Up-regulation interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 by activated protein C in lipopolysaccharide-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Objective： To investigate the effect of activated protein C （APC） on inflammatory responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVEC） stimulated with lipopolysaccharide （LPS）. Methods： The second passage of collagenase digested HUVEC was divided into the following groups： serum free medium control group （SFM control）, phosphate buffer solution control group （PBS control）, LPS group with final concentration of 1 μg/ml （LPS group）, APC group with final concentration of 7 μg/ml, Pre-APC group （APC pretreatment for 30 min prior to LPS challenge）, and Post-APC group （APC administration 30 min after LPS challenge）. Supernatant was harvested at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after LPS challenge. Interleukin-6 （IL-6） and Interleukin-8 （IL-8） levels were analyzed with ELISA. Cells were harvested at 24 h after LPS challenge, and total RNA was extracted. Messenger RNA levels for IL-6 and IL-8 were semi-quantitatively determined by RT-PCR. Results： Compared with control group, IL-6 and IL-8 levels steadily increased 4 to 24 h after LPS stimulation. APC treatment could increase LPS-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production. The mRNA levels of IL-6 and IL-8 exhibited a similar change. Conclusion： APC can further increase the level of IL-6 and IL-8 induced by LPS. The effect of these elevated cytokines is still under investigation.     

Protective effects of Salvia miltiorrhizae on the hearts of rats with severe acute pancreatits or obstructive jaundice

Objective  To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Salvia miltiorrhizae (Danshen) in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP)- or obstructive jaundice (OJ)-induced heart injury. Methods  A total of 288 rats were used for SAP- (n=108) and OJ-associated (n=180) experiments. The rats were randomly divided into sham-operated, model control, and Salvia miltiorrhizae-treated groups. According to the difference of time points after operation, SAP rats in each group were subdivided into 3, 6 and 12 h subgroups (n=12), whereas OJ rats were subdivided into 7, 14, 21, and 28 d subgroups (n=15). At the corresponding time points after operation, the mortality rates of the rats, the contents of endotoxin and phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) in blood, and pathological changes of the hearts were investigated. Results  The numbers of dead SAP and OJ rats in the treated groups declined as compared with those in the model control group, but not significantly (P>0.05). The contents of endotoxin (at 6 and 12 h in SAP rats and on 7, 14, 21, and 28 d in OJ rats, respectively) and PLA₂ (at 6 and 12 h in SAP rats and on 28 d in OJ rats, respectively) in the treated group were significantly lower than those in the model control group (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively). Besides, myocardial pathological injuries were mitigated in SAP and OJ rats. Conclusion  In this study, we found that Salvia miltiorrhizae improved myocardial pathological changes, reduced the content of PLA₂ in blood, and decreased the mortality rates of SAP and OJ rats, exerting protective effects on the hearts of the rats. Projected supported by the Technological Foundation Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science of Zhejiang Province (Nos. 2003C130 and 2004C142), the Grave Foundation Project for Technological and Development of Hangzhou City (No. 2003123B19), and the Intensive Foundation Project for Technology of Hangzhou City (No. 2004Z006), China     

Correlation of matrix metalloproteinase-2, −9, tissue inhibitor-1 of matrix metalloproteinase and CD44 variant 6 in head and neck cancer metastasis

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism in tumor invasion and metastasis. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2, −9 (MMP-2, MMP-9), tissue inhibitor-1 of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), cell adhesion molecule 44 variant 6 (CD44v6), HER2/neu and p53 was investigated in 154 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by ABC and ImmunoMax immunohistochemical method. Their clinical relevance and correlation were analysed. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, CD44v6, HER2/neu and p53 was found in cancer cells in 87.01%, 85.71%, 68.18%, 98.05%, 55.19% and 50.65% cases respectively. Linear regression and correlation analysis revealed that there was close positive relationship (P<0.05) between the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, TIMP-1 and CD44v6, HER2/neu and MMP-9, MMP-2 and p53. Up-regulation of MMP-2 was accompanied by advanced T stage (P<0.01). There was also a trend of MMP-2 expression being related with tumor metastasis. Increased expression of HER2/neu was found in patients with tumor recurrence (P<0.05). The expression of TIMP-1 was higher in laryngeal cancer than that in pharyngeal cancer, and higher in keratinizing and non-keratinizing SCC than that in basaloid SCC (P<0.05). These findings suggested that MMP-2 and MMP-9, HER2/neu and MMP-9, MMP-2 and p53 had a coordinate function in aggression of tumor; that MMP-2 had a more important function than MMP-9 in tumor invasion and metastasis; and that HER2/neu might serve as a biomarker for poor prognosis in HNSCC. Project supported by Lübeck Medical University, Germany     

Effect of matrine and carvedilol on collagen and MMPs activity of hypertrophy myocardium induced by pressure overload

INTRODUCTION Matrine, a monomer of traditional Chinese medi-cine, comes from leguminosae plants such as Kusheng, is quinoilizidine with four-loop and molecular formula of C15H24N20. Matrine has been proved to have anti-arrhythmia (Xu et al., 2004), anti-hypoxia and decreasing heart rate effects (Zhang et al., 1990a; 1990b) in many animal experiments, and has the role of inducing calmness (Luo et al., 2001) and lowering body temperature (Tao and Wan, 1992). Traditional Chinese medicin…     

Intrathymic inoculation of donor liver specific antigen alleviates rejection of liver allotransplantation

Use and effects of liver specific antigen in orthotopic liver transplantations were researched in this study. Group I: syngeneic control (Wistar-to-Wistar); Group II: acute rejection (SD-to-Wistar); Group III: Thymic inoculation of SD rat LSA day 7 before transplantation. The observation of common situation and survival time, rejection grades, NF-κB activity of splenocytes and IL-2mRNA expression of grafted liver were used to analyze acute rejection severity and immune state of animals in different groups. The common situation of group I was very well after transplantation and no signs of rejection were found. Recipients of group II lost body weight progressively All dead within day 9 to day 13 posttransplantation; median survival time was 10.7 ±0.51 days. It was an optimal acute rejection control. As for group III, 5 out of 6 recipients survived for a long time and common situation was remarkably better than that of group II. Its rejection grades were significantly lower than that of group II(P<0.05). NF-κB activity was only detected in group I at day 5 and day 7 after transplantation, whereas high activity of NF-κB was detected at all time points in groupII and the low NF-κB activity detected in group III was significantly lower than that of group II (P<0.05). No IL-2mRNA expression was detected at any time point in group I, whereas high level expression was detected at all time points in group II and the low level expression only detected at day 3 in group III was significantly lower than that of group II (P<0.05). Conclusion: LSA is an important transplantation antigen which is involved directly in the immunorejection of liver transplantation. We report here for the first time that intrathymic inoculation of LSA can alleviate the rejection of liver allotransplantation; and that grafts can survive for a long time thereby, thus leading to a novel way to achieve liver transplantation immunotolerance. Project (NO. 011106206) supported by the Science and Technology Bureau of Zhejiang Province Foundation     

Assessment of volumetric bone mineral density of the femoral neck in postmenopausal women with and without vertebral fractures using quantitative multi-slice CT

Objective: To demonstrate the validity and reliability of volumetric quantitative computed tomography (vQCT) with multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for hip bone mineral density (BMD) measurements, and to compare the differences between the two techniques in discriminating postmenopausal women with osteoporosis-related vertebral fractures from those without. Methods: Ninety subjects were enrolled and divided into three groups based on the BMD values of the lumbar spine and/or the femoral neck by DXA. Groups 1 and 2 consisted of postmenopausal women with BMD changes ＜-2SD, with and without radiographically confirmed vertebral fracture (n=11 and 33, respectively).Group 3 comprised normal controls with BMD changes ≥-1SD (n=46). Post-MSCT (GE, LightSpeed16) scan reconstructed images of the abdominal-pelvic region, 1.25 mm thick per slice, were processed by OsteoCAD software to calculate the following parameters: volumetric BMD values of trabecular bone (TRAB), cortical bone (CORT), and integral bone (INTGL) of the left femoral neck, femoral neck axis length (NAL), and minimum cross-section area (mCSA). DXA BMD measurements of the lumbar spine (AP-SPINE) and the left femoral neck (NECK) also were performed for each subject. Results: The values of all seven parameters were significantly lower in subjects of Groups 1 and 2 than in normal postmenopausal women (P＜0.05, respectively).Comparing Groups 1 and 2, 3D-TRAB and 3D-INTGL were significantly lower in postmenopausal women with vertebral fracture(s) [(109.8±9.61) and (243.3±33.0) mg/cm3, respectively] than in those without [(148.9±7.47) and (285.4±17.8) mg/cm3,respectively] (P＜0.05, respectively), but no significant differences were evident in AP-SPINE or NECK BMD. Conclusion: the femoral neck-derived volumetric BMD parameters using vQCT appeared better than the DXA-derived ones in discriminating osteoporotic postmenopausal women with vertebral fractures from those without, vQCT might be useful to evaluate the effect of osteoporotic vertebral fracture status on changes in bone mass in the femoral neck.     

CRP,but not TNF-α or IL-6, decreases after weight loss in patients with morbid obesity exposed to intensive weight reduction and balneological treatment

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the degree of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in patients with morbid obesity exposed to a three-week low-calorie diet and balneotherapy.

Methods

The study included 33 patients (25 females and 8 males; mean age 46 years) with body mass index (BMI) values of >40 kg/m². Evaluations of CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, lipid profile, HOMA-IR, and fasting glucose were carried out before (baseline data) and three weeks after the treatment. The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers (15 females and 5 males) with a mean age of 39 years and BMI values of ≤24.9 kg/m².

Results

In the blood of patients with morbid obesity we found significantly elevated levels of CRP, TNF-α, triglycerides, HOMA-IR and fasting glucose, but a decreased level of high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, compared with the healthy individuals. The treatment resulted in about a 9.4% reduction in body weight from 122.5 to 111.0 kg and a significant decrease in the concentration of CRP, but no change in TNF-α or IL-6. HOMA-IR was significantly reduced.

Conclusion

The decrease in CRP level without changes in TNF-α or IL-6 concentrations after the low-calorie diet and balneological treatment, suggests that an essential amount of adipose tissue must be removed before proper adipocyte function is restored. The decrease in HOMA-IR indicates an improvement in insulin sensitivity, which is beneficial in obese patients.

     

Different sperm sources and parameters can influence intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes before embryo implantation

To evaluate the effects of sperm with different parameters and sources on the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), 1972 ICSI cycles were analyzed retrospectively. Groups 1 to 5 were composed of cycles using ejaculated sperm and were grouped according to sperm quantity, quality, and morphology into normal (288 cycles), or mild (329 cycles), moderate (522 cycles), severe (332 cycles), and extremely severe (171 cycles) oligozoospermia and/or asthenozoospermia and/or teratozoospermia (OAT) groups. Group 6 was composed of 250 cycles using testicular or epididymal sperm, and Group 7 consisted of 80 cycles using frozen-thawed sperm. We found that fertilization rates were gradually reduced from Groups 1 to 6, and reached statistical difference in Groups 5 and 6 (P<0.05). The high-quality embryo rate was higher in Group 1 than in Groups 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 (P<0.05). No statistical differences were observed in the rates of embryo cleavage, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, live-birth, premature birth, low birth weight, weeks of premature birth, average birth weight, or sex ratio for all seven groups (P>0.05). A total of nine cases of malformation were observed, with a malformation rate of 1.25% (9/719). In conclusion, different sperm sources and parameters can affect ICSI outcomes before embryo implantation. A full assessment of offspring malformation will require further study using a larger sample size.     

Parthenolide inhibits proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells through induction of G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest

Objective  This study is to determine the effect of the natural product parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from extracts of the herb Tanacetum parthenium, on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Methods  Rat aortic VSMCs were isolated and cultured in vitro, and treated with different concentrations of parthenolide (10, 20 and 30 μmol/L). [³H]thymidine incorporation was used as an index of cell proliferation. Cell cycle progression and distribution were determined by flow cytometric analysis. Furthermore, the expression of several regulatory proteins relevant to VSMC proliferation including IκBα, cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), p21, and p27 was examined to investigate the potential molecular mechanism. Results  Treatment with parthenolide significantly decreased the [³H]thymidine incorporation into DNA by 30%∼56% relative to control values in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Addition of parthenolide also increased cell population at G₀/G₁ phase by 19.2%∼65.7% (P<0.05) and decreased cell population at S phase by 50.7%∼84.8% (P<0.05), which is consistent with its stimulatory effects on p21 and p27. In addition, parthenolide also increased IκBα expression and reduced Cox-2 expression in a time-dependent manner. Conclusion  Our results show that parthenolide significantly inhibits the VSMC proliferation by inducing G₀/G₁ cell cycle arrest. IκBα and Cox-2 are likely involved in such inhibitory effect of parthenolide on VSMC proliferation. These findings warrant further investigation on potential therapeutic implications of parthenolide on VSMC proliferation in vivo. Project (No. 491020-W50315) supported by the Foundation of the Health Bureau of Zhejiang, China     

Study of androgen and atherosclerosis in old-age male

Objective: To observe the difference of androgen and inflammatory cytokines level in atherosclerosis and analyse their relations. Method: Both carotid arteries and arteries of lower extremity were subjected to ultrasonic examination by Doppler's method. Those with much atheromatous plaque formation were ranged into case group, and those with normal result formed control group. Total, free testosterone and estradiol were assayed by radioimmunoassay. C reactive protein (CRP) was assayed by nepheloturbidity. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Interleukin-18 (IL-18), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were assayed by ELISA. The mean difference between two groups and the correlation between free testosterone and cytokines were analysed. Results: Free testosterone was (6.337±3.371) pg/L in case group and (11.375±4.733) pg/L in control group,P<0.01. No differences were found in total testosterone and estradiol. CRP was (27.294±10.238) mg/L in case group and (12.843±6.318) mg/L in control group,P<0.01. IL-6 was (41.700±31.385) pg/L in case group and (25.396±20.772) pg/L in control group,P<0.05. IL-8 was (89.249±58.357) pg/L in case group and (67.873±31.227) pg/L in control group,P<0.05. sICAM-1 was (470.491±134.078) pg/L in case group and (368.487±97.183) pg/L in control group,P<0.01.sVCAM-1 was (537.808±213.172) pg/L in case group and (457.275±157.273) pg/L in control group,P<0.05. There were no differences in TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-18. Correlation analysis showed that FT (free testosterone) had negative correlation with CRP, IL-6 and sICAM-1. Among them FT had well correlation with CRP, correlation index was −0.678. Conclusion: Free testosterone was in negative correlation with atherosclerosis in old-age male. Free testosterone may have the role of anti-atherosclerosis, and this effect was not achieved by its transformation to estradiol. Low free testosterone level was followed by increased level of inflammatory cytokines. Low free testosterones coexist with inflammation and they both affect the process of atherosclerosis in old-age male. Project (No. 2003B045) supported by the Health Bureau of Zhejiang Province, China     

How Computer-Assisted Learning Influences Medical Students' Performance in Anatomy Courses

Anatomy is an essential subject of the medical curriculum. Despite its relevance, the curricular time and logistical resources devoted to teaching anatomy are in decline, favoring the introduction of new pedagogical approaches based on computer-assisted learning (CAL). This new pedagogical approach provides an insight into students' learning profiles and features, which are correlated with knowledge acquisition. The aim of this study was to understand how training with CAL platforms can influence medical students' anatomy performance. A total of 611 medical students attending Musculoskeletal Anatomy (MA) and Cardiovascular Anatomy (CA) courses were allocated to one of three groups (MA Group, CA Group, and MA + CA Group). An association between the performance in these anatomy courses and the number of CAL training sessions was detected. In the MA Group (r = 0.761, P < 0.001) and the MA + CA Group (r = 0.786, P < 0.001), a large positive correlation was observed between musculoskeletal anatomy performance and the number of CAL training sessions. Similarly, in the CA Group (r = 0.670, P < 0.001) and the MA + CA Group (r = 0.772, P < 0.001), a large positive correlation was observed between cardiovascular anatomy performance and the number of CAL training sessions. Multiple linear regression models were performed, considering either musculoskeletal or cardiovascular anatomy performance as the dependent variable. The results suggest that using CAL platforms to study has a positive dose-dependent effect on anatomy performance. Understanding students' individual features and academic background may contribute to the optimization of the learning process.     

Influence of HbA1c on short-term blood pressure variability in type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy

The aim of this study was to understand the characteristics of blood pressure(BP)variability in subjects with diabetic nephropathy(DN),and identify the probable predictors affecting BP variability.Fifty-one chronic kidney disease(CKD)-hypertensive patients without diabetes(NDN group)and sixty type 2 diabetic patients with overt DN(DN group)were enrolled in this study.The values of short-term BP variability were obtained from 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring(ABPM).Variance analysis or nonparametric analysis revealed that 24-h systolic BP variability and nighttime systolic BP variability of the DN group were significantly higher than those of the NDN group[(12.23±3.66)vs.(10.74±3.83)mmHg,P<0.05;(11.23±4.82)vs.(9.48±3.69)mmHg,P<0.05].Then the patients of the DN group were divided into two groups according to glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)level:Group A(HbA1c<7%)and Group B(HbA1c≥7%),and the t-test showed that patients in Group B had larger 24-h diastolic,daytime diastolic,and nighttime systolic/diastolic BP variability compared with Group A.In the DN group,partial correlation analysis revealed that HbA1c exhibited a strong association with 24-h diastolic,daytime diastolic,nighttime systolic and diastolic BP variability(P<0.001,P<0.001,P<0.05,and P<0.001,respectively).Taken together,larger short-term BP variability was detected in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients with overt nephropathy and renal insufficiency.It may imply that the optimal BP variability level could benefit from a better glycaemic control.     

Investigation of stressful life events in patients with systemic sclerosis

Objective: To assess the occurrence of stressful life events in the year before the initiation of systemic sclerosis. Methods: A consecutive series of 40 patients with systemic sclerosis (mean age (56.3~ 11.9) years, mean disease duration (4.3±3.1) years; 32 females and 8 males), including 28 with diffuse cutaneous scleroderma and 12 with limited cutaneous scleroderma, were evaluated. A control group of 40 healthy subjects free of systemic sclerosis also was included. Socioeconomic status was inves-tigated and Paykel's interview for recent life events (a semi-structured research interview covering 64 life events) was conducted. Results: Patients with systemic sclerosis showed higher percentages of lower education (72.5%) and working class (82.5%), and reported more stressful life events (P＜0.05), such as exits (P＜0.05), undesirable events (P＜0.01), and uncontrolled events (P＜0.001), when compared with the control. More events that had an objective negative impact (P＜0.001) were also reported in systemic sclerosis patients than in the control. These results are in accordance with a muitifactorial model of pathogenesis in systemic sclerosis. Conclusion: We reported a strong relationship between stressful life events and the initiation of systemic sclerosis. Our findings are consistent with current understanding of the extensive links of behavioral responses to stress with neurophysiological and biochemical processes.     

Efficacy of a novel endotoxin adsorber polyvinylidene fluoride fiber immobilized with (L)-serine ligand on septic pigs

A novel adsorber, polyvinylidene fluoride matrix immobilized with L-serine ligand (PVDF-Ser), was developed in the present study to evaluate its safety and therapeutic efficacy in septic pigs by extracorporeal hemoperfusion. Endotoxin adsorption efficiency (EAE) of the adsorber was firstly measured in vitro. The biocompatibility and hemodynamic changes during extracorporeal circulation were then evaluated. One half of 16 pigs receiving lipopolysaccharide (Escherichia coli O111:B4, 5 μg/kg) intravenously in 1 h were consecutively treated by hemoperfusion with the new adsorber for 2 h. The changes of circulating endotoxin and certain cytokines and respiratory function were analyzed. The 72 h-survival rate was assessed eventually. EAE reached 46.3% (100 EU/ml in 80 ml calf serum) after 2 h- circulation. No deleterious effect was observed within the process. The plasma endotoxin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were decreased during the hemoperfusion. Arterial oxygenation was also improved during and after the process. Furthermore, the survival time was significantly extended (>72 h vs. 47.5 h for median survival time). The novel product PVDF-Ser could adsorb endotoxin with high safety and efficacy. Early use of extracorporeal hemoperfusion with the new adsorber could reduce the levels of circulating endotoxin, IL-6, and TNF-α, besides improve respiratory function and consequent 72 h-survival rate of the septic pigs. Endotoxin removal strategy with blood purification using the new adsorber renders a potential promising future in sepsis therapy.     

Learning curves of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy in transforaminal approach at the L4/5 and L5/S1 levels: a comparative study

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the learning curves of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in a transforaminal approach at the L4/5 and L5/S1 levels.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the first 60 cases at the L4/5 level (Group I) and the first 60 cases at the L5/S1 level (Group II) of PELD performed by one spine surgeon. The patients were divided into subgroups A, B, and C (Group I: A cases 1–20, B cases 21–40, C cases 41–60; Group II: A cases 1–20, B cases 21–40, C cases 41–60). Operation time was thoroughly analyzed.

Results

Compared with the L4/5 level, the learning curve of transforaminal PELD at the L5/S1 level was flatter. The mean operation times of Groups IA, IB, and IC were (88.75±17.02), (67.75±6.16), and (64.85±7.82) min, respectively. There was a significant difference between Groups A and B (P<0.05), but no significant difference between Groups B and C (P=0.20). The mean operation times of Groups IIA, IIB, and IIC were (117.25±13.62), (109.50±11.20), and (92.15±11.94) min, respectively. There was no significant difference between Groups A and B (P=0.06), but there was a significant difference between Groups B and C (P<0.05). There were 6 cases of postoperative dysesthesia (POD) in Group I and 2 cases in Group IIA (P=0.27). There were 2 cases of residual disc in Group I, and 4 cases in Group II (P=0.67). There were 3 cases of recurrence in Group I, and 2 cases in Group II (P>0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with the L5/S1 level, the learning curve of PELD in a transforaminal approach at the L4/5 level was steeper, suggesting that the L4/5 level might be easier to master after short-term professional training.

     

Strengths and Weaknesses of Non-enhanced and Contrast-enhanced Cadaver Computed Tomography Scans in the Teaching of Gross Anatomy in an Integrated Curriculum

Cadaver-specific postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) has become an integral part in anatomy teaching at several universities. Recently, the feasibility of contrast-enhanced (CE)-PMCT has been demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to identify particular strengths and weaknesses of both non-enhanced and contrast-enhanced PMCT compared to conventional cadaver dissection. First, the students’ perception of the learning effectiveness of the three different modalities have been assessed using a 34-item survey (five-point Likert scale) covering all anatomy course modules. Results were compared using the nonparametric Friedman Test. Second, the most frequent artifacts in cadaver CT scans, were systematically analyzed in 122 PMCT and 31 CE-PMCT data sets to quantify method-related limitations and characteristics. Perfusion quality was assessed in 57 vascular segments (38 arterial and 19 venous). The survey was answered by n = 257/320 (80.3%) students. Increased learning benefits of PMCT/ CE-PMCT compared to cadaver dissection were found in osteology (2/3 categories, P < 0.001), head and neck (2/5 categories, P < 0.01), and brain anatomy (3/3 categories, P < 0.01). Contrast-enhanced-PMCT was perceived particularly useful in learning vascular anatomy (10/10 categories, P < 0.01). Cadaver dissection received significantly higher scores compared to PMCT and CE-PMCT in all categories of the abdomen and thorax (7/7 categories, P < 0.001), as well as the majority of muscular anatomy (5/6 categories, P < 0.001). Frequent postmortem artifacts (total n = 28, native-phase n = 21, contrast injection-related n = 7) were identified and assessed. The results of this work contribute to the understanding of the value of integrating cadaver-specific PMCT in anatomy teaching.     

A probiotic treatment containing Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus improves IBS symptoms in an open label trial

INTRODUCTION Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder. The typical symptoms are abdominal pain, flatulence, and irregular bowel movement. Prevalence rates are re- ported to be as high as 30% in the general population (Drossman et al., 1982), corresponding to about 25%~50% of all patients who need gastroenterolo- gist’s help (Everhart and Renault, 1991). Despite this high prevalence, the cause of IBS is unknown. Many factors are likely to …     

Enhancive effect of N,N′-dinitrosopiperazine on inducing precancerous lesion on nasal and/or nasopharyngeal epithelia of TgN(p53mt-LMP1)/HT mice

Objective  To investigate the enhancive effect of N,N′-dinitrosopiperazine (DNP) on induced carcinogenesis in nasal and/or nasopharyngeal epithelia among TgN(p53mt-LMP1)/HT transgenic mice to examine the underlying mechanism for the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods  TgN(p53mt-LMP1)/HT transgenic mice and the same strain of C₅₇BL/6J wild-type mice both at the age of 5 months were randomly divided into 2 groups in parallel, respectively, i.e., TgN(p53mt-LMP1)/HT cancerous lesion-inducing group (TI), TgN(p53mt-LMP1)/HT control group (TC), C₅₇BL/6J cancerous lesion-inducing group (CI), and C₅₇BL/6J control group (CC). TI and CI mice were treated only with DNP for 16 weeks, twice each week, while TC and CC mice were given the same volume of saline as controls. At the end of treatment, animals were sacrificed to collect epithelial tissue samples from nasal cavity and nasopharynx for pathohistological evaluation by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and for determination on the expression of TRAF2, c-Jun, and p16 by immunohistochemistry. Results  Atypical hyperplasia was more significant in the samples of TI than in those of TC, CI, and CC, with the rates of lesions being 90%, 10%, 0, and 0 (P<0.01) respectively, though DNP was used alone in a much shortened inducing period at less dosage and without the use of carcinogenic promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate as usual. The expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) and c-Jun in these samples were significantly up-regulated in TI (P<0.01), while the expression of p16 was significantly lower in TI than in the other groups (P<0.01). Conclusion  TgN(p53mt-LMP1)/HT mice hold inherited constitutional defect in immune surveillance function, which can be aggravated by environmental carcinogens, such as DNP used even though in a much less strength. The enhanced carcinogenesis-inducing effect of DNP on TgN(p53mt-LMP1)/HT mice should be closely associated with abnormal signaling of activator protein-1 (AP-1) pathway, especially up-regulated expressions of TRAF2 and c-Jun, and down-regulated expression of p16. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 30672738, 30572455 and 30572408), Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars (No. 03JJY1006) and for General Projects (Nos. 05JJ40029 and 07JJ6038), the Research Foundation of Hunan Provincial Scientific and Technological Department for International Cooperative Academic Projects (No. 06WK3016), and the Research Foundation of Hunan Provincial Education Department for Outstanding Young Scholars (No. 06B070), China     

Nephroprotective effects of Zingiber zerumbet Smith ethyl acetate extract against paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats

Paracetamol (PCM) overdose can cause nephrotoxicity with oxidative stress as one of the possible mechanisms mediating the event. In this study, the effects of ethyl acetate extract of Zingiber zerumbet rhizome [200 mg per kg of body weight (mg/kg) and 400 mg/kg] on PCM-induced nephrotoxicity were examined. Rats were divided into five groups containing 10 rats each. The control group received distilled water while other groups were treated with extract alone (400 mg/kg), PCM alone (750 mg/kg), 750 mg/kg PCM+200 mg/kg extract (PCM+ 200-extract), and 750 mg/kg PCM+400 mg/kg extract (PCM+400-extract), respectively, for seven consecutive days. The Z. zerumbet extract was given intraperitoneally concurrent with oral administration of PCM. Treatment with Z. zerumbet extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg prevented the PCM-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative impairments of the kidney, as evidenced by a significantly reduced (P<0.05) level of plasma creatinine, plasma and renal malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma protein carbonyl, and renal advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP). Furthermore, both doses were also able to induce a significant increment (P<0.05) of plasma and renal levels of glutathione (GSH) and plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The nephroprotective effects of Z. zerumbet extract were confirmed by a reduced intensity of renal cellular damage, as evidenced by histological findings. Moreover, Z. zerumbet extract administered at 400 mg/kg was found to show greater protective effects than that at 200 mg/kg. In conclusion, ethyl acetate extract of Z. zerumbet rhizome has a protective role against PCM-induced nephrotoxicity and the process is probably mediated through its antioxidant properties.     

匹伐他汀钙对高胆固醇血症患者动脉粥样硬化的影响（英文）

目的:观察匹伐他汀钙对高胆固醇血症患者外周血管的影响。创新点:首次在国内发现匹伐他汀钙能够改善高胆固醇血症患者肱动脉和颈动脉血管内皮功能而且延缓其动脉粥样硬化发展,并首次证实改善内皮功能是匹伐他汀钙延缓其动脉粥样硬化发展的重要原因。方法:按照入选排除标准,选取本院高胆固醇血症患者(HC),完成超声心动图检查的40例。根据剂量不同,分为两个剂量组:1 mg剂量组20例(男性5例,女性15例,平均年龄(55.20±8.35)岁),2 mg剂量组20例(男性9例,女性11例,平均年龄(57.56±6.09)岁)。访视结束后完成超声心动图检查的HC组36例,两个剂量组分别有2人失访。治疗后1 mg剂量组18例(男性3例,女性15例,平均年龄(56.00±7.85)岁),2 mg剂量组18例(男性7例,女性11例,平均年龄(57.79±6.46)岁)。选择本院同期体检中心30例正常人作为对照(年龄和性别均与病例组匹配,男性14例,女性16例,平均年龄(54.94±6.90)岁)。所有研究对象,均经隔夜禁食12~14小时,次日清晨抽取空腹肘静脉血,测定临床生化指标。采用Sequia512彩色多普勒超声诊断仪,应用高分辩率外周血管超声技术,检测HC治疗前后肱动脉血流介导性舒张功能(FMD)、颈动脉结构和功能。结论:经匹伐他汀钙治疗8周后,高胆固醇血症患者血管功能明显改善,表现为FMD升高,僵硬度减小;颈动脉僵硬度和内中膜厚度(IMT)延缓进展与其内皮功能改善密切相关。