Objective To evaluate the effect of staged repair for tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) associated with pulmonary artery hy- poplasty.Methods From June 1996 to June 2006,37 patients with TOF were operated on.There were 26 males and 11 females. Their age was 5 months to 17 years(mean 3.6 years) and weight was 4.6～38.0 kg.All patients were diagnosed as TOF with pulmo- nary artery hypoplasty by cardiac catheterization.The mean pre-operative arterial saturation of the patients was (68.2?6.5) %,Mc- Coon ratio was 0.95?0.26 (0.81～1.17) and Nakata index was 82.7?21.6(71.6～97.5) mm~3/m~2.At the time of the first surgi- cal procedure,17 patients underwent central aortopulmonary shunt,13 patients received modified Blalock-Taussig shunt in the left side and 7 patients had modified Blalock-Taussig shunt in the right side.Results There were no easly operative deaths and no late deaths after the first stage repair.Pleural effusion after shunt occurred in 5 patients.The mean arterial saturation was significantly increased to (91.3?10.4) %,P

OBJECTIVETo study the roles of actin and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) in the injury repair and the development of emphysema.

METHODSWistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: the smoking and infection group (group SI) and the control group (group C). The rats of group SI received smoking irritation accompanying with repeated intranasal infection. Subgroups of the experimental animals were killed in the 2nd, 4th, 8th and 16th weeks respectively. The morphological changes of lungs were compared and PaO(2), PaCO(2) as well as the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) were analysed. The lung sections were stained with immunohistochemistry for actin and TGF-beta(1).

RESULTSIn comparison with animals of group C, thickening of the bronchiolar walls, narrowing of bronchiolar lumens, and area of emphysema were much severe in animals of group SI (P < 0.05). The muscularization of intra-alveolar arteries in group SI in the 16th week was apparent in comparing with that in group C (P < 0.05). PaO(2) values in group SI were significantly decreased, and RVSP values in group SI were significantly increased in the 8th and 16th week (P < 0.05). Actin expression was increased in animals of group SI in the 4th and 8th week (0.24 +/- 0.06 and 0.25 +/- 0.05) in comparing with that of group C (0.09 +/- 0.03) (P < 0.05). Animals of group SI showed a significant increase of TGF-beta(1) in lung tissue in different periods as mentioned in above (33.33 +/- 12.11, 45.71 +/- 15.12, 71.43 +/- 16.76 and 86.25 +/- 20.66 respectively).

CONCLUSIONSThe increased expression of actin and TGF-beta(1) protein in small airways induced by smoking irritation and Klebsiella Pneumoniae may interfere with the repair response, and contributes to the development of emphysema.

Actins ; metabolism ; Animals ; Bronchi ; metabolism ; pathology ; Epithelial Cells ; metabolism ; Female ; Klebsiella Infections ; microbiology ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; Lung ; pathology ; Male ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Pulmonary Emphysema ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Smoking ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1

OBJECTIVETo compare and analyze the effects of the contents of the active components in Radix Scutellariae by different processing and extracting methods.

METHODThe raw and processed Radix Scutellariae were used, and the concentration of baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin were determined by HPLC after five extracting techniques. HPLC method was performed on methanol-acetonitrile-water-acetic acid (18: 25: 57: 0.2) as the mobile phase at 30 C; The chromatographic column was Agilent Zorbax Extend-C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm); The flow rate was 0.8 mL min(-1), and the detection wavelength was 275 nm.

RESULTthe ratios of baicalein and wogonin in raw material were 5.41%, 1.30% respectively by enzymatic extraction, which is higher than other extracting methods by raw material; The ratios of baicalin and wogonoside in raw material were 10.11% and 3.55% by ethanol of 60%, which is higher than other extracting methods; Different extracting methods have no evident effects on processed materials, enzymatic extraction is the best. The ratio of baicalin, wogonoside and baicalein, wogonin is 10.63%, 3.60% and 1.54%, 0.59%.

CONCLUSIONDifferent methods have evident extracting effects on the four active components with raw material, but have no evident effects with processed material. According to different active components most suitable extracting method should be adopted.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Flavanones ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; Flavonoids ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; Glucosides ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; Hot Temperature ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Reproducibility of Results ; Scutellaria baicalensis ; chemistry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods

This study aims to analyze the molecular epidemiological characteristics of HIV-1 strains prevailing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China. The pol gene fragments from 250 newly diagnosed HIV-1-infected MSM individuals during 2006-2010 in Beijing were amplified by RT-nested PCR, sequenced, and phylogenetically analyzed. HIV-1 pol gene from 189 individuals were amplified and analyzed; 81 (42. 9%), 3 (1. 6%), 2 (1.0%), 88 (46. 6%), and 15 (7.9%) individuals were infected with HIV-1 subtypes B, B', C, CRF01_AE, and CRF07_BC, respectively. The subtypes B and CRF01_AE could both be grouped into two clusters, and CRFO7_BC strains shared high homology and were presumed to originate from a common ancestor. The HIV-1 circulating in MSM in Beijing had a lower genetic diversity than in heterosexuals. The HIV-1 epidemic (2006-2010) in MSM in Beijing was actually a rapid spread of HIV-1 CRF01 AE and B, or rather native strains of the two viruses.
Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Epidemics ; Genetic Variation ; HIV Infections ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; virology ; HIV-1 ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Homosexuality, Male ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND:WWOX,a tumor suppressor gene,can affect the growth of ovarian cancer stem cells;however,there is no report on whether its mechanism of action is related to Hedgehog signaling pathway.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and mechanism of overexpression of WWOX on the apoptosis of ovarian cancer stem cells.METHODS:pcDNA3.1-WWOX (pcDNA3.1-WWOX group) and pcDNA4.0-WWOX (pcDNA4.0-WWOX group) were transferred into ovarian cancer stem cells,respectively;and meanwhile,pcDNA3.1 (pcDNA3.1 group) and pcDNA4.0 (pcDNA4.0 group) were transferred into the cells.A non-transfection group (only with Lipofectamine2000) was set up.After cultured 48 hours,the levels of WWOX in the pcDNA3.1-WWOX group and pcDNA4.0-WWOX group were detected using western blot assay,and the cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected using MTT assay and flow cytometry,respectively.Western blot assay was also used to detect the levels of Hedgehog signaling pathway associated proteins,SHH,PTCH1,Gli-1,SMO and apoptosis-related protein Cleaved Caspase-3 in the cells.Cyclopamine,Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor,was used in ovarian cancer stem cells without transfection (cyclopamine group) and after the transfection of WWOX overexpression vector (WWOX+cyclopamine group) followed by 48 hours of culture,and then MTT,flow cytometry and western blot detections were performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The expression level of WWOX in the pcDNA4.0-WWOX group was significantly higher than that in the pcDNA3.1-WWOX group (t=27.84,P=0.00).The ovarian cancer stem cells which were transfected with pcDNA4.0-WWOX were used to overexpress WWOX in the late experiment.(2) Overexpression of WWOX could inhibit the proliferation of ovarian cancer stem cells and promote the apoptosis of ovarian cancer stem cells.(3) Overexpression of WWOX could inhibit the expression of Gii-1,PTCH1,SMO and SHH in ovarian cancer stem cells,and promote the expression of Cleaved Caspase-3.(4) Cyclopamine could inhibit the expression of SHH,PTCH 1,Gli-1,SMO,and promote the expression of Cleaved Caspase-3.Cyclopamine had obvious inhibitory effect on Hedgehog signaling pathway.(5) Cyclopamine could enhance the apoptosis induced by overexpression of WWOX in ovarian cancer stem cells,and enhance the inhibition of proliferation of ovarian cancer stem cells induced by overexpression of WWOX.To conclude,WWOX effects on proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer stem cells may be related to the inhibition of Hedgehog signaling pathway.

Background There have been an abundance of literature on the analysis of the mechanical characteristic of the sclera at the entire seleral level in high myopia.However,some recent studies on high myopia are focused on the mechanical changes of the sclera on a cellular level. Objective This experiment was purposed to study how transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2)affected sclerotic desmocytes and the mechanical behaviors of scleral fibroblasts in the posterior part of the eyes in guinea pigs with experimental myopia. Methods Induced myopic animal models were established by wearing-10.00 D concave lens for 30 days in lateral eyes of 2-week-old guinea pigs.The fellow eyes were used as control group.Another 5 matched animals served as normal controls.The scleral fibroblasts of each group were purified with the tissue explant method and passaged for 2 generations in vitro.Cultured cells were identified by immunochemistry with vimentin,desmin,keratin and S-100 antibodies.Different concentrations of TGF-β2(0,1,10,100mg/L)were added into serum-free DMEM for 24 hours,and the viscoelastic properties of scleral fibroblasts were measured by micropipette aspiration technique. Results Compared with the fellow,eyes and normal control eyes,the equilibrium modulus and apparent viscosity in model eyes were significantly higher(P＜0.05).After treatment of TGF-β2,the equilibrium modulus and apparent viscosity in the model group and fellow eyes were positively correlated with the concentrations of TGF-β2(r=0.743,r=0.533,r=0.654,r=0.576,P＜0.05).Following the addition of 1 mg/L TGF-β2 and 10 mg/L TGF-β2,the equilibrium modulus and apparent viscosity of scleral fibroblasts were significantly reduced in model eyes compared with fellow eyes(P＜0.05).No significant difference was found in the equilibrium modulus and apparent viscosity of scleral fibroblasts between model eyes and fellow eyes after treatment with 100 mg/L TGF-β2(P＞0.05). Conclusion TGF-β2 car increase the mechanic indexes in a concentration.dependent manner.1 mg/L,10 mg/L TGF-β2 can lower the equilibrium modulus and apparent viscosity of scleral fibroblasts of normal eye and thus cause more changes in the mechanical behavior of scleral fibroblasts.

Objective To investigate the effects of acupoint injection of mouse nerve growth factor (mNGF) on treatment of children with autistic spectrum disorders in different age groups. Methods Totally 80 cases of children with autistic spectrum disorders were divided into control group and experiment group according to random number table method, with 40 cases in each group. The control group was given structured education, ABA behavioral training, sensory integration training, and language training, 30 min for each class, 4 h each day, 5 d a week, for 5 months. At the same time, the control group was also given head needling treatment, once every other day, 3 times a week, 30 times as one treatment course, 2 courses. On the basis of the treatment of the control group, experiment group was given mNGF through acupoint injection, once every other day, 3 times a week, 10 times as one treatment course, 10 d between each treatment course, 5 courses in total. The scores of autism behavior checklist (ABC), children autism and related developmental disorders psychological education rating scale-Chinese version (C-PEP), neuropsychological development scale among children aged 0–6 years in the two groups were compared. Results Compared with before treatment, ABC scores in both group after treatment decreased significantly (P<0.05); ABC scores after treatment in children aged 18–36 months and 37–54 months in the experiment group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). Neuropsychological development scale scores in children aged 18–36 months and 37–54 months were better than the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, C-PEP scores of both groups increased significantly (P<0.05). There was statistical difference in the C-PEP scores in children aged 18–36 months between the two groups after treatment (P<0.05). The C-PEP scores in children aged 18–36 months increased to the highest (P<0.05).Conclusion Acupoint injection of mNGF can improve the clinical symptoms and intelligence of ASD children of all ages, but children can receive better treatment effects at younger ages.

Objective To observe the efficacy difference between different needling manipulations in treating acute stroke with point-toward-point needling at scalp acupoints, for seeking the optimal treatment protocol. Method Ninety patients with acute stroke were randomized into a manual needling group, an electroacupuncture group, and a needle-retaining group, 30 cases each. In addition to the neurological treatment, the three groups were all given point-toward-point needling from Baihui (GV20) to Taiyang (EX-HN5) on the affected side, respectively with manual twisting, electroacupuncture and needle retaining methods. Before and after 14-day treatment, the Neurological Deficit Score (NDS), level of neuron specific enolase (NSE) and total efficacy were compared among the three groups. Result The NDS dropped significantly in the three groups after the intervention (P<0.05); the manual needling group showed the most significant improvement, better than the electroacupuncture group and needle retaining group. The level of NSE declined significantly in the three groups after the intervention (P<0.05); the decrease in the manual needling group was the most significant compared to that in the electroacupuncture group and needle retaining group. The total effective rate in the manual needling group (90.0%) was significantly higher than that in the electroacupuncture group and needle retaining group (P<0.05). Conclusion Point-toward-point needling at scalp acupoints with manual operation can effectively improve the neurological deficit in stroke patients, and the application of needling manipulations can further enhance the therapeutic efficacy, which is specific.

Objective To study the clinical significance of serum anti-Titin antibodies and thecorrelation between anti-Titin anbibodies and anti-acetyleholine receptor (AchR) antibodies in patientswith myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods We detected anti-Titin antibodies and anti-AchR antibodieswith enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the sera from 81 cases of MG groups includingearly-onset MG, late-onset MG and MG with thymoma (MGT). The positive rates were compared amongthese groups. Results The positive rates of anti-Titin antibodies in sera of MG patients weresignificantly higher than controls (P<0.01). The mean titers and the positive rates of anti-Titin antibodieswere significantly higher in MGT (80%) and late-onset MG (69.4%) subgroups than in the early-onsetMG subgroup (25%). In contrast, the positive rates and mean titers of AchR antibodies in the early-onsetMG subgroup were higher than those in the late-onset MG subgroup. The detections of serum anti-Titinantibodies and AchR antibodies were consistent with the diagnosis of MG. Conclusion Anti-Titinantibodies are specific for MG. They often present in the sera of patients with MGT and late-onset MG.The positive rates and mean titers of AchR antibodies in early-onset MG patients sera are higher thanthose in late-onset MG patients. These features prompt fiu'ther studies on the pathogenesis of MG. Testingfor a combination of anti-Titin antibodies and AchR antibodies gives the higher sensitivity for thedetection of MG than each antibody alone.

Umbilical metastases from intraperitoneal malignancies are universally referred to Sister Mary Joseph's nodule (SMJN).The most frequent primary sites include the stomach and ovaries. SMJN caused by colon cancer is very uncommon. Likewise, carcinoma of the right side colon metastasizing to inguinal lymph nodes is considered almost impossible. To the best of our knowledge, no report of right side colon cancer synchronously involving both the umbilicus and inguinal lymph nodes is available. We present a case of right side colon cancer(RSCC) metastasizing to the umbilicus and inguinal lymph nodes, which was confirmed by pathology and immuohistochemistry.