BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that intramuscular transplantation of xenogeneic umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cel s in a certain dose range is safe and reliable, and it also confirm that this approach is equal y safe and effective for heart failure in rats with dilated cardiomyopathy. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cel s through intramuscular injection on the cytokine expression in adriamycin-induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) rats. METHODS:Total y 160 rats were randomly divided into control group (n=20) and DCM group (n=140). Rats in the DCM group were administered adriamycin intraperitoneal y to establish DCM model. The DCM rats were randomly subdivided into model control group (served as model group), cel supernatant group, the low-dose mesenchymal stem cel group (served as low-dose group), the middle-dose mesenchymal stem cel group (served as middle-dose group), and the high-dose mesenchymal stem cel s group (served as high-dose group). Secondary injection was performed at 4 weeks after first injection. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The ELISA test showed that the serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), leukemia inhibitor factor (LIF) and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were higher in the model group than the control group before and after intramuscular injection (P<0.05). After intramuscular injection, the levels of HGF, LIF, GM-CSF and VEGF in the low-dose group were increased significantly (P<0.05), which were significantly higher than those in the model group (P<0.05). The level of LIF in the middle-dose group was significantly elevated after injection (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in HGF, VEGF and GM-CSF levels in the high-dose group before and after intramuscular injection (P>0.05). Both the immunohistochemical and RT-PCR results showed that the expressions of insulin-like growth factor-1, VEGF and HGF were increased in al the DCM rats as compared with the control group, which were increased most in the middle-dose group. These findings indicate that low-dose and middle-dose human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cel s intramuscular injection can increase the serum levels of HGF, LIF, GM-CSF, VEGF and the expressions of IGF-1, HGF and VEGF in the myocardium of DCM rats.

Objective To develop and charaterize a series of Poloxamer-and Carbopol-based in situ gel for ophthalmic use as to enhance the ability of drug to retain in eyes and delay drug release.Methods The gel was prepared using Poloxamer 407/188 and Carbopol 974P as gelling agent and viscosity enhancer,respectively.Rheological characteristics were evaluated and behaviour of drug release in vitro was investigated by modified Franz diffusion cells.Results The rheological study indicated that the gel was physically entangled polymer solutions at 20 ℃ and then converted into a network structure with secondary bonds at 35 ℃.The gel released the drug molecules slowly in 4 h.The best fit model was Higuchi matrix model(r=0.992 3).Formulations consisting of Poloxamer 188 and Carbopol 974P were proved to be able to decrease the drug release speed efficiently.The impact on elastic modulus G" of the gel caused by those two were different.Conclusion An in situ gel with suitable sol-gel transition temperature and satisfactory release pattern could be achieved by adjusting the ratio of Poloxamer 407 to Poloxamer 188.The developed formulations have the ability to prolong the ocular residence time,which suggests it may be a new durg delivery system with bright future.

Objective To investigate the MRI features of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA).Methods 1 5 pathologically confirmed PXA cases were analyzed retrospectively.Clinical history and imaging features including location,size,shape,signal intensi-ty,enhancement and surrounding changes of those lesions were analyzed.Results All 1 5 cases were supratentorial and solitary le-sions,of which 9 lesions located in temporal lobe(60%).14 lesions contacted with the leptomeninges,and 1 lesion contacted with lat-eral ventricle wall.All lesions were solid-cystic,with different proportion of solid/cystic components.8 large lesions were predomi-nantly cystic(53.3%),3 small lesions were predominantly solid(20%),and 4 lesions had roughly equal cystic and solid proportions (26.7%).Solid components showed iso-intense or mild hypo-intense on T1 WI,iso-intense or mild hyper-intense on T2 WI,and signif-icant enhancement with contrast.Cyst fluid showed slightly hyper-intense in some cases.Cyst wall or septa enhancement was seen in 7 cases,and leptomeningeal enhancement was seen in 8 cases.Conclusion The MRI features of PXA are the characteristic of suprat-entorial solid-cystic lesions commonly seen in temporal lobe and contacting with leptomeninges.The typical features include “cyst with mural nodule”and “multiple cysts with irregular eccentric nodule”with significant enhancement of solid component and some cyst wall.MRI features of PXA is valuable in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of PXA.

Objective To detect the expressions of enhancer of zeste homology 2 (EZH2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in gastric cancer tissues,and analyze the relationship between their expressions and clinicopathological factors and prognosis of patients.Methods The clinical data of 67 patients with gastric cancer who were admitted to the People's Hospital of Peking University from May 1999 to April 2000 were retrospectively analyzed.Gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues were harvested and fixed in 4％ formaldehyde,and then to make the tissue chips.The protein expressions of EZH2 and STAT3 were detected by immunohistochemical staining,and the relationship between the expressions of EZH2 and STAT3 and the prognosis of patients was analyzed.The correlation between the protein expressions of EZH2 and STAT3 in the gastric and colorectal tissues and the clinicopathological parameters was analyzed using the paired chi-square test.The survival curve was drawn by Kaplan-Meier method,and the survival rate was analyzed by using the Logrank test.The relationship between the clinicopathological factors and the prognosis of patients was analyzed using the COX proportional hazard model.Results The positive protein expression rates of EZH2 and STAT3 in the gastric cancer tissues were 73.1％ (49/67) and 67.2％ (45/67),which were significantly higher than 32.8％ (22/67) and 37.3％ (25/67) in the adjacent normal tissues (x2=21.839,11.964,P ＜0.05).The protein expression of STAT3 was correlated with the age,TNM staging,lymph node metastatic status (x2=5.475,9.998,5.475,P ＜ 0.05).The protein expression of EZH2 was correlated with TNM staging and lymph node metastatic status (x2=11.573,5.902,P ＜ 0.05).The co-expression rate of EZH2 and STAT3 proteins was 73.1％ (49/67),EZH2 and STAT3 had the common expression trend (r =0.397,P ＜ 0.05).The co-expression rate of EZH2 and STAT3 was increased as the increase of TNM stages,and the co-expression of EZH2 and STAT3 in the gastric cancer tissue was correlated with the TNM stages (x2 =6.997,P ＜ 0.05).The 5-year survival rate of patients with low protein expression of EZH2 was significantly higher than those with high protein expression of EZH2 (x2=7.386,P ＜ 0.05).The 5-year survival rate of patients with low proteins expression of STAT3 was significantly higher than those with high proteins expression of STAT3 (x2=12.253,P ＜ 0.05).The 5-year survival rate of patients with low co-expression of EZH2 and STAT3 protein was significantly higher than those with high co-expression of EZH2 and STAT3 proteins (x2 =8.765,P ＜ 0.05).The results of univariate analysis showed that age,TNM staging,EZH2 and STAT3 expression,lymph node metastasis and distal metastasis were the factors influencing the survival of patients with gastric cancer (RR =2.136,3.452,3.179,8.341,11.773,6.873,P ＜0.05).The results of multivariate analysis showed that TNM staging and STAT3 expression were independent factors influencing the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (RR =2.453,7.535,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions There is significant correlation between EZH2 and STAT3 protein expressions in gastric cancer tissues,and co-expression of EZH2 and STAT3 is associated with the TNM staging and the prognosis of the patients with gastric cancer.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and prospect of innovative interactive follow-up mode for rehabilitation ofpostopera-tive breast cancer patietns in new medical environment. Methods The novel patient-centered medical care was promoted,and Pink Ribbon Clubs was established in different regions. Meanwhile,the patients’ self-support groups were formed, and a specialist for out-patients follow-up of outpatients by telephone or on the internet was arranged to provide psychological assessment,with timely and effective response. All data concerning to the follow-up were recorded and the patients were required to complete the relevant questionnaires. Results Compared with the same period in 2013,the follow-up rate was significantly increased to 80. 25%,and the patients showed higher satisfaction. The incidence of lymphedema in the patients was significantly reduced from 13% in 2013 to 7%. The quality of life was significantly improved and self-rat-ing score on depression was decreased from (51. 90 ± 8. 55) to (35. 81 ± 6. 21). Conclusion The kind of“Trinity” interactive mode is an effective follow-up mode with the clinical benefit in patients’ rehabilitation of physical and mental health,which is worthy of further applica-tion.

A hugh performance luquud chromatographuc ( HPLC) method was extablushed for determunatuon of the content of 7 polycycluc aromatuc hydrocarbons ( PAHs) un soul and earthworm samples based on accelerated solvent extractuon ( ASE) for extractuon and solud phase extractuon ( SPE) column for sample purufucatuon. In thus method, the samples were furst extracted by the muxed solutuon of n-hexane and acetone extractuon (4∶1, V/V) , and then purufued by SPE column ( suluca gel column for soul sample purufucatuon and Al2 O3-suluca gel column for earthworm sample purufucatuon ) , eluted by 10 mL of elutuon of n-hexane and duchloromethane (9∶1, V/V), and evaporated to dryness wuth rotary evaporator. After that, the pretreated samples were re-dussolved wuth acetonutrule to a constant volume, followed by a fultratuon wuth a 0. 22-μm organuc fulter membrane for the quantufucatuon by HPLC. The recoverues of the method for 7 PAHs were 83. 5%-110. 2% un soul samples and 81. 2%-97. 1% un earthworm samples. The detectuon lumuts of the method for 7 PAHs were 0. 15-0. 85 μg/kg. The method had good reproducubuluty and met the qualuty control requurements of sample analysus.

Objective To investigate the differences between subjective and objective sleep quality in recurrent depressive patients and the correlative factors. Methods Thirty-two cases of recurrent depressive patients(the recurrent group) and 32 cases of first episode depressive patients(the control group)who met the inclusion were recruited in this study. The subjectivesleep quality ,mood and objective sleep quality of patients were estimated by Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI),Hamilton anxiety Scale(HAMA),Hamilton depression Scale(HAMD),respectively. O ne whole-night polysomnography (PSG) was recorded. Results On subjec-tivesleep quality,the total sleep time was shorter,the sleep latency was longer,and the sleep efficiency was lower in the recurrent group compared with the control group. On objectivesleep quality ,the wake times were increased , the NREM1 phase was longer,the NREM2 phase was shorter,the RME phase was longer,the proportion of REM phase was increased,and the latency of REM phase was shorter in the recurrent group compared with the control group(P<0.05,respectively). There were significant differences between the subjective and objective sleep quali-ty in both groups,while the differences in the recurrent group were more significant(P < 0.01). In the recurrent group,thedifference of the total time between the subjective and objective sleep was positively correlated with PSQI score,the duration of disease and the number of attacks(P < 0.05),while,the differences of the sleep latency and sleep efficiency between the subjective and objective sleep were both positively correlated withPSQI score and the HAMA-14 score,respectively(P<0.05). Conclusion There was a significant difference between the subjec-tive and objective sleep quality of patients with recurrent depression ,and the differences were related to the course of disease,the number of attack,PSQI score and HAMA-14 score.

Objective To investigate the incidence, imaging and clinical characteristics in elderly patients with coronary artery ectasia (CAE). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with CAE who underwent coronary angiography between January 2006 and December 2012. According to age, the enrolled patients were divided into two groups (elderly group, age≥ 65 years; non-elderly group, age < 65 years). The clinical feature, imaging characteristics and the 5-year survival rate of the two groups were compared.Results The preva-lence of CAE in elderly patients was 0.33%. Patients in elderly group were found to have significantly higher proportion of female (30.1%vs. 10.1%,P< 0.001), three-vessel disease (60.5%vs. 45.2%,P = 0.003) and localized ectasia (55.0%vs. 40.2%,P = 0.003). In addition, body mass index (20.90 ± 2.71 kg/m2vs. 22.31 ± 2.98 kg/m2,P < 0.001) and percentage of current smokers (45.0%vs. 64.6%,P < 0.001) were significantly lower in elderly group. Cumulative survival curves demonstrated reduced 5-year cumulative survival at the follow-up in the elderly group compared with the non-elderly group (88.0%vs. 96.0%,P = 0.002). But the 5-year event free survival rate failed to show a significant difference between the two groups (31.0%vs. 35.0%,P= 0.311).ConclusionThe prevalence of CAE in elderly patients was 0.33%, which was about 1/3 of the entire numbers of CAE patients. There were significant differences between the elderly and the non-elderly patients with CAE in terms of coronary artery disease risk factors and coronary artery ectatic characteristics. CAE might be asso-ciated with increased mortality risk in the elderly.

The attenuated Chinese equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) vaccine is the first lentiviral vaccine that provides solid protective immunities to vaccinated horses. To investigate properties of EIAV vaccine, especially the relationship between its replication and the immunity, viral plasma loads of an EIAV vaccine strain EIAVFDDV in immune suppressed horses were detected. Three horses, which were immunized with EIAVFDDV for 16 months, were treated with dexamethasone for 14 days to suppress their immunities. Reduced immune response in these animals was confirmed by significantly declined lymphocyte proliferation rate detected after 10 days of the drug treatment. The plasma viral loads of EIAVFDDV, which was indicated by the genomic RNA copy numbers, in horses before and after the treatment of dexamethasone were monitored by real time RT-PCR. Results revealed that the viral plasma loads in two of three immune-suppressed horses were kept a steady low level around 103～ 104 copies/ml. The load was increased by 10 folds in the third horse, but was still among the standard levels for EIAVFDDV vaccinated horses. As a positive control, the viral copy number of an asymptomatic carrier of EIAV virulent strain EIAVLiao was jumped nearly 25 000-fold higher after being treated with dexamethasone. The typical clinical symptoms of EIA, characterized by febrile episodes and thrombocytopenia, were also appeared in this horse. These results clearly indicate that it is the unique biological feature of the attenuated EIAV vaccine, but not the immunity, resulted in EIAVFDDV remaining in low levels in the body harmlessly. In addition, the steady low level of viremia and the inability to cause clinical symptoms of EIAVFDDV in immune-suppressed hosts further demonstrated the safety of attenuated Chinese EIAV vaccines. The data provide a new sight for studies on the immunity to lentiviruses.

OBJECTIVEThrough comparative study on contents of icariin and total flavonoid of Epimedium acuminatum in different habitats and parts, the distribution and correlation of the two components were observed.

METHODTwenty-four sample spots in four habitats were set up, and the whole plant of these samples was divided as following: leaf, root, stem and rhizome. Total flavonoid and icariin of samples were determined by using the UV method and the HPLC, respectively. The data was analyzed by SPSS 17.0.

RESULTThe distribution of icariin in different parts had the pattern: leaf > root > stem > rhizome, the total flavonoid content was higher in leaf, but it showed no difference in other parts. Habitat had certain effect on icariin accumulation in E. acuminatum. The significant differences of total flavonoid content in E. acuminatum from different parts were not observed.

CONCLUSIONThe distribution of icariin from different parts and habitats has high selectivity. Metabolism and accumulation of flavonoid content in each part have no difference. Flavonoid content is less affected by environment. Considering the distribution of icariin and flavonoid content in every part and the growth strategy in different habitats comprehensively, it is reasonable to harvest the aerial part for the sustainable utilization of E. acuminatum.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Ecosystem ; Epimedium ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Flavonoids ; analysis ; metabolism ; Plant Structures ; chemistry ; metabolism