To investigate the characteristics of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BK(Ca)) and the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on BK(Ca) in guinea-pig proximal colon smooth muscle cells, single smooth muscle cells of guinea-pig colon were enzymatically isolated in low calcium solution containing papain (3 mg/mL), DTT (2 mg/mL), and bovine serum albumin (BSA, 2 mg/mL). Tissues were incubated at 36 degrees C in enzyme solution for 15 min and were then suspended in enzyme-free low calcium solution. Inside-out single channel recording technique was used to record BK(Ca) current. The intracellular (bath) and microelectrode solution both contained symmetrical high potassium. The BK(Ca) in guinea-pig colon smooth muscle cell possesses: 1) voltage-dependence, 2) high selectivity for potassium ion, 3) large conductance (223.7 pS+/-9.2 pS), 4) dependence of [Ca(2+)](i). Intracellular application of H2O2 decreased the open probability (P(o)) of BK(Ca) at low concentration ( Animals ; Colon ; cytology ; Guinea Pigs ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; pharmacology ; Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels ; physiology ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; physiology ; Oxidation-Reduction

Ten compounds were isolated from the aerial part of Solanum rostratum by means of various chromatographic techniques such as silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS and preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified as dioscin (1), hypoglaucin H (2), hyperin (3), isoquercitrin (4), isorhamnetin-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (5), kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-glucoside (6), smilaxchinoside A (7), 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3beta, 20alpha,26-triol-25 (R) -delta5,22-dienofurostan-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 2) -[ alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 4)] -beta-D-glucopyranoside (8), beta-sitosterol (9), and daucosterol (10), on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectroscopic data analysis. Among them ,compounds 7 and 8 were isolated from the genus Solanum for the first time, and the remaining compounds were obtained from this plant for the first time.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Molecular Structure ; Solanum ; chemistry ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of transplantation of marrow multi- function stem ceils in treating femoral head necrosis.Methods Sixty japanese rabbits were divided into A,B and C groups randomly.After creation of the models of hormone induced necrosis of femoral head;A group was designated as the treatment,B as the control and C as the normal groups.The bone marrow of A group was extracted and isolated and then injected into the left femoral head and the right femoral head was decompressed by drilling only.The rabbits were killed at 8 weeks after the treatment and changes in various parameters were observed,including imaging data of molybdenum target films,CT and MRI;routine pathology with HE staining and ultrastructural alteration by election microscopy.Results Eight weeks after the treatment of transplantation of marrow multifunction stem cells,the X-ray showed only a little change but the typical appearances were revealed by CT and MRI.Pathohistologic manifestation demonstrated decrease of empty bone lacuna,increase of osteoblast and new bone formation.Election microscopy displayed abundant organelles in osteoblasts with few empty bone lacuna,in addition the tansplantation of marrow multifunction stem cells could obtain better reconstraction for the involved femoral head.Conclusions The treatment of transplantation of marrow muhifunction stem cells in femoral head necrosis could accelerate the process of repairing,worthy to be acknowledged as a good and valuable management in rabbits.(J Intervent Radial,2007,16:122-126)

Objective: To observe the therapeutic efficacy of acupoint application at different groups of acupoints in treating bronchial asthma in remission stage. Methods:A total of 120 patients with bronchial asthma in remission stage were recruited and divided by the random number table method into acupoint application group 1, acupoint application group 2 and acupoint application group 3, with 40 cases in each group. In all the three groups, Tiantu (CV 22), Dazhui (GV 14) and Feishu (BL 13) were selected, with Dingchuan (EX-B 1) added in acupoint application group 1, Shenshu (BL 23) added in acupoint application group 2, and Gaohuang (BL 43) added in acupoint application group 3. Before intervention, one month and 3 months after intervention, clinical symptoms, peak expiratory flow (PEF) andforced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage of predicted value (FEV1％) of the three groups were observed, and their clinical efficacies were evaluated. Results: Comparing the therapeutic efficacy regarding traditional Chinese medicine symptoms and signs, after 1-month treatment, the total effective rate was 87.5％ in acupoint application group 1, versus 62.5％ in acupoint application group 2 and 55.0％ in acupoint application group 3, and the between-group differences were statistically significant. After 3-month treatment, the total effective rate was 95.0％ in acupoint application group 1, versus 70.0％ in acupoint application group 2 and 65.0％ in acupoint application group 3, and the between-group differences were statistically significant. After intervention, the three groups all showed significant improvements in pulmonary function with statistical significance; among the three groups, the improvement in acupoint application group 1 was more significant than that in the other two groups. Conclusion: Tiantu (CV 22), Dazhui (GV 14) and Feishu (BL 13) as basic prescription plus Dingchuan (EX-B 1) can improve symptoms of bronchial asthma in remission stage, and it works better in improving pulmonary function than the basic prescription plus Shenshu (BL 23) or Gaohuang (BL 43).

Objective To evaluate the effects of TENS on metatarsus plantar flexion and inversion in stroke patients,and to explore its mechanism.Methods Thirty-two stroke patients with gastrocnemius spasticity were randomly divided into a control group (n=16) and a TENS group (n=16).All patients were treated with foot sup- ports,neurodevelopmental and manipulation therapies.In addition,the TENS group received TENS on the anterior tibialis,peroneus longus and brevis muscles.All patients were assessed in terms of their Chinese stroke scale(CSS) and H reflex scores before and after therapy.Results Compared with those in the control group,the H reflex scores in the TENS group were obviously decreased,while H reflex latency was prolonged and H/M was reduced. Gait in the TENS group was evidently improved.Conclusion TENS is an effective therapy to decrease gastrocnemi- us spasticity and to improve the gait of stroke patients.

Objective: This is a review of our cases and published literature on cheiro-oral syndrome (COS), to better understand its localization, etiology and outcome. Methods: In addition to our database, we reviewed the medical database (including PUBMED, BIOSIS, EMBASE, and SCOPUS) and other sources, searched by the keyword of “cheiro-oral”. The defi nition of COS was a subjective or an objective sensory disturbance confi ned to the perioral area and the fi nger(s)/hand without a detectable abnormality in mental, motor or cerebellar function. Only cases of COS where the clinicoanatomic correlation could be identifi ed by neuroimaging study, autopsy or stereotatic surgery was included. Results: There were a total of 174 patients; 85 patients from our database, 76 patients from medical database, and 13 patients from other sources. They were 111 men and 63 women. Their age ranged from 12 to 85 years; average being 58.2 years. Stroke is the leading etiology and constituted 74% of the patients. The most common location of lesion was thalamus, followed by pons and cortex. Classical unilateral COS was seen in 81% of patients, atypical COS in 19%. Whereas the lesions were from cortex to cervical spinal cord in unilateral COS, atypical COS was associated with lesions in pons or medulla oblongata. An early deterioration was seen in 16.5% of patients, especially in large cortical infarction and subdural hemorrhage. Structural lesions were found in 85% of patients. Conclusion: Classical unilateral COS do not have a high localizing value, the atypical COS is associated with lesion in pons or medulla.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of quercetin on colon contractility and voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels in the single smooth muscle cell isolated from the proximal colon of guinea-pig and to clarify whether its effect on L-type Ca(2+) current (I(Ca,L)) would be related to its myorelaxing properties. Colon smooth muscle strips were used to take contractile tension recordings. Smooth muscle cells were freshly isolated from the proximal colon of guinea-pig by means of papain treatment. I(Ba,L) (barium instead of calcium as current carrier) was measured by using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. The results showed that quercetin relaxed colon muscle strips in a concentration-dependent manner and antagonized the contractile effect of acetylcholine and neostigmine. Preincubation with indomethcin [cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor] and methylene blue [guanylate cyclase (GC) inhibitor] significantly attenuated the relaxing effect of quercetin, respectively. Quercetin increased I(Ba,L) in a concentration- [EC(50)= (7.59+/-0.38) mumol/L] and voltage-dependent pattern, and shifted the maximum of the current-voltage curve by 10 mV in the depolarizing direction without modifying the threshold potential for Ca(2+) influx. Quercetin shifted the steady-state inactivation curve toward more positive potentials by approximately 3.75 mV without affecting the slope of activation and inactivation curve. H-89 (PKA inhibitor) abolished quercetin-induced I(Ba,L) increase, while cAMP enhanced the quercetin-induced I(Ba,L) increase. The patch-clamp results proved that quercetin increased I(Ba,L) via PKA pathway. It is therefore suggested that the relaxing effect of quercetin attributes to the interaction of GC and COX stimulation, as well as the antagonism effect on acetylcholine, which hierarchically prevails over the increase in the Ca(2+) influx to be expected from I(Ca,L) stimulation.
Animals ; Calcium Channels, L-Type ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Colon ; drug effects ; Guinea Pigs ; Muscle Contraction ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; drug effects ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Quercetin ; pharmacology

BACKGROUNDHigh peritoneal transport status was previously thought to be a poor prognostic factor in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. However, its effect on diabetic nephropathy PD patients is unclear in consideration of the adverse impact of diabetes itself. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of peritoneal transport characteristics on nutritional status and clinical outcome in diabetic nephropathy patients on PD.

METHODSOne hundred and two diabetic nephropathy patients on PD were enrolled in this observational cohort study. According to the initial peritoneal equilibration test result, patients were divided into two groups: Higher transport group (HT, including high and high average transport) and lower transport group (LT, including low and low-average transport). Demographic characteristics, biochemical data, dialysis adequacy, and nutritional status were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were compared. Risk factors for death-censored technique failure and mortality were analyzed.

RESULTSCompared with LT group (n = 37), serum albumin was significantly lower and the incidence of malnutrition by subjective global assessment was significantly higher in HT group (n = 65) (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that death-censored technique failure and mortality were significantly increased in HT group compared with that in LT group. On multivariate Cox analyses, higher peritoneal transport status and lower residual renal function (RRF) were independent predictors of death-censored technique failure when adjusted for serum albumin and total weekly urea clearance (Kt/V). Independent predictors of mortality were advanced age, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and lower RRF, but not higher peritoneal transport status.

CONCLUSIONSHigher peritoneal transport status has an adverse influence on nutrition for diabetic nephropathy patients on PD. Higher peritoneal transport status is a significant independent risk factor for death-censored technique failure, but not for mortality in diabetic nephropathy patients on PD.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biological Transport ; Cohort Studies ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; metabolism ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nutritional Status ; Peritoneal Dialysis

HLA genes constitute a highly polymorphic multigene system. In the present study, HLA-B oligonucleotide chips were manufactured by using a set of sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes derived from polymorphic regions in exon 2 and exon 3 of HLA-B gene spotted by microarrayer onto the aldehyde modified glass slides. In addition, the sequenced HLA-B gene clones used as standard samples were amplified from exon 2 and exon 3 by PCR. Together with the correct hybridization and wash conditions, the PCR products were bound with the array probes on the chip, and the hybridization patterns were transformed to HLA-B genotypes. The results showed that the genotypes of standard samples by the HLA-B oligonucleotide chips were completely identical with the sequenced clones. In conclusion, the oligonucleotide chip method presented here for HLA-B genotyping is a rapid, accurate, sensitive and attractive high throughput biochemical way.
Genotype ; HLA-B Antigens ; classification ; genetics ; Humans ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

BACKGROUNDSuccessful treatment of gliomas in or adjacent to language areas constitutes a major challenge to neurosurgery. The present study was performed to evaluate the procedure of language mapping via intraoperative direct cortical electrical stimulation under awake anaesthesia when performed prior to resective glioma surgery.

METHODSThirty patients with gliomas and left-hemisphere dominance and, who underwent language mapping via intraoperative direct cortical electrical stimulation under awake anaesthesia before resective glioma surgery, were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had tumors in or adjacent to cortical language areas. The brain lesions were removed according to anatomic-functional boundaries with preservation of areas of language function. Both preoperative and postoperative functional findings were evaluated.

RESULTSIntraoperative language areas were detected in 20 patients but not in four patients. Language mapping failure for reasons attributable to the anaesthesia or to an intraoperative increase in intracranial pressure occurred in six cases. Seven patients presented with moderate or severe language deficits after six months of follow-up. Total resection was achieved in 14 cases, near-total resection in 12 cases and subtotal resection in four cases.

CONCLUSIONSIntraoperative cortical electrical stimulation is an accurate and safe approach to identification of the language cortex. Awake craniotomy intraoperative cortical electrical stimulation, in combination with presurgical neurological functional imaging to identify the anatomic-functional boundaries of tumor resection, permits extensive tumor excision while preserving normal language function and minimizing the risk of postoperative language deficits.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain Mapping ; Brain Neoplasms ; surgery ; Cerebrum ; surgery ; Female ; Glioma ; surgery ; Humans ; Language ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neurosurgical Procedures ; methods ; Retrospective Studies