Keyword index

Changes in the potential and contractility of smooth muscle cells of guinea-pig taenia caeci were measured (22 degrees C) in order to investigate the effect of mebeverine, a derivative of beta-phenylethylamine, on alpha 1-receptor-operated ion channels in particular. Mebeverine (6 X 10(-6) M) showed atropine-like properties by shifting to the right the concentration-response curve obtained with carbachol. Hyperpolarization and cessation of spike activity of the muscle cells, accompanied by an increased amplitude of the electrotonic potential were observed in the presence of mebeverine (6 X 10(-5] after block of the alpha 2-, beta- and muscarinic receptors. This effect of mebeverine was not observed in low-sodium solution (23.8 mM), suggesting that mebeverine decreased sodium permeability. The alpha 1-receptor-induced hyperpolarization caused by adrenaline (3 X 10(-6) M) in the presence of mebeverine declined after reaching an initial maximum. The hyperpolarization induced by a second addition of adrenaline to the preparation was decreased and sustained in the presence of mebeverine, while the decrease of the electrotonic potential evoked during the alpha 1 response was less pronounced. The transient hyperpolarization representing the alpha 1 response in the absence of extracellular calcium developed more slowly in the presence of mebeverine, the area of the response being constant. When the experiment was continued in calcium-free solution after a short exposure to calcium-containing Krebs solution still in the presence of mebeverine, the alpha 1-receptor-induced hyperpolarization was suppressed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Desensitization of PGE2 and PGI2 induced contractions in different smooth muscles of guinea-pig unmasking relaxing properties of prostanoids

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 16,16-dimethyl PGE2 (16,16-dm PGE2) caused contraction of guinea-pig taenia caeci, contraction and at higher concentrations relaxation of trachea and relaxation of ureter smooth muscle. The prostacyclin derivative iloprost induced contraction of taenia caecum, while it was inactive in the other preparations. After pretreatment of the smooth muscles with 16,16-dm PGE2, stimulation of the PGE2 receptors in taenia caeci and trachea and of PGI2 receptors in taenia caeci caused relaxation. The results indicate that the prostanoid receptor mediating contraction is selectively vulnerable for desensitization in contrast with the receptor mediating smooth muscle relaxation.     

Epidemiology of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Analysis of Japanese National Database

BackgroundDevelopmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a cluster of hip development disorders that affects infants. The incidence of DDH-related dislocation (DDH-dislocation) is reportedly 0.1–0.3%; however, the nationwide incidence of DDH-dislocation in Japan has not been previously reported. The primary aim of this study was to report the nationwide incidence of DDH-dislocation in Japan using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB), and to examine its regional variation across Japan.MethodsThis was a retrospective birth cohort study using the NDB. Data on patients born between 2011 and 2013 and assigned DDH-dislocation-related disease codes during 2011–2018 were extracted. Among these, patients who underwent treatment for DDH-dislocation between 2011 and 2018 were defined as patients with DDH-dislocation.ResultsAcross the 2011, 2012, and 2013 birth cohorts, 2,367 patients were diagnosed with DDH-dislocation, yielding the nationwide incidence of 0.076%. Region-specific incidence rates were almost similar across Japan. Secondary analyses revealed that 273 (11.5%) patients were diagnosed at the age of ≥1 year. The effect of birth during the cold months on the incidence of DDH-dislocation was significant (relative risk [RR] = 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.75–2.06). The risk of DDH-dislocation among girls was approximately seven times higher than that among boys.ConclusionThis is the first study to report the nationwide incidence of DDH-dislocation in Japan, which was estimated at 0.076%. The regional variation was trivial and unlikely to be clinically significant. Thus, the incidence rates were approximately equal across all regions in Japan.Key words: developmental dysplasia of the hip, DDH, epidemiology, national database, incidence rate     

The association between parents' stress and parental feeding practices and feeding styles: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies

In the extended UNICEF framework of early childhood nutrition, parents'' stress is associated with parental feeding style. However, no comprehensive review has examined the association between parents'' stress and feeding styles and practices. The objective of our review was to synthesise the current literature examining the association between parents'' stress and their feeding practices and/or styles, among parents of children ≤ 5 years old. We searched; MEDLINE, EMBASE, PSYCHINFO and CINAHL from 2019 to 2021. Two investigators independently extracted relevant data and assessed the study quality and the certainty of evidence. Data were pooled using generic inverse variance with fixed effects (<5 comparisons) or random effects (≥5 comparisons) and expressed as correlation coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Between study heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran''s Q and quantified with I ². We identified 6 longitudinal and 11 cross‐sectional studies, of which 4 studies provided sufficient data to be pooled. A very small correlation between general stress and restrictive feeding practices was observed (r = 0.06 [95% CI: 0.01−0.12]; no substantial heterogeneity (I ² = 0.00%, P _Q < 0.85, very low certainty). No correlation between general stress and feeding pressure was identified (r = 0.06 [95% CI: −0.02 to 0.15]). Results showed that both general and parenting stress were associated with suboptimal breastfeeding practices and unresponsive feeding styles. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a low‐to‐moderate quality of literature for the inclusion of parents'' stress in the extended UNICEF care model of child nutrition. Future research needs to explore this relationship longitudinally and in ethnic diverse populations to inform tailored interventions that promote responsive feeding practices.     

双侧耳郭软骨骨化1例并文献复习

目的 探讨耳郭软骨骨化的发病机制、临床表现、诊断依据、鉴别诊断、治疗方法。方法 回顾性分析1例耳郭软骨骨化患者的临床资料并复习相关文献进行总结。结果 耳郭软骨骨化的发病机制暂不明确,通常无明显不适症状,少数患者可伴有局部疼痛、听力下降等症状。颞骨CT可辅助诊断,最终确诊依赖于组织病理检查。症状不明显时可暂予观察,若症状严重影响了生活和工作,可予手术治疗。结论 耳郭软骨骨化在临床上较为少见,目前尚无有效逆转耳郭骨化的办法。积极寻找病因,及早干预,有利于避免病情进一步发展。     

Noninvasive assessment of the viscoelasticity of peripheral arteries

Currently used methods of examining the mechanical properties of blood vessel walls are either indirect or invasive, or measure vessel diameter and pressure waveforms at different sites. We developed a noninvasive technique to assess the mechanical properties and viscoelasticity of peripheral arteries. The pressure-strain elastic modulus (Ep) and the viscoelastic properties (energy dissipation ratio, EDR) of the common carotid artery (CCA), brachial artery (BA), radial artery (RA) and dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) were determined by means of palpating pressure and diameter distension waveforms extracted from high-resolution ultrasonography. The methodology was validated in vitro using an elastic tube phantom, as well as in vivo. In vivo study in 10 healthy volunteers (mean age 22 y) showed that the pressure-diameter curves were nonlinear, with an inflection at about 85–90 mmHg, and routed clockwise with slight hysteresis. The CCA (n = 5) had a mean diameter of 6.74 mm and the pulsatile diameter distension was 12.2%. The Ep calculated at the CCA was 0.44 × 10⁶ dyne/cm² with an EDR of 7.18%. The BA, RA and DPA (n = 10) had mean diameters of 3.91 mm, 2.21 mm and 2.12 mm; arterial strains of 4.60%, 4.25% and 8.91%; mean Ep of 1.39, 1.45, 0.90 × 10⁶ dyne/cm²; and mean EDRs of 6.34%, 6.15% and 5.60%, respectively. The method presented is relatively simple to implement clinically and has potential as a new diagnostic tool for detecting local vascular changes.     

补肾填精方防治阿尔茨海默病模型大鼠学习记忆损害的分子机制

目的探讨补肾填精方防治铝致阿尔茨海默病(AD)的分子机制。方法用长期腹腔注射AlCl3复制大鼠动物模型,用RT-PCR检测端脑皮质beta-淀粉样前体蛋白mRNA异构体-APP695mRNA水平,用Y电迷宫仪检测大鼠的学习记忆能力。结果模型组大鼠端脑皮质APP695mRNA的表达水平明显升高(P<0.05),学习记忆能力明显降低(P<0.05)。中药干预后,端脑皮质APP695mRNA表达较模型组明显降低(P<0.01),学习记忆能力明显提高(P<0.05)。结论端脑皮质APP695mRNA表达水平升高与学习记忆能力减低明显相关,通过抑制端脑皮质APP695mRNA的过量表达是补肾填精方防治AD模型大鼠学习记忆能力损害的机制之一。     

乙酰胆碱酯酶基因治疗猫贲门失弛缓症模型的实验研究

目的　研究乙酰胆碱酯酶基因转导对贲门失弛缓症模型的治疗作用。方法　将 36只家猫均分为 4组 ,第 1组为正常对照组 ;其他 3组采用胃镜下食管下端括约肌 (LES)处环形注射氯苄烷铵(BAC)的方法建立猫贲门失弛缓症模型 ,在注射BAC 8周后胃镜下LES处分别注射生理盐水 (模型对照组 )、空载病毒AdGFP(AdGFP组 )和表达乙酰胆碱酯酶 (AChE)的腺病毒AdAChET(AdAChET 组 )。1 0d后通过RT PCR和免疫组化方法检测AChE在LES中的表达 ,并观察食管压力 (LESP)的变化。结果　RT PCR证实AdAChET 组可扩增出针对目的基因的AChET 片段 ,免疫组化显示AdAChET 组在平滑肌组织中有AChE阳性表达 ,AdGFP组和模型对照组无AChE阳性表达。AdAChET 组平滑肌组织的AChE活力较模型对照组和AdGFP组高 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 1 )。食管测压显示治疗后AdAChET组LESP下降较AdGFP组和模型对照组明显 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 1 )。结论　编码AChET 基因腺病毒AdAChET 能松弛LES ,降低LESP ,说明AChE减少在贲门失弛缓症发生中起重要作用