The Monascus mutant with high yield of yellow pigment was obtained by using conventional relevant mutation techniques, e.g., treating with physical mutagens(such as UV light) and chemical sub- stances (such as N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine). The yellow pigment was scanned from 300 nm to 600 nm with UV spectrometer, the maximal absorption was determined at 410 nm. The growth characteristic of Monascus mutant is stable, the yellow pigment value and colour hue in liquid fermentation can reach 100 U/mL and 3.5 respectively. The yellow pigment is stable from pH 3 to pH 8, but the precipitation appeared as the pH of the pigment solution lower than 3.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Tongluo Xingnao effervescent tablets on learning and memory capacity and expression of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in hippocampus of rats with chronic cerebral ischemia-induced learning and memory dysfunction model.

METHODThe 2-VO method was used to establish sd rat model learning and memory dysfunction induced by chronic cerebral ischemia. The 50 rats in the successfully established model were randomly divided into the model control group, the Dihydroergotoxine Mesylate tablets group (0.7 mg x kg(-1), Tongluo Xingnao effervescent tablets high dose (7.56 g x kg(-1)), middle dose (3.78 g x kg(-1)) and low dose (1.59 g x kg(-1)) groups and the sham operation group (n = 10) as the control group. The groups were orally given 10 ml x kg(-1) x d(-1) drugs for consecutively 90 days. On the 86th day, Morris water maze was adopted for them. On the 90th day, a leaning and memory capacity test was held. The brain tissues were fixed with 10% formaldehyde and observed for pathomorphism after routine slide preparation and staining. The expression of hippocampal Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase was detected with immunohistochemistry and image quantitative analysis.

RESULTCompared with the model group, all of Tongluo Xingnao effervescent tablets groups showed significant decrease in the escape latency at the 5th day in the Morris water maze, and notable increase in the frequency of the first quadrant dwell, the frequency passing the escape platform and the frequency entering effective area (p < 0.05). According to the pathomorphological detection, the control group showed a significantly higher pathological score than the sham operation group (p < 0.01), the middle dose group showed a significantly lower pathological score than the model group (p < 0.05). According to the immunohistochemistical detection, the model control group showed a remarkably lower mean OD value of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase than the sham operation group (p < 0.05), high and middle dose groups showed a significantly higher mean od value than the model control group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONTongluo Xingnao effervescent tablets can improve the learning and memory capacity, reduce pathological changes of hippocampal tissues of rats with chronic cerebral ischemia-induced learning and memory dysfunction model, and promote the expression of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in hippocampus.

Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; genetics ; psychology ; Chronic Disease ; drug therapy ; psychology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Humans ; Learning ; drug effects ; Male ; Memory ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tablets ; administration & dosage

OBJECTIVEThrough an analysis of the effect of PKP (percutaneous kyphosis plasty) for aged osteoporotic spinal multiple fracture to demonstrate the importance of the selection of responsible veterbal body.

METHODSTwenty-four consecutive procedures were performed in 19 aged patients with osteoporotic spinal compression fractures from May 2004 to October 2007. The 24 responsible veterbal bodies were confirmed by the manifestations of MRI, X-ray, physical examination before the procedures. Established work path through hibateral vertebral arch, put into saccule, poured in bone cement under X-ray perspective. To observe the condition about symptom improving, fractured reduction and complications after operation.

RESULTSThe operations were successfully completed and the pain released obviously at 2 days after operation. The patients can walk next day after operation and no complication found. The mean loss percent of the anterior and middle vertebal heights were respectively (34.22 +/- 11.51)% and (26.53 +/- 11.61)% before operation,postoperative were respectively (13.21 +/- 11.43)% and (15.10 +/- 6.50)%. The mean kyphosis corrected from (24.50 +/- 3.10) degrees to (8.70 +/- 4.30) degrees; the VAS scores decreased from 83.00 +/- 6.00 to 27.00 +/- 5.00. There was significant difference between before and after operation (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSPKP for aged osteoporotic spinal multiple fractures by selecting true veterbal body has satisfactory clinical efficacy. We should emphasize the importance of the selectivity of responsible veterbal body in the procedures. It needs three essential elements: (1) Obviously spinous process tenderness and rap pain. (2) X-rays showed veterbal body compression fracture; MR showed low signal in veterbal body by T1WI, and high signal by T2WI, STIR. (3) The manifestation of radiology can be explained clearly by clinical symptomes arid signs.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoporosis ; complications ; Recovery of Function ; Spinal Fractures ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Spine ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Vertebroplasty ; methods

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Iron Compounds ; adverse effects ; pharmacology ; Nanostructures

To investigate the mechanism and biologic effects of 37 nm magnetic nano FeOx powders (MNPs) on human hepatoma-bearing nude mice. 37 nm MNPs were prepared by coprecipitation methods and then injected into human hepatoma (Bel-7402) bearing-nude mice through the tail vein. After injection of MNPs, the mice were first exposed under static magnetic field and then treated under extremely low frequency altering-electric magnetic field directing to the tumor area. The migration and trafficking of MNPs were determined by MMR. Tumor growth was monitored with calipers every 5 days and tumor volume was calculated on the basis of three-dimensioned measurements. The apoptosis of tumor cells was analyzed by flow cytometry analysis. The expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins Bcl-2, Bax and HSP27 were determined using western-blot analysis. Static magnetic field could direct the migration and trafficking of MNPs to the tumor site with a higher ratio of 98.9%. Extremely Low Frequency Electric-Magnetic Field (EMF) treatment could inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells and prolong the survive time of tumor-bearing mice injected with MNPs. In addition, the survival time of tumor-bearing mice and percentages of prohibition on tumor cell growth were 27.4+/-0.7 days and 37.5+/-0.8% (F = 0.005, P is less than to 0.05), respectively. The results of flow cytometry analyses showed that about 18.1+/-0.6% (F = 0.030, P is less than to 0.05) of tumor cells were induced into early apoptosis. Furthermore, expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins Bcl-2 and Bax were significantly induced by MNPs under EMF treatment. The ratio of Bcl/Bax in both MNPs and EMF treatment group was 0.07+/-0.01, which was much lower than that of control group (0.23+/-0.02) (F = 0.016, P is less than to 0.05). Heat shock protein-27 (Hsp-27) was not significantly induced in different treatment groups. Injection of MNPs with EMF exposure on human hepatoma-bearing nude mice could significantly prolong the survival time, inhibit the tumor proliferation and growth, and induce tumor cells into apoptosis.
Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Biological Products ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Magnetic Fields ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Powders ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein

BACKGROUNDSterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-2 plays a key role in lipid homeostasis by stimulating gene expression of cholesterol biosynthetic pathways. The insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) family regulates growth and metabolism, especially bone cell metabolism, and correlates with osteonecrosis. However, association of their gene polymorphisms with risk of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) has rarely been reported. We determined whether SREBP-2 and IGFBP-3 gene polymorphisms were associated with increased ANFH risk in the Chinese population.

METHODSTwo single nucleotide polymorphisms of SREBP2 gene, rs2267439 and rs2267443, and one of IGFBP-3 gene, rs2453839, were selected and genotyped in 49 ANFH patients and 42 control individuals by direct sequencing assay.

RESULTSThe frequencies of rs2267439 TT and rs2267443 GA of SREBP2 and rs2453839 TT and CT of IGFBP-3 in the ANFH group showed increased and decreased tendencies (against normal control group), respectively. Interaction analysis of genes revealed that the frequency of carrying rs2267439 TT and rs2267443 GA genotypes of SREBF-2 in ANFH patients was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). Association analysis between polymorphisms and clinical phenotype demonstrated that the disease course in ANFH patients with the rs2453839 TT genotype of IGFBP-3 was significantly shorter than that of CT + CC carriers (P < 0.01). CT + CC genotype frequency in patients with stage III/IV bilateral hip lesions was significantly higher than in those with stage III/IV unilateral lesions and stage II/III bilateral lesions (P < 0.05 - 0.02).

CONCLUSIONSOur results suggested that interaction of SREBP-2 gene polymorphisms and the relationship between the polymorphisms and clinical phenotype of IGFBP-3 were closely related to increased ANFH risk in the Chinese population. The most significant finding was that the CT + CC genotype carriers of IGFBP-3 rs2453839 were highly associated with the development of ANFH.

Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Female ; Femur Head Necrosis ; genetics ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; genetics ; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 2 ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo introduce and evaluate the clinical effects of percutaneous reduction and Kirschner pin fixation for the treatment of intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus in children.

METHODSFrom March 2001 to February 2009,12 patients with intraarticular calcaneal fractures were treated by percutaneous reduction and Kirschner pin fixation (13 feet). There were 8 males and 4 females,ranging in age from 3 to 14,with an average of 8.7 years. According to Essex-Lopresti classification, among 5 feet were tongue fractures and 8 feet were compressed fractures. According to Sanders classification, 9 feet were type II and 4 feet were type III. The Biihler angle and Gissane angle of the calcaneus were obtained before and after operation. All patients were evaluated according to Maryland Foot Score.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up for 16-71 months (means 35.9 months),and all the incisions were healed without complications and infection. The preoperative X-ray film showed that Böhler angle was (19.7+/-5.3) degrees, Gissane angle was (137.3+/-7.5) degrees. The postoperative X-ray film demonstrated that Böhler angle was (32.6+/-3.7) degrees, Gissane angle was (125.4+/-2.9) degrees. There was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative (P<0.01). The average Maryland score was 96.3+/-2.4 (range, 92 to 100 points).

CONCLUSIONPercutaneous reduction and Kirschner pin fixation is an effective minimally invasive way to treat intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus in children, it has many advantages such as minimal invasion, reliable fixation and satisfactory effects.

Adolescent ; Bone Nails ; Calcaneus ; injuries ; surgery ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Intra-Articular Fractures ; surgery ; Male

Objective To mvesugate the Tate of YMDD mutation accompamed with pre-core(region and core promotor region mutation and the clinical significance.Methods YMDD mutation and pre-core(at 1896 nu- cleotide)region and core promotor region(at 1762.1764 nucleotide)mutation were detected from the 122 patients with chronic hepatitis B virus after receiving lamivudine treatment above 6 months.Results 40 cases were tested for YMDI)mutations in 122 HBV patients with lamivudine treatment,and the positive rate of YMDD mutation was 32.8 %.After YMDD mutation,ALT,AST and HBV DNA of the patients significantly increased(P0.05).Conclusion The patients with YMDD mutation had higher rate of pre-core region(at 1896 nucleotide)and basal core promotor region(at 1762, 1764 nucleotide)mutation than those without YMDD mutation,but there was no correlation between the mutation and the deterioration of disease condition and the bad prognosis.

OBJECTIVEPatient with myocardial bridging (MB) usually has a benign prognosis, but some MB patients might experience myocardial ischemia, infarction and sudden cardiac death, especially during active physical activities. The purpose of the study was to study the stress-induced blood flow changes of the mural coronary artery in MB patients determined by intracoronary Doppler.

METHODSIn 8 patients with MB, the basic average peak velocity (bAPV), hyperemic average peak velocity (hAPV) of blood flow, coronary flow reverse (CFR) proximal and distal to the mural coronary artery were measured before and during intravenously dobutamine (10 microg kg-1 min-1, then add 10 microg kg-1 min-1 at 3 min interval till 40 microg kg-1 min-1) by intracoronary Doppler.

RESULTSThe baseline mural coronary diameter reduction was (51.7+/-21.4)% and significantly increased to (90.0+/-12.7)% (P<0.01) during dobutamine infusion. bAPV on the segments proximal and distal to the mural coronary artery significantly increased from (19.83+/-5.84) cm/s and (20.75+/-4.91) cm/s to (31.52+/-10.93) cm/s and (30.46+/-9.01) cm/s (all P<0.05 vs. baseline) respectively post dobutamine infusion. CFR measured at proximal and distal to myocardial bridging also significantly decreased from (2.91+/-0.62) and (2.46+/-0.82) to (2.17+/-0.66) and (1.83+/-0.51) (all P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONStress can significantly increase the compression of intramural coronary artery and reduce CFR on coronary segments both proximal and distal to the MB. Thus, active exercise might induce myocardial ischemia in patients with myocardial bridging.

Blood Flow Velocity ; Cardiotonic Agents ; pharmacology ; Coronary Circulation ; drug effects ; Coronary Vessel Anomalies ; physiopathology ; Coronary Vessels ; drug effects ; Dobutamine ; pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; blood ; Infant ; Male ; Milk Hypersensitivity ; diagnosis ; Milk Proteins ; immunology