Abstract:Objective To observe and compare the genomic and transcription level of protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 16A (PPP1R16A) gene in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and adjacent tissues, and to explore the effect of specific sliencing of PPP1R16A on the proliferation of HCC LM3 cells. Methods Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to assess genomic and transcription level of PPP1R16A gene. The specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) of PPP1R16A was synthetized in vitro, and was transfected into HCC LM3 cells with liposome. The experiment was divided into the following three groups, namely, PPP1R16A-siRNA (si-16A) transfected group, non-specific siRNA (NC) transfected group and blank control group. The genomic and transcription level of PPP1R16A gene was detected by qRT-PCR. The expression of PPP1R16A protein was detected by Western blotting analysis. CCK-8 and clone formation assay were used to investigate the proliferation ability of transfected cells. Cell cycle was investigated by flow cytometry. Results The genomic level (P<0.001) and transcription level (P<0.001) of PPP1R16A gene in human HCC tissues were significantly increased compared with those in the adjacent liver tissues; and the genomic level was found significantly correlated with transcription level of PPP1R16A gene (P=0.015). The results of CCK-8 and clone formation experiment in vitro showed that the cell proliferation of si-16A group was significantly inhibited compared with NC group and blank control group (P<0.001). Flow cytometry showed that cell cycle was suppressed in si-16A group. Conclusion The genomic and transcription levels of PPP1R16A gene are increased in HCC tissues. The proliferation of HCC LM3 cells is suppressed by inhibiting the PPP1R16A gene transcription, which suggests that PPP1R16A gene functions as an oncogene in HCC.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the relationship between 25-hydroxy vitamin D and colorectal neoplasms. Methods A case control study was designed to compare the plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels of participants with colorectal cancer, progressive adenoma, adenoma, hyperplastic polyposis and healthy controls. Meanwhile, stratified analysis was carried out according to the lesion sites (proximal colon and distal colon). Results The plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D was divided into three levels: ≤13.39, 13.39-18.23 and ≥18.23 ng/mL. The levels in colorectal cancer group (P<0.001), progressive adenoma group (P<0.001), adenoma group (P_trend<0.001), and hyperplastic polyposis group (P_trend=0.013) were all significantly lower compared to that in the healthy control group, with the OR (95%CI) values of highest value and the lowest value of vitamin D as follows: 0.33(0.21, 0.53), 0.18(0.09, 0.38), 0.09(0.01, 0.41), and 0.25(0.08, 0.77), respectively. After stratified according to the lesion sites, the plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels of proximal colorectal cancer group (P_trend=0.001) and distal colorectal cancer group (P<0.001) were significantly lower than that of the healthy control group. The OR (95%CI) of highest value and the lowest value of vitamin D were 0.26(0.12, 0.56) and 0.33(0.20, 0.56), respectively. Conclusion Plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer regardless of the lesion locations.

Abstract:Objective To evaluate the patterns and predictive factors of ipsilateral and contralateral central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in the unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with clinically node-negative neck (cN0). Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathological characteristics of 46 patients with cN0 unilateral PTC, including gender, age, multiplicity, tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), and T stage. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to evaluate the patterns and predictive factors of ipsilateral and contralateral CLNM in cN0 unilateral PTC patients. Results Ipsilateral CLNM and contralateral CLNM were present in 32.6%(15/46) and 21.7% (10/46) of the patients, respectively. In patients with contralateral CLNM, 70.0% (7/10) had isolated contralateral CLNM without ipsilateral CLNM. Twenty patients of the 41 (48.8%) with T1/T2 stage had CLNM. Univariate analysis showed that tumor size >1 cm, age <45 years and absence of HT were associated with ipsilateral CLNM (P<0.05). None of the above clinicopathological characteristics was associated with contralateral CLNM. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size >1 cm (OR=4.890, P=0.044) was the independent predictor of ipsilateral CLNM, and HT (OR=0.086, P=0.034) was a protective factor of ipsilateral CLNM. Multifocal cancer was an independent predictor of contralateral CLNM (OR=7.60, P=0.038). Compared with isolated ipsilateral CLNM, contralateral CLNM occured more often in patients with HT (P<0.05). Conclusion Ipsilateral CLNM is the most frequent in cN0 unilateral PTC patients and contralateral CLNM may independently occurr without ipsilateral CLNM. CLNM is frequent in patients at T1/T2 stage and prophylactic central lymph node dissection (PCND) is suggested for these patients. Ipsilateral PCND should be considered in patients with a tumor size >1 cm, while contralateral PCND may be more valuable for patients with multifocal cancer or HT.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the concentrations of air benzo(a)pyrene in different areas and the effect of air benzo(a)pyrene exposure on urine neurotransmitter content in 3-5 years old preschool children. Methods The concentrations of air benzo(a)pyrene were detected by the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in different areas (distances from a coking plant 1 000, 2 000, 3 000 and 4 000 m, respectively) and different seasons in a coking plant in the main city of Chongqing. The urine samples were collected from 3-5 years old children who were born in the areas and lived in the areas since birth; and their urine levels of glutamate (Glu), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) were determined by ELISA assay. Then the relationship between the air benzo(a)pyrene exposure changes and the contents of urine neurotransmitters was analyzed. Results The concentrations of air benzo(a)pyrene decreased with the increase of distance from the coking plant. There were significant differences in the concentrations of air benzo(a)pyrene between different areas in the same season (P<0.05) and among different seasons in the same area (P<0.05). The contents of the children urine neurotransmitters (Glu, GABA, DA and 5-HT) increased with the increase of age in the same area, and decreased with the increase of the concentration of air benzo(a)pyrene in children of the same age. Conclusion Exposure to air benzo(a)pyrene can decrease the urine neurotransmitters in 3-5 years old children, and the detailed reasons and mechanism need further research.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of chemokine receptor CXCR7 in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) tissues. Methods Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the protein expression of CXCR7 in 57 EOC tissues, 15 benign ovarian tumor tissues and 15 normal ovarian germinal epithelium tissues. The chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between the expression of CXCR7 and clinicopathological features and its prognosis. Results The positive expression rates of CXCR7 in EOC tissue, benign ovarian tumor tissue and normal ovarian germinal epithelium tissue were 68.42% (39/57), 26.67% (4/15) and 13.33% (2/15), respectively (χ²=19.97, P=0.000 1). The positive expression of CXCR7 was significantly correlated with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages, histological grade, lymph node metastasis and peritoneal metastasis (P<0.05), but not with age, preoperative CA125 level, histological type of EOC, residual tumor diameter, ascites content, or tumor size (P>0.05). Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis results showed that the positive expression of CXCR7, FIGO stage, histological grade, lymph node metastasis and peritoneal metastasis were statistically correlated with the overall survival and disease-free survival of EOC patients. Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that both overall survival and disease-free survival in EOC patients with positive expression of CXCR7 were significantly lower than those in EOC patients with negative CXCR7 (P<0.05). Conclusion The high expression of CXCR7 is closely related to the recurrence and metastasis in EOC patients, which indicates that CXCR7 might be a potential predictor and an important therapeutic indicator of EOC.

Abstract:Objective To construct a stable model of sustained hepatic hypoperfusion in mice, and to explore the influence of sustained hepatic hypoperfusion on warm ischemic-reperfusion (IR) injury. Methods C7BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks old were chosen for model construction. The portal vein of mice was constricted to the syringe needle with diameter of 1 mL. Liver function and histopathology (H-E staining) were tested on 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after constriction. Hepatic warm IR injury of 70% was performed in stable hepatic hypoperfusion models. Liver function and histopathology were tested again at 3, 24 and 48 hours after reperfusion. Wild type C7BL/6 mice were used as controls. Results After portal vein constriction, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) rose to different extents, and the levels peaked on day 7 (ALT: [60.8±6.2] U/L vs [25.5±2.8] U/L, P<0.001; AST: [74.9±6.1] U/L vs [39.1±3.2] U/L, P<0.001). Meanwhile, H-E staining showed that the most serious damage to hepatocytes and more inflammatory cell infiltration appeared on day 7 after constriction. On day 21, ALT almost returned to the normal level (P>0.05), but AST was still significantly higher than baseline (P=0.03). Compared with the control group, damage of hepatocytes was more severe in mice with 7 day-hypoperfusion precondition after warm hepatic IR. The transaminase levels peaked at 3 h after reperfusion (ALT: [8 217.0±1 111.8] U/L vs [5 597.4±1 015.3] U/L, P=0.004; AST: [8 548.2±1 155.4] U/L vs [5 765.4±956.9] U/L, P=0.003). At 48 h after reperfusion, ALT and AST were back to the normal levels in the control group, but they kept at higher levels in the hypoperfusion precondition group (ALT: [608.8±442.9] U/L vs [47.4±20.1] U/L, P=0.008; AST: [861.8±442.8] U/L vs [70.8±68.3] U/L, P=0.008). Conclusion A stable mouse model of sustained hepatic hypoperfusion has been successfully constructed. The model has decreased tolerance to warm IR injury in hypoperfusion precondition liver, which can partly mimic the liver graft in donation after cardiac death in clinic.

Abstract:Objective To observe the anti-osteoporotic activity of representative phenolic glycosides (curculigoside, curculigine A, orcinol glucoside and orcinol rhamnoside) in Curculigo orchioides on osteoblasts in neonatal rat calvaria and on osteoclasts induced by myelomonocytes. Methods The proliferation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts were determined by MTT assay. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of osteoblasts and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) of osteoclasts were detected by using p-PNPP-Na method. The mineralized nodule formation was determined by alizarin red-s (AR-S) staining. TRAP-positive multinucleated cells were counted through TRAP staining. The cytoskeleton of osteoblasts and F-actin ring of osteoclasts were labeled with rhodamine-conjugated phalloidin, and observed under confocal laser scanning microscope. The areas of osteoclastic bone resorption pit in co-culture of osteoblasts and osteoclasts were determined using computer image process. Results Curculigoside (10^-9 mol/L and 10^-8mol/L) significantly promoted the proliferation of osteoblasts and inhibited the TRAP activity of osteoclasts at the concentration of 10^-7-10^-5 mol/L (P<0.05). Curculigoside, orcinol glucoside and orcinol rhamnoside significantly decreased the number of osteoclasts (P<0.05). Curculigoside (10^-10mol/L), curculigine A (10^-9mol/L), orcinol glucoside (10^-9mol/L) and orcinol rhamnoside (10^-9mol/L) significantly increased the ALP activity and bone mineralized nodule formation of osteoblasts (P<0.01), reduced the injury of cytoskeleton of osteoblast induced by 1, 25-(OH)₂-VD₃, decreased the pit area formed by osteoclasts, and destroyed F-actin cytoskeleton structure and pseudopodia of osteoclasts. Conclusion Curculigoside, curculigine A, orcinol glucoside and orcinol rhamnoside, phenolic glycosides extracted from Curculigo orchioides, can promote osteoblastic bone formation and inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption, demonstrating a significant anti-osteoporotic activity.

Abstract:Objective To analyze the incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer among permanent residents in Yangpu district of Shanghai from January 2002 to December 2012, so as to evaluate the effect of surgical treatment on their survivals. Methods The data of thyroid cancer in permanent residents of Yangpu district were collected from the database of cancer registration and management system in Shanghai. Annual demographic data were obtained from Public Safety Department of Yangpu district. The temporal trend in the incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer was assessed using annual percent change (APC) model. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test was performed for survival analysis. Results A total of 1 488 cases with thyroid cancer were diagnosed from January 2002 to December 2012, accounting for 3.19% of the total patients with malignant diseases during the time in the area. Of those, 1 131 were females. The crude incidence rate was 19.45/10⁵ in females, being significantly higher than 5.85/10⁵ in males (P<0.05). The standardized incidence rate was 12.15/10⁵ in females, also being significantly higher than 3.69/10⁵ in males (P<0.05). The crude incidence of thyroid cancer increased significantly (APC=21.72%, P<0.05) from 2002 to 2012. A total of 146 cases died of thyroid cancer during this period, with the annual crude mortality being 1.79/10⁵ in females, which was significantly higher than that in males (0.69/10⁵, P<0.05). The standardized mortality rate was 0.35/10⁵ in males and 0.85/10⁵ in females (P<0.05). Both the incidence and mortality rates increased rapidly after 60 years old for both males and females. The 1- to 5- year survival rates in all cases were 97.20%, 96.70%, 96.10%, 95.40% and 94.80%, respectively. The rates in those receiving surgery were 99.20%, 98.90%, 98.70%, 98.30%, and 97.90%, which were significantly higher than those without surgery (91.9%, 90.60%, 89.00%, 88.00%, and 86.70%, respectively) (P<0.05 for each comparison). Conclusion The incidence of thyroid cancer is significantly higher than the mortality in permanent residents of Yangpu district in Shanghai. The incidence, rather than the mortality, is dramatically increased during 2002 and 2012. Both the incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer are significantly higher in females than in males, and surgical resection can significantly prolong the survival of thyroid cancer patients.

Abstract:Objective To understand the cognitive status of public health emergency risk communication among grass-root health emergency staffs, so as to provide help to improve their understanding and ability for risk communication. Methods Questionnaire was designed and used to survey the emergency staffs from 19 counties in Chongqing. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square test were used for analysis. Results A total of 429 grass-root health emergency staffs were surveyed. It was found that 4.7% (20/429) of them characterized their familiarity of risk communication concept as "Heard of, very familiar with it", and the perception differences were statistically significant among participants of different ages, technical titles, training and work experience in public health emergency risk communication (P<0.05). Only 0.5% (2/429) of the participants were aware of all the core information risk communication; 24.9%(107/429) of the participants said they were willing to assume the risk communication task very much. The participants thought that the main reasons affecting public health emergency risk communication included: collection of the monitoring risk information was not complete (78.8%, 338/429), there was no established working mechanism (68.8%, 295/429), communication between departments was difficult (62.7%, 269/429), and there was a lack of technical proposal for risk communication (60.8%, 261/429). Conclusion The cognitive level of public health emergency risk communication among grass-root health emergency staffs is at a relatively low level. The emergency staffs have a poor knowledge about risk communication and less willingness to the work, and they are not competent for health emergency work. More efforts should be made to train the emergency staffs to meet the requirement of public health emergency work.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effects of epicardial fat pads on the maintenance of persistent atrial fibrillation and its mechanism. Methods Twenty-two healthy mongrel dogs were randomly divided into experimental group (n=12) and control group (n=10). Persistent atrial fibrillation was induced with eight-week rapid atrial pacing in the experimental group (Group A), and 10 dogs in the control group underwent sham operation. The changes of atrial fibrillation cycle length were measured before and after stimulation of the right anterior fat pad, inferior vena cava-inferior atrial fat pad and left atrial dorsal fat pad. After ablation of the inferior vena cava-inferior atrial fat pad, atrial fibrillation was induced again. The changes of atrial fibrillation cycle length were measured again before and after restimulation of the right anterior fat pad. The fat pads were dissected for histological evaluation. Results After atrial fibrillation was induced through the right approach, the right anterior fat pad was stimulated, and the atrial fibrillation cycle length was significantly reduced in the right superior pulmonary vein, right inferior pulmonary vein, and right pulmonary vein atrium (P<0.05), but there was no significant change in atrial fibrillation cycle length at the atrial roofs. After stimulating the inferior vena cava-inferior atrial fat pad, atrial fibrillation cycle length was significantly reduced in the right superior pulmonary vein, right inferior pulmonary vein and right pulmonary vein atrium (P<0.05), while there were no significant changes at the atrial roofs. After atrial fibrillation was induced through the left approach, the atrial fibrillation cycle length was significantly reduced in the left superior pulmonary vein, left inferior pulmonary vein and left pulmonary vein antrum after stimulation of the left atrial dorsal fat pad (P<0.05), but there were no significant changes at the atrial roofs. After ablation of the inferior vena cava-inferior atrial fat pad, atrial fibrillation was induced again; after stimulation of the right anterior fat pad, the atrial fibrillation cycle length was significantly reduced in the right superior pulmonary vein and right pulmonary vein antrum (P<0.05), but there were no significant changes in the right inferior pulmonary vein. Conclusion Three epicardial fat pads (the right anterior fat pad, inferior vena cava-inferior atrial fat pad and left atrial dorsal fat pad) in dogs maintain the atrial fibrillation through triggering rapid firing in the ipsilateral pulmonary vein and atrium during atrial fibrillation. During persistent atrial fibrillation, the right anterior fat pad mainly affect the atrial fibrillation cycle length in the right superior pulmonary vein and the right inferior pulmonary vein by exciting the inferior vena cava-inferior atrial fat pad. The inferior vena cava-inferior atrial fat pad has a greater influence on the atrial fibrillation cycle length in the right inferior pulmonary vein than that in the right superior pulmonary vein.

Abstract:Objective To examine the protein expression of Ras-association domain family 10 (RASSF10) in human gastric cancer and its association with clinicopathological parameters of prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. Methods A total of 105 gastric cancer specimens were collected in Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University from Jan. 2008 to Dec. 2010. All patients had detailed clinicopathological data and were followed up for at least 5 years or till they were dead. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was performed to detect RASSF10 expression in gastric carcinoma and adjacent normal tissues. The correlations between RASSF10 expression and clinicopathological factors, and patients' prognosis were evaluated through statistical analysis. Results The IHC results revealed that negative expression of RASSF10 was observed in 61.9% (65/105) of gastric cancer patients. The level of RASSF10 was significantly associated with the tumor size, pathological grade, pathological type, T stage and lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05), but not correlated with age, gender, tumor site, distant metastasis or AJCC staging (all P>0.05). Kaplan-Meier curve showed that negative expression of RASSF10 predicted significantly worsened prognosis of gastric cancer (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that RASSF10 expression (HR=0.528, P=0.041) and AJCC stage (HR=4.994, P=0.001) were independent prognostic factors for the survival of gastric cancer patients. Conclusion RASSF10 protein is down-regulated in gastric cancer tissues and is associated with a poor prognosis of gastric cancer, which indicates that RASSF10 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer.

Abstract:Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the male genitourinary system and it increasingly poses a threat to men's health. As a post-transcriptional regulator, microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the evolution and development of life and the occurrence and progress of tumor. Researches have shown that the abnormal expression of miRNAs exerts an indispensable part in the initiation and progression of PCa. In this review we summarized the changes of the miRNAs expression profiling in PCa, the progression of castration resistant PCa, and chemotherapeutic drug resistance and its clinical application.

Abstract:Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic progressive cerebrovascular disease with its reason remaining unclear; the disease has different morbidities among different races, with East Asia countries including China having higher incidence. The pathogenesis of MMD is still unclear and the clinical characteristics lack specificity, making it difficult for early diagnosis. Researches have shown that revascularization surgery can slow down the ischemic process, but no sufficient evidence indicates that revascularization surgery can be used for hemorrhagic MMD. Imaging approachs, including morphological and functional imaging, are the main diagnosis, evaluation and follow-up method for cerebrovascular diseases. This review aimed to summarize the application and research on multiple imaging methods for MMD.

Abstract:The blood-nerve barrier (BNB) is a barrier system similar to blood-brain barrier (BBB), which can selectively limits the interchange of materials between the blood and the peripheral nervous system. It has been reported that the change of BNB permeability occurs in nerve lesions, and further research on BNB is of great significance for the treatment of those diseases. This paper mainly introduced the structure and function of BNB, progress of BNB cellular biology, changes and significance of BNB under pathological conditions, and the possible association between BNB and drug effects.

Abstract:Accurate bracket placement is essential for efficient and ideal orthodontic treatment. Due to the extensive integration of computer technology into orthodontics, computer-aided positioning brackets and variable methods of indirect bonding develop rapidly, aiming to position the brackets more correctly and simply. Compared with direct bonding and indirect bonding based on plaster models, three-dimensional digital maxillofacial-dental models have the advantage of simulating the virtual bracket position and the whole treatment process, predicting the final treatment outcomes, consequently, allowing for more accurate bracket positioning and less chair time. Here we reviewed the recent development of bracket placement, direct and indirect positioning technique in orthodontics.

Abstract:Thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a common autoimmune ophthalmic disease, which often triggers a series of ocular surface diseases, such as xerophthalmia, exposure keratitis and so on. A large number of researches have been done on serious problems such as exposure keratitis by researchers in and outside China, while report on xerophthalmia caused by TAO is scarce, leading to difficulties for comprehensive assessment of patients' condition. This review summarized the effects of various TAO therapeutic regimens on ocular surface.

Abstract:Objective To explore the feasibility of the catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) guided by monitoring fractional flow reserve (FFR) with pressure guide wire. Methods Eleven minipigs were allocated into RDN group (n=8) and sham operation group (n=3). Before ablation, the angiography of bilateral renal arteries was conducted. Ablation catheter and FFR pressure guide wire were implanted in the renal arteries guided by 7F guided catheter. Then renal arteries were observed by X-ray. The FFR value (renal artery pressure/aortic pressure) was monitored by electric stimulation (20 Hz). When the FFR value had significant change, the target was to be ablated (50℃, 10 W, 60 s). The ablation was considered effective once there was no change of the above indicators after a second stimulation immediately following ablation. Results Renal artery ablation was successfully completed in all the 8 pigs of RDN group. FFR values were monitored before and after ablation, and the results showed that the FFR values were significantly decreased upon stimulation before RDN (0.73±0.07 vs 0.98±0.02, P<0.01), and the FFR values were almost unchanged immediately after ablation (0.97±0.03 vs 0.95±0.02, P=0.25), which was not observed in the sham operation group. Conclusion There is significant difference in the FFR values of the target following stimulation before and after RDN. The FFR pressure guide wire-mediated target ablation may become a new operation mode, with its effectiveness and mechanism needed to be further verified.

Abstract:Objective To establish a swine model of diving decompression sickness (DCS) for applied basic research. Methods Six Bama miniature pigs underwent a simulated diving in DWC150 animal chamber with the profile of 600 kPa (30 min) exposure, followed by 600-500 kPa (1 min), 500-400 kPa (1.5 min), 400-300 kPa (2 min), 300-200 kPa (2.5 min) and 200-100 kPa (3 min) decompression. The limb motor function was detected by animal treadmill and the evoked potential of spinal cord was tested jointly to evaluate spinal cord injury of DCS. The amount of bubbles and cardio-pulmonary function were assessed by ultrasonography. The evolution of skin symptoms was observed and blood index was collected. A set of evaluating parameters were screened considering the overall behavior, histopathology, circulation and neurophysiology, bubble generation and inflammation response. Results The DCS incidence was 100% (6/6) in the present research and there was no animal death. Evoked potential and motor function underwent significant change after decompression. Cardiac ultrasonography detected substantial amount of bubbles in the venous system and the pulmonary artery index was changed. Typical skin lesions appeared. White blood cells and platelets were reduced, and the amount of D-dimer was increased. Congestion and bleeding were noticed in the lung and spinal cord. The changes of the above indicators could objectively reflect the DCS injuries, and could be used to set up an evaluation system for swine model of DCS. Conclusion Bama miniature pigs are ideal animals for DCS modelling.

Abstract:Dimenhydinate, an antihistamine agent, is effective for treating motion sickness and has a value for both civil and military application. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, BIOSIS Preview for related literatures. In this paper we reviewed the retrieved literatures and discussed the safety and efficacy of dimenhydrinate in the treatment of motion sickness. It was showed that although the first choice for motion sickness was scopolamine, dimenhydrinate was, however, the first choice for nausea and vomiting, which is partly because it can reduce gastric motility during motion sickness-inducing stimuli. Therefore, dimenhydrinate might be the first choice for treating motion sickness combined with vomiting and nausea.

Abstract:Objective To determine the incidence, risks and outcome of aortic regurgitation (AR) following transcatheter closure in adult patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Methods A total of 101 patients with PDA treated by transcatheter closure were enrolled in this study. Of them, 26 patients (25.74%) had new or increased AR following closure. The relevant factors including clinical manifestations, PDA features, closure procedure and outcome were analyzed and the risk factors were screened with logistic regression analysis. Results The 26 patients with newly diagnosed AR patients or with aggravated AR had significantly higher pulmonary arterial pressure than those without AR ([46.2±20.7] mmHg vs [31.4±17.5] mmHg, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), significantly larger left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDD, [5.2±0.2] cm vs [4.2±0.4] cm), significantly more severe PDA ([14.0±6.4] cm vs [9.0±3.5] cm) and significantly higher incidence of preoperative mild AR (38.46% [10/26] vs 18.67% [14/75]) (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that LVEDD (OR=33.541, 95% CI: 5.883-191.235, P=0.000) and PDA diameter (OR=7.512, 95% CI: 1.976-28.564, P=0.003) were the independent predictive factors for AR. During follow-up, 22 (84.62%) AR patients regained aortic valvar competence, and one died of AR deterioration and heart failure at the 30^th months. Conclusion It is more possible for the patients with larger LVEDD and severer PDA to develop AR. Most AR patients have a better outcome.

Abstract:Objective To evaluate the effect of gene polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) and vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) on warfarin maintenance dose and plasma concentration in Chinese Han population in Shanghai. Methods A total of 226 patients who underwent oral warfarin anticoagulation therapy after valve replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled in this study. The CYP2C9 1061A/C and VKORC1 -1639 G/A and 1173C/T genotypes were determined by pyrosequencing. The plasma level of warfarin was determined by the UPLC/MS-MS method. The patients were divided into different groups based on genotypes, sex and age. The average daily dose of warfarin and plasma concentration of warfarin were compared between different groups, and the contributions of genotype, plasma concentration, sex and age to warfarin daily dose were calculated. Results Maintenance dose of warfarin in patients with CYP2C9 1061A/C AA type was significantly higher than those with CYP2C9 1061A/C AC type (P<0.05). Maintenance dose of warfarin in patients with VKORC1 -1639G/A AG type was significantly higher than those with VKORC1 -1639G/A AA type (P<0.01). Maintenance dose of warfarin in patients with VKORC1 1173C/T CT type was significantly higher than those with VKORC1 1173C/T TT type (P<0.01). Significant differences of plasma warfarin concentration were also observed between VKORC1 -1639 G/A AA and AG as well as 1173C/T TT and CT genotypes (P<0.01), but not in those with CYP2C9 1061A/C genotypes. The average daily dose of warfarin was significantly higher in male patients than in females (P<0.05). The maintenance dose of warfarin was also significantly higher in patients under 60 years old than those aged above 60 years (P<0.05). CYP2C9 1061A/C, VKORC1 -1639G/A, and VKORC1 1173C/T gene polymorphisms, plasma concentration, age and gender accounted for 7.2%, 29.1%, 30.4%, 6.7%, 1.6% and 1.4% of warfarin dose variance, respectively; and multi-factor combination accounted for totally 47.2% of warfarin dose variance. Conclusion CYP2C9 1061A/C, VKORC1 -1639 G/A and VKORC1 1173C/T genotypes are associated with lower levels of warfarin dose. VKORC1 -1639G/A and 1173C/T genotypes also have a close relationship with warfarin plasma concentration. Sex and age are the important non-genetic influencing factors on warfarin daily dose.

Abstract:Objective To explore the effect of plasma glucose management on placental ultrastructure in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus, so as to provide scientific evidence for optimizing the management during pregnancy. Methods Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus were divided into satisfied glucose control group and dissatisfied glucose control group; meanwhile, normal pregnant women were taken as controls. All the participants received antenatal care until delivery in the First People's Hospital of Nantong from January 2013 to December 2014. Plasma glucose levels of the three groups were examined and the placental ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results (1) Finally 57 pregnant women were included in this study. There were 32 pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (56.14%, 32/57) and 25 with normal glucose (43.86%, 25/57). The proportions of pregnant women with satisfied and dissatisfied glucose control were 35.09% (20/57) and 21.05% (12/57), respectively. (2) There were no significant differences in the age, gestational weeks of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), gestational weeks of labor, blood pressure or body mass index between the three groups (P>0.05). (3) After plasma glucose management, there was no significant difference in fasting blood glucose between the three groups (P=0.099). And no significant differences were found in 2 h postprandial blood glucose, nocturnal blood glucose, or glycosylated hemoglobin between satisfied glucose control group and healthy control group (P>0.05). The 2 h postprandial blood glucose, nocturnal blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in the dissatisfied glucose control group were significantly higher than those in the other two groups (P<0.01). (4) There was no significant difference in the placental ultrastructure changes between the satisfied glucose control group and control group (P>0.05). The proportions of participants with placental ultrastructure changes in the dissatisfied glucose control group were significantly different from those of the other two groups (P<0.01). Conclusion Hyperglycemia is a risk factor for placental ultrastructure change in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus; the management of plasma glucose should be strengthened during pregnancy, so as to avoid the placental ultrastructure change and to reduce adverse pregnancy.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the correlation between in vitro release and in vivo absorption of pyridostigmine bromide phospholipid complex nanoemulsion (PPNE) by Loo-Reieglman method. Methods PPNE was prepared and dynamic penetration system was used to analyze its in vitro release. The plasma concentration of pyridostigmine bromide was determined by HPLC after oral administration in rats. Loo-Riegelman method was employed to calculate the in vivo absorption percentage (Fa). Then the regression equation was established between absorption percentage and cumulative release. Results The regression equation was set up as follows: Y=1.376 9X-47.543 2, r=0.9411 (P<0.001). Y represented in vivo absorption percentage and X represented in vitro cumulative release rate. Conclusion There is a significant correlation between in vitro release and in vivo absorption of PPNE.

Abstract:Objective To analyze the influencing factors of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the people with subjective memory complaints. Methods Convalescents aged over 60 years old with subjective memory complaints were enrolled in this study. Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA), mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and activity of daily living scale (ADL) were used to screen the participants with MCI, who were allocated into the MCI group. Those without MCI were taken as controls. The sex, age, education backgrounds, chronic disease, physical activity, smoking, drinking and social activity were compared between two groups; and the prevalence rate of MCI and its influencing factors were analyzed. Results The prevalence rate of MCI was 71.15% (37/52) in the MCI group. The proportions of participants aged ≥70 years old, education period ≤12 years, with chronic disease, less physical activity and social activity were significantly higher in MCI group than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in sex, living alone, smoking or drinking between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Subjective memory complaint is closely related to MCI in the elderly. In those with subjective memory complaint, age, education background, presence of chronic disease, physical activity and social activity are the main influencing factors of MCI.

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