OBJECTIVETo construct the recombinant adenovirus encoding antisense c-myc fragment and to investigate its effect on the chemotherapy sensitivity of osteosarcoma MG-63 cells to cisplatin.

METHODSThe recombinant adenovirus (Ad-Asc-myc) encoding antisense c-myc fragment was constructed by cloning c-myc cDNA of about 720 base pairs in a reverse direction into adenovirus vector, then undergoing recombination, amplifying and being complemented in vivo. The osteosarcoma MG-63 cells were transfected by the Ad-Asc-myc in vitro, and Wright staining, Acridine Orange staining, Western Blot, MTT, Flow Cytometry (FCM) were used to study cell morphology, expression of c-myc protein, tumor cell proliferation in vitro, apoptosis and cell cycle change.

RESULTSAd-Asc-myc encoding antisense c-myc fragment was obtained with the titer of 2 x 10(9) pfu/ml. Ad-Asc-myc down-regulated the expression of c-myc protein after transfected MG-63 cells for 48 h, combined with the treatment of 2.0, 5.0 microg/ml cisplatin for 2 h could inhibit tumor cells proliferation in vitro by 33.4% and 54.2% respectively, which were significantly difference compared with control recombinant adenovirus (Ad-LacZ) groups (P < 0.05). Acridine Orange staining and FCM analysis showed that Ad-Asc-myc could induce apoptosis of transfected cells, which was enhanced by the treatment of cisplatin cell. Cycle analysis showed that obvious G2/M phase arrested in transfected cells.

CONCLUSIONAd-Asc-myc increases the chemotherapy sensitivity of osteosarcoma MG-63 cells to cisplatin as well as induced apoptosis.

Adenoviruses, Human ; genetics ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; genetics ; Cisplatin ; pharmacology ; DNA, Antisense ; genetics ; Genes, myc ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Osteosarcoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; metabolism ; Recombination, Genetic ; Transfection ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect and influence factors on knee joint peripheral fractures and/or dislocations with an associated vascular injury through retrospectively study.

METHODSFrom March 2002 to November 2007 31 patients with knee joint peripheral fractures and/or dislocations with an associated vascular injury were treated, including 24 males and 7 females with a mean age of 41 years (range from 21 to 62 years). Definite diagnosis of vascular injury by combining colored ultrasonic, CTA, operative exploration with clinical signs, fixing fractures and/or dislocations with fixators, plates and screws, reconstructing blood circulation based on the condition of the vascular injury by vascular repair, homograft vein or artificial vascular grafting separately and analysing the effects of PSI, diagnosis and treatment methods on salvage lower extremities.

RESULTSSuccessful reconstruction was carried out in 31 cases, however there were 1 death because of mult-fractures and brain injury and 6 amputation, 24 cases successful salvage followed up mean 24.2 months, 6 cases bone nonunion and infected bone defect were cured by delayed bone planting or bone transportation. Ligaments repair reconstruction of 7 cases knee joint dislocation were done in delayed 3 or 4 weeks after first operation, the good functional rate was 71.4%.

CONCLUSIONSThe patients of PSI under 10 grades in knee joint peripheral fractures and/or dislocations with an associated vascular injury should been carried out treatment, early definite diagnosis and blood circulation reconstruction are the key factors of successful salvage treatment.

Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fractures, Bone ; complications ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Humans ; Knee Dislocation ; complications ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Knee Injuries ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Popliteal Artery ; injuries ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Vascular Grafting ; Vascular System Injuries ; complications ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Young Adult

Compounds from Lingzhi has been demonstrated the ability for inhibiting tyrosinase (a key enzyme in melanogenesis) activity. In this study, we investigated the anti-melanogenic activity from the submerged mycelial culture of Ganoderma weberianum and elucidated the skin lightening mechanism by B16-F10 murine melanoma cells. From the cellular context, several fractionated mycelium samples exhibited anti-melanogenic activity by reducing more than 40% extracellular melanin content of B16-F10 melanoma cells. In particular, the fractionated chloroform extract (CF-F3) inhibited both secreted and intracellular melanin with the lowest dosage (25 ppm). Further analysis demonstrated that CF-F3 inhibited cellular tyrosinase activity without altering its protein expression. Taken together, our study has demonstrated that the chemical extracts from submerged mycelial culture of G. weberianum have the potential to serve as an alternative anti-melanogenic agent.
Chloroform ; Ganoderma ; Melanins ; Melanoma ; Monophenol Monooxygenase ; Mycelium ; Reishi ; Skin

To investigate the time-course changes of myogenic tone in mesenteric small artery (MSA) of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), thirty-two 7-week aged SHR rats were randomly divided into four groups (8, 16, 24, 32 weeks of age), and 32 sex- and age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were assigned to control groups (CON). On the day of the study, segments of MSA were isolated and then cannulated to the two pipettes. Vascular diameters in response to the increased intraluminal pressure (from 0 mmHg to 150 mmHg, by 25 mmHg steps) of isolated MSA under no-flow conditions were recorded by a Pressure Myograph System both in physiologic salt solution (PSS) (active diameter, Da) and calcium-free PSS (passive diameter, Dp). The myogenic tone was calculated by (Dp - Da)/Dp × 100%. The tail artery pressure and vascular myogenic tone in SHR rats were significantly higher than those of the CON rats. Before 24 weeks, the vascular myogenic tone of MSA in SHR group increased monotonically, but at the end of 32 weeks, the vascular myogenic tone decreased in comparison with that in 24-week group, but was significantly higher than that in CON group. The tail artery pressure in SHR group slowly increased monotonically with increasing weeks of age, and the tail arterial pressure in 32-week group remained significantly higher than that in 24-week group. Vascular myogenic tone may participate in the whole process of hypertension. Early in the development of hypertension, because of the compensatory role of vascular tone, the vascular function has been partially compensated, thus guaranteeing adequate blood supply to organs. Late in the development of hypertension, because of the decompensation of myogenic tone, the vascular function is damaged, leading to the occurrence of severe vascular disease.
Animals ; Blood Pressure ; Hypertension ; physiopathology ; Male ; Mesenteric Arteries ; physiopathology ; Muscle Tonus ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; physiopathology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Rats, Inbred WKY ; Time Factors ; Vasoconstriction ; physiology

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the ability of B-mode ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict the repairability of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Methods: This cross-sectional study included participants with large-to-massive RCTs who underwent arthroscopic repair. B-mode ultrasonography and MRI were conducted prior to arthroscopic repair. B-mode ultrasonography was used to evaluate the echogenicity of the rotator cuff muscle using the Heckmatt scale. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities were examined for two independent physicians. MRI was used to evaluate the degrees of tendon retraction, fatty infiltration of rotator cuff muscles, and muscle atrophy. Finally, two experienced orthopedic surgeons performed surgery and decided whether the torn stump could be completely repaired intraoperatively. Results: Fifty participants were included, and 32 complete repairs and 18 partial repairs were performed. B-mode ultrasonography showed good intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability for assessment of the muscle echogenicity of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. The correlation coefficients between B-mode ultrasound findings and MRI findings showed medium to large effect sizes (r=0.4-0.8). The Goutallier classification of the infraspinatus muscles was the MRI predictor with the best discriminative power for surgical reparability (area under the curve [AUC], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 0.98), while the Heckmatt scale for infraspinatus muscles was the most accurate ultrasound predictor (AUC, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.96). No significant differences in AUCs among the MRI and ultrasound predictors were found. Conclusion B-mode ultrasonography was a reliable examination tool and had a similar ability to predict surgical reparability to that of MRI among patients with large-to-massive RCTs.

Objective To understand the cognition and related abilities of emergency physicians for palliative care in China. Methods A total of 115 emergency physicians were selected by convenient sampling to conduct a questionnaire survey.The questionnaire included the physicians' basic information,feelings and attitudes towards end-stage patients and their families,cognition of palliative care,and personal ability for palliative care. Results 25.2%,59.1%,and 15.7% of the emergency physicians considered they had "no understanding","partial understanding",and "full understanding" of palliative care,respectively.32(27.8%)physicians participated in palliative care-related lectures and they showed higher self-rated cognition levels(
Cognition ; Humans ; Palliative Care ; Physicians ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tertiary Care Centers

Objective To summarize the palliative care consultations proposed by the Emergency Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 22 palliative care consultations in the Emergency Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2017 to June 2020. Results A total of 18 patients (6 males and 12 females) received palliative care consultations in the Emergency Department,with the average age of (65±8) years (36-88 years).Specifically,10 and 6 patients received once and twice consultations,respectively,and 2 patients did not complete the consultation.Of the patients receiving palliative care consultations,15 had malignant tumors and 3 had non-neoplastic diseases.The reasons for palliative care consultations included communication (61.1%,11/18) and pain relief (61.1%,11/18).In terms of the place of death,8 patients died in the hospital and 6 patients in other medical institutions. Conclusion There is a clear demand for palliative care consultation in the Emergency Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital,and the consultation can bring help to both emergency doctors and patients.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Palliative Care/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Referral and Consultation ; Hospitals ; Emergency Service, Hospital

Cryptotanshinone (CPT), an active ingredient with the inhibitory effect on brain glioma cells, is trapped with poor solubility and low tumor permeability. Therefore, it is urgent to design nano drug delivery systems characterized with deep penetration and accurate targeting. In the present study, tLyp-1 modified liposomes loaded with CPT (tLipo/CPT) was prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation method. Peptide tLyp-1 which targeting tumor angiogenesis and neuropilin receptors (NRP) was modified on surface of CPT liposomes, with the aim of active targeting brain glioma cells and further release CPT precisely. The size and polymer dispersity index (PDI) of tLipo/CPT were (162.2 ± 14.6) nm and 0.24 ± 0.03. The optimal molar ratio of tLyp-1 modified on CPT liposomes was 0.5% determined by intracellular fluorescence parameters. The morphology displayed a smooth sphericity structure as determined by transmission electron microscope. Efficiency of CPT encapsulated in tLipo/CPT was detected by high performance liquid chromatography. The encapsulation efficiency of CPT was (70.06 ± 7.22) %. Liposomes modified with tLyp-1 peptide (tLipo) were internalized more than liposomes not modified with tLyp-1 (Lipo) by GL261 cells. Fluorescence intensity of tLipo in GL261 cells increased 40% than that of Lipo. Furthermore, we proved that the intake of tLipo/CPT in GL261 cells was mediated by NRP-1 receptor. MTT analysis indicated that tLipo/CPT significantly inhibit the proliferation of GL261 cells. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was 5.70 μmol·L^-1. In vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) model experiment indicated that tLipo/CPT could penetration across BBB. Moreover, in vivo fluorescence biodistribution study indicated tail vein injection of DiR labeled tLipo after 0.5 h, DiR fluorescence could be observed in the brain of mice. Even after 24 h, DiR fluorescence still was observed in the brain. Our research certified that tLipo/CPT can penetrate the BBB and show effect of anti-glioma by inhibiting the proliferation of GL261 cells. The animal experiment was carried out in accordance with protocol evaluated and approved by the Ethics Committee of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.

OBJECTIVE: Herbal medicine is an important therapeutic option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common disease in older men that can seriously affect their quality of life. Currently, it is crucial to develop agents with strong efficacy and few side effects. Herein we investigated the effects of the extract of Rauwolfia vomitoria, a shrub grown in West Africa, on BPH. METHODS: Rats with testosterone-induced BPH were treated with R. vomitoria. Prostates were histologically analyzed by Hematoxylin and eosin staining. Proliferation index and the expression levels of androgen receptor and its associated proteins were quantified through immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Androgen receptor target genes were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The sperm count and body weight of rats were also measured. RESULTS: The oral administration of R. vomitoria extract significantly reduced the prostate weight and prostate weight index in BPH rats, supported by the decreased thickness of the prostate epithelial layer and increased lumen size. Similar effects were observed in the BPH rats treated with the reference drug, finasteride. R. vomitoria extract significantly reduced the testosterone-induced proliferation markers, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin D1, in the prostate glands of BPH rats; it also reduced levels of androgen receptor, its associated protein steroid 5α-reductase 1 and its downstream target genes (FK506-binding protein 5 and matrix metalloproteinase 2). Notably, compared with the finasteride group, R. vomitoria extract did not significantly reduce sperm count. CONCLUSION R. vomitoria suppresses testosterone-induced BPH development. Due to its milder side effects, R. vomitoria could be a promising therapeutic agent for BPH.

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with network pharmacology and experimental verification was used to explore the mechanism of acupoint sticking therapy(AST) in the intervention of bronchial asthma(BA). The chemical components of Sinapis Semen, Cory-dalis Rhizoma, Kansui Radix, Asari Radix et Rhizoma, and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens were retrieved from TCMSP as self-built database. The active components in AST drugs were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and the targets were screened out in TCMSP and Swiss-TargetPrediction. Targets of BA were collected from GeneCards, and the intersection of active components and targets was obtained by Venny 2.1.0. The potential targets were imported into STRING and DAVID for PPI, GO, and KEGG analyses. The asthma model induced by house dust mite(HDM) was established in mice. The mechanism of AST on asthmatic mice was explored by pulmonary function, Western blot, and flow cytometry. The results indicated that 54 active components were obtained by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and 162 potential targets were obtained from the intersection. The first 53 targets were selected as key targets. PPI, GO, and KEGG analyses showed that AST presumedly acted on SRC, PIK3 CA, and other targets through active components such as sinoacutine, sinapic acid, dihydrocapsaicin, and 6-gingerol and regulated PI3 K-AKT, ErbB, chemokine, sphingolipid, and other signaling pathways to intervene in the pathological mechanism of BA. AST can improve lung function, down-regulate the expression of PI3 K and p-AKT proteins in lung tissues, enhance the expression of PETN protein, and reduce the level of type Ⅱ innate immune cells(ILC2 s) in lung tissues of asthmatic mice. In conclusion, AST may inhibit ILC2 s by down-regulating the PI3 K-AKT pathway to relieve asthmatic airway inflammation and reduce airway hyperresponsiveness.
Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Asthma/drug therapy* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Immunity, Innate ; Lymphocytes ; Mice ; Network Pharmacology