Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a common head and neck neoplasm in southern China,is mostly treated with radiotherapy, however, it can not be completely cured by chemoradiotherapy. Recent investigation on NPC suggests that the nasopharyngeal carcinoma stem cells can be differentiated to heterogeneous cancer cells that have a strong ability for self renovation and further contribute to the development and progression of tumor itself which is closely related to drug resistance, recurrence and metastasis of NPC. Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, NF-κB and mTOR signaling pathways play important roles in cancer stem cells. Study on nasopharyngeal carcinoma stem cells targeted therapies and its related pathways provides a new strategy for the clinical treatment of NPC.

OBJECTIVE:To provide reference for developing the ideas of Hui medicine research. METHODS:By retrieving relevant literatures about Hui medicine and ethnic medicine,combing with modernization needs,idea for systematic research of Hui medicine was sorted out. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS:Hui medicine should be studied by theoretical research,herbal textu-al research,establishment of quality standards,formula and folk unilateral,prescription finishing,establishment of herbaria and da-tabase,new drug R&D,etc.

To study the compatible mechanisms and compatible proportion of Shaoyao Gancao decoction, the intestinal absorption of main ingredients in Shaoyao Gancao decoction SG11 (Baishao-Zhigancao 1: 1) , SG31 (Baishao-Zhigancao 3: 1), Baishao water decoction S and Zhigancao (G) were investigated and compared using in vitro everted intestinal sac model and in situ single pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) model. The concentration of paeoniflorin (PF), liquiritin (LQ) and mono-ammonium glycyrrhizinate (GL) in test samples and samples of intestinal sac and intestinal perfusion was determined by HPLC. The intestinal absorptive amount and absorption parameters were calculated. Results showed that in the everted intestinal sac model, three ingredients could be absorbed by duodenum, jejunum and ileum, and the absorption in the jejunum was best for all 3 ingredients. The absorption rate of three ingredients in SG11 was significantly higher than that in single decoction (P < 0.05), but had no significant difference compared with SG31. In SPIP model, the absorption rate constant K(a), the apparent absorption coefficient P(app) and the absorption rate of three ingredients in SG11 were significantly higher than those in single decoction. Parameters of PF and GL in SG11 were significantly higher than those in SG31, but had no differences of LQ. It proved that the compatibility of Baishao and Zhigancao could improve the intestinal absorption of PF, LQ and GL. The absorption of each ingredient in SG11 was better than that in SG31.
Animals ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacokinetics ; Intestinal Absorption ; drug effects ; Intestines ; blood supply ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Phytoestrogens, which can bind with estrogen receptor and produce estrogen-like effects, are a kind of nonsteroidal compound in plant. Phytoestrogens chemically include isoflavones, coumarins, lignans and other compounds. Phytoestrogens are selective estrogen receptor modulator, and have therapeutical effects on breast cancer, prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis and other disease, however, do not produce stimulatory hyperplasia effects on uterus, mammary glands and other tissues and organs with positive estrogen receptor. Long-term exposure or excessive use of phytoestrogens maybe affects male reproductive system and hematopoietic function of fetus. Some questions need to be further studied, such as evaluation criteria on biological activity, adverse effects, and action mechanism of phytoestrogen. This review covers plant sources, chemical structure, pharmacological activity and safety of phytoestrogens. It will provide a useful reference for intensive research and rational utilization the phytoestrogens.
Animals ; Humans ; Phytoestrogens ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry

Objective To investigate the application of PDCA circulation in the patients undergoing liver transplantation.Methods Apart from 1 of experiment and 3 of control group failed to be followed up,116 cases undergoing liver transplantation in our liver transplant center from April 2009 to May 2011 were divided into the experiment group (n =59) and control group (n =57) by registration order.PDCA circulation was used in the experiment group,but in the control group,routine management mode was used.A self-designed questionnaire about the compliance of liver transplantation and the Satisfaction Degree of Patients to the Nursing Work and Quality of Life Index (QL-Index) were used to investigate at the first follow-up time.Results There was a significant difference between two groups in the aspects of habits and customs,drug-taking compliance,reasonable physical training,self-monitoring and the satisfaction degree of patients to the nursing work [57 vs 44,52 vs 39,51 vs 40,52 vs 40 ; 94.92％ vs 82.46％ ; x2 =6.3096,6.6646,4.5365,5.6991,4.5225,respectively;P ＜ 0.05].Overall life quality score of experimental group (6.52 ± 0.53) was higher than that in control group (4.36 ± 0.78),and the difference was statistically significant (t =17.498,P ＜ 0.05).All the items of QL-Index showed a significantly statistical difference between two groups (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Applying PDCA circulation can enhance the compliance and quality of life of patients undergoing liver transplantation and improve their satisfaction degree to the nursing work.

ABSTRACT:Objective To study the effects of weight and anteroposterior diameter-to-transverse diameter ratio on establishing a model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)in rats without artificial ventilation and changes in left ventricular function after infarction.Methods Healthy SD rats were randomly divided into group A (200-250 g),group B (250 - 300 g),group C (> 300 g),and group D (control group).The left anterior descending (LAD)coronary artery was ligated to establish a model of myocardial infarction under spontaneous breathing condition immediately after thoracic lines were measured.And changes of electrocardiography were recorded after model establishment.At 2 and 4 weeks after AMI,we observed ventricular wall thickness and ventricular wall motion and measured the changes of cardiac function.Histomorphological changes and myocardial ultrastructure of the heart were observed under thoracotomy 2 weeks after operation.The above data were analyzed by SPSS13.0 statistics software.Results ① The first AMI rat model was established successfully after 30 times of experiments, and after 100 times the model’s success rate gradually stabilized at about 83%.② Group B and group C had a higher model success rate than group A (P <0.05),but group B and group C did not differ in modeling success rate (P >0.05).③ There was no association between the rate of rat thoracic line and modeling success rate (P >0.05).
④ Two weeks after thoracotomy,ischemic myocardial color was white,and ventricular wall motion decreased.HE staining revealed that cardiomyocytes disappeared and were replaced by fibrous tissues and collagen.Remnant cardiomyocytes were arranged disorderly and myofibers were fractured,with interstitial damage and hyperplasia of fibrous tissue.Visible muscle cells were sparse and dissolved,the mitochondria had darker staining,blurred cristae, and edema under electron microscopy. ⑤ Compared with group D, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after myocardial infarction,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD)and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVEDs) increased (P <0.05),but EF values and heart rate dropped (P <0.05).Conclusion By this method,a model of AMI in rats can be established successfully and the heart function is changed.Under the condition of non-artificial ventilation,the weight of rats is an important factor for establishing AMI model.However,we have not confirmed the effect of thoracic lines on establishing AMI model yet.

Purpose To investigate the pathological features and prognostic value of tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) formation in gastric cancer (GC) . Methods HE staining slides were reviewed to evaluate the TLS in 163 specimens from patients with GC in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from 2006 to 2008. The validation cohort contained 63 randomly selected cases and immunohistochemical staining of MECA-79 was used to verify the accuracy of pathological assessment of TLS. Results TLS score and MECA-79 immunohistochemical staining showed significant correlation (P = 0. 002) and agreement (P = 0. 024) . The TLS was not significantly correlated to clinical pathological parameters. The patients with high level of TLS had better prognosis (P = 0. 025) with the mean survival time of 48. 54 months. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, TLS was an independent prognostic factor (P = 0. 031) . Conclusion The pathological evaluation of TLS is accurate. The formation of TLS is an important positive prognostic factor for GC patients.

To develop a core-shell structure pDNA-CaPi-PLGA nanoparticles (CS-pDNA-CaPi-PLGA-NPs), calcium phosphate-pDNA nano complexes (CaPi-pDNA) were encapsulated inside of PLGA shells. The characteristics of the nanoparticles, including morphology, average particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, loading efficiency, stability in medium, pDNA protection ability from nuclease degradation, in vitro release, cytotoxicity and cell transfection were investigated and compared with the embedded structured CaPi modified PLGA nanoparticles (embedded-pDNA-CaPi-PLGA-NPs). The results showed that the obtained CS-pDNA-CaPi-PLGA-NPs were spherical in shape with an average particle size of (155 +/- 4.5) nm, zeta potentials of (-0.38 +/- 0.1) mV, entrapment efficiency of (80.56 +/- 2.5)% and loading efficiency of (1.16 +/- 0.04)%. The CS-pDNA-CaPi-PLGA-NPs were stable in the release media and could protect pDNA against nuclease degradation. And they also exhibited sustained release of pDNA in vitro. The highest gene transfection efficiency of the CS-pDNA-CaPi-PLGA-NPs in vitro reached (24.66 +/- 0.46)% (after 72 h transfection), which was significantly higher than that of free pDNA [(0.33 +/- 0.04)%, P < 0.01] and the pDNA-PLGA-NPs [(1.5 +/- 0.07)%, P < 0.01]. Besides, the transfection lasted for longer time than that of embedded-pDNA-CaPi-PLGA-NPs and the cytotoxicity of it was significantly lower than that of PEI (P < 0.01). These results indicate that CS-pDNA-CaPi-PLGA-NPs are a promising non-viral gene vector. Key words: gene delivery system; polylactic-co-glycolic acid; calcium phosphate; nanoparticle
Calcium Phosphates ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; DNA ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Drug Carriers ; Genetic Vectors ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Lactic Acid ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Nanoparticles ; Particle Size ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Polyglycolic Acid ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effects of total vertebral column resection combined with anterior mesh cage support in treating severe congenital kyphoscoliosis.

METHODSFrom April 2008 to April 2012,21 patients with severe congenital kyphoscoliosis were treated with total vertebral column resection and internal fixation through posterior approach combined with anterior mesh cage support. There were 8 males and 13 females with an average age of 19.4 years old (ranged from 10 to 35). And 6 cases were thoracic segments deformity,13 cases were thoracolumbar segments and 2 cases were lumbar segments, of them, 2 cases were accompanied with Chairs deformity, 6 cases with diastematomyelia, 4 cases with syringomyelia,and 1 case with neurofibromatosis. According to the Frankel grade system, 3 cases were grade C, 5 cases grade D and 13 cases grade E. Blood loss, operative time, and perioperative complications were recorded. Coronal and sagittal Cobb angle, apical vertebral offset distance, sagittal offset, the relative height of shoulders, razor back deformities were measured and analyzed before and after operation.

RESULTSThe average operative time was 5.2 h (3.5 to 6.5 h) and blood loss was 2,500 ml (1,400 to 4,900 ml). The 2nd day after operation, apical vertebral offset distance, sagittal offset, the relative height of shoulders, razor back deformities had obviously improved than preoperative (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in above items between postoperative on the 2nd day and final follow-up (P > 0.05). The corrective rate of kyphosis and scoliosis were (60.97 +/- 6.30)% and (62.24 +/- 5.82)%, respectively. On the first day after surgery,2 cases of Frankel grade E aggravated to grade D, and obtained recovery at 2 week after conservative treatment. And 1 case palinesthesia later,grade D aggravated to grade C and obtained recovery after revision surgery in time. One case complicated with permanent blindness of left eye, 1 case occurred injury of pleura and 2 cases had cerebrospinal fluid leak during operation. All patients were followed up from 9 to 31 months with an av- erage of 18.6 months. At final follow-up,all patients obtained bone union, Frankel grade D in 4 cases and grade E in 17 cases, no correction loss and internal fixation loosening was found.

CONCLUSIONTotal vertebral column resection combined with anterior mesh cage support can effectively correct kyphosis and scoliosis in severe congenital kyphoscoliosis and can avoid injury of spine cord by spinal crispation, but intraoperative position and neurologic complications should still be considered.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; complications ; congenital ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis ; complications ; congenital ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Spine ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

AIM:To observe and analyze the effect of cardiopulmonary bypass ( CPB) for 30 min on surface ultra-structure and mechanical properties of the erythrocyte membrane by atomic force microscopy (AFM).METHODS:Ten cases of elective patients in cardiac surgery were selected in the study and divided into control ( CON) group and CPB group.The central venous blood (2 mL) before surgery and 30 min after CPB was collected with heparin anticoagulation . The non-circular red blood cells were counted under a stand fluorescence microscope .AFM was used to examine the ultra-structure of the membrane surface and measure the force curve of the erythrocytes .RESULTS:The percentage of non-cir-cular red blood cells in CPB group showed no statistically significant differences as compared with CON group .AFM images showed that the significant differences of membrane surface concave and convex , evenness , particle distribution , the sur-face average roughness (Ra), the surface root mean square roughness (Rq) and cell membrane adhesion between CPB group and CON group were observed .However, the membrane deformation resilience and curve slope had no significant difference between the 2 groups.CONCLUSION:Cardiopulmonary bypass for 30 min changes the morphology and ultra-structure of the erythrocyte membrane surface , and increases the adhesion between cells .