Induction chemotherapy for the individualised treatment of hypopharyngeal carcinoma with cervical oesophageal invasion: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the potential of induction chemotherapy as an indicator of the management of advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma with cervical oesophageal invasion. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients admitted to our hospital between February 2003 and November 2016 with stage IVB hypopharyngeal carcinoma with cervical oesophageal invasion were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment they selected following an explanation of the different treatments available. Patients in group A received induction chemotherapy and had (1) complete/partial remission following chemotherapy and radiotherapy/concurrent chemoradiotherapy or (2) stable disease following chemotherapy and surgery. Patients in group B underwent surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy/concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences between the groups were evaluated using the log-rank test. Laryngeal and oesophageal retention rates were compared using the cross-tabulation test. RESULTS: The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 22.86% and 11.43% in group A and 24.25% and 6.06% in group B, respectively (all P > 0.05). The laryngeal and oesophageal retention rates were 40.0% and 74.3% in group A and 0.0% and 27.3% in group B, respectively (all P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of post-operative complications between the two groups (group A 8.6%, group B 12.1%; P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Induction chemotherapy may be an appropriate first choice to ensure laryngeal and oesophageal preservation in the individualised treatment of advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma with cervical oesophageal invasion.

Effect of Serum on Cultured Astrocytes Morphology and Expression of Aquaporin-4 in Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To explore the effect of blood-brain barrier disruption on expression of AQP-4,through comparing the cell morphology and the expression of aquaporin-4(AQP-4)of cultured astrocytes in medium with and without fetal bovine serum(FBS). Methods Cerebral cortical astrocytes from female Wistar rats were cultured in serum free medium,DMEM supplement-ed with 10% FBS,and serum free medium supplemented with 10% FBS.Phase contrast microscope was used to detect the cell morphology and cell size. Immunofluorescence staining and reverse real-time quantitative poly-merase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)were used to examine the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP), AQP-4 and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5(mGluR5). Results Astrocytes in serum free medium showed extensive process bearing morphology,small body and nucleus,and high refractivity.In contrast,in two kinds of 10% FBS-containing medium,astrocytes were flat with large body and nucleus,weak refractivity,as well as short process.Analysis of immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR revealed a down-regulation of GFAP and AQP-4 protein and mRNA expression in two kinds of 10% FBS-con-taining medium, compared with that in serum free medium (P<0.001), however, there was no difference in mGluR5 protein and mRNA expression(P>0.05). Conclusion FBS changed astrocyte morphology and down-regulated the expression of GFAP and AQP-4.

Comparative analysis of subject novelty detection methods in medical literature / 中华医学图书情报杂志

Objective To study the feasibility of novelty detection model in assessing the subject novelty of medical literature and comparatively analyze the advantages and disadvantages of words-overlap algorithm and co-words-based inverse file frequency quantitative algorithm. Methods Two novelty detection models were established for the 8 research subjects in PubMed-covered literature. The feasibility of two novelty detection models in assessing the subject novelty of medical literature was assessed according to the subject novelty of literature analyzed by experts, ROC curves and AUC values. Results Words-overlap algorithm showed that the fluctuating amplitude of subject novelty was rather high, which can thus reflect the difference between the contents in literature on the data. ROC curves and AUC values-based analysis revealed a high accuracy of words-overlap algorithm for judging the novelty of literature while co-words-based inverse file frequency quantitative algorithm displayed a low accuracy for judging the novelty of literature. Conclusion The novelty of literature detected with the two novelty detection methods is moderately related. The mean novelty value detected with the two novelty detection methods is of statistical signifi-cance. However, the novelty of literature detected with words-overlap algorithm is higher than that detected with co-words-based inverse file frequency quantitative algorithm.

Research progress on iridoids in Gentiana L / 中草药

Gentiana L. is the largest genera in Gentianaceae. Plants in Gentiana L. contain a lot of chemical constituents with pharmacological activities, especially iridoids. Iridoids has good hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiviral, and other pharmacological effects. This article summarizes the research progress of iridoids in plants from Gentiana L., which provide references for the studies of chemical constituents in Gentiana L. and the exploitation of medicinal resources.

Downregulation of Aquaporin 4 Expression through Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinases1/2 Activation in Cultured Astrocytes Following Scratch-injury / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway in the regulation of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression in cultured astrocytes after scratch-injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The scratch-injury model was produced in cultured astrocytes of rat by a 10-μL plastic pipette tip. The morphological changes of astrocytes and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakages were observed to assess the degree of scratch-injury. AQP4 expression was detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot, and phosphorylated-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) expression was determined by Western blot. To explore the effect of ERK1/2 pathway on AQP4 expression in scratch-injured astrocytes, 10 µmol/L U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) was incubated in the medium at 30 min before the scratch-injury in some groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Increases in LDH leakage were observed at 1, 12, and 24 h after scratch-injury, and AQP4 expression was reduced simultaneously. Decrease in AQP4 expression was associated with a significant increase in ERK1/2 activation. Furthermore, pretreatment with U0126 blocked both ERK1/2 activation and decrease in AQP4 expression induced by scratch-injury.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results indicate that ERK1/2 pathway down-regulates AQP4 expression in scratch-injured astrocytes, and ERK1/2 pathway might be a novel therapeutic target in reversing the effects of astrocytes that contribute to traumatic brain edema.</p>

Gasless endoscopic surgery through the upper chest in treatment of thyroid tumor.

BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been a surge of interest in minimally invasive techniques with endoscope in thyroid surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of a scarless neck surgery under endoscopy for the treatment of thyroid tumor and to observe the results of this procedure. METHODS: A total of 68 patients (64 women and 4 men) underwent the surgery. Their ages ranged from 18 to 65 years, with a mean age of (34 ± 3) years. There were 64 cases of thyroid adenoma, and 4 cases of nodular goiter. An incision was made on the surface of the chest bone. The operation cavity was made by dragging the skin. Sixty-four patients underwent partial thyroid lobectomy, four patients underwent thyroid lobectomy. RESULTS: All 68 cases showed healing in one stage. None of the cases showed paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve or tumor recurrence within the next 2 to 60 months of follow-up. The patients experienced slight pain after the operation. The patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results of the surgery. CONCLUSION: The gasless endoscopic surgery through the upper chest, which was performed to treat thyroid tumor, did not leave any scar, and was easy to handle, and gave good cosmetic results.

[Application of modified pectoralis major myocutaneous island flap in head and neck surgeries].

OBJECTIVE: To preserve the function of the donor site and good cervical shape, a modified pectoralis major myocutaneous island flap was designed. METHODS: The modified pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps were used to repair primarily the defect in head and neck surgery. In all 17 cases, six cases were patients with recurrence of larynx or hypopharynx cancer, four cases with hypopharynx cancer, three cases with base of tongue cancer, two cases with recurrence of maxillary cancer, one case with tonsillar cancer and one case with pharyngeal fistula after hypopharyngeal cancer surgery. Before operation, ultrasound was used to mark the projection of the pectoral branches of thoracoacromial artery, and the pectoralis major myocutaneous were designed according to the axle between lowest entering muscle point of the artery and the fourth intercostals perforator spot of mammary artery; the incision was designed to turn laterally in an oriental direction at the top of the flap and upward along the anterior axillary line; the internal pectoral nerve was reserved, as well as the partial lateral pectoral nerve. The flaps were transferred to recipient site either above or below the clavicle on the premise of the integrity of clavicular part. RESULTS: The distance of the lowest entering muscle point of pectoral branche measuring during operation, which was all in sternocostal part, to the midpoint of inferior clavicula margin was (4.9 +/- 1.2) cm (average +/- s), and in 76.5% (13/17) of the patients, the location was coincidence by ultrasound. The length between entering muscle point and the fourth intercostals perforator spot of mammary artery was (1.8 +/- 0.5) cm. All the myocutaneous flaps were alive except one case. The flap was given up as a result of the vessel pedicle injure. The distal end of the flap was dehisced from the residual tongue in one case with base of tongue cancer and healed with changing dressing. Two pharyngeal fistulas in another two cases were healed with conserved treatment. The rate of the flap survival was 94.1% (16/17). Functions as adduction and adtorsion of major pectoral muscle were integrated within 4 weeks to 3 months. Also, the good looking of the neck and upper chest was maintained. CONCLUSIONS: The location of pectoral branches of thoracoacromial artery and the site of the lowest entering muscle point marked by ultrasound detection could help the design of the flap. The modified pectoral' s major myocutaneous flap designing presented better functional protection and reach longer distance and left a better looking for neck and upper chest.

Suppression of nicotinic ACh receptors-mediated currents by activation of Eph/Ephrin-B1 signaling involves Src tyrosine kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase in ciliary ganglion neurons / 生理学报

Recent studies showed that Eph/Ephrin tyrosine kinase family plays an important role in the development and functional maintenance of the nervous system, but its function in the sympathetic nervous system is still obscure. In the present study, we examined the effect of Eph/Ephrin-B1 signaling on the whole-cell currents mediated by either alpha7 or alpha3-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in acutly dissociated ciliary ganglion (CG) neurons. Firstly, we detected the effect of Ephrin-B1 on nAChRs currents. The neurons were randomly divided into control group, Ephrin-B1Fc-treated group that was stimulated by recombinant Ephrin-B1Fc, IgG-treated group, and Ephrin-B1-treated group. Secondly, we studied the regulatory mechanism of Ephrin-B1Fc on nAChRs currents. The neurons were randomly divided into control group, Ephrin-B1Fc-treated group, PP2 (inhibitor of Src tyrosine kinase) or PD98095 (antagonist of mitogen-activated protein kinase)-treated group, Ephrin-B1Fc + PP2 or PD98095-treated group. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the currents in control group, IgG-treated group and Ephrin-B1-treated group, but Ephrin-B1Fc significantly suppressed both alpha3-nAChRs and alpha7-nAChRs-mediated currents (P=0.002, P=0.003). Pretreatment with PP2 or PD98095 could partially rescue the Ephrin-B1Fc-induced suppression of currents mediated by alpha3-nAChRs or alpha7-nAChRs respectively. These results suggest that the Eph/Ephrin-B1 signaling may inhibit alpha3-nAChRs and alpha7-nAChRs-mediated currents on CG neurons, involving Src tyrosine kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in the regulation of sympathetic nervous system.

Effect of Bushen Antai Recipe on prostaglandin I2 expression and its nuclear receptor at implantation site in mice with blastocyst implantation dysfunction / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Bushen Antai Recipe (BAR) on expression of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) and its nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor delta (PPARdelta) at implantation site in mice with blastocyst implantation dysfunction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Pregnant mice were divided into three groups randomly, the normal group, the model group and the BAR group. The pregnant uterus of all mice was cut off on the 4th (D4), 5th (D5), 6th (D6) and 8th (D8) day of pregnancy for determining the PGI2 expression with radio immunoassay; and the mRNA and protein expression of PPARdelta with RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry at implantation site.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PGI2 expression in the model group was obviously lower than that in the normal group (P < 0.01), and also lower than that in the BAR group (P < 0.01), while the index was insignificantly different between the normal and the BAR group. Compared with the normal group, the expression of PPARdelta in the model group was delayed temporally and spatially (P < 0.05), while that in the BAR group was not significantly different.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BAR can improve the implantation in mice with blastocyst implantation dysfunction through promoting the PGI2 expression and its nuclear receptor PPARdelta at implantation site.</p>

The protective effects of group I mGluRs antisense oligonucleotides against neurotoxicity of sodium glutamate on cultured mouse cerebral cortical neurons / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the protective effect of mGluR1 antisense oligonucleotides and mGluR5 antisense oligonucleotides on impairment of cultured mouse cerebral cortical neurons induced by sodium glutamate (Glu).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Neuron damage induced by Glu as well as the action of mGluR1 antisense oligonucleotides and mGluR5 antisense oligonucleotides were measured by determining the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from neurons. Immunocytochemistry method was used to detect the expression of anti-mGluRl a and anti-mGluR5. Morphological changes of primary cortical neurons were observed by phase contrast microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Following the exposure of the cells to 0.1 mmol x L(-1) Glu for 15 min, LDH leakage from neurons increased. mGluR1 antisense oligonucleotides and mGluR5 antisense oligonucleotides(6 or 8 micromol x L(-1)) as well as 50 micromol x L(-1) LY367385 reduced the LDH leakage. mGluR1alpha and mGluR5 immunopositive cells showed in cultured neurons.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The protective effects of mGluR1 antisense oligonucleotides and mGluR5 antisense oligonucleotides on neurons damaged by Glu may relate to antagonizing mGluR1a or mGItlR5.</p>

[Spiral computed tomographic analysis of frontal recess regions].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of frontal recess cells in Chinese patients who did not have frontal sinus disease related symptoms. METHODS: Forty-nine Chinese patients without frontal sinus disease symptoms were undergone spiral computed tomography (CT). Then multiplanar reconstruction images were evaluated using a standard triplanar reconstruction protocol on a computer workstation. RESULTS: The prevalence of agge rnasi cell was 94% (92/98). Sixty-four uncinate processes (65%, 64/98) had one superior attachment for each uncinate process, the other thirty-four uncinate processes (35%, 34/98) had two superior attachments for each uncinate process. The uncinate process' single superior attachment into the surrounding structures was identified to have the following distribution: 53% (52/98) to the lamina papyracea, 9% (9/98) to the middle turbinate, 3% (3/98) to the skull base. Most of the uncinate process' two superior attachments were either into the lamina papyracea and the skull base (24%, 23/98) or into the lamina papyracea and the middle turbinate (10%, 10/98). Only one uncinate process (1%) superiorly attached to the skull base and the middle turbinate. The prevalence of recessus terminalis was 87% (85/98). Of all the frontal cells identified in 32 sides (33%) of frontal recesses, the prevalence of type I, type II, type II and type IV cells were 23% (23 sides), 2% (2 sides), 7% (7 sides) and 0% (0 side) respectively. Supra bullar cell, frontal bullar cell and interfrontal septal cell were identified in 30 sides (31%), 7 sides (7%) and 7 patients (14%) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The result characterized normal frontal recess pneumatization in Chinese. That, together with the variations of the uncinate process' superior attachment emphasized the roles of agger nasi cell and the uncinate process in endoscopic frontal sinus surgery.