·AIM: To investigate the efficacy and security of the silicone membrane implant through observing intraocular pressure, filtering blebs and histopathologic results.·METHODS; Forty rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups. Each group consisted of 10 rabbits. Trabecu-lectomy and silicone membrane implantation were performed in one eye of each rabbit, while the other eye was only performed trabeculectomy as control. The change of intraocular pressure, filtering blebs were observed postoperatively. And each eye had undergone histopathologic examination.·RESULTS:The duration of low intraocular pressure and existence of filtering blebs in implanted eyes was longer than that in controlled eyes. Light microscopy revealed that patent drainage tract and biting site could be seen in silicone membrane implanted eye. The activity and regularity of fibroblast proliferation in implanted eyes and controlled eyes were similar. Excessive expression of fibroblast proliferation was not induced by silicone membrane.·CONCLUSION: Characterized by safety, effectiveness and simplicity, silicone membrane implantation can act as a new drainage surgery.KEYWORDS: silicone membrane; drainage surgery;intraocular pressure

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of ribavirin to mice viral myocarditis. Methods Onehundred and twenty mice were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was normal control group 1 .group 2 CVB3 control group, group 3 ribavirintherapy group. In the latter two groups, 0.2 mL CVB3(10-7.5Tcid5o/mL)was infected into abdominal cavity. Ten mice of each group were killed at the 7 th, 14 th,21 st,28 th day. Mice motality,light and electron microscape, myocardial viral tiler, myocardial pathological score,serum cTnI,malonytdialdehyde(MDA) and cardiac myocyte apoptosis rate(CMAR) were examined.Re-sults The motality,myocardial viral titer,myocardial pathological score,cTnI were lower in group 3(ribavirin therapy group) than in group 2(CVB3 control), and MDA and CMAR were no significant differences between ribavirin group and simple CVB3 group. Conclusion Ribavirin has good treatment effect to mice viral myocardilis,and its mechanism is due to decrease viral titer.

AIM To eslablish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of brazilin,(±) protosappanin B,hydroxysafflor yellow A,safflor yellow A,oxypeucedanin,imperatorin and isoimperatorin in Waicha Bailing Tincture (Angelicae dahuricae Radix,Sappan Lignum,Carthami Flos,etc.).METHODS The analysis of methanol extract of this drug was performed on a Agilent TC-C18 column (200 mm ×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of methanol-0.1％ glacial acetic acid flowing at 0.9 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelengths were set at 285,403,310 nm.RESULTS Seven constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges (r ≥0.999 5),whose average recoveries were 96.91％-99.59％ with the RSDs of 0.81％-1.19％.CONCLUSION This stable and reliable method can be used for the quality control of Waicha Bailing Tincture.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus medicine and function training in treating post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome. Method Sixty patients with post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome were randomized into a treatment group of 30 cases and a control group of 30 cases. The treatment group was intervened by acupuncture plus medicine and functional training, while the control group was only by functional training. Before and after intervention, the hand swelling degree, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), shoulder joint motion scale, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scale were used to measure the swelling and pain of hand, motion of shoulder, and motor function of upper limb. Result After intervention, the swelling and pain of hand, motion range of shoulder and motor function of upper limb were significantly improved in both groups (P<0.01), and the improvements in the treatment group were more significant than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture plus medicine and function training can enhance the efficacy in treating post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome, superior to pure function training.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) precore (PC) and basal core promoter (BCP) mutations and HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HB-ACLF).

METHODSForty-four patients with HB-ACLF and 28 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB; used as controls) were enrolled and venous blood samples were collected from all individuals. The PC and BCP gene fragments were amplified by nested PCR. HBV genotype and BCP/PC mutations were determined by direct sequencing and analysis by BioEdit (version 7.0.9.0). Ten of the HB-ACLF patients were selected for follow-up (range: 2-8 weeks), which included once weekly sera collection to determine the relation of mutations and treatment response. Serum levels of HBV DNA were measured by real-time PCR assay, and alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, creatinine and albumin were measured by standard biochemical assay and used to determine the MELD score.

RESULTSAll 44 HB-ACLF patients were infected with HBV genotype C. In the CHB group, 26 patients were infected with genotype C and two with genotype B. Single mutations (A1762T, G1764A, T1753V, G1896A, and G1899A) and combined mutations (A1762T + G1764A, G1896A + G1899A, T1753V+ A1762T + G1764A, G1896A + G1899A + A1762T + G1764A, and A1762T + G1764A + G1896A) were more frequently detected in HB-ACLF patients than in CHB patients (P less than 0.05). A significantly higher proportion of PC/BCP wild-type sequences was found in patients with CHB than in patients with HB-ACLF (17.9% vs. 2.3%; x² = 5.440, P = 0.020). The proportion of patients carrying both PC and BCP mutations was significantly higher in HB-ACLF patients than in CHB patients (79.6% vs. 39.3%; x² = 12.021, P = 0.001). The proportion of patients carrying only BCP mutation was 42.9% in the CHB group and 20.5% in the HB-ACLF group (x² = 4.157, P = 0.041). No occurrences of only PC mutation were detected in either the CHB or HB-ACLF group. The combined mutations were present in all 10 of the HB-ACLF follow-up patients. Mutations G1899A, T1753V, and A1846T were correlated with disease recovery. Significant decreases in the MELD score were accompanied by decreases in the A1846T mutation.

CONCLUSIONSignificantly more HB-ACLF patients carried HBV with mutations in the PC and BCP than CHB patients. Moreover, more HB-ACLF patients carried HBV with PC + BCP combined mutations and PC mutation only. The G1899A, T1753C, and A1846T mutations were associated with HB-ACLF response to treatment and improvement in liver function.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; DNA, Viral ; genetics ; End Stage Liver Disease ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; Genotype ; Hepatitis B ; virology ; Hepatitis B Core Antigens ; genetics ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; virology ; Humans ; Liver Failure ; virology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Promoter Regions, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of berberine on lipid metabolism disorder and lipid deposition in liver cells of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rats induced by high fat diet.

METHODSAfter one week adaptable feeding, 45 SPF level male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, the normal control group, the model group, and the berberine group, 15 in each group. Except those in the normal control group, all rats were fed with high fat diet to prepare NAFLD model. As for rats in the berberine group, Berberine Hydrochloride was administered by gastrogavage. HE staining and oil red O staining were performed to identify the model after 8 weeks. Hepatocytes were isolated, and their activities and purities were tested by Typan blue staining and flow cytometry (FCM). Serum levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C were detected using automatic biochemical analyzer. mRNA expression levels of LXRα and FAS in liver cells were analyzed by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Protein levels of LXRα and FAS in liver cells were examined by Western blot.

RESULTSThe NAFLD rat model was successfully established by high fat diet. The yields of purified liver cells in each rat were (6.0-7.5) x 10(8). The viability of isolated liver cells with purity over 90% (tested by FCM analysis) was higher than 95%. Compared with the normal control group,the expression of LXRα and FAS at mRNA and protein levels was higher in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of LXRα and FAS at mRNA and protein levels was obviously down-regulated in the berberine group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSLXRα/FAS signaling pathway was one of important signaling pathways of NAFLD lipid metabolism disorders. Berberine could recover hepatocyte fatty deposits in NAFLD rats by adjusting the LXR/FAS signaling pathway of hepatocytes, which might be one of important mechanisms for fighting against NAFLD.

Animals ; Berberine ; therapeutic use ; Diet, High-Fat ; Down-Regulation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Fatty Liver ; Hepatocytes ; Lipids ; Male ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; drug therapy ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction

Objective To investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in synovium of rats with adjuvant arthritis and the relationship between the histopathologic score and the expression of VEGF.Methods Adjuvant arthritis was established in Wistar rats by inoculating complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA). We calculated the arthropathologic score and the expression of VEGF mRNA and protein at different stages after CFA inoculation.Results In model group the arthropathologic score and expression of VEGF protein in synovium increased significantly all the time (P

Atrioventricular Block ; etiology ; Cardiac Catheterization ; adverse effects ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; therapy ; Hematologic Diseases ; etiology ; Hemolysis ; Humans

BACKGROUNDAbout 50% - 70% of patients with Chiari malformation I (CMI) presented with syringomyelia (SM), which is supposed to be related to abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow around the foramen magnum. The aim of this study was to investigate the cerebrospinal fluid dynamics at levels of the aqueduct and upper cervical spine in patients with CMI associated with SM, and to discuss the possible mechanism of formation of SM.

METHODSFrom January to April 2004, we examined 10 adult patients with symptomatic CMI associated with SM and 10 healthy volunteers by phase-contrast MRI. CSF flow patterns were evaluated at seven regions of interest (ROI): the aqueduct and ventral and dorsal subarachnoid spaces of the spine at levels of the cerebellar tonsil, C2 - 3, and C5 - 6. The CSF flow waveforms were analyzed by measuring CSF circulation time, durations and maximum velocities of cranial- and caudal-directed flows, and the ratio between the two maximum velocities. Data were analyzed by t test using SPSS 11.5.

RESULTSWe found no definite communication between the fourth ventricle and syringomyelia by MRI in the 10 patients. In both the groups, we observed cranial-directed flow of CSF in the early cardiac systolic phase, which changed the direction from cranial to caudal from the middle systolic phase to the early diastolic phase, and then turned back in cranial direction in the late diastolic phase. The CSF flow disappeared at the dorsal ROI at the level of C2 - 3 in 3 patients and 1 volunteer, and at the level of C5 - 6 in 6 patients and 3 volunteers. The durations of CSF circulation at all the ROIs were significantly shorter in the patients than those in the healthy volunteers (P = 0.014 at the midbrain aqueduct, P = 0.019 at the inferior margin of the cerebellar tonsil, P = 0.014 at the level of C2 - 3, and P = 0.022 at the level of C5 - 6). No significant difference existed between the two groups in the initial point and duration of the caudal-directed CSF flow during a cardiac cycle at all the ROIs. The maximum velocities of both cranial- and caudal-directed CSF flows were significantly higher in the patients than those in the volunteers at the aqueduct (P = 0.018 and P = 0.007) and ventral ROI at the inferior margin of the cerebellar tonsil (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002), as so did the maximum velocities of the caudal-directed flow in the ventral and dorsal ROIs at the level of C2 - 3 (P = 0.004; P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONSThe direction of CSF flow changes in accordance with cardiac cycle. The syringomyelia in patients with CMI may be due to the decreased circulation time and abnormal dynamics of the CSF in the upper cervical segment. The decompression of the foramen magnum with dural plasty is an alternative for patients with CMI associated with SM.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Arnold-Chiari Malformation ; cerebrospinal fluid ; complications ; diagnosis ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Syringomyelia ; etiology

OBJECTIVETo study the factors of colorectal cancer (CRC) after radical resection to provide data predicting the prognosis of the patients.

METHODS120 cases of CRC were collected in this study. Medical clinical records and 5-year follow-up data were reviewed. Streptavidin-peroxidase immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of p53, C-erbB-2, nm23-H(1) and Ras on formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded sections of CRC from the 120 patients.

RESULTSResults showed that the rates of positive expression of p53, C-erbB-2, Ras and nm23-H(1) were 62.5% (75/120), 25.8% (31/120), 80.0% (96/120) and 60.8% (73/120) respectively in the CRC tissue. All pathological variables and biological markers were analyzed with Cox regression model (alpha = 0.05). Eight distinguished prognostic factors were identified in the univariate analysis as: macroscopic configuration, histology grade, depth of invasion of intestinal, lymph nodes metastasis, Dukes' classification, p53, Ras and nm23-H(1). The results of multivariate analysis (alpha = 0.05) indicated that the independent prognostic factors were Dukes' classification, p53 and nm23-H(1) (P = 0.000), with relative risk of 3.06, 6.02 and 0.40, respectively. A prognostic model: h(t, x) = h(0)(t)exp (-0.9269X(14) + 1.1197X(10) + 1.7948X(11)) was established. Sensitivity, specificity agreement and reliability of the model and Kappa were 79.1%, 83.0%, 80.8% and 0.62, respectively.

CONCLUSIONDukes' classification, p53 and nm23-H(1)seemed to be independent and important prognostic factors. This prognostic model could be used to evaluate the prognosis of patients with CRC by clinicians.

Adult ; Aged ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Survival Analysis ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; biosynthesis ; genetics