OBJECTIVE To study the effect of subchronic exposure to aluminum(Al)on learning, memory,and immediate early gene expression in rats,and to explore the toxic mechanism of Al on cognitive impairment of rats. METHODS Wistar offspring rats were administered with 2.0,4.0 and 8.0 g?L-1 AlCl3 in milk and drinking water in sequence from the postnatal day 1 to 3 months. Then,learning and memory of offspring rats were measured by Morris water maze, the hippocampal Al concentration was quantitated by the atomic absorption spectrophotometer, the CA1 area of the hippocampus was collected for HE observation, and the c-fos gene and c-Fos protein expression in CA1 area of the hippo?campus in offspring rats were detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Learning and memory of offspring rats in AlCl3 groups were significantly lower than those in control group(P<0.01,P<0.05). The hippocampal Al concentrations of offspring rats in AlCl3 groups were higher than those in control group(P<0.01). The morphology in CA1 area of offspring rats′ hippocampus in AlCl3 groups exhibited sparse nerve fibers, depigmentation and even vacuolar degeneration in neurons and other pathological changes after Al treatment;c-fos mRNA expression in the hippocampus in 4.0 and 8.0 g?L-1 AlCl3 group rats was significantly lower than in control and 2.0 g?L-1 AlCl3 group, respectively(P<0.01). c-Fos protein expression in offspring rats′ hippocampus in AlCl3 exposed groups was significantly lower compared with control group(P<0.01). CONCLUSION Al can injure learning and memory of rats,which is related to hippocampal neuronal dysfunction in CA1 area induced by pathological changes,low levels of c-fos gene and c-Fos protein expression subsequently.

Objective To explore the prevalence and risk factors of knee osteoarthritis (OA) among the elderly in Tianjin. Methods Totally 2038 elderly in Tianjin were investigated from January 2010 to June 2011 according to protocol of APLA-COPCORD Core Questionnaire to identification of risk factors for knee OA. Results The prevalence rates of knee pain and knee OA were 23.1％ and 21.7％,respectively. Knee OA appeared much frequently in women than men (27.6 ％ vs.16.1 ％,x2 =46.893,P＜0.001 ) in the trend of increase with aging(x2 =764.34,P＜0.001).BMI in knee OA group [(25.4±3.3) kg/m2]was significantly higher than in non-knee OA group [(23.8± 2.9) kg/m2],(t =7.944,P＜0.001).Menopause age in female knee OA group was younger than in female non-knee OA group [(50.2±3.7) years vs.(52.8±4.1) years,t=7.665,P＜0.001].Binary logistic regression revealed that age,sex,BMI and age of menopause were risk factors of knee OA,and eating vegetable might prevent from osteoarthritis,whereas there were no significantly association between knee OA and the other factors such as smoking and drinking.Conclusions Age,female and overweight are identified as risk factors of knee OA.

In this paper,a number of valuable experiences focusing on teaching idea,cultivation of high-quality teachers and deepening of teaching content and method reform were summarized through exploring the construction and practice of the national excellent course-medical genetics. Aim of the ex-ploration is provide references for the construction and application of national excellent course and its sus-tainable development.

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of transurethral plasmakinetic resection of prostate (PKRP) and transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods The clinical and follow-up data of 186 patients with BPH were analyzed retrospectively. Two groups of BPH patients (90 patients in PKRP group,96 patients in TURP group) were treated by PKRP and TURP,respectively. The clinical date and therapeutic result were measured and compared for both in-tra-and inter-groups. Results In PKRP group,the operative time,intraoperative bleeding,the rates of damage of prostate surgical membranes,secondary hemorrhage (within 1 month),the rates of postoperative temporary urinary incontinence (within 2 months) were (65.3 ± 12.8)min,(213.6 ± 78.2)ml,5.6%(5/90),2.2% (2/90)and 21.1% (19/90),respectively,while in TURP group,these parameters were (83.6 ± 17.5) min,( 397.4 ± 142.7 )ml,17.7%( 17/96 ),11.5% ( 11/96 )and 36.5% ( 35/96 ),respectively. There were signif-icant differences between the 2 groups (P < 0.05 ). In PKRP group,the international prostate symptom score (IPSS),quality of life(QOL),Qmax and PVR were (4.7 ± 1.3 )scores,(1.1 ± 0.4)scores,( 18.7 ± 5.6)ml/s,(8.9 ± 2.5)ml,respectively,while in TURP group,these parameters were (5.3 ± 1.0)scores,(1.2 ± 0.5) scores,(20.4 ± 4.3 )ml/s,(11.2 ± 3.2)ml,respehively. These parameters were significantly improved after both procedures(P < 0.05),but there was no significant difference in the above parameters between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions PKRP and TURP have similar efficacy in the treatment of BPH,but PKRP ap-pears to have an advantage of more safety and easier blood controls with less physical damage and complica-lion than those in TURP. PKRP is a better treatment option for BPH.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of Artemisia argyi ferment substance on systemic Candida albicans infection. Methods The model of systemic Candida albicans infection was established in immunosuppressed mice. The model mice were randomly divided into the model control,Artemisia argyi ferment substance( AAFS) at different doses(100,200,and 400 mg·kg-1 )and fluconazole group(20 mg·kg-1 ),30 mice in each. Mice in each treatment group were given therapeutic drugs by gavage for 5 consecutive days,twice daily. The survival of mice was determined 21 days after the model was set up. The serum levels of IFN-γand IL-2 were determined by ELISA. The proliferation activity of T lymphocyte in the spleen was detected by MTT assay. The number of living fungi in liver and kidney tissues was counted. Results Compared with the model control,AAFS at middle and high doses and fluconazole significantly increased the survival rate of mice,the serum levels of IFN-γand IL-2,and the proliferation activity of T lymphocyte in the spleen,but decreased the number of living fungi in tissues(P〈0. 01). Compared with low dose AAFS,middle and high doses of AAFS and fluconazole showed significantly different effect on each index(P〈0. 05 or P〈0. 01),but there was no difference among these groups(P〉0. 05). Conclusion AAFS at 200-400 mg·kg-1 has inhibitory effects on systemic Candida albicans infection in mice,the mechanism of which is related to increasing the proliferation of T lymphocyte in spleen and the levels of IFN-γand IL-2 in serum.

Botulinum toxin type A (BTX A) has gain widespread use in various neurological conditions, characterized by safe injection and less side-effect. This review will examine the current research of BTX A in the following aspects: mechanism, location, dose and outcome, which manifests the safety and efficacy data of BTX A injection treatment to the symptoms of Parkinson disease, including refractory tremor, focal dystonia, loss of postural reflexes, sialorrhea, gastrointestinal symptoms and depressive disorder.

Decoction is one of the most commonly used dosage forms of traditional Chinese medicine. The stability of chemical constituents in decoction is closely related to the clinical efficacy and safety. There were few reports about the influence of metal ions in the stability of chemical constituents in traditional Chinese medicine. However, there is no evidence that metal ions in decoction water need to be controlled. In this study, 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy stilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG), one of the main constituents in Polygoni Multiflori Radix was studied. Ordinary tap water, deionized water, and water containing different metal ions were used to investigate and compare the influence on THSG. The results showed that after storage in a dark place at the room temperature for 10 days, the degradation of THSG was 7% in deionized water, while undetectable in tap water. The content of THSG could be decreased by different kinds of metal ions, and the effect was concentration-dependent. Moreover, Fe3+ and Fe2+ showed the greatest influence at the same concentration; and our study has shown that THSG decreased more than 98% in Fe and Fe2+ solutions at 500 ppm concentration. In the same time we found out p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (molecular weight: 122.036 7) and 2,3,5-trihydroxybenzaldehyde-2-O-glycoside (molecular weight: 316.079 4) were the main degradation products of THSG in tap water and water containing Cu2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Mg2+ and Al3+. The product of THSG dimer with a water molecule was found in water containing Fe3+ and Fe2+. The above results showed that the metal ions in water could significantly influence the stability of THSG in water, indicating that the clinical efficacy and safety of decoction would be affected if the metal ions in water were not under control. It's suggested that deionized water should be used in the preparation of decoction containing Polygoni Multiflori Radix in the clinic to avoid degradation of THSG. Meanwhile, decoction prepared by tap water should be taken by patients in a short time. Our investigation provides important information and reference about the influence of metal ions on the stability of decoctions in other traditional Chinese medicine that have unstable groups such as hydroxyls and unsaturated bonds, etc.

Objective To discuss the feasibility and the curative effect of transurethral diverticulum section in the treatment of female urethral diverticulum.Method We retrospectively analyzed the transurethral diverticulum section surgeries of 11 adult female patients diagnosed as urethral diverticulum in our hospital from August 2012 to October 2016.The patients aged from 33 years old to 74 years old with an average age of 43.Their medical histories varied from 1 month to more than 40 years with an average histories of 80 months.Major symptoms included odynuria,frequent micturition,dyspareunia,perineum bearing-down feeling,repetitive urinary tract infection,dysuria,urinary stuttering,penis masses,etc.One patient underwent TVT-O.Two patients had urinary catheterization before the disease.During physical examination,cystic masses of different sizes could be touched on anterior vaginal walls with pain and secretion.Cystic lesions can be found by imaging examination.Transurethral diverticulum section was performed under general anesthesia.Using needle electrode by resectoscope,we made an annular incision in the direction of the vertical axis of the urethra,from the beginning of diverticulum ostium.The diverticulum completely communicated with the urethra.In 11 patients of transurethral endoscopic,the urethral sphincter and the diverticulum wall appeared morphological integrity and no damage.There was no liquid drained to de vagina.There was no urethral sphincter injury and no urethral vaginal leakage.We observed the operation time,bleeding volume,diverticulum position,the number of diverticulum,urethral sphincter intraoperative.We also observed the postoperative symptoms,short-term and long-term complications.Result All surgeries went on well,in which urethral diverticula were fully opened.The operation time was 30-45 minutes,average 35 minutes.The amount of bleeding within 5 ml.4 cases with multiple diverticulum,with 2 cases of diverticulum ostia were 2,2 cases of diverticulum ostia were 3.The other 7 cases with single diverticulum,diverticulum ostium was 1.The catheters were removed 2 weeks after the surgery,after that all patients can urinate normally.The follow-up time was 5-55 months (mean,24 months).All pre-surgical symptoms disappeared and no complication occurred,such as urethral stricture,urinary incontinence,urethro-vaginal fistula,etc.Conclusion Transurethral diverticulum section is a reliable treatment for female urethral diverticulum with positive curative effect and no obvious complication.

Psoraleae Fructus (PF) is a well-known traditional herbal medicine in China, and it is widely used for osteoporosis, vitiligo, and other diseases in clinical settings. However, liver injury caused by PF and its preparations has been frequently reported in recent years. Our previous studies have demonstrated that PF could cause idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI), but the mechanism underlying its hepatotoxicity remains unclear. This paper reports that bavachin isolated from PF enhances the specific stimuli-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and leads to hepatotoxicity. Bavachin boosts the secretion of IL-1β and caspase-1 caused by ATP or nigericin but not those induced by poly(I:C), monosodium urate crystal, or intracellular lipopolysaccharide. Bavachin does not affect AIM2 or NLRC4 inflammasome activation. Mechanistically, bavachin specifically increases the production of nigericin-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species among the most important upstream events in the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Bavachin increases the levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase in serum and hepatocyte injury accompanied by the secretion of IL-1β via a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide-mediated susceptibility to IDILI. These results suggest that bavachin specifically enhances the ATP- or nigericin-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Bavachin also potentially contributes to PF-induced idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity. Moreover, bavachin and PF should be evaded among patients with diseases linked to the ATP- or nigericin-mediated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which may be a dangerous factor for liver injury.
Adenosine Triphosphate ; Animals ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/etiology* ; Flavonoids ; Humans ; Inflammasomes ; Mice ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; Nigericin