Objective To explore the relationship between the stress during pregnancy and the NMDA-induced spasm. MethodsThe pregnant rats were divided into two groups: pregnant control group(PC group)and pregnatal stress group(PS group). The rats in PS group were forced to swim in cold water of 4℃ for five minutes. Pups of the two groups were injected NMDA 7mg/kg intraperitoneally on postnatal day 13 to induced infantile spasm-like attacks. Then the clinical behavior of pups of the two groups were observed and recorded. The ultrastructure of mitochondria was detected with scanning electron and appearance of neurons was observed with HE staining. NMDA receptor and its subuniforms (NR2A, NR2B) in hippocampus, cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and raphe nucleus of brainstem were estimated by immunohistochemistry. Results The average score of pups in PS group is higher than in PC group(7.84 ±1.01 vs 5.90 ± 1.12). There were swelling neurons and no cytonecrosis in hippocampuss of both two groups. The uhrastructure of mitochondria in hippocampuss and raphe nucleus of brainstem showed great changes in pups of PS group as membrane in mitochondria of pups in PS group. NR1, NR2A and NR2B distributed mainly on the membrane and also in cytoplasm and cellular nucleus. The NR1 expressions in hippocampus, cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and raphe nucleus in pups of PS group were elevated than those of PC group and the P value is 0.001, 0.009, 0.015, 0.001 respectively. The NR2B expressions in hippocampus, cerebral cortex hypothalamus and raphe nucleus in pups of PS group were elevated than those of PC group and the P value is 0.004, 0.002, 0.003, 0.002 separately. NR2A expressed more in hippocampus in pups of PS group than that in PC group,but there was no difference in cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and raphe nucleus between two groups and the P value is separately 0.006,0.067, 0.7, 0.5. Conclusions The mitochondria of neurons in rat pup were hurt by maternal severe stress daring pregnancy, which made the energy metabolism of neurons changed. Maternal stress can also elevate the expression of NR1, NR2A and NR2B in cerebral cortex, brainstem and hippocampus and increase the morbidity of infantile spasm-like attacks.

Objective To study the anti-tumor effects of humulon on arylamine N-acetyltransferase-1(NAT1)activity.Methods Employing HPLC,using PABA as substrate,in intact SGC-7901 cells and their cytoplasm,making PABA being acetylated to Ac-PABA by NAT1 as the activity of NAT1.Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)assay was used to study the expression of the NAT1 mRNA.Results The results show that humulon could inhibit the production of Ac-PABA in intact SGC-7901 cell and the cytoplasm,the production of Ac-PABA was gradually increased with the interaction time increasing.But comparing with corresponding negative control group's,the production of Ac-PABA was decreased evidently and the humulone could inhibit the expression of NAT1 mRNA.Conclusion Humulon could prevent the occurrence and deterioration of cancer.Its mechanisms can be attributed to its effect on decreasing the production of acetylation of carcinogenic aromatic amines,which is acetylated from aromatic amines,and inhibiting the NAT1 activity and expression of NAT1 mRNA.

Objective To explore the effects of humulon on kinetic parameters of N-acetyltransferase-1(NAT1) of human gastric cancer SGC-7901.Methods Employing HPLC,using para-aminobenzoic acid(PABA) as substrate,in intact SGC-7901 cells and their cytoplasm,taking the speed of PABA being acetylated to Ac-PABA by NAT1 as the rate of NAT1,using double reciprocal plot,taking the reciprocal of concentration of PABA and reaction rate of NAT1 as coordinates,regression equation was obtainied and the Michaelis constant(Km) and maximum reaction velocity(Vmax) were calculated.Results Study on enzyme kinetics demonstrated,as for intact SGC-7901 cells,Km and Vmax of control group were(3.910?0.087) ?mol/L and(0.306 0?0.006 7) pmol/L(1?106 cells),respectively,Km and Vmax of the humulon group were(3.830?0.123) ?mol/L and(0.275 0?0.005 8) pmol(1?106 cells),respectively.As for the cytoplasm of SGC-7901 cells,Km and Vmax of control group were(760.2?210.2) ?mol/L and(0.191 0?0.043 7) pmol/(mg?min),Km and Vmax of the humulon group were(449.0?72.9) ?mol/L and(0.094 0?0.010 4) pmol/(mg?min).Statistically,as for intact SGC-7901 cells or their cytoplasm,there was no difference of the Km between control group and humulon group,but there was remarkable difference of Vmax between control group and humulon group,P

Objective To summary the methods and results of first and second operations on patients with aortic valve disease and non-specific aortitis.Methods The total 34 patients including 23 cases with aortitis and 11 cases with Behcet disease were studied from Jan 2000 to Dec 2010.The first operation was Bentall procedure in 18 cases and AVR in 16 cases.Fourteen of 16 cases who had AVR developed severe paravalvular leakage,and undewent the second operation including 10 aortic root replacement (8 valve-conduit and 2 homograft) and 4 non-anatomic AVR.Results Eighteen patients who had first operation of Bentall procedure all survive without aortic pseudoaneurysm after the follow-up of 6 months to 11 years.Fourteen redo cases all survive except for one case died of repture of aortic pseudoaneurysm 1.2 years postoperatively.Conclusion Preoperative diagnosis in these patients is very difficulty.The first operation of root replacement is of choice.The second operation is very difficulty to handle,root replacement can achieve satisfactory results.Non-anatomic AVR is easy to perform,and good hemo stasis intraoperatively,and is a satisfied alternative method with good results.

Objective The results of Aortic valve replacement (AVR). Combined with ascending aortic replacement(group A) or aortoplasty (group B) in patients with aortic valve disease and ascending aortic dilatation were analysed to assess the clinical outcomes and respective indications. Methods Among the two groups, the age, gender, NYHA class, types of aortic valve lesions and left ventricular ejection fraction were not different statically. The ascending aortic diameters in group A[(50.41 ±3.71) mm] and group B [(48.29±2.18) mm] were not statically different. Ascending aortic replacement was performed in Group A. A Dacron tube(diameter 28 ～ 30mm) was routinely wrapped around the ascending aorta after aortoplasty in group B. Results There was 1 postoperative death in group B, blood transfusion volume and postoperative complications were not stasticaly different in the two groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass time [(110.52 ± 27.51) min] and aortic across clumping time [(71.70 ± 17.13)min] in group A were significantly longer than that of group B [(97.31 ± 19.46) min,P=0. 004; (57.13 ±19.46) min, respectively. P=0.025]. Conclusion Aortic valve disease, especially bicuspid valve disease often combines with ascending aortic dilatation or aneurysm. In younger patients, ascending aorta should be actively treated surgically when the diameter is equal or more than 40mm. Aortoplasty with external reinforcement of a Dacron tube is simpler and safer than aortic replacement in patient without aortic atherosclerosis or ulceration, and large aneurysm.

OBJECTIVETo study features of brain gray matter injury in cerebral infarction patients and intervention of scalp acupuncture by using voxel-based morphology.

METHODSA total of 16 cerebral infarction patients were recruited in this study, and assigned to the scalp acupuncture group and the control group, 8 in each group. Another 16 healthy volunteers were recruited as a normal group. All patients received scanning of T1 structure. Images were managed using VBM8 Software package. Difference of the gray matter structure was compared among the scalp acupuncture group, the control group, and the healthy volunteers.

RESULTSCompared with healthy volunteers, gray matter injury of cerebral infarction patients mainly occurred in 14 brain regions such as cingulate gyrus, precuneus, cuneus, anterior central gyrus, insular lobe, and so on. They were mainly distributed in affected side. Two weeks after treatment when compared with healthy volunteers, gray matter injury of cerebral infarction patients in the scalp acupuncture group still existed in 8 brain regions such as bilateral lingual gyrus, posterior cingulate gyrus, left cuneus, right precuneus, and so on. New gray matter injury occurred in lingual gyrus and posterior cingulate gyrus. Two weeks after treatment when compared with healthy volunteers, gray matter injury of cerebral infarction patients in the control group existed in 23 brain regions: bilateral anterior cingulum, caudate nucleus, cuneate lobe, insular lobe, inferior frontal gyrus, medial frontal gyrus, precuneus, paracentral lobule, superior temporal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, lingual gyrus, right postcentral gyrus, posterior cingulate gyrus, precentral gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, and so on. New gray matter injury still existed in 9 cerebral regions such as lingual gyrus, posterior cingulate gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and so on.

CONCLUSIONSBrain gray matter structure is widely injured after cerebral infarction. Brain gray matter volume gradually decreased as time went by. Combined use of scalp acupuncture might inhibit the progression of gray matter injury more effectively.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Brain ; physiopathology ; Brain Injuries ; therapy ; Cerebral Infarction ; therapy ; Gray Matter ; pathology ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Scalp ; Stroke ; therapy

OBJECTIVE: To explore the differentially expressed gene profile in cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues with and without pelvic lymph node metastasis by microarray technique and to screen tumor metastasis-related genes. METHODS: Cancer tissue samples were collected from 4 cervical squamous cell carcinoma patients with pelvic lymph metastasis and 6 patients without metastasis before the treatment. Differentially expressed gene profile was identified between cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues with and without pelvic lymph node metastasis by NimbleGen microarray. Fluorescent real-time quantitative PCR was employed to validate the accuracy of the microarray by detecting the expression of genes picked from the differentially expressed gene profile. We screened tumor metastasis-related genes through the gene bank, PUBMED and gene ontology analysis. RESULTS: With the application of microarray, 329 genes were identified as markedly differentially expressed genes between cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues with and without pelvic lymph node metastasis. Real-time PCR was in accordance with microarray. Forty-four genes associated with tumor metastasis were identified from the differentially expressed gene profile. CONCLUSION Gene profile in cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues associated with pelvic lymph node metastasis is preliminarily identified, indicating that lymph node metastasis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma is a process involving numerous genes.
Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; pathology ; Female ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the apoptosis effect of isothiocyanates (ITCS) on human liver cancer cells HepG-2, and its mechanism.

METHODHepG-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of ITCS. MTT assay was used to evaluate the influence of ITCS on cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to test ROS levels, intracellular mitochondrial transmembrane potential (deltapsim) , and hypodiploid apoptosis peak in HepG-2 cells.

RESULTITCS obviously inhibited proliferation of HepG-2 cells. When treated with 15, 30, 60, 120, 240 microg x mL(-1) of ITCS for 24 h, ROS levels were (23.1+/-1. 8)%, (53.3+/-3.3)%, (57.9+/-2.0)%, (79.9+/-3.4)%, (93.4+/-2. 6)% respectively; and deltapsim were (94.8+/-5.5)%, (91.8+/-5.4)%, (66.0+/-5.6)%, (65. 5+/-6.6)% and (44.3+/-2.7)% respectively; when treated with 60, 120, 240 microg x mL(-1) of ITCS for 48 h, cell apoptotic rates were (16.6+/-2.8)%, (21.9+/-4.4) % and (70.2+/-5.3) % respectively.

CONCLUSIONITCS generates ROS in gastric cancer HepG-2 cells, which causes mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and deltapsim decrease, therefore, leads to apoptosis of HepG-2 cells.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Brassica ; chemistry ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Isothiocyanates ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial ; drug effects ; Mitochondria, Liver ; drug effects ; physiology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of psychological health intervention in the elderly urban residents living on minimum subsistence allowances, and to search for a suitable psychological health intervention strategy. Methods The 112 elderly persons living on minimum subsistence allowances in Xuzhou were selected by stratified cluster sampling, and they were matched with 112 controls. The elderly persons living on minimum subsistence allowances were divided into intervention group and control group. A general intervention based on community involved psychological health and care lecture, psychodrama treatment and psychological consultancy was made on the intervention. The SCL-90 was used to evaluate the psychological health status and effectiveness of psychological health intervention. Results The elderly persons living on minimum subsistence allowances had higher SCL-90 scores compared with other residents, and their psychological health status was serious. After the psychological health intervention, the SCL-90 scores were all lower in intervention group than in control group [ interpersonal relationship sensitiveness: (1.13 ± 0. 39) vs.(1.26±0.26), t=2.12, P=0.04; gloom: (1.23±0.66) vs. (1.43±0.24), t=2.08, P=0.04;anxiety: (1. 18±0.50) vs. (1.38±0.34), t=2.17, P=0.03; hostility: (1.24±0.49) vs. (1.40±0.28), t=2.03, P=0.04; other factor: (1. 31±0.56) vs. (1.49±0.31), t=2.04, P=0.04; total score: (115.89± 17.21) vs. (122.64± 10.41), t=2.42, P=0.02]. Conclusions The psychological health parameters are improved by psychological health intervention.

A variety of natural and artificial cryoprotectant extenders have been explored to enhance sperm recovery following cryopreservation-thawing process.The current investigation is aimed at evaluating the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on human spermatozoa and reactive species oxygen (ROS) level after freezing-thawing process.The spermatozoa were collected from 35 male patients diagnosed as having asthenospermia.The cryopreservation of human spermatozoa treated with acetyl-L-camitine at different concentrations (group B:2.5 mmol/L,group C:7.5 mmol/L,group D:15 mmol/L) was compared with control (group A:no acetyl-L-carnitine given).For the frozen-thawed spermatozoa,the viability,motility and DNA integrity were measured by comet assay,acrosome integrity by FITC-PNA staining and ROS level was determined in each group.The results showed that there were no significant differences in motility and viability between group A and group B,while the motility and viability of spermatozoa in group C and group D were significantly increased as compared with those in group A.As compared with group A,the values for DNA integrity parameters including comet rate (CR),tail DNA percentage (TD),tail length (TL) and Oliver tail moment (OTM) were significantly reduced in group C and group D.Group C and group D also displayed a higher proportion of intact acrosome than group A.No significant difference in ROS level was found between group A and group B,while with the increase in acetyl-L-camitine concentration,the ROS level in groups C and D was significantly reduced as compared with that in group A.In conclusion,acetyl-L-camitine at a concentration of 7.5 mmol/L is an effective antioxidant against cryo-damage on post-thawed human spermatozoa.