Effect of Angelica dahurica extract and imperatorin on gouty arthritis / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of Angelica dahurica extract and imperatorin on gouty arthritis induced by monosodium urate(MSU)crystal.Methods The model of gouty arthritis was established by injecting MSU crystals into the left ankle of rats.The degree of ankle swelling was measured at 0-24 h in rats.The histopathological changes of synovial tissues were observed.Meanwhile the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(caspase-1), interleukin-1 receptor type 1(IL-1R1), interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR in synovial tissues.Results Angelica dahurica extract and imperatorin significantly reduced MSU induced left ankle swelling in rats, and improved inflammatory infiltration in synovial tissues.The expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, caspase-1, IL-1R1, IL-6, TNF-α protein or mRNA in synovial tissues decreased significantly.Conclusion Angelica dahurica extract and its active component imperatorin could ameliorate gouty arthritis, which supplys basic data support for its clinical application.

Betulin Targets Lipin1/2-Meidated P2X7 Receptor as a Therapeutic Approach to Attenuate Lipid Accumulation and Metaflammation

The present study focused on the potential mechanism of betulin (BT), a pentacyclic triterpenoid isolated from the bark of white birch (Betula pubescens), against chronic alcohol-induced lipid accumulation and metaflammation. AML-12 and RAW 264.7 cells were administered ethanol (EtOH), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or BT. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed Lieber-DeCarli liquid diets containing 5% EtOH for 4 weeks, followed by single EtOH gavage on the last day and simultaneous treatment with BT (20 or 50 mg/ kg) by oral gavage once per day. In vitro, MTT showed that 0-25 mM EtOH and 0-25 μM BT had no toxic effect on AML-12 cells. BT could regulate sterolregulatory-element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), lipin1/2, P2X7 receptor (P2X7r) and NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) expressions again EtOH-stimulation. Oil Red O staining also indicated that BT significantly reduced lipid accumulation in EtOH-stimulated AML-12 cells. Lipin1/2 deficiency indicated that BT might mediate lipin1/2 to regulate SREBP1 and P2X7r expression and further alleviate lipid accumulation and inflammation. In vivo, BT significantly alleviated histopathological changes, reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and triglyceride (TG) levels, and regulated lipin1/2, SREBP1, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α/γ (PPARα/γ) and PGC-1α expression compared with the EtOH group. BT reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors and blocked the P2X7rNLRP3 signaling pathway. Collectively, BT attenuated lipid accumulation and metaflammation by regulating the lipin1/2-mediated P2X7r signaling pathway.

Betulinic acid mediates STAT3 signaling pathway in regulating hepatic fibrosis / 中国药理学通报

Aim To survey the effect of betulinic acid against hepatic fibrosis via STAT3 signaling pathway. Methods Raw264. 7 cells were incubated with LPS (1 mg · L

Relationship between the establishment of percutaneous renal access and injury of the renal blood vessels using different puncture pathways in an animal model / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To compare the injury of renal blood vessels using different puncture pathways and access sizes.Methods:Between April 2018 and June 2019, eighty fresh pig kidneys were selected to perform percutaneous puncture and dilation, which was used to compare the injury of renal blood vessels with different puncture pathways and access sizes. The puncture pathway included the centerline of the normal renal pyramid (A), centreline of one side pyramid of the fused renal pyramid (FRP) (B), midline of the entire FRP (C) and midline of the renal column (D). The access size included F8, F12, F16, F20, F24 and F30. Histopathological methods were used to analyze the injury of renal blood vessels.Results:The puncture through paths A and B mainly caused injury to the grade Ⅴ and Ⅵ arteries in renal cortex. The puncture often directly injures the grade Ⅳ artery in path C. The puncture often simultaneously injures the grade Ⅲ-Ⅵ arteries in path D. Grade Ⅲ artery injury began to occur when paths A, B, C, and D were dilated to F30, F24, F16, and F12, respectively. The degree of arterial injury among the four different puncture pathways was significantly different in F8, F12, F16, F20, F24 and F30 ( P<0.05). Statistical differences were found between paths A and D in F12, F16, F20, F24 and F30 ( P<0.05), and between paths A and C in F16, F20 and F24 ( P<0.05). No significant difference was found between paths A and B in all access sizes ( P>0.05). Compared with F8, the degree of arterial injury of the F30 in path A and the F24 and F30 in path B were increased significantly ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Vascular injury in path D was the most serious followed by that in path C. Relatively little vascular injury can be achieved in paths A and B. The vascular injury increased when the path B was dilated to F24, while the path A needed to be dilated to F30.

Gentiopicroside Ameliorates the Progression from Hepatic Steatosis to Fibrosis Induced by Chronic Alcohol Intake

In current study, we aimed to investigate whether the gentiopicroside (GPS) derived from Gentiana manshurica Kitagawa could block the progression of alcoholic hepatic steatosis to fibrosis induced by chronic ethanol intake. C57BL/6 mice were fed an ethanol- containing Lieber-DeCarli diet for 4 weeks. LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells were treated with GPS 1 h prior to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) stimulation, and murine hepatocyte AML12 cells were pretreated by GPS 1 h prior to ethanol treatment. GPS inhibited the expression of type I collagen (collagen I), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and tissue inhibitor of metal protease 1 in ethanol-fed mouse livers with mild fibrosis. In addition, the imbalanced lipid metabolism induced by chronic ethanol-feeding was ameliorated by GPS pretreatment, characterized by the modulation of lipid accumulation. Consistently, GPS inhibited the expression of collagen I and α-SMA in LX-2 cells stimulated by TGF-β. Inhibition of lipid synthesis and promotion of oxidation by GPS were also confirmed in ethanol-treated AML12 cells. GPS could prevent hepatic steatosis advancing to the inception of a mild fibrosis caused by chronic alcohol exposure, suggesting GPS might be a promising therapy for targeting the early stage of alcoholic liver disease.

Dihydroquercetin ameliorates alcoholic liver steatosis through P2x7R-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE Dihydroquercetin(TAX)is the most abundant dihydroflavone found in on-ions,milk thistle and Douglas fir bark.We investigated whether TAX could inhibit the lipid accumulation in alcoholic liver steatosis in vivo and in vitro.METHODS An in vivo model was established by intragas-trically treating mice with ethanol,and an in vitro model was created by treating HepG2 cells with etha-nol.RESULTS TAX regulated Sterol Regulatory Element-binding Protein-1(SREBP1)and Acetyl CoA Carboxylase (ACC) expression via elevating Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1)/ AMP-activated Kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. Also, TAX upregulated SIRT1 expression, which suppressed by ethanal intake. Suppression of Purinergic 2X7 receptor (P2x7R), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like re-ceptor protein 3(NLRP3)and Cysteine protease-1(caspase-1)cleavage by TAX resulted in the inhibi-tion of Interleukin-1β(IL-1β) production and release. Additionally, TAX reduced lipogenesis and pro-moted lipid oxidation via the regulation of AMPK and ACC in ethanol-treated steatotic HepG2 cell.TAX downregulated IL-1β cleavage response to Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) plus adenosine triphosphate(ATP) stimulation in HepG2 cells. P2x7R deficiency attenuated lipid accumulation with increasing AMPK activity and decreasing SREBP1 expression in ethanol-treated HepG2 cells.CONCLUSION Our data showed that TAX exhibited the inhibitory properties on lipogenesis and hepatoprotective ca-pacity,indicating that TAX has therapeutic potential for preventing alcoholic liver steatosis.

Toll-like receptor 4-related regulation of Ornithogalum caudatum extract on inflammatory responses in LPS activated macrophages / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)-related the regulation of Ornithog-alum caudatum extract(OCE)on inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)activated macro-phages.METHODS Primary peritoneal macrophage,Raw 264.7,and THP-1 were incubated in 96-well plate for 24 h and treated with OCE of the concentration of 0-400 μg/ml for 4h.The viability of cells was measured by MTT assay.Specific concentrations of OCE were added into the medium of primary peri-toneal macrophage, Raw 264.7, and THP-1, respectively, then following with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Cells were harvested and the total cellular protein and nuclear protein were extracted, and the protein content was determined using BCA protein assay Kit.The expressions of TLR4,inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),cyclooxygenase 2(COX-2),α-inhibitor of NF-κB(IκB-α)and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)were assayed by Western blot.The expressions of interleukin-1α(IL-1α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-18(IL-18),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were measured by RT-PCR.RESULTS The results of MTT showed that OCE has no cytotoxicity in Raw 264.7 cells between 1.56 μg/ml and 400 μg/ml. Compared with normal group,the expressions of TLR4,iNOS,COX-2,NF-κB and IL-1α,IL-1β,IL-18, TNF-α,the level of nitric oxide(NO)were significantly increased by LPS stimulation,while OCE pretreat-ment reduced these increase induced by LPS. However, OCE pretreatment reversed the reduction of IκB-α after LPS stimulation.CONCLUSION OCE might suppress TLR4 expression and block the inflamma-tion process of NF-κB and iNOS,further decrease the expression of COX-2 and inhibit the release of inflammatory factors.

Pleurotus citrinopileatus alleviates alcohol-induced fatty liver via upregulating AMPK signaling / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE The current study was designed to investigate the anti-steatosis effect of Pleurotus citrinopileatus extract (PC) and the underlying mechanism in vivo and in vitro. METHODS Acute and chronic alcoholic hepatosteatosis murine models and ethanol-treated HepG2 cells were applied. RESULTS In vitro,the anti-steatosis effect of PC was further confirmed via Nile red staining in HepG2 cells treated with ethanol.Both of acute and chronic alcohol-induced mice hepatosteatosis model,PC decreased serum aminotransferase and triglyceride accumulation. Upregulated sterol-regulatory element binding protein1(Srebp1),purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7receptor(P2X7R)and downregulated sirtuin1 (SIRT1), adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) caused by acute and chronic alcohol intake were modulated by PC.In ethanol-exposed HepG2 cells,PC reduced lipid accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner and exhibited superior ability in controlling lipid accumulation compared with metformin. CONCLUSION PC could abolish hepatic lipid accumulation through regulating SIRT1-AMPKα signaling in acute and chronic alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis.

Gentiopicroside ameliorates LKB1/AMPK-dependent alcoholic hepatosteatosis via P2x7R-NLRP3 inflammasome / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE Regulating P2x7R- NLRP3 inflammasome activation might be a potentialtherapeutic strategy to treat alcoholic hepatosteatosis. We investigated whether this process would be modulated by gentiopicroside (GPS), which is attributed to the bitterness of gentian root extract. METHODSAn in vivo model was established by intragastrically treating mice with ethanol, and an in vitro modelwas created by treating HepG2 cells with ethanol or treating RAW 264.7 macrophages and murinebone marrow- derived macrophages (BMDMs) with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) plus adenosine triphos-phate (ATP). RESULTS In alcoholic hepatosteatotic mice model, GPS decreased serum aminotrans-ferase and triglyceride accumulation. GPS regulated sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (Srebp1),peroxisome proliferators- actived receptors α (PPARα) and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) expressionvia elevating liver kinase B1 (LKB1)/AMP-activated Kinase (AMPK). Suppression of nucleotide-bindingoligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1 and expression by GPS resulted inthe inhibition of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production. In ethanol-exposed HepG2 cells, GPS reduced lipo-genesis and promoted lipid oxidation via P2x7R- NLRP3 inflammasome activation. P2x7R silencingenhanced AMPK activity, and reduced Srebp1 expression in ethanol-treated hepatocytes. GPS down-regulated P2x7R-mediated inflammatory response to extracellular ATP in LPS-primed RAW 264.7 macro-phages and BMDMs. Additionally, P2x7R deficiency attenuated IL- 1β cleavage in RAW 264.7 macro-phages, and GPS further suppressed IL-1β cleavage. CONCLUSION Activation of LKB1/AMPK signalingby GPS might be mediated by P2x7R-NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting a therapeutic utility of P2x7Rblockade in alcoholic hepatosteatosis treatment.

Correlation between serum vitamin D level and dyslipidaemias in medical staff / 预防医学

Objective To explore the relationship between low serum vitamin D levels and dyslipidaemias in medical staff. Methods A total of 754 medical staff that get physical examination in our hospital were enrolled in this study. Venous blood samples were obtained, then serum 25 (OH) D and lipids level were measured. Then the blood biochemical indexes of medical staff with different levels of vitamin D were compared and the correlation between 25 (OH) D and blood lipid related biochemical indexes were analyzed. Results The average serum 25 (OH) D in the 754 subjects was (15.94±7.41) ng/mL. Patients in severe vitamin D deficient group were 156 (20.69％), and in vitamin D deficient group were 418 (57.89％), as well as in vitamin D inadequate group were 147 (19.50％) and in vitamin D adequate group were 33 (4.38％) . After adjustment of age and gender, a significantly negative correlation was found between 25 (OH) D and BMI (r=-0.090, P=0.013), TC (r=-0.309, P<0.001), TG (r=-0.079, P=0.030) and LDL-C (r=-0.143, P<0.001) . Further multivariate linear regression analysis showed that TC was negatively correlated with vitamin D (β'=-0.298, P <0.001) . Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency is very common among medical staff and we should pay attention to this condition. Vitamin D deficiency is related to the increasing of serum TC.

Delayed decompression for cauda equina syndrome secondary to lumbar disc herniation: long-term follow-up results / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the impact of delayed decompression on long-term neurological and bladder function recovery in patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES) secondary to lumbar disc herniation (LDH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 35 patients receiving delayed decompression surgery for CES secondary to LDH were reviewed. The bladder empty function, bowel control, sexual ability and neurological functions of the lower limbs were evaluated after the operation, and the urodynamic changes were assessed in 6 patients with urodynamic data before and after the operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Surgical decompression was performed at 4.1∓3.9 weeks in 12 patients with complete CES and at 5.5∓7.6 weeks in 23 patients with incomplete CES after the onset of symptoms. The patients were followed up for a mean of 43.0∓28.9 months (3-110 months). In the 23 patients with incomplete CES, 19 obtained full recovery, 4 had slight sensory alterations in the saddle area or the lower limbs. In the 12 patients with complete CES, 2 had full recovery, 4 reported slight sensory alterations in the saddle area or the lower limbs (including 2 with occasional constipation); 6 still had sense deficit in the saddle area and difficulties in bladder or bowl emptying, but they all reported significant improvements compared to the condition before operation. Urodynamic analysis in the 6 patients with pre- and postoperative urodynamic data showed increased abdominal pressure when voiding with significantly reduced residual urine in all the 6 patients; 4 patients with abnormal first desire volume before operation reported recovery after the operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Patients with LDH-induced CES who missed the chance of early decompression can still expect favorable functional recovery in the long term. The improvement of bladder function following decompression is probably a result of recovery of bladder sensation and the compensation by increased intra-abdominal pressure. The key strategy to promote bladder function recovery in these patients is to promote the detrusor recovery.</p>

Studies on the mechanism of SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS Normal human Chang liver cells and human hepatic stellate cell line, LX-2 cells were treated with SRT1720 (10 μmol·L-1) and AICAR (500 μmol·L-1) prior to ethanol (50 mmol·L-1) for 24 and 48 h. Cell viability was analyzed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. SIRT1, AMPK and p-AMPK mRNA levels for 24 h and 48 h were analyzed by RT-PCR, SIRT1, AMPK and p-AMPK protein expressions in the supernatant at 24 and 48 h was detected by Western blot. RESULTS SRT1720 and AICAR effectively decreased LX-2 cell viabilities and exhibited scarcely little toxicity in human Chang liver cells. SRT1720 and AICAR attenuated collagen-I, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels, activated liver kinase B-1 (LKB1) and AMPK phosphorylation in ethanol treated LX-2 cells. Meanwhile, SRT1720 and AICAR enhanced SIRT1 expression mediated by ethanol both in Chang liver cells and LX-2 cells. Furthermore, SRT1720 and AICAR suppressed the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) to regulate fatty acid synthesis. CONCLUSION SIRT1 agonist and AMPK agonist blocked the crosstalk between hepatocytes and HSCs via SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway to modulate hepatocytes accumulation of lipid and HSCs activation.

Hepato-protective effect of thymoquinone against acetaminophen induced liver injury is associated with regulation of JNK and AMPK signaling pathway / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the hepato-protective mechanism of thymoquinone (TQ) onthe development of acetaminophen (APAP)- induced liver injury. METHODS In vivo, male kunming mice were injected with a single dose of 300 mg·kg-1 APAP. Some mice were pretreated with TQ (5 or 20 mg·kg-1) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 300 mg·kg-1) 2 h before APAP injection. Mice were euthanized at 2 h, 6 h, 12 h after APAP treatment. In vitro, human Chang liver cells were incubated with 3.125, 6.25 or 12.5 μmol·L-1 TQ, 10 μmol·L-1 SP600125 and 500 μmol·L-1 AICAR in the presence of APAP for 24 h. Cell viability were analyzed by MTT assay, protein expressions were assessed by Western blot. RESULTS TQ pretreatment significantly reduced serum aminotransferase and increased hepatic gluta?thione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities, while significantly inhibited interleukin-1β(IL-1β) levels. TQ significantly inhibited c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and P38 phosphorylation induced by APAP. Moreover, TQ inhibited phosphatidylinositol 3- kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling activation and activated AMPK phosphorylation induced by APAP. In addition, TQ inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation on APAP-induced liver injury. In vitro, APAP enhanced JNK phosphorylation and attenuated AMPK phosphorylation in Chang liver cells, and these effects were blocked by pretreatment with TQ, SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) and AICAR (AMPK activator). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that TQ may actively prevent APAP-induced liver injury, and this effect may be mediated by JNK and AMPK signaling pathways.

Analysis of mutations of two Gitelman syndrome family SLC12A3 genes and proposed treatments using Chinese medicine / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the gene location of two Gitelman syndrome (GS) family SLC12A3 genes and explore treatments using Chinese medicine (CM) prescriptions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In order to locate the two GS mutations, samples were collected from 11 people from two different pedigrees for direct genetic sequencing and comparison of the 26 exons of SLC12A3. Furthermore, the change of serum potassium was monitored throughout the therapy and those two probands undertook a sequential superposition of Western medicine (including potassium, Panangin and potassium-sparing diuretics) with CM prescription based on Buyang Huanwu Decoction () and Sijunzi Decoction (). The treatment included three stages, oral potassium chloride for the first 2 weeks (stage 1), potassium-sparing diuretic and Panangin with potassium chloride for the next 2 weeks (stage 2), CM along with the medicine in stage 2 for the final 2 weeks (stage 3).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The three mutations occurring in proband 1 from pedigree I were Thr60Met, 965-1_976del13ins12 (small indels mutation) and Ala122Ala (homozygous silent mutation). Likewise, three mutations, Asn359Lys, Thr382Met and Arg913Gln, appeared in the proband 2 from pedigree II. The serum potassium levels increasing from baseline to sequential stages were 1.63 mmol/L (baseline), 2.5 mmol/L (stage 1), 3.1 mmol/L (stage 2) and 3.9 mmol/L (stage 3) in the proband 1, and 2.8 mmol/L (baseline), 3.1 mmol/L (stage 1), 3.5 mmol/L (stage 2) and 4.3 mmol/L (stage 3) in the proband 2, respectively. The symptoms (numbness of limbs, weakness, palpitations, etc.) of both probands were all alleviated.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The mutations of both GS pedigrees can be defined as compound heterozygous mutations, most of which are known as missense mutations. Applying CM could be an appropriate choice for future intervention of GS.</p>

Effects on facet joint force and stability of lumbar spine following asymmetric lumbar discectomy / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the effect of asymmetric lumbar discectomy on facet joint force and stability of lumbar spine. Methods Seven human cadaver specimens (L2-3 segment) were selected to make intact, 1/4 discectomy and 1/2 discectomy status and applied with pure moment of 7.5 N•m. The range of motion (ROM) and facet joint force of L2-3 segment during flexion/extension, lateral bending and axial rotation were recorded, respectively. Results During extension, a significant increase in facet joint force was found under 1/4 discectomy status at the remained side. During lateral bending, the facet joint force at both sides under 1/2 discectomy status increased significantly than that under intact status. During axial rotation, facet joint force increased significantly only at the side without discectomy under 1/2 discectomy status. Except flexion, ROM under 1/4 discectomy and 1/2 discectomy status were larger than that under intact status in all the other motion directions (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in ROM between both sides during lateral bending and axial rotation direction. Conclusions The asymmetric lumbar discectomy can increase the ROM in all motion directions except flexion, and can enlarge the facet joint force asymmetrically, which indicate that instability of lumbar spine and facet joint force increasing resulted from asymmetric degeneration of the disc might lead to backache.

Current approaches to the configurational assignment of marine natural products / 国际药学研究杂志

Marine natural products are a significant and important source for new small molecule drug leads. In most cases, marine natural products have unique structure skeletons and stereo complexity. Their absolute configurations and biologically activities are closely related, which highlights the importance of absolute configurational assignment. The stereo-configurational evaluation of marine natural products is one of the most difficulties in determining natural structure, and also very important contents of natural products research. In this review we summarized a variety of cases with different structural types that often dictate some valuable approach to configurational assignment. Hopefully, the selected case studies could provide some inspiration to a readership with broad interests: natural products chemists and synthetic organic chemists.

Establishment of a rabbit model of scoliosis induced by asymmetric load using springs / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish rabbit model of scoliosis induced with stable asymmetric lumbar loads.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Scoliosis was induced in 10 two-month-old New Zealand rabbits using 316L stainless steel springs placed between the unilateral transverse processes of L2 and L5. Serial radiographs were documented before and at 1, 4, 8, 9 and 12 weeks after the operation. At weeks, the rabbits were randomly divided into SR group (n=5) with the spring removed and SK group (n=5) without spring removal.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the rabbits survived the experiment with Cobb angle all greater than 10 degree at the end of the experiment. Significant changes were found in the Cobb angles and kyphotic angles at 1, 4 and 8 weeks after the operation (P<0.05). At 8 weeks, the Cobb angle, the kyphotic angle and the length of the spring were similar between SR and SK groups (P>0.05), and in the 4 weeks following spring removal in SR group, the Cobb angle and the kyphosis decreased significantly compared with those in SK group (P<0.05). Micro-CT showed that the BV/TV of the concave side was greater than that of the convex side. The length of the spring did not show obvious changes during the experiment (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Asymmetric lumbar loading is a convenient, time-saving, and highly reproducible approach for establishing rabbit models of scoliosis.</p>

Study on evolutionary origin of influenza A virus (H1N1) based on HA gene / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the evolutionary rate and divergence time of influenza A virus HA gene isolated recently worldwide pandemic and explore the origin and its transmission.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 344 H1 sequences available in the GenBank (including 248 isolated from human, 84 from swine, 11 from avian, and 1 from ferret) and 7 isolated in Shanghai were collected. The nucleotide substitution rate and time to most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) was calculated using molecular clock theory and Bayesian Skyline Plot (BSP) based on Markov chain Monte Carlo. Then genetic phylogeny was constructed referring to posterior distribution.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>It was found that H1 sequences in the US from human, swine and avian were clustered significantly with swine H1 ones from Asia phylogenetically (Cluster US). The second cluster (Cluster Eurasian Human) nearly consisted of human H1 sequences isolated in other regions. The third cluster (Cluster Eurasian Animal) consisted of swine and avian H1 sequences from China and Italy respectively. As for all the H1 sequences, the evolutionary rate was of 2.57 x 10(-3) substitutions/site per year averagely (95% Highest Posterior Density: 1.96 x 10(-3) - 3.03 x 10(-3)/site per year). The estimated dates for tMRCA of human H1 in Europe and swine H1 in the mainland of China were the earliest, with the corresponding rates of 6.46 x 10(-3)/site per year and 0.97 x 10(-3)/site per year respectively. The tMRCAs of human and swine H1 sequences from the US were similar, with the rates of 5.86 x 10(-3)/site per year and 5.02 x 10(-3)/site per year.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The present flu outbreak was possibly induced by long-term circulation of influenza A virus (H1N1) in human population and swine herds in America. There was no evidence proving that influenza virus in China involved in the present outbreak.</p>

Type and subtype distribution of influenza virus and genetic evolution of hemagglutinin in Shanghai area in duration of 2004 - 2008 / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the type and subtype distribution of influenza virus and the genetic evolution of hemagglutinin (HA) in Shanghai area during 2004 to 2008.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>All 962 throat swabs were collected from influenza-like patients in 5 influenza sentry hospitals and influenza outbreaks. Influenza viruses were isolated in MDCK cell lines, and then viral types and subtypes were identified. The HA of influenza A isolates selected by outbreak or sporadic patients in different areas and epidemic seasons were sequenced and analyzed by phylogenetic trees.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A/H3N2, accounting for 54.9% (162/295), was the dominate subtype in recent years, but less popular in the end of 2005 to the middle of 2006 with 0% (0/16)and 23.5% (8/34) of positive specimen, respectively. There were more A/H1N1 isolates in 2005 - 2006 with 21.4% (12/56), 43.8% (7/16) and 76.5% (26/34) of positive specimen, respectively, but declined obviously in 2007 - 2008 accounting for only 0% (0/44) and 5.0% (7/139). Influenza B virus was more popular in 2004 to 2005 with 42.9% (24/56) and 56.2% (9/16), respectively, and not isolated from 2006 to 2007, then increased in 2008 accounting for 34.5% (48/139). Phylogenetic tree of HA showed that A/H1N1 isolates in the same year clustered from 2005 to 2008, and most A/H3N2 isolated were homologous in the same year during 2004 - 2008 while some were inserted to the clusters of near years and more distinguished sequences appeared. A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 isolates were all similar to the vaccine strains recommended by WHO.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The distribution of influenza type and subtype kept on changing each year, but A/H3N2 dominated in most years. A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 in the same year clustered, but some A/H3N2 of near years were and evolved faster with more distinguished strains appeared in same interval. Generally, HA of influenza A isolates in Shanghai during 2004 to 2008 were similar to the WHO reference strains.</p>

Perioperative complications of single-stage surgical management for spinal tuberculosis / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the causes of perioperative complications of single-stage surgical management for spinal tuberculosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twenty patients with thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis were treated by single-stage surgical management from January 1997 to January 2006 in our unit, including seventy-five males and forty-five females. The mean age was 34.5 (range 17 to 68) years old. The lesion ranged from T(6) to S(1). The anterior procedures of anterior debridement, interbody fusion and anterior fixation were carried out in sixty-five cases, posterior procedures in twenty-six cases, and combined anterior and posterior procedures in twenty-nine cases, respectively. The complications that occurred during surgical procedure and 1 month after operation were recorded. Underlying causes were analysed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 10 cases (8.3%) were recorded of mild to severe complications during perioperative period in 120 patients. The complications and underlying causes were as follows: (1) A patient died from liver failure and blood coagulation dysfunction after operation due to inappropriate surgical timing (n = 1), in which case the patient with lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis also suffered from alcoholic liver sclerosis and dysfunction. (2) False diabetes insipidus (n = 1) and deep vein thrombosis of lower limbs (n = 1) occurred as result of surgical trauma. (3) Tear of iliac vein (n = 1) occurred with lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis because of unclear anatomical relationships when anterior debridement was performed. Injury of lumbar nerve roots (n = 3) and hemothorax (n = 1) also occurred due to mispractice of surgical procedures. (4) Paralysis intestinal obstruction and hypokalemia (n = 2) occurred after anterior procedures for lumbar spinal tuberculosis as a result of other reasons.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Improper perioperative care will lead to complications of single-stage surgical procedures for spinal tuberculosis. Emphasis should be put on preoperative evaluation, surgical planning, and postoperative caring for prevention of complications.</p>