Objective To confirm the immunomodulatory effect of ursolic acid on normal and immunosuppressive mice caused by cyclophosphamide.Methods We assayed the function of T lymphocyte transformation with MTT test,examined the function of B lymphocyte with hemolysis spectrophotography,determined the function of non-specific immunity with phagocytosis of macrophages,and measured the content changes of Th_(1) cytokine IL-2 and Th_(2) cytokine IL-6 in serum with ELISA.Results Ursolic acid had a suppressant effect on the function of humoral immunity and enhanced cell-mediated immune response at the low dosage but presented opposite effect at the high dosage in normal mice.Ursolic acid significantly improved immune function on immunosuppressive mice caused by cyclophosphamide(P

Objective To evaluate the inhibitory effects of sustained-release 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)micmparticles on the growth of HepG2 eels.Methods The inhibitory effects of sustained-releage 5-FU micropartides,5-FU microparticles and poly L-lactic acid on HepG2 cells were detected by MTT assay.The HepG2 cell apoptosis was demonstrated by flow cytomerry after Hoehest staining.Results The survival rate of HepG2 cells in sustained-release 5-FU microparticles group decreased as time passed by.The survival rate of HepG2 cells in 5-FU microparticles group wag the lowest on the first day,and then it increased gradually.The survival rates of HepG2 ceHs in 5-FU microparticles group on day 21 and 28 were hJigher than those in sustained-release 5-FU microparticles group.The survival rate of HepG2 cells in poly L-lactic acid group WSB higher than that in the other two groups.The difference upon survival rate among the 3 groups had statistical significance(F=3163.52,128.47.P＜0.01).Conclusions The sustained-release 5-FU micropartieles could keep on inhibiting tlle growth and inducing apoptosis of HepG2 cells in time-dependant manner.The inhibitory effect of sustained-release 5-FU is better than that of 5-FU microparticles.

To design and synthesize the hepatic targeting anticancer prodrug with norcantharidin (NCTD-Gal) conjugating structure, galactosylated NCTD derivatives were synthesized from NCTD analogues modified by a series of amino acids via acylation, hydrolysis, glycosylation and deacetylation. Seven new compounds were synthesized as beta-O-glycosides and characterized by IR, MS, NMR and element analysis. The compound 4a was chosen for the inchoate antitumor experiments on mice. The result showed that the antitumor inhibition rate of 4a groups with medium and high dose are clearly higher than that of NCTD group, which suggests that anticancer effect of NCTD is improved at a certain degree by galactosylation.
Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Female ; Galactose ; chemistry ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Prodrugs ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology

To study the changes of pupil diameter and its effects during phacoemulsification. METHODS: Block design, prospective study. 60 cataract patients (60 eyes) were selected, which divided into two groups according to the age, young age group (group A, 20 eyes of 20 patients) and older age group (group B, 40 eyes of 40 patients). Two groups were all given compound tropicamide eye drops for fully mydriasis before operation, computer software to process images during operation, and according to the cornea amplification ratio measure pupil diameter during the operation phase: before the corneal tunnel incision ( t1 ) , after injection of sodium hyalurantae ( t2 ) , before artificial lens implantation (t3), at the end of the surgery ( t4 ). Statistical analysis of data using SPSS18. 0 software.RESULTS: The pupil diameter measurements of t1-t4 were followed respectively:group A were 8. 36 ± 0. 65, 8. 97±0. 50, 8. 67±0. 63, 8. 72±0. 96mm; group B were 7. 73± 0. 58, 8. 23 ± 0. 59, 7. 89 ± 0. 16, 7. 70 ± 0. 63mm. Overall comparisons between the two groups, the pupil diameter measurements had differences during the operation phase ( F = 26. 696, P< 0. 05 ). Comparisons between the two groups at different time points: the pupil diameter of t1-t4 in group A was larger than that in group B, with statistically differences (P<0. 05). The pupil diameter of each groups had a tendency to change in different operation phrases, with no statistically differences (F=2. 617,P>0. 05). Comparisons in a group at different time points: the pupil diameter of t2 was larger than that in t1, with statistically differences ( P>0. 05), the pupil diameter of t3 and t4 were decreased in group B, with statistically differences (P<0. 05).CONCLUSlON: Compound tropicamide eye drops are given for mydriasis before operation, young patients with cataract and senile patients with cataract can achieve the effect of surgery for mydriasis, the pupil stability of phacoemulsification in senile patients with cataract are lower than that in young patients with cataract.

Commercial production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic hydrolysates requires efficient fermenting strains. The abilities of the strain to converting all types of sugars in the hydrolysate to ethanol in high yield and to effectively tolerating/metabolizing inhibitors are necessary. Genome shuffling is a novel method for breeding, and it has been applied in pharmaceutical and food industry. This review summarized the technique of genome shuffling including principle, process, applications and its prospect for strains improvement in ethanol production from lignocellulosic hydrolysates.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of monocyte-macrophages (THP-1) in malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) cells induced by coal tar pitch (CTP) and the expression of TNF-α in the process of the cell malignant transformation.

METHODSBEAS-2B cells and THP-1 Cells were divided into four groups: coal tar pitch (CTP) group, benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, BEAS-2B and THP-1 co-culture (co-culture group) group. Carcinogenesis model was established. The soft agar colony formation, chromosome aberrations and cell cycle tests were used to detect the cellular malignant transformation. The ELISA assay was utilized to measure the levels of TNF-α in the supernatant of CTP group and co-culture group.

RESULTSThe chromosome number abnormalities could be observed in early stage of the experiment (the 10th generation cells), which showed the increased ratio of aneuploid to polyploid, and the decreased number of diploid. The colony formation rate of co-culture group (the 20th generation cells) was 17.63‰ ± 0.97‰, which was significantly higher than that (13.94‰ ± 0.84‰) of CTP group and that (12.96‰ ± 1.62‰) of B(a)P group (P < 0.05). The proportion of S phase cells in the co-culture group was 44.49% ± 0.68%, which was significantly higher than that (38.19% ± 1.26%) of CTP group and that (36.41% ± 1.19%) of B(a)P group (P < 0.05). The TNF-α level in the co-culture group was significantly higher than that in CTP group (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONMonocyte-Macrophages can accelerate the malignant transformation of BEAS-2B cells induced by CTP and increase the expression level of TNF-α.

Bronchi ; cytology ; Cell Line ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; chemically induced ; Coal Tar ; toxicity ; Coculture Techniques ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; pathology ; Humans ; Macrophages ; cytology ; Monocytes ; cytology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the differences between clinicopathological features and prognosis of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) negative (AFP < 20 ng/ml) and positive (AFP ≥ 20 ng/ml) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

METHODSClinicopathological data of 142 AFP-negative and 109 AFP-positive HCC patients who underwent RO radical hepatectomy in the Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 2006 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed in this study.

RESULTSCompared with the AFP-negative patients, a higher female to male sex ratio, the later Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer ( BCLC) stage, more liver capsule invasion and poorer Edmondson-Steiner grade were in the AFP-positive cases (P < 0.05 for all). Furthermore, the 1-, 3-, and 5- year overall survival rates were 94.4%, 82.4% and 61.0% in the AFP-negative group and 87.2%, 61.1% and 40.2%, respectively, in the AFP-positive group (P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis with Cox's proportional hazards model showed that AFP status, tumor size and Edmondson-Steiner grade are independent risk factors for survival of all the patients (P < 0.05) , and large tumor and Edmondson-Steiner grades III/IV are independent risk factors for worse survival in AFP-negative patients (P < 0.05). However, large tumor diameter was proved to be an independent risk factor leading to poor prognosis of AFP-positive cases (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHigh levels of AFP indicate that the tumors are more malignant and with unfavorable prognosis.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; chemistry ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; chemistry ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Survival Rate ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; analysis

Objective:To observe the effect of ankle stretching on ankle biomechanics, balance, walking ability and ability in the activities of daily living among stroke survivors.Methods:Eighteen hemiplegic stroke survivors were randomly divided into an experimental group ( n=9) and a control group ( n=9). In addition to routine medication and rehabilitation training, the experimental group received 20 minutes of ankle joint stretching daily while the control group underwent an additional twenty minutes of routine rehabilitation training. Before and after the treatment, both groups′ ankle joint stiffness (K), muscle strength, active range of motion (AROM) and passive range of motion (PROM) were evaluated. They were also assessed using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE), the Berg balance scale (BBS), the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and the modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results:After two weeks of treatment significant improvement was observed in the AROM and muscle strength of both groups in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The average BBS and FMA-LE scores of both groups had also improved significantly. Significant improvement in the average PROM of plantarflexion and the K of dorsiflexion, as well as in average MBI score was observed only in the treatment group. After two weeks the treatment group′s average muscle strength in plantarflexion and dorsiflexion was significantly better than the control group′s.Conclusions:Stretching can reduce ankle stiffness, improve the range of motion, muscle strength, and ability of in the activities of daily living after a stroke.

Objective To evaluate the CT findings of pancreatic carcinoid tumors.Methods The CT imaging data of five patients with pancreatic carcinoid tumors confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed.Results The tumors ranged in maximum diameter from 2.0 to 11.0 cm with a mean of 6.4 cm. On unenhanced CT,the tumors were slightly hypodense relative to the pancreatic parenchyma,homogenous in 2 cases,and heterogenous in 3 cases.One tumor showed calcification.After contrast material injection, the solid component of the tumor showed marked heterogenous enhancement on the arterial phase scanning in 3 cases,and mild heterogenous enhancement in 2 cases.The degree of tumor enhancement was less intense than the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma due to necrosis of various degree,which led to the cystic appearance of the tumor in 1 ease.On the portal phase scanning,all tumors showed marked enhancement similar to that of the pancreatic parenchyma.On the delayed phase scanning,the degree of enhancement was more intense than the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma in 1 case.Liver metastases with retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and peripancreatic vessels invasion were seen in 1 case.No dilatation of the biliary tract or pancreatic duct was present.Conclusion The CT features of pancreatic carcinoid tumors included infrequent dilatation of the biliary tract or pancreatic duct and unusual vascular involvement,calcification within the mass,marked enhancement similar to that of the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma during the portal phase scanning and more intense during the delayed phase scanning.

OBJECTIVETo clone tpn17 and tpn47 genes of Treponema pallidum and then construct their prokaryotic expression systems,to establish ELISAs based on rTpN17 and rTpN47 as antigens and to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the ELISAs for detection of serological diagnosis of syphilis.

METHODSThe whole length of tpn17 and tpn47 genes was amplified by PCR and then their prokaryotic expression systems were constructed. SDS-PAGE was used to measure the expression of the target recombinant proteins rTpN17 and rTpN47. Ni-NTA affinity chromatography was applied to extract rTpN17 and rTpN47, while Western blot was performed to determine the specific immunoreactivity of rTpN17 and rTpN47. By using rTpN17 and rTpN47 as the coated antigen, respectively, ELISAs (rTpN17-ELISA and rTpN47-ELISA) were established to detect serum samples from 200 healthy individuals, 25 RA patients, 17 SLE patients and 211 syphilis patients. The detection effects of the ELISAs were compared to those of TRUST and TPHA.

RESULTThe sequence similarity of the cloned tpn17 and tpn47 genes was 100 % compared with the corresponding sequences in GenBank. The expression outputs of rTpN17 and rTpN47 were approximately 37.2 % and 26.8 % of the total bacterial proteins, respectively. Both the extracted rTpN17 and rTpN47 could take place remarkable conjugation reactions to the sera with positive antibody against Treponema pallidum.The positive detection rate of TPHA (99.1%) was the highest (P<0.001). The positive detection rates of rTpN17-ELISA (85.3 %) and rTpN47-ELISA (84.3 %) were similar (P>0.05). The positive detection rates of TRUST (72.5 %) was lower than that of rTpN17-ELISA (P=0.001) but similar to that of rTpN47-ELISA (P=0.014). The detection results of all the serum samples from healthy individuals, RA patients and SLE patients were negative, whereas 7.1 % (3/42) of the samples from RA or SLE patients were positive.

CONCLUSIONrTpN17 and rTpN47 are still maintaining their original immunoreactivity. The ELISAs using rTpN17 or rTpN47 as the antigen are rapid, simple and convenient, higher sensitivity and specificity methods for serological screening and detection of syphilis.

Antibodies, Bacterial ; Antigens, Bacterial ; Blotting, Western ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Syphilis ; diagnosis ; Syphilis Serodiagnosis ; Treponema pallidum ; chemistry ; immunology ; isolation & purification