Animals ; Hypertension ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Male ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Rats, Inbred WKY ; Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; genetics ; metabolism

Background Light stimulation at different wavelength influences the development of eyes.It has been showed that blue light can inhibit the growth of eyeball.To study whether blue light exposure can delay the extension of myopia is an interested research project.Objective This study was to investigate the effect of blue light with short wavelength on ocular growth in form deprived myopia (FDM) in guinea pigs and provide a new option for the prevention and treatment of myopia.Methods Thirty-six 2-week-old guinea pigs were reared in the environment of white light.The right eyes of the animals were occluded to establish the FDM models.The models were randomized into the deocclusion + blue light exposure group,simple deocclusion group and continuous occlusion group according to the random number table.The right eyes of the models were deoccluded for 1 hour per day to give the blue light (430 nm) irradiation in the deocclusion + blue light exposure group,and the right eyes were deoccluded for 1 hour per day only in the simple deocclusion group.In the continuous occlusion group,the right eyes of the models were occluded until the end of this experiment.Anterior chamber depth (ACD),lens thickness (LT) and vitreous cavity depth (VCD) were measured by A-type sonography.The binocular diopter of the guinea pigs was detected using retinoscopy in the mydriatic condition.In the fourth week after experiment,the retinal sections were prepared for the regular histopathological examination,and the scleral tissues next to 1 mm from optical nerve were exacted to obtain the dry weight of scleral tissues.Results In the right eyes of the animals,no significant differences were found in the diopter,ACD,LT and VCD before experiment among the 3 groups (all at P＞0.05).At the end of experiment,the refraction of right eye in the deocclusion + blue light exposure group,simple deocclusion group and continuous occlusion group was (+1.11±0.17)D,(+0.90±0.15)D and (-2.73±0.19)D respectively,with a significant difference among them (F=1 445.470,P=0.000).The VCD in the three groups was (3.70±0.09) mm,(3.78±0.11) mm and (3.91 ± 0.08) mm,respectively,showing a significant difference (F =13.243,P＜0.01).In addition,the dry weight of sclera tissues was (0.61 ±0.09)mg in the deocclusion + blue light exposure group,(0.54± 0.08)mg in the simple deocclusion group and (0.43 ± 0.07)mg in the continuous occlusion group,with a significant difference among the 3 groups (F=10.458,P＜0.01).However,there were no significant differences in the ACD and LT among the 3 groups (F=0.203,0.084,both at P＞0.05).Moreover,in the left eyes,no significant differences were found in the diopter,ACD,LT and VCD before experiment among the 3 groups (all at P＞0.05);while at the end of the experiment,the diopter of the continuous occlusion group was significantly lower than that of the deocclusion + blue light exposure group and simple deocclusion group (all at P＜0.05).No significant differences were seen in the ACD,LT,VCD and dry weight of sclera among the 3 groups (all at P＞0.05).Retinal structure was normal in the left eyes of various groups.However,the retinas were thinner in the right eyes of the deocclusion + blue light exposure group with clear layers; while atrophy of the outer segment of photoreceptor and disorder of cell arrangement were seen in the right eyes of the continuous occlusion group.Conclusions During sensitive period of visual development,blue light stimulation can arrest the extension of posterior sclera and elongation of vitreous cavity,which restrains development of myopia.This blue light at the wavelength of 430 nm is safe to retina.

The progress in the research of the chemical components and pharmacological activities of Lysimachia was reviewed. Lysimachia mainly contain flavonoids, saponins and phenolic acids, and some of the plants have been used in the treatment of fever, ulcers, diarrhea and as analgesic or anti-inflammatory agents. The plants of genus Lysimachia are widespread in China, so it is a singificants work to study their chemical ingredients and pharmacological activities.
Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Flavonoids ; isolation & purification ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Primulaceae ; chemistry ; Saponins ; isolation & purification

Objective To investigate the effects of Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep on neural behavior and cerebral pathology of rats. Based on the observation and quantitative analysis of neural behavior, a new type of animal models with dystonia is expected to be demonstrated. Methods Twenty-four female SD rats, weighting 250 g, were equally randomized into control and experimental groups. The animals in the experimental group were treated with 1.5 ml Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep once daily for consecutive 10 d. For rats in the control group, the same volume of saline (0.9%) was delivered by the same method. Neurobehavioral changes were observed; and quantitative analysis of neurobehavior and balancing ability was performed by using Noldus and Rota Rod systems. After behavioral experiments, the rats were sacrificed and the brains were got for pathological observations,especially the striatum, midbrain and hippocampus. Results Three to 7 d after the treatment, rats in the experimental group presented different degrees of neurobehavioral changes, mainly manifested as hypokinesia, decreased balanced capacity and postural dystonic abnormalities of the neck and limbs.Behavioral analysis showed that the distance, mean velocity and value of activity index in rats of the experimental group were significantly decreased as compared with those in the control group (P＜0.05).The experimental group showed a more serious dysfunction of the coordinating movement in the tested by rotating rod, a significantly shorter time of staying in the rod as compared with the control group (P＜0.05). Pathological investigation clearly demonstrated that the experimental group had decreased neurons in the corpus striatum and midbrain, especially in the hippocampus, and some neural pathological findings were observed. Conclusion Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep can induce significant changes of neural behavior in rats, which is similar to the symptoms of patients with dystonia caused by Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep poisoning, mainly manifested as hypokinesia, dysfunction of the coordinating movement, indicating that rats in the experimental group maybe a new type of animal model of dystonia, which is important in the study of dystonia.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the safety and feasibility of glans-preserving surgery in the treatment of superficial penile cancer (SPCa).

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 21 cases of SPCa treated by glans-preserving surgery in our hospital from January of 2003 to March of 2010.

RESULTSThe study included 21 SPCa patients aged 36 to 57 (mean 46) years, with superficial lesions involving the glans penis, coronary sulcus or shaft skin. The tumors were staged and graded TaG1 in 6 cases, TaG2 in 5, TisG1 in 2, TisG2 in 4, T1G1 in 3, and T1G2 in 1. All the patients underwent glans-preserving surgery to preserve the normal appearance and functional integrity of the glans penis, and all returned to normal sexual activity 1 month after operation, with good sexual function and sexual satisfaction. Postoperative follow-up lasted 2 to 7 (mean 5) years, and 2 cases of recurrence in situ found at 6 and 9 months, respectively, which were successfully managed by a second glans-preserving surgery.

CONCLUSIONGlans-preserving surgery is an effective method for superficial penile cancer. With proper selection of the patients, this procedure is technically safe, maximally preserves the penile appearance, and least affects the patients' sexual satisfaction.

Adult ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Penile Neoplasms ; surgery ; Penis ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDA comprehensive assessment of various vascular anomalies and variants associated with venous pulsatile tinnitus (PT) by radiography is essential for therapeutic planning and improving the clinical outcome. This study evaluated the incidence of various vascular anomalies and variants on the PT side and determined whether these lesions occurred as multiple or single entities.

METHODSThe dual-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography images of 242 patients with unilateral venous PT were retrospectively reviewed. The vascular anomalies and variants on the symptomatic and asymptomatic sides were analyzed, and the incidences of anomalies or variants on each side were compared. The number of anomalies and variants on the symptomatic side in each patient was calculated.

RESULTS(1) A total 170 patients (170/242) had more than one anomaly or variant on the symptomatic side, and 58 patients (58/242) had a single lesion on tomography. (2) There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of dehiscent sigmoid plate (P = 0.000), lateral sinus stenosis (P = 0.014), high jugular bulb (P = 0.000), sigmoid sinus diverticulum (P = 0.000), jugular bulb diverticulum (P = 0.000), dehiscent jugular bulb (P = 0.000), and a large emissary vein (P = 0.006) between the symptomatic and asymptomatic sides. (3) Dehiscent sigmoid plate (86.4%) was the most frequent lesion on the symptomatic side, followed by lateral sinus stenosis (55.8%), high jugular bulb (47.1%), sigmoid sinus diverticulum (34.3%), jugular bulb diverticulum (13.6%), dehiscent jugular bulb (13.6%), large emissary vein (4.1%), sinus thrombosis (1.2%), and petrosquamosal sinus (0.8%).

CONCLUSIONSVarious vascular anomalies and variants occur more frequently on the venous PT side. Preliminary findings suggest that venous PT patients may have multiple vascular anomalies or variants on the symptomatic side.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tinnitus ; diagnostic imaging ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Young Adult

We screened for laccase from a marine metagenomic library and obtained a bacterial laccase Lac15 and studied its decolorization ability. Using synthetic azo dyes and anthraquinonic dyes as substrates, we investigated the dye decolorization ability of recombinant Lac15 (rLac15). The purified rLac15 had better decolorization ability towards the azo dyes than the anthraquinonic dyes. When incubated at 45 degrees C and pH 8.5 for 1 h with methylsyringate as the mediator, 20 U/L of rLac15 could decolorize 95% of 100 micromol/L Acid Red 6B (AR-6B), 93% of Reactive Blue 194 (M-2GE), 76% of Reactive Brilliant Orange (K-7R) and 66% of Reactive Blue 171 (KE-R). The decolorization ability of rLac15 decreased with the dye concentration increasing. However, more than 80% of M-2GE and AR-6B were degraded even when the dye concentration was up to 200 micromol/L. At room temperature, rLac51 exhibited significant decolorization ability, with 96% of AR-6B, 86% of M-2GE, 66% of K-7R and 66% of KE-Rdegraded within 24 h at 25 degrees C. rLac15 has the potential of industrial applications.
Anthraquinones ; isolation & purification ; Azo Compounds ; isolation & purification ; Bacteria ; enzymology ; isolation & purification ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Coloring Agents ; isolation & purification ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Laccase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Seawater ; microbiology ; Waste Disposal, Fluid ; methods ; Waste Water ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study the regularity of migration and distribution of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in injured spinal cord with intradural space transplantation.

METHODSForty Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups. The spinal cord injury model was prepared according to the modified Allen method. BMSCs were labeled by CM-Dil. And 5.0 multiply 10(6) cells were transplanted by different channels including intraventricular injection (Group A),injured spinal cord intrathecally injection (Group B), remote intrathecally injection at the L(3)-L(4) level (Group C), and intravenous injection (Group D). Spinal cord was dissected at 24 hours, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after transplantation. Sections of 4 micromolar were cut on a cryostat and observed under fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTSNo fluorescence was observed 24 hours after transplantation in spinal cord injury parenchyma except Group B. One week later, BMSCs in Groups A and C began to migrate to the injured parenchyma; 2-4 weeks later, BMSCs penetrated into the injured parenchyma except Group D. The number of BMSCs decreased at 3-4 weeks after transplantation. The number of cells in Group B decreased faster than that of Groups A and C.

CONCLUSIONSBMSCs transplanted through intraventricular injection, injured spinal cord intrathecally injection and remote intrathecal injection could migrate to the injured parenchyma of spinal cord effectively. The number of BMSCs migrated into injured spinal cord parenchyma is rare by intravenous injection.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; methods ; Cell Movement ; physiology ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; pathology ; surgery ; Stromal Cells ; cytology ; transplantation

Objective To discuss the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction by laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Methods A retrospective review of consecutive laparoscopic pyeloplasty in 102 patients between September 2001 and December 2007 was performed. The ureterpelvic junction was dissected and the obstruction portion was excised. Anastomosis was then performed through the ureter and the renal pelvis walls with a stent. Results The mean operating time was 120 min and the average blood loss was 80ml. No major complication occurred intraoperative. The drainage was removed in 3-10 days. The average hospital stay was 8.5 days. The stent was kept for 30-60 days. IVU and B ultrasound examination revealed that the hydronephrosis alleviated during the follow-up and no anastomosis stricture occurred. Conclusions Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty could provide lower morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and faster convalescence. It could be an effective treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Objective To explore the effect of vitamin D hormone(VDH)on autophagy and apoptosis in hippocampus of rats with traumatic brain injury(TBI). Methods A total of 45 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control group(n=15),model group(n=15)and VDH group(n=15).The TBI model was established in the model group and VDH group.VDH group was injected with VDH 1 μg/kg 30 minutes,24 hours and 48 hours after modeling,respectively.The expression of microtubule as-sociated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)and p62 was detected with Western blotting,and the number of apoptotic cells were detected with TUNEL three days after modeling.All groups were tested with Morris water maze on the fifth,sixth and seventh days. Results The number of TUNEL positive cells in hippocampus was more in the model group than in the control group (P<0.05),and was lower in VDH group than in the model group(P<0.05),as well as the expression of LC3II/LC3I and p62(P<0.05).The escape latency was longer in the model group than in the control group(P<0.05),and was shorter in VDH group than in the model group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the swimming velocity on the fifth,sixth,and seventh days among three groups(F=0.530,P>0.05). Conclusion VDH has potential neuroprotective effects on TBI,which might be associated with its anti-apoptosis effect on the expression of LC3 and p62 proteins in hippocampus after TBI.