Mini-thoracotomy for diaphragmatic plication with thoracoscopic assistance

We describe a technique of mini-thoracotomy to plicate the paralyzed hemidiaphragm with thoracoscopic assistance. Most of the hemidiaphragm can be plicated expeditiously under direct vision with light derived from a posterior thoracoscope placed in the auscultatory triangle. Videoscopic vision is employed only occasionally when the view of the posteromedial hemidiaphragm is obscured. Continuous suture traction can be easily applied through the mini-thoracotomy, thus maintaining suture tension and enabling maximal inversion of the elevated hemidiaphragm.     

原位末端标记检测实验性变态反应性神经炎胸腺细胞的凋亡

目的为了探讨地塞米松对实验性变态反应性神经炎（ＥＡＮ）小鼠胸腺细胞的影响。方法应用原位末端标记法和电镜检测ＥＡＮ小鼠胸腺细胞的凋亡。结果以上两种方法均发现地塞米松处理组胸腺细胞凋亡率明显高于自然病程组和正常对照组。结论地塞米松可明显增强ＥＡＮ小鼠胸腺细胞凋亡。     

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-like immunoreactivity in human trigeminal ganglion and nucleus

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is shown by immunohistochemistry in human trigeminal sensory system from 22 weeks of gestation to adulthood. In the trigeminal ganglion, a distinct subpopulation of GDNF-positive neurones is observed, which amounts to about 15% at early pre-term and adult ages and peaks to around 30% at perinatal ages. Labelled neurones are mostly small- and medium-sized. Occasionally, Schwann and satellite cells are stained. GDNF/substance P (SP) and GDNF/calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) double stained neurones occur at all ages examined, whereas GDNF/trkA coexistence can be observed in pre- and full-term newborns only. Centrally, GDNF-immunostained fibers and terminal-like structures are mainly restricted to the spinal trigeminal nucleus, where they are codistributed with SP and CGRP. In the subnucleus caudalis, positive neurones can also be observed both in the superficial laminae and in the magnocellular part, with higher frequency in adults. These results suggest that GDNF may play a functional role in human trigeminal primary sensory neurones throughout life and provide indication for its possible involvement in the regulation of pain-related neuronal circuits in human trigeminal sensory system.     

No association between an intronic presenilin-1 gene polymorphism and schizophrenia in a Chinese population

We investigated the association between schizophrenic psychosis and an intronic polymorphism of the presenilin-1 (PS1) gene in a Chinese population. Schizophrenic and control groups had similar PS1 genotype distributions and allele frequencies, indicating that this polymorphism may not be involved in the development of schizophrenia.     

Neurophysiology of Cancer Pain: From the Laboratory to the Clinic

Pain is one of the most distressing symptoms associated with cancer. Basic science research has provided much insight into the mechanisms of peripheral and central pain and the actions of new drugs. Despite these advances, pain accompanying malignancy can be difficult to treat. Pain most commonly presents when the tumor has invaded somatic,visceral, or neural structures. An understanding of pain mechanisms is essential when deciding on the appropriate treatment. New therapeutic options have been developed and will hopefully provide clinicians with tools to successfully alleviate cancer pain.     

Synergistic effect of rapamycin and cyclosporine in prevention of acute kidney allograft rejection in the mouse

The effect of rapamycin (RAPA) and cyclosporine A (CsA) monotherapy and combination therapy was examined in prevention of kidney allograft rejection in the mouse. Both drugs were administered orally for up to 14 days in BALB/c (H-2(d)) to C57BL/6 (H-2(b)) mice strong combination. Six groups were treated with RAPA and/or CsA. This study shows that concomitant therapy of RAPA and CsA produces strong synergistic interaction in prolonging renal allograft survival in mice when compared with monotherapy of RAPA or CsA.     

矽肺患者的血液流变状况及其临床意义

目的　探讨矽肺与血液流变学的关系及其临床意义。方法　检测了８５ 例男性矽肺患者、４５ 例男性慢性支气管炎患者及１００ 例健康男性对照者的血液流变学各项指标值。结果　与对照组和慢性支气管炎组比较,矽肺组的红细胞压积、切变率为４ ｓ－１ ～２００ ｓ－１ 时的全血表观黏度、血浆黏度、红细胞电泳时间、血小板电泳时间平均值均显著升高;不同病情矽肺组、不同肺功能状况矽肺组上述检测值的平均值均随病情加重、肺功能下降而升高,并均显著高于对照组。逐步回归发现,矽肺患者病情与红细胞压积、４ ｓ－１和２００ ｓ－１ 切变率时的全血表观黏度、红细胞电泳时间和血小板电泳时间相关最密切,而肺功能状况和病程却均与红细胞压积、４ ｓ－１ 和２００ ｓ－１切变率时的全血表观黏度、血浆黏度、红细胞电泳时间和血小板电泳时间相关最密切。结论　矽肺患者的血液呈高黏滞状况,极易并发多种疾病。