Angiopoietin-1 ; chemistry ; physiology ; Angiopoietin-2 ; chemistry ; physiology ; Angiopoietins ; physiology ; Animals ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; therapy ; Embryonic and Fetal Development ; Humans ; Neoplasms ; blood supply ; Receptor, TIE-2 ; chemistry ; physiology ; Signal Transduction

Objective To explore the method of endovascular therapy for complicated aortic dissections.(Methods) The clinical data of 25 patients with complicated aortic dissections were analysed retrospectively.Results The patients′ ages ranged from 31-72 years with a mean of 50.2 years.Among the 25 cases,6 cases had severe ischemia of mesenteric artery,5 cases had renal artery ischemia,4 cases had severe(ischemia) of both legs,3 cases had renal arteries ischemia combined with superior mesenteric artery ischemia,2 had complicated aortic dissection combined with AAA,and in 5 cases the true aortic lumen was totally(compressed) by the false aneurysmal lumen.All patients underwent endovascular therapy,and the instant(technique) was successfully performed in all patients.Endoleak occurred in 3 cases after the stent-graft(deployment),it stopped spontaneously in 2 of them 7 days later,and 1 case with endoleak waiting for(treatment).In the other 22 patients,angiography after the operation showed that all the diseased area were sealed completely,and the viscera arterial blood supply was restored mainly via the true lumen.All the(patients) were cured and discharged.Conclusions In the management of complicated aortic dissections,(endoluminal) technique is simple,less traumatic,safe and has less complications as compared to the traditional operation.Improvement of the endoluminal technique is essential for successful treatment of these complicated cases.

4-coumarate coenzyme A ligase is a key enzyme of phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway in higher plant and may regulate the biosynthesis of ferulic acid in Angelica sinensis. In this study, the homology-based cloning and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technique were used to clone a full length cDNA encoding 4-coumarate coenzyme A ligase gene (4CL), and then qRT-PCR was taken for analyzing 4CL gene expression levels in the root, stem and root tissue at different growth stages of seedlings of A. sinensis. The results showed that a full-length 4CL cDNA (1,815 bp) was obtained (GenBank accession number: KT880508) which shares an open reading frame (ORF) of 1 632 bp, encodes 544 amino acid polypeptides. We found 4CL gene was expressed in all tissues including leaf, stem and root of seedlings of A. sinensis. The expressions in the leave and stem were increased significantly with the growth of seedlings of A. sinensis (P < 0.05), while it in the root showed little change. It indicates a time-space pattern of 4CL gene expression in seedlings of A. sinensis. These findings will be useful for establishing an experiment basis for studying the structure and function of 4CL gene and elucidating mechanism of ferulic acid biosynthesis and space-time regulation in A. sinensis.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Angelica sinensis ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Cloning, Molecular ; Coenzyme A Ligases ; genetics ; DNA, Complementary ; chemistry ; Molecular Sequence Data

Inflammatory bowel diseases are idiopathic inflammatory diseases of two main types, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, and the distal ileum is involved in up to 70% of patients. Moreover, Crohn's disease in one-quarter to one-third of patients involves isolation of the small bowel. Due to the nonspecific symptoms and anatomical location of the disease, small bowel Crohn's disease is a phenotype that is particularly difficult to manage. Since the introduction of capsule endoscopy in 2000 and balloon-assisted enteroscopy in the 21st century, it is now possible to directly inspect for small bowel Crohn's disease. However, the new modalities still have limitations, such as capsule retention and invasiveness of balloon-assisted enteroscopy. The diagnostic yields of both capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy are high for patients with suspected small bowel Crohn's disease. Therefore, earlier use of capsule endoscopy or balloon-assisted enteroscopy can help with the diagnosis and earlier treatment of these patients to avert possible disastrous outcomes.
Capsule Endoscopy* ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; Crohn Disease* ; Diagnosis ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Ileum ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ; Phenotype

BACKGROUNDSeveral randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared endoscopic and symptomatic relapses in patients with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We have summarized current evidence for rabeprazole 10 or 20 mg once daily for GERD maintenance treatment over 1 or 5 years.

METHODSMEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched, through August 2012, for eligible RCTs of adults with erosive GERD. The efficacies of rabeprazole 10 and 20 mg/d were compared.

RESULTSThe search identified 288 citations, and five RCTs containing 1480 patients were considered eligible. Heartburn relapse rates did not differ significantly between patients treated with rabeprazole 10 and 20 mg/d for 1 year (relative risk (RR) = 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97-1.72), but differed in patients treated for 5 years (RR = 1.274; 95% CI: 1.005-1.615). Endoscopic relapse rates differed significantly between rabeprazole 10 and 20 mg/d for 1 year (RR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.21-3.06), for 5 years (RR = 1.667; 95% CI: 1.073-2.589), and in combined 1- and 5-year maintenance trials (RR = 1.785; 95% CI: 1.298-2.456).

CONCLUSIONRabeprazole 20 mg/d was superior to rabeprazole 10 mg/d in preventing endoscopic relapse of erosive GERD, but that the two dosages were equivalent in symptomatic relief over 1 year.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Proton Pump Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Rabeprazole ; therapeutic use ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Recurrence

The aim of the present study was to observe whether protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) within the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) was involved in the regulation of ventilatory responses of peripheral chemoreflex. The experiments were performed on anesthetized, immobilized and artificially ventilated rabbits. Peripheral chemoreflex was elicited by ventilating the animal with 10% O2-balance 90% N2. Changes in the peak amplitude and frequency of integrated phrenic nerve activity were observed. The ventilatory responses of peripheral chemoreflex following 0.1 microl microinjection within the NTS of either PTK inhibitor genistein (10 mol/L), AMPA glutamate receptor inhibitor CNQX (10 mol/L),or inactive PTK inhibitor daidzein (10 mol/L) were recorded. The results are as follows: Both genistein and CNQX attenuated the ventilatory responses of peripheral chemoreflex, while no changes occurred following daidzein. The amplitude of integrated phrenic nerve discharge and the phrenic burst frequency were decreased by (-21.77+/-6.93)% and (-24.70+/-7.61)% respectively after administration of genistein. CNQX resulted in similar decreases in the amplitude of phrenic nerve discharge (-27.13+/-7.63)% and the burst frequency (-21.34+/-4.88)%. In addition, the inhibitory effects of CNQX and genistein were the same whether they were applied alone or one after another, indicating that they had no cooperative effects. The results obtained suggest that PTK within the NTS regulates the peripheral chemoreflex control of respiration and that this regulation of PTK may be mediated through the phosphorylation of AMPA receptors in NTS neurons.
Animals ; Brain Stem ; enzymology ; physiology ; Chemoreceptor Cells ; physiology ; Female ; Male ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; physiology ; Rabbits ; Receptors, AMPA ; physiology ; Respiration ; Solitary Nucleus ; enzymology

OBJECTIVETo prepare a lymph node-targeted ultrasound/fluorescence bi-functional imaging contrast agents, and observe its effectiveness both on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and vivo near infrared fluorescence (NIR) imaging through animal experiments.

METHODSThe chimeric lymph node-targeted ligand (phosphatidylserine) and near-infrared fluorescent substance were assembled to form bi-functional contrast microbubbles. The morphology and size distribution were detected by optical microscope and Malvern potential tests. Five normal New Zealand white rabbits were subcutaneously injected with the prepared contrast agent in bilateral footpads, and the imaging effectiveness of lymph nodes and lymphatic vessel were observed by CEUS and NIR technique. Then blue dye was subcutaneously injected at the same site, and the rabbits were sacrificed for lymph nodes pathological examination.

RESULTSLipid ultrasound microbubbles,with a mean size of 3-5 Μm in diameter, appeared to be uniform in distribution and regular in configuration. The images of inflow lymphatic vessel and relevant lymph node were quickly showed up after the subcutaneous injection by CEUS, which was identical to the result detected by NIR. Biopsy confirmed that all the blue-stained lymph nodes could be displayed by NIR.

CONCLUSIONSThe self-made bi-functional contrast agent has a good imaging ability in CEUS and NIR imaging. It may be a better agent as lymph node tracer.

Animals ; Contrast Media ; chemistry ; Fluoresceins ; chemistry ; Lymph Nodes ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; pathology ; Male ; Rabbits ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPARgamma) in extrahepatic cholangioadenocarcinoma (EHCAC) and to elucidate its correlation with clinicopathological factors and their significance in prognosis.

METHODSThe expressions of PPARgamma and VEGF-C were detected by immunohistochemistry in 69 cases of EHCAC, 12 cases of non-tumor bile duct epithelium, and their relationship to clinicopathological parameters and follow-up were analyzed.

RESULTSThe positive rate of PPARgamma expression in 69 cases of EHCAC was 59.4%, significantly higher than that in 12 cases of non-tumor bile duct epithelium (0%), (P < 0.01). The positive rate of VEGF-C in 69 cases of EHCAC was 84.1%, also significantly higher than 16.7% in 12 cases of benign bile duct epithelium (P < 0.05). PPARgamma expression was associated with clinical TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. VEGF-C expression was associated with lymph node metastasis. Cox analysis results showed that portal vein and/or hepatic artery invasion, lymph node metastasis and VEGF-C expression were independent prognostic factors of EHCAC (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPPARgamma expression may play an important role during tumorigenesis of extrahepatic cholangioadenocarcinoma. The expressions of PPARgamma and VEGF-C are significantly correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics and biological behavior of EHCAC. Expression of VEGF-C is an independent prognosis factors in EHCAC. The detection of PPARgamma and VEGF-C is valuable for evaluation of prognosis of EHCAC.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bile Duct Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic ; Cholangiocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; PPAR gamma ; metabolism ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Survival Rate ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C ; metabolism

Seventeen patients and their family donors HLA 2 - 3 antigen mismatched of 2 - 3 loci were enrolled in the study of haploidentical transplants from February 1999 to March 2001. Among patients with leukemia, most patients were classified as high risk. Eleven patients with ALL were all in more than second remission but one was in relapse. Patients with AML were one in CR1, one in CR2 while 4 patients with CML were two in CP and two in AP. The male-to-female ratio was 14:3 and the median age was 15 (range from 8 to 35). Conditioning regimens included Ara-C 3.0 g/m(2), 2 times per day x 3 d, on day 7, 6 and 5 pre-transplantation, CTX 45 mg/(kg per d) x 2 d on day 5 and 4 pretransplantation. TBI with 1000 cGy by 2 fractions on day 2 and 1 pretransplantation. The fresh and unmanipulated marrow was infused on day 0. Donors were received G-CSF (Lenograstim) at 3 - 4 microg/(kg per d) x 7 d. The BM cells were collected on eighth day. In GVHD prophylaxis, CSA, MTX, ATG (Antithymocyte globulin, Rabbit Fresenius S) and MMF (mycophenolate mofetic) were used in different periods. The dose of CSA was 1.5 mg/(kg per d) on day 7 to 1 pretransplantation, then 3 mg/(kg per d) from day 1 pretransplantation. MTX was 15 mg/m(2) on day 1 and 10 mg/m(2) on day 3, 6 and 11 posttransplantation. ATG was administered day 4 to 1 pretransplantation at 5 mg/(kg per d) and MMF dose was 1.0 g/d from day 7 posttransplantation. All patients established successful engraftment after initial transplantation. The median days of neutrophil exceeding 0.5 x 10(9)/L and platelet exceeding 20 x 10(9)/L were 18 (range 13 - 23) and 20 (range 16 - 32) days, respectively. Patients were monitored up to day 100 for the sign of aGVHD. The established grades II to IV aGVHD occurred in 5 out of 17 patients (29.4%). Eleven patients were surviving at a median follow-up of 13 months (range 3 - 27 months). Six out of the 17 patients died those 3 of them died of severe aGVHD, 2 of infection and 1 of leukemia relapse. Severe regimen-related toxicities were not experienced in all patients. The median follow-up period was 13 (range 3 - 27) months. Eleven patients were alive in disease-free situation with a Karnofsky performance status of 100%. This could be caused by the low overall incidence of aGVHD as a result of BM primed with G-CSF. The four-agent of immunosuppressive combined prophylaxis against GVHD in different periods may be highly effective.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Antilymphocyte Serum ; therapeutic use ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Graft vs Host Disease ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; pharmacology ; Haplotypes ; Hematopoiesis ; Histocompatibility Testing ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Lymphocyte Depletion ; Male ; Mycophenolic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use

AIMTo investigate the alterations of taurine transport, and taurine transporter (TAUT) mRNA by hyperglycemia in cultured rat cardiomyocytes.

METHODS3H-taurine measured the amount of taurine uptake. TAUT mRNA consents were measured using quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe cellular uptake amounts of taurine in seven groups increased with incubation time, and near to be saturated after 5 min. The uptake amount of 10, 20, and 30 mmol/L glucose groups was obviously lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In 30 mmmol/L glucose, taurine release obviously was decreased, as compared with that of the control. Exposure of cells to 10, 20, and 30 mmmol/L glucose decreased taurine uptake in a concentration-dependent fashion. Exposure to hyperglycemia did not affect the Km of the TAUT, but the apparent Vmax were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In 20 and 30 mmmol/L groups, TAUT mRNA contents of myocardial cells were significantly reduced, as compared with the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe data suggests that there are dysfunction of taurine uptake and downregulation of TAUT gene expression by glucose in cultured rat cardiomyocytes.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Glucose ; pharmacology ; Hyperglycemia ; metabolism ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Membrane Transport Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Taurine ; metabolism