Objectives:To translate the English version of Quality of Life Questionnaire of Stomach 22 into Chinese,and to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese Version of QLQ-STO22.Methods:From 1st June to 31st December,2003,140 patients with gastric cancer were sampled as study participants in three hospitals using cluster sampling method.All participants were interviewed with QLQ-STO22 Chinese version by the investigators who were trained in advance.Results:Nearly all ICCs of scales of STO22 were above 0.75;the split-half reliability coefficient is 0.78 and the Cronbach'a coefficient is 0.80.These results proved that the questionnaires had good test-retest reliability,split-half reliability and internal consistency.Three common factors were extracted by factor analysis,which ccould account for more than 60% of total variance and factor loads of the three common factors were above 0.5 in related items.Conclusion:QLQ-STO22 has good reliability and validity,which is available for the study of life quality among Chinese gastric cancer patients.

AIMTo search for more bioactive compounds from the roots of Aconitum coreanum (Lèvl.) Rapaics.

METHODSHigh speed countercurrent chromatography was successfully applied to the separation of alkaloids from Aconitum coreanum. The structures were elucidated by their physicochemical properties and spectroscopic analysis.

RESULTSTwo-phase solvent system composed of CHCl3-CH3OH-0.2 mol x L(-1) HCl (10:3:3, volume ratio) was used in this experiment, eight alkaloids were obtained from the roots of Aconitum coreanum, which were identified as: 2alpha-propionyl-11alpha,13beta-diacetyl-14-hydroxyhetisine (I), Guanfu base P (II), Guanfu base G (III), Guanfu base F (IV), Guanfu base Z (V), Guanfu base O (VI), Guanfu base A (VII), Guanfu base B (VIII).

CONCLUSIONCompound I is a new alkaloid, named Guanfu base R.

Aconitum ; chemistry ; Countercurrent Distribution ; Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Conformation ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry

Objective To observe the change of stanniocalcin 1 (STC1) and calcium content in brain of coal-burning-borne fluorosis rats,and to explore the role of STC1 in brain injury of coal-burning-borne fluorosis.Methods Twenty four male SD rats were randomly divided into control,low,medium,and high fluoride groups according to body mass.Control group was fed conventional rat chow(fluorinated 1.3 mg/kg),and low,medium and high fluoride groups fed with fluorinated feed(20.0,40.0,60.0 mg/kg).All rats were given distilled water and feed ad libitum.One hundred and eighty days after modeling,STC1 protein and gene expression in the brain tissue of rats were detected using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR and calcium content of brain tissue was detected.Results The cell positive rates of STC1 in low,medium,high fluoride groups [(48.10 + 2.11)％,(54.90 ± 1.73)％,(79.30 ± 3.71)％] were significantly higher than that of the control group[(24.70 + 3.53)％,all P ＜ 0.05],the cell positive rate of high fluoride group was significantly higher than that of the low and medium fluoride groups (all P ＜ 0.05).The STC1 mRNA expression of low,medium and high fluoride groups (0.58 ± 0.09,0.85 ± 0.17,1.75 ± 0.04) were significantly higher than that in the control group(0.37 ± 0.12,all P＜ 0.05),the STC1 mRNA expressions of high fluoride group was significantly higher than that of the low and medium fluoride groups (all P ＜ 0.05).The brain cortex calcium ion concentrations of low,medium and high fluoride groups[(138.62 + 4.19),(167.43 + 6.57),(189.45 + 3.72)nmol/L] were significantly higher than that in the control group [(101.47 + 9.46)nmol/L,all P ＜ 0.05],the brain cortex calcium ion concentrations of high fluoride group was significantly higher than that of the low and medium fluoride groups(all P ＜ 0.05),and the medium fluoride groups was higher than the low groups (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion STC 1 may be involved in brain damage of coal-burning-borne fluorosis rats through regulating calcium balance.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of anti-VEGF hairpin ribozyme gene on the tumor cell growth and tumor angiogenesis in nude mice.

METHODSThe recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA-RZ containing anti-VEGF hairpin ribozyme gene and the empty vector plasmid pcDNA were introduced separately into K562 cells by lipofectamine mediation and positive clones were screened by G418. Ribozyme gene in K562 cells was confirmed by PCR. Fluorescent real time RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of VEGF mRNA and protein in the leukemia cells. The tumorigenicity of transfected K562 cells were transplanted in nude mice and tumor microvascular density (MVD) were observed by morphology and vWF immunohistochemistry stain.

RESULTSStable expression of the ribozyme gene in K562 cells was confirmed by PCR. The level of VEGF mRNA and protein decreased dramatically in K562/RZ cells when compared with K562 or K562/PC (K562 cells transfected with empty vector) cells. The tumor volumes were (4.43 +/- 0.87), (3.96 +/- 0.94), (2.24 +/- 0.56) cm3; tumor weight was (4.43 +/- 0.87), (3.96 +/- 0.94), (2.24 +/- 0.56)g; and tumor microvascular density was 4.70 +/- 1.25, 4.67 +/- 1.31, 1.80 +/- 1.55 in K562, K562/PC and K562/RZ cell groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONTransfection with anti-VEGF ribozyme gene can inhibit tumor growth and vessel formation by down-regulating the VEGF gene expression in K562 cells.

Animals ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; prevention & control ; RNA, Catalytic ; genetics ; Transfection ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; biosynthesis ; genetics

BACKGROUNDThe subtemporal transtentoral approach has been reported for nearly two decades; however it was not well used due to some limitations in dealing with large and giant petroclival meningiomas. The clinical outcome and merit of the modified subtemporal transpetrosal apex approach in large and giant petroclival meningiomas, as well as the choices, the improvements and the therapy strategies of the microsurgical approach in such patients were evaluated in this study.

METHODSTotally 25 cases of large and giant petroclival meningiomas undergone the modified subtemporal transpetrosal apex approach between April 2004 and January 2010 were enrolled in this study. The choice and improvement of the approach, the basis of anatomy and related research, the effect of accessory equipment, the exposure of tumor and the changes of neurofunction pre- and post-operation were all reviewed retrospectively. The operation outcomes and complications in this approach were also compared with those in the transpetrous presigmoid approach done in 14 cases in the same period.

RESULTSAll 25 cases underwent the modified subtemporal transpetrosal apex approach under electrophysiologic monitoring of cranial nerves and brain stem function. Trochlear nerve was partly wrapped in 14 cases, totally wrapped but can be explored in the initial segment of the cerebellum tentorium in 8 cases, totally wrapped and could not be seen until tumor was partly removed in 3 cases. The cerebellum tentorium was cut along the temporal bone from the anterior part of the apex to the mastoid part of superior petrous sinus in 6 cases, from the posterior part of the apex to the mastoid part of superior petrous sinus in 19 cases. Gross tumor resection was accomplished in 17 (68%) patients, subtotal resection in 7 (28%) patients, and partial resection in 1 (4%) patient. The most common postoperative complication was new neurological deficits or aggravations of preexisting deficit (64%). Follow-up ranged from 3 to 69 months. Compared with the transpetrous presigmoid approach done in 14 cases in the same period, the modified subtemporal transpetrosal apex approach showed obvious advantages such as simplicity in manipulating, microinvasiveness, less time-consuming, less complication, higher rate of tumor resection though the rates of gross tumor resection might be of no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONSModified subtemporal transpetrosal apex approach has obvious advantages compared with the transpetrous presigmoid approach. Some complications need to be solved by practice and modification of the approach as well as the accumulation of the experiences.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Meningioma ; pathology ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Neurosurgical Procedures ; methods ; Young Adult

The aim of study was to investigate the expression of CD36 in leukemia cells and to explore its significance in diagnosis and differential diagnosis for leukemia in patients. Blood samples from 133 cases of leukemias were analyzed by CD45/SSC double parameters and multi-color flow cytometry in order to determine the CD36 and other leukocyte differentiation antigens. The results show that the CD36 positive rate was 21.8% (29/133) in 133 cases of leukemia, 41.9% (26/62) in 62 cases of AML (acute myeloid leukemia), and none of the 54 cases of lymphocytic leukemia was positive for this antigen. The positive rate of CD36 in M(4) (8/10), M(5) (12/12) and M(6) (3/3) was significantly higher than that in M(1) (0/9), M(2) (3/12), M(3) (0/16) (all P < 0.001). The percent of positive cells of CD36 in M(5a) was significantly higher than in M(5b) (P = 0.001). A significantly negative regression was found between CD36 and CD117 in AML (r = -0.751, P = 0.005). And a significantly positive regression was found between CD36 and CD14 in M(4) and M(5b) (r = 0.870, P = 0.011). In monocyte lineage involved leukemia (MLIL), the positive rate of CD36 (92.6%, 25/27) was significantly higher than that of CD14 (48.1%, 13/27)(P = 0.001). None of the 7 cases with M(5a) was positive for CD14, but 4 of 5 cases of M(5b) were positive. The positive rate of CD117 in M(5a) was significantly higher than that of in M(5b)(P = 0.01). The positive rate of CD34 in M(5) was low (33.3%, 4/12). It is concluded that the combination of CD36 with lymphoid and myeloid antigens is helpful to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of lymphoid, myeloid and MLIL. The positive rate of CD36 is higher than that of CD14 in MLIL.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; CD36 Antigens ; analysis ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; methods ; Humans ; Immunophenotyping ; Infant ; Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute ; immunology ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; immunology ; Lipopolysaccharide Receptors ; analysis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; immunology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; analysis

BACKGROUNDLarge and giant medial sphenoid wing meningiomas that are located deeply in the skull base where they are closely bounded by cavernous sinus, optic nerve, and internal carotid artery make the gross resection hard to achieve. Also, this kind of meningiomas is often accompanied by a series of severe complications. Therefore, it was regarded as a formidable challenge to even the most experienced neurosurgeons. This study aimed to investigate the clinical features and management experience of patients with large and giant medial sphenoid wing meningiomas.

METHODSIn this study, 53 patients (33 female and 20 male, mean age of 47.5 years) with large and giant medial sphenoid wing meningiomas were treated surgically between April 2004 to March 2012, with their clinical features analyzed, management experience collected, and treatment results investigated retrospectively.

RESULTSIn this study, gross total resection (Simpson I and II) was applied in 44 patients (83%). Fifty-three patients had accepted the routine computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging scan as postoperative neuroradiological evaluation. Their performance showed surgical complications of vascular lesions and helped us evaluate patients' conditions, respectively. Meanwhile, the drugs resisting cerebral angiospasm, such as Nimodipine, were infused in every postoperative patient through vein as routine. As a result, 11 patients (21%) were found to have secondary injury of cranial nerves II, III, and IV, and nine patients got recovered during the long-term observing follow-up period. Temporary surgical complications of vascular lesions occurred after surgery, such as cerebral angiospasm, ischemia, and edema; 24 patients (45%) appeared to have infarction and dyskinesia of limbs. Overall, visual ability was improved in 41 patients (77%). No patient died during the process.

CONCLUSIONSMicrosurgical treatment may be the most effective method for the large and giant medial sphenoid wing meningiomas. The surgical strategy should focus on survival and postoperative living quality.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Meningeal Neoplasms ; blood supply ; surgery ; Meningioma ; blood supply ; surgery ; Middle Aged

Ni-Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(1.9) (Ni-SDC) cermet was selected as anode material for reduced temperature (800 degrees C) solid oxide fuel cells in this study. The influence of NiO powder fabrication methods for Ni-SDC cermets on the electrode performance was investigated so that the result obtained can be applied to make high-quality anode. Three kinds of NiO powder were synthesized with a fourth kind being available in the market. Four types of anode precursors were fabricated with these NiO powders and Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(1.9) (SDC), and then were reduced to anode wafers for sequencing measurement. The electrical conductivity of the anodes was measured and the effect of microstructure was investigated. It was found that the anode electrical conductivity depends strongly on the NiO powder morphologies, microstructure of the cermet anode and particle sizes, which are decided by NiO powder preparation technique. The highest electrical conductivity is obtained for anode cermets with NiO powder synthesized by NiCO(3).2Ni(OH)(2).4H(2)O or Ni(NO(3))(2).6H(2)O decomposition technique.
Electric Impedance ; Electric Power Supplies ; Electrochemistry ; instrumentation ; methods ; Electrodes ; Equipment Design ; Equipment Failure Analysis ; Nickel ; chemistry ; Powders ; Surface Properties

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of endemic fluoride poisoning caused by coal burning on the oxidative stress in rat testis.

METHODSTotally 40 male SD rats were equally randomized into four groups control group, low fluorosis group, middle fluorosis group, and high fluorosis group. Rats in all three fluorosis groups were fed with corn dried by burning coal obtained from endemic fluorosis areas with high fluoride, and thus the animal models of fluorosis were established. After 120 and 180 days, all the rats were sacrificed. Testis tissues were stained with hematoxylin eosin and observed under light microscope. The malonaldehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total nitric oxide synthase (TNOS), and inducible nitric oxidase synthase (iNOS) were measured by biochemical methods in the testis tissues. The content of NaF in testis was measured by fluorine selective electrode.

RESULTSThe rat fluorosis models were successfully established. The fluoride content in testis was significantly increased in all the fluorosis groups(P<0.01). Testicular structures were damaged in all of fluoride groups. The TNOS, iNOS activities, and MDA content of each fluoride group were significantly higher than that of the control group on day 120 and 180 (P<0.05 or 0.01 ). The TNOS, iNOS activities, and MDA content significantly increased in a dose dependent manner (P<0.05 or 0.01). The SOD activities significantly decreased in all the fluoride groups (P<0.05 or 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSEndemic fluoride poisoning caused by coal burning can cause disorders in the oxidative system and antioxidative system in rat testis. The oxidative stress may play an important role in the fluorides induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

Animals ; Coal ; toxicity ; Disease Models, Animal ; Fluoride Poisoning ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Testis ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology

BACKGROUNDThe treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains a challenge for most urologic surgeons. We studied a cumulative cohort of patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who underwent photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) and evaluated the efficacy and safety of this procedure.

METHODSA total of 196 patients with lower urinary tract obstruction symptoms secondary to BPH were treated using laser vaporization of the prostate under sacral canal anesthesia at our institutions. The therapeutic results were assessed using following variables: the safety and efficacy of sacral anesthesia, blood loss, operative time, indwelling catheterization. Preoperative and perioperative parameters were evaluated in the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual urine volume (PVR) and the change of sexual function. Patients were also assessed for 3-month follow up.

RESULTSPVP was performed successfully for all patients. There were 195 patients under sacral anesthesia and 1 patient under epidural anesthesia. Mean operative time was (45.2 +/- 18.5) minutes. The mean IPSS decreased from (26.6 +/- 3.2) to (5.6 +/- 1.4) and the QoL score decreased from (5.7 +/- 0.4) to (1.6 +/- 0.5), respectively (P < 0.05), while mean Qmax increased from (6.7 +/- 2.5) ml/s preoperatively to (19.6 +/- 2.4) ml/s, PVR decreased from 158.4 to 25.8 ml, respectively (P < 0.05). Average catheterization time was (1.8 +/- 0.9) days. There was no significant blood loss or fluid absorption during the period of PVP. Complications consisted of transient dysuria in 3 patients (1.5%), delayed gross hematuria in 5 patients (2.5%), respectively. Significant improvement in clinical outcomes were noted as early as 3 months after PVP treatment.

CONCLUSIONSPVP is considered as a high satisfaction rate by patient and a minimal postoperative complication. Hence, PVP is a novel, safe, effective and minimal invasive treatment for patients with symptomatic BPH.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Prostatectomy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; surgery ; Volatilization