OBJECTIVETo detect the expression of HO-2 in the corpus cavernosum of rats with chronic renal failure (CRF) , and investigate the role of HO-2 in penile erection and its association with testosterone.

METHODSFifteen 10-week-old SD rats underwent 5/6 kidney removal for the establishment of CRF models, and another 15 included as controls. Twelve weeks later, both the two groups of animals were subjected to electrostimulation of the cavernous nerve for the detection of intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP), and the protein contents of HO-2, nNOS and eNOS in the penile tissues were determined by Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTSThe ICPmax/MAP after 3 V and 5 V stimulation of the cavernous nerve was (0.121 +/- 0.084) and (0.135 +/- 0.088), the serum testosterone level was (1.190 +/- 0.946) nmol/L, and the expression of HO-2 was (0.510 +/- 0.397) in the CRF group, all significantly lower than in the control rats, which were (0.263 +/- 0.147 and 0.244 +/- 0.089), (7.800 +/- 5.001) nmol/L (P<0.01) and (2.672 +/- 1.720, P<0.01), respectively. There was a correlation between the decrease of HO-2 expression and the reduction of serum testosterone (r = 0.902, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe lowered level of serum testosterone and decreased contents of HO-2, eNOS and nNOS may play a role in CRF-induced ED.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Erectile Dysfunction ; complications ; physiopathology ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) ; biosynthesis ; Immunohistochemistry ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; complications ; physiopathology ; Male ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I ; biosynthesis ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; biosynthesis ; Penis ; enzymology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To determine the tumor clonal origin of diffuse hepatocellular carcinoma (D-HCC) and clinical outcome after liver transplantation. Methods Fourteen D-HCC patients who underwent liver transplantation in the Tianjin First Central Hospital between August 2004 to November 2012 were evaluated retrospectively. Their clinical characteristics and data of disease-free survival postoperatively were gathered. Twelve loss of heterozygosity sites (LOH) on high frequency microsatellite were selected. The tumor clonal origin of D-HCC was assessed by the means of PCR-SSCP. Results Of 14 D-HCC patients, intrahepatic metastasis (IM) occurred in 11 cases (11/14), and IM with multicentric occurrence (MO) occurred in 3 cases (3/14). The disease-free survival time was 4.5 to 37.4 months, and the median time was 8.7 months. Conclusion The most frequent tumor clonal origin of D-HCC was IM. Liver transplantation may be the effective treatment for D-HCC.

Objective: To explore the position change of the setup reference markers on the sternum due to the change of hands grip position. Methods: Six hands grip positions were simulated for 8 patients and the set-up reference points marked on the sternum skin were compared while the hands grasped different positions of the hands. Results: The setup markers on the sternum were deviated by all five hands grip positions. The maximum deviated distance was 14mm. Conclusion: The change of the hands grip position can affect the position of setup reference markers on the sternum of the patients and thus the isocenter of plan may be aligned to the wrong area.

Objective To compare the results of CT/MRI registration by using two different marker materials. Methods CT and MR transversal images (using electric wire and thin tube filled with lohexol injection as matching points respectively) were obtained from nine cases with brain tumor. Another CT and MR transversal images were also obtained by using the cod-liver oil capsule filled with gadopentetate dimeglumine injection as matching points with the same scanning position. The images were transferred to the TPS for image registration and the effect was evaluated. Results The CT/MRI CRE range for using different kinds of marker material was 0.16-0.28cm,while was 0.06-0.16cm for using the same marker material. Conclusion Comparing with the method using different kinds of material,the method using the same spherical material can get better results in CT/MRI registration.

Objective: Construct a paraquat (PQ) cell fibrosis model in vitro, observe the effect of PQ on the expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-17 (ADAM17) in A549 cells, and explore the role of ADAM17 in the pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ poisoning. Methods: A549 cells are divided into normal control group, different concentration of PQ groups, CCK-8 is used to detect cell viability, screening concentration and time of PQ, cell morphology is observed under microscope; Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detectes fibrosis markers of collagen type I (Col I) and fibronectin (FN) expression. Establishment of cell model of fibrosis; distribution by immunocytochemical detection of ADAM17 in A549 cells, Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot are used to detect the expression of ADAM17 mRNA and protein. Results: 1. With the increase of PQ concentration and the prolongation of the action time, the activity of A549 cells decreased (P< 0.05) , which is dose-dependent and time dependent. 2.The normal A549 cells fusion is paving stone growth and arranged more closely. After PQ induction, the cell arrangement was loose, the intercellular connection became loose, and some cells dissolved and died. 3.ELISA showed that with the increase of PQ concentration, the expression of Col I and FN increased (P<0.05) , and Col I and FN expression gradually increased with the prolongation of PQ time (P<0.05) , and the fibroblast model is successfully established. 4. Immunocytochemistry showes that ADAM17 is expressed in the cytoplasm of A549 cells. 5. RT-PCR and Western blot showed that the expression of ADAM17 mRNA and protein increased significantly with the increase of PQ concentration (P<0.05) , which is most obvious at PQ 200 μmol/L. With the prolonged action of PQ, the expression level of ADAM17 mRNA and protein also increased significantly (P<0.05) , and reached the peak in 24 h. Conclusion PQ can induce morphological changes of alveolar epithelial cells, cause cell damage, and successfully establish a cell fibrosis model, which has a dose and time dependence on the toxicity of A549 cells. ADAM17 is overexpressed in the A549 cells induced by PQ and may be involved in the process of pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat.

Incidence rate of single root canal in maxillary second molar is very low. The emergence of curved single root canal in maxillary second molar with single root is especially rare. A case of curved single root canal in maxillary second molar with single root was successfully treated and reported in this article. This report also highlighted the role of cone beam computed tomography as an objective method to confirm the three-dimensional anatomy of teeth.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Dental Pulp Cavity ; Humans ; Maxilla ; Molar ; Root Canal Therapy ; Tooth Root

The current appointed teaching material of Science of Acupuncture and Moxibustion holds that there is no difference among the needling sensation, arrival of qi and needling response. However, the author has a different understanding. Therefore, Neijing (Internal Classic), its annotation, exposition and understandings of ancient and modern famous experts are cited to analyze their meanings. And the result indicates that the needling sensation is subjective feelings and perceived responses of doctors and patients. Arrival of qi is the healing process of the organ through activating the anti-pathogenic qi to expel the pathogens. The needling response is the final aim of acupuncture therapy. Thus, the meaning of needling sensation, arrival of qi, and needling response are different. And an accurate understanding can better guide acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture Therapy ; instrumentation ; methods ; Humans ; Moxibustion ; instrumentation ; methods ; Needles ; Qi

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem, for which PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5I) represent the first line therapy at present and have a success rate of approximately 80%. Refractory ED, which refers to ED in some patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases or in those treated by radical prostatectomy, receives little benefit from PDE5I alone. Apart from the NO-cGMP pathway, the processes of erection and ED involve several signaling pathways, such as RhoA/Rho kinase, H2S, CO, etc. The complicated signaling network contributes to the pathogenesis of refractory ED. PDE5I-based alternative therapy and combined therapy may increase the success rate of its treatment. This article outlines the advances in the studies of refractory ED that fails to respond to PDE5I.
Erectile Dysfunction ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors ; therapeutic use

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of methylation transferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-2dC) of different concentrations on the apoptosis of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line HL-60 and the expression of DAPK gene in HL-60 cells, as well as to explore the possible anti-AML mechanism of 5-aza-2dC. HL-60 cells were treated by 5-aza-2dC of different concentrations. The effect of 5-aza-2dC on the HL-60 cell morphology was observed by Wright's staining. The effect of 5-aza-2dC on HL-60 cell apoptosis and DAPK mRNA expression was detected by flow cytometry and reverse transcription-polymerize chain reaction (RT-PCR) respectively. The results showed that the 5-aza-2dC induced the apoptosis of HL-60 cells in a concentration-dependent manner; the 5-aza-2dC increased the expression levels of DAPK mRNA in HL-60 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. It is concluded that the apoptosis rate of HL-60 cells and DAPK mRNA expression level displayed a rising trend with 5-aza-2dC concentration increasing. Therefore, DAPK gene may participate in HL-60 cell apoptosis induced by 5-aza-2dC.
Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Death-Associated Protein Kinases ; genetics ; Deoxycytidine ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and safety of Ginkgo Biloba extract on the treatment of acute cerebral infarction.
 METHODS: The Database of Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and VIPU were screened for literatures regarding Ginkgo Biloba extract in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction, including the clinical randomized controlled trials. Meta-analysis based on the Revman 4.2 system was performed.
 RESULTS: Compared with the control group, treatment with Ginkgo Biloba extract enhanced efficacy in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction (OR: 1.60-5.53), which displayed an improved neural function defect score [WMD -3.12 (95%CI: -3.96- -2.28)].
 CONCLUSION Ginkgo Biloba extract is beneficial to the improvement of neurological function in patients with acute cerebral infarction and it is safe for patients.
Cerebral Infarction ; drug therapy ; Ginkgo biloba ; chemistry ; Humans ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; therapeutic use ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic