Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Hearing Loss ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo examine the protective effect of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GbE) on learning and memory deficit induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl(3)), and explore its mechanisms.

METHODSThe rat models with learning and memory deficit were induced by administering via gastrogavage and drinking of AlCl(3) solution. And the model rats were treated with GbE at the dose of 50, 100, 200 mg/kg every day for 2 months accompanied with drinking of AlCl(3) solution, respectively. Their abilities of spatial learning and memory were tested by Morris water maze, and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in serum was assayed with chemical method, the AChE expression in hippocampus was observed by immunohistochemistry assay, and then quantitative analysis was done by BI 2000 image analysis system.

RESULTSLearning and memory deficit of rats could be induced by AlCl(3) solution (P < 0.01), and AChE expressions in rats hippocampus were increased (P < 0.01); GbE ameliorated learning and memory deficit and reduced AChE expression in rats hippocampus in a dose-dependent manner, while GbE significantly increased serum AChE activity at the dose of 200 mg/kg each day (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONGbE can ameliorate learning and memory deficit induced by AlCl(3), which may be due to its inhibition of the AChE expression in hippocampus.

Acetylcholinesterase ; metabolism ; Aluminum Compounds ; toxicity ; Animals ; Chlorides ; toxicity ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Ginkgo biloba ; Hippocampus ; enzymology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Maze Learning ; drug effects ; Memory Disorders ; chemically induced ; prevention & control ; Neuroprotective Agents ; therapeutic use ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; therapeutic use ; Plant Leaves ; Plant Structures ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Reaction Time

Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; genetics ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; pharmacology ; Electroporation ; methods ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Neoplasm Proteins ; genetics ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the early clinical and radiographic outcome of scaphoid non-unions treated with Acutrak headless compression screw.

METHODSFrom January 2008 to July 2011,21 patients with scaphoid non-union were treated in our department. There were 18 males and 3 females with a mean age of (23.6 +/- 4.6) years; 12 cases were on right hand and 9 were on left. According to Herbert-Fisher classification, there were 10 cases with type D1, 7 cases with type D2, 3 cases with type D3, and 1 case with type D4. The mean time from injury to operation was (12.4 +/- 2.7) months. All patients were treated with Acutrak headless compression screw fixation (6 cases received 2 screws fixation, 15 cases received 1 screw fixation, and Matti-Russe bone grafting was applied in 7 cases). The carpal height, the scaphoid index and changes of the scapholunate angle were assessed before and after the operation. Range of motion and grip strength were recorded and the wrist function was assessed according to the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE).

RESULTSAverage duration of follow-up was (21.3 +/- 3.6) months. All the patients attained radiological union in a mean time of (13.3 +/- 2.4) weeks following the operation. No obvious complications were recorded. The surgical treatment allowed the preoperative mean scaphoid index of 0.61 +/- 0.13 and the preoperative mean scapholunate angle of (59.4 +/- 6.8) degree to be improved to 0.69 +/- 0.10 and (44.3 +/- 8.2)degree postoperatively, respectively. There was a substantial improvement in grip strength and pain amelioration after surgery. The preoperative mean PRWE score of 45.2 +/- 4.7 was improved to 76.1 +/- 5.2 postoperatively. All patients returned back to the original work,the average time from surgery to work was (6.0 +/- 1.1) months.

CONCLUSIONFor scaphoid non-unions, Acutrak headless compression screw fixation can provide anatomical reduction, provide satisfactory results with a high union rate, well return of function and minimal complications in the early stage.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Fractures, Ununited ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Scaphoid Bone ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Wrist Injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Wrist Joint ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Young Adult

The known members of inhibitor of growth (ING) gene family are considered as candidate tumor suppressor genes. ING4, a novel member of ING family, is recently reported to regulate brain tumour angiogenesis through transcriptional repression of NF-?B-responsive genes, induce G2/M arrest by the increased p21 expression in a p53-dependent manner, suppress the loss of contact inhibition and represses activation of the hypoxia inducible factor, which plays an important role in the progression of tumorigenesis. However, seldom studies about ING4 inducing tumor cells apoptosis were reported.The C6 cells (mouse glioma cells) were infected respectively with the blank adenovirus carrying GFP (Ad) and the recombinated Ad-hING4-His, then RT-PCR assay was used to detect the transcriptions of hING4, as well Western-blotting assay was ued to detect the expressions of hING4. The effects of hING4 expression upon C6 cells were observed, and the growth curve was drawed and tumor control rates were calculated. The C6 cells, which were affected by blank Ad and Ad-hING4-His, were respectively observed by LSCM (laser scan confocal microscope) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), detected by flow cytometry; and the genomic DNA of both groups were extracted and electrophoresised in agarose gel to examinate the DNA fragments. The results showed hING4 can significantly inhibit the growth of C6 cells by promoting the cell’s apoptosis, which probably is the first one to prove this property of ING4.The experimental and theoretical foundation for gene therapy for gliomas with ING4 in the future was established.

BACKGROUNDThe Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represent a group of single-pass transmembrane receptors expressed on sentinel cells that are central to innate immune responses.The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of soluble TLRs in pleural effusions, and the diagnostic values of TLRs for pleural effusion with various etiologies.

METHODSPleural effusion and serum samples were collected from 102 patients (36 with malignant pleural effusion, 36 with tuberculous pleural effusion, 18 with bacterial pleural effusion, and 12 with transudative pleural effusion). The concentrations of TLR1 to TLR10 were determined in effusion and serum samples by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Four classical parameters (protein, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP)) in the pleural fluid were also assessed. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of pleural fluid TLRs and biochemical parameters for differentiating bacterial pleural effusion.

RESULTSThe concentrations of TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 in bacterial pleural effusion were significantly higher than those in malignant, tuberculous, and transudative groups, respectively. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that the area under the curves of TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 were 0.831, 0.843, 0.842, 0.883 and 0.786, respectively, suggesting that these TLRs play a role in the diagnosis of bacterial pleural effusion. Also, the diagnostic value of TLRs for bacterial pleural effusions was much better than that of biochemical parameters (protein, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose and CRP).

CONCLUSIONSThe concentrations of TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 appeared to be increased in bacterial pleural effusion compared to non-bacterial pleural effusions. Determination of these pleural TLRs may improve the ability of clinicians to differentiate pleural effusion patients of bacterial origin from those with other etiologies.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bacterial Infections ; metabolism ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pleural Effusion ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Prospective Studies ; Toll-Like Receptor 1 ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 3 ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 7 ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 9 ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptors ; metabolism ; Young Adult

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects and the underline mechanisms of berberine on the cardiac function and left ventricular remodeling in rats with renovascular hypertension. The renovascular hypertensive model was established by the two-kidney, two-clip (2K2C) method in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Two weeks after surgery, all the operated SD rats were randomly assigned into four groups: (1) renovascular hypertensive model group; (2) berberine 5 mg x kg(-1) group; (3) berberine 10 mg x kg(-1) group; (4) captopril 45 mg x kg(-1) group; and the sham operated rats were used as control. Four weeks after the drugs were administered, the cardiac function was assessed. The ratios of heart weight to body weight (HW/BW), left ventricular weight to body weight (LVW/BW) and right ventricular weight to body weight (RVW/BW) were compared between groups. Coronal sections of the left ventricular tissue (LV) were prepared for paraffin sections, picrosirius red and HE staining was performed. The left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT), interventricular septal thickness (IVST), the parameters of myocardial fibrosis indicated by interstitial collagen volume fraction (ICVF) and perivascular collagen area (PVCA) were assessed. Nitric oxide (NO), adenosine cyclophosphate (cAMP) and guanosine cyclophosphate (cGMP) concentrations of left ventricular tissue were measured. Berberine 5 mg x kg(-1) and 10 mg x kg(-1) increased the left ventricular +/- dp/dt(max) and HR. Berberine 10 mg x kg(-1) decreased HW/BW and LVW/BW. The image analysis showed that both 5 and 10 mg x kg(-1) of berberine decreased LVWT, ICVF and PVCA, while increased the NO and cAMP contents in left ventricular tissue. Berberine could improve cardiac contractility of 2K2C model rats, and inhibit left ventricular remodeling especially myocardial fibrosis in renovascular hypertension rats. And such effects may partially associate with the increased NO and cAMP content in left ventricular tissue.
Animals ; Berberine ; pharmacology ; Collagen ; metabolism ; Cyclic AMP ; metabolism ; Cyclic GMP ; metabolism ; Hypertension, Renovascular ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Male ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; pathology ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Organ Size ; drug effects ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Ventricular Function, Left ; drug effects ; Ventricular Remodeling ; drug effects

Objective:To evaluate the early clinical and radiographic outcome of scaphoid non unions treated with Acu-trak headless compression screw. Methods:From January 2008 to July 2011,21 patients with scaphoid non union were treated in our department. There were 18 males and 3 females with a mean age of (23.6±4.6) years;12 cases were on right hand and 9 were on left. According to Herbert-Fisher classification,there were 10 cases with type D1,7 cases with type D2,3 cases with type D3,and 1 case with type D4. The mean time from injury to operation was (12.4±2.7) months. All patients were treated with Acutrak headless compression screw fixation (6 cases received 2 screws fixation,15 cases received 1 screw fixation,and Matti-Russe bone grafting was applied in 7 cases). The carpal height,the scaphoid index and changes of the scapholunate an-gle were assessed before and after the operation. Range of motion and grip strength were recorded and the wrist function was assessed according to the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). Results:Average duration of follow up was (21.3±3.6) months. All the patients attained radiological union in a mean time of (13.3±2.4) weeks following the operation. No obvious complications were recorded. The surgical treatment allowed the preoperative mean scaphoid index of 0.61±0.13 and the pre-operative mean scapholunate angle of (59.4±6.8)° to be improved to 0.69±0.10 and(44.3±8.2)° postoperatively,respectively. There was a substantial improvement in grip strength and pain amelioration after surgery. The preoperative mean PRWE score of 45.2 ±4.7 was improved to 76.1 ±5.2 postoperatively. All patients returned back to the original work ,the average time from surgery to work was (6.0±1.1) months. Conclusion:For scaphoid non unions,Acutrak headless compression screw fixation can provide anatomical reduction,provide satisfactory results with a high union rate,well return of function and minimal complica-tions in the early stage.

Objective To develop a new isotope dilution gas chromatography mass spectrometry method (ID/GC/MS) for the measurement of serum cholesterol.Methods Serum was mixed with an isotope labeled internal standard ([3,4-~(13)C]-cholesterol) and treated with alcoholic sodium hydroxide to hydrolyze cholesterol ester to cholesterol.Cholesterol and internal standard was extracted and derived by N, O-Bis(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide to trimethylsilyl ethers.The derivation products were analyzed by capillary column GC combined with electron impact MS using scan and selected ion monitor (SIM) modes. Signals of cholesterol internal standard were corrected for the contributions from cholesterol and the signal ratio of cholesterol to internal standard for the calibrators were linearly regressed against cholesterol concentrations.The resulted regression equation was used for the calculation of serum cholesterol concentrations.Results The new ID/GC/MS method showed a mean within-run coefficient variance (CV) of 0.04%-0.81%.Comparison with two levels of standard reference material (SRM1951a) of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) displayed a bias of 0.19% and 0.90% respectively.Conclusion A time-gaining ID/MS method has been established that is highly precise and accurate and can be used for the measurement of serum cholesterol.

Objective:To determine the optimal condition for mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) culture with stirred bioreactor,and to develop a method for mass production of embryoid bodies (EB). Methods:The different initial cell concentrations of mESC and the initial stirring speed of bioreactor were investigated to determine the optimal condition for EB formation. Induced by ascorbic acid,the differentiation of EBs formed in stirred bioreactor into cardiomyocytes was compared with EBs formed in Petri dish. Immunofluorescence staining and RT-PCR were used to identify the cardiomyocytes derived from mESC. Results:The formation of a large number of uniform relatively EBs was achieved in stirred bioreactor when mESC were seeded initially with 1?105~3?105 cells/ml and stirring speed was set to 15~30r/min. Most of cells in the EBs formed in bioreactor were viable. EBs produced in bioreactor differentiated into cardiomyocytes more efficiently compared with EBs from Petri dish. The cardiac specific genes were expressed in ESC-derived cardiomyocytes. Conclusions:Stirred bioreactor culture could enhance the efficiency of EB formation and differentiation into cardiomyocytes,which may be a more ideal culture system for EB formation.