BACKGROUND: Chitosan/poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) copolymer has been paid close attention for special biological source of Chitosan and PHB. However, there has been no proper method for them to polymerize effectively.OBJECTIVE: To prepare chitosan/PHB graft copolymer in a homogeneous medium, using a gentle initiator.DESIGN, TIME and SETTING: This study, a single-sample experiment, was performed at the Research Center of Chemistry, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China from August 2007 to October 2007.MATERIALS: Chitosan: DD=100%, Mη=123000, Kyoto, Japan. PHB was purchased from Aldrich chemicals and the molecular weight was 10000.METHODS: Chitosan was grafted with poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) in acetic acid/dimethyl sulfoxide system, and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) was used as initiator. The reaction temperature was 85℃ and the reaction continued for 5 hours with nitrogen protection. Grafting reaction and the chemical structure of the copolymer were confirmed by infrared analysis, NMR and elemental analysis. The crystal form and thermal stability of copolymer were characterized with wide-angel X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis balance, respectively.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The chemical structure of copolymer, crystal form as well as thermal stability.RESULTS: Grafting reaction was confirmed by infrared analysis, NMR and elemental analysis. Wide angle X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis indicated that graft copolymer was different from chitosan and PHB in crystalline morphology, and had a good thermal stability.CONCLUSION: Using BPO as initiator, chitosan/PHB grafting copolymer is prepared and it has a steady property.

OBJECTIVENaringenin has been reported to attenuate Mucin (MUC) 5AC secretion in many pathological models. Many stimuli activate MUC5AC expression through JNK/AP-1 signaling pathways. We hypothesized that naringenin may have inhibitory effects on mucous hypersecretion by modulating MUC5AC production and inhibiting JNK/AP-1 signaling pathways.

METHODThe cell model of mucous hypersecretion was made by human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial (A549) cells stimulated by RSV. A549 cells were subcultured and then randomly divided into 7 groups, which were designated as group C (cell control group), groups R1-3 (cells were infected with RSV at the multiplication of infection (MOI) of 0. 5, 1. 0, 5. 0), groups N1-2 (cells infected with viruses in presence of Nar 30 - 100 mol/L), groups N3-4 (uninfected cells treated with Nar 30 - 100 µmol/L), group D (DMSO), group S (cells infected with viruses in presence of SP600125). After incubating for 24 hrs, the expression of MUC5AC at mRNA and protein level in the groups were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expression changes of JNK, p-JNK and AP-1 were measured by Western blotting.

RESULTThe expressions of MUC5AC protein and mRNA in all RSV infected groups were significantly higher than that in group C in a dose-dependent manner (all P <0. 05). Nar of 30 and 100 µmol/L significantly and dose-dependently decreased RSV-induced secretion of MUC5AC protein in cell supernatant and expression of MUC5AC mRNA (P <0. 05). The relative content of p-JNK, AP-l in R2 groups were 3. 31 ± 0. 34 and 1. 94 ± 0. 05. Theyfrweremtgnificanty increased as compared with group C (both 1. 00 ± 0. 00) (all P <0. 05). The levels of p-JNK in N2 and S groups were 2. 10 ± 0. 20. 27 and 1.±97 ± 0. 16. The levels of AP-1 in N2 and S groups were 1. 40 ± 0. 03, 1. 36 ± 0. 05. Nar and SP600125 led to a largest decrease in levels of p-JNK and AP-1 when compared with group R2 (P <0. 05). The MUC5AC protein in group R2 was (48. 19 ± 0. 47) µg/L. The protein expression of MUC5AC in group R2 was significantly higher than that in group C [(36. 67 ± 1. 50) g/L] with a statistically significant difference (P <0. 05). The protein expression of MUC5AC in groups N2 and S were(43. 17 ± 1. 06) µg/L, (44.±02 ± 0. 99) µg/L, Nar and SP600125 remarkably inhibited RSV-induced secretion of MUC5AC in supernatant of A549 cells (P < 0. 05).

CONCLUSIONSNaringenin might be able to block RSV-induced mucous

Adenocarcinoma ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epithelial Cells ; Flavanones ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; Mucin 5AC ; secretion ; Mucus ; secretion ; Random Allocation ; Signal Transduction ; Transcription Factor AP-1 ; drug effects

Objective The toxicological compatibility of Aconiti Carmichaeli Radix, as a toxic Chinese medicinal herb, combined with the other ingredients in Sini Decoction was investigated to elucidate the rationality of the combination of the ingredients in Sini Decoction from toxicological point of view. Methods Three kinds of experiments, acute toxicity in mice, heart toxicity in rats and aconitines level in water extract of Sini Decoction and its ingredients including Aconiti Carmichaeli Radix alone and its combination with licorice or dried ginger were adopted in this study. In the toxicological experiments, LD50 values for the acute toxicity test and TD50 values for the heart toxicity (arrhythemia as a parameter) of Sini Decoction, Aconiti Carmichaeli Radix alone and its combination with licorice or dried ginger were comparatively determined. And levels of individual aconitines of the water extracts from Sini Decoction, Aconiti Carmichaeli Radix alone and its combination with licorice or dried ginger were measured, respectively. Results The LD50 and TD50 of the combination of Aconiti Carmichaeli Radix and licorice in Sini Decoction were found to be higher than Aconiti Carmichaeli Radix alone or Sini Decoction, while the LD50 and TD50 of the combination of Aconiti Carmichaeli Radix and dried ginger appeared to be not different from those of Aconiti Carmichaeli Radix alone. The level of the main toxic compound of the water extracts for the combination of Aconiti Carmichaeli Radix and licorice, and Sini Decoction was lower than that of Aconiti Carmichaeli Radix alone and its combination with dried ginger. Conclusion The combination of Aconiti Carmichaeli Radix and licorice can attenuate the toxicity of Aconiti Carmichaeli Radix.

ObjectiveTo investigate the expression and activity of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)in hippocampus CA1 and CA3 area of rats with conditioned fear.Methods 24 h after rat model of conditioned fear was established,rats were sacrificed,then expression of p38 MAPK and phosphorylated p38 MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182) in hippocampus CA1 and CA3 area of rats were detected by western blot.ResultsCompared with control group ( ratios of value of gray scale were 1.0 ± 0.1 and 1.0 ± 0.2,respectively),expression of p38 MAPK and phosphorylated p38 MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182) in hippocarpus CA1 area of rats with conditioned fear (9.4 ± 2.6 and 7.8 ± 2.1,respectively) were significantly increased ( n =9,P ＜ 0.05 ).Compared with control group ( 2.1 ± 0.5 and 1.4 ± 0.5,respectively),expression of p38 MAPK and phosphorylated p38 MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182 ) in hippocampus CA3 area of rats with conditioned fear (6.2 ± 3.3 and 2.6 ± 0.6,respectively)were also significantly increased ( n =9,P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusionp38 MAPK may play important role in the formation of long term memory of conditioned fear.

Objective To analyze effects of thoracoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of suspected diaphragmatic injury after thoracoabdominal stab wound.Methods Sixty-eight patients who received thoracoscopic diagnosis and management of diaphragmatic injuries due to thoracoabdominal stab wounds from April 2000 to October 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.Results Occult diaphragmatic injuries were found in 11 patients.Seven patients underwent thoracoscopic suture,of which five had synchronous laparotomy for inspected abdominal organ injuries.Pulmonary parenchymal lacerations occurred in 15 patients who received thoracoscopic repair or resection.Coagulated hemothorax in 13 patients were removed.Postoperative complications included pleural effusion in one patient,pneumonia in two and pulmonary atelectasis in one.Hospital stay was(7.9±13.5)days,without ICU stay.The length of drainage,operation time and intraoperative blood loss were(3.3±1.5)days,(45.6±78.1)minutes and(57.8±24.3)ml respectively.There was no conversion to thoracotomy.Thoracic CT scan was performed six months postoperatively,without hernias.The accuracy of thoracoscopy in diagnosing diaphragmatic injury was 100％.Conclusion Thoracoscopy should be performed for the thoracoabdominal stab wounds with stable hemodynamics,with definite significance especially for the diagnosis and treatment of wounds at the 7-9th intercostal spaces.

Objective By proteomic analysis of differentially expressed protein profiling in pancreatic cancer using antibody microarray, new tumor marker of pancreatic cancer was supposed to be discovered. Methods The antibody microarray containing 378 monoclonal antibodies was applied to detect the differentially expressed proteins of 7 sets of pancreatic ductal adenocareinoma pooled samples and their paired normal pancreas tissues pooled samples. Results 11 up-regulated proteins (UbcH6, GABA b R2, Plakophilin 2a, Inhibitor 2, Nestin, ShcC, PRK2, Neurogenin 3, STAT 3, NHE-3 and SRP54) and 9 down- regulated proteins (DCC, HPV-16 L1, RACKI, Gelsolin, Rabaptin-5, DBP2, IKKa/I, c-Cbl, FXR2) were found in pancreatic cancer. Conclusions Antibody microarray was an effective comparative proteomic technology. These dys-regulated proteins facilitated to elucidate the mechanisms of pancreatic cancer and to identify new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.

Solitary brain metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients was previously considered as Stage IV. Gen-erally, only chemotherapy or radiotherapy rather than surgery was considered the treatment for these patients;hence, achieving the de-sired effect was difficult. In recent years, the treatment benefit for these patients significantly increased. Several patients were even pro-vided the chance of being cured through standardized and individualized treatment by a multiple disciplinary team (MDT). This article introduces two solitary brain metastasis patients with NSCLC who were treated by MDT in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. This article aims to explore a complete set of diagnostic and treatment practices for the benefit of more patients.

Matrix_assisted laser desorption ionization_time of flight tandem mass spectrometry ( MALDI_TOF/TOF MS) and electrospray ionization_quadrupole_time of flight mass spectrometry ( ESI_Q_TOF MS) were used to confirm the structure of cyclic lipopeptide daptomycin fastly. First, the relative molecular weight 1916. 7107 of daptomycin was measured by ESI with error 0. 0007. The sample’s doubly charged peak m/z 809. 848 was selected as precursor ion for ESI_MS/MS analysis, and the exocyclic amino acid sequence C9 H19 CO_Trp_Asn_Asp was successfully matched. Second, the experimental conditions of cleaving daptomycin by lithium hydroxide ( LiOH) were optimized and the ring_opened process was monitored by MALDI_TOF/TOF MS. After obtaining ring_opened product with purity of above 95%, the MS/MS measurements by MALDI and ESI were carried out. The b+and y+of ring_opened product were completely matched, which confirmed the amino acid sequence of daptomycin. Finally, ESI_MS/MS conditions of ring_opened product were further optimized to obtain more low mass fragment ions for analyzing the structure of fatty acid chain and the cleavage pattern of fat chain in mass spectrometry was proposed. The method was fast, convenient, accurate and reliable for identifying cyclic lipopeptide compounds.

BACKGROUND:Buyanghuanwu decoction has excel ent neuroprotective effect and can efficiently suppress nerve cel apoptosis caused by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and mechanisms of Buyanghuanwu decoction on neuronal apoptosis around hematoma in cerebral hemorrhage rats.
METHODS:Seventy-two adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, Buyanghuanwu decoction group, and Ginkgo biloba group. Except the sham operation group, rat models of cerebral hemorrhage were established in other three groups. At 2 days after modeling, rats in the Buyanghuanwu group and Ginkgo biloba group were given Buyanghuanwu decoction 26 g/(kg?d)and Ginkgo biloba 3.5 mg/(kg?d) daily by gavage, for 14 consecutive days. Rats in the sham operation group and model group received an equal volume of saline for 14 consecutive days. After the last administration, brain tissue was obtained. TUNEL assay was utilized to detect neuronal apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect PI3K, Akt, Bcl-2, and BAX protein expression. Wet and dry weight method was used to detect brain water content. Evans Blue assay was utilized to determine blood-brain barrier permeability.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Compared with the sham operation group, the number of apoptotic neurons, brain water content, Evans blue content and PI3K, Akt, Bcl-2, BAX protein expression increased in the model group (P<0.05). (2) Compared with the model group, the number of apoptotic neurons, BAX protein expression, brain water content and Evans blue content were significantly reduced in the Buyanghuanwu group and Ginkgo biloba group (P<0.05), but PI3K, Akt and Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly increased (P<0.05). (3) Results suggested that Buyanghuanwu decoction inhibited neuronal apoptosis and protected brain tissue by reducing blood-brain barrier permeability, cerebral edema, and by activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, regulating Bcl-2 and BAX protein expression ratio.

Objective To investigate the appropriate surgical approach in the management of cervical cord injury following ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Methods The clinical data of 25 patients with cervical cord injury following ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament who received surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. According to Frankel grades, two patients were at grade A, three at grade B, 14 at grade C and six at grade D. The surgical procedures consisted of anterior decompression (12 patients), posterior decompression (8 patients) and combined posteroanterior decompression (5 patients). Results No iatrogenic injury of great vessels, trachea, esophagus or spinal cord occurred. All the patients were followed up for 15-86 months (mean 38.3 months). All segments with anterior fixation attained solid fusion, without implants loosening or breakage. No reelosed open-door was found in patients who received posterior laminoplasty. The spinal function got improved in 21 patients, and a relief of pain or numb of the upper limb was attained in four patients whose spinal cord injury was not cured. Conclusions The surgical outcome of cervical cord injury following ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament is satisfactory. It is important to select a suitable surgical approach according to the imaging manifestations associated with the general conditions of the patients.