OBJECTIVETo determine whether testosterone-induced intra-testicular testosterone withdrawal and therefore spermatogenic impairment is associated with looser arrangement of spermatogenic cells in rats.

METHODSAdult male SD rats received intramuscular injection of testosterone undecanoate at 19 mg/(kg x 15 d) for 130 days, and then testicular tissue blocks were obtained for the preparation of methacrylate resin-embedded sections and observation of the changes in testicular histology.

RESULTSApart from such changes as impaired spermiogenesis and spermiation, apparently looser arrangement of spermatogenic cells was seen in 11.5% of the seminiferous tubule profiles, with radial cracks (empty spaces) running towards the tubule lumen being formed between lines, bundles or groups of spermatogenic cells (mainly spermatids and spermatocytes).

CONCLUSIONLooser arrangement of spermatogenic cells is one of the key histological changes resulting from intra-testicular testosterone withdrawal in rats.

Animals ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Seminiferous Tubules ; cytology ; drug effects ; Spermatogenesis ; drug effects ; Testis ; cytology ; drug effects ; pathology ; Testosterone ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation between matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression and tumor invasion and metastasis as well, and to explore the potential application of controlled expression of target gene in tumor gene therapy.

METHODSOne self-contained tetracycline-regulated retroviral vector containing anti-sense cDNA of MMP-9 was constructed and transfected into a metastatic human melanoma cell line WM451 which expressed a high level of MMP-9. Techniques such as growth rate measurment, MTT assay, (3)H-thymidine incorporation, colony forming ability in soft agar, invasion assay in Boyden chamber, as well as zymography and Western blot were applied to analyze the expression of MMPs and behaviors of tumor cells in vitro before and after gene transfection. Tumorigenecity and spontaneous metastasis were tested in nude mice.

RESULTSIn the presence of exogenous tetracycline, the transfected antisense MMP-9 did not affect the endogenous level of MMP-9 in WM451 cells, and showed no significant changes in cell behaviors in comparison with that of the vector-transfected control cells. Nevertheless, withdrawal of tetracycline from the medium caused a significant down-regulation of expression and activity of MMP-9. The capacity of cell growth in vitro, colony forming ability in soft agar, invasion through Matrigel all were inhibited remarkably when compared with the controls. Spontaneous metastasis in nude mice was significantly inhibited.

CONCLUSIONSTransfection of anti-sense MMP-9 can down-regulate the invasion and metastasis of melanoma cells both in vitro and in vivo, further clarifying the important role of MMP-9 in tumor progression.

Animals ; Cell Division ; Cell Line, Tumor ; DNA, Antisense ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Down-Regulation ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Melanoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Retroviridae ; genetics ; Tetracycline ; pharmacology ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features, radiologic findings, treatment options and prognosis of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT).

METHODSThe clinicopathologic and radiologic features were retrospectively analyzed in 10 cases of DNT.

RESULTSIntractable partial seizure was the main presenting symptom in all patients. The tumor was located in temporal lobe (number = 5), frontal lobe (number = 3) or parietal lobe (number = 2). CT scan displayed a hypodense lesion. MRI scan revealed the tumor was non-enhancing T1WI hypointense and T2WI hyperintense, with internal septation and hyperintense ring around the tumor seen on FLAIR image. There was neither peritumoral edema nor mass effect. Histologically, the tumor showed the presence of glioneuronal element, with oligodendrocyte-like cells, floating neurons, astrocytes and associated microcystic changes. Immunohistochemical study demonstrated positivity for NeuN and synaptophysin in the neurons and some oligodendrocyte-like cells. Olig2 and S-100 protein were also expressed in the oligodendrocyte-like cells. Ki-67 index were lower than 1% in all cases. Nine cases were treated by complete surgical excision and the remaining case was subtotally excised. No post-operative chemotherapy or radiotherapy was given. One of the 10 cases recurred on follow up.

CONCLUSIONSCorrect diagnosis of DNT requires correlation with clinicopathologic, radiologic and immunohistochemical findings. Complete resection of the tumor and epileptogenic foci is the mainstay of treatment for DNT, with intraoperative EEG monitoring. Post-operative chemotherapy or radiotherapy is not required.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Antigens, Nuclear ; metabolism ; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Brain Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Cerebral Cortex ; metabolism ; pathology ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Neoplasms, Neuroepithelial ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; metabolism ; Neurosurgical Procedures ; Oligodendrocyte Transcription Factor 2 ; Retrospective Studies ; S100 Proteins ; metabolism ; Synaptophysin ; metabolism ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo prepare shuxiong micropellets.

METHODShuxiong micropellets were prepared by using a centrifugal granulator. The formulation composition and process factors were optimized investigated by adopting several indices such as size distribution, repose angle, bulk density and friability as indexes.

RESULTThe optimal process parameters were as follows. The ratio of fine intermediate product and MCC was 3:1 (w/w), the adhesive agent was 3% HMPC solution, the rotating rate of plate was 200 r x min(-1), the blower rate was 15 x 20 L x min(-1), the rate of air flow was 15 L x min(-1), the spray air pressure was 0.5 MPa, the rotating of spray solution pump was 5-25 r x min(-1) and the rotating rate of powder feed machine was 5-25 r x min(-1).

CONCLUSIONUnder the optimal conditions, micropellets prepared by using centrifugal granulator hadpossessed prefect shape and surface characteristics and the yield of shuxiong pellets was 90.5%.

Carthamus tinctorius ; chemistry ; Cellulose ; Centrifugation ; methods ; Chalcone ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; isolation & purification ; Drug Combinations ; Excipients ; Ginsenosides ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; Hypromellose Derivatives ; Ligusticum ; chemistry ; Methylcellulose ; analogs & derivatives ; Microspheres ; Panax notoginseng ; chemistry ; Particle Size ; Phenols ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quinones ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods

Objective To investigate the effect and molecular mechanisms of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase(PI3K)inhibitor ZSTK474 on human melanoma A375 cells in vitro. Methods The effect of ZSTK474 on the proliferation of A375 cells was deter?mined by MTT assay.Flow cytometric analysis was carried out to examine effect of ZSTK474 on the cell cycle of A375 cells.Western-blot was conducted to evaluate the effect of ZSTK474 on the expression of the cell cycle related proteins,cyclin B1 and cdc2.Chou-Talalay method was used to evaluate the combination of ZSTK474 with PD0332991.Results In the MTT assay,ZSTK474 inhibited the proliferation of A375 cells in a dose-dependent manner with the IC50value of 1.535 μmol/L.Furthermore,ZSTK474 arrested the cell cycle progression of the A375 cells at the G2/M phase via downregulating the expression of cyclin B1 and cdc2 at 1 and 5 μmol/L. In the synergistic assay,the combination of ZSTK474 with PD0332991 in the ratio 8×IC50 ZSTK474:1×IC50 PD0332991showed a synergistic ef?fect,with the combination index(CI)values of 0.463 ± 0.113,0.658 ± 0.009 and 0.941 ± 0.034 for ED50、ED75and ED90,respectively. Conclusion ZSTK474 could inhibit the proliferation of A375 cells and arrest the cell cycle at the G2/M phase.The combination of ZSTK474 with PD0332991 could exert a synergistic effect.The precent result has revealed that the PI3K inhibitor ZSTK474 is likely to be applied alone or in combination with the CDK4/6 inhibitor PD0332991 for the human melanoma therapy.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of allogeneic leukocyte immunization combined with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) for treatment of infertility induced by habitual abortion.

METHODSAllogeneic leukocyte immunization was performed in 9 patients with infertility induced by habitual abortion, with another 9 patients undergoing IVF-ET without habitual abortion as the control group. All the patients were treated with long GnRH-a protocols. The infertility patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion history were immunized with lymphocytes from the husband for before IVF-ET and after clinical pregnancy.

RESULTSThe fertilization rates of the immunotherapy group and control group were 81.3% and 82.2%, respectively, showing no significant difference (P>0.05). Five patients in each group had clinical pregnancy, and a twin pregnancy occurred in the control group. The embryo implantation rates were also comparable between the two groups (22.7% vs 28.6%, P>0.05). All the fetuses resulted from IVF-ET developed normally and were healthily delivered.

CONCLUSIONAllogeneic leukocyte immunotherapy along with IVF-ET is effective for treatment of infertility resulting from recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Abortion, Habitual ; physiopathology ; Adoptive Transfer ; methods ; Adult ; Embryo Transfer ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; methods ; Humans ; Infertility, Female ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Treatment Outcome

This research was aimed to develop the first level blood information centralized database and real time communication network at a province area in China. Multiple technology like local area network database separate operation, real time data concentration and distribution mechanism, allopatric backup, and optical fiber virtual private network (VPN) were used. As a result, the blood information centralized database and management system were successfully constructed, which covers all the Zhejiang province, and the real time exchange of blood data was realised. In conclusion, its implementation promote volunteer blood donation and ensure the blood safety in Zhejiang, especially strengthen the quick response to public health emergency. This project lays the first stone of centralized test and allotment among blood banks in Zhejiang, and can serve as a reference of contemporary blood bank information systems in China.
Blood Transfusion ; instrumentation ; methods ; standards ; China ; Clinical Laboratory Information Systems ; Computer Communication Networks ; Databases, Factual ; standards ; Humans

BACKGROUND:The roles of osteocyte and osteoblast apoptosis in steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) have arouse much attention,and its pathogenesis has been understood gradually.But there is a lack of knowledge about the mechanisms underlying osteocyte and osteoblast apoptosis.Meanwhile,hormones have been shown to enhance the Dickkopf-1 expression in Wnt signaling pathway.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the roles of Dickkopf-1 and cell apoptosis in steroid-induced ANFH,and to understand their correlations with steroid-induced ANFH.METHODS:Necrotic femoral head samples were removed from 14 patients with steroid-induced ANFH after total hip arthroplasty (experimental group),and normal femoral heads were from 8 patients with femoral neck fracture (control group).The cellular morphology was observed using transmission electron microscope;the number of empty lacunae was counted through hematoxylin-eosin staining;the cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay;the expression level of Dickkopf-1 was detected by immunohistochemistry.Moreover,the correlation between the Dickkopf-1 positive rate and apoptosis index of osteocytes was analyzed by Spearman rank correlation analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The number of empty lacunae,expression level of Dickkopf-1,and apoptosis index of osteocytes in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).In the experimental group,the Dickkopf-1 positive rate was positively correlated to the apoptosis index of osteocytes (r=0.623).These results indicate that Dickkopf-1 and osteocyte apoptosis both play key roles in steroid-induced ANFH,and increased Dickkopf-1 level may promote the development of ANFH.

BACKGROUNDNon-adhesive liquid embolic agents are increasingly gaining importance in the embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). We investigated the use of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) as a non-adhesive embolic agent in swine rete mirabile.

METHODSThe PNIPAM hydrogel was mixed with iohexol and embolization was performed in swine rete mirabile in 30 animals. The microcatheter was examined after embolization. Follow-up angiography was performed for embolic efficacy after embolization. Embolized retia were examined histopathologically, and the alterations of inside rete and surrounding tissue were observed.

RESULTSThe copolymer hydrogel was used for rete embolization in 30 swine, 28 swine survived the procedure, 2 swine died, 1 swine died of cerebrum infarction and the other died of embolic agent reflux into the occipital artery. The inside wall of the microcatheter was smooth, without copolymer adhering to it. Follow-up angiography was performed in 22 swine, there was no rete recanalization in 20 swine and partial rete recanalization in 2 swine because of the trunk embolization of ascending pharyngeal arteries. Histopathologically, the copolymer was found diffused into vessels of 100 - 150 microm in diameter. In acute group, neutrophils scattered surrounding the copolymer and endothelial integrity was observed, without endothelial denuding and necrosis. In subacute and chronic groups, the copolymer was found inside retia, a few mononuclear cells and eosinocytes scattered inside and surrounding it. The muscular layer was loosened with most muscular nuclei degraded.

CONCLUSIONExperimental rete embolization with PNIPAM, made radiopaque with iohexol, is technically feasible in swine. Because of its properties, PNIPAM has great potential as a therapeutic non-adhesive embolic agent.

Acrylic Resins ; Animals ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations ; therapy ; Swine

OBJECTIVETo study the chemical constituents of the corm of the planted Cremastra appendiculata.

METHODThe compounds were isolated by column chromatography with silica gel and Sephadex LH-20, and their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR techniques.

RESULTSix compounds were isolated, and identified as isohircinol (I), flavanthrinin (II), p-hydroxyphenylethyl alcohol (III), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethyl alcohol (IV), daucosterol (V), beta-sitosterol (VI).

CONCLUSIONThese compounds were not previously isolated from this plant, and isohircinol (I) was obtained from natural source for the first time.

Orchidaceae ; chemistry ; Phenylethyl Alcohol ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Sitosterols ; chemistry ; isolation & purification