Low selenium status in alcoholic cirrhosis is correlated with aminopyrine breath test

The relationship among impaired selenium status, lipid peroxidation, and liver function was examined in 19 hospitalized patients with severe alcoholic cirrhosis. Plasma selenium was found to be significantly lower (mean±SD: 54±13 μg/L) than in healthy controls (83±11 μg/L) and plasma malondialdehyde, assessed as thiobarbituric acid reactants, which reflects lipid peroxidation, was increased (2.0±1.2 μmol/L vs <1.2 μmol/L in controls). The mean¹⁴C aminopyrine breath test, an indicator of liver function, was lower than normal (2.7±1.9 vs 6.3±0.9% in controls) and found to be significantly correlated with plasma selenium (r=0.59,p<0.05). A prospective, randomized selenium supplementation trial was conducted in a group of 16 patients who received either daily 100 μg selenium as enriched yeast during 4 mo or a placebo. Among the 10 patients who completed the study, plasma selenium significantly increased in the supplemented group (n=4; before: 58±10 μg/L, and after 101±12 μg/L,p<0.01) contrary to the placebo group (n=6, before: 47±10 μg/L, after: 57±9 μg/L, n.s.),¹⁴C aminopyrine breath test improved in three out of four selenium-supplemented patients and in three out of six placebo patients, but the small number of patients did not allow statistical evaluation. These results demonstrate that low selenium status in alcoholic cirrhosis is correlated to liver function and could be improved by supplementation.     

Increased Prolactin is an Adaptive Response to Protect Against Metabolic Disorders in Obesity

ObjectiveProlactin (PRL) is a polypeptide hormone named for its crucial role in lactation. Recently, PRL has been recognized as a metabolic hormone that regulates energy metabolism. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between circulating PRL and metabolic alterations in overweight/obese patients and the effect of weight loss through bariatric surgery on circulating PRL.MethodsA total of 448 overweight/obese patients aged between 18 and 40 years and 120 age- and sex-matched healthy controls with normal weight were enrolled. Among all participants, 156 obese patients underwent bariatric surgery.ResultsCirculating PRL levels were significantly increased in the overweight (15.27 ± 9.58 μg/L) and obese (17.75 ± 9.15 μg/L) groups compared with the normal weight (13.57 ± 9.03 μg/L) group. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that the adipose tissue insulin resistance (adipo-IR) level was an independent predictor for PRL (β = −0.451, P < .01). Despite comparable anthropometric parameters, the overweight/obese patients with a higher PRL tertile had decreased levels of triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and adipo-IR compared with the patients in the moderate and lower PRL tertiles. Serum PRL levels were significantly decreased following the alleviation of metabolic parameters after bariatric surgery (from 17.12 ± 8.27 to 13.00 ± 5.78 μg/L, P < .05), and the decrease in PRL levels was significantly greater in the lower adipo-IR group than in the higher adipo-IR group (P < .01).ConclusionAn increased serum PRL level might be an adaptive response for protecting against metabolic disorders in obesity.     

Correlation of viral load of Hepatitis B with the gestation period and the development of diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveTo elaborate how the viral load of HBV affects the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).MethodsWe enrolled 196 chronic HBV-infected pregnant patients in this hospital between January 2012 and December 2017 for delivery in this study. According to the viral load of HBV-DNA, these patients were divided into the HBV-DNA negative group (n = 107, <1 × 10³ copies/mL) and HBV-DNA positive group (n = 89, ≥1 × 10³ copies/mL). Simultaneously, 100 HBV-free pregnant women who were admitted to the hospital for delivery were included in the control group. Before delivery, fasting venous blood was drawn from the pregnant women to perform the HBV-DNA quantification through qRT-PCR; from the 24th to 28th gestation week, all pregnant women underwent OGTT, with the third-trimester-of-pregnancy as the endpoint. Besides, we also measured the FBG, 2hPG and hemoglobin A1c (HbAIc).ResultsAmong 168 pregnant patients carrying chronic HBV, viral load of 107 patients was less than 1 × 10³ copies/mL (54.6%), and 89 not less than 1 × 10³ copies/mL (45.4%). The incidence rates of GDM in the HBV-DNA negative group and HBV-DNA positive group were 18.7% and 19.1%, respectively, significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05), while the difference of the incidence rates of GDM between two HBV-DNA groups were not significant (p > 0.05). In HBV-DNA negative group and HBV-DNA positive group, FBGs, 2hPGs and HbAIcs were respectively (6.96 ± 0.36) mmol/L and (7.04 ± 0.37) mmol/L, (10.26 ± 1.29) mmol/L and (10.16 ± 1.12) mmol/L, and (8.66 ± 0.97) % and (8.91 ± 0.90) %, significantly higher than (4.57 ± 0.34) mmol/L, (6.16 ± 0.86) mmol/L and (5.13 ± 0.57) % (p < 0.05); however, between two HBV-DNA groups, comparisons of the FBG, 2hPG and HbAIc suggested no significant differences (p > 0.05). In 196 patients carrying chronic HBV, positive correlations were identified between the viral load of HBV-DNA, and FBG, 2hPG and HbAIc (p < 0.01).ConclusionHBV infection can increase the incidence rate of GDM, and the viral load of HBV-DNA is correlated with the glucose level of pregnant patients.     

Intravitreal injection of triptolide attenuates subretinal fibrosis in laser-induced murine model

BackgroundChoroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a common cause of irreversible blindness in elderly patients in developed countries, and subretinal fibrosis is an advanced stage of CNV. Currently, there is no effective clinical treatment for subretinal fibrosis.PurposeTo investigate whether intravitreal injection of triptolide (TP) could attenuate subretinal fibrosis and determine its underlying mechanisms.MethodsCNV was induced by laser photocoagulation in C57BL/6J mice. Immediately after laser photocoagulation, 1 μl of free TP (10 μg), TP-nanolip-PEG (TP-loaded PEGylated nanoliposomes containing 10 μg TP), or the same volume of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was intravitreally administered to each respective group. Areas and ratios of subretinal fibrosis were calculated seven days after laser injury. Additionally, expression levels of M2 macrophage-related markers, molecules of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad signaling pathway, and markers for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) were detected both in vitro and in vivo.ResultsThe areas of subretinal fibrosis were significantly reduced in both the free TP (10993.87 ± 2416.90 μm²) and TP-nanolip-PEG (7695.32 ± 2121.91 μm²) groups when compared with the PBS group (15971.97 ± 3203.10 μm²) (p < 0.05, n = 6). The ratio of subretinal fibrosis in the free TP monomer (20.8 ± 4.2%) and TP-nanolip-PEG (12.5 ± 4.0%) groups was lower than that in the PBS control group (41.7 ± 5.3%) (p < 0.01, n = 6). Moreover, both TP and TP-nanolip-PEG suppressed the polarization of M2 macrophages and downregulated gene expressions of TGF-β1, Smad 2, Smad 3, α-SMA, and collagen I (p < 0.05), but upregulated the gene expression of E-cadherin (p < 0.05), thus reversing TGF-β1 induced EMT/EndoMT and attenuating subretinal fibrosis.ConclusionsTP could attenuate subretinal fibrosis by suppressing the polarization of M2 macrophages and TGF-β1 induced EMT/EndoMT. TP-nanolip-PEG enhanced the inhibitory effects of TP on subretinal fibrosis, suggesting its therapeutic potential for CNV-related subretinal fibrosis.     

Relationship of trace element,immunological markers,and HIV1 infection progression

Trace elements (selenium, zinc, copper) \gb₂ microglobulin levels, CD₄, and CD₈ cell counts have been determined in 80 HIV₁ seropositive patients. The study group consisted of 19 females and 61 males with age mean of 35±10 yr, at stage IV of infection (CDC—Atlanta classification) and treated by AZT. No severe renal or liver diseases or hypoalbuminemia were observed in this group. Se values were significantly lower than in normal adults, 48.3±17 μg/L vs 71±12 μg/L; Zn was moderately diminished, 1±0.2 mg/L vs 1.2±0.2 mg/L, whereas copper values were in the normal range, 1.2±0.3 mg/L vs 1.1±0.5 mg/L. Se or Zn deficiency was found in 60 and 30 subjects, respectively. Blood Se and Zn decreases were associated in 23 patients. Moreover, all patients showed higher \gb₂ microglobulin values than the upper normal limit of 2.4 mg/L. Negative correlations were found between Zn and \gb₂ microglobulin (p<0.005) and between Se and \gb₂ microglobulin (p<0.05). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between Se and Zn values (p<0.05). Nineteen subjects died 1 yr later (group I), and 61 remained alive (group II). With respect to the clinical evolution, a significant difference between both groups was found in Se and \gb₂ microglobulin levels as well as in CD₄ cell counts. The correlations previously observed persisted in group II, whereas no correlation was noted in group I. In addition, the patients of group I had significantly lower Se values, which were below 30 μg/L in 10 cases. These results confirm the prevalence of abnormalities in Se and Zn levels and their relationships with nonspecific markers of immune system activity in more advanced HIV disease. Impairment of trace element status and mainly Se status appeared, at least partially, to reflect the disease activity/progression and subsequently the immune dysregulation.     

胸腺肽对卵巢癌化疗患者的临床疗效及免疫功能的影响

目的:探讨胸腺肽对卵巢癌化疗患者临床疗效及免疫功能的影响。方法:选取2015年1月到2017年1月期间我院收治的184例卵巢癌患者作为研究对象,随机分为观察组和对照组,每组各92例。对照组接受紫杉醇联合顺铂/卡铂的化疗方案,观察组在对照组化疗方案的基础上,加用胸腺肽注射液静脉滴注。比较两组患者的临床疗效,治疗前后CD3、CD4、CD8、CD4/CD8、NK细胞以及IgA、IgG、IgM的变化及不良反应的发生情况。结果:治疗后,观察组的总有效率为45.65%,疾病控制率为86.96%,均显著高于对照组(均P0.05);观察组的CD3为(67.38±6.31)%,CD4为(44.29±6.02)%,CD4/CD8为(1.67±0.18),NK细胞为(15.71±4.39)%,IgA为(2.43±0.21)g/L,IgG为(10.04±1.02)g/L,IgM为(1.17±0.93)g/L,均显著高于治疗前和对照组(均P0.05);观察组的不良反应发生率为20.65%,显著低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:胸腺肽可显著提高卵巢癌化疗患者的临床疗效,改善患者机体的免疫功能,减轻化疗所致的不良反应。     

静注人免疫球蛋白联合万古霉素治疗小儿败血症的疗效及外周血NLR、PCT变化观察

摘要 目的：观察静注人免疫球蛋白联合万古霉素治疗小儿败血症的疗效及外周血中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞比值（NLR）、降钙素原(PCT)变化。方法：选取2011年1月~2020年1月我院收治的败血症患儿80例为研究对象,按数字随机表法分为对照组和观察组各40例,对照组给予万古霉素治疗,观察组在对照组基础上给予静注人免疫球蛋白治疗,比较两组临床疗效、症状改善时间和住院时间、NLR、PCT、超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、白细胞计数（WBC）、免疫功能及不良反应发生率。结果：观察组治疗有效率高于对照组（87.50%vs65.00%）（P<0.05）。观察组神经系统症状改善时间、体温改善时间、拒奶改善时间和住院时间为（6.22±1.05）d、（3.88±0.25）d、（5.10±0.86）d、（8.71±2.05）d,均短于对照组的（8.76±1.53）d、（6.22±0.64）d、（7.53±1.46）d和（11.24±3.36）d,比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。治疗后观察组外周血NLR、PCT、hs-CRP、WBC水平为（1.35±0.20）、（0.80±0.34）mg/mL、（3.56±0.62）g/L、（9.12±1.80）×10⁹/L,均显著低于对照组的（1.83±0.32）、（2.19±0.73）mg/mL、（9.78±2.64）g/L和（12.26±2.59）×10⁹/L,比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。治疗后观察组CD4⁺、CD3⁺、CD4/CD8为（42.77±11.36）％、（41.27±11.26）％、（1.70±0.33）,均显著高于对照组的（35.80±9.32）％、（35.66±9.40）％和（1.29±0.25）,比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。两组不良反应发生率比较无差异（10.00%vs7.50%）（P>0.05）。结论：静注人免疫球蛋白联合万古霉素治疗小儿败血症的疗效显著,可降低炎症因子,提高免疫功能,且安全性较高。     

Chromium status of full-term and preterm newborns

In order to obtain reference values from normal babies, Cr status of full-term newborns has been studied. Plasma and urine values were (mean±SEM) 0.7±0.1 μg/L and 0.9±0.3 μg/L, respectively, for the first month of life (n=19), and 0.6±0.1 μg/L and 0.8±0.2 μg/L for the second-to-third-month period (n=31). Premature newborns (gestational age 28–36 wk) were compared to these control values; concentrations were 0.9±0.1 μg/L and 1.1±0.2 μg/L for the first month (n=47), and 1.0±0.2 μg/L and 1.5±0.3 μg/L for the second to third months (n=27). For the whole group, there was a positive correlation between plasma and urine concentrations (p=0.0001); multiple regression analysis was performed between plasma levels and gestational age at birth (p=?0.002) and postnatal age (NS). Plasma levels of prematures and full terms were statistically different (p=0.03) only for the second- to third-month period. It is suggested that these high Cr levels result from high dietary intakes and/or high absorption rates.     

Reduction of Insulin Resistance and Plasma Glucose Level by Salsalate Treatment in Persons With Prediabetes

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of salsalate as an antiinflammatory agent on insulin resistance and glycemic control in persons with prediabetes.MethodsIn this double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 66 persons who had prediabetes on the basis of the American Diabetes Association criteria were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to receive salsalate (3 g daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin, glucose 2 hours after oral administration of 75 g of glucose, hemoglobin A_1c, lipid profile, homeo stasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function were determined before and after treatment.ResultsSalsalate treatment reduced the FPG level from 5.86 ± 0.07 mmol/L to 5.20 ± 0.11 mmol/L and HOMA-IR from 4.2 ± 0.9 to 3.8 ± 0.3 (P = .01 for both changes). Homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell func tion increased in the salsalate-treatment group from 139.8 ± 11.0 to 189.4 ± 24.6 (P = .01). At the end of the study, FPG, HOMA-IR, and insulin levels were significantly different between salsalate and placebo groups (5.20 ± 0.11 mmol/L versus 5.53 ± 0.10 mmol/L, 3.8 ± 0.3 versus 4.4 ± 0.9, and 16.1 ± 1.9 μIU/mL versus 18.2 ± 2 μIU/mL, respectively; P < .05 for all). There were no persistent complications after salsalate therapy.ConclusionTreatment with salsalate can reduce insu lin resistance and the FPG level in subjects with predia betes. Determination of the long-term safety and efficacy of the use of salsalate necessitates further investigation. (Endocr Pract. 2012;18:826-833)     

Normal or induced secretory patterns of luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in anoestrous gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-immunised and cyclic control heifers

The objective was to determine the effect of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), GnRH analogue (GnRH-A) or oestradiol administration on luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release in GnRH-immunised anoestrous and control cyclic heifers. Thirty-two heifers (477 ± 7.1 kg) were immunised against either human serum albumin (HSA; controls; n = 8), or a HSAGnRH conjugate. On day 70 after primary immunisation, control heifers (n = 4 per treatment; day 3 of cycle) received either (a) 2.5 μg GnRH or (b) 2.5 μg of GnRH-A (Buserelin®) and GnRH-immunised heifers (blocked by GnRH antibody titre; n = 6 per treatment) received either (c) saline, (d) 2.5 μg GnRH, (e) 25 μg GnRH or (f) 2.5 μg GnRH-A, intravenously. On day 105, 1 mg oestradiol was injected (intramuscularly) into control (n = 6) and GnRH-immunised anoestrous heifers with either low (13.4 ± 1.9% binding at 1:640; n = 6) or high GnRH antibody titres (33.4 ± 4.8% binding; n = 6). Data were analysed by ANOVA. Mean plasma LH and FSH concentrations on day 69 were higher (P < 0.05) in control than in GnRH-immunised heifers (3.1 ± 0.16 vs. 2.5 ± 0.12 ng LH ml⁻¹ and 22.5 ± 0.73 vs. 17.1 ± 0.64 ng FSH ml⁻¹, respectively). The number of LH pulses was higher (P < 0.05) in control than in GnRH-immunised heifers on day 69 (3.4 ± 0.45 and 1.0 ± 0.26 pulses per 6 h, respectively). On day 70, 2.5 μg GnRH increased (P < 0.05) LH concentrations in control but not in GnRH-immunised heifers, while both 25 μg GnRH and 2.5 μg GnRH-A increased (P < 0.05) LH concentrations in GnRH-immunised heifers, and 2.5 μg GnRH-A increased LH in controls. FSH was increased (P < 0.05) in GnRH-immunised heifers following 25 μg GnRH and 2.5 μg GnRH-A. Oestradiol challenge increased (P < 0.05) LH concentrations during the 13–24 h period after challenge with a greater (P < 0.05) increase in control than in GnRH-immunised heifers. FSH concentrations were decreased (P < 0.05) for at least 30 h after oestradiol challenge. In conclusion, GnRH immunisation decreased LH pulsatility and mean LH and FSH concentrations. GnRH antibodies neutralised low doses of GnRH (2.5 μg), but not high doses of GnRH (25 μg) and GnRH-A (2.5 μg). GnRH immunisation decreased the rise in LH concentrations following oestradiol challenge.     

重度烧伤患者应用重组人生长激素治疗的临床效果

目的:研究重组人生长激素对重度烧伤的应用治疗效果。方法:选取重度烧伤患者42例。根据随机数表法,将所有患者分为观察组(n=21)和对照组(n=21),观察组在对照组的基础上给予重组人生长激素治疗。结果:对照组术后24 h血红蛋白及总蛋白水平均低于实验组,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);对照组术后1周血红蛋白水平为(95.57±11.41)g/L,低于实验组的(137.91±14.29)g/L(t=3.726,P0.001);对照组术后2周血红蛋白水平为(80.89±11.38)g/L,低于实验组的(131.28±13.47)g/L(t=3.917,P0.001);实验组术后1周总蛋白水平为(61.47±5.19)g/L,高于对照组的(39.18±2.76)g/L(t=3.927,P0.001);实验组术后2周总蛋白水平为(55.78±6.38)g/L,高于对照组的(36.81±5.17)g/L(t=3.847,P0.001)。实验组术后24h的TNF-α和IL-6高于对照组,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);实验组术后2周的TNF-α、IL-6均明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.001);实验组术后2周的TNF-α、IL-6均明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.001);观察组的住院时长为(47.82±7.46)天,显著低于对照组的(79.36±8.10)天(t=4.275,P0.001);观察组的供皮区、植皮区、深Ⅱ度痂下愈合时间均显著低于对照组的,差异有统计学意义(P0.001)。结论:rh GH对重度烧伤的疗效非常显著,值得在临床中推广。     

低体质量小儿心脏手术中应用七氟醚全身麻醉诱导的效果及其对血流动力学的影响

目的:探讨低体质量小儿心脏手术中应用七氟醚全身麻醉诱导的效果及其对血流动力学的影响。方法:选择本院2016年7月-2018年2月期间收治的28例低体质量小儿心脏手术患儿纳入本研究,按照随机数字表法将患儿分为对照组和观察组各14例。对照组采用氯胺酮进行全身麻醉诱导,观察组采用七氟醚吸入麻醉进行全身麻醉诱导。观察两组患儿麻醉诱导敏感性及不良反应等情况,比较两组患儿诱导前、诱导过程中、插管即刻的收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP)、心率(HR)及血氧饱和度(SaO2)水平。结果:观察组患儿哭闹时间、睫毛反射消失时间及疼痛反射消失时间显著低于对照组(P0.05)。观察组患儿不良反应发生率为7.14%(1/14),与对照组的28.57%(4/14)比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。诱导过程中及插管即刻,对照组患儿SBP、DBP均低于诱导前和观察组,HR高于诱导前和观察组,SaO_2先降低后升高,且低于观察组(P0.05),观察组患儿SBP低于诱导前,SaO2高于诱导前(P0.05),而DBP、HR与诱导前比较无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:与氯胺酮相比,采用七氟醚吸入全身诱导麻醉,其对低体质量小儿心脏手术患儿的循环干扰较小,同时在诱导过程中安全稳定,对血流动力学影响较小,容易被患儿所接受。     

Does dietary arsenic and mercury affect cutaneous bleeding time and blood lipids in humans?

Fish species may contain considerable amounts of trace elements, such as selenium (Se), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg). The present study investigated the relationships between dietary intake of these elements and cutaneous bleeding time and blood lipids in 32 healthy volunteers. For 6 wk, one group (n=11) consumed approx 250 g Se-rich fish daily, providing them with an average Se intake of 115±31 μg Se/d, Hg intake of 18±8 μg/d, and As intake of 806±405 μg/d, all values analyzed in 4-d duplicate food collections. To study the effect of Se alone, one group (n=11) included Se-rich bread in their normal diet, giving them a Se intake (135±25 μg/d) that was comparable to the fish group. A control group (n=10) ate their normal diet, providing 77±25 gmg Se/d, 3.1±2.5 μg Hg/d, and 101±33 μg As/d. The dietary As load strongly correlated both with bleeding times and changes in bleeding times (r=0.48,p<0.01 andr=0.54,p<0.002, respectively). Dietary Hg showed a positive correlation with LDL-cholesterol (r=0.55,p<0.01), whereas dietary Hg in the fish group showed a strong negative relationship with HDL-cholesterol (r=?0.76,p<0.01). Selenium seemed to have only a modest effect on bleeding time. Our results suggest that mercury and arsenic from fish may be factors contributing to or modifying some of the known effects of fish ingestion.     

Physcion,a tetra-substituted 9,10-anthraquinone,prevents homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction by activating Ca2+- and Akt-eNOS-NO signaling pathways

BackgroundHomocysteine (Hcy) induced vascular endothelial dysfunction is known to be closely associated with oxidative stress and impaired NO system. 1,8-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-6-methylanthracene-9,10-dione (physcion) has been known to has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to define the protective effect of physcion on Hcy-induced endothelial dysfunction and its mechanisms involved.Study Design and MethodsHyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) rat model was induced by feeding 3% methionine. A rat thoracic aortic ring model was used to investigate the effects of physcion on Hcy-induced impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation. Two doses, low (L, 30 mg/kg/day) and high (H, 50 mg/kg/day) of physcion were used in the present study. To construct Hcy-injured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) model, the cells treated with 3 mM Hcy. The effects of physcion on Hcy-induced HUVECs cytotoxicity and apoptosis were studied using MTT and flow cytometry. Confocal analysis was used to determine the levels of intracellular Ca²⁺. The levels of protein expression of the apoptosis-related markers Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-9/3, and Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were evaluated by western blot.ResultsIn the HHcy rat model, plasma levels of Hcy and malondialdehyde (MDA) were elevated (20.45 ± 2.42 vs. 4.67 ± 1.94 μM, 9.42 ± 0.48 vs. 3.47 ± 0.59 nM, p < 0.001 for both), whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were decreased (77.11 ± 4.78 vs. 115.02 ± 5.63 U/ml, 44.51 ± 4.45 vs. 64.18 ± 5.34 μM, p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). However, treatment with physcion significantly reversed these changes (11.82 ± 2.02 vs. 20.45 ± 2.42 μM, 5.97 ± 0.72 vs. 9.42 ± 0.48 nM, 108.75 ± 5.65 vs. 77.11 ± 4.78 U/ml, 58.14 ± 6.02 vs. 44.51 ± 4.45 μM, p < 0.01 for all). Physcion also prevented Hcy-induced impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation in HHcy rats (1.56 ± 0.06 vs. 15.44 ± 2.53 nM EC₅₀ for ACh vasorelaxation, p < 0.05 vs. HHcy). In Hcy-injured HUVECs, physcion inhibited the impaired viability, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species. Hcy treatment significantly increased the protein phosphorylation levels of p38 (2.26 ± 0.20 vs. 1.00 ± 0.12, p <0.01), ERK (2.11 ± 0.21 vs. 1.00 ± 0.11, p <0.01) and JNK. Moreover, physcion reversed the Hcy-induced apoptosis related parameter changes such as decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio, and increased protein expression of caspase-9/3 in HUVECs. Furthermore, the downregulation of Ca²⁺, Akt, eNOS and NO caused by Hcy were recovered with physcion treatment in HUVECs.ConclusionPhyscion prevents Hcy-induced endothelial dysfunction by activating Ca²⁺- and Akt-eNOS-NO signaling pathways. This study provides the first evidence that physcion might be a candidate agent for the prevention of cardiovascular disease induced by Hcy.     

Dietary-induced suppression of pre-ovulatory progesterone concentrations in superovulated ewes impairs the subsequent in vivo and in vitro development of their ova

In the first of three experiments, eight ovariectomised Greyface ewes primed with exogenous progesterone were used to provide quantitative data on the effects of two contrasting feeding levels (0.3 vs. 1.4 × maintenance) on plasma progesterone concentrations. Over the 9 day study period, mean (± SEM) daily progesterone concentrations were 4.3 ± 0.13 and 3.3 ± 0.17 μg l⁻¹ for the low and high feeding regimens, respectively (P = 0.06), indicating that high feed intake suppressed circulating progesterone levels. The second experiment examined the effect in superovulated Finn-Dorset ewes of a diet supplying either 0.6 (Group L, n = 8) or 2.3 (Group H, n = 8) times their daily energy needs for maintenance, from 1 day before introduction of exogenous progesterone to the time of insemination, on plasma progesterone concentrations and the viability of ova recovered 4 days after insemination. Mean (± SEM) plasma progesterone concentrations were 4.5 ± 0.17 μg l⁻¹ and 2.8 ± 0.16 μg l⁻¹ for L and H ewes, respectively, during the 12 day priming period (P < 0.001). Eight hours after progesterone withdrawal, levels had fallen to 0.9 ± 0.06 μg l⁻¹ and 0.8 ± 0.07 μg l⁻¹, respectively, then rose to 17.8 ± 3.01 μg l⁻¹ and 12.9 ± 2.50 μg l⁻¹ (P > 0.10) at ovum collection. Intervals (mean ± SEM) to oestrous onset (14.5 ± 0.38 h) and the luteinising hormone (LH) surge (27.1 ± 0.98 h) were unaffected by feed intake. Mean (± SEM) ovulation rates (8.1 ± 1.57 vs. 7.8 ± 1.10) and numbers of ova recovered (5.0 ± 1.39 vs. 4.8 ± 1.11) were also similar for each group. However, the proportions of ova considered viable (over 32 cells) at recovery were 0.53 and 0.22 for L and H groups, respectively (P < 0.005). Following 72 h culture (Tissue Culture Medium-199 (M199) + 10% foetal calf serum (FCS)), 0.55 and 0.27, respectively, had developed to blastocysts (P < 0.025). Of ova assessed as viable at recovery, similar proportions (0.86 vs. 0.75) from L and H treatments developed to blastocysts, with corresponding nuclei counts (mean ± SEM) of 55 ± 5.2 and 55 ± 13.2. The third experiment used 12 superovulated Greyface ewes, each offered a different feed level within the range 0.6–2.5 × maintenance, to determine the nature of the relationship between feeding level, pre-ovulatory progesterone concentrations and ovum development at Day 2 following insemination and subsequently during 7 day co-culture (M199 + FCS). Increases in feeding level were accompanied by linear decreases in plasma progesterone (r² = 0.79, P < 0.001), the interval to oestrous onset (r² = 0.52, P < 0.01) and timing of the LH surge (r² = 0.32, P < 0.06). Although undetectable at ovum collection, and somewhat equivocal after 4 day culture, high feeding levels prior to ovulation reduced the proportion of ova (0.16 vs. 0.58) developing to or beyond the expanding blastocyst stage after 7 day culture. Quantitative indices of cell division and protein synthesis confirmed this. In conclusion, excessive feeding during follicular recruitment and oocyte maturation in superovulated ewes imparts a legacy of embryonic loss and developmental retardation.     

全凭静脉麻醉复合椎旁神经阻滞对胸腔镜下肺病损切除术患者应激反应、血流动力学及术后镇痛的影响

目的:研究全凭静脉麻醉复合胸椎旁神经阻滞(TPVB)对胸腔镜下肺病损切除术患者应激反应、血流动力学及术后镇痛的影响。方法:选择2016年6月至2017年12月在我院行胸腔镜下肺病损切除术的80例患者为研究对象。采用简单随机抽样方法,分为对照组(n=40)和观察组(n=40)。对照组行单纯全身麻醉,观察组在超声引导下行TPVB复合全身麻醉。比较两组麻醉前、术毕、术后24 h的血糖、肾上腺素(E)、去甲肾上腺素(NE)及多巴胺(DA)的浓度,以及两组在麻醉时、手术开始时、手术开始后0.5 h、手术开始后1 h、术毕时的平均动脉压(MAP)和心率(HR),同时比较两组术后2 h、6 h、12 h、24 h静息及活动时的视觉模拟评分(VAS)及相关并发症的发生率。结果:两组患者在麻醉前及术毕的各应激反应指标比较无差异(P0.05),而术后24 h比较,观察组低于对照组(P0.05);两组患者麻醉时的MAP、HR比较无差异(P0.05),除手术开始后1 h和术毕的HR外,观察组各时间的MAP、HR均显著低于对照组(P0.05);除静息时24 h外,观察组各时间静息时和活动时的VAS评分均低于对照组(P0.05);两组患者术后各并发症的发生率比较无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:全凭静脉麻醉复合TPVB在胸腔镜下肺病损切除术中应激反应小,对血流动力学的波动影响小,术后镇痛效果良好,且安全有效。     

针刺麻醉复合小剂量瑞芬太尼用于甲状腺良性结节消融术的临床疗效观察

目的:探讨小剂量瑞芬太尼复合针刺麻醉在甲状腺良性结节消融术中的麻醉镇痛效果。方法:选取2015年6月至2016年6月在我院进行甲状腺良性结节射频消融术的患者71例,并将其随机分为对照组(n=35)和复合麻醉组(n=36)。对照组患者接受单纯芬太尼麻醉,复合麻醉组患者接受小剂量瑞芬太尼复合针刺麻醉,观察和比较两组患者麻醉前(T0)、麻醉后(T1)、消融术中(T2)、手术结束(T3)时患者的平均动脉压(MAP)、心率(HR)、血氧饱和度(HPO_2)和VAS评分。结果:复合麻醉组患者T2和T3时间点MAP(95.00±6.09,90.86±3.23)(P0.05)、HR值(65.19±3.52,75.03±6.00)均显著低于对照组(P0.05),HPO_2水平(98.78±1.15,97.81±1.47)均显著高于对照组(P0.05),VAS评分(3.25±1.38,1.69±1.43)均显著低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:电针刺激结合小剂量瑞芬太尼复合麻醉用于甲状腺良性结节消融术可有效镇痛并维持较稳定的血压和心率,效果明显优于单纯芬太尼麻醉。     

Increased Atherogenic Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Untreated Subclinical Hypothyroidism

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of physiologic doses of levothyroxine replacement on the lipoprotein profile in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).MethodsIn a prospective, double-blind, placebo- controlled study, we enrolled 120 patients—mostly, but not exclusively, premenopausal women—with SCH. Patients were randomly assigned to either a levothyroxine- treated group (n = 60) or a placebo (control) group (n = 60). Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were measured before and 52 weeks after assignment to either group.ResultsIn the levothyroxine-treated group, the lipoprotein mean values before and after the 52-week study were as follows: TC, 5.05 ± 0.98 mmol/L versus 4.74 ± 0.87 mmol/L (P < .0001); LDL-C, 3.30 ± 0.90 mmol/L versus 2.89 ± 0.59 mmol/L (P < .01); TG, 1.18 ± 0.71 mmol/L versus 0.95 ± 0.53 mmol/L (P < .002); and HDL-C, 1.20 ± 0.33 mmol/L versus 1.19 ± 0.32 mmol/L (P = .29). In the control group, TC, HDL-C, and TG values remained unchanged after 52 weeks in comparison with baseline, but LDL-C mean values increased from 2.79 ± 0.60 mmol/L to 3.11 ± 0.77 mmol/L, a change that was statistically significant (P < .001). At the end of the study, the lipid profile changes between levothyroxine- treated and control groups were compared. Total cholesterol and LDL-C were significantly lower in the levothyroxine-receiving group (P < .029 and P < .0001, respectively) in comparison with the control group. The difference did not reach statistical significance for TG and HDL-C values.ConclusionIn premenopausal women, SCH has a negative effect on the lipoprotein profile and may translate into a sizable cardiovascular risk if left untreated. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:570-575)     

Assessment of lameness in sows using gait,footprints, postural behaviour and foot lesion analysis

Lameness in sows has an economic impact on pig production and is a major welfare concern. The aim of the present project was to develop methods to evaluate and quantify lameness in breeding sows. Five methods to study lameness were compared between themselves and with visual gait scoring used as a reference: footprint analysis, kinematics, accelerometers, lying-to-standing transition and foot lesion observation. Fifty sows of various parities and stages of gestation were selected using visual gait scoring and distributed into three groups: lame (L), mildly lame (ML) and non-lame (NL). They were then tested using each method. Kinematics showed that L sows had a lower walking speed than NL sows (L: 0.83 ± 0.04, NL: 0.96 ± 0.03 m/s; P < 0.05), a shorter stride length than ML sows (L: 93.0 ± 2.6, ML: 101.2 ± 1.5 cm; P < 0.05) and a longer stance time than ML and NL sows (L: 0.83 ± 0.03, ML: 0.70 ± 0.03, NL: 0.69 ± 0.02 s; P < 0.01). Accelerometer measurements revealed that L sows spent less time standing over a 24-h period (L: 6.3 ± 1.3, ML: 13.7 ± 2.4, NL: 14.5 ± 2.4%; P < 0.01), lay down earlier after feeding (L: 33.4 ± 4.6, ML: 41.7 ± 3.1, NL: 48.6 ± 2.9 min; P < 0.05) and tended to step more often during the hour following feeding (L: 10.1 ± 2.0, ML: 6.1 ± 0.5, NL: 5.4 ± 0.4 step/min standing; P = 0.06) than NL sows, with the ML sows having intermediate values. Visual observation of back posture showed that 64% of L sows had an arched back, compared with only 14% in NL sows (P = 0.02). Finally, footprint analysis and observation of lying-to-standing transition and foot lesions were not successful in detecting significant differences between L, ML and NL sows. In conclusion, several quantitative variables obtained from kinematics and accelerometers proved to be successful in identifying reliable indicators of lameness in sows. Further work is needed to relate these indicators with causes of lameness and to develop methods that can be implemented on the farm.     

微创旋切术用于老年乳腺良性肿块患者对手术指标、应激反应和免疫功能的影响

摘要 目的：对比分析微创旋切术和传统开放手术对老年乳腺良性肿块患者手术指标、应激反应、免疫功能的影响及安全性。方法：收集我院2015年4月~2019年2月因乳腺良性肿块需手术治疗的老年患者148例,按不同手术方式分为观察组和对照组,每组74例。观察组予以微创旋切术,对照组予以传统开放手术,比较两组手术指标,手术前后应激反应、免疫功能,术后乳房美观性和并发症的发生情况。结果：观察组切口长度、手术时间、出血量、住院时间和术后疼痛评分分别为(2.35±1.45)cm、(18.27±4.51)min、(5.07±1.02)mL、(4.98±1.20)d和(2.88±1.13)分,均低于或短于对照组(P<0.05);术后血清去甲肾上腺素(NE)、肾上腺素(E)和皮质醇(Cor)水平分别为(71.03±3.02)ng/mL、(68.22±7.23)ng/mL和(101.82±13.29)mmol/L,均明显低于对照组(P<0.05);手术后免疫功能中CD4⁺、CD3⁺和CD4⁺/CD8⁺分别为(27.27±3.70)%、(44.87±6.13)%和(1.22±0.07),均显著高于对照组(P<0.05);术后乳房美观性优良率为98.6%,明显高于对照组(P<0.05),总并发症发生率为2.7%,显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论：与传统开放手术相比,微创旋切术用于老年乳腺良性肿块患者的效果较好,手术时间短,出血少,患者术后疼痛较轻,住院时间短,可有效保护患者的免疫功能,降低应激反应,安全性高。