ObjectiveTo investigate the change in brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)during noxious electric stimu lation of forepaw and tail in rats.MethodsForty-eight healthy SD rats of both sexes weighing 300-450 g which responded sensitively to electrical stimulation as shown by Y-maze were randomly divided into 2 groups ( n =24 each) receiving nociceptive electric stimulation of left forepaw (group LF) and tail (group T) respectively.The animals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal 10％ chloral hydrate 250-300 mg/kg.Brain fMRI was performed at 30 min after disappearance of righting reflex in both groups when electric stimulations were delivered intermittently to forepaw or tail.The images were analyzed with SPM2 software.ResultsPrimary and secondary somatosensory cortex,posterior cingutate cortex,amygdaloid nucleus and ventral posterolateral thalamic nucleus were activated in group T.Right accumbens nucleus,right primary somatosensory cortex,right ventral posterolateral thalamic nucleus and right posterior cingutate cortex were activated in group LF.ConclusionDifferent brain areas are activated by noxious electric stimulation of different parts of body as shown by brain fMRI.

Objective To evaluate the clinical diagnosis and treatment of acute renal infarction.Methods Two cases (3 sides) of acute renal infarction were reported.The patients were 1 male and 1 female,with the age of 62 and 54 years.Case 1 presented acute left flank pain,and enhanced CT showed a non-enhanced area in the upper and mid pole of the left kidney.The diagnosis of focal renal infarction was made and treated with low-molecular heparin (6000 U ).Case 2 presented acute both right abdominal and flank pain,and enhanced CT showed right renal artery embolism and right renal complete infarction.Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and catheter thrombolytic therapy was applied.4 months later,the patient presented acute left flank pain,and enhanced CT showed a low density area in left kidney without enhanced by contrast,and DSA and catheter thrombolytic therapy was applied again.Results In case 1,contrastenhanced MRI showed a still low signal area like enhanced CT after 2 days of treatment.The renal function remained normal in the follow-up of 36 months.In case 2,the right kidney resorted to moderate blood flow but became atrophy later.In the follow-up of 4 months,a recurrent focal infarction was confirmed in left kidney by enhanced CT.The left kidney also resorted to moderate bloodflow after DSA and catheter thrombolytic therapy.The renal function became normal after follow-up of 10 months and no new infarction was observed.Conclusions The diagnosis of acute renal infraction could be made by enhanced CT or MRI.Early diagnosis and location of the infraction renal artery is critical for recovery of the impaired renal function.Acute renal infraction should be suspected in patients with unexplained persistent and steady flank or abdominal pain in emergence department.

Objective Coralline hydroxyapatite (CHA),in comparison with Bio-Oss bone meal,is a material with extensive resources but no immunogenicity or risk of disease-transmission. The aim of this article was to study the clinical application of CHA in ridge preservation in the maxillary anterior zone. Methods Twenty-six patients underwent extraction of maxillary anterior teeth (n=26) for chronic periodontitis or periapical periodontitis. The patients were randomly assigned into a CHA and a control group of equal number to receive ridge preservation with CHA and Bio-Oss bone meal respectively. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed immediately and at 4 months after ridge preservation to compare the vertical and horizontal alterations of the alveolar ridge be-tween the two groups of patients. Results After ridge preservation,both the CHA and control groups showed a reduction in the width ([1.1±0.7] vs [1.3±1.9] mm) and height of the alveolar ridge ([1.3±1.6] vs [1.2±1.4] mm),but with no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion For ridge preservation in the maxillary anterior zone,CHA has a similar effect to that of Bio-Oss bone meal and therefore is an ideal material for bone graft.

Seasonal dynamics of total phenolics (TP), extractable condensed tannins (ECT), protein-bound condensed tannins (PBCT), fiber-bound condensed tannins (FBCT), total condensed tannins (TCT), and protein precipitation capacity (PPC) in young, mature and senescent branchlets of Casuarina equisetifolia were studied at Chishan Forestry Center of Dongshan County, Fujian Province, China. In addition, nitrogen contents of branchlets at the different developmental stages were also determined. The contents of TP and ECT, and PPC in young branchlets were significantly higher than those in mature and senescent branchlets through the season. However, PBCT contents were significantly higher in senescent branchlets than those in young and mature branchlets; FBCT fluctuated with season. Young branchlets had the highest N content, which decreased during branch maturity and senescence. The highest contents of TP and the lowest contents of TCT and N in young and mature branchlets were observed in summer. There was a significant negative correlation between TP and N contents. In contrast, TCT contents were positively correlated to N contents. Nutrient resorption during senescence and high TCT:N ratios in senescent branchlets are the important nutrient conservation strategies for C. equisetifolia.
Nitrogen ; analysis ; Phenols ; analysis ; Seasons ; Tannins ; analysis ; Trees ; chemistry

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) and browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) can protect against obesity and obesity-related metabolic conditions.Cryptotanshinone (CT) regulates lipid metabolism and significantly ameliorates insulin resistance. Adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a receptor for cellular energy metabolism, is believed to regulate brown fat activity in humans.MATERIALS/METHODS: The in vivo study included high-fat-fed obese mice administered orally 200/400 mg/kg/d CT. They were evaluated through weight measurement, the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT), cold stimulation test, serum lipid (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein) measurement, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry.Furthermore, the in vitro study investigated primary adipose mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with incubation of CT and AMPK agonists (acadesine)/inhibitor (Compound C).Cells were evaluated using Oil Red O staining, Alizarin red staining, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining to identify and observe the osteogenic versus adipogenic differentiation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and the Western blot were used to observe related gene expression. RESULTS: In the diet-induced obesity mouse model mice CT suppressed body weight, food intake, glucose levels in the IPGTT and IPTT, serum lipids, the volume of adipose tissue, and increased thermogenesis, uncoupling protein 1, and the AMPK pathway expression. In the in vitro study, CT prevented the formation of lipid droplets from MSCs while activating brown genes and the AMPK pathway. AMPK activator enhanced CT’s effects, while the AMPK inhibitor reversed the effects of CT. CONCLUSION CT promotes adipose tissue browning to increase body thermogenesis and reduce obesity by activating the AMPK pathway. This study provides an experimental foundation for the use of CT in obesity treatment.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) and browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) can protect against obesity and obesity-related metabolic conditions.Cryptotanshinone (CT) regulates lipid metabolism and significantly ameliorates insulin resistance. Adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a receptor for cellular energy metabolism, is believed to regulate brown fat activity in humans.MATERIALS/METHODS: The in vivo study included high-fat-fed obese mice administered orally 200/400 mg/kg/d CT. They were evaluated through weight measurement, the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT), cold stimulation test, serum lipid (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein) measurement, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry.Furthermore, the in vitro study investigated primary adipose mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with incubation of CT and AMPK agonists (acadesine)/inhibitor (Compound C).Cells were evaluated using Oil Red O staining, Alizarin red staining, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining to identify and observe the osteogenic versus adipogenic differentiation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and the Western blot were used to observe related gene expression. RESULTS: In the diet-induced obesity mouse model mice CT suppressed body weight, food intake, glucose levels in the IPGTT and IPTT, serum lipids, the volume of adipose tissue, and increased thermogenesis, uncoupling protein 1, and the AMPK pathway expression. In the in vitro study, CT prevented the formation of lipid droplets from MSCs while activating brown genes and the AMPK pathway. AMPK activator enhanced CT’s effects, while the AMPK inhibitor reversed the effects of CT. CONCLUSION CT promotes adipose tissue browning to increase body thermogenesis and reduce obesity by activating the AMPK pathway. This study provides an experimental foundation for the use of CT in obesity treatment.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) and browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) can protect against obesity and obesity-related metabolic conditions.Cryptotanshinone (CT) regulates lipid metabolism and significantly ameliorates insulin resistance. Adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a receptor for cellular energy metabolism, is believed to regulate brown fat activity in humans.MATERIALS/METHODS: The in vivo study included high-fat-fed obese mice administered orally 200/400 mg/kg/d CT. They were evaluated through weight measurement, the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT), cold stimulation test, serum lipid (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein) measurement, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry.Furthermore, the in vitro study investigated primary adipose mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with incubation of CT and AMPK agonists (acadesine)/inhibitor (Compound C).Cells were evaluated using Oil Red O staining, Alizarin red staining, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining to identify and observe the osteogenic versus adipogenic differentiation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and the Western blot were used to observe related gene expression. RESULTS: In the diet-induced obesity mouse model mice CT suppressed body weight, food intake, glucose levels in the IPGTT and IPTT, serum lipids, the volume of adipose tissue, and increased thermogenesis, uncoupling protein 1, and the AMPK pathway expression. In the in vitro study, CT prevented the formation of lipid droplets from MSCs while activating brown genes and the AMPK pathway. AMPK activator enhanced CT’s effects, while the AMPK inhibitor reversed the effects of CT. CONCLUSION CT promotes adipose tissue browning to increase body thermogenesis and reduce obesity by activating the AMPK pathway. This study provides an experimental foundation for the use of CT in obesity treatment.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) and browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) can protect against obesity and obesity-related metabolic conditions.Cryptotanshinone (CT) regulates lipid metabolism and significantly ameliorates insulin resistance. Adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a receptor for cellular energy metabolism, is believed to regulate brown fat activity in humans.MATERIALS/METHODS: The in vivo study included high-fat-fed obese mice administered orally 200/400 mg/kg/d CT. They were evaluated through weight measurement, the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT), cold stimulation test, serum lipid (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein) measurement, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry.Furthermore, the in vitro study investigated primary adipose mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with incubation of CT and AMPK agonists (acadesine)/inhibitor (Compound C).Cells were evaluated using Oil Red O staining, Alizarin red staining, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining to identify and observe the osteogenic versus adipogenic differentiation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and the Western blot were used to observe related gene expression. RESULTS: In the diet-induced obesity mouse model mice CT suppressed body weight, food intake, glucose levels in the IPGTT and IPTT, serum lipids, the volume of adipose tissue, and increased thermogenesis, uncoupling protein 1, and the AMPK pathway expression. In the in vitro study, CT prevented the formation of lipid droplets from MSCs while activating brown genes and the AMPK pathway. AMPK activator enhanced CT’s effects, while the AMPK inhibitor reversed the effects of CT. CONCLUSION CT promotes adipose tissue browning to increase body thermogenesis and reduce obesity by activating the AMPK pathway. This study provides an experimental foundation for the use of CT in obesity treatment.

Objective:To investigate the effect of modified York-Mason technique on urethrorectal fistula after radical prostatectomy.Methods:A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 20 patients with urethrorectal fistula after radical prostatectomy admitted to Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital from May 2016 to October 2022 was conducted. Patients’ average age was (76.6±4.2) years. The etiology was rectal injury during radical prostatectomy. Patients present urine leakage from the anus during micturition. 2 cases also had bladder neck stenosis, and 1 case had urinary incontinence.3 cases had radiotherapy history because of prostate cancer. The average duration of urethrorectal fistula was (1.8±2.3)years. Preoperative imaging confirmed the presence of contrast agent flowing from the bladder neck into the rectum. Three suspicious patients also underwent CT three-dimensional reconstruction. Urethroscopy revealed a depression at the bladder neck in five cases. Anorectal examination in five cases showed the formation of gas bubbles in the lower anterior wall of the rectum, along with a concave anterior wall. The distance from the fistula to the anal margin was (6.0±2.1) cm, with fistula diameters ≥1 cm in twelve cases, <1 cm in eight cases. Twelve patients had previously undergone cystotomy, and seventeen patients had undergone colostomy. The modified York-Mason procedure was adopted for all 20 cases. The patients were under general anesthesia and placed in the prone jackknife position, with the buttocks spread and fixed to the sides to expose the anus. An 8 cm-long incision was made from two points near the sacrococcygeal joint to the anal edge, representing the modified York-Mason approach. After dividing the anal sphincter muscle, both sides were marked using 3-0 chromium thread for subsequent anal reconstruction. The urethrorectal fistula was exposed, and the urethral side of the fistula was sutured with 4-0 absorbable thread, while the anterior rectal wall side was sutured with 3-0 absorbable thread. In cases of bladder neck stenosis, urethral internal incision was performed, and a urethral catheter was retained for 3 weeks postoperatively. Perianal incision drainage tubes were removed after three days. Patients had colostomy repair could eat the day after surgery, while those who didn’t were fast for five days and received intravenous nutrition.Results:All 20 cases in this group were successfully completed without complications during surgery. Follow-up ranged from 10 to 48 months after surgery. Seventeen (17/20)cases had unobstructed urination, with a maximum urine flow rate >15 ml, and no urine leakage from the anus. Postoperative urethrography and cystourethroscopy showed there were no urethrorectal fistulas in 15 cases. None of the patients experienced fecal incontinence after the surgery, except for three patients with a history of radiotherapy who continued to experience anal leakage. One patient underwent a second modified York-Mason procedure and achieved complete recovery three months after the second surgery. Another patient had anal discharge, and the fistula healed after two weeks of urethral catheter retention. One patient refused further treatment due to advanced age and frailty but still had anal leakage. Another patient experienced regular urethral dilation for urination difficulties, while one patient continued to have urinary incontinence.Conclusions:The modified York-Mason technique could be an effective method for urethrorectal fistula after radical prostatectomy with high success rate and few side effects.

This study reported two women with extreme obesity who underwent metabolic surgery due to their mutations in leptin receptor (LEPR).Genomic DNA was extracted from the anticoagulant blood samples of the two patients and their parents.A panel of genes related to metabolic diseases or whole exon sequencing was screened and the results were confirmed by Sanger sequencing.This is the first time that these three mutations in LEPR were reported.Two patients complained insatiety and early-onset obesity since childhood at clinics.Patient 1 was a 39-year-old woman with height 150 cm,weight 130 kg,and BMI 57.8 kg/m2.Serum leptin level was 156.4 μg/L.A homozygous mutation of c.2317G＞T was found in exon 15 of LEPR gene in patient 1,which was descended from her father and mother respectively.Patient 2 was a 37-year-old woman with height 158 cm,weight 167 kg,and BMI 67 kg/m2.Serum leptin level was 193.4 μg/L.Genetic analysis showed compound heterozygous mutations of c.1482delT and c.1892C ＞ A.Her father showed heterozygous c.1482delT mutation,and her mother carried heterozygous c.1892C ＞ A mutation.Two patients all underwent metabolic surgery with body weight reduction of about 22 kg and 40 kg respectively after first six months.However,the follow-up studies showed that the body weight of patient 1 rebounded to pre-surgery level in two years and patient 2 did not further lose weight in the following six months.