined with CIK on human lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective@#To explore the inhibitory effect of icotinib combined with cytokine induced killer (CIK) on various human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines in vitro.@*Methods@#The inhibitory effect of icotinib alone or icotinib combined with CIK on HCC827 and A549 cells was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry via Annexin V/PI staining. The effect of icotinib on CIK phenotype was detected by flow cytometry.@*Results@#The inhibitory rates of HCC827 cells treated with 1.5, 3, 6, 12 μmol/L icotinib were (5.64±0.05)%, (8.62±0.45)%, (14.57±0.65)% and (18.52±0.91)%, respectively. The inhibitory rates of A549 cells were (1.64±0.48)%, (2.09±0.28)%, (3.69±0.45)%, (4.41±0.58)%, respectively. At the same concentration, the inhibitory rate of HCC827 cells with icotinib treatment was significantly higher than that of A549 cells (P<0.05). When the effector/target ratio was 10∶1, 20∶1 or 40∶1, the inhibitory rates of HCC827 cells co-cultured with CIK were (15.17±2.33)%, (42.59±7.18)%, (62.59±8.95)%, respectively, and the inhibitory rates of A549 were(16.99±2.81)%, (46.31±1.89)%, (58.24±4.23)%, respectively. The inhibitory rate of HCC827 cells co-cultured with CIK was not significantly different from that of A549 cells at the same effector/target ratio (P10∶1=0.299, P20∶1=0.318, P40∶1=0.366). When the effector/target ratio of CIK combined with 6 μmol/L icotinib was 10∶1, 20∶1 or 40∶1, the inhibitory rates of HCC827 cells were (37.07±3.50)%, (76.03±6.55)%, (80.34±10.69)%, respectively, and the inhibitory rates of A549 cells were(25.72±1.41)%, (52.76±3.82)%, (62.26±1.94)%, respectively. The inhibitory rates of 6 μmol/L icotinib combined with CIK were significantly higher than those of icotinib group and CIK group alone at the same effector/target ratio (P<0.05), except for the effector/target ratio at 40︰1 on A549 cells (P=0.089). Moreover, all of the combination index (CI) of combined group were <1 (P<0.05). The apoptotic rates of HCC827 and A549 cells induced by icotinib combined with CIK were significantly higher than those of icotinib group and blank control group (P<0.05), especially the proportion of late apoptotic or necrotic cells.Increasing effector/target ratio of CIK contributed to stronger inhibition(P<0.05). The expressional rate of CIK phenotype with or without icotinib treatment was not significantly different from each other(P>0.05).@*Conclusions@#EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma cells are more sensitive to icotinib, while the EGFR mutation status has no effect on the killing effect of CIK cells. icotinib combined with CIK has a synergistic effect on the inhibition of tumor growth, and icotinib has no any impact on the phenotype of CIK cells.

Effect of intrathecal injection of dexmedetomidine on the behavioral activity, pain degree and expression of protein kinase C in the spinal dorsal horn in rat models of chronic neuropathic pain / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To analyze the effect of intrathecal injection of dexmedetomidine on the behavioral activity, pain degree and expression of protein kinase C in spinal dorsal horn of rat models of chronic neuropathic pain, and to investigate the analgesic mechanism of dexmedetomidine.Methods 75 healthy male rats were randomly divided into observation group, model group and control group, 25 rats in each group.Chronic sciatic nerve injury model was established in the observation group and model group.After modeling, intrathecal dexmedetomidine intervention was used in the observation group.The model group was treated with saline injection and there was no intervention in the control group.Before the modeling (BM)and at 3(D3), 5(D5), 7(D7), and 14 (D14)days after medicine administration, the behavioral capacity was evaluated by cumulative evaluation method and movement function evaluation, and the assessment of pain degree (mechanical withdrawal method and thermal withdrawal latency pain threshold detection method), PKC staining score (immunohistochemical SABC method), PKC mRNA assay (RT-PCR method) and PKC protein expression (Western blot) were conducted and the data were statistically analyzed.Results ① Before modeling, the behavior, the cumulative scores of motor function, MWT, and TWL showed no significant differences between the different groups (P>0.05).After modeling, the model group and observation group showed that the cumulative scores and motor function scores were increased significantly, MWT and TWL decreased significantly, and the changes in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05).After modeling, the cumulative scores, motor function scores, MWT, and TWL were significantly different between the groups (P<0.05).② The expression of PKC was negative in the control group and positive in the model group.In the observation group, after the initial establishment of model, the PKC was strongly positive, and along with the prolonged treatment, the PKC expression intensity was decreased, and only weakly positively expressed at 14 d.③ After modeling, the observation group and model group showed that the PKC mRNA and PKC protein expression levels were significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05).With the continuous drug administration, the PKC mRNA and PKC in the observation group were decreasing, and reached a level close to that of the control group at 14 d of drug administration.From the third day after modeling, at the same time points, the amount of PKC expression in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the model group (P<0.05).Conclusions Intrathecal injection of dexmedetomidine can improve the behavior of rat models with chronic neuropathic pain, and reduce the degree of pain.It may be related to the inhibition of protein kinase C expression in the spinal dorsal horn.

Effect and Safety of Sufentanil Combined with Propofol for Intravenous Anesthesia in Children Undergone Painless Gastroscopy / 中国药师

Objective:To investigate the effect and safety of sufentanil combined with propofol for intravenous anesthesia in chil-dren undergone painless gastroscopy. Methods:Totally 120 cases of children undergone painless gastroscopy were divided into the ob-servation group (60 cases) and the control group (60 cases) according to the random number method. The observation group was given sufentanil combined with propofol for anesthesia, and the control group was given fentanyl and propofol for anesthesia. The hemodynam-ic indices at the period of T0 (before the anesthesia), T1 (1 min after the anesthesia induction), T2 (checking), T3 (2min after the checking) and T4 ( at the end of testing) were compared between the groups, and the anesthesia situation, hospitalization time, dosage of propofol, fine/excellent rate of anesthesia and adverse reactions were also observed. Results:In T1, T2 and T3, the MAP ( mean arterial pressure) , HR ( heart rate) and RR ( respiratory rate) were declined in the two groups when compared with those in T0 ( P<0. 05), and those in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0. 05). The time of consciousness disap-pearance, eyes open, orientation force recovery and hospitalization in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group, and the propofol dosage in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P<0. 05) . The excellent number and rate of the observation group were better than those of the control group (P<0. 05), and the incidence of apnea of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Sufentanil combined with propofol for anesthesia in children undergone painless gastroscopy has the properties of fast onset and recovery, stable hemodynamic indices during the operation and high safety, which is worthy of promoted application.

Properties and application of embolic biomaterials / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Endovascular embolization materials have been produced and used clinicaly, but new problems constantly occur in the clinical application and new demands are also developed for embolic materials. OBJECTIVE:To retrospectively analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various types of embolic materials and to investigate the relationship between application fields and selection of embolic materials, thereby providing a reference for clinical treatment. METHODS:CNKI and PubMed databases were retrieved for relevant literature, and then embolic materials were systemicaly reviewed based on relevant clinical application and basic research literature in the folowing aspects: embolism mechanisms, clinical applications, advantages and disadvantages of various embolic materials. In this review, the existing problems in the current study were pointed out, and the development direction of relevant research and clinical application were also prospected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Embolic materials should have biodegradability and biocompatibility. Current embolic materials include absorbable gelatin sponge, Polyvinylalcohol embolic agent, micro-coils and liquid embolic materials. Gelatin embolic material has no antigenicity and good histocompatibility, as wel as has excelent compressibility and water re-expansibility. Polyvinylalcohol particles are a polymer material that is insoluble in water, has high expansion coefficient, mechanical embolization, non-alergenic reaction, no acute systemic toxicity, no intracutaneous irritation, and can be used safely and effectively. Adhesive liquid embolic material has no vascular toxicity and has been widely used. Endovascular embolization materials have been produced in succession, and meanwhile, new problems in clinical applications have been found and new demands for embolic materials have been put forward continuously. Thus, a variety of embolic materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, and none of embolic materials can be applied to al diseases. To select an appropriate embolic material is very important for safe and effective treatment.

Outcome comparison of lisfranc injuries treated through dorsal plate fixation versus screw fixation

O objetivo deste estudo prospectivo foi testar se o tratamentode lesões de Lisfranc com redução aberta e fixação da placadorsal teria os mesmos resultados funcionais, ou melhores, do quetratamento padrão com fixação com parafuso transarticular. Métodos:Sessenta pacientes com lesão articular de Lisfranc foram tratadospor redução aberta e fixação da placa dorsal ou pelo método padrãopor fixação de parafusos. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por,em média, 31 meses. A avaliação foi realizada com base na queixaprincipal dos pacientes, exame clínico, radiografia, e escala AOFAS.Resultados: Trinta e dois pacientes foram tratados com redução abertae fixação da placa dorsal, e vinte e oito pacientes foram tratadoscom redução aberta e fixação com parafuso. Depois de dois anos deacompanhamento, a média do escore AOFAS foi de 83,1 pontos nogrupo de fixação da placa dorsal e 78,5 pontos no grupo de fixaçãocom parafusos (p <0,01). Do grupo de fixação com placa dorsal, aanálise radiográfica revelou redução anatômica em vinte e nove pacientes(90,6%, 29/32) e redução não anatômica em três pacientes.Do grupo de fixação com parafuso, a análise radiográfica revelou reduçãoanatômica em vinte e três pacientes e redução não anatômicaem cinco pacientes (82,1%, 23/28). Conclusões: A redução abertae fixação com placa dorsal para lesão de Lisfranc deslocada têmmelhor resultado a curto e médio prazo e uma taxa de reoperaçãoinferior do que a técnica padrão de redução aberta e fixação interna(RAFI) com parafuso. Em nossa experiência, recomendamos o usode placa dorsal em RAFI nas lesões de Lisfranc deslocadas. Nívelde Evidência II, Estudo Prospectivo Comparativo...

The objective of this prospective study was to testwhether the treatment of Lisfranc injuries with open reductionand dorsal plate fixation would have the same or better functionaloutcomes as treatment with standard trans-articular screwfixation. Methods: Sixty patients with primarily isolated Lisfrancjoint injury were treated by open reduction and dorsal platefixation or standard screw fixation. The patients were followedon average for 31 months. Evaluation was performed with patients’chief complaint, clinical examination, radiography, andAOFAS Midfoot Scale. Results: Thirty two patients were treatedwith open reduction and dorsal plate fixation, and twenty eightpatients were treated with open reduction and screw fixation.After two years follow-up, the mean AOFAS Midfoot score was83.1 points in the dorsal plate fixation group and 78.5 points inthe screw fixation group (p<0.01). Of the dorsal plate fixationgroup, radiographic analysis revealed anatomic reduction intwenty-nine patients (90.6%, 29/32) and nonanatomic reductionin three patients. Of the screw fixation group, radiographicanalysis revealed anatomic reduction in twenty-three patientsand nonanatomic reduction in five patients (82.1%, 23/28).Conclusions: Open reduction and dorsal plate fixation for adislocated Lisfranc injury do have better short and median termoutcome and a lower reoperation rate than standard screw ORIF.In our experience, we recommend using dorsal plate in ORIF ondislocated Lisfranc injuries. Level of Evidence II, ProspectiveComparative Study...

Comparison of effect of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage treated by two different methods / 中国基层医药

Objective To compare the clinical effect of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage treated by small bone window craniotomy or craniotomy.Methods 192 cases of patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage treated were selected and divided into minimally invasive group and flap group randomly.Small bone window craniotomy was used in minimally invasive group,while large trauma craniotomy was used in flap group.Complications,rebleeding and short and long term efficacy were recorded and compared.Results 6 cases(6.3％) of.incidence of complications in minimally invasive group,while 14 cases(14.56％) in flap group,the rate in the former group was lower than that in the latter group (x2 =51.308,P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference of rebleeding between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).3 weeks later,GCS score was (10.9 ± 1.8),GOS score (3.3 ± 0.6),BI index (47.8 ±11.5) and 64 cases' nerve function improved (66.7 ％) in minimally invasive group,while GCS score (10.1 ± 2.5),GOS score(2.7 ±0.8),BI index (33.5 ± 15.4) and 31 cases' nerve function improved(32.3％) in flap group.The GOS score,BI index and the situation of nerve function improvement were better in minimally invasive group than that in flap group(t =15.758,56.529,x2 =72.149,P ＜0.05).None of the patients were dead,and there were no significant differences of GCS score between the two groups(P ＞0.05).6 months later,no significant difference of GCS score and mortality were found between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).but the mean score of GOS and BI index were higher than those in flap group (t =11.647,32.990,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Both large trauma craniotomy and small bone window craniotomy could reach therapeutic purposes.However,intraoperative and postoperative complications could be deceased by small bone window craniotomy,and short and long term GOS score and BI are higher,the short term nerve function improvement is better.

Tratamento das fraturas femorais subtrocantéricas com placas de bloqueio lateral da parte proximal do fêmur / The treatment of femoral subtrochanteric fractures with the proximal lateral femur locking plates

OBJETIVO: Estudar o desfecho de fraturas subtrocantéricas de quadril tratadas com placa de bloqueio lateral da parte proximal do fêmur. MÉTODO: Revisamos retrospectivamente os resultados clínicos de 48 casos de fraturas subtrocantéricas tratadas com placas de bloqueio lateral da parte proximal do fêmur de janeiro de 2008 a maio de 2010. Registrou-se o progresso da consolidação da fratura, assim como a ocorrência de complicações. A função da articulação do quadril foi avaliada pelo índice social de Harris e o escore de mobilidade de Parker-Palmer, um ano após a cirurgia. RESULTADO: Quarenta e cinco pacientes foram acompanhados até a união da fratura ou a revisão da cirurgia. Entre os 45 pacientes, 43 atingiram a união da fratura sem outra intervenção. Trinta e oito fraturas consolidaram sem perda da posição no acompanhamento de um ano. Não houve casos de perfuração da cabeça do fêmur pelo parafuso. O escore médio do índice social de Harris foi 86,5 ± 9,8 (73 ~95). A média do escore de mobilidade de Parker e Palmer foi 7,4 ± 2,1 (3~ 9). CONCLUSÃO: A placa de bloqueio lateral da parte proximal do fêmur é o tipo de fixação interna estável e efetiva para tratar as fraturas subtrocantéricas de quadril e tem a vantagem de fixação estável, em especial em fratura da parede lateral do fêmur. Nível de evidência IV, Série de Casos.

OBJECTIVE: To study the outcome of subtrochanteric hip fractures treated by using a proximal lateral femur locking plate. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical results of 48 cases of femoral subtrochanteric fractures treated with proximal lateral femur locking plates from Jan 2008 to May 2010. The progress of fracture healing, as well as the occurrence of complications, was recorded. The function of the hip joint was evaluated by Harris social index and the Parker and Palmer mobility score at 1 year after the operation. RESULT: 45 patients were followed up until fracture union or a revision surgery. Among the 45 patients, 43 patients obtained fracture union without further intervention. 38 fractures healed with no loss of position at the 1-year follow-up. There were no cases of hip screw cutting through the femoral head. The mean score of Harris social index was 86.5±9.8 (73~95). The mean Parker and Palmer mobility score was 7.4±2.1 (3~9). CONCLUSION: The proximal lateral femur locking plate is the kind of stable and effective internal fixation of treating subtrochanteric hip fractures which has the advantage of stable fixation especially for the lateral femoral wall fracture. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Absorption kinetics of fenofibrate nanosuspension in rat intestine in situ / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the absorption kinetics of fenofibrate nanosuspension in rat intestine. METHODS: The intestine of rats was cannulated for in situ recirculation. UV spectrophotometry was used to determine the concentrations of phenol red while HPLC was used to determine the concentrations of fenofibrate and fenofibric acid. RESULTS: The fenofibrate nanosuspension exhibited substantial absorption enhancement in entire intestine compared to the crude drug solution. The difference in drug absorption at concentrations from 50 to 200 μg · mL-1 between fenofibrate nanosuspension and crude drug solution was not significant. Different pH values of K-R buffer had no effect on the intestinal permeability (Papp) and absorption rate constant (KR) for the two dosage forms. The absorption rate constants (h-1) of fenofibrate nanosuspension at duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon were (0.373 ± 0.0021), (0.329 ± 0.0008), (0.362 ± 0.0014), and (0.347 ± 0.0079), respectively. CONCLUSION: Fenofibrate nanosuspension can be well absorbed in the whole intestinal segments. The absorption of fenofibrate nanosuspension in rat intestine is a first order process with passive diffusion mechanism.

The effect of large trauma craniotomy with bilateral frontal coronal incision on the efficacy and prognosis of patients with contusion and laceration of bilateral frontal lobes / 中国医师进修杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy of large trauma craniotomy with bilateral frontal coronal incision in treating contusion and laceration of bilateral frontal lobes.MethodsThe clinical data of 68 patients with contusion and laceration of bilateral frontal lobes who were treated with bilateral decompressive craniectomy were analyzed retrospectively.There were 36 cases(observation group) treated with large trauma craniotomy with bilateral frontal coronal incision and 32 cases (control group) given bilateral decompressive craniectomy by stages.The prognosis of two groups were observed and compared.The prognosis was evaluated at 6 months after surgery by Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score.ResultsThere were 23 cases (63.89％,23/36) who got good recovery,8 cases(22.22％,8/36) with poor prognosis and 5 dead cases (13.89％,5/36) in observation group.There were 11 cases (34.38％,11/32) who got good recovery,9 cases (28.12％,9/32) with poor prognosis and 12 dead cases (37.50％,12/32) in control group.The rate of good recovery and mortality between two groups had significant differences (P ＜ 0.05).ConclusionsThe large trauma craniotomy with bilateral frontal coronal incision can significantly relieve or ease intracranial hypertension of patients with contusion and laceration of bilateral frontal lobes.And it can improve the prognosis and decrease the mortality.

Treatment of thoracalumbar fractures with pedicle-screw placement on the level of injured vertebrae / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical results of pedicle-screw placement and reduction on the level of injured vertebrae in treating thoracolumbar fractures.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2006 to May 2009, 27 patients with thoracolumbar fractures were treated with short-segment fixation system and pedicle-screw placement on injured vertebrae through posterior approach. There were 19 males and 8 females with an average age of 36 years old ranging from 24 to 68 years. Eleven patients were injuried by traffic accident, 9 patients were injuried by falling from high, 5 patients were injuried by crush from weighty object, 2 patients were others injuries. Thoracolumbar fractures were classified according to Gertibein classification: 2 cases were of type A1, 3 cases A2, 12 cases A3, 5 cases B1, 5 cases B2. Among them, 14 cases were accompanied with spinal cord injuries,functional assessment of nerves was assessed according to Frankel criteria: 5 cases were of grade B, 3 cases C, 6 cases D. Lumbago according to Denis standard, grade P5 was in all cases. The injured level of 5 cases was in T11, 11 cases in T12, 8 cases in L1, 3 cases in L2. From injury to operation it was 2-15 days with an average of 4 days. The ratio of vertebral height between anterior and posterior border, anteroposterior Cobb angle were compared before and after operation. Function of nerves and index of lumbago were evaluated by Frankel and Denis classification.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up from 14 to 17 months with the mean of 15.5 months. At final follow-up,according to Frankel score system to evaluate function of nerve,2 cases were of grade B, 4 case grade C, 3 cases grade D, 5 cases grade E; according to Denis score system to evaluate index of lumbago, there was P1 (without pain) in 17 cases, P2 (between whiles minute pain, need not treatment) in 8 cases, P3 (moderate pain, between whiles need medication) in 2 cases. The ratio of vertebral height between anterior and posterior border from preoperatively 0.32 +/- 0.14 to postoperatively 0.85 +/- 0.03 (P<0.01); anteroposterior Cobb angle from preoperatively (25.3 +/- 7.8) degrees to postoperatively (11.1 +/- 1.5) degrees (P<0.01). At final follow-up, the ratio of vertebral height between anterior and posterior border, anteroposterior Cobb angle were respectively 0.81 +/- 0.06 and (11.8 +/- 1.9) degrees, there was no significant difference between postoperative and at final follow-up (P>0.05). No complications such as infection, internal fixation failure,nerve injuries were found during follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Posterior short-segment fixation system and pedicle-screw placement on level of injured vertebrae is one kind of effective method in treating thoracolumbar fracture, which can maintain corrective effect and obtain better clinical outcomes.</p>

Significance of IL-1beta-induced ectopic expression of CDX2 in the intestinal metaplasia of gastric epithelium / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of IL-1beta on the expression of CDX2 in human gastric epithelial cell line GES-1 and its role in the intestinal metaplasia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>GES-1 cells were treated with IL-1beta in different concentrations and the expressions of CDX2 mRNA and protein were detected by real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry and Western blot at different time points. GES-1 cells were then pre-treated with NF-KappaB pathway inhibitor PDTC, and the expression of CDX2 mRNA and protein induced by IL-1beta were detected. The cell ultra-structure of GES-1 cells was observed by electronic microscope after GES-1 being treated with IL-1beta for 25 days.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Levels of CDX2 mRNA and protein were 0.0749 + or - 0.0021 and 0.56 + or - 0.04 in the cells treated with 1 microg/L IL-1beta(P<0.05). After pre-treatment with PDTC, levels of CDX2 mRNA and protein were 0.0006 + or - 0.0002 and 0.40 + or - 0.06(P<0.05). Some changes in the cell ultra-structure of GES-1 were found by electronic microscope when GES-1 was treated with IL-1beta for 25 days.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>IL-1beta can stimulate CDX2 mRNA and protein expression in GES-1 cells through the NF-KappaB signal pathway, indicating that IL-1beta plays an important role in the intestinal metaplasia.</p>

The power of linkage analysis on PAH gene in prenatal gene diagnosis is improved with three additional short tandem repeat markers / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To increase the success rate of prenatal diagnosis for classical phenylketonuria(PKU).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three new short tandem repeat (STR) markers (PAH26, PAH32 and PAH9) within and surrounding phenylalanine hydroxylase(PAH) gene were selected for amplified fragment length polymorphism. The allele frequencies and polymorphism information contests (PIC) were determined in Chinese population.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The PIC of these three new STR markers was 0.518 (PAH26), 0.413 (PAH32) and 0.362 (PAH9) respectively. There was linkage disequilibrium between PAH9 marker and PAH-STR marker (TCTA)n in the intron 3 of PAH gene. The linkage phase of the mutant genes and the markers was established using the combination of PAH-STR, PAH26 and PAH32 in 95% families. Prenatal diagnosis was performed successfully with these markers in four cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>By selecting or combining the three STR markers, the mutant genes could be distinguished from the normal allele in up to 95% of families with classical PKU.</p>

Effects of paeoniflorin on pathological changes in global brain ischemia model rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of paeoniflorin on blood brain barrier and pathological changes in brain ischemia.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Mice were divided into sham operation group, model group, positive control group-Deng zhanhua tablet group and three different dose (high, middle, low-dose) groups of paeoniflorin. The neurological symptoms of rats were observed. The SOD of ischemic brain tissue, MDA BBB and EAA contents were determined. The ultrastructure on the brain cells was inspected by transmission electron microscope.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Paeoniflorin had the protetive effects on 4VO model of total cerebral ischemia. Paeoniflorin could obviously increase SOD content, reduce MDA content in rat brain-tissue and alleviate oxidative stress damage by cerebral ischemia on rat brain. Paeoniflorin could improve pathological changes of cell nuclear, perikaryon, mitochondria and myelin sheath, which was the morphologic basis of the protective effect on ischemia. Paeoniflorin could alleviate the incrense of EAA content caused by and hypoxia and inhibit the excitatory neural toxicity by EAA.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Paeoniflorin has the protection effect on the brain edema after cerebral ischemia, the oxidative stress damage on brain tissue, the ultrastructure lesions of cells and the BBB. The protective mechanism may be related to inhibiting intracellular calcium overload, anti-free radical and reducing EAA content.</p>

Decreased A-type potassium current mediates the hyperexcitability of nociceptive neurons in the chronically compressed dorsal root ganglia / 生理学报

The excitability of nociceptive neurons increases in the intact dorsal root ganglion (DRG) after a chronic compression, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the ionic mechanisms underlying the hyperexcitability of nociceptive neurons in the compressed ganglion. Chronic compression of DRG (CCD) was produced in adult rats by inserting two rods through the intervertebral foramina to compress the L4 DRG and the ipsilateral L5 DRG. After 5-7 d, DRG somata were dissociated and placed in culture for 12-18 h. In sharp electrode recording model, the lower current threshold and the depolarized membrane potential in the acutely dissociated CCD neurons were detected, indicating that hyperexcitability is intrinsic to the soma. Since voltage-gated K(+) (Kv) channels in the primary sensory neurons are important for the regulation of excitability, we hypothesized that CCD would alter K(+) current properties in the primary sensory neurons. We examined the effects of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a specific antagonist of A-type potassium channel, on the excitability of the control DRG neurons. With 4-AP in the external solution, the control DRG neurons depolarized (with discharges in some cells) and their current threshold decreased as the CCD neurons demonstrated, indicating the involvement of decreased A-type potassium current in the hyperexcitability of the injured neurons. Furthermore, the alteration of A-type potassium current in nociceptive neurons in the compressed ganglion was investigated with the whole-cell patch-clamp recording model. CCD significantly decreased A-type potassium current density in nociceptive DRG neurons. These data suggest that a reduction in A-type potassium current contributes, at least in part, to the increase in neuron excitability that may lead to the development of pain and hyperalgesia associated with CCD.

Postnatal and prenatal diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter syndrome) / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II, Hunter syndrome, OMIM 309900) is an X-linked recessive lysosomal storage disease resulting from a deficiency of iduronte-2-sulphate sulphatase (IDS). The present study aimed to establish an enzyme assay method for IDS activity for carrying out postnatal and prenatal diagnosis of MPS II by means of IDS activity assay on plasma, uncultured chorionic villi (CV) and cultured amniotic fluid cells (AF cell) using a new synthesized substrate.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A fluorigenic substrate (4-methylumbelliferyl-alpha-iduronate-2-sulphate, MU-alpha-Idu-2S) was used for the assay of IDS activity. IDS activity in plasma was determined for diagnosis of the proband. Prenatal diagnosis in 10 pregnancies at risk was carried out according to IDS activity on uncultured CV at 11th week or on cultured AF cell at 18th week of gestation. At the same time, IDS activity was also determined in the maternal plasmas to observe the change of IDS activity in pregnancy. The fetal sex determination was performed by PCR amplification of the ZFX/ZFY genes.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The IDS activity in plasma of normal controls and obligate heterozygotes were 240.2 - 668.2 nmol/(4 hxml) and 88.7 - 547.9 nmol/(4 hxml), respectively, while the enzyme activities in plasmas were in the range of 0.3 - 18.6 nmol/(4 hxml) in affected male. The IDS activities were 37.2 - 54.9 nmol/(4 hxmg protein) and 21.4 - 74.4 nmol/(4 hxmg protein) in CV and cultured AF cells respectively. Out of 50 suspected cases, 46 were diagnosed as having MPS II and 4 were excluded. Prenatal diagnosis was performed on 10 pregnancies at risk. Four of 5 male fetuses [IDS activity were 4.7, 1.8, 7.0 nmol/(4hxmg protein) in CV, 0.6 nmol/(4 hxmg protein) in AF cell] were diagnosed as having MPS II and the other 5 fetuses were normal females [IDS activity were: 48.7, 5.9, 25.2 nmol/(4 hxmg protein) in CV, 55.2, 40.9 nmol/(4 hxmg protein) in AF cell]. Increased IDS activity was observed in plasma of the pregnant women with unaffected fetuses, while the IDS activity decreased in pregnancies with affected fetuses. IDS activity of one female fetus was very low [5.9 nmol/(4 hxmg protein)], but the IDS activity in maternal plasmas increased, this fetus was a normal female.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The method using a synthesized fluorigenic 4-methylumbelliferyl-substrate was a sensitive, rapid and convenient assay of IDS activity and was reliable for early prenatal diagnosis. Determination of fetal sex would be helpful in excluding the female fetus with low IDS activity from being considered as an affected male fetus. It would be further helpful if IDS activity in maternal plasma was taken into account.</p>

Influence of dexamethasone on fusion of embryonic palatal medial edge epithelium in mouse palatal shelves in vitro / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of dexamethasone on the differentiation and proliferation of type A mouse palatal medial edge epithelial cells when there is type A mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The mouse palatal shelves were harvested from a female mouse of gestation day 14 by microsurgical dissection and cultured in vitro. The differentiation was investigated through microscope and transmission electron microscope under condition of the palatal shelves fusion.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Dexamethasone promoted the palatal medial edge epithelium differentiated into squamause epithelium and affected normal development and obstructed the fusion of mouse palatal shelves.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results of histological observation indicate that dexamethasone promotes the proliferation of palatal meseuchymal cells and inhibits the normal differentiation of palatal medial edge epithelial cells, which results in cleft palate.</p>

Detection of the gene-deleted female carriers of Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy using a fluorescent in situ hybridization based method / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To set up a fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) based method to detect the gene-deleted female carriers of Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the gene deletion DMD/BMD probands and their female relatives were checked by double-color FISH.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Two probands whose exon 46 of dystrophin gene was deleted, one had a positive pedigree and the other was a sporatic patient. In the case of the positive pedigree, four carriers were detected. In the case of the sporatic family, FISH showed that the mother of the proband was a somatic mosaicism.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combined with multiplex PCR, double-color FISH is a simple, fast, directly visual and accurate method. It is feasible to identify the carrier status of the female relatives of the gene deletion DMD/BMD probands. The detection of the somatic mosaicism is a prominent feature of FISH.</p>