Acute Disease ; Humans ; Paraquat ; poisoning

ObjectiveTo recognize the features of genitourinary dysfunction in multiple system atrophy (MSA) and the importance of videourodynamics.Methods5 cases of MSA were reviewed.ResultsGenitourinary dysfunction in MSA included voiding problem, nocturnal urinary frequency, urgency, impotence and so on. The characteristic appearance of videourodynamics was that postvoiding volume more than 100 ml, detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia (DESD) and open bladder neck at the start of bladder filling. The abnormal sphincter electromyography comprised of abnormal spontaneous activity, motor unit potentials (MUPs) more than 13 ms, polyphasic potentials more than 60%. MRI showed brain atrophy and the "hot cross bun" signal in the pontocerebellar degeneration.ConclusionMSA is a disorder characterized by progressive neuronal atrophy at certain sites of the central nervous system that control the urogenital function. MSA-related urological symptoms are analogous with symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction. It is necessary to take some reasonable investigations for avoiding misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery.

ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and safety of sacral neuromodulation(SNM) for the treatment to neurogenic bladder.MethodsOne patient with neurogenic bladder after spinal bifida underwent the therapy of SNM 42 months ago.The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated and followed up by means of the symptom improvement and voiding diaries.ResultsDuring the test stimulation period,there were significant improvements(>50%) in the objective findings and subjective symptoms.This patient received permanent electrode and neurostimulator implantation and lower urinary tract symptoms were improved continuously until 42 months.ConclusionSNM may be effective for some neurogenic dysfunctions of the bladder.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) injection into detrusor to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods A total of 78 patients with SCI were treated with transurethral injection of BTX-A (300 IU dissolved in 15 ml of saline) into 30 different points of detrusor with 15 ml in every patients. Urodynamic parameters and voiding diary were assessed at baseline and 3 weeks and 3 months after the injections. Adverse events were recorded after the injection if present.Results After the first injection, 78 patients showed that the mean frequencies of incontinence decreased from 13.5 to 2.7 times per day, the mean volume of intermittent catheterization (IC) increased from 131 ml to 389 ml per time, the mean volume of incontinence decreased from 1 690 ml to 281 ml per day, the mean getting effect time was 7.6 days. 10 patients received second injection at 8.9 months after first injection, the results showed that the mean frequencies of incontinence decreased from 9.7 to 3.7 times per day, the mean IC volume increased from 108 ml to 387 ml. 6 patients received third injection at 5.8 months after second injection, the results showed that the mean frequencies of incontinence decreased from 9.2 to 3.9 times per day, the mean IC volume increased from 116 ml to 364 ml. No side effects were observed during the follow-up.Conclusion BTX-A injection into detrusor to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity in patients with SCI seems to be an effective, safe and miniinvasive solution.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGF), regulated by their receptors and binding proteins, play a pivotal role in human cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Increasing evidence has revealed that IGF system is involved in the genesis and progress of various malignancies including lung cancer. Recent studies in regard to IGF axis expression in the lung cancer cell lines, pulmonary tissue samples and blood circulation of lung cancer patients have shown that the IGF axis may contribute to the transformation and progression of lung cancer. Several researches have shown that a number of drugs targeting the IGF receptor are being investigated in clinical trials and suggest a potential therapeutic efficacy. This article reviews the updates and progress in the research of IGF axis in lung cancer.

Anticonvulsants ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Seizures ; chemically induced

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Smad7 on the expressions of collagen I and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) in HSC-T6 cell line activated by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1).

METHODSHSC-T6 cells stably expressing M2-flag protein were selected after co-infection of the cells with pTRE-Smad7-M2-flag and pTet-on. The optimal dose of doxycycline for inducing Smad7 was determined, and the effects of Smad7 over-expression on the expressions of collagen I and alpha-SMA in the cells activated by TGF-beta1 and on Smad2/3 phosphorylation were evaluated using Western blotting.

RESULTSThe optimal dose of doxycycline for inducing Smad7 expression was 2 mg/L. Smad7 over-expression induced by doxycycline decreased the expressions of collagen I and alpha-SMA in HSC-T6 cells activated by TGF-beta1, and down-regulated the level of Smad2/3 phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONSmad7 over-expression inhibits Smad2/3 phosphorylation, and decreases the expression of collagen I and alpha-SMA in HSC-T6 cells induced by TGF-beta1 to inhibit the progression of liver fibrosis.

Actins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type I ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genetic Therapy ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; metabolism ; therapy ; Smad7 Protein ; pharmacology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; pharmacology

Child ; Humans ; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell

For screening the potential drugs as anti-liver fibrosis candidates, we established a high- throughput drug screening cell model based on COL1A1 promoter. The activity of COL1A1 promoter and luciferase reporter gene can be elevated by TGF-β1, and inhibited by candidate drugs. We constructed a recombined plasmid with COL1A1 promoter and luciferase reporter gene pGL4.17, the activity of COL1A1 promoter was reflected by fluorescence intensity. COL1A1 promoter activity was detected by Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay System, it came that the relative luciferase activity of COL1A1 promoter was 15.98 times higher than that of control group induced by TGF-β1, showing the recombined plasmid could be used in cell model. The recombined plasmid was transfected into human hepatic stellate cells LX2, detected the effect of potential drugs, and obtained a stable expression system through stable transfection and monoclonal cell culture. A sample which could reduce COL1A1 promoter activity signally by our cell model, decreased collagen I mRNA and protein expression detected by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. It indicates this novel cell model can be used in high-throughput drug screening of potential anti-liver fibrosis drugs.
Collagen Type I ; genetics ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; methods ; Genes, Reporter ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; High-Throughput Screening Assays ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; drug therapy ; Luciferases ; Plasmids ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; RNA, Messenger ; Transfection ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; pharmacology

Objective To investigate the anatomical basic of extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon transferring to extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon.Methods Twelve sides of ECRB and EPL in fresh adult cadaver's forearms were collected,and the anatomical model of ECRB transferring to EPL was set up in all the forearms.The anatomical parameters of EPL were measured before and after anatomical model established.Results The effective transferring length of ECRB was (3.5±0.8)cm;the maximum circumferential of ECRB and EPL were (8.5±0.8)cm and (3.6±0.3)cm (P ＞0.05),the ratio of muscle cross-sectional area was 5.57;After the anatomical model setting up,anatomic angles of EPL was (30±7)°,which was a decrease of (20±5) ° comparing with the preoperative angel of (50±9) ° (P ＞0.05);Thumb extension angle was (50± 12) °,which was a decrease of (8±3) ° comparing with the preoperative angel of (58 ± 16) ° (P＜0.05);The dorsal extension angle of first metacarpal was (12±5)o,which was a decrease of (3± 2) o comparing with the preoperative angle (15±8)° (P＞0.05);Thumb tip lifting height was (2.3±0.9) c m,which was a decrease of (1.2±0.6)cm comparing with the preoperative height (3.5±1.2)cm (P ＞0.05).Conclusion Based on the measurement of the anatomic parameters of ECRB and EPL,the ECRB has enough length and muscle force to reconstruct the function of EPL.The thumb had a good extension appearance and accorded with the rule of biomechanics after setting up the anatomical model of ECRB transferring to EPL.This study will provide the anatomical evidence for further clinical application