Current treatments for cancer and the central nervous system diseases are limited,partly due to the difficulties posed by the insolubility,poor distribution of drugs among cells and lack of selectivity of drugs,the inability of drugs to cross cellular barriers and blood brain barrier (BBB).Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess many distinct properties including good electronic properiies,remarkably penetrating capability on the cell membrane,high drug-loading and pH-dependent therapeutic unloading capacities,thermal properties,large surface area and easy modification with molecules,which render them as a suitable candidate to deliver drugs to cancer and brain.CNTs as a drug delivery could achieve a high efficacy,enhance specificity and diminish side effects.Whereas CNTs have been primarily employed in cancer treatment,a few studies have focused on the treatment and diagnosis of the central nervous system diseases using CNTs.Here,we review the current progress of in vitro and in vivo researches of CNTs-based drug delivery to cancer involving CNTs-based tumor-targeted drug delivery systems (DDS),photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT).Meanwhile,we also review the current progress of in vitro and in vivo researches of CNTs-based drug delivery to brain.

BackgroundMouse has been used in laboratory studies as the model of ocular diseases.Electroretinogram (ERG)is a non-invasive method for primary examination to evaluate retinal function.Though flash ERG has been widely applied in the mouse ocular disease model for the functional assessment of the retinal outer layer,pattern ERG(PERG) is seldom used for inner retinal evaluation.ObjeetiveThe present experimental study was to investigate the recording parameters and method,wave characteristics of PERG and influencing factors in mouse,and to build the foundation for further research.Methods Thirty C57BL/6 mice aged 6 weeks old were included in this research.RETLport ( Roland Consult,Germany) was adopted for the recording of PERG.The positive needle electrode was placed in the cornea,and the reference and earth electrodes were placed under the derma in the cheek and tail.The PERG under different temporal frequencies (0.5,1.0,2.0 and 4.0 Hz),and special frequencies (0.05,0.10,0.20 cpd) were recorded in a photopic environment,and different contrast ratio (95％ and 99％ ) of stimulator or different transmission bands ( 1-100 Hz,5-30 Hz) in the same temporal frequency and spatial frequency were regulated to analyze the influence on mouse PERG.The use of animals was in compliance to the Regulations for the Administration of Affairs Concerning Experimental Animals by the State Science and Technology Commission.ResultsThe latency of N1 PERG showed a negative N1wave at around 37 ms and positive P wave at about 86 ms in adult mice.The amplitude of N1-P was 2-6 μV.Different spatial frequency,temporal frequency and contrast can affect the final results,and the different temporal frequencies were statistically significant.The wave was stable and the amplitude was unaffected at 5-30 Hz transmission bands with pronounced interference (mean amplitude of N1-P waves were(3.40±0.71),(5.08±0.88),(3.21±1.54),(3.85±1.96)μV in 0.5,1.0,2.0,4.0 Hz,F=7.43,P=0.00).ConclusionsPERG wave from adult mouse is similar to that from human.It is a useful method in evaluating the inner retinal function.Appropriate stimulating parameters are critical for recording.

Objective To explore the change of sexual life quality and its influencing factors of premenopausal breast cancer patients.Methods 94 premenopausal breast cancer patients were included. Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire short-form (CSFQ-14) was used and part of its items was changed. Their sexual life was evaluated before and after treatment by using depth interview and anonymous methods. Results 94 cases received face-to-face communication and study. 88 (93.6%) questionnaires were received, in which 81 (92.1%) questionnaires were effective. Their sexual life quality and sexual satisfaction significantly decreased and there was significant difference in the CSFQ-14 score (P<0.001) before and after treatment. The ratio of bad, worse, and worst sexual life were 39.5%, 29.6%, and 14.8% respectively after treatment. 65.4% of the patients had no sexual activity. The reasons included medical related factors, fear of cancer metastasis and recurrence, physical discomfort, poorer body image, partner sexual attitudes changed, life stress, common psychological problems, traditional ideas and so on. Conclusion Sexual dysfunction was obvious and sexual life quality significantly decreased in premenopausal breast cancer patients after treatment. Patients' physical and mental damage, the change of body image and spouse's attitude are significant influencing factors. It is necessary to give sexual rehabilitation guidance to patients and their spouses.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Cells, Cultured ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) ; genetics ; metabolism ; Ischemic Preconditioning, Myocardial ; methods ; Myocardial Ischemia ; physiopathology ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; prevention & control ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Objective To evaluate diagnostic value of plasma D-dimer (D-D),fibrinogen (Fg) and Ddimer/fibrinogen (D/F) ratio in acute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after artificial joint replacement.Methods From August 2009 to December 2011,273 patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) underwent venography of lower extremity deep vein at 35 days postoperatively.According to results of angiography,all patients were divided into DVT group including 66 patients (15 males and 51 females,median age 66 years) and non-DVT group including 207 patients (70 males and 137 females,median age 63 years).Plasma levels of D-D and Fg were measured by immunoturbidimetry and solidification methods respectively preoperatively and at 3-5 days postoperatively.The differences of plasma levels of D-D and Fg and D/F ratio between the two groups were analyzed with statistical method.Furthermore,diagnostic value of postoperative plasma D-D and D/F ratio in acute DVT was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results There was no statistical significance in preoperative plasma levels of D-D and Fg,and postoperative plasma levels of Fg between two groups.However,the postoperative plasma levels of D-D and D/F ratio were higher in the DVT group than those in the nonDVT group,and there was significant difference between two groups.In addition,the ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve of postoperative plasma D-D and D/F ratio was 0.688 and 0.684,respectively,but this difference did not reach statistical significance.Conclusion Plasma Fg may be meaningless for the diagnosis of acute DVT after artificial joint replacement.Although plasma D-D and D/F ratio may be useful for diagnosing acute DVT,the diagnostic accuracy is low.

Objective To construct the prokaryotic expression vector of human procalcitonin(PCT) and obtain the highly purified recombinant PCT protein.Methods PCT primers were designed based on the sequence of PCT gene from NCBI,and PCT gene was amplified by PCR.Then,the recombinant vector PCT/pET-22b(+) was constructed and transferred into E.coli BL21 to induce the expression of recombinant PCT protein.Last,the recombinant PCT protein was purified by the nickel column affinity chromatography and identified by Western blot and the colloidal gold method,respectively.Results The results of agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the product of PCR amplification was about 350 bp.The homology comparison analysis revealed that the PCT gene fragment(348 bp) was successfully inserted into pTG19-T vector,and that no any base mutation was found.When the recombinant plasmid of PCT/pET-22b(+) was digested with BamH Ⅰ and HindⅢ,two pieces of about 350 bp and 5 500 bp were obtained.SDS-PAGE showed that the recombinant PCT protein with about 14 000 of Mr was existed in soluble form,and was easily obtained by the nickel column affinity chromatography.Moreover,western blot and the colloidal gold method demonstrated that the recombinant PCT protein was successfully expressed and contained histidine label(His-tag).Conclusion The recombinant vector PCT/pET-22b(+) is successfully constructed by the recombinant DNA technology,and the recombinant PCT fusion protein is successfully obtained by the nickel column affinity chromatography.

Proper chromosome separation in both mitosis and meiosis depends on the correct connection between kinetochores of chromosomes and spindle microtubules.Kinetochore dysfunction can lead to unequal distribution of chromosomes during cell division and result in aneuploidy,thus kinetochores are critical for faithful segregation of chromosomes.Centromere protein A (CENP-A) is an important component of the inner kinetochore·plate.Multiple studies in mitosis have found that deficiencies in CENP-A could result in structural and functional changes of kinetochores,leading to abnormal chromosome segregation,aneuploidy and apoptosis in cells.Here we report the expression and function of CENP-A during mouse oocyte meiosis.Our study found that microinjection of CENP-A blocking antibody resulted in errors of homologous chromosome segregation and caused aneuploidy in eggs.Thus,our findings provide evidence that CENP-A is critical for the faithful chromosome segregation during mammalian oocyte meiosis.

Objective To explore the diagnosis, treatment and pathogenesis of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods 260 patients with SCI accepted rectal diseases survey, anal examination and anus straight endoscopic. Those who had rectal ulcer also performed biopsy, and patients who had been diagnosed as SRUS were evaluated by the index of International bowel function basic SCI data set, then further accepted non-operative or surgical treatment, and regular reexamination with anal straight colonoscopy for clinical evaluation after discharge. Results and Conclusion Bowel dysfunction, constipation, and anal rectum prolapsed, improper uses of glycerine enema were important causes of SRUS after SCI. Non-operative therapy as well as strengthening defecate management could be an effective treatment for SRUS after SCI.

AIMTo explore the role of HO-1 in the exercise preconditioning protecting the rat myocardium from the relative myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (rI/R).

METHODS40 Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups randomly: control group (CN), relative ischemia/reperfusion group (IR), exercise preconditioning + relative ischemia-reperfusion group (EI), HO-1 revulsant group (HE) and exercise preconditioning + HO-1 inhibitor (EZ) group. We detected the cardiac function parameter--pressure-rate product (PRP), the levels of MDA in coronary effluent and the activity of HO-1.

RESULTSThe activities of HO-1 of EI group and HE group were higher significantly than the IR group. EZ group was lower than EI group. There was significant difference between EI group and HE group. The recovery rate of PRP in the 60 min point of reperfusion of EI group was higher significantly than IR group. EZ group was lower than EI group. There was significant difference between HE group and IR group in 30 min point of reperfusion. The levels of MDA in coronary effluent after rI/R of EI group, EZ group and HE group were lower significantly than IR group. There was significant difference between EI group and EZ group.

CONCLUSIONEP can activate the HO-1 which can ameliorate the rI/R injury occurred after 24 hours.

Animals ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) ; physiology ; Ischemic Preconditioning ; methods ; Male ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; prevention & control ; Physical Conditioning, Animal ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

AlM:To discuss the protective effect ofα-mangostin on retinal light damage in mice.METHODS:Totally 30 Balb/c mice, aged 6~8wk, were randomly divided into the control group, light-exposure group and α-mangostin group. Every group contained 10 mice. Mice of α-mangostin group were treated with alpha-mangostin at the dose of 30mg/( kg · d ) body weight by intragastric administration daily for 7d, and then exposed to white light at the 5th d. The light-exposure group and α-mangostin group were exposed to 5 000 ± 200lx white light-emmiting diodes (LEDs) for continuously 1h to establish the mice model of retinal light damage. Flash -electroretinograme was recorded 72h after light exposure. The changes in retinal morphology of mice were observed by light microscopy. Retinas were extracted to detect the malondialdhyde ( MDA ) content change of the retinal homogenate.RESULTS: Flash-electroretinogram ( F-ERG ) showed that retinal dysfunction was less severe in α-mangostin group than in light-exposure group ( P<0. 05 ). Light microscopy test showed that retina structural damage was less severe in α-mangostin group than in light-exposure group (P<0. 05). The level of MDA in retinal tissue of α-mangostin group was significantly lower when compared with light-exposure group (P<0. 05).CONCLUSlON: α-mangostin inhibits lipid peroxidation induced by light damage and protect retina against light damage.