Objective To value the clinical application of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in cerebral diseases. Methods Six volunteers and 6 patients (including 3 patients with ischemic stroke and 3 patients with glioma) were examined by DTI and T1weighted, T2weighted MR scan. All data were processed with DtiStudio software to show the white matter fiber tracts. The fractional anisotropy (FA) of the diffusion tensor were measured between the affected and the unaffected side. Results The white matter fiber tract could be observed clearly on the FA map. The pyramidal tract with different degree disruption could be showed in 3 patients with ischemic stroke. Compression, displacement, infiltration or destruction of pyramidal tract, corpus callosum or internal capsule and external capsule could be seen in 3 patients with glioma, and FA was significantly reduced on the affected side as compared to the unaffected side. Conclusion Diffusion tensor imaging is useful in observing the damage and displacement of the white matter fiber tracts in vivo, beneficial to the surgical plan for patients and prognosing recovery of function.

OBJECTIVEThe study was aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of astragaloside IV (ASI) on the activation of microglial cells.

METHODAfter pre-incubated with ASI for 2 h, microglial cells BV-2 were stimulated with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) for 1. 5 h and 24 h, respectively. Secretion of nitric oxide (NO) in the medium was measured by Griess method. Production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was detected by ELISA approach. Cellular gene expressions of CD11b, TNF-α, interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were examined by quantitative-PCR analysis. Total and phosphorylation of STAT1, IκB and NF-κB was analyzed by Western blot method.

RESULTASI could significantly inhibit the increased secretion of TNF-α and NO from BV-2 cells upon IFN-γ stimulation (P < 0.001). Further study showed that ASI significantly down-regulated gene expression of IL-1β and TNF-α (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and exhibited a trend to reduce that of iNOS. IFN-γ and ASI have no obvious effect on gene expression of CD11b. Moreover, ASI inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT1, IκB and NF-κB elicited by IFN-γ stimulation.

CONCLUSIONASI could restrain microglial activation through interfering STAT1/IκB/NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing gene expres- sion of IL-1β and TNF-α, and thus inhibiting the production of proinflammatory mediators such as NO and TNF-α.

Animals ; Astragalus Plant ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; I-kappa B Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Interferon-gamma ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; NF-kappa B ; genetics ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; genetics ; metabolism ; STAT1 Transcription Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Saponins ; pharmacology ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Triterpenes ; pharmacology

Objective To monitor the drug resistance of tuberculosis in Zhejiang Province and to provide scientific evidence for the control of drug resistant tuberculosis.Methods Thirty counties in Zhejiang Province were selected as sample during July 1,2013 and June 30 2014,and smear positive cases were selected to be monitored during study period. Results The rate of drug resistance was 30.88%,and the rate of multi drug resistance was 5.02%.The rate of the extensively drug -resistant tuberculosis was 0.32%.Among initial treatment cases,the rate of drug resistance was 29.22%,higher than 2008,and the rate of multi drug resistance was 3.21%.Among retreatment cases,the rate of drug resistance was 45.74%,and the rate of multi drug resistance was 21.28%.All kinds of monitored drugs were found resistance phenomenon.The drug resistant rate of SM was highest (15.28%),and aminoglycosides (2.35%)were relatively low.Conclusion The status of retreatment TB drug resistance suggested that we had reduced acquired TB drug resistance through implementation of DOTS strategy and standard short course chemotherapy treatment in Zhejiang Province. But it is still not optimistic to control TB drug resistance,and the status of initial treatment TB resistant suggested that resistant strains spread had not been effectively controlled in Zhejiang Province.So we should strengthen the early detection of drug resistant among TB patients,and to further improve the standard of conventional TB treatment.

AIM To compare the diuretic effects of Descurainiae Semen (DS),Coicis Semen (CS) and Plantaginis Semen (PS),and to observe their mechanical similarities and differences.METHODS Metabolic cage method was applied to investigating the diuretic effects of DS (2.34 g/kg),CS (7.00 g/kg) and PS (3.50 g/kg),whose diuretic mechanisms were studied by cryoscopic method,enzyme method,ion selective electrode method,ELISA and Western blot.RESULTS DS,CS and PS obviously increased saline-loaded rats' urine volume (P ＜ 0.05) and reduced their body weight (P ＜ 0.05) after administration for 7 h,which exhibited no significant effects on urine creatinine (Ucr),serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)(P ＞ 0.05).DS showed its diuretic effect mainly by lowering the levels of serum Na +,atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP),brain natriuretic peptide (BNP),pulmonary AQP3,renal AQP1 and AQP2;CS showed its diuretic effect mainly by reducing the levels of serum Na +,Cl-,ANP,pulmonary AQP3,gastric AQP3,renal AQP1 and AQP2;PS showed its diuretic effect mainly by decreasing the levels of serum Na + and Cl-,pulmonary AQP3,gastric AQP3,renal AQP1 and AQP2.CONCLUSION Three medicinal materials have significant diuretic effects without obvious renal harm.DS categorized as a medicinal plant of lung channel and tropism has a great effect on netriuretic peptide system,CS categorized as a medicinal plant of spleen channel and tropism has a great effect on gastric AQP3,and PS categorized as a medicinal plant of renal channel and tropism has a great effect on renal AQPs.

OBJECTIVETo examine the distribution of glucose transport 3 (GLUT 3) in different brain regions of aged rats and to investigate its role in ageing process of the nervous system.

METHODSThe GLUT 3 expression in different brain regions was examined with immunohistochemical method in rats aged 3, 18 and 30 months, respectively.

RESULTSThe number of GLUT 3-positive cells varied in the different brain regions in rats of all age groups (P<0.01); the CA1 region contained the greatest number of positive cells,and fewer in the motor cortex and cerebellum. The number of GLUT 3-positive cells was reduced in the brain of aged rats (P<0.01); and the neural cells in 4 different brain regions presented with large cell body and loose alignment.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of GLUT 3 decreased in aged rats, which suggests that GLUT 3 may be involved in the ageing process of nervous system.

Aging ; metabolism ; Animals ; Brain ; metabolism ; Glucose Transporter Type 3 ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; genetics ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; methods ; RNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; SMN Complex Proteins ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood ; diagnosis ; genetics

BACKGROUNDThe columella, nasal tip, lip relationship in the bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity remains a great challenge for plastic surgeon. An esthetically satisfying result is difficult to obtain. A subset of patients with bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity still require columellar lengthening and nasal correction and philtrial construction. This study aimed to provide a new method based on the forked flap to improve the final appearance of these patients.

METHODSA technique to correct this deformity is described. This consists of (1) a newly modified forked flap including the orbicularis oris muscle and nasalis muscle along the whole flap for columellar lengthening, (2) a reverse V shaped flap from the lower portion of the columella and the prolabium for normal size phitrum construction, (3) inserting the vermilion portion of the forked flap and advancing the nasal floor medially and anteriorly to lengthen and maintain the nasal septum side of the columella for proper tip positioning, (4) open rhinoplasty, allowing definitive repositioning of the lower lateral cartilages, (5) reconstruction of the orbicularis orismuscle as required, and (6) the flaring nostril floor advancing medially and constructing the sill.

RESULTSThis technique was applied to 15 cases of secondary bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. All the flaps took without signs of partial necrosis. In all cases, the nasal tip was projected forward with adequate columella elongation, and the height of the prolabium was added with normal size philtrial dimensions.

CONCLUSIONSThis method makes maximum use of the tissue containing the scar in the lip and limits tissues in the lower portion of the columella and the prolabium for adequate columella elongation and reconstruction with normal size philtrial dimensions. It is a very reasonable and useful method in correction of secondary bilateral cleft lip nasal deformities.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Cleft Lip ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nose Deformities, Acquired ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Rhinoplasty ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD) in hippocampus of rats with aging.

METHODSParaffin sections of brain tissue of rats at the age of 3, 18, 24, 30 months were stained by immunohistochemistry, the expression of VEGF and MVD was quantitatively analyzed.

RESULTSInnunohistochemical staining showed that the VEGF-positive cells were mainly pyramidal neuron in hippocampus; the intensity of VEGF-positivity in neuron cells was decreased with the aging (P<0.05). The MVD in hippocampus was also decreased with the aging of rats (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONIncreasing VEGF contents and improving blood circulation in brain tissue may prevent or treat vascular dementia and cerebrovascular diseases.

Aging ; Animals ; Capillaries ; pathology ; Hippocampus ; blood supply ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the changes in the expression of glucose transporter-3 (GLUT3) in the cerebral cortex of rats during aging and investigate the role of GLUT3 in the aging process of the nervous system.

METHODSThe cerebral tissues were collected from rats of 3, 18, 24, and 30 months old (10 in each age group), and the expression of GLUT3 in the cerebral cortex was detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSUnder optical microscope, GLUT3-positive cells were found in every group. Within the age range of 3 to 8 months, GLUT3-positive cells increased significantly with age (P<0.01), but at 24-30 months of age, the number of GLUT3-positive cells reduced significant with age (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe expression changes of GLUT3 ir the cerebral cortex of rats during aging indicate that GLUT3 plays an important role in the maturation and aging of the nervous system.

Aging ; Animals ; Brain ; metabolism ; Cerebral Cortex ; metabolism ; Glucose Transporter Type 3 ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo study the epidemiological features of tic disorders (TD) among schoolchildren in Wenzhou area.

METHODSStratified cluster sampling was carried out to investigate TD in 9742 schoolchildren aged 7 to 16 years old in Wenzhou.

RESULTSThe average prevalence rate of TD among school-age children was 104/10 000 (166/10 000 for males, 29/10 000 for females). There was a significantly higher prevalence rate for males than that for females (chi(2) = 43.96, P < 0.001, prevalence ratio = 5.7, prevalence ratio 95% CI: 3.20 - 10.30). The prevalence rates of clinical subtypes in males was significantly higher than that of females while pupils was significantly higher than that in high school students (chi(2) = 11.33, P < 0.01, prevalence ratio = 2.2, prevalence ratio 95% CI: 1.37 - 3.43). Prevalence rate of transient tic disorders (TTD), chronic motor vocal tic disorder (CMVTD), tourette syndrome (TS) were 34/10 000, 27/10 000 and 43/10 000 respectively with the highest among 9-10 years old group. The mean onset age of TD was 8.5 +/- 2.8 years. The peak of onset was among 6-10 year olds. The rate of delayed diagnosis of the disorders was 69.3% and the median in delayed diagnosis was 1.0 year.

CONCLUSIONTD is a common disease with high rate of misdiagnoses among schoolchildren in Wenzhou area. Physicians and population should be trained to identify the syndromes and to practice correct diagnosis and effective treatment as early as possible.

Adolescent ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prevalence ; Sex Factors ; Tic Disorders ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Tourette Syndrome ; epidemiology ; prevention & control