Factors predicting dysphagia after anterior cervical surgery: A multicenter retrospective study for 2 years of follow-up.

A multicenter retrospective study.The purpose of this study was to explore risk factors of dysphagia after anterior cervical surgery and factors affecting rehabilitation of dysphagia 2 years after surgery.Patients who underwent anterior cervical surgery at 3 centers from January 2010 to January 2013 were included.

Levofloxacin increases apoptosis of rat annulus fibrosus cells via the mechanism of upregulating MMP-2 and MMP-13.

Levofloxacin was previously reported to induce apoptosis of rat annulus fibrosus (AF) cells by upregulating active caspase-3 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 expression in vitro. However, the effects of levofloxacin on rat AF cells, as well as the related mechanism, have not been revealed completely. The purpose of this study was to further explore the changes in extracellular matrix and MMPs of rat AF cells based on levofloxacin-induced apoptosis.

Toxic effects of levofloxacin on rat annulus fibrosus cells: an in-vitro study.

Background: Fluoroquinolones are in wide clinical use as safe and effective antibiotics. Articular cartilage, tendons, and epiphyseal growth plates have been recognized as targets of fluoroquinolone-induced connective tissue toxicity. However, the effects of fluoroquinolones on annulus fibrosus (AF) cells are still unknown.

Levofloxacin increases the effect of serum deprivation on anoikis of rat nucleus pulposus cells via Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 pathway.

Levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, is a widely-used and effective antibiotic. However, various adverse side effects are associated with levofloxacin. The purpose of this study was to further explore the effects of levofloxacin on rat nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs).

[An optimized method for extracting corosolic acid from loquat leaves].

Objective: To extract corosolic acid from loquat leaves for medical use.

Methods: Loquat leaves were boiled in water to remove the water-soluble substances followed by 3 cycles of extraction with 25% aqueous methanol for 30 min and then by 95% aqueous methanol for 1 h at 80 degrees celsius;. After cooling at room temperature and filtration, the extract was treated with activated carbon to remove chlorophyll, and the liquid was filtered and concentrated to allow precipitation.