[Application of electrical impedance tomography in pulmonary rehabilitation]

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive and individualized intervention for patients suffering from respiratory dysfunction due to various diseases. This approach has been highly valued and implemented by clinical medical professionals. However, the lack of equipment and real-time monitoring of ventilatory lung function during pulmonary rehabilitation treatment is a challenge. In addition, there is a need for improved methods that can directly guide physiotherapists to provide precise treatment. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a novel medical imaging technology that allows real-time monitoring of lung ventilation status. It is currently being translated from basic research into clinical applications and is widely used in respiratory disease, particularly in critical care respiratory management. However, there is a lack of reports on pulmonary rehabilitation guidance and outcome evaluation. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive review of this field, with the aim of generating more ideas for clinical research and further improving individualized treatment in the field of pulmonary rehabilitation.

[Expression and clinical significance of plasma methylated SEPT 9 gene in patients with primary liver cancer]

Objective: To investigate the expression and clinical significance of plasma methylated SEPT9 (mSEPT9) gene in patients with primary liver cancer. Methods: 393 cases who visited our hospital from May 2016 to October 2018 were selected. Among them, 75 cases were in the primary liver cancer (PLC) group, 50 cases were in the liver cirrhosis (LC) group, and 268 cases were in the healthy control group (HC). The three groups' positive rates of mSEPT9 expression in the peripheral plasma were detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fluorescent probe method. The correlational clinical features of liver cancer were analyzed. At the same time, the electrochemiluminescence detection method was used to compare the AFP positive rate. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square tests or continuity-corrected chi-square tests. Results: 367 cases actually had valid samples. There were 64, 42, and 64 cases in the liver cancer group, cirrhosis group, and healthy control group, respectively. Among them, 34 cases of liver cancer were verified from pathological tissues. The positive rate of plasma mSEPT9 was significantly higher in the liver cancer group than that in the liver cirrhosis and healthy control groups [76.6% (49/64), 35.7% (15/42), and 3.8% (10/261), respectively], and the differences were statistically significant (χ (2) = 176.017, P < 0.001). The sensitivity of plasma mSEPT9 detection (76.6%) was significantly better in liver cancer (76.6%) than that of AFP patients (54.7%), and the difference was statistically significant (χ (2) = 6.788, P < 0.01). Compared with the single detection, the sensitivity and specificity of plasma mSEPT9 combined with AFP were significantly improved (89.7% vs. 96.3%, respectively). Patients with liver cancer aged≥50 years, with clinical stage II or above, and those with pathological signs of moderate to low differentiation had higher levels of plasma mSEPT9 positive expression, and the differences were statistically significant (χ (2) = 6.41, 9.279, 6.332, P < 0.05). During the follow-up period, the survival time of liver cancer patients with positive plasma mSEPT9 expression was significantly shorter than that of those with negative expression (310 ± 26 days vs. 487 ± 59 days, respectively), with statistically significant differences (Log Rank P = 0.039). Conclusion: In China, the positive rate of plasma mSEPT9 detection in liver cancer patients is higher than that of AFP in relation to age, clinical stage, and degree of tissue differentiation; additionally, it has certain survival predictive values. As a result, detecting this gene has important clinical significance and potential clinical application value in the non-invasive diagnosis and prognosis assessment of patients with primary liver cancer.

[Research Progress on the Effect of Synthetic Cathinones on Animal Behavior]

Abstract

Synthetic cathinones are a class of new psychoactive substances with a structure similar to amphetamine drugs, which can produce excitatory effects similar to drugs such as amphetamine and cocaine after being taken. In recent years, the abuse of synthetic cathinones worldwide has become increasingly serious, posing a serious threat to social security and public health. This article focuses on several common synthetic cathinones, collects their research results in animal autonomous activity experiments and drug dependence model experiments and summarizes their relevant experimental conclusions in animal body temperature regulation, learning and memory, and anxiety, in order to provide data reference and method guidance for the domestic development of related drug research.

[The prevention and management of approach-specific complications of abdominal aortic balloon occlusion in pelvic and sacral surgery]

Objective: To investigate the causes,prevention and treatment of femoral artery puncture related complications caused by the application of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in the resection of pelvic and sacral tumors. Methods: Clinical data of 23 patients with femoral artery puncture related complications who received REBOA in the resection of pelvic and sacral tumors from August 2010 to August 2018 at the Musculoskeletal Tumor Center,Peking University People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.There were 8 males and 15 females,with the an age of (37.0±16.2) years (range:15 to 65 years).Arterial access via the Seldinger technique for REBOA was obtained in the right common femoral artery of 18 cases,and in the left of 6 cases.An arterial sheath with a diameter of 11 to 12 F(1 F≈0.33 mm) was used for the patient.The occurrence and treatment of postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: Acute femoral arterial thrombosis occurred in 18 patients,which was managed by open repair 48 hours postoperatively.Among the 349 patients admitted before 2015 who received hemostasis by compression after femoral artery sheath removal,12 patients (3.4%) developed acute femoral artery thrombosis.While the 476 patients admitted after 2015 who used a vascular stapler to close the femoral artery wound,6 patients (1.3%) developed acute femoral artery thrombosis.One case of retroperitoneal hematoma and 1 case of femoral pseudoaneurysm were found and surgically fixed.Postoperative follow-up was (40±18) months (range:13 to 108 months).Three cases with chronic lower extremity ischemia were confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography during 1 to 5 years follow-up.Two of them had minimal symptoms and denied further treatment,while the other one received femoral-femoral artery bypass surgery to restore distal flow for pain and numbness relief. Conclusions: Acute femoral arterial thrombosis was the most common femoral artery puncture.Technique refinement of REBOA,the use of percutaneous suture device and close follow-up can reduce the approach-specific complications,and help to detect and treat the complications timely,which may popularize the clinical application of REBOA.

[Technology specification of bedside hypertonic saline-contrast electrical impedance tomography of lung perfusion and clinical application]

Bedside hypertonic saline-contrast electrical impedance tomography (EIT) method for lung perfusion evaluation has several advantages of bedside, simple, noninvasive and radiation-free. For a long time, EIT perfusion image of hypertonic saline was mostly limited to animal experiments, and related clinical research is in the ascendant. This technical specification for clinical application is reached based on our previous researches, review of literatures in this field. The purpose of this technical specification is to facilitate the unified and standardized use of hypertonic saline-contrast EIT technology for regional lung perfusion, to evaluate the safety and quality control of the technology, and to unify the results.

P6496Endovascular reconstruction from aortic valve to aortic arch by one-piece valved-fenestrated-bifurcated endografting in animal experiments

Aims

The possibility of endovascular reconstruction of aortic valve, sinus of Valsalva, and ascending aorta by a minimal-invasive single endograft has not been proven in vivo. Combining our own long-term experiences from transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and Thoracic Endovascular Repair (TEVAR) for ascending and arch dissection, we designed the special endo-graft: a novel one-piece valved-fenestrated-bifurcated endografting, and tried to endovascularly reconstruct the area from Left ventricular outflow tract to aortic arch in animal experiments.

Methods and results

For 20 healthy adult female pigs weighed between 62.3±2.2 kilograms, we did aortic compute tomography angiography (CTA) examinations and measured morphologic parameters of aortic root. Then we accordingly customized the valved-fenestrated-bifurcated endograft. The endograft was delivered through transapical access and endovascularly reconstructed the segment from aortic valve to proximal part of aortic arch. The overall technical success rate was 95% because of one case of delivery system failure. Instant transesophageal echography (TEE) and aortic CTA confirmed ideal position of the endograft, satisfactory function of aortic valve, and the patency of coronary arteries in all subjects. During follow-up, 12 subjects were sacrificed according to the plan and seven were followed up for 8.1±3.6 months. There was one unplanned death of cardiac infection (unplanned mortality: 5.3%). Follow-up re-examinations (aortic CTA, cardiac ultrasound, and electrocardiogram) found no adverse events. Among 12 sacrificed subjects, there was no evidence of fenestrations alignment lost and no myocardial ischemia according to the pathological analysis.

Conclusion

The novel one-piece valved-fenestrated-bifurcated endografting might be feasible for minimal-invasive reconstruction of aortic root in animal models, thus provided a prospect to simultaneously treat pathologies involving aortic valve and aortic root in endovascular way.

[Study on treatment of chronic tinnitus by tetanus stimulation and evaluation methods of tinnitus]

Objective:The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of tetanus stimulation in tinnitus treatment and the correlation between the mainstream questionnaires of tinnitus and tinnitus-matching in order to find a more convenient and accurate method for tinnitus evaluation. Method:Ten patients with chronic tinnitus and normal or mild hearing impairment were enrolled in this study, totaling 13 ears. Their age ranged from 23 to 53 years old. The stimulus sound（white noise, frequency modulation 14.1 Hz, repetitive amplitude modulation, duty cycle 0.5） was selected and the sound intensity was 50 dB SL. Experimental procedure: （4 minutes sound stimulation+4 minutes rest） ×4 times, totaling 32 minutes. The patients were treated three times a week for 5 weeks. The loudness of tinnitus was matched before and after each treatment, and tinnitus handicap inventory（THI）, tinnitus handicap questionnaire（THQ） and visual analog scales（VAS） were also used for assessment before the first treatment each week. The loudness matching and the above scales were performed once more at follow-up for one week after end-of-treatment. Result:①Single treatment: the matched loudness value decreased by 1.000（0.000, 3.000） dB（Z=7.553, P<0.01） after each single treatment. ②After five weeks' treatment: the matched loudness value decreased（9.692±8.038） dB（t=4.348, P<0.01）; VAS value decreased by 2.000（1.000, 3.000）（Z=2.890, P<0.01）; total score of THQ decreased（7.389%±8.847%）（t=2.641, P<0.05）. ③Correlation analysis: there was positive correlation between total scores of THI and THQ（r=0.747, P<0.01）; the matched loudness values have positive correlation with VAS value（r=0.593, P<0.01）, THI-F（r=0.346, P<0.01） and THQ-factor 3 score（r=0.294, P<0.05）; there was positive correlation between the VAS value and THI-F（r=0.326, P<0.05）, the total score of THI（r=0.466, P<0.01）, THQ-factor 3 score（r=0.291, P<0.05）, the total score of THQ（r=0.497, P<0.01）. Conclusion:The loudness of tinnitus declined with significant fluctuation during tetanus sound therapy. THQ scale is recommended as a sensitive indicator for evaluating the efficacy of tinnitus treatment; VAS is recommended for rapid assessment of tinnitus. Tetanus stimulation is expected to become an important direction in tinnitus sound therapy.

Forensic Analysis of 24 Cases of Long-term Antipsychotics Use-Induced Sudden Unexpected Deaths

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the forensic characteristics of 24 psychiatric patients who died of long-term use of psychotropic drugs.

METHODS

Cases of sudden death of psychiatric patients from 2011 to 2016 were collected. The forensic characteristics of these sudden deaths were retrospectively analyzed by systematic investigation plus results of autopsy and toxics （drugs）.

RESULTS

Among the 24 psychiatric patients who died of long-term use of psychotropic substances, the ratio of male to female was 1.7∶1, and the average age was （59.0±8.8） years. Fifteen patients had clear disease durations （14.4±8.2） years, and other the nine were known to have disease durations of over 3 years. The death time of 62.5% of patients was the daytime in working days, and 91.7% of the patients died at home. Most patients complained different degrees of physical discomfort before death. Patients with schizophrenia （20 cases） were the most common, followed by depression （4 cases）. All patients had the history of taking psychotropic drugs, with clozapine and chlorpromazine being the mostly detected ones. The causes of death were mainly circulatory diseases （15 cases）, with the most common being myocarditis （11 cases） followed by pneumonia （4 cases）.

CONCLUSIONS

Critical attention should be paid to the risk of antipsychotics-induced sudden unexpected deaths for psychiatric patients, particularly for those with schizophrenia.

[A meta-analysis of prognosis after bipolar umbilical cord coagulation or radiofrequency ablation to reduce complicated monochorionic multiple pregnancies]

Objective: To evaluate the prognosis and complications after reduction of monochorionic multifetal pregnancies using bipolar umbilical cord coagulation (BCC) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods: A literature search were performed by using online databases including PubMed, Embase, and COCHRANE.The publications that described prognosis and complications after selective reduction of monochorionic twin pregnancies using either BCC or RFA for studies with clear outcome data were identified. Results: We identified five retrospective cohort studies for the meta-analysis and 231 cases of BCC and 174 cases of RFA.There was no statistical difference in overall survival after reduction between BCC group (79.2%) and RFA groups (76.4%) (RR=0.96; 95%CI: 0.86~1.08; P=0.48). Neonatal mortality was similar in both groups (8.2% vs 11.1%, respectively; RR=1.34; 95%CI: 0.60~2.99; P=0.48). However, intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) in the RFA group was 13.6%, and it significantly higher than that in the BCC group 7.7% (RR=2.15; 95%CI: 1.10~4.21; P=0.03). In contrast, after reduction, those in the RFA group had less preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) compared with the BCC group (17.1% vs 27.5%, RR=0.58; 95%CI: 0.39~0.86; P=0.007). Conclusions: RFA and BCC groups have similar overall survival for complicated monochromic multiple pregnancies, but RFA was more prone to IUFD, and BCC tended to have more PPROM.Thus, procedures should be chosen according to specific clinical situations and pregnancy conditions.

[Study on the three-dimensional mapping to reduce the X-ray exposure dose of interventional doctors in radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia]

Objective: To explore the advantage of radiofrequency catheter ablation under the three-dimensional mapping in the treatment of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) in reducing the X-ray exposure dose of interventional doctors. Methods: 79 patients with AVNRT, in the first hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2015 to June 2016, performed to do radiofrequency catheter ablation treatment were selected, and according to the random number method were divided into two-dimensional mapping group and three-dimensional mapping group. The two-dimensional mapping group was mapped the ablation target at the X-ray, while the ablation target was mapped by CARTO 3 system in the three-dimensional mapping group. Compare the X-ray fluoroscopy time, success rate, complications rate and doctor's X-ray exposure dose between the two groups. Results: Compared with the two-dimensional mapping group, acute success rate and complication rate of the three dimensional mapping group were not statistically significant (P>0.05) , while the X-ray fluoroscopy time and the X-ray dose of the three-dimensional mapping group decreased significantly, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Three-dimensional mapping can significantly reduce the X-ray irradiation time and interventional doctor's X-ray exposure dose in radiofrequency catheter ablation of AVNRT patients and the potential hazards of ionizing radiation on the human body.

Towards high-energy, high-resolution computed tomography via a laser driven micro-spot gamma-ray source

Computed Tomography (CT) is a powerful method for non-destructive testing (NDT) and metrology awakes with expanding application fields. To improve the spatial resolution of high energy CT, a micro-spot gamma-ray source based on bremsstrahlung from a laser wakefield accelerator was developed. A high energy CT using the source was performed, which shows that the resolution of reconstruction can reach 100 μm at 10% contrast. Our proof-of-principle demonstration indicates that laser driven micro-spot gamma-ray sources provide a prospective way to increase the spatial resolution and toward to high energy micro CT. Due to the advantage in spatial resolution, laser based high energy CT represents a large potential for many NDT applications.

[The establishment of the immortalized mouse brain microvascular pericytes model and its preliminary application in screening of cerebrovascular toxicants]

Objective: To establish the immortalized mouse brain microvascular pericytes model and to apply to the cerebrovascular toxicants screening study. Methods: Brain pericytes were isolated from 3 weeks of mice by tissue digestion. Immortalized pericyte cell line was constructed by infecting with LT retrovirus. Monoclone was selected to purify the immortalized pericyte cell line. The pericyte characteristics and purity were explored by immunocytochemistry. Cell proliferation was measured by using the Pomega MTS cell Proliferation Colorimetric Assay Kit. Pericytes were treated with 0, 160, 320, 640, 1 280, 2 560 μmol/L lead acetate, 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 μmol/L cadmium chloride and 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 μmol/L sodium arsenite in 24 hours. Cell toxicity of each group was determined by MTS assay, median lethal dose (LD(50)) was calculated in linear regression. Results: Mouse brain pericytes were successfully isolated by tissue separation and enzyme digestion method. After immortalized by LT retroviruses, monoclone was selected and expanded to establish pericyte cell line. The brain pericytes exhibited typical long spindle morphology and positive staining for α-SMA and Vimentin. The proliferation of brain pericytes cell lines was very slowly, and the doubling time was about 48 hours. The proliferation of immortalized brain pericytes cell lines was very quickly, and the doubling time was about 24 hours. After lead acetate, cadmium chloride and sodium arsenite treatment for 24 hours respectively, gradual declines in cell viability were observed. The LD(50) of lead acetate was 2 025.0 μmol/L, the LD(50) of cadmium chloride was 36.6 μmol/L, and the LD(50) of sodium arsenite was 33.2 μmol/L. Conclusion: The immortalized mouse brain microvascular pericyte model is established successfully by infecting with LT retrovirus, and can be applied to screen cerebrovascular toxicants. The toxicity of these toxicants to immortalized mouse brain microvascular pericyte is in sequence: sodium arsenite,cadmium chloride, lead acetate.

[Relationship between Myofibril Fragmentation Index and Postmortem Interval]

OBJECTIVES

To study the relationship between myofibril fragmentation index （MFI） of human skeletal muscle and postmortem interval （PMI）.

METHODS

The protein concentrations of human right biceps brachii muscle and right quadriceps femoris muscle were obtained at different PMI, and detected at room temperature by biuret method. The MFI of skeletal muscle at 540 nm was measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometer. Regression analysis was performed with time of death as independent variable （x） and MFI as dependent variable （y）.

RESULTS

In early PMI, the MFI of human skeletal muscle increased obviously according to the prolongation of PMI, and peaking by 12 h and then tended to steady. Within 12 h after death, the regression equations of right biceps brachii muscle and right quadriceps femoris muscle were y=32.660+3.227 x（r=0.987 9） and y=32.380+3.495 x（r=0.983 9）, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There's high correlation between MFI and PMI. Combining with forensic practice, MFI can be used for the estimation of early PMI （especially in 12 h）.

[Neurofeedback therapy in the treatment of tinnitus]

Neurofeedback therapy is a fast-growing field of tinnitus treatment, which is a new type of biofeedback therapy. In the past, the "muscle tone" and "blood flow" were used as feedback signals in biofeedback therapy to treat tinnitus, however there was no long-term follow-up report. Instead, neurofeedback therapy utilizes EEG (electroencephalogram) as the feedback signal, which is also called EEG biofeedback therapy. At present, most treatments of tinnitus only record subjective measures of patients as evaluation indicators, whereas neurofeedback therapy is more convincing for using comprehensive evaluation including changes of brain wave as objective indicators and subjective measures of patients. A significant number of tinnitus patients have varying degree of hearing loss. As neurofeedback therapy takes advantage of EEG as feedback signal that is delivered to the patients through visual information, it has unique advantages of being not affected by the degree of hearing loss compared to the sound masking or other sound treatment. Long-term follow-up results showed that the efficacy of neurofeedback therapy was stable after half a year of short-term treatment. This paper summarizes the progress of the various types of biofeedback therapy in the treatment of tinnitus, and focuses on the neurofeedback therapy for the mechanism, indication, process, efficacy evaluation, defect and prospect of neurofeedback therapy in tinnitus treatment in order to help promote the development of domestic clinical neurofeedback therapy in tinnitus.

Mitigating ammonia emission from agriculture reduces PM2.5 pollution in the Hai River Basin in China

The Hai River Basin (HRB), one of the most populated areas in China, is experiencing high NH₃ emissions, mostly from agricultural sources, and suffering from strongly enhanced PM_2.5 concentrations in all urban areas. Further population growth and urbanization projected until 2030 may exacerbate this situation. Here, the NUFER (NUtrient flows in Food chains, Environment and Resources use) and GAINS (Greenhouse gas - Air pollution Interactions and Synergies) models have been coupled for the first time to understand possible changes of agricultural NH₃ emission between 2012 and 2030 and their impacts on ambient PM_2.5 concentrations, and to explore options to improve this situation. Results show that agricultural ammonia emissions in the HRB were 1179kt NH₃ in 2012, 45% of which was from the hotspots at or near conurbation areas, including Beijing-Tianjin, Tangshan-Qinhuangdao, Shijiazhuang-Baoding, Dezhou, Handan-Liaocheng, and Xinxiang. Without intervention, agricultural ammonia emissions will further increase by 33% by 2030. The impacts of several scenarios were tested with respect to air pollution. Compared to the business-as-usual scenario, a scenario of improved technology and management combined with human diet optimization could greatly reduce emission (by 60%), and lead to 22-43% and 9-24% decrease of the secondary inorganic aerosols and PM_2.5 concentrations, respectively, in the hotspots of NH₃ emissions. Our results further confirmed that ammonia control is needed for air pollution abatement strategies (SO₂, NO_x and primary PM reduction) to be effective in terms of PM_2.5.

[Prognostic factors of postoperative delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a predictive model]

Objective: To study the prognostic factors of delayed gastric emptying(DGE) after pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD) and construct a prognostic predictive model for clinical application. Methods: Clinic data of 401 consecutive patients who underwent PD between January 2012 and July 2016 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The patients were randomly selected to modeling group(n=299) and validation group(n=102) at a ratio of 3∶1. The data of modeling group were subjected to univariate and multivariate analysis for prognostic factors and to construct a prognostic predictive model of DGE after PD. The data of validation group were applied to test the prognostic predictive model. Results: DGE after PD occurred in 35 of 299 patients(11.7%) in the modeling group. The multivariate analysis of the modeling group showed that upper abdominal operation history(χ(2)=6.533, P=0.011), diabetes mellitus(χ(2)=17.872, P=0.000), preoperative hemoglobin <90 g/L(χ(2)=14.608, P=0.000) and pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy(PPPD)(χ(2)=8.811, P=0.003) were associated with DGE after PD independently. A prognostic predictive model of DGE after PD was constructed based on these factors and successfully tested. The area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was 0.761(95%CI: 0.666-0.856) of the modeling group and 0.750(95% CI: 0.577-0.923) of the validation group. Conclusions: Upper abdominal operation history, diabetes mellitus, preoperative hemoglobin<90 g/L and PPPD are associated with DGE after PD independently. The preoperative assessment of a patient's prognostic for DGE after PD is feasible. The model is a valid tool to take precautions against DGE after PD.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of self-incompatible flower stigmas and self-compatible bud stigmas following self-pollination in broccoli

DH07 is a DH line of Class I S-haplotype in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), in which stigmas of flowers show self-incompatibility (SI) and stigmas of buds show self-compatibility (SC). The molecular mechanisms that lead to stigmas at different developmental stages having different responses to self-pollination are yet unknown. In the present study, comparative transcriptome profiling of the stigmas of flowers and buds before and after self-pollination was performed by RNA-sequencing using an Illumina HiSeq^TM 2000. A total of 80,102,897 reads were generated for further analysis in four libraries. Comparisons of the transcriptome profiles before and after self-pollination revealed 579 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the stigmas of buds (SBs); of these, 431 DEGs showed increased and 148 DEGs showed decreased transcript abundance after self-pollination in SBs. There were a total of 686 DEGs between unpollinated stigmas of flowers (SFs) and pollinated SFs, among which, 517 DEGs were up regulated and 169 DEGs were down regulated. Following the self-pollination, 379 identified DEGs were common in both SBs and SFs. It was found that ARR7-like and oxysterol-binding family protein related DEGs could play key roles in SI or SC signal transduction. The results obtained in this study would form the foundation for further studies on investigating the molecular mechanisms of SI and SC in Brassica.

In-depth analysis of internal control genes for quantitative real-time PCR in Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) is a versatile technique for the analysis of gene expression. The selection of stable reference genes is essential for the application of this technique. Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) is a commonly consumed vegetable that is rich in vitamin, calcium, and iron. Thus far, to our knowledge, there have been no reports on the validation of suitable reference genes for the data normalization of qRT-PCR in cauliflower. In the present study, we analyzed 12 candidate housekeeping genes in cauliflower subjected to different abiotic stresses, hormone treatment conditions, and accessions. geNorm and NormFinder algorithms were used to assess the expression stability of these genes. ACT2 and TIP41 were selected as suitable reference genes across all experimental samples in this study. When different accessions were compared, ACT2 and UNK3 were found to be the most suitable reference genes. In the hormone and abiotic stress treatments, ACT2, TIP41, and UNK2 were the most stably expressed. Our study also provided guidelines for selecting the best reference genes under various experimental conditions.

Roles of oxidative DNA damage of bone marrow hematopoietic cells in steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head

An animal model of steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head (SANFH) was established to investigate the role of oxidative DNA damage of bone marrow hematopoietic cells in SANFH. Forty-five-month-old Japanese white rabbits (male or female, 2.5 ± 0.5 kg) were randomly divided into groups A (methylprednisolone + Escherichia coli endotoxin), B (methylprednisolone alone), C (E. coli endotoxin alone), and D (blank control). The animals were sacrificed two and four weeks after administration of the last dose (N = 5 each group and each time). Left and right femoral heads were fixed and decalcified. Empty lacunae were counted by hematoxylin and eosin staining and oxidative DNA damage of bone marrow hematopoietic cells was detected by immunohistochemistry. At week 2, the rate of oxidative DNA damage in bone marrow hematopoietic cells was significantly higher in group A than in groups B, C, and D (P < 0.01), while there was no significant difference between groups B, C, and D. At week 4, the rate of oxidative DNA damage in bone marrow hematopoietic cells was significantly higher in group A than in groups B, C, and D (P < 0.01), while there was no significant difference among groups B, C, and D. Thus, oxidative DNA damage of bone marrow hematopoietic cells appears to play an important role in SANFH.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis of concurrent positive t(14; 18) and myc gene rearrangement in diffuse large B cell lymphoma]

OBJECTIVE

To study the incidence of positive t(14; 18) and myc gene rearrangement, and the clinical features and prognosis of concurrent positive t(14; 18) and myc gene rearrangement "double-hit lymphoma" (DHL) in diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

METHODS

The positive t(14; 18) and myc gene rearrangement in 106 cases of DLBCL were analyzed using interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) technique. The expression of myc and bcl-2 proteins was determined by immunohistochemistry. The relationship of positive t(14; 18) and myc gene rearrangement with clinical features, pathogenesis and prognosis for the patients was analyzed. SPSS 16.0 software was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 106 cases, there were 27 (25.5%) cases with positive t(14; 18) and 13 (12.3%) cases with myc gene rearrangement, and 7 cases (6.6%) of DLBCL with concurrent t(14; 18)-positive and myc gene rearrangement. A relationship was observed between positive t(14; 18) and myc gene rearrangement (P=0.019). The follow-up data showed that the 7 DHL patients were in age of 52-84 years, the International Prognostic Index (IPI) scores were 3 in two cases, 4 in four cases and 5 in one case, and the ECOG scores were 3 in all the 7 cases. Four patients had bone marrow involvement and were combined with leukemia. The survival time ranged from 0.5 to 6 months, with a median survival of 4 months. The univariate analysis showed that B symptom, Ann Arbor stage, ECOG score, LDH level, IPI score, immunophenotype, bcl-2 protein expression, myc protein expression, and myc gene rearrangement were all associated with poor prognosis (P<0.05 for all). The multivariate analysis using a COX proportional hazard model confirmed that ECOG score, bcl-2 protein expression, myc protein expression, myc gene rearrangement, and immunophenotype were independent prognostic factors affecting survival (P<0.05 for all), among them, the myc gene rearrangement was the strongest prognostic factor (OR=4.337, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

"Double-hit" DLBCL is rare and can be mainly identified only by molecular detection. Perhaps positive t(14; 18) and myc gene rearrangement play concurrent role in its "double-hit" pathogenesis. DHL are highly invasive, and most of DHL patients have poor prognosis. Further studies of larger case number are required to determine the pathologic features and the therapeutic strategy of this subgroup.

Desmoglein 4 diversity and correlation analysis with coat color in goat

Desmoglein 4 (DSG4) has an important role in the development of wool traits in domestic animals. The full-length DSG4 gene, which contains 3918 bp, a complete open-reading-frame, and encodes a 1040-amino acid protein, was amplified from Liaoning cashmere goat. The sequence was compared with that of DSG4 from other animals and the results show that the DSG4 coding region is consistent with interspecies conservation. Thirteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in a highly variable region of DSG4, and one SNP (M-1, G>T) was significantly correlated with white and black coat color in goat. Haplotype distribution of the highly variable region of DSG4 was assessed in 179 individuals from seven goat breeds to investigate its association with coat color and its differentiation among populations. However, the lack of a signature result indicates DGS4 haplotypes related with the color of goat coat.

Brief Note Low diversity of the major histocompatibility complex class II DRA gene in domestic goats (Capra hircus) in Southern China

DRA encodes the alpha chain of the DR heterodimer, is closely linked to DRB and is considered almost monomorphic in major histocompatibility complex region. In this study, we identified the exon 2 of DRA to evaluate the immunogenetic diversity of Chinese south indigenous goat. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms in an untranslated region and one synonymous substitution in coding region were identified. These data suggest that high immunodiversity in native Chinese population.

Polymorphisms in the promoter of the CD14 gene and their associations with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis

Although the role of CD14 in recognizing Mycobacterium tuberculosis is well-understood, the possible role of polymorphisms in susceptibility to develop tuberculosis remains unclear. This study evaluates whether there is an association of polymorphisms within the promoter of the CD14 gene with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis. In a case-control study, we genotyped the eight known single nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs within the promoter of the CD14 gene of 698 Han Chinese subjects. Statistically significant differences between tuberculosis patients and healthy controls were found for G-1619A, T-1359G, A-1145G, and C-159T. The haplotype-GGGT, composed of these four SNPs, exhibited a significant association with the disease. Furthermore, expression levels of soluble CD14 were significantly higher in tuberculosis patients with the GGGT haplotype than with other haplotypes, while IgE expression levels were significantly reduced. Our results suggest that these four SNPs within the promoter of the CD14 gene are associated with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis.

Evidence for suppression of electroacupuncture on spinal glial activation and behavioral hypersensitivity in a rat model of monoarthritis

Our previous study demonstrated that single intrathecal (i.t.) application of fluorocitrate, a glial metabolic inhibitor, synergized electroacupuncture (EA) antagonizing behavioral hypersensitivity in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced monoarthritic rat. To further investigate the relationship between spinal glial activation and EA analgesia, the present study examined the effects of multiple EA on spinal glial activation evoked by monoarthritis (MA). The results showed that (1) unilateral intra-articular injection of CFA produced a robust glial activation on the spinal cord, which was associated with the development and maintenance of behavioral hypersensitivity; (2) multiple EA stimulation of ipsilateral "Huantiao" (GB30) and "Yanglingquan" (GB34) acupoints or i.t. injection of fluorocitrate (1 nmol) significantly suppressed spinal glial activation; (3) inhibitory effects of EA on spinal glial activation and behavioral hypersensitivity were significantly enhanced when EA combined with fluorocitrate, indicating that disruption of glial function may potentiate EA analgesia in inflammatory pain states. These data suggested that analgesic effects of EA might be associated with its counter-regulation to spinal glial activation, and thereby provide a potential strategy for the treatment of arthritis.

Thermal nociception in adult Drosophila: behavioral characterization and the role of the painless gene

Nociception, warning of injury that should be avoided, serves an important protective function in animals. In this study, we show that adult Drosophila avoids noxious heat by a jump response. To quantitatively analyze this nociceptive behavior, we developed two assays. In the CO2 laser beam assay, flies exhibit this behavior when a laser beam heats their abdomens. The consistency of the jump latency in this assay meets an important criterion for a good nociceptive assay. In the hot plate assay, flies jump quickly to escape from a hot copper plate (>45 degrees C). Our results demonstrate that, as in mammals, the latency of the jump response is inversely related to stimulus intensity, and innoxious thermosensation does not elicit this nociceptive behavior. To explore the genetic mechanisms of nociception, we examined several mutants in both assays. Abnormal nociceptive behavior of a mutant, painless, indicates that painless, a gene essential for nociception in Drosophila larvae, is also required for thermal nociception in adult flies. painless is expressed in certain neurons of the peripheral nervous system and thoracic ganglia, as well as in the definite brain structures, the mushroom bodies. However, chemical or genetic insults to the mushroom bodies do not influence the nociceptive behavior, suggesting that different painless-expressing neurons play diverse roles in thermal nociception. Additionally, no-bridge(KS49), a mutant that has a structural defect in the protocerebral bridge, shows defective response to noxious heat. Thus, our results validate adult Drosophila as a useful model to study the genetic mechanisms of thermal nociception.

Activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the protective effects of carvedilol

Previous studies have shown that ischemia and reperfusion are potent stimuli for eliciting cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are involved in the development of myocardial injury induced by ischemia and reperfusion. The present study examined whether PMN could directly induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis and, if so, it possible signal transduction pathways. In addition, we also investigated the effects of carvedilol, a potent antioxidant, on PMN-induced apoptosis. Cultured primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to PAF-activated PMNs at concentrations of 10(5), 3 x 10(5) and 10(6) cells/well for 48 h. Multiple detecting techniques, including electron microscopy, DNA gel electrophoresis. TUNEL assay and flow cytometry were used to identify myocyte apoptosis. All of these techniques demonstrated that activated PMNs directly induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, while unactivated PMNs showed no such effect. Activated PMN-induced apoptosis was partially inhibited by SB203580, a specific inhibitor of the p38-MAPK signaling system. Carvedilol (at a dose range of 1-10 mumol/l) significantly prevented activated PMN-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. These results suggest that PMNs, when activated, directly induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis and that the p38-MAPK signaling pathway might be involved in this process. Carvedilol may prevent PMN-induced apoptosis possibly because of its antioxidant properties.

Differential contributions of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors to spinal Fos expression evoked by superficial tissue and muscle inflammation in the rat

The role of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors in the spinal cord in the transmission of nociceptive afferents from superficial tissue and muscle was studied by examining the effects of NMDA or non-NMDA receptor antagonists on Fos expression in the spinal dorsal horn. Muscle inflammation was induced by injection of turpentine oil into the gastrocnemius muscle, whereas superficial tissue inflammation was induced by an intraplantar injection of turpentine oil into the hindpaw. The NMDA receptor antagonist DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (AP-5), the non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) or normal saline were intrathecally administered 15 min before an intramuscular or intraplantar injection of turpentine oil. Muscle inflammation evoked expression of Fos-like immunoreactive neurons staining in neurons that were predominantly distributed in the middle portions of laminae I-II(outer) and the lateral portions of laminae V-VI of the ipsilateral dorsal horn at the spinal L(4)-L(5). DNQX, but not AP-5, significantly reduced the total number of Fos-like immunoreactive neurons evoked by muscle inflammation. In contrast, superficial tissue inflammation evoked expression of Fos-like immunoreactive neurons in the medial portions of laminae I-II(outer) and V-VI of the ipsilateral dorsal horn at the spinal L(4)-L(5) that was blocked by AP-5, but not by DNQX. Injection of normal saline did not influence the numbers of Fos-LI neurons. These results indicate that different glutamate receptors in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord may mediate nociceptive input from superficial tissue (particularly skin) and muscle. DNQX receptors may mediate transmission of nociceptive information originating in muscle, while NMDA receptors may preferentially mediate transmission of nociceptive information originating in skin.

Change in excitability and phenotype of substance P and its receptor in cat Abeta sensory neurons following peripheral inflammation

The effect of peripheral inflammation on spontaneous firing and level of substance P (SP) and its receptor in electrophysiologically identified cat Abeta neurons of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was studied in vivo using a combination of intracellular recording, dye injection and immunohistochemical techniques. Following injection of carrageenan (Carg) into cat hindpaw, the number of Abeta neurons with spontaneous firing was enhanced significantly (42.9%, n=182) in comparison with control (16.8%, n=149, P<0.01). DRG Abeta neurons became less depolarized 2-4 h following Carg injection. After identifying the cell properties, Lucifer Yellow was injected and SP-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI) was then detected. A total of 17% of Abeta sensory neurons exhibited SP-LI in inflammatory cat. We also found in rat DRGs that the number of SP-LI positive large cells (>35 microm) was also significantly increased in Carg-treated DRG (11.8+/-1.2, n=8) compared with untreated DRG (1.8+/-0.8, n=8, P<0.01). In control cat, the topical use of SP in DRG did not induce any response of Abeta neurons. However, in Carg-treated cat, SP depolarized the membrane potential in most Abeta neurons (68.2%, n=22). L668,169, an antagonist of SP receptor, completely blocked the SP-induced responses. Furthermore, repeated application of SP did not induce obvious desensitization of Abeta neurons. These data suggest that peripheral inflammation increased the excitability, SP level and sensitivity of SP receptor of Abeta neurons. Therefore, we concluded that Abeta sensory neurons appear to contribute to inflammatory allodynia.

The effects of Zn2+ on long-term potentiation of C fiber-evoked potentials in the rat spinal dorsal horn

Tetanic stimuli of peripheral C fibers produces long-term potentiation (LTP) in the spinal cord, which may contribute to sensitization of spinal pain-sensitive neurons. Zn2+ is widely distributed in the central nervous system and has blocked (LTP) in the hippocampus. The present study examined the effects of Zn2+ on the induction and maintenance of C fiber-evoked LTP in the deep dorsal horn of spinalized rats in vivo. The sciatic nerve was stimulated by tetanic stimuli for inducing LTP. (1) Topical administration of Zinc chloride (15 microM) to the spinal cord 15 min before tetanic stimulation completely blocked the induction of LTP, but not the baseline C responses. When Zn2+ was given 2 h after induction of LTP, no significant effect occurred. (2) Chelation of Zn2+ by disodium calcium ethylene diaminetelraacetate (CaEDTA) (500 microM) resulted in no effect on LTP. (3) Coadministration of Zn2+ (15 microM) and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) (5 microM) significantly attenuated C fiber-evoked potentials, which was prevented by the NMDA receptor antagonist AP-5 (100 microM). The present results showed that Zn2+ may contribute to the modulation of the formation, but not the maintenance, of spinal LTP. NMDA receptors may be involved in Zn2+-induced modulation.

Brief pretreatment of radial artery conduits with phenoxybenzamine prevents vasoconstriction long term

BACKGROUND

Radial artery bypass conduits are prone to early vasospasm or "string sign" with use of vasopressor therapy intraoperatively and postoperatively, causing increased resistance in coronary artery grafts. Current intraoperative treatment with papaverine fails to provide sustained inhibition of vasoconstriction. We tested the hypothesis that a 30-minute pretreatment of radial artery segments with the alpha-adrenergic antagonist phenoxybenzamine (PB) or the putative protein phosphatase 2,3-butadione monoxime (BDM) attenuates vasoconstriction induced by the vasopressors phenylephrine or norepinephrine for as long as 48 hours compared with papaverine.

METHODS

Canine radial arteries were harvested, incubated in control buffer or solutions of papaverine 10(-6) M, BDM 10(-6) M or phenoxybenzamine 10(-6) M for 30 minutes, washed, and stored in drug-free culture medium for 2, 24, or 48 hours. After storage, constriction was induced by norepinephrine at incremental concentrations ranging from 0.7 to 3.5 micromol/L or by phenylephrine (0.300 to 1.5 micromol/L) with or without the inhibitors, and the degree of vasoconstriction was quantified in organ chambers. Responses to norepinephrine or phenylephrine were compared to constriction with receptor-independent potassium chloride KC1 (30 mmol/L).

RESULTS

Maximum responses to phenylephrine and norepinephrine were comparable at 2, 24, and 48 hours after harvest in the control group (phenylephrine: 67% +/- 4%, 62% +/- 6%, 65% +/- 6% of KC1 response; norepinephrine: 75% +/- 4%, 62% +/- 1%, 58% +/- 7%, respectively). Papaverine failed to attenuate constriction to phenylephrine and norepinephrine 2, 24, or 48 hours posttreatment. Pretreatment with BDM did not reduce vasoconstriction responses to phenylephrine or norepinephrine 2 hours after incubation but did reduce constriction responses thereafter. In contrast, phenoxybenzamine completely attenuated constriction to both phenylephrine (19% +/- 8%, 1% +/- 4%, -12% +/- 4%) and norepinephrine (7.1% +/- 1%, -5% +/- 5%, -20% +/- 5%) at 2, 24, and 48 hours posttreatment, respectively. Phenoxybenzamine did not alter endothelial function relative to controls at any time point.

CONCLUSIONS

Thirty-minute pretreatment of RA conduits with 10(-6) M phenoxybenzamine completely inhibits vasoconstriction to phenylephrine and norepinephrine for as long as 48 hours. Soaking radial artery grafts briefly in phenoxybenzamine solution before implantation may be effective in preventing postoperative vasospasm caused by two common alpha-adrenergic agonists used in postoperative hemodynamic management.

Neomycin blocks capsaicin-evoked responses in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons

Small dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are characterized by sensitivity to capsaicin. In acutely isolated rat DRG neurons, the effect of neomycin, one of the aminoglycoside antibiotics, on capsaicin-evoked current and voltage responses was examined using whole-cell patch-clamp recording. We showed for the first time that neomycin dose-dependently inhibited capsaicin-evoked currents with half-maximal inhibitory concentration at 130.60 microM (n=70). Under current-clamp condition, depolarization and firing rate evoked by capsaicin became weakened when neomycin was perfused to the neurons (n=10). Neomycin had no significant effect on the resting potentials of DRG neurons. These results suggest that neomycin could inhibit capsaicin-sensitive responses in small DRG neurons, which may contribute to neomycin-induced peripheral analgesia.

[Fos expression in rat skin after different incised wound healing interval]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of c-fos in rats' skin during wound healing.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was conducted on paraffin section from incised wounding model of rat skin.

RESULTS

Fos protein improved from the time of 10 min after wounding in the wound edge, then it reached peak at 3 h. 24 h after injury, the quantity of Fos expression had no difference with that of normal skin.

CONCLUSION

Fos is sensitive after wound, but should be used with other criteria in wounding interval estimation as it's unstediness.

[The alternative splicing & expression of fibronectin IIIcs segment and its relationship with wound healing]

Fibronectin is an important large adhesive glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix, which is alternatively spliced in three regions, designated EIIIA, EIIIB and IIIcs respectively. IIIcs contains two binding domains for a variety of cell surface and extracellular ligands. Through this multiplicity of adhesive activities, IIIcs can fulfill key roles in a broad spectrum of physiological processes, such as cell spreading and migration, differentiation and embryogenesis, wound healing, malignant transformation and metastasis, etc. Here, we will discuss the structure, biological property, and function of IIIcs splicing variants and its forensic applications.

[Study of distribution and metabolism of methamphetamine in hair of guinea pig]

OBJECTIVE

To study the distribution and metabolism of methamphetamine in the hair of guinea pig.

METHODS

Determination of methamphetamine and its metabolite amphetamine in hair was performed by GC/MS and GC/NPD. Concentration-time course of methamphetamine and amphetamine in hair of guinea were recorded. Relationship between hair color, administrated dose and drug concentration in hair were also discussed.

RESULTS

The concentration of amphetamine is higher than the concentration of methamphetamine in the hair of guinea administrated a single dose or seven doses of methamphetamine. The concentration of methamphetamine and amphetamine were significantly related with administration dose and the incorporation rate into white and brown hair is much poorer than that of black hair.

CONCLUSION

Administration methods, dose and the color of hair affect the concentration of methamphetamine and amphetamine.

Effects of isatin on rotational behavior and DA levels in caudate putamen in Parkinsonian rats

Isatin was a potent endogenous monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor that is more active against MAO-B than MAO-A. The acute effects of isatin on apomorphine (APO)-induced rotations were evaluated in Parkinsonian rats induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion. Furthermore, the effects of isatin on DA release in caudate putamen (CPu) of model and normal rats were monitored using fast cyclic voltammetry (FCV). The contents of monoamine transmitters and their metabolites in CPu of model and normal rats were also analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection after administration of isatin. Here we show that isatin (100 mg/kg, i.p.) apparently inhibited APO-induced rotations of Parkinsonian rats to 39.1+/-3.7% of the control (n=12), while it had no apparent effects on electrical stimuli-induced DA release either in normal rats or in model rats. In addition, the content of 5-hydroxytryptamine but not DA was increased in both normal rats and model rats after isatin (100 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered (P<0.01, n=6). The content of 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid was not changed. These results suggest that isatin cannot increase DA levels in rat CPu. Therefore, the effects of isatin on APO-induced rotations of our Parkinsonian rats could not attribute to its inhibition of DA catabolism as a MAO inhibitor.

PKC regulates capsaicin-induced currents of dorsal root ganglion neurons in rats

Capsaicin activates a non-specific cation conductance in a subset of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The inward current and membrane potential of acutely isolated DRG neurons were examined using whole-cell patch recording methods. We report here that the current and voltage responses activated by capsaicin were markedly increased by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an activator of protein kinase C (PKC). The mean current, after application of 0.3 microM PMA, was 153.5+/-5.7% of control (n=32) in Ca(2+)-free external solution and 181.6+/-6.8% of control (n=15) in standard external solution. Under current-clamp conditions, 0.3 microM PMA facilitated capsaicin-induced depolarization and action potential generation. Bindolylmaleimide I (BIM), a specific inhibitor of PKC activity, abolished the effect of PMA. In addition, capsaicin-evoked current was attenuated to 68.3+/-5.0% of control (n=13) by individual administration of 1 microM BIM in standard external solution, while 0.3 microM BIM did not have this effect. These data suggest that PKC can directly regulate the capsaicin response in DRG neurons, which could increase nociceptive sensory transmission and contribute to hyperalgesia.

Electroplegia: an alternative to blood cardioplegia for arresting the heart during conventional (on-pump) cardiac operation

BACKGROUND

Aortic cross-clamping is contraindicated in patients with severe atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta, and administration of chemical cardioplegia may be cumbersome in these patients. In this study, we demonstrate an alternative method of achieving cardioplegia by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve.

METHODS

In anesthetized canines, the left anterior descending coronary artery was reversibly ligated for 90 minutes, followed by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and randomization to three groups (n = 8 each): (1) BCP group: 1 hour of intermittent hypothermic (4 degrees C) blood cardioplegia infusion; (2) CPB group: 1 hour of CPB alone; (3) EP group (group receiving electroplegia): 1 hour of intermittent vagal stimulation (total of 60 20-second electrical stimuli at 40 Hz, 6 to 10 V) with adjunctive pyridostigmine (0.5 mg/kg), verapamil (50 microg/kg), and propranolol (80 microg/kg) to potentiate hyperpolarization and suppress ectopic escape beats.

RESULTS

The EP group achieved consistent intervals of arrest with 3.8 +/- 1.2 escape beats per 20-second stimulation period. After 2 hours of reperfusion off CPB, the left anterior descending coronary artery segmental shortening was reduced from baseline in all groups, but the segmental shortening recovered to a greater extent in the EP group than in either the CPB or BCP group (2.4% +/- 1.4% versus -1.3% +/- 1.3% versus -4.0% +/- 0.8%, p < 0.05). Infarct size (TTC stain, percentage of area at risk) was comparable among groups (EP: 20.9% +/- 4.7%; CPB: 29.6% +/- 3.2%; BCP: 25.1% +/- 5.7%). Postischemic left anterior descending coronary artery endothelial function (percent maximum relaxation to acetylcholine) was depressed in the EP group (68.6% +/- 7.6% versus 102.3% +/- 6.4%, p < 0.05), but was comparable versus nonischemic circumflex function in the BCP group (77.1% +/- 11.9% versus 100.4% +/- 10.0%, p = 0.15) and the CPB group (93.8% +/- 6.6% versus 93.3% +/- 6.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Electroplegia achieves elective intermittent cardiac arrest, avoids hypothermia, chemical cardioplegia, and aortic cross-clamping, with physiological outcomes comparable to blood cardioplegia.

Substance P potentiates thermal hyperalgesia induced by intrathecal administration of D-serine in rats

AIM

To investigate the functional interaction between substance P (SP) and D-serine, agonist for glycine regulatory site of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, in processing spinal nociception.

METHODS

Behavior studies, by testing tail-flick latency (TFL) combined with intrathecal application of drugs, were conducted in lightly anesthetized rats.

RESULTS

Decrease in TFL was observed 1.5 min after intrathecal injection of D-serine 1000 nmol. Following pretreatment with SP 0.05 nmol 6 min prior to injection of D-serine 10 nmol, D-serine-induced decrease in TFL was greatly enhanced. The potentiation was blocked by co-administration of 7-chlorokynurenic acid 1 pmol, the selective antagonist for glycine regulatory site of NMDA receptor, or H-7 10 micromol, the PKC non-selective inhibitor, with SP 0.05 nmol.

CONCLUSION

SP potentiates the D-serine-induced thermal hyperalgesia. Glycine regulatory site of NMDA receptor and intracellular protein kinase system may participate in the interaction of SP and NMDA receptor in the spinal cord.

Novel purinergic sensitivity develops in injured sensory axons following sciatic nerve transection in rat

Teased fibers were made from 153 spontaneous A afferents ending in sciatic nerve end neuromas of 3-14 days standing, 21 A afferents from intact sensory endings in the contralateral sciatic nerve, and 50 intact A afferents from the sciatic nerve in intact rats. Ninety-two percent of the injured fibers responded to adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) (i.v.). However, few fibers from the contralateral nerve or nerves from intact animals responded to ATP. P2 receptor antagonist suramin or reactive blue 2 blocked the ATP-induced response in 76% of the fibers tested, whereas the P1 receptor antagonist aminophylline blocked the ATP-evoked effect in only 18% of the fibers tested. Sympathectomy did not affect the ATP-induced effects in injured axons. Close-arterial injection of ATP caused similar results as i.v. injection of ATP. The present study suggests that a novel purinergic sensitivity is developed at the injury site after sciatic nerve transection in rats, which may play a role in neuropathic pain under some conditions such as sympathetic activation.

Progressively developed myocardial apoptotic cell death during late phase of reperfusion

Myocardial apoptosis is primarily triggered during reperfusion (R). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that R-induced apoptosis develops progressively during the late phase of R, and that R-induced apoptosis is associated with changes in expression of anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins and infiltrated inflammatory cells. Thirty-one dogs were subjected to 60 min of left anterior descending coronary occlusion followed by 6, 24, 48, and 72 h R, respectively. There was no group difference in collateral blood flow, measured by colored microspheres during ischemia. Necrotic cell death (TTC staining) was significantly increased during R, starting at 27 +/- 2% at 6 h R and increasing to 41 +/- 2% at 24 h R. There was no further change at 48 (37 +/- 3%) and 72 (36 +/- 6%) h R, respectively. TUNEL positive cells (% total normal nuclei) in the peri-necrotic zone progressively increased from 6 (26 +/- 2) to 24 (38 +/- 1), 48 (48 +/- 3) and 72 (59 +/- 4) h R, respectively. The number of detected TUNEL positive cells at these time points was consistent with an increased intensity of DNA ladders, identified by agarose gel electrophoresis. Compared with normal tissue, western blot analysis showed persistent reduction in expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 from 6 (16 +/- 0.8%) to 72 h R (78 +/- 2%), and increase in expression of pro-apoptotic proteins including Bax from 6 (30 +/- 3%) to 72 h R (66 +/- 3%), and p53 from 6 (12 +/- 1%) to 72 h R (91 +/- 2%), respectively. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that infiltrated neutrophils (mm(2) myocardium) were significantly correlated with development of necrotic and apoptotic cell death from 6 to 24 h R, respectively (P < 0.05), while large macrophage infiltration seen during 48 to 72 h R were correlated with apoptotic cell death (P < 0.05). These results indicate that 1) necrosis peaked at 24 h R when apoptosis was still progressively developing during later R; 2) changes in Bcl-2 family and p53 proteins may participate in R-induced myocardial apoptosis; 3) inflammatory cells may play a role in triggering cell death during R. P < 0.05 vs. normal nuclei and tissue; P < 0.01 vs. 6 h R.

Nitric oxide inhibits GABA-evoked current in dorsal root ganglion neuron via PKG-dependent pathway

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is considered a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the generation of presynaptic inhibition at central terminals of primary afferent fiber (PAF), while it has also been established that nitric oxide (NO) may sensitize the terminals of nocisponsive PAFs and enhance neuropeptide release, possibly via mechanisms involving the activation of a cyclic guanidine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent PKG. The present work was undertaken to explore the modulatory effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a donor of NO, on GABA-evoked current of isolated adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and the intracellular mechanism involved, by means of whole-cell patch clamp recording. The results showed that 1 mM SNP reversibly inhibited the inward current evoked by 0.1 mM GABA (-1.05 +/- 0.17nA vs. -0.63 +/- 0.11nA, n = 22, p < 0.01 or 0.1 mM muscimol a specific GABA(A) receptor agonist (-1.70 +/- 0.39 nA vs. -1.01 +/- 0.24 nA, n = 6, p < 0.05), which could be cancelled by simultaneous application of 1 mM methylene blue, an inhibitor of PKG. After preapplication of SNP with increasing concentrations 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, and 3 mM), SNP inhibited both 0.1 mM GABA-evoked current (IC(50) = 0.2423 mM, n = 5) and 0.1 mM muscimol-evoked current (IC(50) = 0.3255 mM, n = 3) in DRG neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, it was suggested that PKG-dependent pathway may be involved in the NO-induced inhibition of GABA(A) receptor-mediated inward current in rat DRG neurons, which may be involved in the presynaptic disinhibition of nociceptive information induced by NO under certain conditions.

Experimental off-pump coronary artery revascularization with adenosine-enhanced reperfusion

OBJECTIVE

Although beating heart coronary artery bypass grafting has recently gained popularity, it eliminates the protective strategies (ie, cardioplegia) developed for use in conventional cardiac operations. We recently introduced the technique of perfusion-assisted direct coronary artery bypass to perfuse the grafted vessels during multivessel off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that intracoronary reperfusion with the cardioprotective agent adenosine during simulated perfusion-assisted direct coronary artery bypass attenuates reperfusion injury.

METHODS

In anesthetized dogs the heart was exposed, and the left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated for 75 minutes. Reperfusion was achieved through a catheter in the left anterior descending coronary artery by means of a computer-controlled pump. Intracoronary left anterior descending coronary artery perfusion pressure was continuously matched to mean arterial blood pressure. In one group (adenosine group) 10 micromol/L adenosine was added to the blood during the first 30 minutes of reperfusion, whereas another group (vehicle group) received a comparable volume of saline solution.

RESULTS

During the first 30 minutes of reperfusion, blood flow through the left anterior descending coronary artery was significantly greater (P <.05) in the adenosine group than in the vehicle group (150.6 +/- 21.9 vs 50.2 +/- 11.3 mL/min at 15 minutes of reperfusion). Although there were no group differences in postischemic wall motion, infarct size was significantly smaller in the adenosine group than in the vehicle group (11.1% +/- 3.0% vs. 28.0% +/- 4.0% of area at risk, P <.05). Myeloperoxidase activity in the necrotic tissue, an index of neutrophil accumulation, tended to be lower in the adenosine group than in the vehicle group (58.6 +/- 14.2 vs. 91.0 +/- 21.6 DeltaAbs Units x min(-1) x g(-1) tissue). In isolated postischemic left anterior descending coronary artery rings, the maximal relaxation response to the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine was significantly greater in the adenosine group than in the vehicle group (97.9% +/- 5.6% vs. 64.7% +/- 6.5%, P<.05).

CONCLUSION

This novel reperfusion strategy for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting can be used not only in cases requiring multiple grafting but also to attenuate necrosis and endothelial dysfunction in acute evolving infarction.