Abstract:Objective To evaluate the early valve function following in situ transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation in sheep using a novel self-expanding ultramicroporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) pulmonary valve. Methods We designed a novel polymeric trileaflet transcatheter pulmonary valve with a self-expanding nitinol stent; the valve leaflet was made of 0.1-mm phosphorylcholine coated ultramicroporous ePTFE. Pulmonary valve stents were implanted in situ via the right ventricular apical approach in 7 healthy sheep, with an average weight of (27.2±1.2) kg. Right anterolateral thoracotomy was performed in the sheep under general anesthesia. Then the right ventricular apex was exposed, two purse-string sutures were made and the transcatheter valved stents were implanted in situ by puncturing the right ventricular apex. Angiography and hemodynamic measurements were obtained immediately after implantation to assess the valve function. Color Doppler echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements were used to assess the valve function 4 weeks after implantation. Results Implantation was successful in all the 7 sheep. Angiography immediately after implantation showed that all the prosthetic valves were in the orthotopic position and exhibited normal open and close function, without stenosis or insufficiency. One sheep died 16 days after implantation due to pulmonary infection with infective endocarditis. All the other sheep were in a good condition during a 4-week follow-up. Echocardiography 4 weeks later showed that all the prosthetic valves were at the orthotopic position and had normal function, with no significant thrombus or neoplasm. Echocardiography demonstrated no regurgitation in 4 sheep and trace regurgitation in 2 sheep. Hemodynamic findings showed that the peak-to-peak transvalvular pressure gradient of the polymeric valves was (6.0±2.2) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) immediately after operation and (9.5±2.7) mmHg at 4 weeks after operation, with the latter being significantly higher than that before implantation ([3.5±1.0] mmHg, P<0.05). Conclusion The right ventricular apical approach has a high successful rate for transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation, and the early function of the self-expanding ultramicroporous ePTFE pulmonary valved stents is satisfactory in sheep.

Abstract:Objective To explore the effect of renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) on cardiac remodeling in myocardial infarction (MI) rats and to investigate the related mechanism. Methods MI rats were induced by ligation of the anterior descending coronary artery. A total of 30 Wistar rats were randomly assigned to MI group (n=10), MI+RDN group (rats with RDN one week after MI, n=10), and Sham group (n=10). Four weeks after modeling, the left ventricular cardiac remodeling and function of rats were examined by echocardiography; the cardiac tissues in the infarct border zone were stained with Masson trichrome for fibrotic analysis. Protein expressions of collagen Ⅰ, collagens Ⅲ and transforming growth factor β₁ (TGF-β₁) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the MI group, the MI+RDN group had significantly increased ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) and significantly decreased left ventricular internal dimensions at end systole and end diastole (all P<0.05). The results of Masson staining showed that RDN after MI attenuated the collagen deposition around the border area of the infarct region. RDN treatment also inhibited the protein expression of collagenⅠ, Ⅲ and TGF-β₁ in the border area of MI rats (P<0.05). Conclusion RDN treatment can attenuate cardiac remodeling and improve left ventricular function after MI, which might be associated with the inhibition of myocardial TGF-β₁ expression and the subsequent suppression of collagen deposition.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the efficacy of developable iodized oil-fluorouracil polylactic acid microspheres for treatment of New Zealand rabbit liver cancer model. Methods The model rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. The femoral arteries of the right hind limbs were separated, a microcatheter was inserted through the femoral artery to the hepatic artery via a catheter, and the corresponding drugs were injected to the peripheral arteries around the hepatic tumor tissue. The blank control group was not given any medication; the drug control group was given fluorouracil injection and developable iodized oil injection; and the experimental group was given self-made iodized oil-fluorouracil polylactic acid microspheres. Regular imaging was used to observe tumor growth and drug embolism status. Results Developable iodized oil-fluorouracil polylactic acid microspheres effectively achieved embolization around the tumor tissues, resulting in notable tumor cell apoptosis, and the effects were developable and durable. Conclusion Developable iodized oil-fluorouracil polylactic acid microspheres have sustained-release property and can be better developed, showing a promising clinical application future.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the cytotoxicity of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) modified by chitosan or sodium oleate, so as to provide experimental evidence for future clinical application. Methods The morphology of chitosan-SPIONs or sodium oleate-SPIONs was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells were treated with 10 μg/mL chitosan-SPIONs or sodium oleate-SPIONs; prussian blue staining was performed to observe the intracellular distribution of the two modified SPIONs. Chitosan-SPIONs or sodium oleate-SPIONs of different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) were used to treat A549 cells and then MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation. The activity of LDH in the supernatant of A549 cells was tested 48 h after treatment with chitosan-SPIONs or sodium oleate-SPIONs; furthermore, cell apoptosis was analyzed by DAPI staining. Results (1) Both the chitosan-SPIONs and sodium oleate-SPIONs exhibited structure of spherical crystallization, with a diameter of 20-30 nm. The thermal vibrational energy could overcome the magnetic attraction among the SPIONs, presenting superparamagnetism. (2) Prussian blue staining showed blue deposits in the cells, indicating that the two kinds of SPIONs entered the cytoplasm of A549 cells. (3) MTT assay results showed that chitosan-SPIONs hardly affected cell growth, while sodium oleate-SPIONs (200 μg/mL) inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells after 48 h and 72 h (P<0.05). (4) The LDH activity in the supernatant of A549 cells treated with 200 μg/mL chitosan-SPIONs was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), while the LDH activities in 100 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL sodium oleate-SPIONs groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05) and corresponding chitosan-SPIONs group(P<0.05). (5) The results of DAPI dye showed no significant difference between the chitosan-SPIONs group and the control group, while the cells treated with sodium oleate-SPIONs displayed typical apoptosis characteristics, such as nuclear shrinkage and fragmentation, with the apoptosis rate being significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05). Conclusion It is suggested that chitosan-SPIONs have slighter cytotoxicity to A549 cells compared with sodium oleate-SPIONs.

Abstract:Objective To study the effect of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) on intestinal image formation and mesenteric microcirculation in mice. Methods The effect of GQDs on intestinal image formation was observed using FX-in vivo imaging system in C57BL/6N mice by comparing with X-ray barium meal examination. Pure water was used as negative control and CdTe QDs was used as positive control. The effects of GQDs on the mesenteric arterioles, venules, and capillaries were observed by the mesenteric microcirculation microscope. Results The mouse intestine took on a bright green image under ultraviolet stimulation 1 h after receiving gavage with GQDs, with clear edge and mucosal structure; meanwhile, mesenteric vessels were in clear light green in the mice. High-density images of the small intestine were observed by X-ray in barium meal examination, but the intestinal mucosal structure was not clear, and the mesenteric vessels were not displayed. The diameter of small arteries in GQDs group was greater and that in the barium meal group was smaller than that before gavage. GQDs, CdTe QDs and barium meal had no notable impact on mouse mesenteric venules. The velocities of blood flow in mesenteric arterioles, venules and capillaries were increased after the administration of barium meal or CdTe QDs, and there were no significant changes in GQDs group. Conclusion GQDs is superior to barium meal in image formation of mouse intestinal wall, and it has less influence on mouse mesenteric microcirculation.

Abstract:Objective To detect the mutation rate of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in squamous carcinoma (SQC) of lung and to exam the relationship between p63 and survival of SQC patients with EGFR mutation. Methods SQC specimens were collected from the patients who received their initial treatment in our hospital between February 2010 and March 2013. The incidence of EGFR mutations was analyzed by automated direct sequencing, and immunohistochemical method was used to observe p63 expression. The patients were followed up and the impact of EGFR mutation and p63 expression upon survival of SQC patients was evaluated. Results Among the 262 histological diagnosed SQC patients, 16 (6.1%) had EGFR mutations, including exon 19 deletion (7 of 16 patients, 43.8%) and L858R point mutation in exon 21 (9 of 16, 56.2%), with no mutation of exon 18 and 20. SQC patients with EGFR mutations, compared with other SQC patients, had more females and non-smokers. The median overall survival (OS) time of 4 EGFR-mutated patients with p63 partial positive expression was 11.28 months (95% CI: 9.33-15.23 months), which was significantly longer than that of 11 EGFR-mutated patients with p63 positive expression (5.93 months [95% CI: 1.75-8.39 months], P=0.039). Conclusion EGFR mutation rate is 6.1% in our study, with all being exon 19 and 21 mutations. Patients presenting partial positive p63 expression have longer survival time than those presenting p63 positive expression.

Abstract:Objective To evaluate the clinical value of R.E.N.A.L. scoring system in analyzing the tumor anatomical feature and indication characteristics of patients undergoing robotic laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN). Methods The clinical data of 70 consecutive RPN cases done between March 2012 and September 2013 by the same surgeon at our institution were analyzed in this study. The 70 patients (47 males and 23 females) had a mean age of (52.8±10.3) years, a mean body mass index (BMI) of (24.8±3.25) kg/m², a mean ASA score of 2.0±0.4, and a mean age-weighted Charlson comorbidity index of (0.7±1.03). There were 38 cases on the left (with 1 case of solitary kidney) and 32 cases on the right (also with 1 case of solitary kidney). All the tumors were solitary ones, with the maximal diameter being (3.7±1.31) cm and a mean R.E.N.A.L. score of (8.1±1.31). The patients were divided into three groups according to the R.E.N.A.L. scores, and the clinical variables were compared between groups. Results One patient was transferred to open surgery due to intraoperative hemorrhage and the rest were successfully completed. The operative time was (230±48.3) min, estimated blood loss was (154±135.9) mL, renal ischemia time was (23.0±9.30) min, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was (11.4±4.44) days. The overall transfusion rate was 8.57%(6/70) and the complication rate was 17.1%(12/70). Pathological examination revealed no positive surgical margin; there were 58 cases with renal carcinoma, 4 with angiomyolipoma and 8 with other benign renal lesions. All patients were alive and had no local recurrence or distant metastasis at the latest follow-up. Nevertheless, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was significantly different before and after operation(P=0.003). Significant differences were also found among the low, moderate and high tumor complexity groups (according to R.E.N.A.L. scores) regarding the cases finished in the first ten cases (50.0% vs 10.9% vs 11.1%, P=0.033), operative time ([213±35.5] vs [225±48.9] vs [269±31.7] min, P=0.008), estimated blood loss ([86±31.3] vs [158±148.5] vs [172.0±66.7] mL, P=0.032), and renal ischemia time ([18.9±7.54] vs [22.2±8.88] vs [30.4±9.76] min, P=0.019). Conclusion R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score is closely correlated with the surgical outcomes of RPN. Preoperative application of R.E.N.A.L. scoring system to identify tumor complexity can help to guide the clinical use of da Vinci surgical system for partial nephrectomy.

Abstract:Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of biapenem in treatment of bacterial infections of the respiratory and urinary systems. Methods A total of 288 patients with infections of the respiratory and urinary system were included in this multicenter, blinded, randomized, and parallel controlled trial. The patients were randomly assigned to receive biapenem(experimental group, n=144) or meropenem (control group, n=144). Results The clinical curative rates of the experimental group and control group were 95.10%(136/143) and 92.25%(131/142), respectively, with those for respiratory system infection being 93.06%(67/72) and 94.29%(66/70) and those for urinary infection being 97.18%(69/71) and 90.28%(65/72), respectively. The bacterial eradication rates in the experimental group and control group were 88.00%(66/75) and 92.65%(63/68), respectively, with those for the respiratory infection being 83.33%(30/36) and 90.62%(29/32) and those for urinary infection being 92.31%(36/39) and 94.44%(34/36), respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the clinical curative rates or bacterial eradication rates (P>0.05).The side-effect rate was 2.08%(3/144) in the experimental group and 8.33%(12/144) in the control group, with significant differences found between the two groups (P=0.030 6). Conclusion Compared to meropenem, biapenem has similar efficacy in treatment of respiratory and urinary system infection, but with study

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effects of p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1) on embryonic vascular development and to discuss the underlying mechanisms. Methods In vitro transcription reactions were performed with the linearized PCS2-caPak1 templates and SP6 RNA polymerase. Overexpression of constitutively active Pak1 (caPak1) mRNA in one-cell stage embryos of zebrafish was achieved by microinjection. The morphological changes of the embryos were observed under an inverted microscope and the ultrastructure of vessel was confirmed by transmission electron microscope. PCS2-caPak1 was used to transfect into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via Lipofectamine LTX; cell viability was tested by MTT based assay; and apoptosis of HUVECs was analyzed by flow cytometry with Annexin Ⅴ/7-AAD double-staining. Results Obvious cerebral hemorrhage was observed in the embryo of zebrafish at 30-36 h after fertilization, and the hemorrhage phenotype was observed in the caPak1 overexpression group, with the incidence of hemorrhage being 25%-30%. In the caPak1 overexpression group, transmission electron microscope found damaged vascular endothelial cells in the bleeding sites. Inverted microscope also showed abnormal morphology of cultured cells with caPak1 overexpression, rounded up and started to detach from the dishes. MTT assay showed significantly decreased cell survival in the caPak1 overexpression group (P<0.01), and flow cytometry demonstrated a significantly higher rate of cell apoptosis (P<0.01). Conclusion Pak1 overexpression may affect embryonic vasculogenesis through inducing apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells in zebrafish.

Abstract:Objective To observe the effects of hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) on hepatic expression of Bax, Bcl-2 genes, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and hepatic fibrosis in rats. Methods Sixty-four SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control group, model group, low-dose HCPT group, intermediate-dose HCPT group and high-dose HCPT group. Hepatic fibrosis was induced in rats by abdominal injection of CCl₄. The normal control group was injected with normal saline only; the low-dose, intermediate-dose, and high-dose groups were injected with HCPT (3 times a week for 8 weeks) at 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of the 8^th week, liver tissues were obtained from each group for H-E staining and Masson staining to observe the degree of hepatic fibrosis. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2 mRNA and the Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio in liver tissues were examined by RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe α-SMA protein expression and TUNEL staining was used to observe cell apoptosis. Results Notable hepatic fibrosis was found in model group (Ⅲ stage in 2 rats,Ⅳ stage in 8 rats). Compared with the model group, each HCPT group had significantly improved fibrosis (P<0.05; low-dose HCPT group: Ⅱ stage in 1,Ⅲ stage in 8, Ⅳ stage in 1; intermediate-dose HCPT group:Ⅱ stage in 7, Ⅲ stage in 3; and high-dose HCPT group: Ⅱ stage in 1,Ⅲ stage in 7,Ⅳ stage in 2). RT-PCR results showed that the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA in the model group was significantly higher than that in the normal control group (P<0.05), and the expression in the three HCPT groups were significantly lower than that in the model group (P<0.05), with the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA in the model group being significantly lower than those in the three HCPT groups (all P<0.05).The immunohistochemistry result showed that the hepatic α-SMA level in the model group was significantly higher than those in the intermediate-and high-dose HCPT groups (P<0.05). The TUNEL staining showed no significantly positive staining in the normal control group or model group, and positive staining in all the three HCPT groups. Conclusion HCPT has protective effect on CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats; inhibiting proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, up-regulating Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio might be part of the related mechanism.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the expression of SALL4, Bmi-1 and β-catenin in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and the related clinical implications. Methods Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of SALL4, Bmi-1 and β-catenin in 70 normal esophageal mucosa specimens,70 dysplasia mucosa specimens and 123 ESCC specimens; and the relationship of their expression with the clinicopathological characteristics of ESCC was analyzed. Results The positive rates of SALL4, Bmi-1 and the aberrant rate of β-catenin expression gradually increased in order in normal esophageal mucosa, dysplasia mucosa and ESCC groups. The positive rates of SALL4, Bmi-1 and the aberrant rate of β-catenin expression in the dysplasia mucosa and ESCC groups were significantly higher than those in normal esophageal mucosa group (P<0.01); those in ESCC group was significantly higher than those in the dysplasia mucosa (P<0.01); and the positive rates of SALL4 were not significantly different between the dysplasia mucosa and ESCC groups (P>0.05). In the dysplasia mucosa group, the positive rate of Bmi-1 increased along with the degree of dysplasia (P<0.01). In the ESCC cases, the positive rate of Bmi-1 and aberrant rate of β-catenin were corelated with depth of invasion, degree of differentiation and lymph node metastasis of ESCC (P<0.05), and positive rate of SALL4 was correlated with the clinical staging (P<0.05) and lymph node metastasis of ESCC (P<0.01). The expression of SALL4, Bmi-1 and β-catenin in the 123 cases of ESCC were positively correlated with each other (SALL4 and Bmi-1: r=0.373,P<0.01; SALL4 and β-catenin: r=0.214, P<0.05; Bmi-1 and β-catenin: r=0.204, P<0.05). Conclusion SALL4, Bmi-1 and β-catenin might be involved in the development, progression, invasion and metastasis of ESCC; and the three of them might interact through corresponding signal pathways.

Abstract:Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of intermittent inhaled corticosteroids (ICS, test group) and routine ICS (control group) treatment strategy for asthma in children. Methods Databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov and Chinese Biomedical Literature were searched for relevant studies published from 1980 to 2013. Results Using the predefined key words, we identified 943 citations, and finally 4 parallel-designed, prospective, randomized controlled studies (5 comparison groups) were included in this meta-analysis. We found that there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of incidence of asthma exacerbations (OR: 1.25,95%CI: 0.87-1.78,P=0.22), re-hospitalization rate(OR: 0.85, 95%CI:0.28-2.57,P=0.77), improvement of symptoms and life quality (WMD: 0.02,95%CI: -0.19-0.23,P=0.88), or incidence of overall severe adverse events (OR: 0.81,95%CI:0.30-2.17,P=0.67). However, improvement of the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in the control group was significantly greater than that in the test group (WMD: 2.76,95%CI:0.69-4.82, P=0.009), and the increase of body height in the test group was significantly greater than (by 0.51 cm) that in the control group (WMD:-0.51,95%CI:-0.87——0.16,P=0.005). Heterogeneity analysis showed that the studies had good homogeneity. Conclusion The as-needed ICS and routine ICS have similar efficacy in treatment of child asthma. Routine ICS can greatly improve the PEFR, but it may have an adverse impact on the body height of Children.

Abstract:Objective To study the role of azithromycin niosomes (AM-NS) in promoting the intestinal absorption of AM in rats. Methods Six healthy male rates were randomly divided into two groups. Single-pass intestinal perfusion was employed to investigate the intestinal absorption of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon when the perfusion rate was 0.2 mL/min and period was 1 h. The concentrations of the drugs were determined by HPLC; the drug absorption rate constant (K_a) and the intestinal apparent permeation coefficients(P_eff) were calculated. Results The absorption K_a of AM-NS in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon were 2.41, 2.35, 2.54 and 2.95 folds that of the free AM, and the P_eff were 2.34, 1.47, 2.20, and 1.40 folds that of the free AM, respectively, with significant differences found between the two groups for both K_a and P_eff (P<0.05). Conclusion AM-NS can significantly improve the absorption of azithromycin in the intestine of rats.

Abstract:Objective: To explore the relationship between the mean platelet volume (MPV) and varicocele to clarify the etiopathogenesis of varicocele. Methods: MPV levels were measured in 50 varicocele subjects (group I) and 46 healthy controls (group II). The results of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results: The average patient age at the time of examination was23.50±5.08 years in group I and 24.67±4.33 in group II （P=0.599）. MPV levels were statistically significantly higher in group I than in group II （P=0.030）. Positive correlations were found between MPV and varicocele grade (P=0.03, r=0.497). Conclusions: The levels of MPV were higher in varicocele patients than in healthy peole. The increase in varicocele grade is associated with higher MPV in varicocele patients. The results can provide the reference for examining the etiopathogenesis of varicocele.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the metabolic rates of three lignans (deoxyschizandrin, schizandrol B and schisantherin) of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill in rat liver microsomes, and to identify their metabolites. Methods Using the in vitro rat liver microsomal model, the contents of the 3 lignans were determined by HPLC-MS and the matobilic rates were calculated. The analytical conditions were as follows: column, Agilent Zorbax SB-C₁₈ (3.0 mm×100 mm, 3.5 μm); mobile phase, acetonitrile/water (6040 V/V), with isocratic elution; injection volume, 5 μL; flowing rate, 0.8 mL/min; temperature of column, 30℃; running time, 30 min; selective ion monitoring (SIM) in positive ion mode was used in mass spectrometry, with the drying gas temperature being 350℃, capillary voltage being 4 000 V, drying gas flowing rate being 9.0 L/min, and fragmentor voltage being 90 eV. Their metabolites were identified by HPLC-TOF/MS, whose mass parameters were the same as those of HPLC-MS. Results Deoxyschizandrin, schizandrol B and schisantherin were separated with good linearity (r>0.999 0) between 0.010 22-2.044, 0.044 24-2.212 and 0.042 32-2.116 μg/mL, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were less than 5%, the matrix effect was higher than 75%, and the extraction recovery rate was higehr than 80%. The metabolic half-life values of the 3 lignans were as follows: deoxyschizandrin 0.721 0 min,schizandrol B 43.58 min,and schisantherin 86.63 min. HPLC-TOF/MS identified 7 metabolites in deoxyschizandrin, 6 in schizandrol B and 4 in schisantherin. Conclusion The lignans in Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill are easy to be metabolized in rat liver microsomes, which will affect the bioavailability and pharmaceutical efficacy of lignans in Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.

Abstract:Pancreatic carcinoma represents a fatal malignancy with a high mortality rate and without specific early symptoms. When pancreatic tumor is clinically suspected, it usually has come to an advanced stage, which making early diagnosis especially important. Over the last several years, many investigations have focused on relevant biomarkers during early stages of pancreatic tumor, including those in tumor tissues, body fluids and stools. This paper reviews the current application of tumor markers in early diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasm.

Abstract:Objective Most of intracranial aneurysm models were small animals, which were not conducive to study on hemodynamics and endovascular therapy. This study induced the aneurysm formation at the basilar terminus by ligation of the bilateral common carotid artery of the New Zealand white rabbit. Methods Twenty six adult New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to sham, or bilateral common carotid artery ligation to produce basilar artery flow increase. Basilar artery flow velocity was monitored by transcranial Doppler, before the operation, and 1d, 1w, 4 weeks after surgery. Cerebral angiography was performed 4 weeks after surgery. The basilar arterys were seperated and compared morpholodical changes. Bifurcation tissues were harvested at 4 weeks and examined histologically. Results All animals survived in the sham group, and 80% ( 16 /20 ) survived in the experimental group. Subsequent to bilateral common carotid artery ligation, basilar artery flow velocity increased straightly, by 231% compared with the preoperation. The flow velocity kept on increasing 1 w after the operation and it was in a stable state after 4 weeks. The basal arteries augmented obviously and displayed tortuous in the experimental group. But there was no such change in the sham. All common carotid artery-ligated rabbits presented with thinned media and absent，rupture or thinned internal elastic lamina near the basilar terminus. Conclusion After the ligation of the bilateral common carotid arteries of New Zealand white rabbit, flow increase at the basilar bifurcation can lead to a change of the basilar artery morpholog and induced a nascent aneurysm in the basilar terminus.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of reactive oxygen species(ROS) on P2X3 receptor-mediated neuropathic pain. Methods Neuropathic pain model was induced in female Sprague Dawley rats by chronic compression of dorsal root ganglia (CCD), and the CCD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (each group containing 10 rats): Saline group (NS group); PBN 100 mg/kg treatment group; PBN 30 mg/kg treatment group; and PBN 10 mg/kg treatment group. The specific agonist of P2X3 receptor, α, β-meATP (50 nmol in 50 μL), was subcutaneously injected into the plantar surface of the right hind paws of each rat 30 min after PBN or NS injection. The spontaneous paw flinching times and withdrawing time were observed for 15 min after injection and the paw lift time per minute (PLTPM) in every 2 minutes was calculated. Results Pre-treatment with PBN inhibited α, β-meATP-induced spontaneous pain in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the NS group, PBN 100 mg/kg group significantly inhibited flinching response during the first 6 min (P<0.05), while the rats in PBN 30 mg/kg group only had significantly attenuated flinching response during the second to the fourth minute compared with NS group(P<0.05). Conclusion Oxygen free radical scavenger can effectively alleviate the neuropathic pain caused by CCD and P2X3 receptor agonist-induced spontaneous pain. ROS may act as a messenger in P2X3 receptor-mediated pain signaling transmission.

Abstract:Objective To construct the retroviral vector carrying novel gene mgt-16 and to investigate its expression in mouse mesenchymal stem cells C3H/10T1/2(10T1/2). Methods DNA sequences containing mouse novel gene mgt-16 was used as a template for PCR amplification of full length mgt-16 cDNA. Then the DNA fragment was cloned into pEGFP-N1 vector to produce pEGFP-N1-16 vector after T-A cloning with pMD18T plasmid and sequencing. The pEGFP-N1-16 vector was confirmed by PCR, restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing analysis. The retroviral vector, pLEGFP-N1-16, was constructed using retroviral vector, pLEGFP-N1, and pEGFP-N1-16 vector including mgt-16 gene. The pLEGFP-N1-16 vector was verified by restriction enzyme digestion, sequenced, and then transfected into packaging cell line Phoenix to prepare EGFP fused mgt-16 retrovirus particles, which were collected and used to infect 10T1/2 cells. G418 (400 μg/mL) continuous selection was conducted to obtain 10T1/2 cell clones stably overexpressing EGFP fused mgt-16. Fluorescence microscope was employed to determine the expression and subcellular localization of MGT-16 in Phoenix and 10T1/2 cells. Results A band of about 300 bp size was observed by agarose gel electrophoresis after PCR amplification for mgt-16 gene, and the result of sequencing showed that the sequence of insert fragment in T-A clones was identical to mgt-16 gene reported in Genbank. PCR, restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing revealed that the pEGFP-N1-16 plasmid was successfully constructed. Restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing revealed that the pLEGFP-N1-16 plasmid was also successfully constructed. Phoenix and 10T1/2 cells overexpressing MGT-16 showed green fluorescence distribution in the cytoplasmic, especially around the perinuclear area. Conclusion We have successfully constructed a recombinant retroviral vector carrying novel gene, mgt-16, and expressed it in mouse mesenchymal stem cells, which provides a basis for studying the role of novel gene mgt-16 in mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract:Objective To study the polymorphism of XRCC1 gene and its relation with genetic susceptibility of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in Chinese living in Jiangsu, Zhejiang Province and Shanghai. Methods A case-control study was performed with 87 NPC patients and 94 healthy controls of Han nationality in Chinese living in Jiangsu, Zhejiang Province and Shanghai. The two groups were matched by sex and age. PCR-RFLP technique was used to explore the relation of different XRCC1 polymorphisms with the susceptibility of NPC. Results The frequencies of the genotypes of XRCC1 Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln were similar between NPC and control groups. The risk of NPC individuals with the Trp194Trp genotype was reduced compared with that in those with Arg194Arg genotype, but with no significant differences (OR=0.41, 95% CI:0.08-1.65, P=0.21). No association was observed between the genetic susceptibility of NPC and other Arg194Trp variants or all Arg399Gln variants. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the polymorphism of XRCC1 has no association with the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Chinese living in Jiangsu, Zhejiang Province and Shanghai, but the Trp194Trp variant genotype may be associated with a reduced risk of NPC.

Abstract:Objective To identify the factors of no-reflow during emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods A total of 92 patients with acute STEMI treated with PCI were divided into normal reflow group(73 patients ) and no-reflow group (19 patients) from June 2012 to January 2013.The influencing factors of no-reflow were clarified by comparing clinical symptoms of the two groups. Results The no-reflow rate after undergoing emergency PCI was 20.7% in 92 acute STEMI patients.The systolic blood pressure (SBP), type 2 diabetes, troponin T peak, period from disease onset to reperfusion, balloon expansion times and stent number of the target blood vessel were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that low SBP (SBP<100 mmHg, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), type 2 diabetes, balloon expansion times, troponin T peak, right coronary artery lesions and period from disease onset to reperfusion were the risk factors for no-reflow during PCI in patients with STEMI. Conclusion No-reflow following emergency PCI in acute STEMI patients is associated with six clinical factors: SBP<100 mmHg, type 2 diabetes, balloon expansion times, troponin T peak, right coronary artery lesions and period from disease onset to reperfusion.

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Abstract:类风湿关节炎（rheumatoid arthritis，RA）是一种常见的、慢性炎症性的自身免疫性疾病,以关节破坏为主要临床表现[1]。当患者经两种或两种以上药物治疗6个月以上病情仍有活动时，称为难治性类风湿关节炎(refractory rheumatoid arthritis，RRA)。RRA患者病情迁延不愈，有明显全身症状及较多并发症，心肺组织及神经系统都可累及。现报道1例由RRA引起的严重缩窄性心包炎。