bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of etomidate on voltage-dependent potassium currents in rat isolated hippocampal pyramidal neurons
Authors: TAN Hong-yu , SUN Li-na , WANG Xiao-liang , YE Tie-hu 
Published: January 2024

Background
Previous studies demonstrated general anesthetics affect potassium ion channels, which may be one of the mechanisms of general anesthesia. Because the effect of etomidate on potassium channels in rat hippocampus which is involved in memory function has not been studied, we investigated the effects of etomidate on both delayed rectifier potassium current (Ik(dr)) and transient outward potassium current (Ik(a)) in acutely dissociated rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons.

Methods
Single rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons from male Wistar rats of 7-10 days were acutely dissociated by enzymatic digestion and mechanical dispersion according to the methods of Kay and Wong with slight modification. Voltage-clamp recordings were performed in the whole-cell patch clamp configuration. Currents were recorded with a List EPC-10 amplifier and data were stored in a computer using Pulse 8.5. Student's paired two-tail t test was used for data analysis.

Results
At the concentration of 100 μmol/L, etomidate significantly inhibited Ik(dr) by 49.2% at +40 mV when depolarized from -110 mV (P <0.01, n=8), while did not affect Ik(a)
(n=8, P >0.05). The IC50 value of etomidate for blocking Ik(dr) was calculated as 5.4 μmol/L, with a Hill slope of 2.45. At the presence of 10 μmol/L etomidate, the V1/2 of activation curve was shifted from (17.3±1.5) mV to (10.7±2.9) mV (n=8, P<0.05), the V1/2 of inactivation curve was shifted from (-18.3±2.2) mV to (-45.3±9.4) mV (n=8, P <0.05). Etomidate 10 μmol/L shifted both the activation curve and inactivation curve of Ik(dr) to negative potential, but mainly affected the inactivation kinetics.

Conclusions
Etomidate potently inhibited Ik(dr) but not Ik(a) in rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Ik(dr) was inhibited by etomidate in a concentration-dependent manner, while Ik(a) remained unaffected.

Chin Med J 2010;123(6):702-706
Annexin A2 promotes choroidal neovascularization by increasing vascular endothelial growth factor expression in a rat model of argon laser coagulation-induced choroidal neovascularization
Authors: ZHAO Shi-hong , PAN Dong-yan , ZHANG Yuan , WU Jin-hui , LIU Xin , XU Yu 
Published: January 2024

Background
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a common cause of visual loss in the elderly patients with age-related macular degeneration and represents the growth of subretinal new vessels in the macular region. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between annexin A2 (ANXA2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in CNV.

Methods
In a rat model of argon laser coagulation-induced CNV, the mRNA expressions of the annexins and VEGF protein expression in the retina were detected using fluorescent real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The interactions between ANXA2 and VEGF in both a retinal pigment epithelial cell line RPE-J and the rat model of CNV were examined by means of RNA interference, real-time PCR, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and histopathological examinations.

Results
Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) showed that argon laser coagulation of the retina induced stable CNV models in the rats. Two to three weeks after the coagulation, ANXA2 and VEGF expressions in the coagulated area in the retina and choroid increased to the peak level, while the other annexin members (ANXA4, ANXA5, ANXA7 and ANXA11) showed no obvious changes. In RPE-J cells and the CNV model, RNA interference of ANXA2 gene significantly lowered the VEGF protein and mRNA expressions, and application of an adenoviral vector containing ANXA2 gene markedly increased VEGF expressions in the rat model of CNV, but produced no significant effects on the expressions of the kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) or the fms-like tyrosine kinase (Flt-1). The expression of KDR inhibited the increment in ANXA2 expression, but VEGF and Flt-1 did not directly affect ANXA2 expression.

Conclusion
Besides the role as a plasminogen and the receptor of tissue plasminogen activator, ANXA2, which is under regulation of KDR via a negative feedback mechanism, also participates in neovascularization by regulating VEGF expression through a positive feedback mechanism.

Chin Med J 2010;123(6):713-721
Expressions of SE-1, CD31 and CD105 in the vascular endothelial cells and serum of rat with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: WANG Jing-yu , XU Xiao-yuan , JIA Jing-hui , WU Chi-hong , GE Ruo-wen 
Published: January 2024

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. In order to investigate the molecular biologic mechanism of HCC's development, we studied the expressions of SE-1, CD105 and CD31 in tumor endothelial cells (TECs) of HCC and in the serum of rats.

Methods
We analyzed the expressions of SE-1, CD31 and CD105 in rat HCC tumor tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Twenty HCC bearing rats and eighteen normal rats were examined for the expressions of SE-1, CD31 and CD105 antigens in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results
SE-1, CD31 and CD105 antigens were detected both in HCC tissue and in normal liver tissue with higher expressions of CD31 and CD105 in HCC while the SE-1 antigen expression was higher in normal liver. Similarly, serum CD31 and CD105 in rats with HCC were significantly increased compared with normal rats (t=2.8628, P=0.0086; t=4.4922, P <0.0001, respectively). In contrast, SE-1 antigen in HCC rat serum was significantly decreased compared with normal rats (t=3.4983, P=0.0011).

Conclusion
SE-1, CD31 and CD105 are closely related with liver tumor angiogenesis, which is similar to their performances in terms of their expressions in the serum.
Echocardiographic mapping of left ventricular resynchronization during cardiac resynchronization therapy procedures
Authors: CHAN Ngai-yin , CHOY Chi-chung , CHEUNG Kar-chun , LAU Chun-leung , LO Ying-keung , CHU Pui-shan , YUEN Ho-chuen , LAU Suet-ting , CHOI Yuen-choi 
Published: January 2024

Background
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective electrical therapy for patients with moderate to severe heart failure and cardiac dyssynchrony. This study aimed to investigate the degree of acute left ventricular (LV) resynchronization with biventricular pacing (BVP) at different LV sites and to examine the feasibility of performing transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to quantify acute LV resynchronization during CRT procedure.

Methods
Fourteen patients with NYHA Class III-IV heart failure, LV ejection fraction ≤35%, QRS duration ≥120 ms and septal-lateral delay (SLD) ≥60 ms on tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), underwent CRT implant. TDI was obtained from three apical views during BVP at each accessible LV site and SLD during BVP was derived. Synchronicity gain index (Sg) by SLD was defined as (1+(SLD at baseline - SLD at BVP)/SLD at baseline).

Results
Seventy-two sites were studied. Positive resynchronization (R+, Sg>1) was found in 42 (58%) sites. R+ was more likely in posterior or lateral than anterior LV sites (66% vs. 36%, P <0.001). Concordance of empirical LV lead implantation sites and sites with R+ was 50% (7/14).

Conclusions
The degree of acute LV resynchronization by BVP depends on LV lead location and empirical implantation of LV lead results in only 50% concordance with R+. Performing TTE during CRT implantation is feasible to identify LV sites with positive resynchronization.
Early PET/CT after radiofrequency ablation in colorectal cancer liver metastases: is it useful?
Authors: LIU Zhao-yu , CHANG Zhi-hui , LU Zai-ming , GUO Qi-yong 
Published: January 2024

Background
Morphologic imaging after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver metastases is hampered by an inflammatory response in the ablation margin, making the identification of local tumor progression (LTP) difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early 18F-FDG PET/CT scanning to monitor the effectiveness of RFA in colorectal liver metastases.

Methods
Twelve patients with 20 metastases were treated with RFA for colorectal liver metastases. They underwent PET/CT within 2 weeks before RFA and within 24 hours after RFA (so termed “early PET/CT”). PET/CT was repeated at 1, 3, and 6 months, and then every 6 months after ablation. The standard of reference was based on available clinical and radiological follow-up data.

Results
Early PET/CT revealed total photopenia in 16 RFA-treated metastases, which were found to be without residual tumor on the final PET/CT scan. Three RFA-treated metastases with focal uptake were identified as local tumor progression, which necessitated further treatment. One RFA-treated metastasis with rim-shaped uptake was regarded as inflammation. The results of the early PET/CT scanning were consistent with the findings of the final follow-up.

Conclusions
PET/CT performed within 24 hours after RFA can effectively detect whether residual tumor exists for colorectal cancer liver metastases. The results can guide further treatment, and may improve the efficacy of RFA.
A small-dose naloxone infusion alleviates nausea and sedation without impacting analgesia via intravenous tramadol
Authors: JIA Dong-lin , NI Cheng , XU Ting , ZHANG Li-ping , GUO Xiang-yang 
Published: January 2024

Background
Early studies showed that naloxone infusion decreases the incidence of morphine-related side effects from intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. This study aimed to determine whether naloxone preserved analgesia while minimizing side effects caused by intravenous tramadol administration.

Methods
Eighty patients undergoing general anesthesia for cervical vertebrae surgery were randomly divided into four groups. All patients received 1 mg/kg tramadol 30 minutes before the end of surgery, followed by a continuous infusion with 0.3 mg-kg-1h-1 tramadol with no naloxone (group I, n=20), 0.05 μg-kg-1-h-1 naloxone (group II, n=20), 0.1 μg-kg-1-h-1 naloxone (group III, n=20) and 0.2 μg-kg-1-h-1 naloxone (group IV, n=20). Visual analog scales (VAS) for pain during rest and cough, nausea five-point scale (NFPS) for nausea and vomiting, and ramsay sedation score (RSS) for sedation were assessed at 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. Analgesia and side effects were evaluated by blinded observers.

Results
Seventy-eight patients were included in this study. The intravenous tramadol administration provided the satisfied analgesia. There was no significant difference in either resting or coughing VAS scores among naloxone groups and control group. Compared with control group, sedation was less in groups II, III, and IV at 6, 12, and 24 hours (P <0.05); nausea was less in groups II, III and IV than group I at 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively (P <0.05). The incidence of vomiting in the control group was 35% vs. 10% for the highest dose naloxone group (group IV) (P <0.01).

Conclusion
A small-dose naloxone infusion could reduce tramadol induced side effects without reversing its analgesic effects.
Inflammatory airway features and hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenal axis function in asthmatic rats combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: CAI Cui , ZHANG Hong-ying , LE Jing-jing , DONG Jing-cheng , CUI Yan , XU Chang-qing , LIU Bao-jun , WU Jin-feng , DUAN Xiao-hong , CAO Yu-xue 
Published: January 2024

Background
Bronchial asthma (BA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both inflammatory airway diseases with different characteristics. However, there are many patients who suffer from both BA and COPD. This study was to evaluate changes of inflammatory airway features and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in asthmatic rats combined with COPD.

Methods
Brown Norway (BN) rats were used to model the inflammatory airway diseases of BA, COPD and COPD+BA. These three models were compared and evaluated with respect to clinical symptoms, pulmonary histopathology, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammatory cytokines and HPA axis function.

Results
The inflammatory airway features and HPA axis function in rats in the COPD+BA model group were greatly influenced. Rats in this model group showed features of the inflammatory diseases BA and COPD. The expression of inflammatory cytokines in this model group might be up or downregulated when both disease processes are present. The levels of corticotrophin releasing hormone mRNA and corticosterone in this model group were both significantly decreased than those in the control group (P <0.05).

Conclusions
BN rat can be used as an animal model of COPD+BA. By evaluating this animal model we found that the features of inflammation in rats in this model group seem to be exaggerated. The HPA axis functions in rats in this model group have been disturbed or impaired, which is prominent at the hypothalamic level.
Effects of buried penis on the structure and function of corpus cavernosum in a rat model
Authors: CHENG Fan , YU Wei-min , XIA Yue , ZHANG Xiao-bin , YANG Si-xing , GE Ming-huan 
Published: January 2024

Background
While the abnormal appearance of the concealed penis has been well recognized, the effect of buried penis on the structure and function of corpus cavernosum has not been well studied. To explore this issue, we established a rat model and evaluated the effect of buried penis on cavernosum weight, contents and ultrastructure of tissue, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity.

Methods
Two hundred and ten rats were randomly divided into 3 equal cohorts for 2, 4 and 6 months study (groups A, B and C). Each group was randomly divided into buried group (n=40), control group (n=15), and normal group (n=15), respectively. Intra-purse-string suture of the root of the penis was used to establish the model. Macroscopic development was judged by measuring the weight of the corpus cavernosum. Masson's trichrome staining was performed for observing microstructure while a transmission electron microscope was used for observing ultrastructure. The NOS activity was detected by a NOS activity assay kit.

Results
Buried penis had no significant influence on the appearance and weight of the corpus cavernosum. Buried penis resulted in decreased smooth muscle content (P >0.05 in group A, and P <0.05 in groups B and C) and increased fibrous connective tissue content (P >0.05 in groups A and B, and P <0.05 in group C) compared with the normal and control groups. Ultrastructural abnormalities of corpus cavernosum were observed in the 6-month buried group. Moreover, there was decrease of NOS activity in groups B and C (P <0.05 in group B and P <0.01 in group C) when compared with the normal and control groups.

Conclusion
Buried penis affects the structure and function of corpus cavernosum in rats and the effect is positively correlated with the buried time, but there is no significant effect on the macroscopic development.

Chin Med J 2010;123(13):1736–1740
Blood hibernation: a novel strategy to inhibit systemic inflammation and coagulation induced by cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: ZHOU Jing , WU Xiao-dong , LIN Ke , Raphael Lui C. , AN Qi , TAO Kai-yu , DU Lei , LIU Jin 
Published: January 2024

Background
Inflammation and coagulation are two intimately cross-linked defense mechanisms of most, if not all organisms to injuries. During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), these two processes are activated and interact with each other through several common pathways, which may result in subsequent organ dysfunction. In the present study, we hypothesized that the addition of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), and aprotinin to the systemic circulation, hereby referred to as blood hibernation, would attenuate the inflammation and coagulation induced by CPB.

Methods
Thirty adult mongrel dogs were equally divided into five groups, anesthetized and placed on hypothermic CPB (32°C). Each group received respectively the following treatments: (1) inhalation of 40 ppm nitric oxide; (2) intravenous infusion of 20 ng·kg-1·min-1 of PGE1; (3) 80 000 kallikrein inhibitor units (KIU)/kg of aprotinin; (4) the combination of all three agents (blood hibernation group); and (5) no treatment (control group) during CPB. Activation of leukocyte, platelet, endothelial cell, and formation of thrombin were assessed after CPB.

Results
As compared with the other four groups, leukocyte counts were higher, while plasma elastase, interleukin-8, CD11b mRNA expression, myeloperoxidase activities and lung tissue leukocyte counts were lower in the blood hibernation group (P <0.05 versus other four groups after CPB). Plasma prothrombin fragment (PTF)1+2, and platelet activation factors were lower, while platelet counts were higher in the blood hibernation group (P <0.05 versus other four groups at 6 and 12 hours after CPB). Electron microscopy showed endothelial pseudopods protrusion, with cell adherence in all four groups except the blood hibernation group where endothelial cells remained intact.

Conclusion
Blood hibernation, effected by the addition of nitric oxide, PGE1 and aprotinin to the circulating blood during extra-corporeal circulation, was observed to attenuate the inflammation and coagulation induced by cardiopulmonary bypass, most likely by inhibiting the important common intermediates between the two cross-linked processes.

Chin Med J 2010;123(13):1741–1747
Calcitonin gene-related peptide induces proliferation and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression via extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation in rat osteoblasts
Authors: HAN Na , ZHANG Dian-ying , WANG Tian-bing , ZHANG Pei-xun , JIANG Bao-guo 
Published: January 2024

Background
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a sensory neuropeptide, affects osteoblast proliferation and bone formation. However, the mechanisms are not fully understood. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a chemokine that stimulates the migration of monocytes and plays important roles in regulating bone remolding during fracture repair. In this study, we investigated the effects of CGRP on proliferation and MCP-1 expression in cultured rat osteoblasts.

Methods
Primary rat osteoblasts were isolated from fetal rats calvariae. Cells were exposed to gradient concentrations (10-9 to 10-7 mol/L) of CGRP. Protein and mRNA levels of MCP-1 were quantified by Western blotting and semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The protein level of MCP-1 was investigated and compared in cell culture media by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) expression was detected by Western blotting. Cell proliferative activity was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and BrdU assay. The effects of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK)-inhibitor U0126 on CGRP-induced MCP-1 expression in primary rat osteoblasts were examined.

Results
CGRP effectively enhanced primary rat osteoblast proliferation and led to significant increases in the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein in time- and dose-dependent manners. CGRP activated the ERK pathway. Pretreatment of cultured rat osteoblasts with MEK inhibitor U0126 resulted in dose-dependent inhibitions of CGRP-induced MCP-1 mRNA and protein levels. Thus, CGRP promoted cell proliferation and stimulated MCP-1 expression in cultured rat osteoblasts.

Conclusion
These studies document novel links between CGRP and MCP-1 and illuminate the effects of CGRP in regulating bone remodeling.

Chin Med J 2010;123(13):1748–1753
Safety and efficacy of transulnar approach for coronary angiography and intervention
Authors: LI Yun-zhi , ZHOU Yu-jie , ZHAO Ying-xin , GUO Yong-he , LIU Yu-yang , SHI Dong-mei , WANG Zhi-jian , JIA De-an , YANG Shi-wei , NIE Bin , HAN Hong-ya , HU Bin 
Published: January 2024

Background
Transradial approach, which is now widely used in coronary angiography and intervention, may be advantageous with respect to the femoral access due to the lower incidence of vascular complications. Transulnar approach has been proposed for elective procedures in patients not suitable for transradial approach. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the transulnar approach versus the transradial approach for coronary angiography and intervention.

Methods
Two hundred and forty patients undergoing coronary angiography, followed or not by intervention, were randomized to transulnar (TUA) or transradial approach (TRA). Doppler ultrasound assessments of the forearm vessels were scheduled for all patients before procedures, 1 day and 30 days after procedures. The primary end point was access site vascular complications during hospitalization and 30 days follow-up. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) as secondary end point was recorded till 30 days follow-up.

Results
Successful puncture was achieved in 98.3% (118/120) of patients in the TUA group, and in 100% (120/120) of patients in the TRA group. Coronary angiographies were performed in 40 and 39 patients in TUA and TRA group. Intervention procedures were performed in 78 and 83 patients in TUA and TRA group, respectively. The incidence of artery stenosis 1 day and 30 days after procedures was 11.0% vs.12.3% and 5.1% vs. 6.6% in TUA and TRA group, respectively. Asymptomatic access site artery occlusion occurred in 5.1% vs.1.7% of patients 1 day and 30 days after transulnar angioplasty, and in 6.6% vs. 4.9% of patients 1 day and 30 days after transradial angioplasty. Minor bleeding was still observed at the moment of the ultrasound assessment in 5.9% and 5.7% of patients in TUA and TRA group, respectively (P=0.949). No big forearm hematoma, and A-V fistula were observed in both groups. Freedom from MACE at 30 days follow-up was observed in all patients.

Conclusions
The transulnar approach is as safe and effective as the transradial approach for coronary angiography and intervention. It is an attractive opinion for experienced operators who are skilled in this technique, particularly in cases of anatomic variations of the radial artery, radial artery small-caliber or thin radial pulse.

Chin Med J 2010;123(13):1774–1779