Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of ERCP for biliary stricture with duct stone after liver transplantation.Methods Clinical data of 60 patients undergoing ERCP for biliary stricture with duct stone after liver transplantation between January 2013 and June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.Results ERCP was successfully performed 78 times in 60 patients.Bile duct stenosis was cured in 24 cases (40％),improvement was observed in 27 cases (45％) and was not obvious in 9 cases (15％).Bile duct stones were successfully removed in 39 patients (65％).Incidence of post-ERCP complications was 13％ (8/60),including mild pancreatitis in 1 case,hyperamylasemia in 5 cases,biliary tract infection in 2 cases,which were all resolved after conservative treatment.Conclusion ERCP is a safe and effective treatment for biliary stricture with duct stone following liver transplantation.

Objective To explore the clinical effect of posterior pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of multiple level noncontiguous thoracolumbar fractures.Methods Thirteen patients with multiple level noncontiguous thoracolumbar fractures were treated by posterior pedicle screw internal fixation.The Frankel score,percentage of vertebral compression and Cobb angle of the injured vertebral segment were analyzed to evaluate the surgery efficacy.Results All patients were followed up from 12 to 24 months ( averaged 15 months ).All cases achieved bone fusion with no implant failure.The Cobb angle of the injured vertebral segment was corrected from preoperative(22.2 ±5.3) degree to postoperative(5.3 ±3.5) degree and(6.2 ±3.6) degree at the last follow up.The percentage of vertebral compression was corrected from preoperative (45.7 ± 14.1 )％ to postoperative ( 6.1 ± 3.8 ) ％ and ( 7.2 ± 3.9 ) ％ at the last follow up.All improvements showed significant differences when compared statistically( t =15.03,t =12.05,Ps ＜0.05 ).The spinal cord function was improved 1 to 2 degree in all patients except 2 patients of grade A.Conclusion The posterior fixation with pedicle screw is a secure,safe and effective method in treating multiple level noncontiguous thoracolumbar fracture.

Objective To evaluate the effects of Deng Zhan Sheng Mai (DZSM) capsule, a compound made of Chinese herbs, on secondary and tertiary prevention of ischemic stroke. Methods A hospital-based randomized open-blinded clinical trial was conducted among people with a prior history of ischemic stroke. Hospitals were assigned to treatment group, in which all of the participants took DZSM capsules for 3 months, or control group, in which no DZSM capsules was administrated. The primary endpoint was the reduction of levels of blood lipids, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fibrinogen in the 3rd month. The secondary endpoints were recurrence of stroke, incidence of cardiovascular event (CVD) and all-cause mortality in the 18th month. Results 495 people were enrolled in the treatment group and 504 in the control group, respectively. In the 3rd month, the levels of total cholesterol(TC),FBG and fibrinogen were significantly reduced by 1.7%,4.3 and 8.2%(t values were 4.13,6.65 and 8.50 respectively),and the levels of HDL-C and HDL-C/TC were increased by 7.6%and 1 1.6%(t values were 2.15 and 3.67)in the treatment group, respectively(all P＜0.05＝.The levels of TC,HDL-C and HDL-C/TC decreased significantly in the eontrol group(all P＜0.05＝.The incidence of recurrent stroke and CVD events were lower in the treatment group than those in the control group, but the differences did not reach the significant levels. The prevalence of post-stroke depression (PSD) was also decreased in the 3rd mouth while it remained stable in the controls (P for trend equals to 0.0027). The mortality was significantly lower in the treatment group (P=0.008). Conclusion The levels of TC,FBG and fibrinogen as well as the prevalence of PSD and all-cause mortality have decreased significantly in treatment group treated with DZSM capsule for 3 months as compared with the control group.

Objective To estimate the prevalence and related risk factors of post-stroke depression (PSD) in ischemic stroke survivors from community-based medical centers in urban areas of Beijing.Methods Five community-based medical centers in urban areas of Beijing were selected.Patients with first-ever or recurrent ischemic stroke were evaluated from January 2003 to December 2006. The prevalence of PSD was evaluated by Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the information on the onset of stroke, vascular risk factors and living style was also collected.Results Totally 1089 stroke patients were registered, 1074 cases among which had complete information and met inclusion criteria. The mean age of the patients was (65.0 ± 8.9) years with a median stroke course of 13.0 months. The overall prevalence of PSD was 49.9% (536/1074), and the proportions of mild, moderate and major PSD were 52.2%, 36.0% and 11.8%, respectively. There were no significant differences in prevalence of PSD among different stages of stroke and the prevalence of PSD was 51.3% within 6 months after stroke onset, 47. 1% during 6-18 months and 53.2% after 18months. Low education, activities of Daily Living (ADL) dependence, cognition impairment and recurrence of stroke were independent risk factors for PSD.Conclusions The prevalence of PSD among ischemic stroke patients is higher in community-based medical centers, but most of PSD patients are mild or moderate. More effective early intervention should be adopted to decrease PSD,promote the recovery of neural function and improve their quality of life.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Calcium Channel Blockers ; pharmacology ; Calcium Channels ; drug effects ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; omega-Conotoxins ; chemistry ; pharmacology

Aim: To observe the changes in thymocyte and its microenvironment in aged mice after bilateral testicular resection.Methods: In male old mice, at the 25th day after testicular resection, the peripheral blood and thymus were collected. Blood and thymus suspension smears were prepared for quantitative histochemistry and immunohistochemistry study under light and electron microscopes. Results: In testes resected mice the size and the weight of thymus were markedly increased. The demarcation between cortex and medulla was clear. The cortex was thickened and the cell density was increased. The ratio of cortex/medulla stereometry was increased. The total cell count, thymocyte count,the percentage of acid α-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) positive thymocytes, nonlymphocytes and the rosette formation of macrophages and thymocytes were all increased. The thymocytes surrounded closely to the light thymic epithelial cells, dendritic cells or macrophages. The lymphocytes, particularly the ANAE positive lymphocytes of peripheral blood were increased. Conclusion: After bilateral testicular resection, the thymus of aged male mice showed morphological regeneration and the thymocytes and its microenvironment appeared to be definitely improved. It is suggested that testicular resection may improve immune function.

OBJECTIVETo explore the in vitro anti-tumor effect and mechanism of dendritic cell (DC) tumor vaccine induced by astragalus polysacharin (APS).

METHODSPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from human peripheral blood. DCs obtained from human peripheral blood were cultivated and added with culture solution for in vitro inducing them to immature DCs. On the 5th day of culture, 100 microg/mL (as the final concentration) APS was added to cells in the APS group. DCs were induced to mature in the cytokine groups by adding 20 ng/mL rhTNF-alpha (as the final concentration). Changes of morphology and phenotype of DCs were observed. Mature DCs were sensitized with tumor antigen SGC-7901 and co-cultured with allogeneic T cells. The proliferative function of T lymphocytes was detected by MTT assay. Levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma in co-cultured supernatant were detected by ELISA. Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) activated by DC were co-cultured with tumor cell SGC-7901. The specific killing capacity of CTL to target cells was detected by LDH release assay.

RESULTSThe morphological observation and phenotypic identification of APS induced DCs were in accordance with the characteristics of mature DCs. APS induced mature DCs could stimulate the proliferation of allogeneic T lymphocytes. The proliferation index of T cells increased with increased ratio of stimulator cells to effector cells (P < 0.05). Levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma in co-culture supernatant significantly increased in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). CTL cells activated by sensitization of DCs could significantly kill tumor cells, and the killing effect increased along with increased effector-to-target ratio.

CONCLUSIONAPS could in vitro induce DCs to mature, promote its antigen-presenting capacity, effectively activate CTLs, and enhance anti-tumor function of the organism.

Antigen-Presenting Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; immunology ; Cancer Vaccines ; immunology ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Coculture Techniques ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; immunology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Interferon-gamma ; immunology ; Interleukin-12 ; immunology ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; cytology ; immunology ; Lymphocyte Activation ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; cytology ; drug effects

Some unhealthy life habits, such as long-term smoking, heavy drinking, sexual overstrain and frequent stay-up could induce the Yin deficiency symptoms of zygomatic red and dysphoria. Stems of Dendrobii officinalis flos (DOF) showed the efficacy of nourishing Yin. In this study, the hyperthyroidism Yin deficiency model was set up to study the yin nourishing effect and action mechanism of DOF, in order to provide the pharmacological basis for developing DOF resources and decreasing resource wastes. ICR mice were divided into five groups: the normal control group, the model control group, the positive control group and DOF extract groups (6.4 g · kg(-1)). Except for the normal group, the other groups were administrated with thyroxine for 30 d to set up the hyperthyroidism yin deficiency model. At the same time, the other groups were administrated with the corresponding drugs for 30 d. After administration for 4 weeks, the signs (facial temperature, pain domain, heart rate and autonomic activity) in mice were measured, and the facial and ear micro-circulation blood flow were detected by laser Doppler technology. After the last administration, all mice were fasted for 12 hours, blood were collected from their orbits, and serum were separated to detect AST, ALT, TG and TP by the automatic biochemistry analyzer and test T3, T4 and TSH levels by ELISA. (1) Compared with the normal control group, the model control group showed significant increases in facial and ear micro-circulation blood flow, facial temperature and heart rate (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), serum AST, ALT (P < 0.01), T3 level (P < 0.05), TSH level (P < 0.05) and notable deceases in pain domain (P < 0.01), TG level (P < 0.01). (2) Compared with the model control group, extracts from DOF (6 g · kg(-1)) could notably reduce facial and ear micro-circulation blood flow, facial temperature and heart rate (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and AST (P < 0.05) and enhance pain domain (P < 0.01) and TG (P < 0.01). Extracts from DOF (4 g · kg(-1)) could remarkably reduce AST and ALT levels (P < 0.01, 0.05). Extracts from DOF (6 g · kg(-1) 4 g · kg(-1)) could significantly reduce T3 and increase serum TSH level (P < 0.05). DOF could improve Yin deficiency symptoms of zygomatic red and dysphoria in mice as well as liver function injury caused by overactive thyroid axis. According to its action mechanism, DOF may show yin nourishing and hepatic protective effects by impacting thyroxin substance metabolism, improving micro-circulation and reducing heart rate.
Animals ; Dendrobium ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Flowers ; chemistry ; Humans ; Hyperthyroidism ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Phytotherapy ; Thyroxine ; metabolism ; Yin Deficiency ; drug therapy ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the expression and purification of a fusion protein of ricin A chain (RTA) and green fluorescent protein (GFP).

METHODSThe DNA sequence encoding ricin A chain was inserted into pEGFPC1 first to make the template sequence of the fusion protein. The fusion gene was amplified from the plasmid pEGFP-RTA by PCR, and directly subcloned into T vector. The fusion gene then was cloned into expression vector pET-28a(+), and the sequence was confirmed by sequencing. Expression was induced by IPTG in E. coli BL21(DE3). The fusion protein was purified by metal chelated affinity chromatography. The cytotoxicity of fusion protein was analyzed by the MTT assay in HepG2 and Hela cells.

RESULTSThe fusion protein of ricin A chain and GFP could be produced in E. coli transformed with the expression plasmid of pET-28a(+)-GFP-RTA. The molecular weight of the recombinant protein was measured by SDS-PAGE. The fusion protein showed a green fluorescence and had a similar cytotoxicity of RTA.

CONCLUSIONA recombinant fusion protein of RTA and GFP expressed in E. coli is possessed of similar biological activity of individual GFP and RTA, which could be used in study of the intracellular trafficking and translocation of RTA.

Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Luminescent Proteins ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Ricin ; genetics

OBJECTIVEIntravenous administration of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is effective to reduce the volume of cerebral infract due to ischemia. This study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanism, especially the signal transduction pathways, involved in this protective role of bFGF.

METHODSAnoxia-reoxygenation treated astrocytes were used to study the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MAPK/ERK kinase, MEK)-ERK signaling pathway after exogenous bFGF administration by Western blot. Electrophoretic mobile shift assay was used to detect the binding activity of early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1), an important transcription factor for endogenous bFGF.

RESULTSbFGF could protect some signal transduction proteins from the oxygen-derived free radicals induced degradation. ERK1/2 was activated and involved in Egr-1 binding activity enhancement induced by exogenous bFGF.

CONCLUSIONMEK-ERK MAPK cascade may be an important signal transduction pathway contributed to bFGF induced enhancement of Egr-1 binding activity in anoxia-reoxygenation injured astrocytes.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Astrocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Early Growth Response Protein 1 ; metabolism ; Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay ; methods ; Fibroblast Growth Factors ; pharmacology ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases ; metabolism ; Oxygen ; metabolism ; Protein Binding ; drug effects ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; physiology ; Time Factors