银杏达莫注射液联合地塞米松治疗突发性耳聋的疗效及对血清sVCAM-1、CGRP水平的影响

目的:探讨银杏达莫注射液联合地塞米松治疗突发性耳聋的的疗效及对血清可溶性血管细胞间黏附因子-1(sVCAM-1)、降钙素基因相关肽(CGRP)水平的影响。方法:选择2017年10月到2019年3月于我院进行治疗的突发性耳聋患者70例作为研究对象,根据随机数表法将其分为观察组(n=36)和对照组(n=34)。对照组使用地塞米松治疗,观察组在对照组的基础上加用银杏达莫进行治疗。比较两组的临床疗效、治疗前后血清s VCAM-1、CGRP水平、平均听阀比、耳鸣残疾量表(THI)评分的变化及并发症的发生情况。结果:治疗后,观察组总有效率为94.44%,显著高于对照组(73.53%,P0.05)。两组患者治疗后血清s VCAM-1、CGRP水平、平均听阀比、THI评分均较治疗前显著改善,且观察组患者血清s VCAM-1水平、平均听阀比、THI评分均显著低于对照组,血清CGRP水平显著高于对照组(P0.05)。治疗期间,观察组患者并发症总发生率为11.11%,显著低于对照组(32.35%,P0.05)。结论:银杏达莫联合地塞米松治疗突发性耳聋的效果显著优于单用地塞米松治疗,这可能与其显著改善患者血清s VCAM-1、CGRP水平有关。     

银杏叶提取物注射液联合地塞米松对突发性耳聋患者血液流变学、内皮功能及外周血T淋巴细胞亚群的影响

摘要 目的：探讨银杏叶提取物注射液联合地塞米松对突发性耳聋患者内皮功能、血液流变学及外周血T淋巴细胞亚群的影响。方法：选取2018年1月到2019年12月我院收治的100例突发性耳聋患者,将纳入病例依照随机数字表法分为对照组（n=50,给予鼓室注射地塞米松治疗）和观察组（n=50,对照组基础上静脉滴注银杏叶提取物注射液）,两组疗程均为10 d。对比两组疗效、血液流变学、内皮功能、外周血T淋巴细胞亚群、纯音听阈值及不良反应。结果：观察组治疗10 d后的临床总有效率为96.00%,高于对照组的82.00%（P<0.05）。观察组治疗10 d后纯音听阈值明显较对照组小（P<0.05）。观察组治疗10 d后纤维蛋白原、全血高切黏度、全血低切黏度低于对照组（P<0.05）。观察组治疗10 d后可溶性血管细胞间黏附分子-1 (sVCAM-1)、内皮素-1（ET-1）低于对照组（P<0.05）。观察组10 d后CD8⁺较对照组低,CD3⁺、CD4⁺/CD8⁺、CD4⁺较对照组高（P<0.05）。两组不良反应发生率比较无差异（P>0.05）。结论：采用银杏叶提取物注射液联合地塞米松治疗突发性耳聋患者,可有效改善内皮功能和血液流变学,提高机体免疫功能,效果确切,安全性佳。     

高压氧联合地塞米松治疗突发性耳聋的疗效及对血液流变学的影响

目的:研究高压氧联合地塞米松治疗突发性耳聋的疗效及对血液流变学的影响。方法:选择2012年6月至2015年1月在我院接受治疗的突发性耳聋患者90例(124耳)进行研究。根据数字法随机分成观察组(45例,60耳)及对照组(45例,64耳),两组均给予常规的改善内耳微循环及神经营养类制剂治疗,对照组另给予地塞米松治疗,观察组在对照组基础上另给予高压氧治疗,治疗1个疗程后对比两组疗效,听力改善程度以及血液流变学指标变化。结果:观察组的总有效率是98.33%,显著高于对照组的89.06%,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗后观察组的听力损失程度显著优于对照组,纯音听阈显著低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗后观察组的高切粘度、中切粘度、低切粘度、红细胞聚集指数均分别显著低于对照组,红细胞变形指数显著高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05)。结论:高压氧联合地塞米松治疗突发性耳聋患者具有更为显著的疗效,且可有效改善患者的血液流变学指标,值得临床推荐。     

鼓室注射类固醇激素治疗中老年突发性耳聋患者的临床疗效观察

目的:探讨鼓室注射类固醇激素治疗中老年突发性耳聋患者的临床疗效。方法:将我院收治的94例中老年突发性耳聋患者按给药方式不同分为鼓室组和静脉组,鼓室组采用鼓室注射类固醇激素治疗,静脉组采用静脉滴注类固醇激素治疗,对比分析两组患者的治疗效果差异。结果:治疗后鼓室组的总有效率为75%,明显高于静脉组的55.26%,两组总有效率比较具有统计学差异(P0.05);鼓室组和静脉组伴发全身疾病的患者总有效率分别为55.56%和36.00%,比较具有显著差异(X2=5.5877,P=0.016)。结论:鼓室注射给药较静脉给药治疗突发性耳聋具有更好的疗效,特别对于伴有糖尿病、高血脂等的中老年患者具有显著优势。     

丹参酮IIA磺酸钠注射液辅助治疗对突发性耳聋患者血液流变学及临床疗效的影响

目的：探讨丹参酮IIA 磺酸钠注射液辅助治疗对突发性耳聋患者血液流变学及临床疗效的影响。方法：选取我院收治的突发 性耳聋患者78 例,并将其随机分为实验组和对照组,每组39 例。对照组给予三磷酸腺苷二钠、辅酶A、复合维生素、双密达莫片 及高压氧治疗,而实验组在对照组的基础上给予丹参酮IIA 磺酸钠注射液治复合组治疗。观察和比较两组患者治疗后的听力恢复 等级分布以及治疗前后的电测听情况和各项血液流变学指标的变化情况。结果：治疗后,与对照组比较,实验组听力恢复Ⅰ级患 者的比例更高,电听力平均值均显著降低,各项血液流变学指标均明显改善,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论：丹参酮IIA 磺酸 钠注射液辅助治疗能够显著提高突发性耳聋的临床疗效,这可能其改善患者的血液流变学有关     

Effect of various salts on the growth and development of Geotrichum candidum,the causal agent of carrot sour rot

This study evaluated the efficacy of ammonium, calcium, potassium and sodium salts as possible alternatives to synthetic fungicides in the control of Geotrichum candidum, the causal agent of sour rot on carrots. In vitro mycelial growth of G. candidum was completely halted by ammonium bicarbonate and carbonate; calcium oxide; potassium benzoate, carbonate and sorbate; sodium benzoate, carbonate and fluoride (2% w/v). Potassium and sodium bicarbonate also reduced mycelial growth by 77.78% and 90.60%, respectively, and the difference between the effects of sodium bicarbonate and the first group of salts was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). With the exception of potassium and sodium bicarbonate, the above‐mentioned salts also halted or strongly reduced arthrospore germination. Potassium bicarbonate, and sodium bicarbonate, acetate and propionate significantly increased conidiation (p < 0.05). Of all the salts tested in vitro, only ammonium bicarbonate and carbonate, calcium oxide and sodium fluoride were toxic to G. candidum. In in vivo studies, all the calcium salts tested (acetate, chloride, citrate, formate, lactate, oxide, propionate and silicate), several of the sodium salts (acetate, bicarbonate, chloride and fluoride) and potassium bicarbonate exhibited both protective and curative activity against G. candidum, significantly reducing the severity of sour rot in comparison to pathogen‐inoculated controls (p < 0.05). Although no curative was observed with ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium chloride, sodium carbonate or sodium citrate, these salts also demonstrated significant protective activity against sour rot when compared to controls (p < 0.05). In sum, the study findings show that all of the selected salts may be used to control carrot sour rot, except for sodium fluoride, which exhibited phytotoxicity to carrots.     

长春西汀联合巴曲酶治疗老年突发性耳聋的疗效

目的:探讨长春西汀联合巴曲酶治疗老年突发性耳聋的疗效及对血液指标的影响。方法:选择我院140例老年突发性耳聋患者,随机分为两组,每组各70例。研究组患者给予长春西汀联合巴曲酶治疗,对照组患者仅给予巴曲酶治疗。观察并比较两组患者的临床疗效、血液流变学指标及纯音听阈值的变化情况。结果:研究组患者治疗有效率明显高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);与治疗前比较,两组患者治疗后血浆黏度、全血黏度高切、全血黏度低切及红细胞压积明显改善,研究组改善程度优于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);两组患者治疗后纯音听阈(PTA)值均较治疗前降低,研究组低于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:长春西汀联合巴曲酶治疗老年突发性耳聋的疗效显著,可有效改善患者血液流变学指标及血管微循环,抑制血栓形成,值得临床推广应用。     

不同听力曲线分型突发性耳聋患者听阈水平及临床特征分析

摘要 目的：探讨不同听力曲线分型突发性耳聋患者听阈水平及临床特征分析。方法：前瞻性选取我院2019年10月至2022年10月我院收治的80例突发性耳聋患者作为研究对象。采集患者临床特征信息。检测所有患者听阈水平。采用秩和检验进行多组间差异分析;采用Spearman检验进行相关性分析;采用多元线性回归模型进行回归分析。结果：平坦下降组、低频下降组、高频下降组和全聋组在侧别、性别、糖尿病、耳鸣、眩晕、耳闷胀感亚组间差异显著（P<0.05）,而在年龄、高血压和脑梗塞亚组间无显著差异（P＞0.05）;平坦下降组、低频下降组、高频下降组和全聋组在极重度、重度、中度、轻度、正常亚组间差异显著（P<0.05）;突发性耳聋患者听力曲线分型与侧别、性别、糖尿病、耳鸣眩晕、耳闷胀感、听阈水平密切相关（P<0.05）,而与年龄、高血压、脑梗塞无关（P＞0.05）;多元线性回归结果显示,耳鸣、眩晕、耳闷胀感、听阈水平、侧别是影响突发性耳聋患者听力曲线分型的独立危险因素（P<0.05）。结论：突发性耳聋不同听力曲线分型患者间存在临床特征及听阈水平的差异,临床可依据患者独特疾病特征构建精准的治疗策略进行干预。     

Effects of creatine supplementation on muscle wasting and glucose homeostasis in rats treated with dexamethasone

We aimed to investigate the possible role of creatine (CR) supplementation in counteracting dexamethasone-induced muscle wasting and insulin resistance in rats. Also, we examined whether CR intake would modulate molecular pathways involved in muscle remodeling and insulin signaling. Animals were randomly divided into four groups: (1) dexamethasone (DEX); (2) control pair-fed (CON-PF); (3) dexamethasone plus CR (DEX-CR); and (4) CR pair-fed (CR-PF). Dexamethasone (5 mg/kg/day) and CR (5 g/kg/day) were given via drinking water for 7 days. Plantaris and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were removed for analysis. Plantaris and EDL muscle mass were significantly reduced in the DEX-CR and DEX groups when compared with the CON-PF and CR-PF groups (P < 0.05). Dexamethasone significantly decreased phospho-Ser⁴⁷³-Akt protein levels compared to the CON-PF group (P < 0.05) and CR supplementation aggravated this response (P < 0.001). Serum glucose was significantly increased in the DEX group when compared with the CON-PF group (DEX 7.8 ± 0.6 vs. CON-PF 5.2 ± 0.5 mmol/l; P < 0.05). CR supplementation significantly exacerbated hyperglycemia in the dexamethasone-treated animals (DEX-CR 15.1 ± 2.4 mmol/l; P < 0.05 vs. others). Dexamethasone reduced GLUT-4 translocation when compared with the CON-PF and CR-PF (P < 0.05) groups and this response was aggravated by CR supplementation (P < 0.05 vs. others). In conclusion, supplementation with CR resulted in increased insulin resistance and did not attenuate muscle wasting in rats treated with dexamethasone. Given the contrast with the results of human studies that have shown benefits of CR supplementation on muscle atrophy and insulin sensitivity, we suggest caution when extrapolating this animal data to human subjects.     

甲基强的松龙治疗2型糖尿病合并突发性感音神经聋的临床疗效研究

目的:观察甲基强的松龙治疗2型糖尿病合并突发性感音神经聋患者的治疗效果。方法:本研究共纳入2018年1月至2020年10月期间于深圳大学附属华南医院内分泌科、耳鼻喉科住院治疗的60例合并单侧突发性感音神经聋的成人2型糖尿病患者,按照随机数字表法分为治疗组(n=30)和对照组(n=30)。两组患者均给予营养神经、胰岛素降糖和高压氧治疗,治疗组给予甲基强的松龙静脉滴注3日后,减少甲基强的松龙剂量继续治疗4天,两组总疗程为14天。观察两组患者治疗后听力障碍改善情况,两组患者分别于治疗开始前、治疗1周后、治疗2周后分别测定纯音听阈均值(PTA)、听性脑干反应(ABR)以评估治疗效果。结果:治疗2周后治疗组听力障碍分级优于对照组(P<0.05);治疗2周后,治疗组的PTA和70dB、80dB、90dB声波刺激ABR指标均优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:甲基强的松龙联合营养神经、降糖和高压氧等综合治疗,可有效提高2型糖尿病合并突发性感音神经聋患者的听力,值得临床推广应用。     

Adequate dietary protein level enhances stress resistance and immune status of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala Yih, 1955)

This study hypothesized that an optimum dietary protein level might play an important role in improving stress tolerance, enhancing an immune function, and ultimately minimizing temperature stress. For this purpose, the present study conducted a 10‐week feeding trial followed by a 7‐day stress experiment to evaluate the effects of dietary protein levels (28%–36%) on the physiological performances and hepatic Hsp70 gene expression in blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala fry under a high temperature challenge. Fish fry (initial weight, 16.08 ± 0.03 g, n = 25) were fed with their respective diets to apparent satiation, and samples taken once before stress and four times during high temperature stress days (0.125, 0.5, 2 and 7 days). Serum total protein and cholesterol contents before stress were affected by dietary protein levels; during stress these parameters showed no significant changes up until day 2, showing some changes thereafter. Regardless of 0.125, 0.5, 2 or 7 days during stress, cortisol and aspartate aminotransferase levels in the group fed 32% dietary protein were significantly lower than in the other groups. At 0.125, 0.5 or 2 days during stress, the complement component 3 (C3) and 4 (C4) levels increased significantly up to certain levels, declining thereafter. The expression level of Hsp70 mRNA before stress was not affected by dietary protein levels, but increased significantly from 0.125 to 0.5 days during stress, and was reduced thereafter. Overall, low cortisol and high C3, C4 and Hsp70 mRNA levels were found in the group fed 32% protein throughout the stress experiment, which indicated that an adequate protein level enhances stress resistance and immunity in fish.     

Comparison of escitalopram alone and combined with zolpidem in treating major depression and related sleep impairments

Escitalopram has been shown to be effective for treating major depression (MDD); however, research is lacking regarding its effect on treating MDD-related sleep impairments. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of escitalopram monotherapy and investigate changes in insomnia, depressive symptoms, and quality of life (QOL). Participants were 14 patients with MDD who enrolled in a clinical trial at Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center. Escitalopram monotherapy was used, and hypnotics were administered three times per week for individuals suffering from sleep impairments. The following variables were assessed: (1) sleep quality [Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI)], (2) depression [Zung self-rating depression scale (ZSRDS)], and (3) quality of life (QOL) as determined by the Sheehan disability scale (SDISS) and short form (36) health survey (SF-36). These assessments were conducted prior to any treatment (pre-test) and again 8–12 weeks after treatment (post-test). Monotherapy (E = escitalopram alone; n = 6) and combination therapy (E+ = escitalopram + zolpidem; n = 8) groups were compared. All participants completed the full protocol (average 9.4 ± 1.8 weeks). Regardless of treatment group, participants improved on all assessments (including sleep impairment). However, groups did not differ in their level of improvement. A two-factor ANOVA revealed that the E+ group showed particular improvements in QOL. In treating MDD and associated sleep impairments, zolpidem did not confer additional benefits. Thus, clinicians should consider E monotherapy for patients with MDD-related sleep impairments before prescribing combination therapies.

     

Alterations in Electrocardiographic Parameters after Subacute Exposure of Fluoride and Ameliorative Action of Aluminium Sulphate in Goats

Fluorosis or crippling disease is one of the existing environmental challenges for animal and human beings in most parts of the globe. In the present study, sodium fluoride alone and with aluminium sulphate (ameliorative agent) was administered orally daily for 30 days in healthy goats of group 1 and 2, respectively, to access the effect on the electrocardiogram. All waves of Lead I, Lead II, Lead III, aVR, aVL and aVF in electrocardiographs were recorded before and after 30 days exposure of fluoride. A significant (P < 0.05) increase in P–R, Q–T and S–T intervals were observed in goats of group 1 as compared to their pre treatment values. The T wave duration was also significantly (P < 0.05) prolonged and as a result, bradycardia was observed after subacute exposure of fluoride for 30 days in group 1. But, in group 2, no such changes were observed. On the basis of results, it may be concluded that subacute toxicity of fluoride produces significant changes in different waves of electrocardiogram and aluminium sulphate has ameliorative efficacy.     

Efficacy of CIM 1166, a combination of compounds derived from Mentha spp. in alleviating experimental vulvovaginal candidiasis in mice

Candida albicans is yeast that is most often associated with serious fungal infections and can cause fungal diseases in immuno-compromised patients especially patients suffering from AIDS, cancer and cases of organ transplant. Amongst women, candidal vaginitis is predominantly caused by strains of Candida albicans and also remains to be a common problem in immuno-competent or healthy women. A study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of a compound CIM 1166 obtained from plant source which was found to possess promising antimicrobial property under in vitro conditions especially against C. albicans. Taking the lead further, a small animal model utilizing aged Swiss albino females that had parturated at least three times were taken up for model development. Infection (7 × 10⁶ cfu/ml) was instilled into the vagina in a volume of 20 μl for 3 days. Vaginal washings were aseptically collected on day 4th to confirm the establishment of infection following which the treatment was started which continued for the next 5 days through vaginal route. Vaginal washings were collected on 6th day and the colony forming units were enumerated on chloramphenicol incorporated SDA plates. The results indicated that there was a significant decrease in the colony forming units in vaginal washings (8.0 × 10² cfu/ml) of the treated animals as compared to blank control group (6.0 × 10⁴ cfu/ml). The positive control group administered with clotrimazole also showed a recovery from infection with a fungal load of 8.78 × 10² cfu/ml. The study proves the efficacy of CIM 1166 in curing vaginal candidiasis in mice, which can be taken up for formulation development and further studies.     

Relationships between sudden weather changes in summer and mortality in the Czech Republic, 1986–2005

The study examines the relationship between sudden changes in weather conditions in summer, represented by (1) sudden air temperature changes, (2) sudden atmospheric pressure changes, and (3) passages of strong atmospheric fronts; and variations in daily mortality in the population of the Czech Republic. The events are selected from data covering 1986–2005 and compared with the database of daily excess all-cause mortality for the whole population and persons aged 70 years and above. Relative deviations of mortality, i.e., ratios of the excess mortality to the expected number of deaths, were averaged over the selected events for days D−2 (2 days before a change) up to D+7 (7 days after), and their statistical significance was tested by means of the Monte Carlo method. We find that the periods around weather changes are associated with pronounced patterns in mortality: a significant increase in mortality is found after large temperature increases and on days of large pressure drops; a decrease in mortality (partly due to a harvesting effect) occurs after large temperature drops, pressure increases, and passages of strong cold fronts. The relationship to variations in excess mortality is better expressed for sudden air temperature/pressure changes than for passages of atmospheric fronts. The mortality effects are usually more pronounced in the age group 70 years and above. The impacts associated with large negative changes of pressure are statistically independent of the effects of temperature; the corresponding dummy variable is found to be a significant predictor in the ARIMA model for relative deviations of mortality. This suggests that sudden weather changes should be tested also in time series models for predicting excess mortality as they may enhance their performance.     

Effect of a disinfection strategy on the methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus CC398 prevalence of sows,their piglets and the barn environment

Aims

To assess, in a cleaned and disinfected barn environment, the efficacy of an animal disinfection strategy to reduce the livestock‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA‐MRSA) prevalence in sows, their offspring and the barn environment.

Methods and Results

On each farm, six sow rounds were sampled; sows were divided into either a test or control group. Per round, 20 sows and 40 of their piglets were sampled at different time points together with the barn environment. The disinfection strategy of the test groups consisted of washing the sows with a shampoo followed by disinfection of the skin with a solution containing chlorhexidine digluconate and isopropanol. On the first day of disinfection and 6 days after stopping the disinfection, a significant decrease (P < 0·01) of on average 68 and 66% in sow MRSA prevalence was observed on both farms, whereas no decrease was seen in the control groups. Just before weaning, 21–28 days after the end of the disinfection strategy, the difference in MRSA prevalence between both groups was reduced to 4% and no longer significant (P = 0·20). The MRSA prevalence of the piglets in the test groups was significantly lower (26%; P < 0·01) 6 days after the end of disinfection. Just before weaning, this difference was reduced to 5% but still significant (P < 0·01). In the swine nursery unit, no significant difference (P = 0·99) was seen between both groups. Based on semi‐quantitative counts, a relationship (r² > 0·6; P < 0·01) was seen between MRSA contamination in the barn environment and the MRSA prevalence in pigs.

Conclusion

Results show that the tested disinfection strategy reduces temporarily the sow and piglet MRSA status, but does not result in a final reduction in MRSA at weaning or in the nursery unit.

Significance and Impact of the Study

First report on the efficacy of an animal disinfection strategy to reduce LA‐MRSA prevalence in sows, their offspring and the barn environment.     

Lafutidine versus Lansoprazole in Combination with Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin for One versus Two Weeks for Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Korea

Background and Aims: Lafutidine is a novel H₂‐receptor antagonist with gastroprotective activity that includes enhancement of gastric mucosal blood flow. The aim of the present study was to test the efficacy of 7‐ or 14‐day lafutidine–clarithromycin–amoxicillin therapy versus a lansoprazole‐based regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Methods: Four hundred and sixty‐three patients with H. pylori‐infected peptic ulcer disease were randomized to one of four regimens: (1) lafutidine (20 mg b.i.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg b.i.d.) and amoxicillin (1000 mg b.i.d.) for 7 days (the 7LFT group) or (2) for 14 days (the 14LFT group); (3) lansoprazole (30 mg b.i.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg b.i.d.), and amoxicillin (1000 mg b.i.d.) for 7 days (the 7LPZ group); or (4) for 14 days (the 14LPZ group). The eradication rates, drug compliance, and adverse effects among the four regimens were compared. Results: The eradication rates by the intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses in the 7LFT and 7LPZ groups were 76.5% and 81.6%, and 76.9% and 82.0% (p = .94 and .95), respectively. The eradication rates by intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses in the 14LFT and 14LPZ groups were 78.2% and 82.2%, and 80.4% and 85.9% (p = .70 and .49), respectively. The treatment duration for 7 days or 14 days did not affect the eradication rates. In addition, the adverse effect rates and discontinuation rates were similar among the four groups. Furthermore, the ulcer cure rate and symptom response rate were similar in the lafutidine and lansoprazole groups. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that lafutidine–clarithromycin–amoxicillin therapy was a safe and effective as lansoprazole‐based triple therapy for the eradication rate of H. pylori, and could be considered as an additional treatment option.     

Aspirin Attenuates Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Rats by Reducing Plasma 5-Hydroxytryptamine Levels

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by increasing pulmonary pressure, right ventricular failure, and death. The typical pathological changes include medial hypertrophy, intimal fibrosis and in situ thrombosis. Serotonin (5-HT) and other factors contribute to the development of pathologic lesions. Aspirin (ASA), a platelet aggregation inhibitor, inhibits 5-HT release from platelets. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of ASA in preventing or attenuating PAH. Sprague–Dawley rats injected with monocrotaline (MCT) developed severe PAH within 31 days. One hundred forty rats were randomized to receive either vehicle or ASA (0.5, 1, 2, or 4 mg/kg/day). The pre-ASA group was treated with ASA (1 mg/kg/day) for 30 days before the MCT injection. Thirty-one days after the injection (day 61 for the pre-ASA group), pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary arteriole thickness were measured. Plasma 5-HT was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Aspirin suppressed PAH and increased the survival rate compared with the control group (84 vs. 60%, P < 0.05). Aspirin treatment also reduced right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary arteriole proliferation in ASA-treated PAH model. In addition, plasma 5-HT was decreased in our ASA-treated PAH model. The degree of 5-HT reduction was associated with systolic PAP, right ventricular hypertrophy and wall thickness of pulmonary arterioles in rats. These results showed that ASA treatment effectively attenuated MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, and occlusion of the pulmonary arteries. The effects of ASA was associated with a reduction of 5-HT.     

A 60-s postconditioning protocol by percutaneous coronary intervention inhibits myocardial apoptosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Different postconditioning (Postcon) methods have been demonstrated to protect heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury. The relationship between Postcon by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and apoptosis is not clear. Our objective was to test whether Postcon by PCI in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) reduces myocardial apoptosis. Seventy-five patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups before stenting. The Routine group (n = 26) received no Postcon intervention prior to the onset of reperfusion; Postcon-30s (n = 25) and Postcon-60s groups (n = 24) underwent three cycles of 30- or 60-s balloon deflation and 30- or 60-s inflation. Additionally, 34 normal controls (NC) were enrolled in the study. Plasma concentrations of soluble Fas/APO-1 ([sFas]) and Fas ligand ([sFasL]) were determined at baseline and 7 days after PCI via ELISA. The [sFas] and [sFasL] in AMI patients were significantly elevated at baseline as compared with NC (P < 0.01), and showed an upward trend in the Routine group, a slightly upward trend in Postcon-30s, and a downward trend in Postcon-60s at 7 days. Comparison among the three groups showed significant differences (P < 0.05, 3.8 vs. 4.6 vs. 5.1 ng ml⁻¹). The [sFasL] in Postcon-60s was significantly decreased at 7 days (P < 0.05, 3.9 vs. 3.1 ng ml⁻¹) compared with baseline, but not Postcon-30s and Routine. More importantly, Postcon-60s group had the lowest [sFasL], followed by Postcon-30s, which had a lower value than Routine at 7 days (P < 0.05, 3.1 vs.3.7 vs. 4.2 ng ml⁻¹). Our results suggest that Postcon-60s was visibly better than Postcon-30s, which in turn was better than Routine for inhibition of the effects of myocardial apoptosis and reduction of reperfusion injury in patients with acute myocardial infarction.     

Therapeutic effect of autologous bone marrow stem cell mobilization combined with anti-infective therapy on moyamoya disease

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to explore the therapeutic effect of autologous bone marrow stem cell (ABMSC) mobilization combined anti-infection therapy on patients with moyamoya disease (MMD), and to provide reference for the clinical treatment of MMD and cerebrovascular disease.Methods54 adult patients with MMD diagnosed in Henan Provincial People’s Hospital from March 2017 to March 2019 were chosen as research objects. All patients were randomly divided into study group (SG) and control group (CG), with 27 patients in each group. Patients in both groups received conventional drug treatment after diagnosis of MMD, and received dura turnover of brain - temporal muscle - superficial temporal artery application surgery during indirect vascular reconstruction. On the basis of surgical treatment, patients in the SG were given ABMSC mobilization combined with low-dose dexamethasone for anti-inflammatory and anti-infection treatment. ABMSCs were mobilized by recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-csF) and recombinant human granulocyte - macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhoM-esF). The therapeutic effects of the patients were evaluated BF, one month after treatment (AF), three months AF, and six months AF. The number of hematopoietic stem cells (HpCs) and inflammatory indicators were compared between the two groups before and 4 weeks AF.ResultsFirstly, the Barthcl index of patients in the two groups showed a gradual increase trend at the 3rd and 6th months AF, and the ascensional range in the research group was higher than that in the CG (P < 0.05). Secondly, at the 3rd and 6th month AF, national institute of heath stroke scale (NIHSS) scores of patients in the CG were lower than those before treatment (BF), and there was an important change in NIHSS scores between the two groups at the same period (P < 0.05). Thirdly, after 1 month of treatment and 3 months of treatment, Chinese stroke scale (CSS) scores of patients in both groups decreased obviously compared with those BF, and the SG was lower than the CG, with statistical changes (P < 0.05). Fourthly, after 4 weeks of treatment, the hematopoietic stem cell counts in both groups were higher than those BF, and the hematopoietic stem cell counts in the SG were obviously higher than those in the CG (P < 0.05). All three inflammatory indicators were improved compared with those BF, and the SG was better than the CG (P < 0.05).ConclusionAutogenous bone marrow stem cell mobilization combined with dexamethasone anti-inflammation and anti-infection treatment after revascularization in patients with MMD can accelerate the recovery of nerve function and promote the formation of new blood vessels. At the same time, it can reduce inflammation and improve patients' quality of life, which is worthy of clinical reference.