Single Factor Analysis Of Variance Research Articles

Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in children's hydrocephalus

Objective To analyze the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with hydrocephalus and to explore the clinical significance of VEGF in evaluating hydrocephalus and its prognosis. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 29 children of hydrocephalus (experimental group), including 1 case of mild hydrocephalus, 14 cases of moderate hydrocephalus, and 14 cases of severe hydrocephalus, who received treatment at Neurosurgery Department, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University from March 2015 to December 2016. A total of 24 children with tethered spinal cord treated during the same period were enrolled into this study as well and served as controls. All the children in this series underwent surgical treatment, and the prognosis was evaluated according to the Salmon standard. The Luminex technology was used to measure the levels of VEGF in peripheral blood and CSF collected in all cases, and correlation analysis was further conducted to explore the relationship of VEGF levels to the conditions and prognosis of hydrocephalus. Results In the experimental group of hydrocephalus, the VEGF levels in peripheral blood and CSF (132.04±69.85 and 82.72±42.84 pg/ml, respectively) were significantly higher than those in control group (69.20±35.69 and 52.76±45.69 pg/ml, respectively, both P<0.05), and they demosntrated significant correlation (r=0.732, P<0.01). In the experimental group, the blood and CSF VEGF level of cases with severe hydrocephalus (184.07±65.55 and 89.40±28.23 pg/ml, respectively) were significantly higher than those of cases with moderate hydrocephalus (103.38±70.73 and 56.16±28.69 pg/ml, respectively, both P<0.05). Among the 27 patients with postoperative follow-up, 11(40.7%) cases obtained significantly improvement, 10(37.0%) were moderately improved, 4(14.8%) were slightly better, and 2(7.4%) deteriorated. The single factor variance analysis showed that the content of VEGF in blood and CSF decreased with the improvement of the prognosis of children with hydrocephalus (both P<0.05). Conclusions VEGF content is increased in the blood and CSF of the children with hydrocephalus. Measurement of VEGF level could help evaluate the conditions and prognosis of pediatric hydrocephalus, which serves as an index of laboratory assessment. Key words: Hydrocephalus; Child; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Prognosis

Effect of compound coeruleum methylenum preparation on postoperative analgesia after thoracoscopic surgery

Objective To observe the analgesic effect of compound coeruleum methylene blue preparation after thoracoscopic surgery, and to provide a new idea for the choice of analgesic drugs for thoracoscopic patients. Methods The clinical data of 116 patients who underwent selective thoracoscopic surgery in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of Jieyang People′s Hospital from January 2016 to May 2018 were analyzed. This study was a prospective study. Research subjects were divided into control group (n=57) and observation group (n=59) by random digital table. In the two groups, no analgesic measures were used in advance, of which the patients in the control group were given the routine injection of piperidine hydrochloride by intramuscular injection after operation. While patients in the observation group were given intercostal nerve block across the upper and lower ribs after operation, and the dosage of compound methylene blue was 1 ml in each rib. on the basis with pethidine hydrochloride. The visual analog score and Ramsay sedation score were compared between the two groups of patients at 4 h, 12 h 24 h and 48 h after operation and compared the use of pethidine hydrochloride, adverse drug reactions, ambulation time and hospitalization time. The counting data was expressed in terms of frequency and percentage (%). The measurement data were represented by (±s). The comparison of different time points within the group was performed by single-factor analysis of variance, and the comparison between the two groups was performed by independent sample t test. Results Compared with the control group’s patients[in resting state, 12 h: (3.85±1.97) points; 24 h: (2.74±1.91) points; 48 h: (2.11±1.70)points; in activity state, 12 h: (5.02±1.64) points; 24 h: (4.89±1.36)points; 48 h: (3.83±1.51) points], the VAS scores of the patients in the observation group in resting state [12 h: (2.68±1.24) points; 24 h: (1.35±1.16) points; 48 h: (0.74±0.63) points] and activity state[12 h: (3.81±1.53) points; 24 h: (3.25±1.71) points; 48 h: (2.42±1.33)points] were significantly lower at 12 h, 24 h and 48h after operation. Compared with the control group′s patients 12 h [(2.58±0.41) points] and 24 h [(2.29±0.34) points], the Ramsay scores were significantly higher at 12 h[(2.93±0.35)points] and 24 h [(2.79±0.30)points] after operation (P 0.05). Conclusions Compound coeruleum methylenum′s analgesic effect after thoracoscopic surgery is accurate and maintains long time, and the side effects are less and the operation is convenient. It is worthy of clinical application. Key words: Thoracoscopes; Analgesia; Pain, postoperative; Compound methylene blue preparation

The genetic determination of the economically useful characteristics of the cows of ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed

The economically useful characteristics of dairy cows depend on many genetic, physiological, technological and environmental factors. The modern cow population of Ukrainian dairy cows was formed by using the improved Holstein breed. The contribution of this breed into both the creation and the improvement of Ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed is reflected in its genealogic structure, as the prevailing part of the lines is of Holstein origin. That’s why the estimation of animals of different lines and the male descendants of the bulls in service according to the main economically useful characteristics is one of the most topical matters concerning the improvement of the rate of genetic potential realization of the animals under peculiar conditions as well as of the formation of highly productive and profitable dairy herds. As it follows from mentioned above, the goal of our research was to determine the effects of the bulls in service and their belonging to the line on economically useful characteristics of the cows. The material for the research was the information concerning the breed and productive use of the cows of Ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed on the breeding plant of the private agrarian firm (PAF) “Yerchyky” of Zhytomyr oblast, as well as the results of private research. To make an analysis there was used the information about the cows which were lactating for the period of 7 years when the feeding and keeping conditions were similar ones. For the purpose of the research on the genetic determination of economically useful characteristics of the cows of Ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed, it has been made an analysis from among the groups of paternity and linear belonging. The comparison of group middle young cows’ indices from different bulls in service and cows of various linear belonging has been made on the live mass, measurements and indices of body constitution, on milk productivity and morpho-functional characteristics of the udder as well as on their reproductive capacity. A considerable and highly reliable level of intergroup differentiation of cows of various linear belonging as well as of half-sisters by the bull has been determined on the economically useful characteristics. By means of single-factor variance analysis it has been determined that the paternity has a significant effect on the economically useful characteristics of cows that stipulates 0.71–21.92% of total phenotypic changeability of the characteristics being taken into account, whereas the belonging to the line was 0.54–12.70%. The study of the effects of paternity and linear belonging of cows on the parameters of their life-long productivity will be the perspective of the further research.

Study of MR diffusion tensor imaging to monitor the damage degree of optic nerve in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

Objective To study the feasibility and value of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to monitor non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Methods Thirty eight NAION patients (56 eyes) were divided into acute period in 17 eyes, progressive period in 16 eyes and chronic period in 23 eyes at the base of onset time. According to matching principle, 56 eyes in 38 normal controls (NCs) were enrolled. All the patients and NCs underwent MR and DTI scan. The raw data were processed by two experienced radiologists, mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivities (λ//), radial diffusivities (λ┴), fractional anisotropy (FA) and Length value were got. The independent sample t test was used for the parameter values between the NAION group and the NCs group. A single factor variance analysis was used to compare the parameters among different stages of NAION group. Results Compared to the NCs group, the values of FA and Length in NAION group were reduced [0.20±0.11 vs 0.31±0.12, (5.85±0.92) vs (65.11±6.89) mm], and the differences were statistically significant (t=-4.28, -5.25; P<0.05). The values of MD and λ┴ were increased [(0.16±0.04)×10-3 vs (0.10±0.04)×10-3 mm2/s, (0.16±0.05)×10-3 vs (0.09±0.03)×10-3 mm2/s] in NAION group and the differences were statistically significant (t=6.83, 7.10; P<0.05). The value of FA and Length in acute period, progressive period and chronic period of the NAION group decreased differently compared to the NCs group. At the same time, the value of MD value and λ┴ in the three periods of the NAION group increased compared to the NCs groupand the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The value of FA between the acute period, the progressive period, and the chronic period of NAION group were statistically signficant (F=10.88, P<0.05). However, no significant differences were found in the values of MD, λ┴ and Length of the NAION group (F=0.23, 0.64, 0.33, 1.38; P=0.79, 0.54, 0.72, 0.27). Conclusion The parameters of DTI can be used to monitor the damage of optic nerve and development in NAION. Key words: Optic nerve diseases; Magnetic resonance imaging; Diffusion tensor imaging

PO-098 Effect of HIIT on mitochondrial telomerase of skeletal muscle in aged rats

Objective The HIIT and moderate-intensity exercise are two different exercise models among the public fitness. In recent years, HIIT become more and more popular, unfortunately, there is a tremendous lack of research being done effects of mitochondrial reverse transcriptase (TERT) on age-related degeneration of skeletal muscle by HIIT. The purpose of this study was to compare the HIIT group and moderate-intensity group, and research difference of telomerase expression and cardiopulmonary endurance between the exercise group and the quiet control group was discussed.&#x0D; Methods fifty-nine male Wistar rats were divided into three groups at random: control group (Q=19), moderate-intensity intervention group (M=20), and HIIT intervention group (H=20). The rats in Q group did not any exercise, and the rats in M group developed the exercise with 60% VO2max intensity for 8 weeks. H group did a training program for an 8-week exercise with alternating 40%, 60%, and 80% VO2max intensities. The rats in the experimental group were exercised for 50 minutes every day and trained for 5 days per week. After the baseline value group was sampled, each group of rats was selected after the training reached the specified number of weeks (4 and 8 weeks), and the maximum oxygen uptake test was performed before the material was taken. Single factor analysis of variance were used to assess differences in VO2max, and expression of protein between conditions.&#x0D; Results It was found that H group VO2max was significantly higher than M group and Q group (P&lt;0.05). At same time, the mTERT expression of the M group at the 4th week was significantly higher than that of the Q group (P&lt;0.05). The mTERT expression in group H was significantly higher than that in group Q at week 8 (P&lt;0.05).There was no significant difference between the H group and the Q group at 8th week (P&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions 1. HIIT exercise lasting for 8 weeks can effectively inhibit the decrease of maximal oxygen uptake in aging rats compared with moderate exercise. 2. HIIT training for 8 weeks promotes the expression of mTERT; 3. The maintenance of VO2max in aging rats may be related to the enhancement of mitochondrial antioxidant function by HIIT-promoted TERT to mitochondrial translocation.

Performance evaluation of medical services in nine urban public hospitals based on patient reported experience: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe public hospital reform in China was launched in April 2009. Whether patients are satisfied with medical services or not is an important index to measure the effectiveness of the public hospital reform. We aimed to explore whether patients experience improved medical service under the public hospital reform. MethodsPatient-reported experience measures (PREMs) were used to evaluate medical service performance. We designed a questionnaire to collect patient-reported experiences, using a scoring method based on a scale of one to ten, with one being very poor and ten being excellent. A total of nine urban public hospitals from four provinces (Fujian, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Shanxi) were selected for a field survey in August 2016. We chose two cities as sample sites in each province; one city that had undergone reform and one that had not. In addition, we chose Maanshan city from Anhui province (which underwent public hospital reform well from 2009) as our ‘typical’ sample city. In each city, the biggest general hospital was selected to participate in the study. We ran face-to-face interviews with 2633 patients (we planned to collect data from 200 outpatients and 100 inpatients in each hospital for a sample size 15 times the number of independent variables (20) from nine hospitals. Data were collected from outpatient and emergency patients who had just completed their treatment, inpatients who were being prepared for discharge, or patients who remained in hospital for more than one week. The age of participants was from 0 to 93 (surveys for children under the age of 15 were completed by their parents or guardians), 1199 (45·5%) were male, 1434 (54·5%) were female. We explored factors that might influence performance rating using single-factor analysis of variance and correlation analysis (for example, type of medical insurance, disease diagnosis, disease type, disease severity, and the public hospital reforming policy). FindingsA total of 2633 participants (a minimum of 268 participants from each hospital) were interviewed, including 1703 outpatients (64·68%) and 930 inpatients (35·32%). Overall, the evaluation of medical services was positive. Question relating to the relationship between doctors and patients had the highest score (7·986), whereas the lowest score was given for question relating to medical service quality and effectiveness (4·917). Question relating to medical costs had a lower score (6·882). The total performance scores differed significantly by patient type, age, sex, marital status, educational level, occupation, type of medical insurance, disease diagnosis, disease type, and disease severity. InterpretationThe patient–doctor relationship seems to have improved greatly since the initiation of the public hospital reform, but patients' experience of service quality and efficiency, and medical costs remain unsatisfactory. PREMs could reflect improvements to medical services as a result of the urban public hospital reform, and the public hospital reforming policy might improve the service efficiency and medical costs. FundingThe project is funded by the National Science Foundation of China (number 71473129).

Effect of equiaxial tensile strain in early differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into cartilage cells

To observe the effect of cyclic equiaxial tensile strain in the early differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) into cartilage in mouse under conditions of two-dimensional culture, and to investigate the mechanism of cyclic equiaxial tensile strain in early chondrogenic differentiation. Sixteen KM mouse aged 4 weeks were selected, male and female unlimited, with an average weight of 19.5 g (17 to 21 g). After extracting and isolating the BMSCs from KM mouse, then subculture the BMSCs to the 3rd generation. Seed the cells in the biological plate(BioFlex). According to experimental design, the cells were divided into 6 groups, blank group: ordinary culture medium was cultured for 8 days without isometric cyclic tensile strain stimulation. Control group: chondrogenic differentiation medium was used to culture for 8 days without isometric cyclic tensile strain stimulation. Experimental group: the experimental group was divided into 4 groups, all of which were cultured with chondrogenic differentiation medium for 8 days. During which isometric cyclic tensile strain stimulation was given for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days respectively. At the 8th day, all the cells were collected, the expression of the Sox9, Col-II and ROCK 1 signaling pathway-related molecules was analyzed by RT-PCR. Cells in each group were extracted, and the efficiency of cell proliferation in each group was detected by CCK-8. Glycosaminoglycan content in medium changed last was detected using ELISA. Pericellular matrix was observed by Safranin O staining and Alcian Blue staining. Normal measurement data using mean±standard deviation compared between the blank group and control group using paired t-test, compared between the experimental group and relative group using single factor analysis of variance. (1)After 8 days of culture, compared with the control group, the relative expression of Sox 9 and Col-II mRNA in the experimental group increased gradually with the increase of loading time(P<0.05), while the relative expression of ROCK1 mRNA decreased(P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the relative expression of ROCK1 mRNA in experimental group and control group increased (P<0.05). (2)With the increase of loading time, the experimental group showed a trend of decreasing at first and then increasing, but compared with the blank group and the control group, the control group decreased significantly. (3)Glycosaminoglycan content in the medium changed last was detected by ELISA. The glycosaminoglycans in the experimental group increased gradually, and the content changes on 7 days loading group were statistically significant compared with other groups(P<0.05). (4)Safranin O and Alcilan staining showed that there was a tendency of cartilage differentiation in the experimental group, and the shape gradually increased with time, which was more obvious than that in the control group; The PCM, Col-II and GAG in the experimental group increased gradually with the increase of mechanical stimulation days, which were more obvious than those in the control group. Under conditions of two-dimensional culture, in the early differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into cartilage, cyclic equiaxial tensile strain can promote the proliferation of BMSCs and the differentiation into chondrocytes. Moreover, cyclic equiaxial tensile strain may promote chondrogenic differentiation through inhibiting the Rho/ROCK 1 signaling pathway.

VISUAL PERCEPTION OF SPEECH IN CHILDREN WITH COCHLEAR IMPLANT

By the development and application of cochlear implants, a large number of people with hearing impairment realize a better perception of speech after implantation. The aim of the research was to determine the differences in the quality of the perception of speech of children with cochlear implant in relation to the perception modality (auditory, visual, and audiovisual). The sample consisted of 30 deaf children with a cochlear implant, both sexes, chronologically aged from 3 to 15 years old, who regularly attend or had attended rehabilitation of hearing and speaking. The Test Lingvogram and the Articulation Test were used for testing (Vuletić, 1990). The data were processed with descriptive statistics and singlefactor analysis of variance. Respondents had the weakest results of word repetition and word understanding in the visual modality, much better results in auditory modality, and the best results in audiovisual modality. By comparing different modalities of speech perception, it was found that the differences were statistically significant in all pairs of modalities, both in word repetition and in word understanding, at the level of statistical significance p &lt; .05, except between the visual and auditory perception (p = .26) in word repetition, but they were clinically significant in this combination too. The reason for the better effects of the modalities of the auditory and especially audiovisual perception, in relation to the visual perception of speech in this study is the application of cochlear implants in improving hearing and listening. However, people with a cochlear implant are still persons with hearing impairment. They should always have a high level of quality of the visual perception of speech in communication, which can be achieved by special exercises in the process of early rehabilitation of hearing and speaking

Preparation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with controlled pore size, particle diameter, morphology, and structure by two-step process of chlorosilane residue

In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were successfully prepared in two steps using chlorosilane residue. First, chlorosilane residue was subjected to alcoholysis with n-propanol to synthesize tetrapropoxysilane (TPOS), followed by the synthesis of MSNs using TPOS as silicon source. Alcoholysis experiment was designed and optimized using orthogonal experimental method. In addition, effects of four factors (i.e., molar ratio of n-propanol to chlorosilane residue; feed rate of n-propanol; reaction temperature; and molar ratio of n-hexane to chlorosilane residue) on the yield of TPOS were investigated. The optimum alcoholysis conditions were determined. Yield of TPOS was 56% under the optimum alcoholysis conditions. Results obtained from single factor analysis of variance revealed that molar ratio of n-propanol to chlorosilane residue was the most significant factor affecting TPOS yield. Next, a series of spherical MSNs with dendritic structure and irregular mesoporous/microporous silica nanoparticles with non-dendritic structure were successfully synthesized via precise regulation of various experimental parameters in emulsion systems. In this regard, the adjustment of n-hexanol/1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene (TIPB) molar ratio or n-octane/n-hexanol/TIPB molar ratio was found to be effective for achieving controllable regulation of morphology (spherical or irregular); structure (dendritic or non-dendritic); pore size (mesoporous (4.6–9.2 nm) or microporous (1.6–1.7 nm)); and particle diameter (60–134 nm) of silica nanoparticles. However, the adjustment of n-octane/TIPB molar ratio marginally affected spherical morphology, dendritic structure, and pore size (4.0–4.6 nm) of synthesized MSNs, with considerable effect on particle diameter (61–151 nm). In addition, as-synthesized MSNs exhibited large specific surface area (708–857 m2/g) and large pore volume (1.5–3.6 cm3/g).

A study of clinical and genetic characteristics of a Leber hereditary optic neuropathy family with the heteroplasmic m.14484T>C mutation

Objective: To study clinical and genetic characteristics of a Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) family with the heteroplasmic m.14484T>C mutation. Methods: A cross-sectional study. The objects of the study included a 31-year-old male LHON patient with the heteroplasmic m.14484T>C mutation (the proband) who visited Department of Ophthalmology in the Affiliated Central Hospital of Qingdao University in March 2015 and other 36 matrilineal relatives in a four-generation family (12 males and 24 females aged 2-81 years, median 27 years). The visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fundus, color vision, visual field, visual evoked potential and optical coherence tomography were evaluated in maternal members. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence of fragments including m.14484 loci was detected by Sanger sequencing in 33 members. The sequencing peaks were analyzed by QSVanalyzer software to get the heteroplasmy levels of m.14484T>C mutation. The mtDNA of the proband was amplified by PCR and sequenced. Assembled sequence of mtDNA was compared with the updated consensus Cambridge sequence. The differences in visual evoked potential, optical coherence tomography and heteroplasmy levels were compared between two groups by the t-test, and among multiple groups by the single factor variance analysis. Results: Among the 33 maternal members of the family, 4 patients, 28 carriers and 1 person without a mutation were confirmed. The penetrance was 12.5% (4/32) . In addition to 4 patients with obvious abnormality on the ophthalmic examination, 5 carriers also appeared anomaly on the electrophysiological and visual function examinations. Compared to carriers, the amplitude of P100 was obviously decreased in the LHON patients[ (5.6±2.6) μV vs. (15.6±9.6) μV, t=2.880, P=0.006]. Significantly reduced values were seen in the average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness[ (71±17) μm vs. (99±11) μm, t=5.969, P< 0.001], in each side of the sub-area macular thickness, and in the nasal side of the lateral sub-area macular thickness [ (260±16) μm vs. (291±12) μm, t=5.593, P<0.001] between the LHON patients and carriers. The heteroplasmic levels were 80%±3% in the LHON patients, and 27%±18% in the unaffected members;the difference was significant (t=-8.395, P<0.001). The average degree of heteroplasmy had no difference between male and female members (48%±34% vs. 35%±28%, t=-1.147, P=0.258). The average mutation load was 29%±14% in the second generation members, 36%±29% in the third generation members, and 51%±36% in the fourth generation members;the differences were not statistically significant (F=1.152, P=0.330). The difference in the heteroplasmic levels was not statistically significant between mothers and their offspring (31%±25% vs. 42%±32%, t=1.165, P=0.251). Compared to Cambridge consensus sequence, 41 mutations was found in mtDNA of the proband, of which, 10 were missense mutations, including mutations m.4216T>C and m.3394T>C. According to the phylogenetic tree, the haplotype of the proband was M9a (M9a1a1c1a). Conclusions: In the family with the heteroplasmic m.14484T>C mutation, clinical manifestations of LHON appear in the individuals whose heteroplasmic level is more than 75%, and all of patients show typical chronic optic atrophy on the ophthalmic examination. The carriers with the m.14484T>C mutation also appear anomaly on the electrophysiological and visual function examinations. The heteroplasmic level of m.14484T>C mutation has a tendency to increase during the transmission in the family. The primary mutation m.14484T>C coordinate mutations m.4216T>C and m.3394T>C to increase the penetrance and incidence of abnormal visual function in carriers. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 526-534).

Comparison Study of Visual Search on 6 Different Types of Icons

In order to study the similarities and differences of the visual search features on different types of icons in the human-computer interface, using digital icons, English icons, Chinese icons, abstract icons, graphical icons and image icons as experimental materials. Combined with eye tracking devices, a visual search experiment was designed adopting E-Prime programming, and a comparative study was conducted from 3 aspects of reaction time, correct rate, and eye movement characteristics. The results of single factor analysis of variance indicated that: (1) The difference among 6 different types of icons in reaction time of visual search was statistically significant, and the reaction time was ranked as digital icons > English icons > Chinese icons > abstract icons > graphical icons > image icons. (2) In addition to the abstract icons, the other 5 types of icons in the visual search showed no obvious error. (3) As for the eye movement characteristics of 6 different types of icons, there were significant differences in fixation duration, fixation times, saccade amplitude and saccade speed, however, pupil diameter and blink frequency were not significantly different. The research results have reference value for the icon design and usability evaluation in human-computer interface.

The purple coneflower’s (Echinacea purpurea L.) nutrient requirements investigation in a small plot trial

During our research, we investigated the purple coneflower's (Echinacea purpurea L.) drug yield and drying loss change with different fertilization settings in a small-plot trial. We measured the raw and dry drug yield, which we harvested in 2016 and in 2017, as well as the drying loss of these yields. Harvest and all other works were performed manually. We dried the harvested herba under prenumbra for three weeks. Based on the obtained data, every fertilization settings’ yield was less than that of the control plots in 2016. We measured the highest drying loss in relation to the N60P80K120 supply in this year. In 2017, we measured the highest yield data in the N75P100K150 fertilization setting.&#x0D; We made single-factor variance analysis to investigate the connection between the quantity of the raw, the dried herba, the drying loss and the different nutrient settings

Study of bases influence on the biopharmaceutical characteristics of the pastes for onychomycosis therapy

According to the European and American authors the onychomycosis prevalence in the world has amount from 8.0 % to 26.9 %. Topical treatment of onychomycosis in most cases is the only acceptable method of therapy mainly due to high safety. Etiotropic topical pharmacotherapy of this pathology is carried out by the dermatomicotic medicines – creams, ointments, gels, solutions. Nail polishes are the specific dosage forms for onychomycosis therapy. However antimycotic polish therapy is sufficiently effective only in case of treatment the surface white and distal-lateral form of onychomycosis, but just in case when less than 1/3 of nail plate is affected. Also wide application is limited to length of use (from 6 month to 1 year) and high therapy cost. According to above mentioned information, development of specific semisolid dosage form for onychomycosis therapy without removing the nail plate and allowing combination high efficacy of medical substances even in case of nail-bed affection, rational term of treatment and economical availability is rational. Presence of these effects may be reached by the way of combination in semisolid dosage form for appliication on the nail plate – the paste – substances with keratolytic and antimycotic action. At the same time use of acid combination as a keratolytic for pH decreasing in tissue of the nail plate and fungi growth inhibition and also providing with penetration of active components of paste for onychomycosis therapy. As a result of this development of semisolid dosage form for the topical treatment of onychomycosis with biologically active substances from the group of nonspecific antimycotics (2-mercaptobenzthiazol, chinozol) with broad spectrum of antimycotic, antibacterial activity and safety has a scientific and practical interest. The aim of this work is biopharmaceutical substantiation of optimal base for semisolid dosage form – paste for etiotropic therapy of onychomycosis. Materials and methods. As a device for developing pharmacotherapeutical preparation hydrofobic and emulsion bases resistant to combination with sufficiently aggressive keratolytics and described in literature were studied. As an active pharmaceutical ingredient for antimycotic paste 2-mercaptobenzthiazol and chinozol in concentration 10% and 10% accordingly for providing with the optimal level of antifungal activity were used. As keratolytic substances traditionally used for onycholysis: carbamide, mixture of salicylic and benzoic acids in concentration described in literature were used. At the same time chinozol shows keratolytic effect and in that capacity is used in formulations of chinozolo-salicylic, chinozolo-dimexidic and also carbamidic plasters for nails. The content of dry substances and plasticizers in formulations of onycholytic pastes was chosen taking into account the requirements of Ukrainian Pharmacopoea and normative document for this dosage form. Taking into account the advisability of high dispersion degree of medical substances in semisolid dosage forms for external use and physical-chemical properties of 2-mercaptobenzthiazol the latter was added in emulsion bases after preliminary dissolution in polyethylenoxyde 400 with heating. Keratolytics were added as a suspension in all bases. Investigations of scientifically substantiation of the base of paste for onychomycosis therapy were carried out according to plan of single-factor analysis of variance with repeated observations. For all selected compositions the releasing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (2-mercaptobenzthiazol and chinozol) from ointments were studied with equilibrium dialysis method by Kruvchinsky at the temperature 25.0 ± 0.5 °С (temperature on the surface of nail) through the semipermeable film “Kuprofan” in the Franz diffusion cell apparatus (producer PermeGear, Inc., USA). As a dialysis medium taking into account 2-mercaptobenzthiazol solubility was used solution containing methanol and water 1:1 and chinozol releasing was carried out into water. Concentration of active pharmaceutical substances released from experimental pastes after 2 hours was determined spectrophotometrically. Results . Carried out verification of average results of 2-mercaptobenzthiazol and chinozol releasing by the Dunkan’s multiple rank test allowed to build the preferred series of pastes base influence on the intensity of active pharmaceutical ingredients releasing. Obtained results showed the sighnificant advantage of the emulsion ointment base providing with optimal level of 2-mercaptobenzthiazol and chinozol releasing from experimental compositions of semisolid dosge forms for onychomycosis therapy. Conclusions . It was determined that sort of the base makes a sighnificant influence on 2-mercaptobenzthiazol and chinozol releasing from the antimycotic pastes for onychomycosis therapy. Variance analysis of results revealed that emulsion vehicle containing acid-resisting emulsifier provides with optimal 2-mercaptobenzthiazol and chinozol releasing.

The mechanism of nicotine on human bronchial smooth muscle cell contraction

Objective: To investigate the molecular mechanism of contractility dysfunction of human bronchial smooth muscle cells induced by nicotine. Methods: Primary human bronchial smooth muscle cells were cultured in vitro. The cells were divided into a control group and a nicotine group which was treated with 10(-5) mol/L nicotine for 48 h and transfected with or without α7nAChR-siRNA (The siNC group, siNC + nicotine group and siα7nAChR + nicotine group). The effects of nicotine on the cell contractile function were examined by collagen gel shrinkage assay. The expressions of α7nAChR and TRPC6 protein in nicotine-treated human bronchial smooth muscle cells were detected by Western blotting. The change of intracellular calcium concentration by nicotine was detected by calcium ion imaging system.Data were analyzed by t test or single factor analysis of variance. Results: The area of collagen gel in the nicotine group (24±8)% was significantly lower than that in the control group (59±14)% (t=3.78, P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of α7nAChR protein in nicotine-induced group (173±16)% was significantly higher than that of controls 100±0)%, t=-6.848, P<0.05. Compared with the siNC group [(72±10)%, (0.79±0.07), (0.41±0.04) and (0.17±0.02) respectively], the collagen gel area of siNC + nicotine group was significantly reduced by (37±10)%. However, the basal calcium level (1.04±0.02), store operated calcium entry level (SOCE, 0.68±0.03) and receptor operated calcium entry level (ROCE, 0.36±0.02) were remarkably elevated in the nicotine treated group (all P<0.05). Furthermore, compared with siNC + nicotine group, the area of collagen gel in siα7nAChR + nicotine group was significantly increased (62±10)%, and the basal calcium level (0.78±0.06), SOCE level (0.39±0.05) and ROCE level (0.15±0.02) were significantly reduced (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Nicotine can increase the expression of TRPC6 protein, SOCE and ROCE level, and increase the intracellular calcium concentration by upregulating the expression of α7nAChR protein, thereby promoting smooth muscle cell contraction.

Myofascial Pain: Ultrasound Width of the Masseter Muscle.

To determine whether subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) manifesting as chronic myofascial pain (MFP) involving the masseter muscle present with significantly greater masseter muscle width, as evidenced by ultrasound, compared to individuals without MFP. A case-control study was carried out. A total of 31 subjects presenting with MFP of the masticatory muscles involving the masseter muscle and 35 controls with TMD but no diagnosis of MFP, matched by age and sex, were included. Ultrasound was used to measure the maximum width of both masseter muscles at the intermediate point between the origin and insertion of the muscle in the light occlusal contact (LOC) position and under maximum contraction. Each side was analyzed separately. Means were compared by using single-factor analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U test; P < .05 was considered to reflect statistical significance. In the study group, the right masseter muscle had a mean ± standard deviation width of 8.6 ± 1.8 mm under LOC (controls: 8.6 ± 1.6 mm; P = .85) and 11.5 ± 2.1 mm under maximum contraction (controls: 11.7 ± 1.9 mm; P = .86). The analagous measures in the left masseter muscle were 8.6 ± 1.6 mm under LOC (controls: 8.2 ± 1.5 mm; P = .42) and 11.3 ± 1.8 mm under maximum contraction (controls: 11.5 ± 1.8 mm) (P = .79), respectively. The increase in width of the right masseter muscle was 2.9 ± 2.1 mm (controls: 3.1 ± 1.2 mm; P = .67) in absolute terms and 1.4 ± 0.3 mm (controls: 1.4 ± 0.2 mm; P = .91) in relative values (width at maximum contraction/LOC width). In the case of the left masseter muscle, the respective values were 2.8 ± 1.7 mm (controls: 3.2 ± 0.9 mm; P = .25) and 1.3 ± 0.2 mm (controls: 1.4 ± 0.1 mm; P = .32). There were no statistically significant differences in masseter muscle width between MFP subjects and control subjects under LOC conditions or maximum contraction. The increase in width under maximum contraction was likewise not significantly different between the groups.

Effect of low-dose ionizing radiation exposure on thyroid function in a medical occupational population

Objective: We evaluated the effect of low-dose of ionizing radiation on thyroid function of medical occupational group with long-term exposure; furthermore; we analyzed the relationship between the thyroid hormones and the risk factors; such as exposure length; department. Ultimately; providing the scientific basis for setting the ionizing radiation protection standards. Methods: The population who engaged radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy in a tertiary-A hospital were set up as occupational exposure; 724 medical professionals as the research object. We figured out the basic information and general condition of the groups by face-to-face questionnaire survey; By means of the thyroid hormone testing; we analyzed the thyroid hormone levels with different population; occupational exposure factors. Then; obtained the prevalence of thyroid nodules by the thyroid ultrasound. Besides; we used the logistic regression model to analyze the risk factors related to thyroid nodule. Applying Epidata、Excel in data management. All the data was analyzed by statistical software package Stata12.0. Descriptive statistics; single factor analysis of variance and other statistical methods were used for data analysis. Test standard: α=0.05、P<0.05 statistical significant. Results: 1. Based on the work experience; we divided the study population into four groups; such as 1-9; 10-19; 20-29; and>30 years. The difference of the TSH level among the four groups was statistically significant (P<0.05) . 2. The multiple logistic regression showed that sex and seniority were the independent risk factors for the abnormal rate of thyroid nodules. Conclusion: Long-term exposure to low-dose ionizing radiatiom could induce the thyroid damage of medical occupational population; which should be broader concerned.

Effect and mechanism of curcumin on proliferation and apoptosis of human hepatoma HCC-LM3 cells

Objective To investigate the effects of curcumin on the growth and apoptosis of human hepatoma HCC-LM3 cells and explore the molecular mechanisms. Methods The human hepatoma HCC-LM3 cells were treated with different concentrations of curcumin and the cell growth inhibition rate was detected by CCK-8. The effect of curcumin on human hepatoma HCC-LM3 cells was observed. Refer to the relevant literature, the human hepatoma HCC-LM3 cells were treated with the concentration of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, 40.0, 60.0 μmol/L of curcumin for 48 hours, taking the 0 μmol/L curcumin as control group, and the cell growth inhibition rate was detected by CCK-8. According to the results of CCK-8, selecting the concentration of 0 μmol/L as control group and the concentration of 10.0, 20.0, 40.0 μmol/L as experimental groups, which has significant difference on growth inhibition rates. Cell cloning assay was used to detect cell cloning ability, Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis, and Western blotting to detect the protein expression levels of Mcl-1, Bax, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. The measurement data were expressed in (±s), and the single factor analysis of variance was used for comparison between groups. Results CCK-8 assay showed that with treated by the concentration of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, 40.0, 60.0 μmol/L, the growth inhibition rates were(6.71±3.45)%, (12.33±5.02)%, (20.07±5.60)%, (57.80±7.34)%, (78.37±6.53)%, (91.73±6.14)% and (96.18±3.45)%, suggesting that curcumin could inhibit the growth of human hepatoma HCC-LM3 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Cell clone formation experiment showed that curcumin could inhibit the clone of the human hepatoma HCC-LM3 cells, and the clone of the cells was inhibited significantly when the concentration of the curcumin was over 20.0μmol/L. The result of Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining analysis showed that the apoptotic rates of experimental groups and control groups were (5.20±1.44)%, (9.90±3.31)%, (55.67±5.29)%, (79.63±4.71)%, with all the apoptotic rates of experimental group over the control groups (P<0.05), suggesting curcumin could induce the apoptosis of human hepatoma HCC-LM3 cells.The Westen blotting showed that curcumin increased the expression of Bax protein while decreasing expression of Mcl-1 protein significantly in concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), but have no effect on the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins. Conclusion Curcumin could inhibit the proliferation and clone of human hepatoma HCC-LM3 cells, and induce apoptosis in a dose dependent manner. Key words: Curcumin; Carcinoma, hepatocellular; Cell proliferation; Apoptosis; HCC-LM3

Value of MR diffusion tensor imaging in the assessment of the changes of trigeminal nerve and its correlation with the degree of vascular compression

Objective To investigate the value of MR diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in assessment of the microstructural changes of the trigeminal nerve, and analyze it's correlation with the degree of vascular compression. Methods Thirty-four patients with trigeminal neuralgia from November 2015 to April 2017 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. And they were treated by microvascular decompression (MVD). There were 11 cases of grade Ⅰ, 16 cases of grade Ⅱ and 7 cases of grade Ⅲ according to the severity of the contact between nerves and vessels during the operation. All of them were scanned with three dimensional time-of-flight (3D-TOF) sequences, three dimensional fast imaging employing steady state acquisition (3D-FIESTA) sequences and DTI before undergoing surgical decompression. According to the preoperative MR scans, the trigeminal nerves were divided into the healthy side without neurovascular contact (25 cases) and the healthy side with a neurovascular contact (9 cases).The DTI parameters of the trigeminal nerve, including the anisotropic fraction (FA) and the ADC values were obtained. Comparison of the FA and ADC values of the trigeminal nerve between the different stages of the affected side was performed with single factor analysis of variance, and the paired samples t test was used to compare the difference of FA and ADC values of bilateral trigeminal nerve. The difference of FA and ADC values between the asymptomatic side with or without vascular contact was compared with independent sample t test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between DTI parameters and the degree of compression. Results The FA values of patients with grades Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ were 0.311±0.009, 0.308±0.007 and 0.299±0.009 respectively, and there was significant difference among different levels (F=5.269, P 0.05) . The FA values of bilateral trigeminal nerves in healthy side without neurovascular contact and in healthy side with neurovascular contact were statistically significant (t=-32.528,-25.178, P 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the FA and ADC values between the two groups on the healthy side of the trigeminal nerve (P>0.05) . The FA value was negatively correlated with the degree of vascular compression (r=-0.453, P 0.05). Conclusion DTI imaging can be used to evaluate the degree of trigeminal nerve injury. More obvious vascular compression leads to lower FA value. Key words: Trigeminal neuralgia; Magnetic resonance imaging; Blood vessels

Research on the safe storage time of 3 kinds of irrigating fluid in incubators at 38℃ in operating room

Objective To study the safe storage time of 3 kinds of irrigating fluid in incubators at 38 ℃ in operating room. Methods From March to December 2016, 3 kinds of irrigating liquid, including 500 ml bottled 0.9% Sodium Chloride Solution (A) , 3 000 ml bagged 0.9% Sodium Chloride Solution (B) , and 3 000 ml bagged mannitol (C) were selected. Two hundred and forty bottles (bags) were randomly taken out from each kind of liquid, and divided into 4 groups by random number table method with 60 bottles (bags) in each group. Three of the groups were heated in 38 ℃ incubators for 6 h, 7 d and 30 d, and the last group was set up as the blank control group. According to aseptic procedures, the bacteriological examination, the osmolality, the pH value, the appearance and the peculiar smell of the washing fluid at 6 h, 7 d and 30 d were investigated respectively. Single factor analysis of variance and Least Significant Difference (LSD) t-test were applied in data comparison. Results The results of bacterial cultures of the 3 kinds of liquid were negative, with no appearance change and no odor at 6 h, 7 d and 30 d. The pH and osmolality of all heated groups were all higher than the control group of the same kinds of liquid, and the differences were statistically significant (P 0.05) . Conclusions The results of bacterial culture of all the irrigating fluid heated in 38 ℃ incubators were negative in 30 days, with no apparent change and no peculiar smell. The osmolality and pH changed slightly, but the results were within the normal range. Key words: Operating rooms; Sodium chloride; Mannitol; Irrigating fluid; Heating; pH; Osmolality pressure

Influencing factors and demand analysis of 1 086 clinical frontline nurses' thesis writing in He'nan Province

Objective To investigate the influencing factors and demand of clinical frontline nurses' thesis writing in He'nan Province providing a theoretical basis for improving the clinical nurses' thesis writing willingness and level. Methods From May 2015 to May 2016, a self-designed questionnaire was used to survey 1 200 clinical nursing staff from 12 hospitals in He'nan Province by Lottery method and random number table method for general information, hinder factors of thesis writing, and the assist and guidance needed in thesis writing. The descriptive analysis, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, independent sample t-test, single factor analysis of variance, linear correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors of nurses' paper writing. Results A total of 1 086 effective questionnaires were recycled. The differences of number of papers wrote by nurses who were different in hospital level, marital status, age, nursing age, work intensity, professional title, and final education were statistically significant (H=16.293, 206.350, 31.775, 56.393, 136.605, 484.600, 48.913; P<0.05) . Hospital level, age, nursing age, marital status, professional title, and final education were all positively correlated with the number of papers (r=0.119, 0.161, 0.215, 0.410, 0.639, 0.093; P<0.01) , while work intensity was negatively correlated (r=-0.367, P<0.01) . The scores of five dimensions of factor hindering the thesis writing from high to low were lack of thesis writing skills (16.16±2.37) , literature search obstacles (15.14±2.47) , lack of statistical software operation (15.49±1.72) , clinical sensitivity of problems identifying (14.63±2.74) and poor data collection methods (13.27±2.14) . Multiple linear regression analysis showed that hospital level, professional title, nursing age and final education level were the main factors that impeded the writing of clinical nurses, which explained 93.1% of the total variation. The main thesis writing training needs were research topic selection and project design, paper writing methods and skill training, and hospital policy support. Conclusions Thesis writing number by Class Ⅲ hospital nursing staff was higher than that by Class Ⅱ hospital in He'nan Province. Nursing age, title and final education level were the main factors hindering the clinical nurses from thesis writing. Hospital managers needs to train clinical nurses on paper writing according to the medical system of our country. Key words: Cross-sectional studies; Questionnaires; Nurses; Research article; Writing