OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Bushen Gujin Recipe (BGR) on serum and synovial expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) model rabbits.

METHODSTotally 36 8-month-old healthy male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., the normal control group, the model group, the Western medicine group (Meloxicam, at the daily dose of 6 mg/kg), and the TCM group (BGR, at the daily dose of 53 g/kg), 9 in each group. Modeling was performed in all rabbits except those in the normal control group by using Hulth A method. All medication was performed for 8 consecutive weeks. Contents of IL-1 and TNF-α were detected using ELISA from serum, partial synovial tissue of the front knee joint, cartilage and subchondral bone of the medial femoral condyle.

RESULTSThe joint space became narrowed in the Western medicine group, ranging between the model group and the TCM group. The articular surface was rough with obvious osteophytes. The joint space was slightly narrower in the TCM group; the articular surface was slightly rough with mild osteophytes. Compared with the normal control group, contents of IL-1 and TNF-α in serum and synovial increased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, contents of IL-1 and TNF-α in serum and the synovial fluid decreased in the two treatment groups (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in contents of IL-1 and TNF-α between the Western medicine group and the TCM group.

CONCLUSIONBGR promoted the synthesis of cartilage matrix and carti- lage repair through inhibiting the secretion of IL-1 and TNF-α, and prolonging cartilage degeneration.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Interleukin-1 ; metabolism ; Knee Joint ; Male ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Synovial Fluid ; Synovial Membrane ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

Objective To analyze the local control rate and the desimetric patterns of local recurrence in nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)patients having been treated with standardized conventional radiotherapy and to evaluate the delineation of rational target volume.Methods From Jan.2000 to Dec.2000,476 patients with untreated NPC were treated by standardized conventional radiotherapy alone at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center.The radiation ports were designed on a X-ray simulator.The nasopharyngeal lesion demonstrated by CT scan and the subclinical spread regions adjacent to the nasopharynx were defined as the target volume.Kaplan- Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative local recurrence rate.For patients with locad recurrence,the primary and recurrent local tumor volumes(V_(nx),V_(recur))were delineated with three-dimensional treatment planning system(3DTPS),and the dataset of radiation ports and delivered prescription dose to the 3DTPS were transferred according to the first treatment.The dose of radiation received by V_(recur)was calculated and analyzed with dose- volume histogram(DVH).Local recurrence was classified as:1.“in-port”with 95% or mere of the recurrence volume((recur)_V_(95))was within the 95% isedase;2.“marginal”with 20% to95% of _(recur)V_(95)within the 95% isedese; 3.“outside”with only less than 20% of _(recur)_V_(95)within the 95% isodose curve.Results With the median follow- up of 42.5 months(range 8～54 months),52 patients developed local recurrence.The 1-,2-,3 and 4-year cumulative local failure rate was 0.6%,3.9%,8.7% and 11.5%,respectively.Among the 42 local recurrent patients who could be analyzed by 3DTPS,52% were in-port,40% were marginal and 7% were outside.For most of the marginal recurrence and all the outside recurrence patients,the main reason of recurrence were related to the unreasonable design of the radiation port and inaccuracy in the interpretation image findings.Conclusions The outcome of better local control rate and the dosimetric pattern of local recurrence show that the target volume is reasonable for NPC in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center.Enhancing the capability of correct interpretation of images,accurate design of the radiation pouts and making most useful molecular or functional imaging techniques to escalate the local radiation dose are promising ways to improve the local control further and better.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVEThe primary submucous type of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) or the recurrent NPC in the parapharyngeal space is difficult to be diagnosed histologically by conventional biopsy because of the obstruction of the surrounding structures. This study was performed to evaluate the needle biopsy approach through the madibular area into the parapharyngeal space under the guidance of computed tomography (CT) for NPC.

METHODSBetween July 6, 2005 and October 23, 2009, a total of 6 patients were enrolled into the study. Two patients with cervical lymph node metastasis were clinically suspicious of NPC according to their clinical manifestations. However, no cancer cell could be found by repeated nasopharyngeal biopsies followed by histologic examinations. The other 4 patients were diagnosed with recurrent NPCs by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or/and positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scan, showing tumors in the parapharyngeal spaces in 3 patients and enlarged retropharyngeal lymph node in 1 patient. The CT-guided puncture was performed through the mandibular skin and the cutting needle biopsy was taken at the parapharyngeal space focus.

RESULTSAll the cutting needle biopsies of projected locations have been performed safely. Finally, all the 7 specimens met the requirement of pathologic diagnosis and the cases were all confirmed histologically to be NPCs. The main complication was mild ache at the puncture point. No blood vessel or nerve was injured and no patient needed special treatment.

CONCLUSIONSThe CT-guided puncture biopsy of the parapharyngeal space through the mandibular area is simple and feasible. It can be an additional option for routine nasopharyngeal biopsy.

Adult ; Aged ; Biopsy, Needle ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Mandible ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Pharynx ; pathology ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Adult ; Event-Related Potentials, P300 ; physiology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Schizophrenia ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility, toxicity and tumor control of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODSFourty-nine patients (Karnofsky performance status (KPS) >or= 80) with local-regional recurrence in the nasopharynx were treated with full course IMRT. Three patients with cervical lymph node metastasis (N1 2 and N3 1) were further supplemented with 5 to 6 courses of chemotherapy (Cisplatin + 5-Fu) after IMRT.

RESULTSThe results of treatment plan showed that the mean dose of covering gross tumor volume (GTV) (D(95)) in the nasopharynx was 68.09 Gy and the mean volume of GTV (V(95)) receiving the 95% dose was 98.46%. The mean dose of GTV, clinical target volume CTV1 and CTV2 in the targets were 71.40 Gy, 63.63 Gy and 59.81 Gy. The median follow-up time was 9 months (range 3 to 16 months). The local-regional progression-free survival was 100% with local-regional residual disease in 3 (6.1%) cases but was complicated with nasopharyngeal mucosa necrosis in 14 (28.6%) cases after IMRT.

CONCLUSIONIntensity modulated radiation therapy, as a re-treatment option for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma, is able to improve the tumor target coverage and spare the adjacent critical structures. As high dose IMRT can result in radio-necrosis of nasopharyngeal mucosa, the prescription dose of GTV should be suitably decreased to 60 - 65 Gy.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; radiotherapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Radiation Injuries ; pathology ; Radiotherapy Dosage ; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted ; Radiotherapy, Conformal ; methods

Silibinin, a natural flavonoid antioxidant isolated from extracts of the milk thistle herb, has recently been identified as having anti-hepatotoxic and anticancer properties. In this paper, we investigated the effects of silibinin on behavior and neuroplasticity in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 5 consecutive weeks of CUMS, the mice were treated with silibinin (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg by oral gavage) for 3 consecutive weeks. The results showed that silibinin administration significantly alleviated the CUMS-induced depressive-like behavior, including the total number of squares crossed and the frequency of rearing in the open field test, the immobility time in the tail suspension test and the forced swimming test. Furthermore, silibinin treatment increased the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Our study provides new insight into the protective effects of silibinin on the depressive status of CUMS mice, specifically by improving neuroplasticity and neurotransmission.
Animals ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; Depression ; Hindlimb Suspension ; Hippocampus ; Mice* ; Milk Thistle ; Neuronal Plasticity ; Norepinephrine ; Physical Exertion ; Prefrontal Cortex ; Serotonin ; Synaptic Transmission

Objective To observe the effect of myocardial transcription factor MRTF-A on myocardium inflammation and its mechanism.Methods Totally 30 rats were randomly divided into the sham,ischemia-reperfusion (myocardial ischemia 30 min and reperfusion 2 h),and MRTF-A groups(myocardial ischemia 30 min and reperfusion 2 h & Lentivirus infection MRTF-A) (n=10 each group).Serum myocardial enzyme activity was detected by biochemical analysis,myocardial infarct size detected by TTC,and degree of myocardial injury was measured by HE staining.The TLR4 and TRIF expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and qPCR.Results Compared with the sham group,the MRTF-A group significantly increased the activity of serum myocardial enzymes CK-MB and LDH (P＜0.05).The infarct area of myocardial tissue was gray-white,and the infarct area was (54.31±3.07)％ (P ＜ 0.05).Myocardial fibrosis was disorder,myocardial cell was swollen and burst,and inflammatory cell infiltration was obvious.Protein and mRNA expressions of TRL4 and TRIF were significantly up-regulated (P＜0.05).Compared with the ischemia-reperfusion group,the levels of CK-MB and LDH were significantly reduced after myocardial infection with MRTF-A (P＜0.05).The myocardial infarction area was significantly reduced to (16.74±4.26)％ (P＜ 0.05).The myocardial structure was nearly normal with mild edema.Protein and mRNA expression of TRL4 and TRIF decreased significantly (P＜0.05).Conclusions The overexpression of transcription factor MRTF-A in myocardial cells alleviates the myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury by inhibiting the TLR4/TRIF signaling pathway and reducing the serum myocardial enzyme activity and myocardial damage.

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of orthopedic robot combined with Starr pelvic reduction frame in the treatment of Tile type C pelvic ring fracture.Methods From October 2019 to May 2021,14 patients with type C pelvic ring fracture were treated with robotic combined with Starr pelvic reduction frame,including 9 males and 5 females.The age ranged from 33 to 69 years.All the 14 patients had fresh closed fractures without femur,tibia and fibula fracture.Surgery was complet-ed from 4 to 7 d after hospital admission.During the operation,the X-ray carbon bed was used,the pelvic ring was reduced by Starr pelvis reduction frame,and pelvic ring fracture was treated by orthopedic robot.Operation time,bleeding volume,fluo-roscopy times of single screw placement,fracture reduction quality,affected limb function and complications were observed.Radiological reduction was evaluated using Matta scoring standard,and clinical efficacy was evaluated by Majeed pelvic func-tion scoring system at the final follow-up.Results All of 14 patients successfully completed the operation,the operation time was 84 to 141 min,the bleeding volume was 20 to 50 ml,and the fluoroscopy times of single screw insertion was 4 to 9 times.All of 14 patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months.The healing time was 3 to 7 months.No complications such as fracture of internal fixation,screw loosening,infection and nerve injury were found.According to the evaluation criteria of Matta imag-ing reduction,9 cases were excellent,4 cases were good,and 1 case was fair.At the final follow-up,Majeed pelvic function scoring system was used:10 cases were excellent,4 cases were good.Conclusion The treatment of type C pelvic ring fracture with robotic combined Starr pelvis reduction frame is simple,time-saving,less trauma,less complications and effective.

Metabolic profile of bile acids was used to evaluate hepatotoxicity of mice caused by ethanol extraction of Dioscorea bulbifera L. (ethanol extraction, ET) and diosbulbin B (DB), separately. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was applied to determine the contents of all kinds of endogenous bile acids including free bile acids, taurine conjugates and glycine conjugates. Obvious liver injuries could be observed in mice after administrated with ET and DB. Based on the analysis using principle components analysis (PCA), toxic groups could be distinguished from their control groups, which suggested that the variance of the contents of bile acids could evaluate hepatotoxicity caused by ET and DB. Meanwhile, ET and DB toxic groups were classified in the same trends comparing to control groups in the loading plot, and difference between the two toxic groups could also be observed. DB proved to be one of the toxic components in Dioscorea bulbifera L. Bile acids of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA), taurocholic acid (TCA), taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA), cholic acid (CA) and others proved to be important corresponds to ET and DB induced liver injury according to analysis of partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and the statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences between the control groups and toxic groups (P < 0.01). Furthermore, good correlation could be revealed between the foregoing bile acids and ALT, AST. It indicated that taurine conjugated bile acids as TUDCA, TCDCA, TCA and TDCA along with CA could be considered as sensitive biomarkers of ET and DB induced liver injury. This work can provide the base for the further research on the evaluation and mechanism of hepatotoxicity caused by Dioscorea bulbifera L.
Animals ; Bile Acids and Salts ; metabolism ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ; metabolism ; Cholic Acid ; metabolism ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Dioscorea ; toxicity ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Least-Squares Analysis ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Plants, Medicinal ; toxicity ; Principal Component Analysis ; Rhizome ; toxicity ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; methods ; Taurochenodeoxycholic Acid ; metabolism ; Taurocholic Acid ; metabolism ; Taurodeoxycholic Acid ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDHuman bocavirus (HBoV) is a parvovirus recently found to possibly cause respiratory tract disease in children and adults. This study investigated HBoV infection and its clinical characteristics in children younger than five years of age suffering from acute lower respiratory tract infection in Beijing Children's Hospital.

METHODSNasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from children suffering from acute lower respiratory tract infection during the winters of 2004 to 2006 (from November through the following February). HBoV was detected by polymerase chain reaction amplification and virus isolation and the amplification products were sequenced for identification.

RESULTSHBoV infection was detected in 16 of 333 study subjects. Coinfections with respiratory syncytial virus were detected in 3 of 16 HBoV positive patients with acute lower respiratory tract infection. The median age for HBoV positive children was 8 months (mean age, 17 months; range, 3 to 57 months). Among the HBoV positive children, 14 were younger than 3 years old, 9 were younger than 1 year old and 7 were younger than 6 months. These 16 positive HBoV children exhibited coughing and abnormal chest radiography findings and more than 60% of these children had wheezing and fever. Ten children were clinically diagnosed with pneumonia, 2 bronchiolitis, 2 acute bronchitis and 2 asthma. One child died.

CONCLUSIONSHBoV was detected in about 5% of children with acute lower respiratory infection seen in Beijing Children's Hospital. Further investigations regarding clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of HBoV infection are needed.

Bocavirus ; isolation & purification ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Parvoviridae Infections ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; diagnosis ; etiology