BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated that hyperhomocysteinemia can induce atherosclerosis by enhancing oxidative stress, whereas Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) can scavenge oxygen-derived free radicals.OBJECTIVE: To observe the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) induced by homocysteine (Hcy), and investigate the effect of GbE.DESIGN: A randomized controlled animal trial.SETTING: Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology.MATERrALS: Twenty-four healthy male rabbits of 6 months old. Dl-methionine (Sigma Chemical, Co.,Ltd.); GbE (Guizhou Yibai Pharmaceutical Company; powder).METHODS: The experiment was accomplished in the Laboratory of Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from March 2003 to April 2004. ① After adaptive feeding for 2 weeks, the rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: Model group (n =12): The rabbits were treated with subcutaneous injection of dl-methionine (80 mg/kg per day); GbE group (n =8): The rabbits were administrated with GbE (mixed with feed, 50 m/kg per day) at 1 hour before the subcutaneous injection of dl-methionine; Control group (n=4): The rabbits were injected with equivalent sodium chloride. They were administrated for 7 weeks continuously. ②Histological changes were observed under light and electron microscopes: ROS level was determined with colorimetries (721 visible spectrophotometer); The expressions of CAMs and NF-κB in endothelial cells were detected with immunohistochemical methods; The concentration of plasma Hcy was measured with high-performance liquid chromatography.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Histological changes, ROS level and expressions of CAMs and NF-κB in endothelial cells.RESULTS: All the 24 rabbits were involved in the analysis of results. ① ROS level: After administration, the ROS level in the model group was obviously increased (2.92±0.20,2.48±0.26, P ＜ 0.05), whereas those in the GbE group and control group (2.41±0.23, 2.43±0.20) had no obvious differences as compared with those before administration (2.31±0.27,2.47±0.32, P ＞ 0.05). ② Histological changes: Aortas of rabbits in the model group presented initial changes of atherosclerosis, including shedding or necrosis of endothelial cells and nuclear pyknosis or standing in a clutter of smooth muscle cells. There were scarcely any changes in the GbE group and control group. ③ Expressions of CAMs and NF-κB in endothelial cells: After treatments, the expressions of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and NF-κB in the model group were obviously higher than those in the control group (P ＜0.05), and there were no significant differences between the GbE group and control group (P ＞ 0.05). ④ Concentration of plasma Hcy: After 7 weeks, the concentration of plasma Hcy was higher in the model group and GbE group than in the control group [(25.01±6.80), (26.71±2.36), (16.85± 1.64) μmol/L, P ＜ 0.05].CONCLUSION: Hcy-induced oxidative stress plays an important role in NF-κB activation. GbE might suppress the activation of NF-κB and expression of CAMs by reducing ROS.

Objective To observe clinical efficacy of Banxiaxiexin tonga for the treatment of helicobacter pylori related peptic ulcers.Methods 110 patients were randomly divided into two groups.60 cases received Banxiaxiexin tonga for the treatment.50 cases in the control group received omeprazole triple therapy.Results The improvement in symptoms and signs,negative ulcer healing and Hp have made a good effect in treatment group.The total efficiency is 91.6% ,the total effective rate in control group is 78.0%.There was significant difference between the two groups(P <0.01).Treatment group had no adverse reaction,the control group was 24.0% ,the difference between the two groups was significant(P < 0.01).There was no significant difference between the two groups in hpclearance(P >0.05).Conclusion Banxiaxiexin tonga had good effect on the treatment of Hp-related peptic ulcer.

Objective:To study the change of the expression of heat shock protein 70 and ultrastructure of brain in sleep deprivation(SD).Methods:44 male Sprague-Dawlay rats were randomly divided into 11 groups.The HSP70 positive cells were detected by using immunohistochemical methods.The ultrastructure of hippocampal neuron was observed through electromicroscope.Results:HSP70 were detected in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus after SD.The HSP70 could be found after 12 h SD,reached to a peak during 2-3 d SD,and declined after 7 d SD.The number of HSP70 positive cells of SDd12h group was markedly more than that of SDn12h group(P

Objective To investigate effects of ginkgo biloba extract(GBE) and tanshinoneⅡ A preventative administration against cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in gerbils.Methods Cerebral iscthemia and reperfu- sion injury were made by 10 minutes'occlusion of bilateral carotid arteries followed by 24 hours' reperfusion in ger- bils.GBE,tanshinone Ⅱ A,nimodipine or GBE plus tanshinone Ⅱ A were administrated intragastrically 3 days prior to and at the day of ischemia and reperfusion.Effects of experimental agents on mortality,stroke index,brain body index,water content in brain hemisphere,level of SOD activity and MDA in cerebral tissue were measured,and pathological changes of cortex and hippoearnpal CA1 sector were observed.Results GBE 48 mg/kg and tanshinone Ⅱ A 25mg/kg preventive administration could significantly reduce the stroke index,brain body index,and water in brain hemisphere,together with a reduced mortality of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injuried gerbils.The two a- gents could also significantly improve the activity of SOD,reduce the level of MDA in cerebral tissue and the injury in cortex and hippocampal CA1 sector.Moreover,combined treatment of these two agents demonstrated more signifi- cant effects.Conclusion GBE,tanshinone Ⅱ A and combined therapy of these two agents may protect cerebral func- tion from ischemia and reperfusion injury through reducing the cerebral edema and attenuating the injury of oxygen free radicals.

Objective To investigate the detection results of GHB with different instruments, and to provide reliable basis for improving the accuracy of GHB detection. Methods ADVIA 1650 biochemical analyzer and HA-8160 glycosylated hemoglobin analyzer were used. The accurate detection of glycosylated hemoglobin in 100 healthy people was carried out, and the related data were recorded and analyzed statistically. Attention should be paid to this group according to glycosylated hemoglobin detection value, that is, within 6.5％ for A group, 6.5％-10.0％ for B group, more than 10％ for C group, and compare the above-mentioned different grouping of corresponding instrument glycosylated hemoglobin detection value. Results The analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups of C instrument glycosylated hemoglobin levels, but the level of glycosylated hemoglobin detected by A in group HA-8160 and group B was significantly higher than that of ADVIA 1650(P<0.05). Conclusion Different instruments have some differences in the detection value of glycosylated hemoglobin. Clinicians should judge the disease comprehensively according to the actual situation and other indicators.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of the novel simplified no-flip surgical approach to Shang Ring male circumcision in adults.

METHODSA total of 528 adult males, aged 18 - 58 (mean 35) years, 63 with phimosis and 465 with redundant prepuce, underwent no-flip Shang Ring circumcision with or without removal of the outer ring. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded and observations were made on such complications as postoperative bleeding, infection, edema, and wound dehiscence.

RESULTSThe operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and 2-hour postoperative pain score were (3.8 +/- 0.3) min, (0.6 +/- 0.1) ml, and 7.3 +/-0.3, respectively. Spontaneous ring detachment occurred at 21.6 +/- 2.1 days postoperatively in 12.7% of the patients (67/528) who had chosen not to remove the rings. Of those who preferred removal of the outer ring (87.3% [461/528]), none experienced any pain at the ring removal 7 days after the operation. Postoperative complications included infection in 3 cases (0.56%) and mild edema in 9 (1.70%), but no bleeding and wound dehiscence. Totally, 518 (98.1%) of the patients felt satisfied with the postoperative penile appearance.

CONCLUSIONNo-flip Shang Ring circumcision, with no need for removal of the inner ring, is a safe and simple approach for adult males, which is superior to conventional Shang Ring circumcision for requirement of fewer surgical instruments, shorter operation time, lower incidence of complications, and better satisfaction with the penile appearance. However, these advantages are to be further demonstrated by more randomized controlled trials.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Circumcision, Male ; instrumentation ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phimosis ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the blood pressure (BP) changes in the liver transplant recipients.

METHODSA total of 206 patients without preoperation hypertension received liver transplantation in our hospital from February 2001 to July 2005. The BP level and serum immunosuppressant concentration at preoperation and various time points post operation were determined.

RESULTSCompared with the preoperation, the average systolic and diastolic pressure was significantly increased at the 2 week, 1, 2, 4 and 6 months post operation. The mobility of hypertension increased significantly after liver transplantation, with the highest mobility (46.49%) at the 1st month post operation. There was no linear correlation between the immunosuppressant (FK506) concentration and the BP level at any time point.

CONCLUSIONThere was a high hypertension incidence after liver transplantation. Although the use of immunosuppressive drugs accompanied with the BP increase, there was no linear correlation between the immunosuppressant concentration and the BP level post operation.

Blood Pressure ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypertension ; etiology ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; adverse effects ; Liver Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; physiopathology ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the early clinical and radiographic outcome of scaphoid non-unions treated with Acutrak headless compression screw.

METHODSFrom January 2008 to July 2011,21 patients with scaphoid non-union were treated in our department. There were 18 males and 3 females with a mean age of (23.6 +/- 4.6) years; 12 cases were on right hand and 9 were on left. According to Herbert-Fisher classification, there were 10 cases with type D1, 7 cases with type D2, 3 cases with type D3, and 1 case with type D4. The mean time from injury to operation was (12.4 +/- 2.7) months. All patients were treated with Acutrak headless compression screw fixation (6 cases received 2 screws fixation, 15 cases received 1 screw fixation, and Matti-Russe bone grafting was applied in 7 cases). The carpal height, the scaphoid index and changes of the scapholunate angle were assessed before and after the operation. Range of motion and grip strength were recorded and the wrist function was assessed according to the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE).

RESULTSAverage duration of follow-up was (21.3 +/- 3.6) months. All the patients attained radiological union in a mean time of (13.3 +/- 2.4) weeks following the operation. No obvious complications were recorded. The surgical treatment allowed the preoperative mean scaphoid index of 0.61 +/- 0.13 and the preoperative mean scapholunate angle of (59.4 +/- 6.8) degree to be improved to 0.69 +/- 0.10 and (44.3 +/- 8.2)degree postoperatively, respectively. There was a substantial improvement in grip strength and pain amelioration after surgery. The preoperative mean PRWE score of 45.2 +/- 4.7 was improved to 76.1 +/- 5.2 postoperatively. All patients returned back to the original work,the average time from surgery to work was (6.0 +/- 1.1) months.

CONCLUSIONFor scaphoid non-unions, Acutrak headless compression screw fixation can provide anatomical reduction, provide satisfactory results with a high union rate, well return of function and minimal complications in the early stage.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Fractures, Ununited ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Scaphoid Bone ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Wrist Injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Wrist Joint ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Young Adult

The fruit of Pandanus tectorius (PTF) has a long history of use as a folk medicine to treat hyperlipidemia in Hainan province, South China. Our previous studies have shown that the n-butanol extract of PTF is rich in caffeoylquinic acids and has an adequate therapeutic effect on dyslipidemic animals induced by high-fat diet. In this work, seven caffeoylquinic acids isolated from PTF were screened for the lipid-lowering activity in HepG2 hepatoma cells. Oil-Red O staining, microscopy and intracellular triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) quantification showed that 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3-CQA), 3, 5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3,5-CQA), and 3,4,5-tri-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3,4,5-CQA) significantly inhibited lipid accumulation induced by oleic acid and decreased intracellular levels of TC and TG in a dose-dependent manner. These three caffeoylquinic acids showed no significant cytotoxicity at concentrations of 1 -50 μmol x L(-1) as determined by MTT assay. Realtime quantitative PCR revealed that 3-CQA and 3, 5-CQA significantly increased the expression of lipid oxidation-related genes PPARα, CPT-1 and ACOX1 while 3-CQA, 3, 5-CQA and 3,4,5-CQA decreased the expression of lipogenic genes SREBP-1c, SREBP-2, HMGR, ACC, FAS. Overall, 3-CQA, 3, 5-CQA and 3, 4, 5-CQA may be the principal hypolipidemic components in PTF which can decrease intracellular lipid accumulation through up-regulating the expression of lipid oxidative genes and down-regulating the expression of lipogenic genes.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; China ; Cholesterol ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Lipid Metabolism ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Oleic Acid ; Pandanaceae ; chemistry ; Quinic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1 ; Triglycerides ; metabolism

Objective To evaluate the value of three-dimensional color power angiography(3D-CPA) in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast tumors.Methods 3D-CPA vascular parameters were collected and analyzed in 121 breast solid lesions (63 malignant,58 benign) in the 114 female patients.The diagnostic performances of each parameter were compared by receiver operating characteristic (ROC)cure.Results The parameters of intra-tumor flow index (FI1),flow index of shells with outside thickness of 3mm surrounding the breast tumors(FI2 ) and the ratio of FI2 and FI1 (G2) in malignant group were significantly higher than those in benign group( P ＜0.05,respectively).Analysis of the areas under ROC curve showed that the areas under FI2 curve was the largest.No significant difference( P ＞0.05) was found between the area under FI2 curve and the area under G2 curve.Comparing the area under FI2 curve to that under FI1,there was significant differences ( P ＜ 0.05).Taking FI2 ≥ 27.385 as the critical value,the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of malignant breast tumors were 88.9％ and 81.0％,and the positive and negative predictive values were 83.6％ and 87.0％ respectively.Conclusions The sensitivity and specificity of 3D-CPA parameter FI2 in the diagnosis of malignant breast tumors were higher than others,FI2 with the optimal critical value of ≥27.385 could help to identify malignant from benign breast tumors.