Clinical research into Qufeng Zhidong Recipe used to treat 31 children with tic disorder

OBJECTIVE

To assess the therapeutic effect and adverse reaction of Qufeng Zhidong Recipe (a recipe for dispelling wind to stop abnormal movement) used to treat children with tic disorder (TD).

METHODS

The enrolled patients were randomized into a TCM group (31 cases) treated with Qufeng Zhidong Recipe and a Western medicine group (30 cases) treated with haloperidol and trihexyphenidyl. Two courses of treatment were observed with 12 weeks as one course. The therapeutic effect and adverse reaction were assessed with Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), Tic Symptom Score Scale (TSSS), TCM Syndrome Score Scale (TCMSSS), Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) and laboratory examinations.

RESULTS

The total effective rate was 100% in the TCM group and 60% in the Western medicine group with statistical significance in difference (P < 0.05). All the scores in the TCM group were better than those in the Western medicine group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Qufeng Zhidong Recipe can obviously relieve the symptoms and signs of TD children without toxic side-effects.

[Effect of nerve growth factor on adhesion and motional abilities of tumor cells and their correlation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect on adhesion and motion capbilities of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), by detecting the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), E-cadherin (E-cad) and S100A4 and the clinical significance in ACC tissues and analyzing the relationships between them with perineural invasion (PNI).

METHODS

The expression of NGF, E-cad and S100A4 in ACC was detected with the way of immunohistochemistry SP, and then analyzing the expression level of them in different pathological types and histological regions in statistical ways on the basis of their relation with clinical and pathological parameters.

RESULTS

The expression of NGF and S100A4 in PNI group [88% (23/26) and 77% (20/26)], was higher than that in NPNI group (8/16 and 7/16, P < 0.05), and a positive correlation between them was identified in PNI group (r = 0.316, P < 0.05). However the E-cad expression was lower in PNI group [31% (8/26), P < 0.05]. On the other hand it suggested a negative correlation with NGF (r = 0.385, P < 0.05) as well as that with S100A4 (r = -0.612, P = 0.000). The expression level of NGF in fasciculus [83% (25/30)] has significant deviation compared with it in distant tumor tissues [47% (14/30), P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONS

In the PNI process of ACC, NGF plays important parts but not the only factor. It can increase the expression and activity of S100A4 but decrease E-cad expression through binding with its receptor. Thus, adhesion abilities of tumor cells was weakened and motional abilities was strengthen.

Effects of neonatal flutamide treatment on hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptogenesis correlate with depression-like behaviors in preadolescent male rats

The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adult men is roughly half that of women. Clinical evidence supports a protective effect of androgens against depressive disorders in men. The developing brain is subject to androgen exposure but a potential role for this in depression during adulthood has not been considered. In order to explore this question we treated newborn male rat pups with the androgen receptor antagonist flutamide to block endogenous androgen action and then conducted behavioral tests prior to puberty. Depression-like behaviors were assessed with the Forced Swim Test (FST) and the Sucrose Preference Test (SPT), and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed with the Open Field Test (OFT) and the Novelty-Suppressed Feeding Test (NSFT). Compared to the vehicle-treated controls, neonatal-flutamide treatment caused a significant increase in depression-like behaviors in preadolescent male rats but did not cause any significant difference in anxiety-like behaviors. In separate experiments, male pups with and without flutamide treatment were injected with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-monophosphate (BrdU) from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 4 to label newly produced cells or the hippocampi were Golgi-Cox imbedded and pyramidal neurons visualized. Three lines of evidence indicate neonatal flutamide treatment inhibits hippocampal neurogenesis and neuronal dendritic spine formation in preadolescent male rats. Compared to vehicle controls, flutamide treatment significantly decreased (1) the number of microtubule-associated protein-2+ (MAP-2) neurons in the CA1 region, (2) the number of MAP-2+ neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) region of the hippocampus, and (3) the density of dendritic spines of pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region. However, there was no effect of flutamide treatment on the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+ or GFAP+/BrdU+ cells in the hippocampus. This study suggests that the organizational effect of androgen-induced hippocampal neurogenesis is antidepressant.

Effects of annealing on the ferromagnetism and photoluminescence of Cu-doped ZnO nanowires

Room temperature ferromagnetic Cu-doped ZnO nanowires have been synthesized using the chemical vapor deposition method. By combining structural characterizations and comparative annealing experiments, it has been found that both extrinsic (CuO nanoparticles) and intrinsic (Zn(1-x)Cu(x)O nanowires) sources are responsible for the observed ferromagnetic ordering of the as-grown samples. As regards the former, annealing in Zn vapor led to a dramatic decrease of the ferromagnetism. For the latter, a reversible switching of the ferromagnetism was observed with sequential annealings in Zn vapor and oxygen ambience respectively, which agreed well with previous reports for Cu-doped ZnO films. In addition, we have for the first time observed low temperature photoluminescence changed with magnetic properties upon annealing in different conditions, which revealed the crucial role played by interstitial zinc in directly mediating high T(c) ferromagnetism and indirectly modulating the Cu-related structured green emission via different charge transfer transitions.

[Selection of the internal fixation for various types of intertrochanteric fracture in aged patients and prevention for complication]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the results and indication of differently internal fixation for intertrochanteric fracture and prevent for complication.

METHODS

One hundred and two patients of intertrochanteric fracture of femur from January 1997 to December 2007 were reviewed and analysed. There were 46 males and 56 females, with an average age of 76.5 years ranging from 60 to 93 years. There were 34 cases of stability fractures and 68 of instability fractures. The methods of internal fixation included dynamic hip screw in 82 cases, proximal interlocking nail in 5, multi-screw fixation in 9, dynamic codylar screw in 6.

RESULTS

These patients were followed up for 6 to 72 months (36 months in average). The time of fracture healing was from 8 to 12 weeks. According to evaluation criterion of effect, the results were excellent in 72 cases, good in 20, fair in 10. After operation, there were 3 cases of coax vara, 2 cases of lag screws cutting out, 1 case of breakage of screw, 2 cases of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, 1 case of postoperative infection, 1 case of delayed union.

CONCLUSION

Suitable implant selection according the type of fracture, health condition is an important factor to reduce the incidence of complication for unstable fracture in aged patients. DHS is a main treatment of intertrochanteric fracture. PFN is recommended for serious osteoporosis or unstable intertrochanteric fracture. Compression screws is a choice for the fixation of type I and type II fracture of bad health condition.

Two new mutations in the keratin 4 gene causing oral white sponge nevus in Chinese family

OBJECTIVE

We investigated white sponge nevus (WSN) in a Chinese family, and tried to find new mutation and demonstrated that this mutation is the causative mutation for WSN in this family and this condition affects a functionally important segment of the keratin 4 protein.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied the affected family with the 32-year-old female patient, her mother, her younger sister and her daughter. Pathologic examinations were performed. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes, K4 and K13 genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced.

RESULTS

Direct sequencing of PCR products revealed two new mutations in the keratin 4 gene, the heterozygous missense mutation 1829G-->A in exon 2B, and 2324A-->G in non-coding region. No any mutation was found in the keratin 13 gene.

CONCLUSIONS

We found two new mutations in the keratin 4, which may be related with the development of WSN.

[Clinical observation of XELOX (Capecitabine puls Oxaliplatin): an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen used in stage III colorectal cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen: XELOX (Capecitabine puls Oxaliplatin) used after curative resection for stage III colorectal cancer.

METHODS

From Jan. 1998 to Jan. 2004, 256 cases with stage III colorectal cancer randomized received de Gramont, modified FOLFOX4 (mFOLFOX4) and XELOX regimens. The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared within the three groups and relative prognosis factors within mFOLFOX4 and XELOX groups. Therapeutic adverse events were recorded and analyzed with Kaplan-Meier test.

RESULTS

98, 87 and 71 cases were respectively enrolled in the de Gramont, mFOLFOX4 and XELOX groups, mFOLFOX4 and XELOX had superior efficacy compared with de Gramont regimen. The two former could significantly improve 3-year DFS (79.7% vs. 66.2%, P = 0.015; 81.5% vs. 66.2%, P = 0.004) and medium survival time (40.2 mon vs. 37.8 mon, P = 0.024; 41.4 mon vs. 37.8 mon, P = 0.014). Meanwhile they could respectively decrease the ratio of recurrence risk by 18.0% (P = 0.024) and 21.0% (P = 0.003). The relative benefit of mFOLFOX4 versus XELOX didn't differ for 3-year DFS [hazard ratio (HR): 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-1.12, P = 0.13] and OS (HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.84-1.06, P = 0.54). In the analysis of DFS in relative prognosis factors, XELOX had a better trend of survival advantage. mFOLFOX4 had higher adverse events within these regimens, especially in grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and peripheral neurologic adverse events.

CONCLUSION

XELOX maintains its efficacy and safety ratio in advanced colorectal cancer. Patients have good tolerance and compliance. The regiment is deserves to be applied in clinical treatment. Oxaliplatin;

Curative effects of L-arginine on apoptosis of renal cells induced by pancreatitis associated ascitic fluid

AIM: To explore the mechanism of acute renal injury in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and the effect of the conservative mechanism of L-arginine.

METHODS: Sixty SAP model rats were established by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct and then the PAAF collected for reservation. Another 60 rats were established as perforative peritonitis (PP) models, and their perforative peritonitis associated ascitic fluid (PPAF) was collected. Another ninety SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: NS, PAAF, PPAF, PAAF + L-arg and PPAF + L-arg. Serum concentrations of amylase (Amyl), urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and nitric oxide were determined at 12 h post-operation. The renal cell apoptosis rate and inducible nitric oxide synthase activity were examined. Histological observation was performed.

RESULTS: The amylase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels of serum in the PAAF + L-arg and PPAF + L-arg groups were lower than those in the PAAF and PPAF groups (Amyl: 1925.8 ± 1024.2 vs 3328.3 ± 833.3, 2128.0 ± 795.9 vs 3599.1 ± 1156.9; BUN: 9.1 ± 0.9 vs 12.4 ± 1.0, 8.5 ± 0.8 vs 13.0 ± 1.1; Cr: 62.1 ± 7.5 vs 114.5 ± 8.6, 60.0 ± 6.1 vs 115.8 ± 6.9; respectively, P < 0.01). The content of nitric oxide and the inducible nitric oxide synthase activity in the SAP group were higher than that in the PAAF group, while they were lower than those in the PAAF + L-arg group, while the NS group was the lowest. Similarly, the PP group was higher than the PPAF group, but lower than the PPAF + L-arg group, while the NS group was, again, the lowest.

CONCLUSION: Renal cell apoptosis and injury are induced by pancreatitis associated ascitic fluid and blocked by low doses of L-arginine. A stable renal injury model can be established by PAAF.

High-level expression of recombinant dengue virus type 2 envelope domain III protein and induction of neutralizing antibodies in BALB/C mice

Dengue fever is a growing public health problem in many countries since so far no effective vaccines are available. In this study, the domain III of dengue virus type 2 envelope was expressed in Escherichia coli without fusion of any carrier protein. The recombinant protein was detected in the form of inclusion bodies, which were solubilized in 8M urea and could be purified subsequently by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on an ion exchange column. After refolding, the recombinant protein inhibited the DEN-2 plaque formation on C6/36 cells, demonstrated its function of receptor-interaction was retained. The recombinant protein was inoculated into BALB/c mice to test its immunogenicity and ability to induce neutralizing antibodies. The mice immunized with the purified protein developed high antibody titers. A neutralizing titer of 1:64 was also obtained by a cytopathogenic effect (CPE) inhibition assay in C6/36 cells. Mice challenged with lethal dose of DEN-2 in combination with sera from immunized mice were protected completely. The results suggested that these expression and purification strategies have the potential for development of an inexpensive vaccine.

Troponin T measurement can predict persistent left ventricular dysfunction in peripartum cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether measurement of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) concentration in newly diagnosed peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) can be used to predict persistent left ventricular dysfunction after a 6-month follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, multiple-centre clinical trial that studied 106 patients with newly diagnosed PPCM surviving over 6 months. cTnT concentration was measured within 2 weeks of the onset of PPCM.

RESULTS

Serum cTnT concentration was negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at follow-up (LVEF, r = -0.518, p = 0.0001). Analysis by receiver operator characteristic curve yielded an area under the curve of 0.764 (95% CI 0.669 to 0.860, p = 0.0001, vs null hypothesis value 0.5) for cTnT, and a cTnT concentration cut off of >0.04 ng/ml, predicting persistent left ventricular dysfunction with a sensitivity of 54.9% and a specificity of 90.9%. Among 106 recruited patients, there were 33 patients with cTnT concentrations >0.04 ng/ml and 73 patients with cTnT concentrations < or =0.04 ng/ml. After a 6-month follow-up, there was significantly smaller LVEF (35.42% (13.04% vs 50.16% (10.48%, p = 0.0001) and more persistent left ventricular dysfunction (84.8% vs 31.5%, OR = 12.17 (95% CI 4.17 to 35.57), p = 0.001) in patients with cTnT >0.04 ng/ml than in patients with cTnT < or =0.04 ng/ml.

CONCLUSION

Serum cTnT concentration measured within 2 weeks of the onset of PPCM was correlated negatively with LVEF at follow-up. This marker offers a simple, quick, inexpensive, non-invasive method for predicting a persistent LVEF of < or =50%. A cTnT concentration of >0.04 ng/ml predicted persistent left ventricular dysfunction with a sensitivity of 54.9% and a specificity of 90.9%.

Genetic engineering of Periplaneta fuliginosa densovirus as an improved biopesticide

The smoky-brown cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa) densovirus (PfDNV) has previously shown potential in urban pest control. To improve its efficacy as a biopesticide, the genome of PfDNV was engineered by inserting the insect-specific toxin gene BmKIT1 in the open reading frame encoding the major structural proteins. A green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker was tagged to the BmKIT1 at its C-terminus for in vivo imaging using Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CFSM). Using a virion rescue strategy, the genomes of recombinant and wild-type (wt) PfDNV were then cotransfected in P. fuliginosa nymphs. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) showed that the inserted BmkIT1 genes were expressed in the P. fuliginosa nymphs 48 h after cotransfection. CFSM and transmission electron microscopy also confirmed the generation of virus particles and expression of BmKIT1-GFP fusion protein in the cotransfected nymphs. The recombinant viruses remained infective to P. fuliginosa nymphs in feeding tests. Using the LT(50) bioassay method, the coninfection of the recombinant and wt PfDNV killed the P. fuliginosa nymphs approximate 32% faster than wt PfDNV only. This is the first report showing the improvement of engineered densovirus for the potential application of biopesticide.

[Effects of microwave power on temperature change in dental pulpal chamber in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of microwave powers on temperature changes of dental pulpal chamber in vitro.

METHODS

96 isolated teeth were prepared in three degrees of dental occlusal wear according to Smith BG's report. Temperature change values in dental pulpal chamber were recorded by thermometer (DM 6801A) while the different affect time and microwave powers acted directly and with 75% sodium fluoride glycerine paste on face of isolated teeth separately in room temperature.

RESULTS

The degree of temperature in dental pulpal chamber was going up follow the raising microwave power and prolonging time. The temperature in dental pulpal chamber with microwave acting sodium fluoride on dental occlusal was higher than acting directly dental occlusal.

CONCLUSION

The microwave power, time and degree of dental occlusal wear are very important factors on temperature change in dental pulpal chamber in our study.

Correlation of ATP7B genotype with phenotype in Chinese patients with Wilson disease

AIM: To determine the mutational characterization of P-type ATP7B gene and to explore the correlation of ATP7B genotype to phenotype in Chinese patients with Wilson disease (WD).

METHODS: Seventy-five patients with WD from 72 no-kinship families, 44 males and 31 females, were enrolled in this study. The age of onset ranged from 4 to 39 years, ≤ 18 years in 72 patients. Some exons of ATP7B gene mutations were analyzed in patients with WD by using biochemical methods, polymerase chain reaction-single strand configuration polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and DNA sequence analysis. A total of 778 coding regions were identified with restriction enzyme Msp I. The activity of Cu-ATPase was assessed by measuring inorganic phosphorus.

RESULTS: Sixty-six of 75 patients (88%) had with hepatic manifestations, 39 of them had only hepatic manifestations, 27 patients had hepatic and neurological manifestations or other symptoms at the same time (16 patients had associated neurological manifestation, 3 patients had osteopathy, 8 patients had other symptoms). Eight of the 75 patients (10.7%) had only neurological symptoms, one patient (5 years old) had no symptom. Twelve changing patterns were detected in ATP7B gene by DNA sequencing, including seven mutations (R778L, C656X, G943D, V1140A, V1106I V1216M and 1384del17), six polymorphisms (IVS4-5t/c, A2495G, C2310G, IVS18 + 6c/t and IVS20 + 5a/g). R778L occurred in 49/66 patients (74%) with hepatic manifestations, homozygosis of R778L in 16 patients, heterozygosity of R778L in 33 patients. V1106I mutation of ATP7B gene occurred in 2 patients with delaying onset of clinical symptoms. Cu-ATPase activity of three patients with known mutations (R778L/ V1106I/A2495G, R778L/V1216M and R778L/R778L) were determined, and the activity of Cu-ATPase was decreased by 44.55%, 88.23% and 69.49% respectively.

CONCLUSION: 1384del17bp is a novel mutation found in WD patients. R778L is the most common mutation of ATP7B gene. There is a correlation between R778L and hepatic manifestations in WD patient.

Observation of the decay psi(2S)-->K0SK0L

The decay psi(2S)-->K(0)(S)K(0)(L) is observed using psi(2S) data collected with the Beijing Spectrometer at the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider; the branching fraction is determined to be B(psi(2S)-->K(0)(S)K(0)(L))=(5.24+/-0.47+/-0.48)x10(-5). Compared with J/psi-->K(0)(S)K(0)(L), the psi(2S) branching fraction is enhanced relative to the prediction of the perturbative QCD "12%" rule. The result, together with the branching fractions of psi(2S) decays to other pseudoscalar meson pairs (pi(+)pi(-) and K+K-), is used to investigate the relative phase between the three-gluon and the one-photon annihilation amplitudes of psi(2S) decays.

Observation of a near-threshold enhancement in the pp mass spectrum from radiative J/psi-->gammapp decays

We observe a narrow enhancement near 2m(p) in the invariant mass spectrum of pp pairs from radiative J/psi-->gammapp decays. No similar structure is seen in J/psi-->pi(0)pp decays. The results are based on an analysis of a 58 x 10(6) event sample of J/psi decays accumulated with the BESII detector at the Beijing electron-positron collider. The enhancement can be fit with either an S- or P-wave Breit-Wigner resonance function. In the case of the S-wave fit, the peak mass is below 2m(p) at M=1859(+3)(-10) (stat)+5-25(syst) MeV/c(2) and the total width is Gamma<30 MeV/c(2) at the 90% confidence level. These mass and width values are not consistent with the properties of any known particle.

Huperzine A, a nootropic alkaloid, inhibits N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced current in rat dissociated hippocampal neurons

Huperzine A, a nootropic alkaloid isolated from a Chinese herb, has been proposed as one of the most promising agents to treat Alzheimer's disease. Recently, the agent was found to inhibit the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in rat cerebral cortex in addition to causing an inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase. In the present study, the mechanisms underlying NMDA receptor inhibition were investigated using whole-cell voltage-clamp recording in CA1 pyramidal neurons acutely dissociated from rat hippocampus. Huperzine A reversibly inhibited the NMDA-induced current (IC(50)=126 microM, Hill coefficient=0.92), whereas it had no effect on the current induced by alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate or kainate. The effect was non-competitive, and showed neither 'voltage-dependency', nor 'use-dependency'. The IC(50) values of huperzine A were neither altered by changing the concentrations of glycine (2-0.2 microM) and pH (7.4-6.7) in the external solution, nor by addition of Zn(2+) (5 microM) and dithiothreitol (5 mM) to the external solution. However, addition of spermine (200 microM) to the external solution caused a parallel shift to the right of the huperzine A concentration-response curve. From these we suggest that huperzine A acts as a non-competitive antagonist of the NMDA receptors, via a competitive interaction with one of the polyamine binding sites. The potential relevance of NMDA receptor antagonist activity of huperzine A to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is discussed.

Mechanical hyperalgesia in rats with chronic perfusion of lumbar dorsal root ganglion with hyperglycemic solution

In diabetes, chronic systemic hyperglycemia is associated with pain and other symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Evaluation of mechanisms causing these symptoms is complicated because of the overlap between the systemic effects of hyperglycemia and its toxic effects within the peripheral nervous system. To address this problem we developed a technique for chronic local in vivo perfusion of rat lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG) with a hyperglycemic solution. Osmotic pumps were filled with 30 mM glucose in physiological buffer and implanted in normal adult rats. The output of the catheter attached to the pump was positioned in a hole drilled through the right transverse process of the L(5) vertebrae to perfuse the corresponding DRG. Repetitive tests of foot withdrawal to mechanical stimuli have shown that chronic hyperglycemia localized to the L(5) DRG causes hyperalgesia in the hind limb innervated by perfused ganglion but not in the contralateral limb. Control experiments (DRG perfusion with 5 mM glucose or 5 mM glucose+25 mM mannitol solution) have shown that hyperglycemia-induced hyperalgesia can not be attributed to surgery-related injury or hyperosmolality of the ganglion-perfusing solution. These data demonstrate direct functional toxicity of hyperglycemia in the peripheral nervous system. This technique provides a new approach for in vivo study of chronic effects of physiologically active factors on DRG neuron function.

Topical application of acidic bupivacaine to the lumbar ganglion induces mechanical hyperalgesia in the rat

To investigate the neurologic mechanisms of acidic local anesthetic-induced low back pain in humans, we administered bupivacaine and buffered saline at acidic or alkalinized pH at the L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of rats via a hole drilled through the transverse process covering the DRG. Behavioral changes were tested before and after bupivacaine or saline administration. Results indicate that acute single-dose infusion of the DRG with bupivacaine (0.5%) at acidic pH (5.5) induced ipsilateral mechanical hyperalgesia that lasted for 7 days. Acute infusion of alkalinized bupivacaine (pH 7.2), however, caused only minor hyperalgesia that lasted <3 days. Similar results were obtained when bupivacaine was replaced with saline. Alternatively, chronic delivery of acidic saline to the DRG via a subcutaneously implanted osmotic pump resulted in a significant decrease in the withdrawal threshold on the ipsilateral hind paw that lasted for 10 days. In rats receiving chronic treatment of the DRG with alkalinized saline, mechanical hyperalgesia lasted for only 3 days. The results demonstrated that acidic bupivacaine deposited at the DRG causes pain and hyperalgesia when the effects of the local anesthetic have dissipated. These findings may explain the limited therapeutic effects of some acidic local anesthetics used for management of cancer-related and chronic back pain.

IMPLICATIONS

Acidic bupivacaine administered at the L5 lumbar ganglion causes pain and hypersensitivity of the hind paw in the rat. These findings may explain the limited therapeutic effects of some acidic local anesthetics used for treatment of cancer-related and chronic back pain.

Effects of bupivacaine and ropivacaine on high-voltage-activated calcium currents of the dorsal horn neurons in newborn rats

BACKGROUND

Local anesthetics, such as bupivacaine, have been reported to block calcium currents in primary sensory neurons and to interfere with the release of neurotransmitters in central nervous system neurons. However, it is unknown whether local anesthetics affect the calcium current activity of central nervous system neurons.

METHODS

Using a traditional whole cell voltage clamp technique, effects of bupivacaine and ropivacaine on high-voltage-activated calcium currents (HVA-Ic(a)) were investigated in enzymatically dissociated dorsal horn neurons of neonatal rats. Calcium currents were evoked by testing pulses from a holding potential of -90 to 0 mV.

RESULTS

Bupivacaine significantly reduced HVA-Ic(a) in a dose-dependent manner. The peak HVA-Ic(a) decreased by 24.5+/-2.5, 32.0+/-6.8, 59.4+/-6.2, 88.3+/-1.5, and 91.6+/-1.1% in response to 10, 30, 50, 100 and 200 microM bupivacaine, respectively. Unlike bupivacaine, ropivacaine markedly increased HVA-Ic(a) at lower concentrations (< 50 microM) but decreased HVA-Ic(a) at higher concentrations (> or = 50 microM). The percent increases in peak HVA-Ic(a) induced by 10 and 30 microM ropivacaine were 95+/-19.1 and 41.6+/-8.3%, respectively. The percent decreases in response to 50, 100, and 200 microM ropivacaine were 21.1+/-2.1, 63.2+/-6.0 and 79.1+/-7.6%, respectively. Results indicate that the inhibitory potency of ropivacaine on HVA-Ic(a) was significantly lower than that of bupivacaine at the same concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study showed that bupivacaine inhibited HVA-Ic(a) recorded from dorsal horn neurons and that ropivacaine increased HVA-Ic(a) at lower concentrations but decreased HVA-Ic(a) at higher concentrations. The inhibitory potency of ropivacaine was lower than that of bupivacaine. Inhibition of calcium currents of central nervous system neurons may be related to the systemic neurotoxic effects of local anesthetics (e.g., convulsions, seizures).

Case report: MR findings of malignant melanoma of the vagina

We report a case in which malignant melanoma of the vagina showed some MR signal changes after radiotherapy. Before radiotherapy, the tumour had slightly high signal intensity on T(1) weighted images and was enhanced after gadolinium-DTPA administration. After radiotherapy, the signal intensity of the tumour increased conspicuously on both T(1) weighted images and fat suppression T(1) weighted images.

[Pollen morphology of bee plants in Changbai Mountain area]

OBJECTIVE

To develop and utilize the bee plants and bee products in Changbai Mountain area, the representative area of alpine plants in northeast China featuring abundant resources of bee plants.

METHOD

The pollen of bee plants was observed and studied by LM and SEM.

RESULT

The pollen is morphologically oblate, suboblate, spheroidal and prolate. The external sculpture is commonly reticulate, striate and echinulate.

CONCLUSION

Plant pollen identification criteria have been furnished for the development of bee plant resources as well as the inspection of bee products in Changbai Mountain area.

Liquid enteral diets induce bacterial translocation by increasing cecal flora without changing intestinal motility

The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of intestinal motility and cecal bacterial overgrowth to liquid diet-induced bacterial translocation (BT). Three different commercially available liquid diets were offered to mice for 1 week. BT to the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), spleen, and liver were examined as well as cecal bacterial counts and populations, small bowel length and weight, and histopathologic changes in the ileal and jejunal mucosa. In addition, the effect of the various diets on intestinal motility was measured by the transit index of a charcoal mixture introduced into the stomach. The incidence of BT to the mesenteric lymph nodes was significantly and similarly increased (p < .05) in mice fed Vivonex (30%), Ensure (30%), and Osmolite (33%) compared with chow-fed controls (0%). Compared with chow-fed controls, all three liquid diets were associated with the development of cecal bacterial overgrowth (p < .01). There were no significant changes in the transit index for the three liquid diet groups compared with the chow-fed controls. BT to the MLN was induced by all three liquid diets tested, casting some doubts as to their role in preventing BT in clinical use. BT was associated with a statistically significant increase in cecal bacterial count but was not associated with gut motility changes in this model. In fact, no significant changes in intestinal motility were noted in all groups tested.