Objective:To observe the inhibitory effect on ?-glucosidase of 10 kinds Chinese herbs and to screen the Chinese herbal medicines which have great inhibitory effect on ?-glycosidase.Methods:The ?-glucosidase was extracted from small intestine of rat.The amount of glucose was measured with produced from substrate of malt sugar.The inhibitory effect of 10 kinds of Chinese herbs on ?-glucosidase was observed by this enzyme reaction system.Then disposable gastric perfused malt sugar(2 g/kg) and the extraction screened at the same time,detected the levels of blood glucose after 60 min.The positive control group is acarbose(ACAR) group.Results:The three kinds Chinese herbs(Chishao,Shanzhuyu and Sangbaipi) showed very good inhibitory activities,and they showed obviously concentration-effect curve relationship.Among them,the inhibitary activity of Sangbaipi is stronger than Chishao and Shanzhuyu.While the dose of Sangbaipi reached 10mg/mL,the inhibition rate arrived 80%,which effect was equivalet to the dose of 1mg/ml acarbose.The results of postprandial blood glucose in vitro showed us:Sangbaipi,Chishao and Shanzhuyu can inhibit postprandial blood glucose levels in rats that have been disposable gastric perfused malt sugar after 60min(P0.05).Conclusion:The three kinds of Chinese herbs(Chishao,Shanzhuyu and Sangbaipi) can inhibit ?-glucosidase activity obviously in both vitro and vivo.

Objective To investigate antibiotic resistance and molecular epidemiology profile of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Shanghai. Methods The antibiograms of 140 MRSA isolates from 5 hospitals for 13 drugs were analyzed by agar dilution and broth dilution. The PVL gene and SCCmec were detected by PCR; The clonal relatedness of 140 isolates were determined by PFGE and 39 strains were chosen to be characterized further by spa typing. Results All 140 MRSA are PVL negative and most of them were identified as SCCmec Ⅲ [45.7% (64/140)], followed by SCCmec Ⅲ a [25.0% (35/140)], SCCmecⅢb [14.3% (20/140)], SCCmecⅡ [10.7% (15/140)] and SCCmecⅣ [4.3% (6/140)]. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, teicoplanin and daptomycin. The resistance to gentamicin, sulphamethoxazole and clindamycin was 98. 6% (138/140), 98. 6% (137/140) and 97. 9% (137/140), respectively. Resistance to erythromycin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline was above 80%, and resistance to rifampicin was 10. 7% (15/140). Sixteen different PFGE patterns(A-P) were found and most of MRSA belonged to group C[30. 7% (43/140)] ,B[13.6% (19/140)]and Ⅰ [10. 7% (15/140)]. Among 39 strains with prevalent PFGE patterns, 4 spa genotypes were identified: t002133. 33% (13/39)] ,t030 [12. 82% (5/39)] ,t037[51.28% (20/39)]and t459[2. 57% (1/39)]. Conclusions Sixteen different PFGE patterns and 4 spa genotypos were found from 5 hospitals in Shanghai. The most popular MRSA clone is PVL negative, SCCmec Ⅲ, with resistant profile of erythromycin, ciprofloxacin,clindamycin,etracycline, gentamicin,and sulphamethoxazole [E-C-L-T-G-M-]. This result suggests that hospital infection control and reasonable antibiotic usage are critical.

The rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea causes one of the most destructive diseases of rice around the world. Significant progresses have been made recently in genomics studies of the fungus, opening new era of the functional genomics which requires to generate a large scale of gene knockout mutants. It has been demonstrated that T-DNA insertional mutagenesis is a powerful tool of functional genomics not only for plants but also for fungi. In this paper, we optimized the conditions for T-DNA insertional mutagenesis of M. grisea using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) approach. We employed the binary vector pBHtl constructed by Dr. S. Kang's laboratory at the Pennsylvania State University, which carries the bacterial hygromycin B phosphotransferase gene (hph) under the control of the Aspergillus nidulans trpC promoter as a selectable marker to transform the conidia of M. grisea. We optimized the conditions for T-DNA insertional mutagenesis including the medium, dosage of hygromycin B, cefotaxime and carbenicillin to select the transformants and inhibit the growth of A. tumefaciens after co-culturing. The dosage to inhibit non-transformants could vary from 200-600microg/mL among different M. grisea isolates so that the optimal dosage of the antibiotics should be decided according to isolates. Rice polished agar medium was found the best selection medium which would facilitate the mutant sporulation and minimize the contamination chance. In average, about 500 transformants could be obtained when transforming 1 x 10(6) spores at the optimum condition, among which 85% had T-DNA insertion detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and thermal asymmetric interlaced polymerase chain reaction (TAIL-PCR). Fifteen out of 1520 transformants showed mutation in colony morphology. Within 58 randomly selected mutants, it was found that there were 4 sporulation-decreased mutants, 8 less germination mutants and 9 appressorium defective mutants. Several virulent mutants to C101LAC(Pi-1)and 75-1-127(Pi-9)were also obtained which would facilitate cloning the corresponding avirulence genes.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens ; genetics ; Bacterial Proteins ; genetics ; Carbenicillin ; pharmacology ; Cefotaxime ; pharmacology ; DNA, Bacterial ; genetics ; physiology ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Hygromycin B ; pharmacology ; Magnaporthe ; drug effects ; genetics ; Mutagenesis, Insertional ; methods ; Mutation ; Oryza ; microbiology ; Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor) ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; Transformation, Genetic ; genetics ; physiology

Aged ; Fatty Liver ; complications ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; Lipids ; Liver ; metabolism ; Male ; Metabolic Diseases ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

BACKGROUNDIn the past 5 years, new treatment materials and techniques offering a different concept in endovascular treatment have been described for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs). The aim of this study was to assess the endovascular treatment of CAVMs by using a liquid embolic material, Onyx (Micro Therapeutics. Inc., Irvine, CA, USA).

METHODSFrom September 2003 to September 2004, Onyx was used to treat 22 patients with CAVMs. Ten AVMS were located in functional areas, 8 in deep cerebral areas, and 4 in the cerebellar hemisphere. The size of CAVMs was about 3 cm in diameter in 5 patients, 3-6 cm in 11, and more than 6 cm in 6.

RESULTSIn the 22 patients, Onyx embolization was successful. Nidus occlusion was complete in 3 patients, > 90% in 8, > 80% and < 90% in 6, and > 50% and < 80% in 5. Complications included transient neurological deficits in 2 patients, and adherence of microcatheter to the site of injection in 2.

CONCLUSIONSBeing non-adhesiveness, Onyx is a safe and satisfactory embolic material in the treatment of CAVMs. But its long-term efficacy awaits further follow-up.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; administration & dosage ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; adverse effects ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the treatment of carotid cavernous fistula with the transvenous approaches.

METHODSSeventeen patients (14 males and 3 males) with carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSTotally 18 cavernous sinus of 17 patients were occluded. Nine operations were performed via inferior petrosal sinus approaches and 6 via the facial vein. One patient (bilateral fistula) received both two approaches. The fistula were completely occluded immediately after the procedures in 12 patients. Small shunts remained in four of other patients (2 pterygoid drainage and 2 inferior petrosal sinus, respectively). Facial vein catheterization failed because of vein vasospasm in one patient; his symptoms relieved 5 days later and angiography showed the CCF disappeared another 2 days later.

CONCLUSIONTransvenous embolization of CCF is effective, safe, and easy to perform.

Adult ; Aged ; Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Cerebral Angiography ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo investigate the potential transmissibility of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) from a newly-developed porcine hepatocyte bioartificial liver (BAL) system prior to human clinical trial by using a live canine model.

METHODSFive normal beagles were treated with the new BAL support system for six hours. Samples of plasma from the BAL system and whole blood from the beagles were collected at regular intervals over the six month study period. DNA and RNA were isolated from both the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma for evaluation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, respectively, to detect PERV and the Sus scrofa cytochrome B normalization standard. In addition, RT activity and the in vitro infectivity of the plasma were detected in HEK293 cells.

RESULTSAll five beagles remained in stable physical health throughout the treatment and survived until the end of the study. PERV RNA-positivity and RT activity were only detected in the plasma samples from the 3rd BAL treatment cycle. All other samples, including PBMCs and plasma, were negative for PERV RNA, PERV DNA, and RT activity. In addition, none of the sera samples showed in vitro infectivity.

CONCLUSIONApplication of our BAL system does not lead to PERV transmission.

Animals ; Cell Line ; Dogs ; Endogenous Retroviruses ; HEK293 Cells ; Hepatocytes ; virology ; Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; virology ; Liver, Artificial ; adverse effects ; Models, Animal ; Swine

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of newly developed multi-layer flat-plate bioartificial liver in treatment of canines with acute liver failure.

METHODSPorcine hepatocytes and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were cocultured in newly developed multi-layer flat-plate bioreactor. Acute liver failure in canine models was induced by D-galactosamine administration.Sixteen canine models were divided into two groups: treatment group (n = 8) and control group (n = 8). Biochemical parameters were determined for 7 days after treatment and liver specimens were collected for histological analysis.

RESULTSHepatic encephalopathy and general conditions were significantly improved in the treatment group, but no changes in the control group. Alanine aminotransferase was significantly decreased from (1512 ± 183) U/L to (86 ± 25) U/L in the treatment group, aspartate aminotransferase was significantly decreased from (1472 ± 365) U/L to (46 ± 11) U/L, lactate dehydrogenase was significantly decreased from (463 ± 76) U/L to (312 ± 84) U/L, total bilirubin was significantly decreased from (28.8 ± 6.2) µmol/L to (12.5 ± 3.6) µmol/L, ammonia was significantly decreased from (56 ± 15) µmol/L to (34 ± 10) µmol/L, and prothrombin time were significantly decreased in the treatment group but increased in the control group, albumin was improved in the treatment group but decreased in the control group. There were 5 canines survived in the treatment group but only 3 in the control group. But there was no difference on survival rates between the two group (P = 0.294).

CONCLUSIONThe application of newly developed multi-layer flat-plate bioartificial liver system was effective in the treatment of canines with acute liver failure.

Animals ; Bioreactors ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Coculture Techniques ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dogs ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; Liver Failure, Acute ; therapy ; Liver, Artificial

BACKGROUNDUsually, cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula can be treated via transarterial approaches. However, in many complicated patients, transvenous approaches are superior to the transarterial ones because of the difficulties during a transarterial operation. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 28 patients with cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula treated by transvenous embolization.

METHODSFrom September 2001 to December 2005, 28 patients with 31 cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulae were treated with transvenous embolization in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. The involved cavernous sinuses were catheterized via the femoral vein-inferior petrosal sinus approach or the femoral-facial-superior ophthalmic vein approach, and embolized with coils (GDC, EDC, Matrix, Orbit or free coil) or coils plus silk. The patients were followed up for 3 to 26 months.

RESULTSAll the 31 cavernous sinuses in the 28 patients were successfully embolized. Complete angiographic obliteration of the fistulae was achieved immediately in 25 patients. Residual shunting was observed in the other 3, who had drainage through the pterygoid plexus (2 patients) or the inferior petrosal sinus (1) after the operation. Headache and vomiting were the most common symptoms after the embolization. In 3 patients, who achieved complete angiographic obliteration immediately, the left oculomotor nerve palsy remained unchanged after the operation. Transient abducens nerve palsy was encountered in 1. In 1 patient, the occular symptoms were improved after the operation, but recurred 4 days later, and then disappeared spontaneously after 5 days. During the follow-up, no patient had recurrence. Three months after the operation, angiography was performed on the 3 patients with residual shunting. Two of them had angiographic cure, the other had residual drainage through the pterygoid plexus.

CONCLUSIONSTransvenous catheterization and embolization of the cavernous sinus is a safe and efficient way to treat complicated cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulae. It is an alternative to the patients with spontaneous cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulae or those in whom transarterial embolization failed.

Adult ; Aged ; Cavernous Sinus ; abnormalities ; Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations ; complications ; therapy ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUNDTreatment of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) is usually made by a transarterial approach. However, in many complicated patients, treatments via transarterial approaches can not be achieved, and only an operation via a transvenous approach is feasible. We aimed to study the feasibility of transarterial embolization of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulas with a combination detachable coils and Onyx to embolize a complicated cavernous DAVF via a transvenous approach.

METHODSFrom August 2006 to August 2007, six cases of complicated cavernous DAVF were embolized with a combination of detachable coils and Onyx via a transvenous approach. Three cases were male and the other three were female. Their ages ranged from 36 to 69 years old. The fistula was in the right lateral cavernous sinus in one case, in the left lateral cavernous sinus in another, and in the bilateral cavernous sinus in 4 cases. One fistula was fed by the right internal carotid artery and its meningohypophyseal trunk; one was fed by the branches of the left internal carotid artery and left external carotid artery; four were fed by the branches of the bilateral internal carotid artery and/or the bilateral external carotid artery. One case was drained via one lateral inferior petrosal sinus; three were drained via bilateral inferior petrosal sinuses; one was drained via one lateral ophthalmic and facial veins; one was drained via the inferior petrosal sinus and the ophthalmic and facial veins. Four were embolized via the inferior petrosal sinus, and two were embolized via the ophthalmic and facial veins.

RESULTSAmong six cases of complicated cavernous DAVF, four were fully embolized with Onyx by a single operation, and two cases were fully embolized with Onyx following two operations. Transient headache was found after operation in all patients, but was cured after several days by the symptomatic treatments. In one case, the first operation via the inferior petrosal sinus was a failure; the feeding branches of the external carotid artery were embolized, and transient facial palsy was appeared after operation. The fistula was fully embolized with Onyx via the inferior petrosal sinus after two months with no complications. One bilateral cavernous sinus DAVF was embolized with Onyx via the inferior petrosal sinus by two operations, and transient abducens nerve palsy occurred after embolization.

CONCLUSIONSBecause Onyx may be injected via a transvenous approach and the microcatheter is easily withdrawn, cavernous sinus via transvenous catheterization and embolization is a safe and efficient way to treat complicated cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulas, especially those for which operations via transarterial approaches have failed, or spontaneous cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Adult ; Aged ; Arteriovenous Fistula ; complications ; therapy ; Cavernous Sinus ; abnormalities ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; administration & dosage ; Dura Mater ; blood supply ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polyvinyls ; administration & dosage