Clinical Effect of Uterosacral and Cardinal Ligament Fixation versus Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation of Vaginal Vault Prolapse: A Retrospective Analysis.

Objective: This study aimed at comparing sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) with uterosacral and cardinal ligament fixation (USCLF) concerning complications and outcomes in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients with POP stage III or above uterine prolapse treated at Wenzhou People's Hospital from January 2013 to December 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: USCLF group and SSLF group. The perioperative indicators, postoperative complications, pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q), Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), and POP/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) scores of the groups were analyzed and compared. Results: (1) The operative time and intraoperative blood loss in the USCLF group were lower than those in the SSLF group, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). (2) The incidence of postoperative buttock pain in the SSLF group was 10.7% (6/56), higher than that in the USCLF group (0/56) (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.027). (3) At one year of follow-up, significant improvement in Aa, Ba, C, Ap, and Bp values was observed in both groups (p < 0.05). The values of the Aa and Ba sites in the USCLF group were lower than those in the SSLF group one year after surgery (p < 0.05). (4) The PFDI-20 and PISQ-12 scores of the groups one year after surgery were lower than those before surgery (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Uterosacral and cardinal ligament suture fixation leads to less bleeding and better postoperative quality of life than preoperative and may be better than SSLF at preventing the recurrence of anterior wall prolapse after surgery.

The prediction and treatment of postpartum myofascial pelvic pain.

BACKGROUND: The clinical manifestations of myofascial pelvic pain (MFPP) are mainly acute or chronic muscle pain at one or more trigger points in the pelvic cavity or pelvic floor. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the predictive value of pelvic floor myoelectric parameters with respect to MFPP and the effect of its clinical treatment. METHODS: Two hundred and one women followed up in the Wenzhou People's Hospital 6-12 weeks postpartum between July 2020 and July 2021. They were divided into an MFPP group (n= 90) and a non-MFPP group (n= 102), but 9 MFPP patients without a pelvic floor electromyography evaluation were not included. The general demographic data and pelvic floor electromyography evaluation parameters of the two groups were compared; the related factors of postpartum women suffering from MFPP were analyzed, and a nomogram model of the postpartum risk of suffering from MFPP was established. The 99 patients with postpartum MFPP were divided into a treatment group (n= 10) and a control group (n= 89). The difference in visual analog scale scores between the two groups initially and after three months of treatment was compared to evaluate the effective remission rate of postpartum MFPP after treatment. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in the relaxation time at the rapid contraction stage (z= 4.369, p< 0.05) and the tension contraction stage (z= 135.645, p< 0.01) between the MFPP group and the non-MFPP group. The nomogram model for predicting postpartum MFPP was established with nine variables as potential predictors. The calibration chart and C index of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.65-0.71) proved that the model had a certain degree of discrimination. The clinical decision-making curve showed that the model could increase the net benefit rate of patients. The pain relief rate in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p< 0.01). CONCLUSION: There is a significant correlation between postpartum MFPP and relaxation time at rapid contraction stage and tension contraction stage. The risk prediction nomogram model of postpartum MFPP established with nine potential predictors has a certain prediction capability, and clinical treatment can effectively relieve MFPP in postpartum patients.

The efficacy of manipulation as a treatment for myofascial pelvic pain.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of myofascial manipulation by observing the changes in pelvic floor myofascial scores and electromyography (EMG) data before and after treatment. METHODS: A total of 106 patients with myofascial pelvic pain (MFPP) were enrolled in a treatment group, and 50 healthy women were enrolled in a control group. The changes in the pelvic floor EMG data in the two groups were monitored by using Myo Trac before and after treatment. Pelvic trigger points and their distribution in the MFPP patients were examined using a finger pressure test. The visual analogue scale was used to assess the severity of pain in both groups. After one course of manipulation (twice per week for a total of 10 times), the effectiveness of the manipulation was analyzed by comparing the changes in pain scores before and after treatment. RESULTS: The main symptoms of MFPP in the study sample consisted of lower abdominal pain, lumbosacral pain, or mixed pain, which together accounted for 67% of all symptoms. Patients often had multiple trigger points, covering 47.17% of the body. The differences between the treatment group and control group in the changes in pelvic floor muscle strength, number of pain points, pain scores, resting EMG of pelvic floor muscles, and relaxation time after muscle contraction were all statistically significant (P < 0.05). The differences between the pre-treatment and post-treatment groups in the changes in pelvic floor muscle strength, number of pain points, pain scores, resting EMG of pelvic floor muscles, and relaxation time after muscle contraction were all statistically significant (P < 0.05) CONCLUSION: Manipulation is an effective treatment for MFPP and is worthy of further clinical promotion.

Population subdivision and hybridization in a species complex of Gentiana in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hosting several global biodiversity hotspots, the region of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is exceptionally species-rich and harbours a remarkable level of endemism. Yet, despite a growing number of studies, factors fostering divergence, speciation and ultimately diversity remain poorly understood for QTP alpine plants. This is particularly the case for the role of hybridization. Here, we explored the evolutionary history of three closely related Gentiana endemic species, and tested whether our results supported the mountain geo-biodiversity hypothesis (MGH). METHODS: We genotyped 69 populations across the QTP with one chloroplast marker and 12 nuclear microsatellite loci. We performed phylogeographical analysis, Bayesian clustering, approximate Bayesian computation and principal components analysis to explore their genetic relationship and evolutionary history. In addition, we modelled their distribution under different climates. KEY RESULTS: Each species was composed of two geographically distinct clades, corresponding to the south-eastern and north-western parts of their distribution. Thus Gentiana veitchiorum and G. lawrencei var. farreri, which diverged recently, appear to have shared at least refugia in the past, from which their range expanded later on. Indeed, climatic niche modelling showed that both species went through continuous expansion from the Last Interglacial Maximum to the present day. Moreover, we have evidence of hybridization in the northwest clade of G. lawrencei var. farreri, which probably occurred in the refugium located on the plateau platform. Furthermore, phylogenetic and population genetic analyses suggested that G. dolichocalyx should be a geographically limited distinct species with low genetic differentiation from G. lawrencei var. farreri. CONCLUSIONS: Climatic fluctuations in the region of the QTP have played an important role in shaping the current genetic structure of G. lawrencei var. farreri and G. veitchiorum. We argue that a species pump effect did occur prior to the Last Interglacial Maximum, thus lending support to the MGH. However, our results do depart from expectations as suggested in the MGH for more recent distribution range and hybridization dynamics.

[Characterization and pathophysiological changes of cerebral infarction rat model with qi-deficiency and blood-stasis Syndrome].

This study aimed to observe the general state and changes in pathophysiological indexes of multiple cerebral infarction rat model with Qi-deficienty and Blood-stasis syndrome. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups(with 30 in each group): the normal group, the sham group, the model group and the Yiqi Huoxue recipe group. Rats in the model group and Yiqi Huoxue group were provided with interruptable sleep deprivation for 7 days before the multiple cerebral infarction operation, and followed by another 4 weeks of sleep deprivation; rats in the Yiqi Huoxue group were intragastrically administrated with drug at a dose of 26 g·kg⁻¹, once a day for 4 weeks. The general state was observed, and the pathophysiological indexes were measured at 48 h, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after administration. The results showed that rats in the normal group and the sham group represented a good general state and behaviors, with a normal morphological structure of brain tissues; rats in the model group featured yellow fur, depression, accidie, loose stools and movement disorder, with obvious brain histomorphological damage, which became aggravated with the increase of modeling time; rats in the Yiqi Huoxue group showed release in the general state and above indexes. Compared with the sham group at three time points, rats in the model group showed decrease in body weight, exhaustive swimming time and RGB value of tongue surface image, and increase in whole blood viscosity of the shear rate under 5, 60 and 150 S⁻¹, reduction in cerebral cortex Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, Ca²âº-ATPase activity and contents of 5-HT, rise in TXB2 levels and decline in 6-keto-PGF1a in serum(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in the Yiqi Huoxue group showed alleviations in the above indexes at 2 w and 4 w(P<0.05, P<0.01). The results showed that the characterization and pathophysiological indexes in the multiple cerebral infarction rat model with Qi-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome were deteriorated; Yiqi Huoxue recipe could significantly alliviate the abnormal conditions, which suggested of the model was stable and reliable and the pathophysiologic evolutionary mechanism might be related to energy metabolism dysfunction, vasoactive substance abnormality and changes in neurotransmitters.

[Effect of Jiangtang Xiaozhi Tablet on Insulin Resistance KK-AY Transgenic Mice Model of Diabetes Mellitus].

Objective To observe effects of Jiangtang Xiaozhi Tablet (JTXZT) on homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) , insulin sensitivity index ( ISI) , expres- sions of insulin (INS) and insulin receptor (InsR) in pancreas tissues of KK-A(y) transgenic mice model of diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods KK-A(y) transgenic mice were fed with high fat forage to induce hyper- glycemic obese DM model. The C,7ice at same age were used as a normal control group (fed with e- qual volume of sterile water, n =11). Successful modeled 55 mice with DM obesity were divided into 5 groups by random digit table (11 in each group) , including the model group (fed with equal volume of ster- ile water, with no treatment) , the Pioglitazone Hydrochloride Tablet treatment group (8 mg/kg; as a posi- tive control group) , and JTXZT groups [high (10. 0 g crude drugs/kg) , middle (5. 0 g crude drugs/kg) and low dose (2. 5 g crude drugs/kg) ]. All medications were fed by gastrogavage, once per day for 8 succes- sive weeks. All mice were weighed and levels of random blood glucose (RBG) determined after 8 weeks of treatment. Blood was collected from ophthalmic vein. Levels of insulin (INS) , serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) were detected. HOMA-IR and ISI were calculated. The morphological changes of pancreas tissues were extracted for performed pathological examinations. The expressions of INS and insulin receptor (InsR ) were measured by immunohistochemistry ( IHC ). Expressions of insulin receptorp ßInsRP) and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) in pancreas tissues were detected using Western blot. Results Compared with the normal control group, obesity, obviously increased blood glu- cose and blood lipids occurred in each group after modeling (P <0. 01). After 8 weeks of medication mice in the model group had put up body weight (P <0. 01) , blood glucose and blood lipids were kept on quite higher levels. Compared with the model group, body weight, serum levels of TG, INS, and HOMA-IR obvi- ously decreased in each JTXZT group (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). Besides, RBG decreased obviously lower in the high dose JTXZT group (P <0. 01). ISI obviously increased in low and high dose JTXZT groups (P < 0. 05, P <0. 01). Pathological results of HE staining in pancreas showed that atrophied islets with obvious- ly reduced numbers in the model group. They were sparsely distributed with reduced islet density.-Islet cells were compensatively hypertrophy, with degenerated vacuoles. Apoptosis of islet cells could also be seen in the model group, manifested as swollen cytoplasm and paryopyknosis. Islet number was obvious- ly increased in high and middle dose JTXZT groups, with reduced apoptosis and degenerated cells. Re- sults of IHC assay showed, as compared with the normal control group, the grey values of INS and InsR were significantly decreased in the model group (P <0. 01). Compared with the model group, IOD values of INS and InsR (IOD) were significantly increased in each JTXZT group (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). Results from Western blot showed that protein expressions of InsRP ßnd IRS-1 were obviously decreased in the model group, as compared with the normal control group (P <0. 01). Compared with the model group, protein expressions of InsRP ßnd IRS-1 were obviously increased in each JTXZT group (P <0. 01) , but with no statistical difference as compared with the Pioglitazone Hydrochloride Tablet treatment group (P > 0. 05). Conclusions JTXZT had obvious roles in decreasing levels of blood glucose, serum lipids, and improving insulin resistance in KK-Ayt(r) ansgenic mice model with diabetic obesity. Its mechanism might involve in increasing expressions of lnsRp and IRS-1 in pancreas cells, promoting the integration of INS to its receptors, and thereby improving glucose metabolism , lipid metabolism , and IR state.

Radiosensitisation of human glioma cells by inhibition of ß1,6-GlcNAc branched N-glycans.

Gliomas are the most prevalent type of primary brain tumors and are resistant to radiation therapy. ß1,6-GlcNAc branched N-glycans, which are encoded by N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V), play important roles in glioma progression. However, the relationship between ß1,6-GlcNAc branched expression and radiosensitivity in glioma cells is still unknown. In this study, the expression of ß1,6-GlcNAc branched N-glycans in nonneoplastic brain and glioma samples was characterized by lectin histochemistry. The radiosensitivity of glioma cells was evaluated by colony formation assay. We found that ß1,6-GlcNAc branches were highly expressed in glioblastoma specimens, compared with diffuse astrocytomas and nonneoplastic brain. In addition, ß1,6-GlcNAc branched expression was negatively correlated with the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of N-linked ß1,6-GlcNAc branches by GnT-V silencing in U251 cells could reduce the cell clonogenic survival after X-irradiation. Meanwhile, the G2/M checkpoint was impaired and there was an increase in the number of apoptotic cells. Tunicamycin, an inhibitor of N-glycan biosynthesis, was also able to enhance the radiosensitivity of U251 cells. Thus, our results suggest that development of therapeutic approaches targeting N-linked ß1,6-GlcNAc branches may be a promising strategy in glioblastoma treatment.

[Establishment of coronary heart disease models of Qi-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome in rats].

To establish Qi-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome type coronary heart disease models by fatigue running exercise and high ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), male Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into sham operation group (JSS), coronary ligation group (DZ), fatigue running exercise+coronary ligation group (PZ). Coronary ligation alone was done in DZ group; while the rats in PZ group had running exercise in on the animal treadmill system for 2 weeks to establish fatigue models, and then coronary ligation was done based on the models. The exhausted running was maintained for 28 days at the frequency of 1 time/2 days after operation. Twenty-eight to thirty-one days after the operation, all the rats were observed for macroscopic physical signs, and ultrasonic echocardiography indexes and breathing extent of the rats were collected to evaluate the main symptoms of rats with Qi-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome type coronary heart disease; related indexes of open field test, exhaustive running time, and colorimetric analysis data on images of plantar were collected to evaluate the accompanied symptoms; colorimetric analysis data on lingual surface was collected to evaluate the tongue characteristics; pulse distension data was collected to evaluate the pulse condition, and meanwhile, blood rheology and coagulation function were also detected. From the 28th day postoperatively, the main symptoms, accompanied symptoms, tongue characteristics and pulse conditions of rats in PZ group conformed to the symptoms of coronary heart disease and Qi-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome. Combined with related pathological results, the study revealed that Qi-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome type coronary heart disease models could be successfully established by fatigue running exercise and high ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery for the rats.

Reversal effect of GnT-V on the radioresistance of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by alteration ß1, 6-GlcNAc branched N-glycans.

Radiotherapy is the primary treatment for human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), yet radioresistance remains a major obstacle to successful treatment in many cases. N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V), which synthesizes ß1, 6-GlcNAc branched N-glycans, is closely related to the radiosensitivity of NPC cells. However, a better understanding of the functional role of GnT-V in NPC radioresistance and the related mechanisms is urgently needed. In the present study, a radioresistant NPC cell line, CNE-2R, was established by repeated γ-irradiation. We found that GnT-V levels, as well as ß1, 6-GlcNAc branched N-glycans were significantly increased in the CNE-2R cells as compared with that in the parental cells. Meanwhile, knockdown of GnT-V in the CNE-2R cells enhanced cell radiosensitivity and inhibited the formation of ß1, 6-branched N-glycans. In addition, the regulated expression of GnT-V in the CNE-2R cells converted the heterogeneous N-glycosylated forms of CD147. Furthermore, swainsonine, an inhibitor of N-glycan biosynthesis, was also able to reverse the radioresistance of the CNE-2R cells. Taken together, the present study revealed a novel mechanism of GnT-V as a regulator of radioresistance in NPC cells, which may be useful for fully understanding the biological role of N-glycans in NPC radioresistance.

[Effect of Gualou Xiebai Banxia decoction combined with Xuefu Zhuyu decoction on myocardial apoptosis and relevant protein expressions in miniature swine phlegm and blood stasis type coronary heart disease model].

There have been very few studies on the effect of Gualou Xiebai Banxia decoction combined with Xuefu Zhuyu decoction in inhibiting apoptosis in myocardial ischemial injury caused by coronary heart disease. In this experiment, Gualou Xiebai Banxia decoction combined with-Xuefu Zhuyu decoction were used to intervene the miniature swine phlegm and blood stasis type coronary heart disease model, in order to observe the effect of the combined prescription on the myocardial apoptosis and the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9 in the model. Totally 15 Chinese experimental miniature swine were adopted and randomly divided into the control group, the model group and the phlegm and stasis-treating group. The model group and the stasis-treating group were fed with high fat diets for two weeks, intervened with the coronary artery injury and then given drugs and high fat diets for eight weeks. The control group was fed with ordinary diets for 10 weeks, without the coronary artery injury. After the experiment, myocardia at the juncture of infracted areas were collected and made into formalin-fixed paraffin sections. The TDT-mediate dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to detect the myocardial apoptosis. The immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique was applied to detect Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9 levels in myocardial tissues. According to the findings, the apoptosis indexes (AI) for the control group, the model group and the phlegm and stasis-treating group were 0.92%, 27.68%, 17.28%, respectively. The AI of the phlegm and stasis-treating group was significantly lower than that of the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the phlegm and stasis-treating group showed significantly higher Bcl-2 protein expression (P < 0.01) and lower Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 protein expressions (P < 0.01). In conclusion, Gualou Xiebai Banxia decoction combined with Xuefu Zhuyu decoction have a significant protective effect against the myocardial apoptosis in miniature swine phlegm and blood stasis type coronary heart disease model.

[Protective effect of formula of removing both phlegm and blood stasis on myocardial tissues of Chinese mini-swine with coronary heart disease of phlegm-stasis cementation syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effect of formula of removing both phlegm and blood stasis (TYTZ) on myocardial tissues of Chinese mini-swine with coronary heart disease of phlegm-stasis cementation syndrome. METHOD: Totally 36 Chinese mini-swine were randomly divided to six groups: the normal control group, the model group, the Danlou tablet group, and TYTZ groups with doses of 2.0, 1.0, 0.5 g x kg(-1), with six in each group. Except for the normal control group, all of other groups were fed with high-fat diet for 2 weeks. Interventional balloons are adopted to injure their left anterior descending artery endothelium. After the operation, they were fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to prepare the coronary heart disease model of phlegm-stasis cementation syndrome in Chinese mini-swine. After the operation, they were administered with drugs for 8 weeks. The SOD activity and MDA content of each group were observed at the 0th week (before the experiment), the 2nd week after the high-fat diet (before the operation or drug administration) , the 6th week after the high-fat diet (4 weeks after the drug administration) and the 10th week after the high-fat diet (8 weeks after the drug administration). Meanwhile, the myocardial enzymogram test and the HE staining pathological observation were performed at the end of the experiment. The changes in the myocardial cell ultra-structure were observed under transmission electron microscope. RESULT: Compared with the normal control group, the model group showed significant decrease in serum SOD activity and notable increase in MDA content from the 2nd week to the end of experiment (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). In the 10th week, the CK, LDH and CK-MB levels in serum also significantly increased in the model group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), with obvious structural abnormality in myocardial tissue pathologic morphology and ultra-structure. Compared with the model group, TYTZ groups showed specific increase in serum SOD activity and oblivious decrease in the MDA level (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Meanwhile, TYTZ could significantly decrease serum CK and LDH levels in the model group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), attenuate the ischemia injury of myocardial tissue, and improve the ultra-structure of cardiomyocytes. CONCLUSION: TYTZ shows an obvious protective effect on the myocardial injury in Chinese mini-swine with coronary heart disease of phlegm-stasis cementation syndrome. Its mechanism is related to the resistance against free radical oxidation injury and the inhibition of the lipid per-oxidation.

Herbal Extracts Combination (WNK) Prevents Decline in Spatial Learning and Memory in APP/PS1 Mice through Improvement of Hippocampal Aß Plaque Formation, Histopathology, and Ultrastructure.

To investigate the cognitive enhancement effect of WNK, an extracts combination of P. ginseng, G. biloba, and C. sativus L. and possible mechanisms, 5-month-old APP/PS1 transgenic mice were used in this study. After 3 months of administration, all mice received Morris water maze (MWM) training and a probe test. Mouse brain sections were detected by immunohistochemistry, HE staining, and transmission electron microscopy. MWM results showed significant difference between transgenic mice and nontransgenic littermates (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). WNK-treated mice exhibited enhanced maze performance over the training progression, especially better spatial memory retention in probe test compared to transgenic mice (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and better spatial learning and memory at the fourth day of MWM test compared to EGB761- (G. biloba extract-) treated ones (P < 0.05). Hippocampal Aß plaque burden significantly differed between APP/PS1 and littermate mice (P < 0.001), while decreased Aß plaque appeared in WNK- or EGB761-treated transgenic brains (P < 0.05). Neurodegenerative changes were evident from light microscopic and ultrastructural observations in transgenic brains, which were improved by WNK or EGB761 treatment. These data indicate WNK can reduce the decline in spatial cognition, which might be due to its effects on reducing Aß plaque formation and ameliorating histopathology and ultrastructure in hippocampus of APP/PS1 mouse brain.

Dosimetry Comparison between Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy with Rapid Arcand Fixed Field Dynamic IMRT for Local-Regionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: A dosimetric study was performed to evaluate the performance of volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy with RapidArc on locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS: The CT scan data sets of 20 patients of locally advanced NPC were selected randomly. The plans were managed using volumetric modulated arc with RapidArc and fixed nine-field coplanar dynamic intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for these patients. The dosimetry of the planning target volumes (PTV), the organs at risk (OARs) and the healthy tissue were evaluated. The dose prescription was set to 70 Gy to the primary tumor and 60 Gy to the clinical target volumes (CTV) in 33 fractions. Each fraction applied daily, five fractions per week. The monitor unit (MU) values and the delivery time were scored to evaluate the expected treatment efficiency. RESULTS: Both techniques had reached clinical treatment's requirement. The mean dose (Dmean), maximum dose (Dmax) and minimum dose (Dmin) in RapidArc and fixed field IMRT for PTV were 68.4±0.6 Gy, 74.8±0.9 Gy and 56.8±1.1 Gy; and 67.6±0.6 Gy, 73.8±0.4 Gy and 57.5±0.6 Gy (P<0.05), respectively. Homogeneity index was 78.85±1.29 in RapidArc and 80.34±0.54 (P<0.05) in IMRT. The conformity index (CI: 95%) was 0.78±0.01 for both techniques (P>0.05). Compared to IMRT, RapidArc allowed a reduction of Dmean to the brain stem, mandible and optic nerves of 14.1% (P<0.05), 5.6% (P<0.05) and 12.2% (P<0.05), respectively. For the healthy tissue and the whole absorbed dose, Dmean of RapidArc was reduced by 3.6% (P<0.05), and 3.7% (P<0.05), respectively. The Dmean to the parotids, the spinal cord and the lens had no statistical difference among them. The mean MU values of RapidArc and IMRT were 550 and 1,379. The mean treatment time of RapidArc and IMRT was 165 s and 447 s. Compared to IMRT, the delivery time and the MU values of RapidArc were reduced by 63% and 60%, respectively. CONCLUSION: For locally advanced NPC, both RapidArc and IMRT reached the clinic requirement. The target volume coverage was similar for the different techniques. The RapidArc technique showed some improvements in OARs and other tissue sparing while using reduced MUs and delivery time.

Molecular mechanisms of excitotoxicity and their relevance to pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.

A pivotal role for excitotoxicity in neurodegenerative diseases is gaining increasingly more acceptance, but the underlying mechanisms through which it participates in neurodegeneration still need further investigation. Excessive activation of glutamate receptors by excitatory amino acids leads to a number of deleterious consequences, including impairment of calcium buffering, generation of free radicals, activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition and secondary excitotoxicity. Recent studies implicate excitotoxicity in a variety of neuropathological conditions, suggesting that neurodegenerative diseases with distinct genetic etiologies may share excitotoxicity as a common pathogenic pathway. Thus, understanding the pathways involved in excitotoxicity is of critical importance for the future clinical treatment of many neurodegenerative diseases. This review discusses the current understanding of excitotoxic mechanisms and how they are involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.

p53 induction contributes to excitotoxic neuronal death in rat striatum through apoptotic and autophagic mechanisms.

The present study sought to investigate mechanisms by which p53 induction contributes to excitotoxic neuronal injury. Rats were intrastriatally administered the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor agonist quinolinic acid (QA), the changes in the expression of p53 and its target genes involved in apoptosis and autophagy, including p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), Bax, Bcl-2, damage-regulated autophagy modulator (DRAM) and other autophagic proteins including microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and beclin 1 were assessed. The contribution of p53-mediated autophagy activation to apoptotic death of striatal neurons was assessed with co-administration of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitor SN50, the p53 inhibitor Pifithrin-alpha (PFT-alpha) or the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). The increased formation of autophagosomes and secondary lysosomes were observed with transmission electron microscope after excitotoxin exposure. QA induced increases in the expression of p53, PUMA, Bax and a decrease in Bcl-2. These changes were significantly attenuated by pre-treatment with SN50, PFT-alpha or 3-MA. SN50, PFT-alpha or 3-MA also reversed QA-induced upregulation of DRAM, the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I and beclin 1 protein levels in the striatum. QA-induced internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and loss of striatal neurons were robustly inhibited by SN50, PFT-alpha or 3-MA. These results suggest that overstimulation of NMDA receptors can induce NF-kappaB-dependent expression of p53. p53 participates in excitotoxic neuronal death probably through both apoptotic and autophagic mechanisms.

Effects of intestinal inflammation on specific subgroups of guinea-pig celiac ganglion neurons.

The consequences of inflammation of a short region of the guinea-pig ileum on the properties of neurons in the celiac ganglia were investigated. Inflammation (ileitis) was induced in 5-8 cm of intestine by the intralumenal injection of trinitrobenzene sulfonate, 6-7 days before tissue was taken. Celiac ganglion neurons were investigated using intracellular microelectrodes and the cells were filled with dye from the recording electrode, to determine their morphologies. Tonic and phasic neurons were identified. In ganglia from normal guinea-pigs and from guinea-pigs with ileitis, cell bodies of tonic neurons were larger and their dendrites were longer and more numerous than those of phasic neurons. Tonic neurons were selectively affected by intestinal inflammation. The number of action potentials elicited by the same intensity of depolarizing current for neurons after ileal inflammation was twice that of neurons from control animals, the threshold current to evoke action potentials was about half, and some of the neurons were spontaneously active. Neurons from untreated or sham-operated animals were never spontaneously active. Many more neurons were affected than project to the 5-8 cm of intestine that was inflamed. We conclude that inflammation of a segment of the ileum causes a selective, humorally mediated, increase in excitability of tonic neurons in the celiac ganglion that control motility and secretion, but not of phasic neurons that project to the intestinal vasculature and other targets.

[Effect of Jiangtang Xiaozhi capsule on morphological changes of islet and liver in rat model [corrected] of type 2 diabetes [corrected] mellitus].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Jiangtang Xiaozhi capsule (JXC) on morphological changes of islets and liver at rat model of type 2 diabetic mellitus and provide the experimental basis for the clinical therapy of type 2 diabetic mellitus. METHOD: Wister rats were fed on a diet enriched in fat and glucose to induce insulin resistan, the rats were injected intrapertoneally with a low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) twice (25 mg x kg(-1)) to induce hyperglycemia, so the successful rat model of type 2 diabetes were established. The experimental rats were divided into model group, high dose JXC group, middle dose JXC group, low dose JXC group, Erjiashuanggua group, Jinqijiangtang group and normal control group. After all the treatment groups received their own medicine for two months, all the rats were sacrificed and morphological examination on their islets and livers were performed. RESULT: Fatty liver in various degrees was seen in the model group and all the treatment groups, but the liver steatosis in middle and low dose JXC groups was significantly milder than that in model group (P < 0.05). Islets in the high dose JXC group were significantly more than that in the model group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: JXC can improve significantly the pathological change in islets and liver steatosis at rat model of type 2 diabetic mellitus.

Electromotility in outer hair cells: a supporting role for fast potassium conductance.

Motility of outer hair cells underlies the cochlear amplifier, which is critical for the ear's sensitivity and fine tuning. Of the two motile mechanisms present in these cells, electromotility at the lateral wall depends on the receptor potential and thus depends on currents through the cell body. We found that, in the guinea pig cochlea, basal turn outer hair cells have a fast-activating ion current (tau < 0.3 ms at 23 degrees C), which is absent in apical turn cells. This finding is consistent with our previous theoretical analysis that a fast-activating potassium current is required only in the basal turn to counteract the capacitive current and thereby to enhance the effectiveness of electromotility. Thus, our finding is consistent with the functional significance of electromotility. We conjecture therefore that the current reduces the capacitance of the outer hair cell in order to increase hearing bandwidth.

Limiting frequency of the cochlear amplifier based on electromotility of outer hair cells.

Outer hair cells are the critical element for the sensitivity and sharpness of frequency selectivity of the ear. It is believed that fast motility (electromotility) of these cells is essential for this function. Indeed, force produced by outer hair cells follows their membrane potential very closely at least up to 60 kHz. However, it has been pointed out that the cell's receptor potential is attenuated by a low-pass RC circuit inherent to these cells, with the RC roll-off frequencies significantly lower than their operating frequencies. This would render electromotility ineffective in producing force. To address this issue, we assume that multiple degrees of freedom and vibrational modes due to the complex structure of the organ of Corti provide optimal phases for outer hair cells' force to cancel viscous drag. Our derived frequency limit depends on the drag-capacitance product, not directly on the RC time constant. With a reasonable assumption for the viscous drag, the estimated limit is 10-13 kHz, exceeding the RC corner frequency. Our analysis shows that a fast-activating potassium current can substantially extend the frequency limit by counteracting the capacitive current.

[Experimental study on effect of the water extract of dogwood fruits on the liver and testis in rats model of kidney-yang deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Dogwood fruits on tonifying kidney-yang. METHOD: The effect of the water extract of Dogwood fruits on rats model of kidney-yang deficiency with the hydrocortisone was observed. RESULT: The water extract of Dogwood fruits could make normal the liver weight, and mitigate hepatocyte pathologic changes, increase the heptocellular levels of RNA and hepatin, and decrease the malondialdehyde (MDA) in rats model of kidney-yang deficiency. It could also make the viscera quotiety return to normal way and increase the levels of RNA in the interstitial cells of testicle in rats model of kidney-yang deficiency. CONCLUSION: Water extract of Dogwood fruits can protect and improve the functions of the liver and testicle in rats model of kidney-yang deficiency.