BACKGROUND Neuralgic amyotrophy(NA)is a rare disease with sudden upper limb pain followed by affected muscle weakness.The most commonly affected area in NA is the upper part of the brachial plexus,and the paraspinal m...BACKGROUND Neuralgic amyotrophy(NA)is a rare disease with sudden upper limb pain followed by affected muscle weakness.The most commonly affected area in NA is the upper part of the brachial plexus,and the paraspinal muscles are rarely affected(1.5%),making these cases difficult to distinguish from cervical radiculopathy.CASE SUMMARY A 76-year-old male presented to the emergency department with left hip pain post-fall.After undergoing left femoral neck fracture surgery,he experienced sudden left shoulder pain for 10 days with subsequent left arm weakness.Cervical spine computed tomography revealed mild right asymmetric intervertebral disc bulging with a decreased C5-6disc space.Three weeks later,an electrodiagnostic study confirmed brachial plexopathy findings involving the cervical root.Magnetic resonance neurography was performed for a differential diagnosis.Contrast enhancement was identified at the upper trunk of the brachial plexus,including the C5 nerve root.A suprascapular nerve hourglass-like focal constriction(HLFC)was also identified,confirming NA.After being diagnosed with NA,the patient received 15 mg prednisolone,twice daily,for 3 weeks.Physical therapy was initiated,including left arm strengthening exercises and electrical stimulation therapy.Left shoulder muscle strength significantly improved one CONCLUSION NA's unique features like HLFC and paraspinal involvement are crucial for accurate diagnosis,avoiding confusion with cervical radiculopathy.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hourglass-like constriction neuropathy is a rare neurological disorder.The main clinical manifestation is peripheral nerve injury with no apparent cause,and the pathomorphological change is an unexplained n...BACKGROUND Hourglass-like constriction neuropathy is a rare neurological disorder.The main clinical manifestation is peripheral nerve injury with no apparent cause,and the pathomorphological change is an unexplained narrowing of the diseased nerve.The diagnosis and treatment of the disease are challenging and there is no accepted diagnostic or therapeutic approach.CASE SUMMARY This report describes a rare hourglass constriction of the anterior interosseous nerve in the left forearm in a 47-year-old healthy male who was treated surgically and gradually recovered function over a 6-mo follow-up period.CONCLUSION Hourglass-like constriction neuropathy is a rare disorder.With the development of medical technology,more examinations are now available for diagnosis.This case aims to highlight the rare manifestations of Hourglass-like constriction neuropathy and provides a reference for enriching the clinical diagnosis and treatment experience.展开更多
Transmembrane member 16 A(TMEM16 A) is involved in many physiological functions, such as epithelial secretion, sensory conduction, nociception, control of neuronal excitability, and regulation of smooth muscle contrac...Transmembrane member 16 A(TMEM16 A) is involved in many physiological functions, such as epithelial secretion, sensory conduction, nociception, control of neuronal excitability, and regulation of smooth muscle contraction, and may be important in peripheral pain transmission. To explore the role of TMEM16 A in the persistent hyperalgesia that results from chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain, a rat model of the condition was established by ligating the left sciatic nerve. A TMEM16 A selective antagonist(10 μg T16 Ainh-A01) was intrathecally injected at L5–6. For measurement of thermal hyperalgesia, the drug was administered once at 14 days and thermal withdrawal latency was recorded with an analgesia meter. For measurement of other indexes, the drug was administered at 12 days,once every 6 hours, totally five times. The measurements were performed at 14 days. Western blot assay was conducted to analyze TMEM16 A expression in the L4–6 dorsal root ganglion. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the immunoreactivity of TMEM16 A in the L4–6 dorsal root ganglion on the injured side. Patch clamp was used to detect electrophysiological changes in the neurons in the L4–6 dorsal root ganglion. Our results demonstrated that thermal withdrawal latency was shortened in the model rats compared with control rats.Additionally, TMEM16 A expression and the number of TMEM16 A positive cells in the L4–6 dorsal root ganglion were higher in the model rats, which induced excitation of the neurons in the L4–6 dorsal root ganglion. These findings were inhibited by T16 Ainh-A01 and confirm that TMEM16 A plays a key role in persistent chronic constriction injury-induced hyperalgesia. Thus, inhibiting TMEM16 A might be a novel pharmacological intervention for neuropathic pain. All experimental protocols were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University School of Medicine, China(approval No. A2017-170-01) on February 27, 2017.展开更多
Summary： mRNAs of alpha-adrenoceptor （α-AR） subtypes are found in neurons in dorsal root ganglion （DRG） and change after peripheral nerve injury. In this study, the distribution of α-AR subtype proteins was stu...Summary： mRNAs of alpha-adrenoceptor （α-AR） subtypes are found in neurons in dorsal root ganglion （DRG） and change after peripheral nerve injury. In this study, the distribution of α-AR subtype proteins was studied in L5 DRG of normal rats and rats with chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve （CCI）. Using immunofluorescence technique, it was found that α1A-, α1B-, and α2A-AR proteins were expressed in large, medium, and small size neurons in normal DRG, and significantly increased in all size neurons 14 days after CCI. α1D- and α2C-AR was also expressed in all size neurons in normal DRG. However, α1D-AR was significantly increased and α2C-AR was decreased in small size neurons 14 days post CCI. α2B-AR neurons were not detectable in normal and CCI DRG. Co-expression of α1A- and α2A-AR in the same neuron was observed in normal DRG and increased post CCI. Collectively, these results indicated that there is distinct distribution of α-AR subtypes in DRG neurons, and the distribution and levels of expression of α-AR subtypes change differently after CCI. The up-regulation of α-AR subtypes in DRG neurons may play an important role in the process of generating and transmitting neuropathic pain.展开更多
Based on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model of vacuum arc, the computer simulation of vacuum arc was carried out in this paper. In the MHD model, mass conservation equation, momentum conservation equations, energy conser...Based on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model of vacuum arc, the computer simulation of vacuum arc was carried out in this paper. In the MHD model, mass conservation equation, momentum conservation equations, energy conservation equations, generalized ohm's law and Maxwell equation were considered. MHD equations were calculated by numerical method, and the distribution of vacuum arc plasma parameters and current density were obtained. Simulation results showed that the magnetic constriction effect of vacuum arc is primarily caused by the Hall effect. In addition, the inhibition of axial magnetic field (AMF) on constriction of vacuum arc was calculated and analyzed.展开更多
Sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) are associated with the transmission of peripheral pain.We investigated whether the increase of NKCC1 and KCC2 is associa...Sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) are associated with the transmission of peripheral pain.We investigated whether the increase of NKCC1 and KCC2 is associated with peripheral pain transmission in dorsal root ganglion neurons.To this aim,rats with persistent hyperalgesia were randomly divided into four groups.Rats in the control group received no treatment,and the rat sciatic nerve was only exposed in the sham group.Rats in the chronic constriction injury group were established into chronic constriction injury models by ligating sciatic nerve and rats were given bumetanide,an inhibitor of NKCC1,based on chronic constriction injury modeling in the chronic constriction injury + bumetanide group.In the experiment measuring thermal withdrawal latency,bumetanide (15 mg/kg) was intravenously administered.In the patch clamp experiment,bumetanide (10 μg/μL) and acutely isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons (on day 14) were incubated for 1 hour,or bumetanide (5 μg/μL) was intrathecally injected.The Hargreaves test was conducted to detect changes in thermal hyperalgesia in rats.We found that the thermal withdrawal latency of rats was significantly decreased on days 7,14,and 21 after model establishment.After intravenous injection of bumetanide,the reduction in thermal retraction latency caused by model establishment was significantly inhibited.Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay results revealed that the immune response and protein expression of NKCC1 in dorsal root ganglion neurons of the chronic constriction injury group increased significantly on days 7,14,and 21 after model establishment.No immune response or protein expression of KCC2 was observed in dorsal root ganglion neurons before and after model establishment.The Cl^– (chloride ion) fluorescent probe technique was used to evaluate the change of Cl^– concentration in dorsal root ganglion neurons of chronic constriction injury model rats.We found that the relative optical density of N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-6-methoxyquinolinium bromide (a Cl^– fluorescent probe whose fluorescence Cenintensity decreases as Cl– concentration increases) in the dorsal root ganglion neurons of the chronic constriction injury group was significantly decreased on days 7 and 14 after model establishment.The whole-cell patch clamp technique revealed that the resting potential and action potential frequency of dorsal root ganglion neurons increased,and the threshold and rheobase of action potentials decreased in the chronic constriction injury group on day 14 after model establishment.After bumetanide administration,the above indicators were significantly suppressed.These results confirm that CCI can induce abnormal overexpression of NKCC1,thereby increasing the Cl^– concentration in dorsal root ganglion neurons;this then enhances the excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons and ultimately promotes hyperalgesia and allodynia.In addition,bumetanide can achieve analgesic effects.All experiments were approved by the Institutional Ethics Review Board at the First Affiliated Hospital,College of Medicine,Shihezi University,China on February 22,2017 (approval No.A2017-169-01).展开更多
The main objective of this investigation is to study the influence of arc constriction current frequency(ACCF)on tensile properties and microstructural evolution of aerospace Alloy 718 sheets(2 mm in thickness)joined ...The main objective of this investigation is to study the influence of arc constriction current frequency(ACCF)on tensile properties and microstructural evolution of aerospace Alloy 718 sheets(2 mm in thickness)joined by constricted arc TIG(CA-TIG)welding process.One variable at a time approach of design of experiments(DOE)was used,in which ACCF was varied from 4 to 20 kHz at an interval of 5 levels while other parameters were kept constant.The joints welded using ACCF of 4 kHz exhibited superior tensile properties extending joint efficiency up to 99.20%.It is attributed to the grain refinement in fusion zone leading to the evolution of finer,discrete Laves phase in interdendritic areas.An increase of ACCF above 12 kHz caused severe grain growth and evolution of coarser Laves phase in fusion zone.Alloy 718 welds showed more obvious tendency for Nb segregation and Laves phase formation at higher levels of ACCF due to the slower cooling rate.The volume fraction of Laves phase was increased by 62.31%at ACCF of 20 kHz compared to that at 4 kHz,thereby reducing the tensile properties of joints.This is mainly due to the stacking of heat input in weld thermal cycles at increased levels of ACCF.展开更多
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the cranial and circumaxillary sutures react differently to maxillary expansion （ME） and alternate maxillary expansions and constrictions （Alt-MEC） in a rat model....The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the cranial and circumaxillary sutures react differently to maxillary expansion （ME） and alternate maxillary expansions and constrictions （Alt-MEC） in a rat model. Twenty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats （6 weeks old） were used and divided into three groups. In ME group （n=9）, an expander was activated for 5 days. In Alt-MEC group （9 animals）, an al- ternate expansion and constriction protocol （5-day expansion and 5-day constriction for one cycle） was conducted for 2.5 cycles （25 days total）. The control group comprised 4 animals with no appliances used, each of two sacrificed on day 5 and day 25 respectively. Midpalatal suture expansion or constriction levels were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by bite-wing X-rays and cast models. Distances between two central incisors and two maxillary first molars were measured on cast models after each activation. Circumaxillary sutures （midpalatal, maxillopalatine, premaxillary, zygomaticotemporal and frontonasal suture） in each group were characterized histologically. Results showed that midpalatal suture was wid- ened and restored after each expansion and constriction. At the end of activation, the widths between both central incisors and first molars in Alt-MEC group were significantly larger than those in ME group （P〈0.05）. Histologically, all five circumaxillary sutures studied were widened in multiple zones in Alt- MEC group. However, only midpalatal suture was expanded with cellular fibrous tissue filling in ME group. Significant osteoclast hyperplasia was observed in all circumaxillary sutures after alternate expan- sions and constrictions, but osteoclast count increase was only observed in midpalatal suture in ME group. These results suggested that cranial and circumaxillary sutures were actively reconstructed after Alt-MEC, while only midpalatal suture had active reaction after ME.展开更多
Summary: To study the mechanism of the innoxious touch-stimulus on the modulation of hyperalgesia and the expression of the C-fos and the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor-TrkA in the spinal dorsal horn neurons follo...Summary: To study the mechanism of the innoxious touch-stimulus on the modulation of hyperalgesia and the expression of the C-fos and the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor-TrkA in the spinal dorsal horn neurons following the chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in rats, 60 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group and CCI group, with each group being further divided into 3 subgroups on the 7th,14th and 28th day after operation (n=10). The mechanical and the thermal withdrawal threshold were assessed following the touch stiumulation after the CCI, immunohistochemical methods were employed to observe the expression of the C-fos and TrkA in spinal dorsal horn. Our results showed that the hyperalgesia appeared on the 4th day and reached the maximal level on the 14th day after operation. The expression of the C-fos also increased significantly and reached its maximal level on the 14th day after the touch-stimulus. Meanwhile, the TrkA expression was elevated significantly in both groups, as compared with basic data, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). It is concluded that the level of the C-fos expression changed with the paw withdrawal threshold variation and increased markedly following the innoxious touch-stimulus. The expression of the TrkA receptors also increased gradually following the development of the neuropathic pain. The results suggest that C-fos may play a crucial role in the development of the hyperalgesia in the earlier-time of the neuropathic pain, but TrkA receptors may be involved in the long-lasting adaptive changes of the central pathway in neuropathic pain.展开更多
Objective： To investigated the apical constriction morphology of maxillary first premolars in the Chinese population. Methods： Eighty recently extracted human maxillary first premolars from a native Chinese populati...Objective： To investigated the apical constriction morphology of maxillary first premolars in the Chinese population. Methods： Eighty recently extracted human maxillary first premolars from a native Chinese population were used. The number and shape of apical constrictions were recorded under a dental operating microscope （DOM） at 12.5 × 2.5 magnification. After access preparation, a new K-file was inserted into the canal until the tip of the file was just seen at the apical constriction under the DOM. The teeth with files in the canals were X-rayed from a mesiodistal direction using a direct digital radiography （DDR） system, and the distance between the file tip and the center of radiographic apex was directly measured from the computer screen using DDR measurement software. Results： The percentage of teeth with an apical constriction was 78.5% （102/130）. The most common apical constriction shapes were oval （55.9%） and round （35.3%）. The mean distance between the apical constriction and the anatomical tip of the root was 0.61 mm, and 84.3% （86/102） were within 1 mm. Conclusion： The most common shape of an apical constriction was oval or round, and the distance to the apex was mostly within 1 mm, indicating that root canal therapy should stop 1 mm from the radiographic apex.展开更多
This study established a dog model of acute multiple cauda equina constriction by experimental constriction injury （48 hours） of the lumbosacral central processes in dorsal root ganglia neurons. The repair effect of...This study established a dog model of acute multiple cauda equina constriction by experimental constriction injury （48 hours） of the lumbosacral central processes in dorsal root ganglia neurons. The repair effect of intrathecal injection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor with 15 mg encapsulated biodegradable poly（lactide-co-glycolide） nanoparticles on this injury was then analyzed. Dorsal root ganglion cells （LT） of all experimental dogs were analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry at 1,2 and 4 weeks following model induction. Intrathecal injection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor can relieve degeneration and inflammation, and elevate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in sensory neurons of compressed dorsal root ganglion Simultaneously, intrathecal injection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor obviously improved neurological function in the dog model of acute multiple cauda equina constriction. Results verified that sustained intraspinal delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor encapsulated in biodegradable nanoparticles promoted the repair of histomorphology and function of neurons within the dorsal root ganglia in dogs with acute and severe cauda equina syndrome.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effect of aloin against chronic constriction injury(CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in rats.Methods:Rats were randomly divided into 7 groups:GroupⅠ(normal control),GroupⅡ(sham-operated),Gr...Objective:To investigate the effect of aloin against chronic constriction injury(CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in rats.Methods:Rats were randomly divided into 7 groups:GroupⅠ(normal control),GroupⅡ(sham-operated),GroupⅢ(CCI control)and GroupⅣ,Ⅴ,Ⅵ,andⅦ,which underwent CCI surgery and then were administered with aloin(5 mg/kg,p.o.;25 mg/kg,p.o.;125 mg/kg,p.o.)and gabapentin(50 mg/kg,p.o.),respectively for 14 days.Peripheral neuropathy was induced by silk ligatures(4-0)loosely placed around the sciatic nerve.Nociceptive thresholds against mechanical stimuli(Von-Frey filaments)and thermal stimuli(12℃and 40℃)were measured at midplantar paw region ipsilateral to the compressed nerve on day-3,7,11,and 14.The concentration of cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6,and interleukin-1βwas estimated at day-7.At day 14,motor nerve conduction velocity was determined under urethane anesthesia(1.25 g/kg).Oxidative stress parameters(malondiadehyde,glutathione,catalase,and superoxide dismutase)were estimated in sciatic nerve homogenates at day 14.Representative nerve samples were processed for histological investigations.Results:Aloin significantly reduced CCI-induced mechanical and thermal allodynia.It also improved motor nerve conduction velocity and decreased oxidative stress in nerve tissues.In addition,it decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and restored the histoarchitecture of compressed sciatic nerve.Conclusions:Aloin mitigates CCI-induced neuropathic pain in rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the afflicted sciatic nerve.展开更多
Using hybrid perturbatin_Galerkin technique,a crcular cross_section tube model with sinusoidal wall is studied.This technique can remove the limitation of small parameters for perturbation and the difficulty of select...Using hybrid perturbatin_Galerkin technique,a crcular cross_section tube model with sinusoidal wall is studied.This technique can remove the limitation of small parameters for perturbation and the difficulty of selecting good coordinate functions about Galerkin technique.The effects caused by the boundary conditions and the Reynolds number on the flow were discussed.The position of the separate and reattachment points was obtained.The tendency of the variation about the shear stress on the wall and friction factor along the axis direction were also analyzed.The results at a small parameter have good agreements with the perturbation ones.展开更多
Effect of the axial magnetic field （AMF） on resisting the constriction of a highcurrent vacuum arc is studied in this paper. Two typical AMF distributions were investigated, i.e., the traditional bell-shaped AMF, an...Effect of the axial magnetic field （AMF） on resisting the constriction of a highcurrent vacuum arc is studied in this paper. Two typical AMF distributions were investigated, i.e., the traditional bell-shaped AMF, and the saddle-shaped AMF. Experiments were conducted in a detachable vacuum chamber with arms arc current in the range of 10 kA to 25 kA. The arc column was photographed by a high-speed digital camera with an exposure time of 2 microseconds. The constriction of the vacuum arc was compared by processing the images of the arc column under the two different field configurations and numerically determining the dimensions of the arc column near the electrodes. It was also confirmed that the AMF distribution had a significant influence on its effectiveness in resisting arc constriction. of the arc is more influential than that at the Furthermore, the AMF strength near the periphery centre of the electrodes in resisting arc constriction.展开更多
Background: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is common in adults. A need exists for an easier and faster objective clinical measures of EDS. The autonomic nervous system controls pupil size and prior pupillometry st...Background: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is common in adults. A need exists for an easier and faster objective clinical measures of EDS. The autonomic nervous system controls pupil size and prior pupillometry studies have demonstrated associations with sleepiness. We used a novel portable device to assess pupillometry and prospectively evaluated a sleep clinic cohort. Methods: Following IRB approval Pupillometry (The ForSiteTM, NeurOptics, Irvine, CA), was performed on 113 sleep clinic patients. Constriction and dilation velocity and latencies, minimum and maximum aperture were obtained along with Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS), 10 point Visual Analog Scale (VAS), BMI, gender, age and AHI. Three sets of measures were obtained and analyzed with ANOVA, t-test, Linear Regression and Pearson correlation coefficients (SAS, Cary, NC). Results: Both constriction velocity and latency correlated with VAS (n = 88, r = 0.28, p = 0.007 and r = 0.31, p = 0.004). Only constriction velocity correlated with AHI (n = 78, r = -0.27, p = 0.016). Multivariate linear regression which includes VAS and age predicted constriction velocity (r = 0.36, p = 0.002) and latency (r = 0.38, p = 0.001). Using Pearson correlation, AHI and VAS combined were associated with constriction velocity (-0.273 (0.016), and 0.284 (0.007), respectively). Using a maximum constriction velocity threshold value (age adjusted) of 2.8, VAS ≥ 6 was predicted with a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 84%. Conclusions: Pupillary constriction velocity and latency predict self-reported VAS state of sleepiness. While both are affected by age, only constriction velocity is affected by apnea severity. These data suggest that a portable pupillometer may provide a method to identify individuals with abnormal sleepiness.展开更多
Objective:To study the recovery effect of neuregulin (Nrg-1) on the sciatic nerve constriction injury as well as the expression of Nrg-1 downstream signaling molecules in sciatic nerve tissue.Methods: SD rats were sel...Objective:To study the recovery effect of neuregulin (Nrg-1) on the sciatic nerve constriction injury as well as the expression of Nrg-1 downstream signaling molecules in sciatic nerve tissue.Methods: SD rats were selected as the experimental animals and divided into sham operation + saline intervention group (group A), sciatic nerve constriction model + saline intervention group (group B) and sciatic nerve constriction model + Nrg-1 intervention group (group C). 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after intervention, the sciatic nerve function parameters were detected;8 weeks after intervention, the levels of fibrosis molecules and Nrg-1 downstream molecules in sciatic nerve tissue were determined.Results: 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after intervention, sciatic nerve MCV and CMAP amplitudes of group B were significantly lower than those of group A, and the sciatic nerve MCV and CMAP amplitudes of group C were significantly higher than those of group B;8 weeks after intervention, CTGF, Col-I, Col-III, MMP2, MMP9 and PTEN levels in sciatic nerve tissue of group B were significantly higher than those of group A while ErbB, Akt and PI3K levels were significantly lower than those of group A;CTGF, Col-I, Col-III, MMP2, MMP9 and PTEN levels in sciatic nerve tissue of group C were significantly lower than those of group B while ErbB, Akt and PI3K levels were significantly higher than those of group B.Conclusion: Neuregulin can activate the PI3K/Akt to exert the recovery effect on sciatic nerve constriction injury.展开更多
To evaluate the effect of endovascular stenting combined with external constriction valvuloplasty of superficial femoral vein for the treatment of Cockett syndrome.Methods Forty-two cases of Cockett syndrome with femo...To evaluate the effect of endovascular stenting combined with external constriction valvuloplasty of superficial femoral vein for the treatment of Cockett syndrome.Methods Forty-two cases of Cockett syndrome with femoral veins reflux were treated with iliac vein stent implantation or venoplasy,and superficial femoral veins were constricted with ePTFE graft patch at the level of the first valves.Results All the iliac veins were patent after stent implantation.A follow-up of 8 to 45 months revealed that limb swelling disappeared in 38 cases with no varicose.Slight limb swelling was left over in 3 cases.Stent thrombosis,developed in one case two months later,subsided by a successful thrombolysis.Conclusion The procedure is mini-invasive,safe and effective for the treatment of Cockett syndrome.6 refs,1 fig.展开更多
BACKGROUND Endoscopic management is the first-line therapy for post-liver-transplant anas-tomotic strictures.Although the optimal duration of treatment with plastic stents has been reported to be 8-12 months,data on s...BACKGROUND Endoscopic management is the first-line therapy for post-liver-transplant anas-tomotic strictures.Although the optimal duration of treatment with plastic stents has been reported to be 8-12 months,data on safety and duration for metal stents in this setting is scarce.Due to limited access to endoscopic retrograde cholan-giopancreatography(ERCP)during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in our centre,there was a change in practice towards increased usage and length-of-stay of the Kaffes biliary intraductal self-expanding stent in patients with suitable anatomy.This was mainly due to the theoretical benefit of Kaffes stents allowing for longer indwelling periods compared to the traditional plastic stents.METHODS Adult liver transplant recipients aged 18 years and above who underwent ERCP were retrospectively identified during a 10-year period through a database query.Unplanned admissions post-Kaffes stent insertion were identified manually through electronic and scanned medical records.The main outcome was the incidence of complications when stents were left indwelling for 3 months vs 6 months.Stent efficacy was calculated via rates of stricture recurrence between patients that had stenting courses for≤120 d or>120 d.RESULTS During the study period,a total of 66 ERCPs with Kaffes insertion were performed in 54 patients throughout their stenting course.In 33 ERCPs,the stent was removed or exchanged on a 3-month interval.No pancreatitis,perfor-ations or deaths occurred.Minor post-ERCP complications were similar between the 3-month(abdominal pain and intraductal migration)and 6-month(abdominal pain,septic shower and embedded stent)groups-6.1%vs 9.1%respectively,P=0.40.All strictures resolved at the end of the stenting course,but the stenting course was variable from 3 to 22 months.The recurrence rate for stenting courses lasting for up to 120 d was 71.4%and 21.4%for stenting courses of 121 d or over(P=0.03).There were 28 patients that were treated with a single ERCP with Kaffes,21 with removal after 120 d and 7 within 120 d.There was a significant improvement in stricture recurrence when the Kaffes was removed after 120 d when a single ERCP was used for the entire stenting course(71.0%vs 10.0%,P=0.01).CONCLUSION Utilising a single Kaffes intraductal fully-covered metal stent for at least 4 months is safe and efficacious for the management of post-transplant anastomotic strictures.展开更多
Gastroesophageal reflux disease （GERD） is a common digestive system disease,characterized by series of discomfort symptoms,which are caused by stomach or duodenal contents refluxing to the esophagus.It is now widely...Gastroesophageal reflux disease （GERD） is a common digestive system disease,characterized by series of discomfort symptoms,which are caused by stomach or duodenal contents refluxing to the esophagus.It is now widely prevalent around the world.Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the incidence of GERD is 10-20% in Western countries and it has also risen to 10.5% in Asian countries in recent years.展开更多
Background:Pulsed radiofrequency(PRF),as a non-invasive treatment of neuropathic pain(NP),has been widely administered clinically.Previous studies have shown that PRF has the potential to improve hyperalgesia in anima...Background:Pulsed radiofrequency(PRF),as a non-invasive treatment of neuropathic pain(NP),has been widely administered clinically.Previous studies have shown that PRF has the potential to improve hyperalgesia in animal models of NP.However,there have been few reports to clarify whether the mechanism of PRF treatment of NP involves intervention in the expression of substance P(SP).Therefore,this study administered PRF treatment to chronic constriction injury(CCI)model rats and observed the sciatic nerve mechanical pain threshold and SP expression in the spinal cord to explore the mechanism of PRF treatment.Methods:A total of 96 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham-surgery-sham-treatment group(S-S group),the sham-surgery-PRF group(S-P group),the CCI-sham-treatment group(C-S group),and the CCI-PRF group(C-P group).The C-S group and the C-P group underwent sciatic nerve CCI,while the other groups received a sham operation.At 14 days after the operation,the C-P group and the S-P group were treated with PRF for 300 s.We recorded the hindpaw withdrawal threshold(HWT)and the thermal withdrawal latency(TWL)of rats in the various groups at baseline,before treatment(0 days),and at 1,7,14,and 28 days after treatment.L4 to L6 spinal cord tissues were taken before treatment(0 days)and 1,7,14,and 28 days after treatment.The transcription and translation of SP were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting,respectively.Results:The HWT and the TWL in the C-P group 28 days after PRF treatment were significantly higher than those in the C-S group(95%confidence interval[CI]:5.84–19.50,P<0.01;95%CI:2.58–8.69,P=0.01).The expression of SP in the C-P group 28 days after PRF treatment was significantly lower than that in the C-S group(95%CI:1.17–2.48,P<0.01).Conclusions:PRF may alleviate CCI-induced NP by down-regulating the expression of SP in the spinal cord of CCI model rats.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Neuralgic amyotrophy(NA)is a rare disease with sudden upper limb pain followed by affected muscle weakness.The most commonly affected area in NA is the upper part of the brachial plexus,and the paraspinal muscles are rarely affected(1.5%),making these cases difficult to distinguish from cervical radiculopathy.CASE SUMMARY A 76-year-old male presented to the emergency department with left hip pain post-fall.After undergoing left femoral neck fracture surgery,he experienced sudden left shoulder pain for 10 days with subsequent left arm weakness.Cervical spine computed tomography revealed mild right asymmetric intervertebral disc bulging with a decreased C5-6disc space.Three weeks later,an electrodiagnostic study confirmed brachial plexopathy findings involving the cervical root.Magnetic resonance neurography was performed for a differential diagnosis.Contrast enhancement was identified at the upper trunk of the brachial plexus,including the C5 nerve root.A suprascapular nerve hourglass-like focal constriction(HLFC)was also identified,confirming NA.After being diagnosed with NA,the patient received 15 mg prednisolone,twice daily,for 3 weeks.Physical therapy was initiated,including left arm strengthening exercises and electrical stimulation therapy.Left shoulder muscle strength significantly improved one CONCLUSION NA's unique features like HLFC and paraspinal involvement are crucial for accurate diagnosis,avoiding confusion with cervical radiculopathy.
文摘BACKGROUND Hourglass-like constriction neuropathy is a rare neurological disorder.The main clinical manifestation is peripheral nerve injury with no apparent cause,and the pathomorphological change is an unexplained narrowing of the diseased nerve.The diagnosis and treatment of the disease are challenging and there is no accepted diagnostic or therapeutic approach.CASE SUMMARY This report describes a rare hourglass constriction of the anterior interosseous nerve in the left forearm in a 47-year-old healthy male who was treated surgically and gradually recovered function over a 6-mo follow-up period.CONCLUSION Hourglass-like constriction neuropathy is a rare disorder.With the development of medical technology,more examinations are now available for diagnosis.This case aims to highlight the rare manifestations of Hourglass-like constriction neuropathy and provides a reference for enriching the clinical diagnosis and treatment experience.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30160026(to JQS)the High Level Talent Research Project of Shihezi University of China,No.RCSX201705(to YW)
文摘Transmembrane member 16 A(TMEM16 A) is involved in many physiological functions, such as epithelial secretion, sensory conduction, nociception, control of neuronal excitability, and regulation of smooth muscle contraction, and may be important in peripheral pain transmission. To explore the role of TMEM16 A in the persistent hyperalgesia that results from chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain, a rat model of the condition was established by ligating the left sciatic nerve. A TMEM16 A selective antagonist(10 μg T16 Ainh-A01) was intrathecally injected at L5–6. For measurement of thermal hyperalgesia, the drug was administered once at 14 days and thermal withdrawal latency was recorded with an analgesia meter. For measurement of other indexes, the drug was administered at 12 days,once every 6 hours, totally five times. The measurements were performed at 14 days. Western blot assay was conducted to analyze TMEM16 A expression in the L4–6 dorsal root ganglion. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the immunoreactivity of TMEM16 A in the L4–6 dorsal root ganglion on the injured side. Patch clamp was used to detect electrophysiological changes in the neurons in the L4–6 dorsal root ganglion. Our results demonstrated that thermal withdrawal latency was shortened in the model rats compared with control rats.Additionally, TMEM16 A expression and the number of TMEM16 A positive cells in the L4–6 dorsal root ganglion were higher in the model rats, which induced excitation of the neurons in the L4–6 dorsal root ganglion. These findings were inhibited by T16 Ainh-A01 and confirm that TMEM16 A plays a key role in persistent chronic constriction injury-induced hyperalgesia. Thus, inhibiting TMEM16 A might be a novel pharmacological intervention for neuropathic pain. All experimental protocols were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University School of Medicine, China(approval No. A2017-170-01) on February 27, 2017.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30160026)the Youth Science and Technology Innovation Special Foundation of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps,China(No.2010JC33)
文摘Summary： mRNAs of alpha-adrenoceptor （α-AR） subtypes are found in neurons in dorsal root ganglion （DRG） and change after peripheral nerve injury. In this study, the distribution of α-AR subtype proteins was studied in L5 DRG of normal rats and rats with chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve （CCI）. Using immunofluorescence technique, it was found that α1A-, α1B-, and α2A-AR proteins were expressed in large, medium, and small size neurons in normal DRG, and significantly increased in all size neurons 14 days after CCI. α1D- and α2C-AR was also expressed in all size neurons in normal DRG. However, α1D-AR was significantly increased and α2C-AR was decreased in small size neurons 14 days post CCI. α2B-AR neurons were not detectable in normal and CCI DRG. Co-expression of α1A- and α2A-AR in the same neuron was observed in normal DRG and increased post CCI. Collectively, these results indicated that there is distinct distribution of α-AR subtypes in DRG neurons, and the distribution and levels of expression of α-AR subtypes change differently after CCI. The up-regulation of α-AR subtypes in DRG neurons may play an important role in the process of generating and transmitting neuropathic pain.
文摘Based on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model of vacuum arc, the computer simulation of vacuum arc was carried out in this paper. In the MHD model, mass conservation equation, momentum conservation equations, energy conservation equations, generalized ohm's law and Maxwell equation were considered. MHD equations were calculated by numerical method, and the distribution of vacuum arc plasma parameters and current density were obtained. Simulation results showed that the magnetic constriction effect of vacuum arc is primarily caused by the Hall effect. In addition, the inhibition of axial magnetic field (AMF) on constriction of vacuum arc was calculated and analyzed.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30160026(to JQS)the High Level Talent Research Project of Shihezi University of China,No.RCSX201705(to YW)
文摘Sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) are associated with the transmission of peripheral pain.We investigated whether the increase of NKCC1 and KCC2 is associated with peripheral pain transmission in dorsal root ganglion neurons.To this aim,rats with persistent hyperalgesia were randomly divided into four groups.Rats in the control group received no treatment,and the rat sciatic nerve was only exposed in the sham group.Rats in the chronic constriction injury group were established into chronic constriction injury models by ligating sciatic nerve and rats were given bumetanide,an inhibitor of NKCC1,based on chronic constriction injury modeling in the chronic constriction injury + bumetanide group.In the experiment measuring thermal withdrawal latency,bumetanide (15 mg/kg) was intravenously administered.In the patch clamp experiment,bumetanide (10 μg/μL) and acutely isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons (on day 14) were incubated for 1 hour,or bumetanide (5 μg/μL) was intrathecally injected.The Hargreaves test was conducted to detect changes in thermal hyperalgesia in rats.We found that the thermal withdrawal latency of rats was significantly decreased on days 7,14,and 21 after model establishment.After intravenous injection of bumetanide,the reduction in thermal retraction latency caused by model establishment was significantly inhibited.Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay results revealed that the immune response and protein expression of NKCC1 in dorsal root ganglion neurons of the chronic constriction injury group increased significantly on days 7,14,and 21 after model establishment.No immune response or protein expression of KCC2 was observed in dorsal root ganglion neurons before and after model establishment.The Cl^– (chloride ion) fluorescent probe technique was used to evaluate the change of Cl^– concentration in dorsal root ganglion neurons of chronic constriction injury model rats.We found that the relative optical density of N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-6-methoxyquinolinium bromide (a Cl^– fluorescent probe whose fluorescence Cenintensity decreases as Cl– concentration increases) in the dorsal root ganglion neurons of the chronic constriction injury group was significantly decreased on days 7 and 14 after model establishment.The whole-cell patch clamp technique revealed that the resting potential and action potential frequency of dorsal root ganglion neurons increased,and the threshold and rheobase of action potentials decreased in the chronic constriction injury group on day 14 after model establishment.After bumetanide administration,the above indicators were significantly suppressed.These results confirm that CCI can induce abnormal overexpression of NKCC1,thereby increasing the Cl^– concentration in dorsal root ganglion neurons;this then enhances the excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons and ultimately promotes hyperalgesia and allodynia.In addition,bumetanide can achieve analgesic effects.All experiments were approved by the Institutional Ethics Review Board at the First Affiliated Hospital,College of Medicine,Shihezi University,China on February 22,2017 (approval No.A2017-169-01).
基金This work was supported by the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO),Department of Space,India,under ISRO RESPOND scheme(Project No.ISRO/RES/3/728/16-17).
文摘The main objective of this investigation is to study the influence of arc constriction current frequency(ACCF)on tensile properties and microstructural evolution of aerospace Alloy 718 sheets(2 mm in thickness)joined by constricted arc TIG(CA-TIG)welding process.One variable at a time approach of design of experiments(DOE)was used,in which ACCF was varied from 4 to 20 kHz at an interval of 5 levels while other parameters were kept constant.The joints welded using ACCF of 4 kHz exhibited superior tensile properties extending joint efficiency up to 99.20%.It is attributed to the grain refinement in fusion zone leading to the evolution of finer,discrete Laves phase in interdendritic areas.An increase of ACCF above 12 kHz caused severe grain growth and evolution of coarser Laves phase in fusion zone.Alloy 718 welds showed more obvious tendency for Nb segregation and Laves phase formation at higher levels of ACCF due to the slower cooling rate.The volume fraction of Laves phase was increased by 62.31%at ACCF of 20 kHz compared to that at 4 kHz,thereby reducing the tensile properties of joints.This is mainly due to the stacking of heat input in weld thermal cycles at increased levels of ACCF.
基金supported by Peking University School of Stomatology Youth Scientific Research Fund of China(No.PKUSS20120113)
文摘The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the cranial and circumaxillary sutures react differently to maxillary expansion （ME） and alternate maxillary expansions and constrictions （Alt-MEC） in a rat model. Twenty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats （6 weeks old） were used and divided into three groups. In ME group （n=9）, an expander was activated for 5 days. In Alt-MEC group （9 animals）, an al- ternate expansion and constriction protocol （5-day expansion and 5-day constriction for one cycle） was conducted for 2.5 cycles （25 days total）. The control group comprised 4 animals with no appliances used, each of two sacrificed on day 5 and day 25 respectively. Midpalatal suture expansion or constriction levels were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by bite-wing X-rays and cast models. Distances between two central incisors and two maxillary first molars were measured on cast models after each activation. Circumaxillary sutures （midpalatal, maxillopalatine, premaxillary, zygomaticotemporal and frontonasal suture） in each group were characterized histologically. Results showed that midpalatal suture was wid- ened and restored after each expansion and constriction. At the end of activation, the widths between both central incisors and first molars in Alt-MEC group were significantly larger than those in ME group （P〈0.05）. Histologically, all five circumaxillary sutures studied were widened in multiple zones in Alt- MEC group. However, only midpalatal suture was expanded with cellular fibrous tissue filling in ME group. Significant osteoclast hyperplasia was observed in all circumaxillary sutures after alternate expan- sions and constrictions, but osteoclast count increase was only observed in midpalatal suture in ME group. These results suggested that cranial and circumaxillary sutures were actively reconstructed after Alt-MEC, while only midpalatal suture had active reaction after ME.
文摘Summary: To study the mechanism of the innoxious touch-stimulus on the modulation of hyperalgesia and the expression of the C-fos and the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor-TrkA in the spinal dorsal horn neurons following the chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in rats, 60 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group and CCI group, with each group being further divided into 3 subgroups on the 7th,14th and 28th day after operation (n=10). The mechanical and the thermal withdrawal threshold were assessed following the touch stiumulation after the CCI, immunohistochemical methods were employed to observe the expression of the C-fos and TrkA in spinal dorsal horn. Our results showed that the hyperalgesia appeared on the 4th day and reached the maximal level on the 14th day after operation. The expression of the C-fos also increased significantly and reached its maximal level on the 14th day after the touch-stimulus. Meanwhile, the TrkA expression was elevated significantly in both groups, as compared with basic data, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). It is concluded that the level of the C-fos expression changed with the paw withdrawal threshold variation and increased markedly following the innoxious touch-stimulus. The expression of the TrkA receptors also increased gradually following the development of the neuropathic pain. The results suggest that C-fos may play a crucial role in the development of the hyperalgesia in the earlier-time of the neuropathic pain, but TrkA receptors may be involved in the long-lasting adaptive changes of the central pathway in neuropathic pain.
基金supported by Science and Technology Progress Fund of Nanjing Medical University (06NMUM039)
文摘Objective： To investigated the apical constriction morphology of maxillary first premolars in the Chinese population. Methods： Eighty recently extracted human maxillary first premolars from a native Chinese population were used. The number and shape of apical constrictions were recorded under a dental operating microscope （DOM） at 12.5 × 2.5 magnification. After access preparation, a new K-file was inserted into the canal until the tip of the file was just seen at the apical constriction under the DOM. The teeth with files in the canals were X-rayed from a mesiodistal direction using a direct digital radiography （DDR） system, and the distance between the file tip and the center of radiographic apex was directly measured from the computer screen using DDR measurement software. Results： The percentage of teeth with an apical constriction was 78.5% （102/130）. The most common apical constriction shapes were oval （55.9%） and round （35.3%）. The mean distance between the apical constriction and the anatomical tip of the root was 0.61 mm, and 84.3% （86/102） were within 1 mm. Conclusion： The most common shape of an apical constriction was oval or round, and the distance to the apex was mostly within 1 mm, indicating that root canal therapy should stop 1 mm from the radiographic apex.
基金supported by grants from the Medical Scientific Fund and Intensive Research of Nanjing Military Area Command of Chinese PLA, No.Nan2007-13 and Nan 08Z003the Medical Scientific Fund and Research of Chinese PLA during the 12th Five-Year Plan Period,No.CWS11J260
文摘This study established a dog model of acute multiple cauda equina constriction by experimental constriction injury （48 hours） of the lumbosacral central processes in dorsal root ganglia neurons. The repair effect of intrathecal injection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor with 15 mg encapsulated biodegradable poly（lactide-co-glycolide） nanoparticles on this injury was then analyzed. Dorsal root ganglion cells （LT） of all experimental dogs were analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry at 1,2 and 4 weeks following model induction. Intrathecal injection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor can relieve degeneration and inflammation, and elevate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in sensory neurons of compressed dorsal root ganglion Simultaneously, intrathecal injection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor obviously improved neurological function in the dog model of acute multiple cauda equina constriction. Results verified that sustained intraspinal delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor encapsulated in biodegradable nanoparticles promoted the repair of histomorphology and function of neurons within the dorsal root ganglia in dogs with acute and severe cauda equina syndrome.
文摘Objective:To investigate the effect of aloin against chronic constriction injury(CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in rats.Methods:Rats were randomly divided into 7 groups:GroupⅠ(normal control),GroupⅡ(sham-operated),GroupⅢ(CCI control)and GroupⅣ,Ⅴ,Ⅵ,andⅦ,which underwent CCI surgery and then were administered with aloin(5 mg/kg,p.o.;25 mg/kg,p.o.;125 mg/kg,p.o.)and gabapentin(50 mg/kg,p.o.),respectively for 14 days.Peripheral neuropathy was induced by silk ligatures(4-0)loosely placed around the sciatic nerve.Nociceptive thresholds against mechanical stimuli(Von-Frey filaments)and thermal stimuli(12℃and 40℃)were measured at midplantar paw region ipsilateral to the compressed nerve on day-3,7,11,and 14.The concentration of cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6,and interleukin-1βwas estimated at day-7.At day 14,motor nerve conduction velocity was determined under urethane anesthesia(1.25 g/kg).Oxidative stress parameters(malondiadehyde,glutathione,catalase,and superoxide dismutase)were estimated in sciatic nerve homogenates at day 14.Representative nerve samples were processed for histological investigations.Results:Aloin significantly reduced CCI-induced mechanical and thermal allodynia.It also improved motor nerve conduction velocity and decreased oxidative stress in nerve tissues.In addition,it decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and restored the histoarchitecture of compressed sciatic nerve.Conclusions:Aloin mitigates CCI-induced neuropathic pain in rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the afflicted sciatic nerve.
文摘Using hybrid perturbatin_Galerkin technique,a crcular cross_section tube model with sinusoidal wall is studied.This technique can remove the limitation of small parameters for perturbation and the difficulty of selecting good coordinate functions about Galerkin technique.The effects caused by the boundary conditions and the Reynolds number on the flow were discussed.The position of the separate and reattachment points was obtained.The tendency of the variation about the shear stress on the wall and friction factor along the axis direction were also analyzed.The results at a small parameter have good agreements with the perturbation ones.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.50707022)Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University of China (No.NCET-06-0830)
文摘Effect of the axial magnetic field （AMF） on resisting the constriction of a highcurrent vacuum arc is studied in this paper. Two typical AMF distributions were investigated, i.e., the traditional bell-shaped AMF, and the saddle-shaped AMF. Experiments were conducted in a detachable vacuum chamber with arms arc current in the range of 10 kA to 25 kA. The arc column was photographed by a high-speed digital camera with an exposure time of 2 microseconds. The constriction of the vacuum arc was compared by processing the images of the arc column under the two different field configurations and numerically determining the dimensions of the arc column near the electrodes. It was also confirmed that the AMF distribution had a significant influence on its effectiveness in resisting arc constriction. of the arc is more influential than that at the Furthermore, the AMF strength near the periphery centre of the electrodes in resisting arc constriction.
文摘Background: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is common in adults. A need exists for an easier and faster objective clinical measures of EDS. The autonomic nervous system controls pupil size and prior pupillometry studies have demonstrated associations with sleepiness. We used a novel portable device to assess pupillometry and prospectively evaluated a sleep clinic cohort. Methods: Following IRB approval Pupillometry (The ForSiteTM, NeurOptics, Irvine, CA), was performed on 113 sleep clinic patients. Constriction and dilation velocity and latencies, minimum and maximum aperture were obtained along with Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS), 10 point Visual Analog Scale (VAS), BMI, gender, age and AHI. Three sets of measures were obtained and analyzed with ANOVA, t-test, Linear Regression and Pearson correlation coefficients (SAS, Cary, NC). Results: Both constriction velocity and latency correlated with VAS (n = 88, r = 0.28, p = 0.007 and r = 0.31, p = 0.004). Only constriction velocity correlated with AHI (n = 78, r = -0.27, p = 0.016). Multivariate linear regression which includes VAS and age predicted constriction velocity (r = 0.36, p = 0.002) and latency (r = 0.38, p = 0.001). Using Pearson correlation, AHI and VAS combined were associated with constriction velocity (-0.273 (0.016), and 0.284 (0.007), respectively). Using a maximum constriction velocity threshold value (age adjusted) of 2.8, VAS ≥ 6 was predicted with a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 84%. Conclusions: Pupillary constriction velocity and latency predict self-reported VAS state of sleepiness. While both are affected by age, only constriction velocity is affected by apnea severity. These data suggest that a portable pupillometer may provide a method to identify individuals with abnormal sleepiness.
文摘Objective:To study the recovery effect of neuregulin (Nrg-1) on the sciatic nerve constriction injury as well as the expression of Nrg-1 downstream signaling molecules in sciatic nerve tissue.Methods: SD rats were selected as the experimental animals and divided into sham operation + saline intervention group (group A), sciatic nerve constriction model + saline intervention group (group B) and sciatic nerve constriction model + Nrg-1 intervention group (group C). 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after intervention, the sciatic nerve function parameters were detected;8 weeks after intervention, the levels of fibrosis molecules and Nrg-1 downstream molecules in sciatic nerve tissue were determined.Results: 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after intervention, sciatic nerve MCV and CMAP amplitudes of group B were significantly lower than those of group A, and the sciatic nerve MCV and CMAP amplitudes of group C were significantly higher than those of group B;8 weeks after intervention, CTGF, Col-I, Col-III, MMP2, MMP9 and PTEN levels in sciatic nerve tissue of group B were significantly higher than those of group A while ErbB, Akt and PI3K levels were significantly lower than those of group A;CTGF, Col-I, Col-III, MMP2, MMP9 and PTEN levels in sciatic nerve tissue of group C were significantly lower than those of group B while ErbB, Akt and PI3K levels were significantly higher than those of group B.Conclusion: Neuregulin can activate the PI3K/Akt to exert the recovery effect on sciatic nerve constriction injury.
文摘To evaluate the effect of endovascular stenting combined with external constriction valvuloplasty of superficial femoral vein for the treatment of Cockett syndrome.Methods Forty-two cases of Cockett syndrome with femoral veins reflux were treated with iliac vein stent implantation or venoplasy,and superficial femoral veins were constricted with ePTFE graft patch at the level of the first valves.Results All the iliac veins were patent after stent implantation.A follow-up of 8 to 45 months revealed that limb swelling disappeared in 38 cases with no varicose.Slight limb swelling was left over in 3 cases.Stent thrombosis,developed in one case two months later,subsided by a successful thrombolysis.Conclusion The procedure is mini-invasive,safe and effective for the treatment of Cockett syndrome.6 refs,1 fig.
文摘BACKGROUND Endoscopic management is the first-line therapy for post-liver-transplant anas-tomotic strictures.Although the optimal duration of treatment with plastic stents has been reported to be 8-12 months,data on safety and duration for metal stents in this setting is scarce.Due to limited access to endoscopic retrograde cholan-giopancreatography(ERCP)during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in our centre,there was a change in practice towards increased usage and length-of-stay of the Kaffes biliary intraductal self-expanding stent in patients with suitable anatomy.This was mainly due to the theoretical benefit of Kaffes stents allowing for longer indwelling periods compared to the traditional plastic stents.METHODS Adult liver transplant recipients aged 18 years and above who underwent ERCP were retrospectively identified during a 10-year period through a database query.Unplanned admissions post-Kaffes stent insertion were identified manually through electronic and scanned medical records.The main outcome was the incidence of complications when stents were left indwelling for 3 months vs 6 months.Stent efficacy was calculated via rates of stricture recurrence between patients that had stenting courses for≤120 d or>120 d.RESULTS During the study period,a total of 66 ERCPs with Kaffes insertion were performed in 54 patients throughout their stenting course.In 33 ERCPs,the stent was removed or exchanged on a 3-month interval.No pancreatitis,perfor-ations or deaths occurred.Minor post-ERCP complications were similar between the 3-month(abdominal pain and intraductal migration)and 6-month(abdominal pain,septic shower and embedded stent)groups-6.1%vs 9.1%respectively,P=0.40.All strictures resolved at the end of the stenting course,but the stenting course was variable from 3 to 22 months.The recurrence rate for stenting courses lasting for up to 120 d was 71.4%and 21.4%for stenting courses of 121 d or over(P=0.03).There were 28 patients that were treated with a single ERCP with Kaffes,21 with removal after 120 d and 7 within 120 d.There was a significant improvement in stricture recurrence when the Kaffes was removed after 120 d when a single ERCP was used for the entire stenting course(71.0%vs 10.0%,P=0.01).CONCLUSION Utilising a single Kaffes intraductal fully-covered metal stent for at least 4 months is safe and efficacious for the management of post-transplant anastomotic strictures.
文摘Gastroesophageal reflux disease （GERD） is a common digestive system disease,characterized by series of discomfort symptoms,which are caused by stomach or duodenal contents refluxing to the esophagus.It is now widely prevalent around the world.Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the incidence of GERD is 10-20% in Western countries and it has also risen to 10.5% in Asian countries in recent years.
基金This study was supported by a grant from the Foundation for the Excellent Medical Staff of Beijing(No.2014-3-035).
文摘Background:Pulsed radiofrequency(PRF),as a non-invasive treatment of neuropathic pain(NP),has been widely administered clinically.Previous studies have shown that PRF has the potential to improve hyperalgesia in animal models of NP.However,there have been few reports to clarify whether the mechanism of PRF treatment of NP involves intervention in the expression of substance P(SP).Therefore,this study administered PRF treatment to chronic constriction injury(CCI)model rats and observed the sciatic nerve mechanical pain threshold and SP expression in the spinal cord to explore the mechanism of PRF treatment.Methods:A total of 96 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham-surgery-sham-treatment group(S-S group),the sham-surgery-PRF group(S-P group),the CCI-sham-treatment group(C-S group),and the CCI-PRF group(C-P group).The C-S group and the C-P group underwent sciatic nerve CCI,while the other groups received a sham operation.At 14 days after the operation,the C-P group and the S-P group were treated with PRF for 300 s.We recorded the hindpaw withdrawal threshold(HWT)and the thermal withdrawal latency(TWL)of rats in the various groups at baseline,before treatment(0 days),and at 1,7,14,and 28 days after treatment.L4 to L6 spinal cord tissues were taken before treatment(0 days)and 1,7,14,and 28 days after treatment.The transcription and translation of SP were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting,respectively.Results:The HWT and the TWL in the C-P group 28 days after PRF treatment were significantly higher than those in the C-S group(95%confidence interval[CI]:5.84–19.50,P<0.01;95%CI:2.58–8.69,P=0.01).The expression of SP in the C-P group 28 days after PRF treatment was significantly lower than that in the C-S group(95%CI:1.17–2.48,P<0.01).Conclusions:PRF may alleviate CCI-induced NP by down-regulating the expression of SP in the spinal cord of CCI model rats.
