Hyperthyroidism Induces Ventricular Remodeling via Activating β-catenin/FoxO1 in Rat Cardiomyocytes / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo explore how hyperthyroidism induces ventricular remodeling via activating β-catenin/FoxO1 in rat cardiomyocytes. MethodsHyperthyroidism-induced ventricular remodeling rat models were established by intraperitoneal injection of levothyroxine （T4） at 0.1 mg/kg for 30 days. β-catenin inhibitor MSAB （14 mg/kg） was administrated for 30 days. We used western blot to detect the expression of myocardial hypertrophy marker ANP， β-catenin and FoxO1； immunofluorescence to examine the expression and intracellular distribution of β-catenin and FoxO1. Hyperthyroidism-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy rat models were established by treatment of triiodothyronine （T3） into cultured primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes for 24 hours. β-catenin siRNA （30 nmol/L） was used to down-regulate β-catenin expression in cardiomyocytes. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the effects of β-catenin inhibition on the hyperthyroidism-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. ResultsFollowing Wnt/β-catenin activation， β-catenin was found increased nuclear expression， to bind to the nuclear transcriptional factors and regulate the gene expression. β-catenin nuclear expression was significantly increased in the hyperthyroidism-induced ventricular remodeling rats， but no change was found in the expression of typical transcriptional factor TCF7l2. Our results revealed that inhibiting β-catenin by MSAB attenuated the hyperthyroidism-induced rat ventricular remodeling. Further analysis indicated that β-catenin/FoxO1 expression was significantly increased in hyperthyroidism-induced myocardial hypertrophy which could be attenuated by suppressing β-catenin/FoxO1 in cardiomyocytes. Conclusionsβ-catenin/FoxO1 is activated in hyperthyroidism-induced myocardial hypertrophy and β-catenin/FoxO1 inhibition attenuates hyperthyroidism-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

Forensic Significance of Skin Injury and Fracture Caused by Child Abuse / 法医学杂志

In recent years, cases of child abuse that result in injuries and death have occurred from time to time in China, and there may be more undetected child abuse cases. However, many pediatricians and forensic doctors lack professional knowledge and formal training in detecting child abuse, which leads to the missed diagnosis, misdiagnosis and misidentification of many cases of child abuse. This paper reviews a large number of relevant domestic and foreign literatures, combined with practical work experience and China's national conditions, preliminarily summarizes the main points of clinical diagnosis and forensic identification of child abuse cases, in order to provide some help for early detection, accurate identification of child abuse cases and timely and effective treatment and protection for abused children.

Nature-effect relationship research of Curcumae Longae Rhizoma,Curcumae Radix,and Curcumae Rhizoma based on nature combination / 中国中药杂志

Curcumae Longae Rhizoma,Curcumae Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma are different medicinal parts of the same plant.Nevertheless,they are different in medicinal effects due to the different Chinese herbal nature. In this study,traditional Chinese medicines database( TCMD2009),traditional Chinese medicine system( TCMSP),and Ch EMBL database were retrieved to screen the active components and targets,and construct the target PPI network. By a graph theoretic clustering algorithm identifying protein complex algorithm( IPCA),the protein modules were identified and analyzed by gene ontology( GO) enrichment. A comparative study of Curcumae Longae Rhizoma and Curcumae Radix illustrate that Curcumae Longae Rhizoma regulates blood coagulation through P2 RY12,GNG2 and other genes to exert the analgesic effect. Curcumae Radix regulates lipid metabolism,plasma lipoprotein particle levels,platelet activation,response to oxidative stress,apoptotic process through LDLR,APOB,PRKCA,SOD1,TP53 and other genes to perform a function in clearing the heart and cooling the blood. A comparative study of Curcumae Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma demonstrate that Curcumae Rhizoma on regulates the nervous system by GRIA2,GRIA4 and other genes to exert blood-breaking effect; Curcumae Radix regulates lipid metabolism,plasma lipoprotein particle levels,platelet activation,response to oxidative stress,apoptotic process by genes such as CALM1,LPL,APOB,SOD1 and TP53 to play the role of clearing heart and cooling blood. Cluster analysis of the protein interaction network of the nature combination is helpful to explain the intrinsic link between the nature combination and efficacy.

Nature-effect relationship research of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Carthami Flos based on nature combination / 中国中药杂志

Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Carthami Flos are commonly traditional Chinese medicines with invigorating blood circulation and eliminating blood stasis,but they are different in effects due to differences in five tastes and four properties. In this study,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Carthami Flos are selected as research vectors to obtain the active ingredients and targets through TCMD,TCMSP database and Ch EMBL database. The protein interaction information of the target is used to obtain from STRING online database,then imported into Cytoscape software to plot the protein interaction network and perform GO enrichment analysis.The results show that the heart-liver protein interaction network,involving blood circulation and hepatic lipid metabolism,thereby exerting the effect of activating blood circulation. The cold-bitter protein interaction network involves the biological process of vasoconstriction,thereby exerting cooling blood and the efficacy of eliminating phlegm. The warm-pungent protein interaction network involves blood coagulation,lipid metabolism and other biological processes to play the role of phlegm pain. Through analysis,it is found that the relationship between pharmacological efficacy and medicinal properties has a certain degree of specificity,which facilitates the subsequent scientific and systematic study of medicinal properties on the basis of this study.

Nature-effect relationship research between pungent and bitter taste of traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis based on nature combination / 中国中药杂志

The herbs for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis were used commonly in clinical,and most of them are pungent and bitter. In order to study the nature-effect interrelationship of the herbs for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis,the TCMSP platform and Cytoscape 3. 5. 1 platform were used to construct warm-pungent-liver and warm-bitter-liver of the complement and intersection protein interaction network and the target-disease network and the network module was analyzed. As a result,warm-liver target-disease network is associated with diseases such as cancer,hypertension,and depression,which exerts the efficacy of warming Yang and transforming Qi,promoting Qi and activating blood,removing blood stasis and dispersing phlegm. The bitter taste target-disease network is associated with diseases such as myocardial infarction,cancer,inflammation and other diseases,which exerts the efficacy of dissipating the stasis. The pungent taste target-disease network is associated with diseases such as cancer,cardiovascular disease,osteoporosis and other diseases,which exerts the efficacy of invigorating the circulation of blood and eliminating stagnation. The research shows that the medicinal combination of warm-pungent-liver and warm-bitter-liver has the efficacy of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis by regulating different targets in different disease processes.

Nature-effect relationship research of cold and warm medicinal properties of traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis based on nature combination / 中国中药杂志

Traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis is a kind of drug with cold or warm medicinal properties which is commonly used in clinical practice. It is an excellent carrier for studying the nature-effect relationship of traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore,this study will acquire the main active components and targets based on the drug-based research method. The Cytoscape 3. 5. 1 platform was used to construct the protein interaction network,and the Bin GO plug-in was used to perform functional annotation and statistical analysis on the identified functional modules. The results showed that the bitter-liver protein interaction network mainly participates in cell cycle process,lipid catabolic process,blood circulation to exert the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis; the cold protein interaction network mainly participates in vasoconstriction through targets such as EDNRA,regulates blood coagulation through targets such as PLAU,and thus exerts the effect of cooling blood and eliminating phlegm; warm protein interaction network mainly participates in the regulation of platelet activation through targets such as P2 RY12,thereby exerting the effect of promoting blood circulation,relieving pain and relieving pain. This study explains the common characteristics of the bitter-liver combination and the specific characteristics of cold or warm medicinal properties from the molecular network level,which provides a new idea for the intrinsic relationship between the medicinal properties and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine.

Nature-effect relationship research of traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis based on nature combination / 中国中药杂志

The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine is the therapeutic effect of the drug on the body. The nature of traditional Chinese medicine is a further generalization of the effect of efficacy,and there is an intrinsic relationship between efficacy and nature of traditional Chinese medicine. In this study,the nature-effect relationship is found on the whole level,through the research mode of " nature combination-targets of traditional Chinese medicine-modules of protein interaction network-efficiency". The results showed that the warm-pungent-liver protein interaction network mainly participated in lipid catabolic process,blood coagulation,platelet activation,heme oxidation,platelet degranulation,apoptotic process,acute inflammatory response to exert the effect of anti-tumor,antithrombotic,anti-myocardial ischemia and anti-inflammatory.

Effectiveness and Safety of Escitalopram and Duloxetine in the Treatment of Depression:a Meta-analysis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of escitalopram and duloxetine in the treatment of depression, and provide evidence-based reference for clinical treatment. METHODS:Retrieved from PubMed, Wanfang database,VIP,CNKI and CBM,randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about escitalopram (trial group) and duloxetine (control group) in the treatment of depression were collected. Meta-analysis was conducted by using Rev Man 5.3 software after data extraction and quality evaluation according to bias risk assessment tool recommended by system evaluator manual 5.3. RESULTS:Finally 25 RCTs were included,involving 2621 patients. The results of Meta-analysis showed that there was no statistical significance in total response rate between 2 groups after 1,2,4,6,8 weeks of treatment or cure rate between 2 groupsafter 4,6,8 weeks of treatment (P>0.05). There was no statistical significance in total response rate [RR=0.96,95％CI(0.88, 1.05),P=0.42] or cure rate [RR=0.91,95％CI(0.78,1.06),P=0.24] of female patients,as well as total response rate [RR=0.96, 95％CI(0.84,1.11),P=0.61] or cure rate [RR=0.90,95％CI(0.54,1.49),P=0.69] of elderly patients between 2 groups. The incidence of constipation [RR=0.59,95％CI (0.42,0.81),P=0.001],dry mouth [RR=0.65,95％CI(0.51,0.82),P=0.0004], nausea [RR=0.68,95％CI(0.56,0.83),P=0.0002] and decreased appetite [RR=0.74,95％CI(0.55,0.99),P=0.04] in trial group were significantly lower than control group,with statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS:The effectiveness of escitalopram is similar to duloxetine in the treatment of depression,but the safety of escitalopram is better than duloxetine.

Activation of Sonic hedgehog signaling in ventricular cardiomyocytes exerts DNA protection against hypoxia / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the protective roles of sonic hedgehog( Shh) signaling pathway in hypoxia-in-duced DNA damage with the neonatal rat cardiomyo-cytes. Methods The hypoxia model on neonatal car-diomyocytes was established with one to two days old Sprague Dawley rats by deprivation of oxygen and glu-cose ( OGD) . After pretreated with Shh pathway ago-nist SAG1.3 or antagonist GANT61, the survival rates of cardiomyocytes were assayed by MTT after OGD 6 hours or 12 hours. The protein levels of Shh pathway, phosphorylated histone H2AX at serine 139 (γH2AX), phosphorylated ATM (p-ATM), phospho-rylated p53 ( p-p53 ) , cleaved-caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by Western blot. The γH2AX foci was detected by immunofluorescence. Results Com-pared to control group, the protein expression of γH2AX, p-ATM, cleaved-caspase-3, p-p53 in OGD cardiomyocytes significantly increased, and Bcl-2/Bax ratio proportionally decreased. Particularly, the ex-pression of γH2AX, p-ATM was highest at OGD 6 h, and then gradually declined after OGD 12 h. After SAG1.3 pretreatment, the expression of γH2AX, p-ATM, cleaved-caspase-3 and p-p53 dramatically de-creased and the Bcl2/Bax ratio increased in OGD 6 h or OGD 12 h cardiomyocytes. On the contrary, in GANT61 pretreatment group, the expression of γH2AX, p-ATM, cleaved-caspase-3 and p-p53 signifi-cantly increased and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio decreased compared to the OGD 6 h or OGD 12 h cardiomyo-cytes. Conclusion The activation of Shh pathway protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxia-induced apop-tosis through inhibition of DNA damage.

Effect of Qishen Yiqi droplet on adenylate contents in myocardium of cor pulmonale rats / 中国中药杂志

Cor pulmonale rat models were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of monocrotaline(MCT), and the sham group received a single intraperitioneal injection of normal saline. After the model rats received intragastric administration of Qishen Yiqi droplet(QS) for 6 weeks, the contents of adenylate(ATP, ADP and AMP) in right myocardial tissues were measured by HPLC, and then the metabolism changes in myocardium of cor pulmonale rats with QS were investigated. The results showed that ATP, ADP, and AMP were well separated, with a good linearity within a certain range of concentration; and the recovery rates were within the range of 90%-108%. As compared with model group, the level of ATP was significantly elevated in high-dose treatment group; ADP contents showed an increasing trend and AMP contents showed a decreasing trend, indicating that QS could significantly improve energy metabolism system in myocardium. By using the HPLC, a qualitative and quantitative analysis method was given for the determination of ATP, ADP and AMP contents in myocardium, providing a method for energy metabolism measurement in biological samples.

Storage Problems and Countermeasures for Injection Drugs Protected from Light in Inpatient Pharmacy of Our Hospital / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To provide reference for storage management of injection drugs protected from light in inpatient phar-macy of hospital. METHODS:From Jan. to Mar. 2016,the storage items of injection drugs protected from light in inpatient phar-macy of our hospital and the current storage situation were surveyed,the quality management tool PDCA circulation was adopted to improve storage situation and evaluate the effect of PDCA. RESULTS:For improper storage of injection drugs protected from light caused by employees lacking knowledge in photophobic knowledge,unfamiliar to the list of injection drugs protected from light, no packaging in returned drugs,after developing and carrying out corresponding countermeasures,including reinforcing staff train-ing,studying characteristics of the new-coming drug timely,renewal photophobic knowledge and the list of injection drugs protect-ed from light,and ameliorating working procedure,the light storage pass rate was increased from 96.5% to 100% in 310 injection drugs protected from light in inpatient pharmacy. CONCLUSIONS:Appling PDCA can effectively improve the storage management of injection drugs protected from light and provide reliable protection for the drugs'safe and effective application.

Effect of CAR on STZ-induced type 1 diabetic mice / 中国药理学通报

Aim Carvacrol ( CAR ) , possesses a wide variety of pharmacological properties including antioxi-dant and anti-inflammatory potential. The present stud-y is designed to investigate the effect of CAR on glu-cose and lipid metabolism in type 1 diabetic mice. Methods Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal( i. p) injection of streptozotocin into male mice at the dose of 45 mg·kg-1 body weight( BW) . Mice were divided into three different groups containing eight to twelve in each. Age matched male C57 mice were used as nor-mal controls. Group I diabetes, Group Ⅱ and Ⅱ in-jected with CAR at 10 and 20 mg · kg-1 BW respec-tively once daily. After CAR injection 2, 4 or 6 weeks, the rats were weighted and the plasma concen-trations of glucose, total cholesterol( TC) , triglycerides (TG), Glutamic oxalacetic transaminase(AST), Ala-nine transaminase( ALT) levels were enzymatically de-termined using commercial kits. Results STZ-induced C57 BL/6 J diabetic mice showed an elevation in serum glucose, TG, ALT, AST and LDH levels. Compared to diabetic mice, administration of CAR resulted in sig-nificant decreases(P <0. 05) in plasma glucose, TG and LDH levels in a dose dependent manner, but no effect on elevated TC, ALT and AST levels. Conclu-sion These major findings provide evidence that CAR has anti diabetic property and it has the potential for development into a drug to prevent hyperglycemia, re-duce blood lipids and protect the dammaged organs.

Adenoviral vectors carrying Brahma-related gene 1 attenuates oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Brahma-related gene 1 (Brg1), a catalytic subunit of an important chromatin remodeling complex, has been considered as a key nuclear transcriptional factor, and tends to be decreased in diabetic cardiomyopathy. OBJECTIVE:To construct an adenovirus vector carrying Brg1, and observe its protective role in oxidative stress induced-cardiomyocyte apoptosis. METHODS:The recombinant adenovirus plasmid was linearized and transfected into HEK293 cel s using Fugene HD for packaging and amplification. The adenovirus particles were further purified, quantified, and sequential y transfected to cardiomyocytes of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats. The Adeno-EGFP transfected and non-transfected cardiomyocytes were used as control group. 24 hours later, the transfection efficiency was observed by fluorescent microscope, and expressions of Brg1 mRNA and protein were detected by quantified PCR and western blotting. After treatment with 100 μmol/L H2O2 for 12 hours, the expressions of Brg1 protein and cleaved-Caspase 3 were measured by western blotting, and cel apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The recombinant adenovirus vector of Brg1 had been successful y transfected into cardiomyocytes with higher expressions of Brg1 mRNA and protein, and the transfection efficiency reached more than 90%. (2) After H2O2 treatment, the Brg1 was significantly down-regulated in contrast to the up-regulation of cleaved-Caspase 3;the flow cytometry data showed that the apoptotic cel s were increased. But in Adeno-Brg1 transfected cardiomyocytes, the H2O2 induced cel apoptosis was significantly decreased compared with non-transfected cel s and empty vector transfected cel s. (3) These results suggest that oxidative stress can directly inhibit the Brg1 expression, and overexpression of Brg1 can protect the cardiomyocytes from cel apoptosis induced by oxidative stress.

Effects of inward rectifier potassium channel blockers on EPCs function / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of inward rectifier potassium channel blockers (BaCl2, CsCl) on the functions of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Density gradient centrifugation-isolated rat hone marrow mononuclear cells were cultured in vitro. EPCs were harvested and seeded on six culture dish when cells grew to 3-5 passages. Before testing the EPCs were synchronized with M199, which contain 2% fetal calf serum. In the end, EPCs were treated with different intervention. The experiment mainly included two parts: (1) BaCl2 (100 micromol/L) and free BaC2 of Tyrodes solution; (2) CsCl (1 mmol/L) and control. Cell pretreated with blockers above mentioned for 12 h, then the gene expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), epoprotenol (PGI2) were assessed, beyond that the ability of adhesion, migration were assayed with different tests. In addition, the medium was collected when EPCs were treated for 3 days. The levels of SDF-1 were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Going even further, EPCs were treated with the signal pathway blockers in advance, after repeat the above steps, in order to analyze the change of SDF-1 and then discuss its mechanism.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with control group, BaCl2, CsCl could increase EPC adhesion and migration to same extent. Moreover, the gene expression of SDF-1, PGI2 was significantly up-regulated and the production of SDF-1 increased evidently. Furthermore, the mechanism of SDF-1 secretion increasing mainly was associated with eNOS signaling pathways.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ba2+ and Cs+ play important roles in increasing EPCs functions, such as adhesion, migration and secretion.</p>

Expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase and its clinical significance in non-small cell lung cancer / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the frequency of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and its correlation with the clinicopathologic features.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>ALK immunohistochemistry and ALK fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue in 100 cases of NSCLCs between 2011 and 2013. Relevant clinicopathologic data were collected and correlated with ALK expression.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients with immunohistochemical score of 3 (n = 12) were FISH-positive and all patients with score of 0 (n = 78) were FISH-negative. Among patients with immunohistochemical scores of 1 and 2, 2/3 and 6/7 were FISH-positive, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of ALK immunohistochemistry with intensity score of 1 or more were 100% and 98%, respectively. Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma, solid or acinar growth pattern, presence of mucous cells (signet-ring cells or goblet cells), extracellular mucus and lack of significant nuclear pleomorphism characterized ALK-rearranged cancer.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ALK-rearranged cancers possess specific histological features. Immunohistochemistry can be used as a routine test for screening ALK-positive cases in advanced NSCLC, and FISH testing should be used to confirm ALK translocation for patients with tumors showing staining for ALK by immunohistochemistry. All of these can help physicians identify patients who may benefit from targeted therapy.</p>

Exploration and practice of web-based PBL teaching mode in pharmacology / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Problem based learning(PBL) is a teaching mode which is based on the autonomous learning of students in small groups.Due to the limited conditions,PBL method can not be widely applied in Guangzhou Medical University.Teaching and research section of pharmacology established a web based PBL teaching mode (W-PBL) in the school through Blackboard net platform,which enlarged the teaching scope and provided students and teachers with a teaching mode having updated learning patterns and high efficiency.Results of this practice were satisfactory and teaching effect was improved significantly.

Comparison of the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine versus propofol target-controlled infusion for sedation during coblation-assisted upper airway procedure / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Sedation for the coblation-assisted upper airway procedure has lacked easy modulation between appropriate pain control and airway protection. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine versus target controlled propofol infusion in providing sedation during a coblation-assisted upper airway procedure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In a prospective, randomized trial, 60 adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome due to undergoing a coblation-assisted upper airway procedure were enrolled and randomly allocated to receive dexmedetomidine, 1.0 µg/kg over 10 minutes and maintain dosage 0.7 µg×kg(-1)×h(-1) (n=30) or propofol target controlled infusion (n=30). Satisfaction with the analgesia and tolerance of the procedure by the patient, as assessed by a visual analogue scale, were evaluated as primary outcomes. Cardiopulmonary parameters and some side effects were monitored and recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Both groups of 30 patients had comparable demographics and initial parameters. Patients in the propofol group reported more pain (P<0.05), tolerated the procedure less well (P<0.05), and were less satisfied with the different stages of procedure (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Changes in mean arterial pressure and heart rate were more dramatic in the propofol group (P<0.05). The dexmedetomidine group experienced fewer airway events and less respiratory depression than did the propofol group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Dexmedetomidine in conjunction with local anesthesia offered better analgesia and conscious sedation for a coblation-assisted upper airway procedure as well as less airway obstruction, apnea and greater haemodynamic stability.</p>

Cellular toxicity of isoniazid together with rifampicin and the metabolites of isoniazid on QSG-7701 hepatocytes

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the cellular toxicity of isoniazid together with rifampicin and the metabolites of isoniazid on cultured QSG-7701 cells lines.@*METHODS@#Isoniazid, rifampicin, mixture of rifampicin and isoniazid, acetylhydrazine, hydrazine were added in cultural media of QSG-7701 cells and cultured for 48 hours. The survival rate of cells was determined by MTT method. The cultural media and cells were collected and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase was detected by chromatometry.@*RESULTS@#Compared with control group, the survival rate decreased significantly and the lactate dehydrogenase released from cell increased significantly in cells treated with isoniazid, rifampicin, acetylhydrazine, hydrazine. Hydrazine, the metabolite of isoniazid produced significant damage on hepatocytes in low concentration.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Rifampicin together with rifampicin and metabolites of isoniazid produce cellular toxic effects and hydrazine may be the most toxiferous metabolite.

Localization of upper airway stricture by CT scan in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome during drug-induced sleeping / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the feasibility of multi-slice spiral CT scan to localize upper airway stricture in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) during drug-induced sleeping.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and fourteen patients diagnosed as OSAS by polysomnography were included in the study. Multi-slice spiral CT scan covering upper airway was performed at the end of inspiration and clear upper airway images were obtained in waking. After injecting 5 mg of midazolam intravenously slowly in 109 patients, CT scan was performed at apnea and clear upper airway images were obtained in sleeping. Cross-section area and minimal diameter of airway were measured and the parameters were compared under those two states. Upper airway was displayed intuitionisticly by using post-processing techniques.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>One hundred and nine patients with OSAS finished the examination with a success rate of 100 %. Airway obstruction at retropalatal level was observed in 62 patients, among whom 26 were associated with airway obstruction at retroglossal level, 27 with narrower airway at retroglossal level in sleeping compared with that in waking, and 9 with no significant change of the airway at retroglossal level after sleeping. Narrower airway at retropalatal level in sleeping compared with that in waking was observed in 40 patients, among whom 20 were associated with narrower airway at retroglossal level in sleeping compared with that in waking, 10 with complete airway obstruction at retroglossal level in sleeping, and 7 with no significant change of the airway at both retropalatal and retroglossal levels before and after sleeping. Minimal mean cross-section area of airway at retropalatal level was (72.60 +/-45.15)mm(2) in waking and (8.26 +/-18.16)mm(2) in sleeping; and minimal mean cross-section area of airway at retroglossal level was (133.21 +/-120.36)mm(2)in waking and (16.73 +/-30.21)mm(2) in sleeping (P <0.01). Minimal mean diameter of airway at retropalatal level was (6.91 +/-2.23) mm in waking and (1.18 +/-2.14) mm in sleeping; and minimal mean diameter of airway at retroglossal level was (8.68 +/-4.32) mm in waking and (1.68 +/-2.22) mm in sleeping (P <0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Multi-slice spiral CT with post-processing techniques can display the shape of the upper airway in patients with OSAS in sleeping, and can localize the upper airway stricture and assess its range accurately.</p>

CNQX affecting regulation abilities of ethanol and aldehyde on levels of neurosteroid in cortical neurons / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of ethanol and aldehyde on the levels of neurosteroid in the cortical neurons of primary-cultured rots and explore their relations with the regulation of AMPA receptor. Methods CNQX (the AMPA receptor antagonist) was used to block the AMPA receptor, and then, 50 mmol/L ethanol or 25 mmol/L aldehyde was employed to treat the neurons;supernate was collected. HPLC-MS/APCI was employed to analyze and determine the concentrations of unconjugated neurosteroids (pregnenolone [PREG], dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], allopregnanolone [AP]) and conjugated neurosteroids (dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEAS], pregnenolone sulphate [PREGS]) in media from primary cultural cerebral cortex neurons. The effects of CNQX on the regulation abilities of ethanol and aldehyde on levels of neurosteroids in primary-cultured cerebral cortex neurons were detected. Results The levels of PREG, AP and PREGS in the ethanol treatment group were significantly increased as compared with those in the PBS treatment group (P＜0.05); the levels of PREG,DHEA,PREGS and DHEAS in the aldehyde treatment group were significantly increased as compared with those in the PBS treatment group (P＜0.05). CNQX reversed the effect of ethanol on increasing the levels of PREG and PREGS, and reversed that of aldehyde on increasing the levels of PREG and DHEAS, but induced the effect on increasing the level of AP; these effects were significantly different between each 2 groups (P＜0.05). Conclusion Both ethanol and aldehyde show different effects on levels ofneurosteroids in primary-cultured cerebral cortex neurons. CNQX reverses the effect of ethanol on increasing the levels of PREG and PREGS, and that of aldehyde on increasing the levels of PREG and DHEAS.