Objective To observe the effect of transcranial low frequency electrical stimulation on the contents of monoamines in ischemic area of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO).MethodsPermanent MCAO model of Wistar rat was established with silk thread enveloped with polyammoniacum.The ischemic areas received various intensity of transcranial low frequency electrical stimulation for 1 hour in rats underwent 1 hour of ischemia.Then the affected tissue was processed with fluorospectrophotometry to determine the contents of dopamine(DA),noradrenalin(NE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT).ResultsCompared with the sham-operation group,the contents of DA,NE and 5-HT in ischemic area of MCAO model rats decreased obviously(all P<0.01),while all three monoamines investigated in the sham-operation group with transcranial low frequency electrical stimulation had no significant change.In the MCAO groups stimulating with lower(10 V) and middle(30 V) intensity transcranial low frequency electrical field,the contents of DA,NE and 5-HT in ischemic area had no significant increase.But in the MCAO group stimulating with high(50 V) intensity transcranial low frequency electrical field,the contents of DA,NE and 5-HT in ischemic area increased significantly(P<0.05).ConclusionSome degree of intensity transcranial low frequency electrical field stimulation can increase the contents of DA,NE and 5-HT in ischemic area of rats subjected to MCAO.

Polymeric micelles have exhibited attractive properties as drug carriers, such as high stability in vivo and good biocompatibility, and been successfully used to dissolve various drugs of poor aqueous solubilities. In this study, we developed a new type of polymeric micelles with mannose-mediated targeting and pH-responsive drug release properties for anticancer drug delivery. The polymeric micelles were prepared from an amphiphilic polymer, poly (glycidyl methacrylate)-g-mannose (PGMA-Mannose). An anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX), was encapsulated into the micelles during the micellization, and could be released rapidly under acidic condition. The specificity of cellular uptake of the micelles by two different cell lines was studied using confocal laser scanning microscopy and the MTT assay. DOX-loaded micelles were efficiently trapped by mannose-receptor-overexpressing cancer cells MDA-MB-231, whereas mannose- receptor-poor cells HEK293 showed much lower endocytosis towards the micelles under the same conditions. Thus, DOX-loaded micelles displayed higher cytotoxicity to MDA-MB-231 cancer cells as compared with free DOX. The present study demonstrates that PGMA-Mannose micelles are a promising targeted drug delivery system for cancer therapy.
Cell Line, Tumor ; Doxorubicin ; pharmacology ; Drug Delivery Systems ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Lectins, C-Type ; metabolism ; Mannose ; chemistry ; Mannose-Binding Lectins ; metabolism ; Micelles ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; metabolism

The medicinal history of Pien Tze Huang is long, and it is the only "double top secret" variety of technology and formula at present. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, detumescence and pain, cooling blood and removing blood stasis. At present, researchers have analyzed and identified some compounds in Pien Tze Huang and its precious medicinal materials, such as Panax notoginseng, calculus bovis, snake gall and musk, and conducted activity screening, pharmacokinetics and pharmacological related studies on these chemical components. It was found that Pien Tze Huang had a significant effect on the treatment of acute and chronic hepatitis, ulcer, colon cancer, liver cancer and other diseases. The purpose of this paper is to systematically discuss the research achievements of researchers in recent years on the material basis, pharmacological effects and clinical application of Pien Tze Huang, with a view to providing ideas for the further research of Pien Tze Huang.

OBJECTIVE: For the purpose of solving a problems of DNA testing of burned bones. METHODS: We present a novel strategy to obtain DNA from burned bones based on the use of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) lysis buffer and isoamyl alcohol-chlorophorm extraction with subsequent DNA purification using the DNA IQ System. RESULTS: The methods were found to be effective in removing the PCR inhibitors from the burned bone. Then the extracted DNA was successfully genotyped by using the florescence labeling STR multiplex method. CONCLUSION The results of this research will assist forensic scientists in the identification of DNA from victims whose bodies underwent significant trauma or burning, precluding the utilization of traditional forensic DNA identification techniques.
Bone and Bones/chemistry* ; Burns/metabolism* ; Cetrimonium Compounds ; DNA/isolation & purification* ; DNA Fingerprinting/methods* ; Female ; Forensic Medicine/methods* ; Humans ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods* ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tandem Repeat Sequences ; Time Factors

Tuberculous aortic aneurysm (TBAA) is an extremely rare clinical event with life-threatening implication. Management for this condition is challenging and its therapeutic option has not been yet established. A few recent reports described endovascular repair rather than open surgery as the method for treatment. Although this remains controversial, endovascular exclusion has been gaining acceptance for some surgeons. We present a case of TBAA who was treated by endovascular stent grafting for a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm with simultaneous anti-tuberculous medication. The outcome was favorable.
Adult ; Aneurysm, Infected ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; surgery ; Antitubercular Agents ; therapeutic use ; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; surgery ; Humans ; Male

OBJECTIVETo identify whether SH3GL1 gene serves as a disease associated gene of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

METHODSPositioning candidate cloning: "case-sibling or case-family control design" research scheme based on family constellation was designed. Fifty-six AIS patients (15 male and 41 female, mean age 15 years old, ranged from 8 to 22 years old, Cobb angle from 25 degrees to 110 degrees , average Cobb angle of 67.5 degrees ) from November 2007 to December 2008 were recruited. In all patients, blood preparation was collected, and genome DNA was extracted. According to nucleotide sequence of gene SH3GL1, primer pair for PCR amplification, cloning, and sequencing with 10 exons as emphasis was designed. Sequence comparative analysis for exon sequencing result between sib pairs or family pairs, and that between sib pair or family pairs and NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) were conducted through Vector NTI Advance 10.3 software to judge whether basic group mutation occurred or not. Amino acid sequence comparative analysis for prediction was made.

RESULTSTen exons of the candidate gene SH3GL1 were successfully amplified and cloned in genome DNA of an AIS sib pair and family pairs, and the sequencing obtained positive results. Twelve basic group mutations were found in 10 exons of the candidate gene SH3GL1 of patients with AIS. These mutations were located in the second exon (3 mutations), the fourth exon (1 mutations), the fifth exon (4 mutations), the sixth exon (1 mutations), the eighth exon (1 mutations), and the tenth exon (2 mutations, noncoding region). If basic group in 515 of mRNA was mutated to T, termination codon(TAG) came into being and open reading frame was altered. The sequence of protein showed brachytmema protein was encoded, which could cause changes of primary structure.

CONCLUSIONSH3GL1 is possibly one of the disease associated genes of AIS.

Adolescent ; Base Sequence ; Child ; Exons ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; Male ; Scoliosis ; genetics ; Sequence Alignment ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of curcumin on the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and androgen-independent prostate cancer cell line PC-3, and to explore its anticarcinogenic mechanism.

METHODSPC-3 cells were treated with curcumin at the concentration of 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 micromol/L respectively. Then the cell activity was assayed by dyed rate of Typan blue and MTT at 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 hours, the cell cycle and morphological changes observed by flow cytometry (FCM) and electronic microscopy at 24 hours, the VEGF mRNA expression measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and the secreting protein levels of VEGF in the supernatants determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSThe growth of PC-3 cells was suppressed obviously by curcumin in a dose- and time-dependent manner in vitro. There were significant differences in inhibition rate among different concentration and time groups (P < 0.01). Furthermore, curcumin arrested the cell cycle of PC-3 cells in the G2/M phase in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01). The percentages of apoptotic cells were significantly higher in different concentration groups than in the controls (P < 0.01). Apoptosis-associated morphological changes were observed in PC-3 cells at 24 hours, and a marked decline in the expression of VEGF was noted after the exposure to different concentrations of curcumin within 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONCurcumin can suppress the growth of PC-3 cells, promote their apoptosis and arrest their cell cycle in the G2/M phase, and reduce the expression of VEGF mRNA and proteins, which may sever to explain its inhibitory effect on tumor and angiogenesis.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Flow Cytometry ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Time Factors ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; biosynthesis ; genetics

BACKGROUNDInflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAAs) are rare but distinct clinical entities of atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysms (aAAAs). In this study we report a 20-year single institution experience for IAAA and analyze their clinical features and long term outcome in comparison with aAAA.

METHODSBetween 1988 and 2008, 412 cases of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) underwent elective surgical operations, 11 (2.7%) of whom were diagnosed as IAAAs and 389 (94.4%) were diagnosed as aAAAs. The former group was matched in a case control fashion to a group of 33 patients with aAAAs having similar characteristics of age, gender, and preoperative risk factors. All available clinical, pathologic, and postoperative variables were retrospectively reviewed, and the two groups were compared.

RESULTSThe two groups did not differ significantly in clinical characteristics and preoperative risk factors, although patients with IAAAs were significantly more symptomatic (100% vs. 42.4%, P = 0.001) and had larger aneurysms on admission ((7.4 +/- 0.7) cm vs. (6.3 +/- 0.9) cm, P = 0.006). In IAAAs, the preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate was found to be significantly elevated compared to aAAA group ((44.5 +/- 9.1) mm/h vs. (11.4 +/- 5.4) mm/h, P < 0.05). Surgical morbidity and mortality rates did not differ between the two groups. The operation time for patients with IAAAs was significantly longer than that for patients with aAAAs ((308 +/- 36) minutes vs. (224 +/- 46) minutes, P < 0.05), but the cross-clamp time was similar in both groups ((41.5 +/- 6.2) minutes vs. (41.8 +/- 6.2) minutes, P = 0.92). A five-year survival rate analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.711).

CONCLUSIONSDespite having more symptoms, larger size and longer operation time, patients with IAAA can now be treated with approaches that cause low morbidity and mortality, similar to patients with aAAA. Long term outcome of IAAA patients is of no difference from aAAA patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; Atherosclerosis ; complications ; pathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammation ; complications ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy of anticoagulation and thrombolysis for deep venous thrombosis via local vein approach and peripheral vein approach to guide clinical treatment.

METHODSThere were 225 patients with deep venous thrombosis admitted from January 2001 to May 2008. The cases were divided into two groups by therapy procedures. The patients in group A were treated by deep femoral vein catheter-directed anticoagulation and thrombolysis, including a total number of 71 patients, with right lower extremity in 20 patients, left lower extremity in 47 patients and bilateral lower extremities in 4 patients. One hundred and fifty-four patients were included in group B with anticoagulation and thrombolysis through peripheral vein, among them right lower extremity in 27 patients, left lower extremity in 121 patients and bilateral lower extremities in 6 patients. The efficacy was evaluated and compared by observing clinical symptoms and measuring of changes in limb circumference.

RESULTSSymptoms were alleviated in all patients in 3 d after the treatment, but the efficacy of group A was better than group B (94.4% vs.69.5%, P < 0.01). The efficacy of group A was also better than group B in 7 days after treatment, but with no significant difference (85.9% vs. 75.3%, P > 0.05). A mean follow-up period was (43 ± 18) months. There was no significant difference in incidence of complication and recurrence between two groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe earlier efficacy of anticoagulation and thrombolysis via femoral vein approach is better than via peripheral vein approach in earlier period of deep venous thrombosis. While peripheral intravenous therapy has also good results after long-term treatment.

Adult ; Aged ; Anticoagulants ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Fibrinolytic Agents ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Lower Extremity ; blood supply ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Thrombolytic Therapy ; methods ; Vena Cava Filters ; Venous Thrombosis ; drug therapy

Hashimoto's encephalopathy(steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis,SREAT)is a rare disorder,accompanied by seizures,tremor,myoclonus,ataxia,psychosis,and stroke-like episodes,breaking out with an acute or subacute onset and having a relapsing/remitting or progressive course which is not correlated to thyroid hormone levels.Patients with Hashimoto's encephalopathy are usually euthyroid or dysthyroid with positive antithyroid antibodies,have a moderately raised cerebrospinal fluid protein content,and have a global slowing of the electroencephalogram and a normal or near normal imaging except in rare cases.The pathogenesis of Hashimoto's encephalopathy is still obscure.This paper reports a case diagnosed as"Hashimoto's encephalopathy".It is suggested that the diagnosis of Hashimoto's encephalopathy should be considered in cases with unexplained encephalopathy associated with high levels of antithyroid antibodies despite normal thyroid function.