Objective To explore the effects of chronic electrical stimulation (ES) on Nogo-A expression in the hippoeampus of rats.Methods Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group and 4 exper- imental groups.The rats in the control group were given sham ES,while those in the experimental groups received 1, 3,6,or 9 days of ES before being sacrificed for the detection of Nogo-A expresson in the hippoeampus by immunohis- tochemistry and Western plotting.Results There was a positive correlation between the level of Nogo-A expression and the duration of ES,as shown by the immunohistochemistry technique.Western blotting showed the same result. Conclusion In general,seizure occurred 8 days after electrical stimulation began.Elevated Nogo-A expression in the hippocampus began earlier than seizures in the epilepsy model groups.

?ig-h_3 was first identified as a transforming growth factor-beta1-inducible gene in human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. It encodes for a secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, which is thought to act on cell attachment and ECM composition. Previous study showed that ?ig-h_3 were highly expressed in human hepatoma cell lines and lowly expressed in human normal hepatic cells. The present study aimed to transfect ?ig-h_3 into 7721 cells to investigate its effect on secretion of MMPs in the transfected human hepatoma cells. Full-length ?ig-h_3 gene,cloned by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-C_2. The recombinant plasmid was transfected into 7721 cells with Lipofectamine2000 and Gelatin-Zymography were adopted to detect the production of MMPs in the transfected cells. Results showed that ?ig-h_3/pEGFP-C_2 recombinant expression plasmid was successfully constructed and achieved high transfection efficiency. MMPs expression of the transfected cells was promoted significantly. These results suggest that overexpression of ?ig-h_3 promoted the production of MMPs, indicating that ?ig-h_3 may play roles in the invasive and metastatic processes of hepatoma.

Objective To investigate the possible role of interstitial cell of Cajal (ICE)in the pathogenesis of diabetic gastroparesis and the protective effect of"Xiaopi prescription (消痞方)".Methods Fifty healthy male Spregue-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (each n=10):normal, model,and 3 Xiaopi prescription groups:low,middle and high dosages.Diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of alloxan,and equal amount of normal saline was intravenously injected in the normal group.Gastric lavage method was used to administer the traditional Chinese medicine decoction of Xiaopi prescription in corresponding amount (5,10 and 20 g?kg~(-1)?d~(-1)) in respective low,middle and high dosage groups.In the normal control group and diabetic model group,only equal amount of normal saline was administered into the stomach.Gastric emptying rate was measured by method of nutritious semisolid paste;c-kit positive cells of ICC were quantitatively measured with immunohistochemistry assay and computer image analysis system;c-kit mRNA positive cells were quantitatively measured with in situ hybridization and computer image analysis system.Results①Gastric emptying rate:The rate was significantly lower in the model group than that in the normal control group (P0.05),but higher than those in the model group and the low dosage group (all P0.05).②c-kit immmunohistochemistry:c-kit positive cell presented yellow in color,and its membrane was stained yellow,this kind of cells primarily were distributed around the neural plexus in the inter-space between the circular and longitudinal muscular fibers, and around the ganglionic cells forming"sheath-like"structure.The results of numbers of c-kit positive cells in the various groups:the number of the cells in the model group was significantly lower than that in the normal group (P0.05),but the numbers in the former two dosage groups were obviously higher than those in the model group (all P0.05),being significantly lower than that in the normal group,middle and high dosage groups (all P0.05),but obviously higher than those in the model group (all P0.05),being significantly lower than that in the normal,middle and high dosage groups (all P

Objective To evaluate five years results of laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK)for correction of myopia.Design Ret- rospective case series.Participant 64 patients(126 eyes)with myopia received operation of LASIK.Method 126 myopic eyes were treated with LASIK.Based on the preoperative spherical equivalent refraction(SER),the patients were divided into Group A,B and C(-3.00D～6.00D,-6.25D～-10.00D and -10.38D～-19.88D).Before and after operation,the visual acuity,refraction,anterior seg- ment,funduscopy,intraocular pressures of patients were measured,and the patients were followed-up five years.Main Outcome Measure Visual acuity,intraocular pressure,refraction and complication.Result At five years,in Group A,B,C,uncorrected visual acuity was≥1.0 in 87.2%,69.1%,31.3% patients,and 100%,98.2%,75% had vision of≥0.5.After five years of operation,the re- fraction was -0.70D?0.52D,-1.06?0.13D,-2.46?2.14D in three groups respectively,there was no significant difference between Group A and B(P=0.23);But there was significant statistical difference between Gruop A and C(P=0.008),Group B and C(P=0.021)respec- tively.At the fifth-year,68.3%,45.0% and 23.5% of refraction in Group A,B,C were within?1.00D.Intraocular pressure at the fifth year was 11.91?2.35mmHg,11.31?2.20 mmHg and 9.24?2.20 mmHg respectively.In Gruop B and C,one patient complained glare re- spectively.In Gruop B,one patient's intraecular pressure was elevated after using glueocorticoid.In Group C,one eye was complicated with rbegmatogenous retinal detachment at the second year after LASIK.Conclusion In the follow-up of five years,LASIK is effective and safe.The results in middle and high myopia are better than that in extreme high myopia.(Ophthalmol CHN,2006,15:312-314)

OBJECTIVEIn order to fully understand hepatitis c virus (HCV) genotype 3b, 1a, 2b and 6a infection in China, We built HCV 5'-noncoding region (5'-NCR) of different genotypes and subtypes.

METHODSThe classification HCV into variable genotypes (subtypes) was carried on by programs A, B and C A. Using a combination of three restriction endonuclease BHH' (BsrB I, Hae II, Hinf I) digestions at the same time. The distinct genotypes were classified into 5 groups: genotype 1 (1a, 1b), 6a, 2 (2a, 2b), genotype 3 (3a, 3b), genotype4 (4a). B. With regard to genotype 1, we could distinguish subtype 1a from 1b using BstU I digestion. C. Using restriction endonuclease Hae III, genotype 2a, 2b, 3b, 4a, 6a are differentiated respectively.

RESULTS(1) HCV genotype 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 6a are fully discriminated by comparison with the genotypes regular samples. (2) Of the 93 patients, HCV genotype distribution in China was 66.67% for 1b, 18.28% for 2a, 3.23% for 1b/2b, 3b, 2b respectively. 2.15% for 2a/2b, 1b/2a respectively. 1.08% for 1a.

CONCLUSIONThis research indicated that adoption of HCV 5'-NCR A B C restriction endonuclease digestions techniques, might be sensitive and efficient to detect HCV and discriminate HCV genotype (subtypes) 1a to 6a.

5' Untranslated Regions ; chemistry ; DNA Restriction Enzymes ; Genotype ; Hepacivirus ; classification ; genetics ; RNA, Viral ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of CXCR4/SDF-1alpha axis in organ-specific metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by assessment of CXCR4 expression in NPC cells and SDF-1alpha expression in distant target organs of NPC.

METHODSThirty patients with NPC and fifteen normal subjects were recruited in this study. The expressions of CXCR4 in NPC and normal cases were identified by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC), then the relationship between CXCR4 expression and clinicopathological factors was analyzed. IHC was also used to analyze the SDF-1alpha protein expression in normal cervical lymph nodes (including normal superior and inferior deep cervical lymph nodes), bone marrow, lung, liver, kidney and colon tissues of NPC patients (5 cases/each group).

RESULTSThe relative expression level of CXCR4 mRNA in NPC (0.71 +/- 0.22) was significantly higher than that of normal nasopharynx tissues (0.14 +/- 0.07, F = 27.94, P < 0.05). The relative expression level of CXCR4 protein in NPC (1.58 +/- 0.59) was significantly higher than that of normal nasopharynx tissues (0.51 +/- 0.22, F = 17.75, P < 0.05). The high expression levels of CXCR4 mRNA and protein in NPC were closely related to clinical stage, cervical lymph node metastasis and cancer cell differentiation (P < 0.05). SDF-1alpha protein was strongly expressed in normal superior deep cervical lymph nodes, bone marrow, lung and liver (2.35 +/- 0.67), but absent or very poor expression in inferior deep cervical lymph nodes, kidney and colon tissues (0.68 +/- 0.23), and the differences between them were statistically significant (t = 10.13, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONCXCR4 is closely correlated to metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. CXCR4/SDF-1alpha axis may play an important role in organ-specific metastasis of NPC.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Marrow ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Liver ; metabolism ; Lung ; metabolism ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Staging ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Receptors, CXCR4 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVENogo-A is an axon regeneration inhibitor, and its function in central nervous system (CNS) is still unknown. The present study is to explore the relationship between the expression of Nogo-A and the malignancy of oligodendroglial tumors in patients.

METHODSTumor tissue samples with different malignancy grade were obtained from the hospitals. The samples used for detection had been diagnosed as oligodendroglial tumors (oligodendroglioma or anaplastic oligodendroglioma). The expression of Nogo-A was detected by immunohistochemistry and western-blot analysis. The correlation test between the Nogo-A expression and the morphological changes (the percentages of atypical cells and mitotic cells in the tumors) related to the malignancy of tumor tissues was performed.

RESULTSThere was significant negative correlation between the Nogo-A expression and the morphological change of tumor tissues according to immunohistochemistry. Western-blot analysis also indicated that the gray value of Nogo-A protein band in the oligodendroglioma group was significantly higher than that in the anaplastic oligodendroglioma group.

CONCLUSIONNogo-A expression was negatively correlated with the malignancy grade of oligodendroglial tumors.

Adult ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; analysis ; metabolism ; Brain Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Down-Regulation ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitotic Index ; Myelin Proteins ; analysis ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; diagnosis ; Nogo Proteins ; Oligodendroglioma ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Predictive Value of Tests

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of comprehensive rehabilitation treatment on hand burn, and to make a cost-effectiveness analysis.

METHODSSixty-two patients with ninety-eight affected hands were divided into rehabilitation group (32 cases, 48 hands) and control group (30 cases, 50 hands). Patients in rehabilitation group received comprehensive rehabilitation treatment at early stage after burn; patients in control group were given instructions for function training at the same time. The functions of the hands to be restored including grasp, hold, pinch, nip, forearm pronation and supination, fetching, laying, and writing abilities of patients in both groups were quantitatively evaluated with Carroll's upper extremity function test before treatment and 5 months after. Direct medical costs of patients in both groups within 5 months were respectively added up to make a cost-effectiveness analysis.

RESULTSIn rehabilitation group, function of digital opposition, palmar opposition, holding, and pinching of 37 hands recovered well, with which patients could pick food, put on clothes, go to toilet, and self-care etc. independently. Function of digital opposition, palmar opposition, holding, pinching half recovered in 7 hands, accompanied with well recovered of metacarpophalangeal function, but recovery of function of interphalangeal joint was less satisfactory. Although patients could grasp and hold, they were still poor in fine and harmonized activities. Joint ranges of motion of 4 hands were poor with limited function, and this was resulted from not strictly following treatment for remaining granulation wound. In control group, 23 hands received reconstructive surgery, 14 of them recovered with good function, but were poor in most of fine and harmonized activities. Severe claw hands were found in 13 hands. The ratio between total mean cost value and total function increment value in rehabilitation group (181 +/- 11) was obviously lower than that in control group (298 +/- 30, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSComprehensive rehabilitation treatment at early stage after hand burn has a good effect on prevention and treatment of hand deformity, promoting recovery of hand function and improving hand appearance. It is also less costly.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Burns ; rehabilitation ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Female ; Hand Injuries ; rehabilitation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rehabilitation ; economics ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the effects of the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) gene on cell growth and invasion of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Methods Recombinant lentivirus vector for shRNA delivery of EZH2 was constructed and transfected into 293FT cells. After collecting the viral particles, the NPC cell line 5-8F cells were transfected. The effects of EZH2 silence on cell proliferation and cell cycle were detected using MTT assay,plate colony formation assay and flow cytometry.The migration and invasion of 5-8F cells were determined by wound healing assay and matrigel invasion assay,respectively.The expressions of EZH2 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) -related markers at mRNA and protein levels were examined by real-time PCR and Western blot respectively.Results The expressions of EZH2 mRNA and protein in the transfected 5-8F cells were obviously reduced. MTT assay showed that EZH2 downregulation significantly inhibited the growth of 5-8F/shEZH2 cells( P ＜ 0.001 ).Colony formation rate (84.44％ ) of 5-8F/shEZH2 cells was lower than control (31.56％,P =0.001 ).Cell cycle analysis showed that most 5-8F/shEZH2 cells were arrested in G0/G1 phase,with a very low ratio of cells in S phase.Wound healing assay indicated that the migration ability of cells silencing EZH2 decreased significantly,and the 48-hour relative migration distance of 5-SF/ShEZH2 cells and control cells was 0.58 ± 0.05,and 0.81 ± 0.02,respecptively(P ＜ 0.000).Matrigel invasion assay,showed the invasive capacity of cells silencing EZH2 was significantly inhibited,with less penetrating cells (72.23 ± 4.08 ) compared to control( 150.95 ± 16.27),P ＜ 0.000.The mRNA expressions of epithelial markers E-cadherin and Keratin 18 in the cells silencing EZH2 increased by 177％ and 158％ respectively,and the mRNA expressions of mesenchymal markers β-catenin and N-cadherin decreased by 18.04％ and 41.18％ respectively. Similar results also were obtained with Western blot analysis. Conclusion EZH2 significantly enhanced the proliferation and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in vitro,which might be mediated by inducing EMT.

The female sex is traditionally considered a favorable prognostic factor for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, no particular study has reported this phenomenon. To explore the prognostic impact of gender on patients with NPC after definitive radiotherapy, we reviewed the clinical data of 2063 consecutive patients treated between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2003 in the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. The median follow-up for the whole series was 81 months. The female and male patients with early stage disease comprised 49.4% and 28.1% of the patient population, respectively. Both the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates of female patients were significantly higher than those of male patients (OS: 79% vs. 69%, P < 0.001; DSS: 81% vs. 70%, P < 0.001). For patients with locoregionally advanced NPC, the 5-year OS and DSS rates of female vs. male patients were 74% vs. 63% (P < 0.001) and 76% vs. 64%, respectively (P < 0.001). A multivariate analysis showed that gender, age, and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors for the 5-year OS and DSS of NPC patients. The favorable prognosis of female patients is not only attributed to the early diagnosis and treatment but might also be attributed to some intrinsic factors of female patients.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Radiotherapy, High-Energy ; Sex Factors ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult