0.05).There was a significant difference in the percentage of malignant calcified nodules between the patients of 45 years and older with those younger than 45 years(39.2% and 69.3%,respectively;P

Objective To study the effect of protopine (Pro) on the intracellular free calcium ions of the smooth muscular cells of the thoracic aorta in rats. Methods The procedure of calcium absence-calcium addition was designed to observe the changes of the level of calcium ions in the strips of the smooth muscle of the thoracic aorta indirectly. The concentration of calcium ions in the smooth muscle of the thoracic aorta was determined with Fura-2/AM loaded SMCs. The elevation of calcium ions was induced with norepinephrine (NE). The concentration of potassium ions was observed in the presence of Pro. Results Pro significantly inhibited the NE-induced transient contract of the smooth muscle of the thoracic aorta in calcium-free medium and long-lasting contraction after the addition of calcium ions in a concentration-dependent manner. In Fura-2/AM loaded SMCs, Pro (50 ?mol/L or 100 ?mol/L) exerted no effect on the resting calcium ions but obvious effect on the NE-induced and high potassium level-induced elevation of calcium ions. In the presence of extracellular calcium ions, Pro (50 ?mol/L) decreased the NE-induced elevation of calcium ions but showed no effect on potassium-induced elevation of calcium. Pro (100 ?mol/L) significantly decreased NE-induced and high potassium level-induced elevation of calcium ions. Conclusion Pro reduces NE-induced or high potassium level-induced elevation of calcium ions in the smooth muscle of the thoracic aorta through its effect on calcium release and/or calcium influx.

Objective To observe the effect of connect meridians inducing Yin from Yang on muscle-tension after cerebral infarction. Methods 82 patients with cerebral infarction in Second Hospital of Harbin from 2010 to 2014 were divided into observation group (n=41) and control group (n=41) according to hospitalization order. The observation group accepted acupuncture of connecting meridians inducing Yin from Yang, and the control group accepted the traditional acupuncture method for 2 weeks. The situation of spasticity, the motor limb function of limbs, and activities of daily living were evaluated with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Clinic Spasticity Index (CSI), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Barthel index (BI), respectively. Results Compared with the control group, the score of MAS decreased (t=2.212, P=0.030), the score of CSI decreased (t=2.514, P=0.014), the score of FMA increased (t=4.288, P<0.001), and the score of BI in-creased (t=2.970, P=0.004) in the observation group after treatment. Conclusion The acupuncture of connecting meridians inducing Yin from Yang can reduce the muscle-tension of limbs, improve the motor function and increase the activities of daily living.

Objective:To identify the signature of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) subtypes that may affect cytokine expres-sion between different outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients by analyzing the CD molecular expression profiles of non-cancerous hepatic tissues. Methods:Surface markers of TIL in noncancerous hepatic tissues from 146 HCC patients were determined by using immunohistochemical method and flow cytometry. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier method were used to analyze the association of their expression levels with tumor recurrence and survival. Results:More than 86.4%of TILs in patients were quiescent, as measured via CD4+or Foxp3 expression. Meanwhile, more than 90%of CD3+T cells ex-pressed CD8+. The proportion of T cells was low compared with CD8+T cells. The proportion of CD19 and CD20 in distant nontumor tissues almost was zero. The proportion of T cell subgroups isolated from HCC circulating whole blood did not show a significant shift compared with the normal control, as follows:CD4+T/CD8+T=1.167 ± 1.04, CD8+T/CD3+T=0.288 ± 0.116, and CD4+T/CD3+T=0.429 ± 0.178. The proportion of CD8+T cells in noncancerous hepatic tissues was higher than that in blood (P<0.001).Conclusion:TILs in HCC noncancerous hepatic tissues are increased and contain a subpopulation of CD3+CD8+T cells. CD8+T cells in cancerous tissues, rather than noncancerous tissues, show significant differences between different prognostic groups.

Endocardial Cushion Defects ; complications ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Lung ; abnormalities ; Lung Diseases ; complications ; congenital

OBJECTIVE: To set up a natural degeneration model of chondrocytes derived from endplate of intervertebral discs of rats in order to offer an appropriate carrier for the study on mechanism of intervertebral disc degeneration. METHODS: The method of enzyme digestion combined with natural subculture was used to set up the in vitro natural degeneration model of chondrocytes derived from the endplate of intervertebral disc of rats. The morphological appearances and microstructures of the chondrocytes of different generations were observed. The expression of collagen II in chondrocytes was detected by immunocytochemical method. RESULTS: The chondrocytes derived from the endplate of intervertebral disc expressed collagen II. After 13 days of culture, the chondrocytes of generation III showed that the ability of cell division descended, the nucleoli became unclear, the cells deformed obviously, fusiform shape with weak optical activity appeared, and the intercellular space was enlarged. There were vacuoles and lipid droplets in cytoplasm. The synthesis of collagen II, as well as the cell proliferation rate, descended notably. All results showed the natural degeneration process of the chondrocytes. CONCLUSION: The in vitro natural degeneration model of chondrocytes derived from endplate of intervertebral discs of rats was successfully established. This can offer the cytological basis for study on the mechanism of intervertebral disc degeneration.

Objective: To replace esophageal defects with artificially composed biodegradable materials and non-biodegradable materials. Met hods: A two-layered tube consisting of a collagen-chitosan sponge and an inner polyurethane stent was used to replace 5 cm esophageal segmental defect s in 15 dogs. The inner polyurethane stent was removed endoscopically at weekly intervals from 2 or 4 weeks. Results: Partial regeneration of es ophageal epithelia was observed in 5 dogs at week 2, and progressing constricti on occurred and the dogs became unable to swallow within 1 month. In the 10 dog s that the polyurethane stent was removed at week 4, regenerated esophageal tiss ue successfully replaced the defects, and complete epithelization was observed 1 month after surgery. Complete regeneration of esophageal mucosa structures, inc luding mucosal smooth muscle and mucosal glands were observed 3 months after surgery, and partial regeneration of esophageal muscle tissue was also observed 6 months after surgery. Conclusion: Our artificial prosthesis i n reconstruction of the cervical esophagus segment in dogs is feasible. Through temporary polyurethane tube, collagen-chitosan sponge provides a three-dimensi onal structure suitable for the regeneration and sufficient degradation time for the complete regeneration of esophagus.

Objective:To evaluate the role of miR-188-5p in oxygen-glucose deprivation and restoration (OGD/R) injury to mouse neuroblastoma (N2a) cells and its relationship with small ubiquitin-like modifier-specific proteases 3 (SENP3).Methods:N2a cells were cultured and divided into 5 groups ( n=23 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), OGD/R group, group NC, transfection of mir-188-5p agonist group (group M) and transfection of mir-188-5p inhibitor group group (group I). Cells in group C were cultured routinely.Cells in group NC, group M and group I were transfected with mir-188-5p negative control miRNA, agonist and inhibitor, respectively.N2a cells were subjected to OGD for 3 h followed by restoration of oxygen-glucose supply to establish the model of OGD/R injury.At 24 h of oxygen-glucose restoration, the cell viability was recorded by the cell counting kit-8 assay, the amount of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) released was detected, the expression of miR-188-5p and SENP3 mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and SENP3 expression was determined by Western blot.The targeting relationship between miR-188-5p and SENP3 mRNA was detected using dual luciferase reporter assay. Results:Compared with group C, the cell viability was significantly decreased, amount of LDH released was increased, and expression of SENP3 and its mRNA was up-regulated in the other 4 groups, miR-188-5p expression was down-regulated in OGD/R and I groups, and miR-188-5p expression was up-regulated in group M ( P<0.05 or 0.01). Compared with group OGD/R, the cell viability was significantly decreased, amount of LDH released was increased, and expression of SENP3 and its mRNA was up-regulated, and miR-188-5p expression was down-regulated in group I, and the cell viability was increased, amount of LDH released was decreased, expression of SENP3 and its mRNA was down-regulated, and miR-188-5p expression was up-regulated in group M ( P<0.05 or 0.01). The dual luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-188-5p could act directly on SENP3. Conclusion:miR-188-5p is involved in OGD/R injury, which is associated with targeted down-regulation of SENP3 expression in N2a cells.

Objective To investigate the effect of maternal deprivation (MD) on neurobehavior and PP1Cγgene expression in hippocampus. Methods Male pups were randomly divided into MD group(thirty-five)and control group(twenty-four). From PND 1 to PND 21 ,pups in the MD groups underwent daily maternal deprivation for 3 h ( Postnatal day). Neurobehavior was observed to investigate neurodevelopment, Morris water maze was used to measure spatial learning and memory,and Real-Time quantitative PCR was employed to analyze PP1Cγ gene expression. Results Several significant deficiencies were observed in bodyweight and grasping reflex while a great enhancement in hot-plate test in rat pups suffering from MD( (26.23 ± 2.81 )g vs. (30. 38 ± 3.85 )g;( 19.37 ± 11.89) s vs. (22.39 ± 17.62 ) s; (4.36 ± 1.76 ) s vs. ( 5.26 ± 2.55 ) s; P ＜ 0. 05 ), but deficiencies in neurological reflexes were subtle ( ( 0.83 ±- 0.30 ) s vs. ( 0. 83 ± 0. 34 ) s; ( 3.68 ± 1.63 ) s vs. ( 5.61 ± 3. 01 ) s;( 3.00 ± 0.00 ) vs. ( 3.00 ± 0. 00); P ＞ 0. 05 ). MD had a subtle influence on spatial learning and memory (P ＞0.05). Meanwhile,MD could lead to PP1Cγ expression down-regulation on PND 22 ( (2.19 ±0.62) vs. (3.52 ±0.86), P＜0. 05)which was in line with early neurobehavior results. No difference was found compared with MD group and control group on PND60 ( ( 1.73 ± 0. 78 ) vs. ( 1.33 ± 0. 34); P ＞ 0.05 ). However, there was the up-regulation of PP1Cγexpression on PND 90 ( (2.85 ± 0. 34) vs. ( 1.34 ± 0.93 ); P ＜ 0.05 ). Conclusion MD alters early neurobehavior and hippocampal PP1Cγgene expression in the Wistar rats,but has a subtle effect on learning and memory. At the same time,MD can make PP1Cγexpression in the hippocampus varying with the age.

Aim To study the protective effects of Rhynchophyll a of total alkaloids ( RTA ) on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and the possi ble mechanism of action. Methods The effects of RTA on decapit ated gasping model and model of middle cerebral artery ischemia 2 h/reperfusion 22 h were observed. The neurological scores, cerebral infarct volume and cerebr al water content after ischemia/reperfusion were observed in rats respectively. The activities of NOS and SOD and the content of MDA in rat's brain tissue were measured. Neuron apoptosis in ischemia penumbral area were detected by terminal depoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling ( TUNEL ) . Results The average gasping times in mice treated with RTA 50 , 75 mg?kg -1 was significantly prolonged. The cerebral infarct volume and cerebral water content in rats treated with RTA 40, 60 mg?kg -1 were sign ificantly decreased in ischemic rats. RTA 40, 60 mg?kg -1 increased the ac tivity of SOD ,and decreased the activity of NOS and the content of MDA in the i schemic brains of rats. The number of apoptotic neurons in ischemia penumbral ar ea of cerebral tissue of rats treated with RTA 40, 60 mg?kg -1 was signif icantly lower than that in control rats. Conclusions RTA has pr otective effect on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury; this may be related to inhibit the activity of NOS and lipoperoxidation, and increasing the activity of SOD and decreasing neuron apoptosis.