Objective To investigate the potential mechanisms of vascular dementia (VD) by comparing the neuroethological and pathological changes of two VD models, established with spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and the rat, of which the bilateral carotid arteries were ligated. Methods Ten male SHRs were employed and defined as hypertension control group. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to operation group (bilateral carotid arteries were ligated), sham group and control group. All rats enrolled in the operation group were undergone a permanent ligation of bilateral carotid artery (2-VO). The memory function of rats was estimated by the mean escape latency of Morris water maze. The morphological changes of neuron cells in the frontal lobe, temporal lobes, hippocampus and thalami were observed with HE staining, while the changes of white matter around cerebral ventricles were checked with LFB staining, and the demyelination of nerve was calculated. Results The memory function of rats in SHR control group and Wistar operation group was decreased compared with that of the rats in sham group and control group (P0.05). Conclusions SHRs without intervention and Wistar rats undergone 2-VO can be used to reproduce the ideal VD model. Both chronic permanent hypoperfusion and hypertension may lead to the loss of neurons and myelin which may result in memory dysfunction. Hypoperfusion is even more harmful than hypertension. The present study suggests that loss of neurons and myelin may play a role in the VD.

A quantitative analysis method of multi-components with a single marker (QAMS) for simultaneous determination of six marker compounds (one from phenolic acids and five from phthalides) in Chuanxiong Rhizoma was established by applying HPLC and using butylidenephthalide as the internal reference substance. And also the feasibility and accuracy of the established method for quality evaluation and application of Chuanxiong Rhizoma were investigated and validated. The analysis was performed with the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile - 0.2% aqueous formic acid. The flow rate was 1.0 mL . min-1 and the column temperature was maintained at 30 °C. The detection wavelengths were set at 252 nm (for ferulic acid, Z-ligustilide, and butylidenephthalide) and 266 nm (for senkyunolide I, senkyunolide A, and coniferyl ferulate), separately, and 20 µL was injected for analysis with gradient elution. The results showed that there were no significant differences observed between the HPLC-QAMS method and the external standard method (RSD <5%). The relative correction factors were credible (RSD < 5%) in changed chromatographic conditions. The established HPLC-QAMS method can be accurately used for simultaneously evaluating and controlling the quality of Chuanxiong Rhizoma with multi-components.
4-Butyrolactone ; analogs & derivatives ; Acetonitriles ; Benzofurans ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Coumaric Acids ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; standards ; Hydroxybenzoates ; Quality Control ; Rhizome ; chemistry

Objective To observe the radiosensitivity by targeting HIF-lα in human lung cancer and the effects on tumor growth in nude mice.Methods Radiosensitivity of A549 and A549/HIF-1α ( － ) cells were tested by clonogenic forming assay.A549/HIF-1 α( － ) cells and A549 cells were injected into the male BALB/C nude mice.Tumor growth was observed.The expression of HIF-1α and microvessel density were detected by immunohistochemistry method.Results SERs of HIF-1α gene silencing were 1.03 in normoxia and 1.65 in hypoxia.The sizes of tumor xenografts derived from A549/HIF-1α( － ) cells were significantly reduced compared to those of the xenografts derived from A549 cells.HIF-1 α protein staining result showed a dramatic decrease in tumors from A549/HIF-1α ( － ) mice.The microvessel densities (MVD) were 19.83 ± 4.09 in A549 group and 11.61 ±3.04 in A549/HIF-lα (-)group(F=15.57,P ＜0.05 ).Conclusions Hypoxia-induced radio-resistance in lung cancer A549 cells could be reversed by silencing the HIF-1α.It also retards the growth of tumor xenografts,decreases HIF-1α expression and reduces the vascularity.

The main purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of multivariate multilevel models for bioequivalence evaluation. Using an example of a 4×4 cross-over test design in evaluating bioequivalence of homemade and imported rosiglitazone maleate tablets,this paper illustrated the multivariate-model-based method for partitioning total variances of In (AUC) and In (C_(max)) in the framework of multilevel models. It examined the feasibility of multivariate multilevel models in directly evaluating average bioequivalence (ABE),population bioequivalence (PBE) and individual bioequivalenc (IBE). Taking into account the correlation between In (AUC) and In (C_(max)) of rosiglitazone maleate tablets,the proposed models suggested no statistical difference between the two effect measures in their ABE bioequivalence via joint tests,whilst a contradictive conclusion was derived based on univariate multilevel models. Furthermore,the PBE and IBE for both In (AUG) and In(C_(max)) of the two types of tablets were assessed with no statistical difference based on estimates of variance components from the proposed models. Multivariate multilevel models could be used to analyze bioequivalence of multiple effect measures simultaneously and they provided a new way of statistical analysis to evaluate bioequivalence.

Objective　To study the similarities and differences on in vitro replication and expression of hepatitis C virus (HCV) between human fetal hepatocytes (HFH) and 7721 cell line. Methods　Human fetal hepatocytes and a hepatoma cell line 7721 were incubated with a serum from hepatitis C patient. After incubation, the presence of HCV RNA, the expression of HCV NS3 antigens in cells and/or supernatant were examined by RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results　It was found that: ①The intracellular HCV RNA was first detected on d 2～3 post-incubation and then could be intermittently detected in cells and/or supernatant subsequently (HCV RNA could be detected in 7721 cells during a period of at least 66 days. In HFH, HCV RNA could be detected up to 25 days after incubation); ②HCV-NS3 antigen could be expressed in infected cells; ③Minus-strand RNA of HCV was mainly located within cytoplasm by in situ hybridization. Conclusion　The results suggest that both the fetal hpatocytes and the hepatoma cell line 7721 are susceptible to HCV, and especially 7721 cell line can stably support HCV replication in vitro and may be used as the target cell for long-term cultures of HCV.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Echinococcosis ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Pericardium ; pathology ; surgery ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEApplication of Knox method was discussed in exploring temporal-spatial cluster for infectious diseases.

METHODSThe theory of Knox method was introduced in detail. As an example, the temporal-spatial cluster of epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis cases from April to May in 2005 was explored in Beijing and the statistical process of Knox method was clearly demonstrated with related results well interpreted.

RESULTSOnly when time and distance threshold values were set as 13 days and 29.67 km, potential temporal-spatial cluster could be detected in epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis cases.

CONCLUSIONAccording to the characteristics of the epidemics, under Knox method, if appropriate threshold values of time and distance were chosen, information on temporal-spatial cluster of infectious diseases could be obtained. According to the records of different time and distance threshold values, the nature of an infectious disease might be explored. Thus Knox method could help us to strengthen the early warning system on infectious disease control strategy.

China ; epidemiology ; Cluster Analysis ; Communicable Diseases ; epidemiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Humans ; Meningitis ; epidemiology ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo develop an HPLC method for determination of two polyacetylenes, lobetyolin and lobetyolinin, in Herba Lobeliae Chinensis.

METHODC18 column was used with the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and water. Linear gradient elution from 10% to 40% acetonitrile in 25 min was applied, at the flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1), the detection wavelength was at 267 nm.

RESULTLower contents of lobetyolin and lobtyolinin were found in collected samples of Herba Lobeliae Chinensis. The highest amounts of lobetyolin and lobetyolinin were found to be 0.461 and 0.436 mg x g(-1) in a sample procured from Hong Kong. However, there were no lobetyolin and lobetyolinin in some of the samples.

CONCLUSIONA simple and effective HPLC method to analyze the two polyacetylenes in Herba Lobeliae Chinensis was established. It could be applied for the quality control of this herb.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Lobelia ; chemistry ; Molecular Structure ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Polyacetylenes ; analysis ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Reproducibility of Results

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD).

METHODSWe summarized the clinical data of 81 cases of CAVD and investigated clinical features, diagnosis and management of the disease.

RESULTSSeventy-nine cases of infertility were diagnosed as CAVD at the clinic, and 2 were diagnosed during surgical exploration. The population consisted of 40 cases of congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), 25 cases of congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens (CUAVD), and 16 cases of segmental agenesis of the vas deferens. Seventy-four spouses received the treatment of assisted reproductive techniques, including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in 12 cases, and 4 of them achieved pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONCAVD frequently presents with infertility. CBAVD may manifest as obstructive azoospermia, and CUAVD and segmental vasal agenesis as oligospermia, asthenospermia, or obstructive azoospermia. CAVD is usually not difficult to diagnose, but may be missed due to careless examination. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) plays a key role in the management of CAVD.

Adult ; Aged ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; Urogenital Abnormalities ; complications ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Vas Deferens ; abnormalities

OBJECTIVETo describe the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer from 1974-2002 in Cixian county of Hebei province. Basic information on comparative geographical, epidemiological, and clinical research was collected.

METHODSIn early 1970s, cancer registry system in Cixian was established, collecting information on all the esophageal cancer cases in Cixian. Data was checked manually, then computerized, coded and analyzed using the software--SPSS 11.5.

RESULTSFrom 1974 to 2002, there were 18 471 esophageal cancer cases in Cixian, with 11 068 males and 7403 females, respectively. The age standardized incidence rate (ASR) for males was 208.77 per 100,000, while 120.47 per 100,000 for females. The trend of incidence rate of esophageal cancer had decreased during the 29 years from 1974 to 2002 (trend chi(2) = 19.94, P < 0.001). From 25 years of age onward, the incidence rates of the lower age groups declined with the increase of age. As for geographic distribution, the incidence rate in mountainous areas and hilly areas showed a significant declining trend in mountainous areas, chi(2) = 195.00, P < 0.001; hilly areas, chi(2) = 46.08, P < 0.001. The esophageal cancer incidence in plain areas remained steady, but had a slight increase in recent years. From 1969 to 2002, there were 18,736 cases died of esophageal cancer with 11 598 males and 7138 females. The ASR for male was 127.17 per 100,000 and 101.57 per 100,000 for female. Compared with the year 1969, the mortality rate of esophageal cancer in 2002 had a 37.96% decline. The proportion of esophageal cancer among malignant tumors in different decades decreased significantly.

CONCLUSIONThe trend of the incidence rate of esophageal cancer had been decreasing for the last 29 years. The incidence rate in mountainous areas and hilly areas showed a declining trend while in the plain areas it remained steady but having slight increase in the recent years. The mortality rate of esophageal cancer had a significant decrease from 1969 to 2002.

Adult ; Age Factors ; China ; epidemiology ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; mortality ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Registries ; Software