Attenuation of Reserpine-Induced Pain/Depression Dyad by Gentiopicroside Through Downregulation of GluN2B Receptors in the Amygdala of Mice

Epidemiological studies demonstrate that pain frequently occurs comorbid with depression. Gentiopicroside (Gent) is a secoiridoid compound isolated from Gentiana lutea that exhibits analgesic properties and inhibits the expression of GluN2B-containing N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex of mice. However, the effects of Gent on the reserpine-induced pain/depression dyad and its underlying mechanisms are unclear. Reserpine administration (1 mg/kg subcutaneous daily for 3 days) caused a significant decrease in the nociceptive threshold as evidenced by the reduced paw withdrawal latency in response to a radiant heat source and mechanical allodynia. Behavioral detection indicated a significant increase in immobility time during a forced swim test, as well as decreased time in the central area and total travel distance in an open field test. Furthermore, reserpinized animals exhibited increased oxidative stress. Systemic Gent administration dose-dependently ameliorated the behavioral deficits associated with reserpine-induced pain/depression dyad. At the same time, the decrease in biogenic amine levels (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin) was integrated with the increase in caspase-3 levels and GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in the amygdala of the reserpine-injected mice. Gent significantly reversed the changes in the levels of biogenic amines, caspase-3, and GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in amygdala. However, Gent did not affect the expression of GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors. The inhibitory effects of Gent on oxidative stress were occluded by simultaneous treatment of GluN2B receptors antagonist Ro25-6981. Our study provides strong evidence that Gent inhibits reserpine-induced pain/depression dyad by downregulating GluN2B receptors in the amygdala.     

Expression Characteristics of KAI1 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Their Diagnostic Value for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background/Aims

We tried to investigate the expression characteristics of KAI1, a suppressor of wide-spectrum tumor metastasis, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the most common angiogenesis factor, and then to analyze their diagnostic value for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The protein and mRNA expression levels of KAI1 or VEGF in HCC tissues and in self-controlled para-carcinoma tissues were analyzed by Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Serum levels of KAI1 and VEGF in the patients with HCC, benign liver disease or in healthy controls were quantitatively detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The expression level of KAI1 was downregulated, while the expression level of VEGF was upregulated in the tissues or serum of the patients with HCC. The expression level of serum KAI1 in HCC patients was correlated with TNM staging, intrahepatic metastasis, lymph node or peritoneal metastasis, and portal vein thrombus. In addition to the factors that were correlated with KAI1 expression, VEGF expression was also closely related to the α-fetoprotein level of the patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the diagnosis of HCC was 0.907 for KAI1 and 0.779 for VEGF. The sensitivity of serum KAI1 levels in the diagnosis of HCC was 86.96%; the accuracy was 83.06%, while the sensitivity, the accuracy and the negative predictive value were improved to 91.86%, 84.68%, and 78.79% according to the combined detection of KAI1 and VEGF, respectively.

Conclusions

A combined detection of KAI1 and VEGF may greatly improve the efficiency of diagnosis and form a reliable panel of diagnostic markers for HCC.     

磁处理水对高胆固醇血症大鼠的影响

对饮用磁处理水和非磁处理水的两组高胆固醇血症的大鼠进行了血液流变学、血脂及心功能检测，并用扫描电镜观察其主动脉和红细胞的形态．结果表明，磁处理水有明显降低血液粘度和血清总胆固醇、甘油三酯的效应，对降低血压和改善心率具有一定作用，能增强红细胞的变形能力，对动脉硬化的发生和发展有抑制作用。     

PG消毒剂的研究

PG 消毒剂含2%强化中性戊二醛,醇类和香料.该消毒剂对细菌、真菌与 HBsAg 有良好灭活作用.以其制成消毒纸巾擦手1分钟,可将自然菌减少99%.     

股骨髁上V形截骨术治疗膝屈曲畸形：附62例临床观察

本文总结了股骨髁上V形截骨术治疗62例小儿麻痹后遗膝屈曲的临床资料,有效率96.7％。该术式能将V形尖部嵌入远断端松质骨内,接触面大,位置稳,不需内固定,愈合快;还可同时矫正膝内外翻。在矫正膝屈曲的同时对截骨处做5～18°的后倾角;试验证明:后倾角处可产生向后的分力,以代替股四头肌之拉力。截骨点的选法:髌骨上缘二横指,则相当于股骨髁上4～5cm处;畸形矫正理想,并发症少。采用前内侧斜切口并顺肌间隙分离,可避免肌肉出血和髌上囊损伤,以消除膝部粘连与膝关节僵硬的直接因素,有利于术后膝关节伸屈功能的恢复。故V形截骨法是股髁上截骨术式中较好的一种;以上手术要点是保证疗效的关键。     

The measurement of serum cholinesterase activities by an integration strategy with expanded linear ranges and negligible substrate-activation

Objectives

To measure serum cholinesterase (SCHE) with an integration strategy.

Design and methods

At 54.0 μmol/L butyrylthiolcholine, SCHE initial rates were calculated with 50.0 μmol/L butyrylthiolcholine and maximal rates via an improved integrated method if substrate consumptions within 5.0 min were over 60%, or were determined by the classical initial rate method.

Results

The linear range was from 16 to 1560 nkat/L, and SCHE in clinic sera showed negligible substrate-activation.

Conclusion

This strategy was effective.     

The risk factors of neurologic deficits of one-stage posterior vertebral column resection for patients with severe and rigid spinal deformities

Purpose

To determine the risk factors of neurologic deficits during PVCR correction, so as to help improve safety during and after surgery.

Methods

A consecutive series of 76 patients with severe and rigid spinal deformities who were treated with PVCR at a single institution between October 2004 and July 2011 were included in our study. Of the 76 patients, 37 were male and 39 female, with an average age of 17.5 years (range 10–48 years). There were 52 adolescent patients (with an age <18 years) and 24 adult patients (with an age ≥18 years). Preoperatively, postoperatively and 6 months after surgery, we performed systemically neurologic function evaluations of each patients through meticulous physical examination. Any new abnormality or deterioration in evaluation of neurologic function than preoperative is reckoned postoperative neurologic deficits. Ten variables that might affect the safety of neurologic deficits during PVCR procedures, including imaging factors, clinical factors and operational factors, were analyzed using univariate analysis. Then the variables with statistical difference were analyzed by using multi-factor unconditional logistic regression analysis.

Results

No patient in this series had permanent paraplegia and nerve root injury due to operation. Change of neurologic status was found in six patients after surgery. Results of single-factor comparison demonstrated that the following seven variables were statistically different (P < 0.05): location of apex at main curve (X ₃), Cobb angle at the main curve at the coronal plane (X ₄), scoliosis associated with thoracic hyperkyphosis (X ₅), level of vertebral column resected (X ₆), number of segmental vessels ligated (X ₇), preexisting neurologic dysfunction (X ₈), and associated with intraspinal and brain stem anomalies (X ₉). The multi-factor unconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that X ₈ (OR = 49.322), X ₉ (OR = 18.423), X ₅ (OR = 11.883), and X ₆ (OR = 8.769) were independent and positively correlated with the neurologic deficit.

Conclusions

Preexisting neurologic dysfunction, associated with intraspinal and brain stem anomalies, scoliosis associated with thoracic hyperkyphosis and level of vertebral column resected are independent risk factors for neurologic deficits during PVCR procedure.     

Radiological studies on the best entry point and trajectory of anterior cervical pedicle screw in the lower cervical spine

Objective

To explore the best entry point and trajectory of anterior cervical transpedicular screws in the lower cervical spine by radiological studies, and provide reference for clinical application.

Methods

Fifty patients were scanned by computed tomography and confirmed no obvious defect of the cervical spine. On horizontal axis, camber angle (α) and axial length (AL) were measured from C₃ to C₇. On sagittal view, the cranial or caudal angle (β) and sagittal length (SL) were also measured from C₃ to C₇. On the sagittal and horizontal planes vertebrae were respectively divided into four areas, ordered 1–4, on the anterior side of the pedicle. The areas and angles of pedicle intersect into the vertebral body were recorded. We inserted six anterior pedicle screws into the lower cervical spine of three patients by this technique.

Results

On transverse plane, camber angle (α) of C₃–C₅ increased gradually, while it decreased from C₅ to C₇. On sagittal view, C₃ and C₄ pedicles showed cranial tilting, while C₅ to C₇ were caudally tilted. AL and SL values increased gradually from C₃ to C₇. The number of the intersections of C₃–C₇ in each area was also different. Six pedicle screws of three cases were inserted into the lower cervical spine with proper placement and no complications.

Conclusion

Anterior transpedicular screw (ATPS) is a theoretically feasible option for internal fixation. The technique described in this paper was subsequently used in three patients without complication. Future improvement of ATPS insertion remains necessary for this technically demanding procedure.     

护士长主导的大型三甲医院院外门诊运作模式

目的建立适合大型三级甲等医院的院外门诊部,缓解医院本部门诊压力,为出院患者提供延续服务。方法采取护士长主导的管理模式,负责院外门诊日常运作,组织和协调医护、医技工作人员调配,业务技术及诊疗质量监管,以及医务人员绩效考核等工作。结果3个院外门诊每年门诊量近20万例次,患者满意度大于99％,每年送回院本部检验、检查近10万例次,向院本部输送急诊、危重住院患者近1000例次。结论护士长主导型管理模式建立和运行三级甲等医院院外门诊,效率高,团队协作能力强,能保持较高水平的诊疗效果,可取得良好的社会效益和经济效益。     

The role of urethral pressure profile on treating premature ejaculation by tamsulosin

Dear Editor,
I am Dr. Hui-Rong Chen, from the Department of Urology in Shanghai First People＇s Hospital at Shanghai Jiao Tong UnNersity, Shanghai, China. Premature ejaculation （PE） is a common sexual dysfunction, affecting approximately 20%-30% of sexually active men. According to intravaginal ejaculatory latency time （IELT） of l min, the incidence is approximately 1%-3%.1 PE is significantly associated with many personal and negative consequences, such as distress, frustration, and avoidance of sexual intimacy due to the inability of successful delayed ejaculation, α1-adrenergic blockers were effective in delaying ejaculation in approximately 50%-67% of the cases.2,3 Recently, abnormal ejaculation, an adverse infrequent side effect associated with the use of α1A-adrenergic blockers such as silodosin or tamsulosin, has drawn significant attention. Clinical studies suggested that this represents a relative anejaculation rather than a retrograde ejaculation. We present here the study to investigate the role of urethral pressure profile （UPP） on treating PE by tamsulosin.