Objective To explore and analyze the prescription patterns of Professor Zhou Min in treating primary liver cancer at different stages according to the China Liver Cancer Staging (CNLC) system. Methods The clinical records of outpatients with primary liver cancer treated by Professor Zhou Min were collected and entered into the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System (Version 2.50) to establish a database. Data mining methods such as frequency analysis, drug association analysis, and cluster analysis were employed, the pathogenesis of primary liver cancer the prescription patterns at different stages was explored and medication rules were analyzed according to Professor Zhou Min's experience in treating liver cancer at various CNLC stages. Results A total of 202 prescriptions from 113 patients with primary liver cancer were collected, involving 230 traditional Chinese medicines. The high-frequency drugs and drug combinations at each stage were identified. The drugs with higher frequencies at each stage included Fuling, Chenpi, Yiyiren, fried Baishu, and Fabanxia. For stage Ⅰ, high-frequency drugs also included Zhongjiefeng, Xiangfu, Jiangcan, and Jianghuang. For stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ, high-frequency drugs further encompassed Zhongjiefeng, Xianhecao, Banzhilian, Baihua Sheshecao, Jiangcan, Zeqi, Xiangfu, and Maidong. For stage Ⅳ, high-frequency drugs also include Maydis stigma, Huoxiang, fried Maiya, Jineijin, and fried Guya. The majority of the drugs were cold in nature, with sweet and bitter tastes being the most common, and their meridian tropism were mostly distributed in the spleen and stomach meridians. The drug combinations with higher frequencies at each stage were mostly derived from Sijunzi Decoction and Erchen Decoction. The drug efficacies were mainly heat-clearing and dampness-resolving. Cluster analysis screened out new prescriptions with unique characteristics at each stage. Conclusion By performing data mining on the prescriptions used by Professor Zhou Min in treating primary liver cancer at various CNLC stages through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Platform, combined with his understanding of the pathogenesis and clinical experience of the disease, the pathogenesis characteristics of primary liver cancer are summarized as dampness-heat, phlegm, and toxin accumulation, as well as qi and yin deficiency. The basic treatment methods established are heat-clearing and dampness-resolving, spleen-invigorating and yin-nourishing, with an emphasis on strengthening the body resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors and stage-based treatment. Flexible prescriptions and medications are used for different complications.

Objective To explore and analyze the prescription patterns of Professor Zhou Min in treating primary liver cancer at different stages according to the China Liver Cancer Staging (CNLC) system. Methods The clinical records of outpatients with primary liver cancer treated by Professor Zhou Min were collected and entered into the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System (Version 2.50) to establish a database. Data mining methods such as frequency analysis, drug association analysis, and cluster analysis were employed, the pathogenesis of primary liver cancer the prescription patterns at different stages was explored and medication rules were analyzed according to Professor Zhou Min's experience in treating liver cancer at various CNLC stages. Results A total of 202 prescriptions from 113 patients with primary liver cancer were collected, involving 230 traditional Chinese medicines. The high-frequency drugs and drug combinations at each stage were identified. The drugs with higher frequencies at each stage included Fuling, Chenpi, Yiyiren, fried Baishu, and Fabanxia. For stage Ⅰ, high-frequency drugs also included Zhongjiefeng, Xiangfu, Jiangcan, and Jianghuang. For stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ, high-frequency drugs further encompassed Zhongjiefeng, Xianhecao, Banzhilian, Baihua Sheshecao, Jiangcan, Zeqi, Xiangfu, and Maidong. For stage Ⅳ, high-frequency drugs also include Maydis stigma, Huoxiang, fried Maiya, Jineijin, and fried Guya. The majority of the drugs were cold in nature, with sweet and bitter tastes being the most common, and their meridian tropism were mostly distributed in the spleen and stomach meridians. The drug combinations with higher frequencies at each stage were mostly derived from Sijunzi Decoction and Erchen Decoction. The drug efficacies were mainly heat-clearing and dampness-resolving. Cluster analysis screened out new prescriptions with unique characteristics at each stage. Conclusion By performing data mining on the prescriptions used by Professor Zhou Min in treating primary liver cancer at various CNLC stages through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Platform, combined with his understanding of the pathogenesis and clinical experience of the disease, the pathogenesis characteristics of primary liver cancer are summarized as dampness-heat, phlegm, and toxin accumulation, as well as qi and yin deficiency. The basic treatment methods established are heat-clearing and dampness-resolving, spleen-invigorating and yin-nourishing, with an emphasis on strengthening the body resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors and stage-based treatment. Flexible prescriptions and medications are used for different complications.

BACKGROUNDIn prokaryotic organisms, the mechanism responsible for the accurate partition of newly replicated chromosomes into daughter cells is incompletely understood. Segregation of the replication terminus of the circular prokaryotic chromosome poses special problems that have not previously been addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of several protein components (MreB, MreC, and MreD) of the prokaryotic cytoskeleton for the faithful transmission of the chromosomal terminus into daughter cells.

METHODSStrain LQ1 (mreB::cat), LQ2 (mreC::cat), and LQ3 (mreD::cat) were constructed using the Red recombination system. LQ11/pLAU53, LQ12/pLAU53, LQ13/pLAU53, LQ14/pLAU53, and LQ15/pLAU53 strains were generated by P1transduction of (tetO) 240 -Gm and (lacO) 240 -Km cassettes from strains IL2 and IL29. Fluorescence microscopy was performed to observe localization pattern of fluorescently-labeled origin and terminus foci in wild-type and mutant cells. SOS induction was monitored as gfp fluorescence from PsulA-gfp in log phase cells grown in Luria-Bertani medium at 37°C by measurement of emission at 525 nm with excitation at 470 nm in a microplate fluorescence reader.

RESULTSMutational deletion of the mreB, mreC, or mreD genes was associated with selective loss of the terminus region in approximately 40% of the cells within growing cultures. This was accompanied by significant induction of the SOS DNA damage response, suggesting that deletion of terminus sequences may have occurred by chromosomal cleavage, presumably caused by ingrowth of the division septum prior to segregation of the replicated terminal.

CONCLUSIONSThese results imply a role for the MreBCD cytoskeleton in the resolution of the final products of terminus replication and/or in the specific movement of newly replicated termini away from midcell prior to completion of septal ingrowth. This would identify a previously unrecognized stage in the overall process of chromosome segregation.

Chromosome Segregation ; genetics ; physiology ; Cytoskeleton ; metabolism ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism

Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Gastric Mucosa ; blood supply ; pathology ; Hypertension, Portal ; drug therapy ; Male ; Propranolol ; therapeutic use ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tetrazoles ; therapeutic use ; Valine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Valsartan

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde (isolated from fraction A of Guizhi Tang) on activity of COX and PGE2 release in rat cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (rCMEC) stimulated by IL-1.

METHODrCMEC were cultured, and identified by immunohistochemistry for von Willebrand factor (VIII factor, a marker for all endothelial cells) in cytoplasm of the cells. Different concentrations of 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde were added respectively and incubated for 3 hours, then stimulated for another 12 hours by IL-1. Activities of COX-1 and COX-2 in rCMEC, and production of PGE2 in the conditioned media were measured by ELISA.

RESULTPositive immunostaining for VIII factor was present diffusely in the cytoplasm of > 90% rCMEC. After being exposed to 30 ng x mL(-1) IL, the activity of COX-2 in rCMEC and the production of PGE2 in conditioned media were higher than those of control group, while there was no difference on activity of COX-1 in the two groups. 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde could down-regulate them in concentration-dependently, and significant differences on the activity of COX-2 and amount of PGE2 were showed in 200 microg x mL(-1) concentration.

CONCLUSION2-methoxycinnamaldehyde can affect the PGE2 release in rCMEC induced by IL-1, which might be related with its inhibition on the activity of COX-2.

Acrolein ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Brain ; blood supply ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclooxygenase 1 ; metabolism ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; metabolism ; Dinoprostone ; metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Interleukin-1 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Male ; Microcirculation ; cytology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

BACKGROUNDSeveral isoforms of p53 have been reported, which may have varying functions and expressions. This study aimed to analyze the expression patterns of p53 isoforms in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at the mRNA and protein levels and their associations with clinical and pathologic factors to explore the mechanism of p53 isoforms' activity in RCC.

METHODSThe specimens of tumours (T) and clinically normal tissues (N) adjacent to them were collected from 41 patients with RCC. mRNA expression levels of p53 isoforms were detected using RT-PCR followed by nested PCR. Protein expression levels were detected using immunohistochemisty and Western blotting with the anti-p53 antibodies DO-1 and DO-12. The data were analyzed with clinicopathological features by chi(2) test or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTSp53 mRNA was expressed in all tumours and matched clinically normal tissue adjacent to the tumour. All six isoforms could be detected in tumour and normal tissues, with the exception of the Delta133p53beta isoform, which was not detected in the normal tissue. Of the six isoforms, p53beta mRNA was significantly overexpressed in tumour samples (P < 0.001), and correlated with tumour stage. Nested PCR results consistently indicated the presence of p53gamma (19T/22N), Delta133p53 (33T/26N), Delta133p53beta (2T/0N), and Delta133p53gamma (13T/9N). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that p53 was expressed only in tumour tissues and correlated with tumour stage and grade. The results of Western blotting analysis were consistent with these findings.

CONCLUSIONSAlthough all six isoforms are present in RCC, their function in tumour development or progression might be different. Our findings suggest that p53beta might play an important role in the formation of RCC and it might be used as a new predictor and therapeutic target for RCC.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blotting, Western ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; genetics ; physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Protein Isoforms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo summarize the experience in microsurgical removal of craniopharyngioma using combined transorbital-subfrontal and temporal craniotomy.

METHODSEighteen patients with craniopharyngioma varied from 3.1 cm to 6.2 cm in diameter. The tumor was located in the suprasellar region in 7 patients, extended to the third ventricle in 6, and down to the intrasellar from the suprasellar region in 4, and in the third ventricle in 1. Complete or partial cystic tumor was seen in 13 patients, and solid tumor in 5, and calcified tumor in 12. All the patients were operated on via combined transorbital subfrontal and temporal approach. The tumor was dissected in the spaces I, II and IV with great attention to the preservation of the perforating arteries from the carotid, posterior communication and anterior choroidal arteries to the structure of the hypothalamus. The solid portion of the tumor was removed by piecemeal.

RESULTSThe tumor was totally removed in 14 patients and subtotally in 4. Postoperation, follow-up for 8 to 41 months showed no change in 3 residual tumors and one lost to follow-up. All patients Postoperative Karnofsky scales showed 80 - 90, in 12 patients, 60 - 70 in 5 patients, and 50 in 1.

CONCLUSIONSCombined transorbital-subfrontal and temporal approach can provide an excellent exposure to the sellar region, craniopharyngioma and its surrounding structures. This approach ensures less cerebral retraction for easy access to craniopharyngioma, including other large neoplasm of the middle cranial base with ventricle or posterior cranial base extension. Microsurgical techniques play an important role in removing tumor and preserving hypothalamic function.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Craniopharyngioma ; surgery ; Craniotomy ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Microsurgery ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

As a member of orphan G protein-coupled receptors (oGPCRs), hGPCRc was cloned from human colon tissue and analyzed by bioinformatic softwares. It was showed that the corresponding amino acids of hGPCRc formed seven-transmembrane domains as the key characteristic of GPCRs. Then, the recombinant GFP-hGPCRc was constructed by fussing hGPCRc into pEGFP-N1 carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, and CHO-K1 cells were subsequently transfected with the GFP-hGPCRc or pEGFP-N1. The green fluorescence protein expression in the two different transfected cells was observed under the laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). It was showed that green fluorescence protein was distributed in the whole bodies of the cells transfected with pEGFP-N1, but mainly distributed on the plasma membrane and cytoplasm membrane transfected with GFP-hGPCRc. Thus, the localization on the membrane of hGPCRc was accorded with the predication by bioinformatic analysis. The expression analysis of hGPCRc by RT-PCR indicated that hGPCRc was abundantly expressed in heart, kidney, cerebel and colon etc., but absent in liver, cerebra, small intestine and muscle etc. The expressing profile of hGPCRc could provide some useful clues to understanding its effects on embryonic development and physiological functions.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; CHO Cells ; Cell Membrane ; metabolism ; Cricetinae ; Cricetulus ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tissue Distribution ; Transfection

Objective To determine whether the combination of traditional risk factors and quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) assessment could provide accurate prognostic information on a population-based study including 1137 adults with subclinical artherosclerosis and with coronary risk factors. Methods Participants underwent coronary angiography examination before the minimal stenotic diameters, segment diameters, percent stenosis, plaque areas. Other parameters were analyzed by the computer-assisted Coronary Angiography Analysis System. The Framingham Risk Score for each participant was assessed. During the 1 year follow-up period, all kinds of endpoint cardiovascular events were screened. Endpoint events were defined as death from coronary heart disease, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) or unstable angina pectoris. Results During the 1 year of follow-up period, a total of 124 participants developed an endpoint event, which was significantly associated with the Framingham Risk Score, calcium of plaques and the plaque areas (all Ps＜0.05).The QCA score incorporated with the QCA parameters was related to the endpoint events. The Framingham Risk Score was combined with QCA score through logistic regression for prediction of end-point events. Data from the ROC analysis showed the accuracy of this prediction algorithm was superior to the accuracy when variables themselves were used. The event-free survival rate was inferior to the control group in participates under high risk, when being screened with this prediction algorithm (P＜0.05). Conclusion The risk of cardiovascular attack in subclinical artherosclerosis individual seemed to be associated with the Framingham Risk Score, calcium of plaques and the plaque areas. When the traditional risk factors (the Framingham Risk Score) were combined with QCA, the new method could provide more prognostic information on those adults with subclinical artherosclerosis.

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that continuously divide and fuse. In recent years, in addition to the studies related to mitochondrial metabolism, the unique dynamics of mitochondria have gradually attracted researchers' attention. A growing body of research has revealed that mitochondrial dynamics are related to the biological behavior of tumor cells. Mitochondrial fission proteins (mitochondrial fission protein 1, FIS1) mediate the assembly of mitochondrial fission complexes and participate in the execution of mitochondrial fission. They are important proteins in the process of mitochondrial fusion and fission. However, few studies have revealed the expression and role of FIS1 in human cervical cancer. In this study, the expression level of FIS1 in human cervical cancer tissues and paracancer tissues were compared. The results showed that the level of FIS1 mRNA in human cervical cancer tissues was significantly lower than that in paracancer tissues (P<0. 01). Further KEGG pathway and GO Term-BP pathway analysis showed that the differential genes are mainly related to mitochondrial biological functions. Subsequently, HeLa cells with overexpressed FIS1 were investigated for their proliferation, migration, mitochondrial fission and ROS levels. The experimental results showed that FIS1 overexpression decreased HeLa cell proliferation and migration ability, enhanced mitochondrial fission and higher ROS levels. In conclusion, the expression of FIS1 in human cervical cancer cells was attenuated, while overexpression of FIS1 resulted in a series of abnormal biological functions in human cervical cancer cells. Further studies can be carried out to investigate the role of FIS1 in the treatment of human cervical cancer.