Brain Abscess ; physiopathology ; Humans

A comparable study were carried out by determination of trace elements on five marine-derived shell traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (Ostreae Concha, Haliotidis Concha, Margaritifera Concha, Meretricis Concha, and Arcae Concha), which were recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010 version). Seven trace elements in 51 batches of this type of shell TCM were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), combined with principal component analysis (PCA) methods. The content of element Se, which exhibited significant differences among different drugs, could be used as a key element to distinguish this type of drugs. Meanwhile, the contents of elements Co, Cu, Mo, and Ba in Haliotidis Concha, Co and As in Margaritifera Concha, Mo and As in Meretricis Concha, Mo, As, and Ba in Arcae Concha, and Zn in Meretricis Concha were relatively stable. In the PCA plot, Arcae Concha and Meretricis Concha could be efficiently distinguished from Ostreae Concha together with Haliotidis Concha, and Margaritifera Concha. The results also showed a correlation with their medicinal function. In conclusion, trace elements in marine-derived shell TCM could not be neglected for their quality control.
Animal Shells ; chemistry ; Animals ; Aquatic Organisms ; chemistry ; Bivalvia ; chemistry ; Mass Spectrometry ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Trace Elements ; analysis

Objective To investigate the effects of the interaction between human hepatoma cells and hepatic stellate cells on their growth state,and study its role of interaction on the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods Human hepatoma cell line HepG2 and hepatic stellate cell line hepatic stallate cells (HSC)-T6 were used and the methods including methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay,flow cytometry (FCM) analysis,immunohistochemistry,and electron microscopy were employed in this experiment.The effects of conditioned medium (CM) of HepG2 on the activation and proliferation of HSC were explored.The effects of activated HSC CM on HepG2 proliferation were investigated.The uhrastructural changes of the two co-cultured cells were observed.Results MTT assay result showed that HepG2/HSC CM could promote HSC/HepG2 proliferation.FCM result demonstrated that HepG2/HSC CM could influence the cell cycle distribution in HSC/HepG2.Immunohistochemistry exhibited that after the treatment of HepG2/HSC CM,the expression ofα-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in HSC and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in HepG2 were increased.When HepG2 and HSC were co-cultured,the ultrastructure of HSC displayed an activated feature.Conclusions HepG2 cells can induce the activation and proliferation of HSC,and the activated HSC can also stimulate the proliferation of HepG2.Interaction between hepatoma cells and hepatic stellate cells may play an important role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUNDThere are few effective methods for treating injuries to the lower trunk of brachial plexus, and the curative effect is usually poor. The purpose of this study was to provide anatomic references for transferring the brachialis muscle branch of musculocutaneous nerve (BMBMCN) for selective neurotization of finger flexion in brachial plexus lower trunk injury, and to evaluate its clinical curative effects.

METHODSMicroanatomy and measurement were done on 50 limbs from 25 adult human cadavers to observe the origin, branch, type of the BMBMCN and median nerve, as well as their adjacent structures. Internal topographic features of the fascicular groups of the median nerve at the level of the BMBMCN were observed. In addition, the technique of BMBMCN transfer for selective neurotization of finger flexion of the median nerve was designed and tested in 6 fresh adult human cadavers. Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) staining of the BMBMCN and median nerve was done to observe the features of the nerve fibers. This technique was clinically tried to restore digital flexion in 6 cases of adult brachial plexus lower trunk injury. These cases were followed up for 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively. Recovery of function, grip strength, nerve electrophysiology and muscle power of the affected limbs were observed and measured.

RESULTSThe brachialis muscle was totally innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN). Based on the Hunter's line, the level of the origin of the BMBMCN was (13.18 +/- 2.77) cm. AchE histochemical staining indicated that the BMBMCN were totally made up of medullated nerve fibers. At the level of the BMBMCN, the median nerve consistently collected into three fascicular groups as shown by microanatomy in combination with AchE stain. The posterior fascicular group was mainly composed of anterior interosseous nerves and branches to the palmaris longus. The technique was tested in six fresh cadavers successfully, except that stoma split occurred in one case. Five of the six cases recovered digital flexion 12 months after operation, and at the same time grip strength, muscle power, and nerve electrophysiology also recovered markedly.

CONCLUSIONSThe technique of transferring the BMBMCN for selective neurotization of finger flexion is anatomically safe and effective, with satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Acetylcholinesterase ; analysis ; Adult ; Brachial Plexus ; anatomy & histology ; injuries ; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies ; surgery ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Musculocutaneous Nerve ; transplantation ; Nerve Transfer ; methods ; Retrospective Studies

The identification of five marine-derived shell traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia were studied. Using near infrared technology (NIR) combined with principal component analysis (PCA) methods, Ostreae Concha, Haliotidis Concha, and Margaritifera Concha could be efficiently distinguished from Meretricis Concha together with Arcae Concha. In the first principal components, Ostreae Concha exhibited obvious differences with high loadings in 4 236, 5 263, 7 142 cm(-1) concerning to the contents of CaCO3 and H2O in the samples. Arcae Concha and Meretricis Concha displayed significant differences with others in the second principal components, which can be illustrated by high loadings in 5 000 -4 430 cm(-1) areas. It is indicated that the second principal components might be related to organics which contained NH and CH groups, for example proteins. Meanwhile, our data showed a correlation between the function of these shell TCM and their distribution in the PCA plot. These results suggested that organic components in marine-derived shell TCM could not be neglected for their quality control.
Animal Shells ; chemistry ; Animals ; Calcium Carbonate ; analysis ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Mollusca ; chemistry ; classification ; Principal Component Analysis ; Seawater ; Species Specificity ; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared ; methods

BACKGROUNDIn recent years, transfer of the spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve has become a routine procedure for restoration of shoulder abduction. However, the operation via the traditional supraclavicular anterior approach often leads to partial denervation of the trapezius muscle. The purpose of the study was to introduce transfer of the spinal accessory nerve through dorsal approach, using distal branch of the spinal accessory nerve, to repair the suprascapular nerve for restoration of shoulder abduction, and to observe its therapeutic effect.

METHODSFrom January to October 2003, a total of 11 patients with a brachial plexus injury and an intact or nearly intact spinal accessory nerve were treated by transferring the spinal accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve through dorsal approach. The patients were followed up for 18 to 26 months [mean (23.5 +/- 5.2) months] to evaluate their shoulder abduction and function of the trapezius muscle. The outcomes were compared with those of 26 patients treated with traditional anterior approach. And the data were analyzed by Student's t test using SPSS 10.5.

RESULTSIn the 11 patients, the spinal accessory nerves were transferred to the suprascapular nerve through the dorsal approach successfully. Intact function of the upper trapezius was achieved in all of them. In the patients, the location of the two nerves was relatively stable at the level of superior margin of the scapula, the mean distance between them was (4.2 +/- 1.4) cm, both the nerves could be easily dissected and end-to-end anastomosed without any tension. During the follow-up, the first electrophysiological sign of recovery of the infraspinatus appeared at (6.8 +/- 2.7) months and the first sign of restoration of the shoulder abduction at (7.6 +/- 2.9) months after the operation, which were earlier than that after the traditional operation [(8.7 +/- 2.4) months and (9.9 +/- 2.8) months, respectively; P < 0.05]. The postoperative shoulder abduction was 62.8 degrees +/- 12.6 degrees after transfer of the spinal accessory nerve, better than that after the traditional (51.6 degrees +/- 15.7 degrees). All the 11 patients could extend and externally rotate the shoulder almost normally.

CONCLUSIONSThe accessory nerve transfer through dorsal approach is a safe and reliable procedure for the treatment of brachial plexus injury. Its postoperative effect is confirmed, which is better than that of the traditional operation.

Accessory Nerve ; surgery ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Brachial Plexus ; injuries ; Humans ; Male ; Nerve Transfer ; methods ; Shoulder Joint ; innervation ; physiology

The purpose of this study is to determine if paeonol can protect hippocampal neurons against injury due to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) injury. The rat neurons were cultured in an OGD environment and the model of OGD injury was established. Paeonol and MK-801, a positive control drug, were added before deprivation. Neuron viability was measured by the reduction of MTT; glutamate was analyzed by amino acid analyzer; binding activity of NMDA receptor was evaluated by liquid scintillation counting and the expression of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit mRNA was semiquantitatively determined by RT-PCR. Compared with OGD injury group, paeonol treatment obviously increased cell survival rate and reduced the binding activity of NMDA receptors and the release of glutamate; and down-regulating the expression of NR1 subunit. These results suggest that paeonol may exhibit its protective effect against OGD injury by the action on NMDA receptor of rats.
Acetophenones ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Dizocilpine Maleate ; pharmacology ; Glucose ; deficiency ; Glutamic Acid ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; cytology ; Neurons ; cytology ; Neuroprotective Agents ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Paeonia ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Protein Binding ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the characteristicF-FDG PET/CT findings in patients with primary intestinal lymphoma (PIL).

METHODSWe collected the clinical andF-FDG PET/CT data of 23 patients with PIL who underwentF-FDG PET/CT in our center between January, 2005 and January, 2016. The location, morphologies and metabolic features of the lesions were analyzed in these patients.

RESULTSIn the 23 PIL patients, diffusive large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and enteropathy- associated T cell lymphoma (EATL) were the primary histopathological types, accounting for 47.8% and 43.4% of the total patients, respectively. The ileum, ileocecus and ascending colon were the most commonly compromised locations (57.0%). All the 42 intestinal lesions showedF-FDG-avid foci with a mean SUVmax of 15.2∓8.1 (range 3.6-33.7), and no significant difference was found in SUVmax between DLBCL and EATL groups (t=1.851, P=0.073). Diffusive regular or irregular intestinal wall thickening was the primary CT finding in PIL lesions without significant difference between the two groups (χ=0.426, P=0.514). The aneurismal sign was found in 26.2% (11/42) lesions, more commonly seen in the patients with DLBCL than in those with EATL (χ=8.101, P=0.004). PET/CT detected abdominal lymph node involvement of lymphoma was detected in 56.5% of the patients, and a small quantity of asites was seen in 30.4% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONPIL presents with characteristic imaging features inF-FDG PET/CT.F-FDG PET/CT is a sensitive imaging modality for detecting inter- and extra-intestinal lesions of PIL and displays characteristic imaging features of the disease.

Objective To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of percutaneous interventional therapy in pediatric patients with secundum atrial septal defect(ASD).Methods Clinical data of 40 patients(age≤2 years)with secundum atrial septal defect treated in our hospital from February 2014 to December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 13 males and 27 females in these patients.Ultrasound of heart showed that there were 37 patients with single ASD,3 patients with multiple ASDs.One associated with pulmonary stenosis(PS),and 1 associated with patent ductus arteriosus.There were 6 patients with pulmonary hypertension, and the diameter of ASD was (10.6 ± 2.0) mm. All patients were proved to have secundum atrial septal defect before intervention.In the intervention,the transport system was delivered along the femoral vein,inferior vena cava and right atrium through atrial septal defect to the left atrium,and the occluder was released there. Results Of the 40 patients, 38 cases were successfully implanted, and the other two patients were not satisfied with the location of occlusion.The diameter of the ASD occluder was(12.0±2.1)mm and the transport sheath 7-9 F.Plug2 occluder was implanted in the patient with patent ductus arteriosus.To the patient with PS,pulmonary valve balloon angioplasty was performed,and then the pressure gradient reduced obviously, after that ASD occlusion was performed. The total follow up period was from 2 months to 3 years.No residual shunt and unsatisfactory device position were found during the follow up period.The pulmonary pressure reduced to normal,and the right atrium and right ventricle were smaller in a different degree. All patients had no arrhythmia and other complications.Conclusion Transcatheter closure of ASD is safe,reliable,and has fewer complications.It is worthy of popularization and application.Appropriate occluder should be selected according to the size and edge of ASD to reduce complications,such as residual shunt and valve injury.

OBJECTIVETo discuss the failure reasons of operation for spinal tuberculosis complicated with paraplegia and methods of the second operation.

METHODSSpinal tuberculosis paraplegic patients (18 males, 14 females) were reviewed retrospectively. They have been treated with failing decompressive surgery from January 2001 to December 2006. Seventeen patients received anterior debridement surgery via transpleural approach while the other 15 patients received posterolateral decompression surgery via costotransverse approach. Twenty-two patients got chemotherapy after the surgery.

RESULTSTwenty-three patients were treated by anterior debridement, decompression and graft placement via transpleural approach (9 received the single-stage posterior instrumentation). Five patients received posterolateral debridement and decompression via extrapleural approach. Two patients, recur focus be eliminated. Two patients were given sinus debridement surgery alone. All patients were given anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. The paraplegia was recovered completely in 26 patients, and partly in 5 patients.

CONCLUSIONSInadequate treatment results in defeated operative. The proper selection of operative modalities and timing on the basis of systematically anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy remains the best mode of therapy for spinal tuberculosis complicated with paraplegia. And it is also essential to choose a radical debridement surgery to decompress the spinal cord and to reconstruct the stability of spine.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paraplegia ; complications ; Reoperation ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Failure ; Tuberculosis, Spinal ; complications ; drug therapy ; surgery