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.

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.

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.

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 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

OBJECTIVETo analyze the Millard II technique for correcting secondary deformities of unilateral cleft lip.

METHODSThe Millard II technique was used to correct secondary deformities of unilateral cleft lip in 42 patients from March of 2003 to September of 2004. Dissection was made between the alar cartilage and skin, and the alar cartilage was suspended.

RESULTSThe postoperative follow-ups with 3 approximately 6 months revealed good results of the symmetrical nostrils and philtrums, prolonged columella nasi, good-shaped cupid's bow, and invisible scar.

CONCLUSIONSThe Millard II technique could be an ideal method to correct secondary deformities of unilateral cleft lip. Releasing and suspending alar cartilage spontaneously at the same time can correct nasal deformity adequately.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cleft Lip ; etiology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nose ; abnormalities ; Nose Deformities, Acquired ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of utilizing self-designed score system for lower lumbar vertebral burst fractures to select surgical approach.

METHODSFrom January 2006 to December 2011, the clinical data of 56 patients with lower lumbar vertebra burst fractures who underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. There were 42 males and 14 females with an average age of 43.1 years old (ranged, 19 to 65). Causes of injury included falling down (40 cases), traffic accidents (12 cases), and crashing injury by heavy objects(4 cases). Injury site was L3 in 37 cases, L4 in 16 cases, and L5 in 3 cases. According to the AO classification, 17 cases were type A3.1, 14 cases were type A3.2, 25 cases were type A3.3. According to Frankel grade of nerous function, 2 cases were grade B, 5 cases were grade C, 9 cases were grade D and 40 cases were grade E. Surgical methods and approaches were chosen based on the comprehensive evaluation of AO classification, condition of posterior column injury and spinal canal encroachment. Surgical methods and approaches included trans-vertebra fixation (15 cases), intra-vertebra pedicle screw fixation (21 cases), combination of anterior and posterior approaches (11 cases), one-stage posterior approaches (9 cases). Cobb angles, restorations of the affected vertebral anterior border height, and conditions of spinal canal encroachment were compared before and after surgery. Conditions of bone graft fusion and internal fixation (if bending, loosening or breakage existed) were observed. Spinal cord functions were assessed according to Frankel grade. Localized pain and working status of patients were also assessed at the last follow-up.

RESULTSNo incision infection was found and no spinal nerve symptoms improved in all of 56 patients. All patients were followed up for 12 to 60 months with a mean of 28.5 months, without internal fixation loosening or breakage. There was significant differences in Cobb angle, vertebral anterior border height and recovery of spinal canal encroachment between preoperative and postoperative instantly (P < 0.05), however, there was no significant difference between postoperative instantly and final follow-up (P > 0.05). Thirteen cases obtained fusion by trans-vertebra fixation, 20 cases obtained fusion by intra-vertebra fixation, and 20 cases were treated by the combination of anterior and posterior approaches or one-stage posterior approaches all of patients obtained fusion. Spinal nervous function recovered I to II grade, 1 case was grade C, 3 cases were grade D, 52 cases were grade E. Localized pain was assessed as P1 in 52 cases, P2 in 3 cases, and P3 in 1 case. Working status was classified into W1 in 12 cases, W2 in 39 cases, and W3 in 5 cases.

CONCLUSIONThe lower lumbar vertebra and thoracolumbar junction exhibit different injury characteristics due to variations in anatomy and biomechanics. A comprehensive score of the AO classification, posterior column injury and degree of spinal canal encroachment will guide the selection of surgical method and approach for the treatment of lower lumbar vertebra burst fractures.

Adult ; Aged ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; methods