Objective To explore the function and significance of caudal type homeobox transcription factor-2 (CDX)-2,heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4) of esophageal stromal tissues in the pathogenesis of Barrett's esophagus (BE).Methods A total of 116 patients were divided into groups according to gastroscopic finds and hematoxylin-eosin (H &E) staining of biopsy samples.They were divided into control group (n=29),RE group (n=32),BE group (n=35),RE treatment group (n=10) and BE treatment group (n=10).The expression of CDX 2,HB-EGF and BMP-4 in different esophageal mucosal lesions was detected by immunohistochemical staining and the changes of positive expression levels of CDX-2,HBEGF and BMP 4 were compared among groups.Variance analysis and chi-square analysis were performed to analyze the correlation among the three factors.Results The CDX-2 positive cell number of control group ((0.0±0.0)/high power field(HPF)),RE group ((43.1±10.6)/HPF),and BE group ((67.8±11.3)/HPF) increased in turn,and the differences among three groups were statistically significant (F=67.664,P＜0.01).The HBEGF positive ((6.4±1.4)/HPF,(39.4±13.5)/HPF,(55.8±13.9)/HPF) and BMP 4 positive ((0.0±0.0)/HPF,(22.6±6.4)/HPF and ((25.1± 10.3)/HPF) cell number of three groups had the same trend and the differences among three groups were statistically significant (F HB-EGF =22.925,FBMP-4 =10.463,both P＜0.01).Except the expression of BMP-4 between RE group and BE group,there were significant differences between every other two groups (LSD test,all P＜ 0.01).The expression of CDX 2,HB EGF,BMP-4 in RE treatment group ((21.7±1.7)/HPF,(16.6±5.0)/HPF and (9.2±1.0)/HPF) and BE treatment group ((51.4±8.7)/HPF,(31.0± 10.4)/HPF and (12.7±3.9)/HPF) were lower than those in RE group and BE group respectively,the differences were also statistically significant (LSD test,all P＜0.05).In RE group,the positive rate of CDX-2 (31.2％ (10/32)) was significantly lower than that of HBEGF and BMP4 (62.5％ (20/32) and 56.2％(18/32)),and the differences were statistically significant (x2=6.275 and 4.063,both P＜0.05).However in BE group,there was no statistically significant difference in the positive rate among CDX-2(85.7％(30/35)),HB-EGF (88.6％(31/35)) and BMP-4 (74.3％(26/35),all P＞0.05).Conclusions CDX-2,HB-EGF and BMP-4 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of RE and BE.HB-EGF and BMP-4 may be involved in the early episodes of BE genesis and have promotion effects on CDX-2 expression.HB-EGF and BMP-4 may be the new target in the research and treatment of BE.

OBJECTIVETo study the anti-angiogenesis effect and toxicity of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) plus cinobufacin on transplanted human hepatocarcinoma in nude mice, and the acting mechanism of the treatment was explored as well.

METHODSHuman hepatocarcinoma was transplanted in nude mouse, and the modeled mice were divided at random into 4 groups, 8 in each group. They were treated respectively with normal saline (GA), 2.5 mg/kg As2O3 (GB), 5 mL/kg cinobufacin (GC) and 2.5 mg/kg As2O3 + 5 mL/kg cinobufacin (GD), by intraperitoneal injection for 21 days. The anti-tumor effects was evaluated by estimating general condition of nude mice, tumor size, microvessel density(MVD) level. Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in tumor, in tumor tissue of mice as well as pathology of tumor were detected by immunohistochemistry assay, optical microscope, transmission electron microscope (TEM), respectively. Moreover, blood routine and pathological examinations of liver and kidney were performed.

RESULTSThe tumor weight and volume were 0.65 +/- 0.25 g and 0.44 +/- 0.14 cm3 in GB, 0.70 +/- 0.27 g and 0.46 +/- 0.19 cm3 in GC, 0.42 +/- 0.16 g and 0.26 +/- 0.11 cm3 in GD, all significantly lower than those in GA (1.06 +/- 0.25 g and 0.67 +/- 0.17 cm3, P < 0.05). The coefficient of drug interaction (CDI) on tumor weight was 0.97 and that on tumor size was 0.86, all less than 1, showing the synergistic action between the two drugs. Expressions of VEGF and EGFR in tumor as well as the MVD were decreased in GB and GC, and the decreasing of these indices were even more significant in GD. Pathologic examination showed the growth of tumor in GB, GC and GD were all inhibited significantly. No obvious toxicity of the treatments to the hepatic, renal and hematopoietic systems in the nude mice was observed.

CONCLUSIONSAs2O3 and cinobufacini showed synergistic action in inhibiting human hepatocarcinoma in nude mice and the angiogenesis in tumor. Combined use of the two had no obvious toxicity to the hepatic, renal and hematopoietic systems.

Amphibian Venoms ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Arsenicals ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; blood supply ; drug therapy ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drug Synergism ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; blood supply ; drug therapy ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; drug therapy ; Oxides ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Phytotherapy ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Objective To observe the effect of carvedilol on the expression of Cx43 in rabbits with myocardial infarction and its association with ventricular arrhythmia.Method Thirty-six rabbits were randomly divided into three groups in equal number(n=12),namely,myocardial infarction(MI)group,carvedilol group and sham MI group.Rabbits of carvedilol group were administered with carvedilol 5 mg kg~(-1)?d~(-1)after MI induced,while no carvedilol was administered to the MI group.The following observations were made:(1)Cx43 density of the epicardial border zone measured by quantitative immnuoconfocal laser scanning,and(2)cx43 protein expression analyzed by western blot.Results(1)Under immunoconfocal laser microscope,the relative density of Cx43 was(0.16?0.06)% in the infarction group and was(0.32?0.11)% in the sham MI group [(0.68?0.15)%,both P

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the initial force system of "rocking-chair archwire" on every tooth.

METHODSThree-dimensional finite element model of "rocking-chair archwire" was set up, and nonlinear method was used to analyze the force system.

RESULTSThe archwire exerted intruding force, labial force, lingual-root torque and mesial-labial moment on incisors; Extruding force, lingual-root torque and mesial-labial moment were applied on canines and premolars; The archwire also created intruding force, buccal force, buccal-root torque and mesial-labial moment on molars.

CONCLUSIONS"rocking-chair archwire" produced a complicated force system. While intruding incisors, molars and extruding premolars. It has a tendency to induce tooth rotation and tipping.

Dental Stress Analysis ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Malocclusion ; therapy ; Orthodontic Appliance Design ; Orthodontic Wires ; Orthodontics, Corrective ; methods

BACKGROUNDThe aim of this study was to clarify the electrocardiographic characteristics of repetitive monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (RMVT) originating from the left ventricular outflow tract, and to describe the results of treatment with radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).

METHODSRoutine 12-lead surface electrocardiography and electrophysiological studies were performed on 11 RMVT patients with no organic heart disease, who were subsequently treated with RFCA directed at targets identified by pace mapping.

RESULTSThe surface electrocardiogram QRS characteristics of RMVT included an atypical left bundle branch block and right axis deviation, with a low amplitude "rs" or "rS" pattern in lead I, an "rS" or "RS" pattern in V1, and a precordial R wave transition zone in V2 or V3. In 1 patient, a small S wave was observed in V5. Using pace mapping techniques, we selected the left coronary cusp as the ablation target. RMVT was eliminated in all 11 patients immediately after radiofrequency energy delivered. During a follow-up of 13 +/- 7 months, RMVT recurred in only 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONRMVT originating from the left ventricular outflow tract has specific electrocardiographic characteristics, and can be successfully and safely cured using RFCA directed at the left coronary cusp.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Catheter Ablation ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tachycardia, Ventricular ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation between the polymorphism in the DNA methyltransferase-3B (DNMT3B) gene promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-149C→T (rs2424913) and-579G→T(rs1569686) and the genetic susceptibility to colorectal cancer in Jiangsu population.

METHODSGenomic DNA was extracted from the leukocyte cell of blood samples collected from 544 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (including 280 cases of colon cancer and 264 cases of rectal cancer) since January 2009 and July 2010, in a hospital, Jiangsu Province. The same samples were collected from the other 533 control subjects. Polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing analysis were employed to assess the polymorphism of DNMT3B gene promoter-149C→T and-579G→T.

RESULTSFor DNMT3B-149C→T, no significant deviation was observed in the genotype distributions of polymorphisms between CRC cases (TT: 98.90% (538/544); CT: 1.10% (6/544)) and controls (TT: 97.75% (521/533); CT: 2.25% (12/533)) (χ(2) = 2.07, P = 0.15). The CC genotype was not detected in either patients or control subjects. The DNMT3B-149CT genotype was not associated with the risk of CRC (adjusted OR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.18 - 1.30). For DNMT3B-579G→T, the genotype distributions of polymorphisms in CRC patients (TT: 90.07% (490/544); GT: 9.19% (50/544); GG: 0.74% (4/544)) were significantly different from those in control group (TT: 81.80% (436/533); GT: 17.82% (95/533); GG: 0.38% (2/533)) (χ(2) = 15.49, P < 0.05). The results showed that the-579 G allele could significantly decrease the risk of CRC (adjusted OR = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.35 - 0.72) in comparison with the -579 TT genotype. In addition, stratification analysis showed that for DNMT3B-579G→T, the genotype distributions of polymorphisms in colon cancer (TT: 92.50% (259/280); GT: 7.50% (21/280)) were significantly different from those in the controls (TT: 81.80% (436/533); GT: 17.82% (95/533); GG: 0.38% (2/533)) (χ(2) = 13.53, P < 0.05); and similar result was found in rectal cancer (TT: 87.50% (231/264); GT: 10.98% (29/264); GG: 1.52% (4/264)) and controls (TT: 81.80% (436/533); GT: 17.82% (95/533); GG: 0.38% (2/533)) (χ(2) = 5.64, P = 0.018). G allele carriers could decrease the risk of colon cancer (adjusted OR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.23 - 0.63), and the risk of rectal cancer (adjusted OR = 0.65, 95%CI: 0.42 - 0.99). However, for DNMT3B-149C→T , there were no significant deviation in the genotype distributions of polymorphisms between colon cancer (TT: 98.57% (276/280); CT: 1.43% (4/280)) and controls (TT: 97.75% (521/533); CT: 2.25% (12/533)) (χ(2) = 0.82, P = 0.366); and there was no significant deviation between rectal cancer (TT: 99.24% (262/264); CT: 0.76% (2/264)) and controls (TT: 97.75% (521/533); CT: 2.25% (12/533)) either (χ(2) = 1.89, P = 0.169).

CONCLUSIONOur research demonstrates that the-579 G allele is a potential protective factor for the occurrence of CRC, however, the polymorphism of DNMT3B-149 gene shows no close correlation with the occurrence and development of CRC among Chinese population.

Aged ; Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

OBJECTIVETo investigate the chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Hyperricum monogynum.

METHODCompounds were isolated by various column chromatography and identified by spectral analysis.

RESULTTen compounds were isolated and identified as quercetin, quercitrin, hyperoside, rutin, (-)-epicatechin, 3,5-dihydroxy-1-methoxy-xanthone, 3,4-O-isopropylidenyl shikimic acid, shikimic acid, daucosterol, and oleanoic acid.

CONCLUSIONAll compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Hypericum ; chemistry ; Plant Components, Aerial ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quercetin ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect and toxicity of oxaliplatin combined with capecitabine (Xeloda) as a second-line chemotherapy regimen for patients with advanced gastric cancer.

METHODSTwenty-four patients with advanced gastric cancer who had been treated by multiple chemotherapy regimens presenting poor responses were allotted. LX regimen (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2) in 2-hour infusion on D1 and D15, capecitabine 1250 mg/m(2)/d divided in two daily doses given from D1 to D14) was adopted. The cycles were repeated every 28 days. All patients received two or more cycles.

RESULTSAll 24 patients were evaluated after having received 2 to 6 cycles of chemotherapy, totally 92 cycles. The overall response rate was 29.2% (including 2 CR, 5 PR, 10 NC and 7 PD). The time to tumor progression (TTP) was 2 to 18 months (median 5 months), and duration of remission was 4 to 14 months (median 8 months). The major toxicities were bone marrow suppression and nausea/vomiting.

CONCLUSIONOxaliplatin combined with capitabine is effective as a secondary line regimen for patients with advanced gastric cancer. This protocol is active and well tolerated. Further clinical studies are warranted.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Capecitabine ; Deoxycytidine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; analogs & derivatives ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; secondary ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nausea ; chemically induced ; Neoplasm Staging ; Neutropenia ; chemically induced ; Organoplatinum Compounds ; administration & dosage ; Remission Induction ; Stomach Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology

AIMTo investigate the chemical constituents from the whole plant of the endemic plant Notoseris rhombiformis Shih.

METHODSColumn chromatography was used for separation and purification, while spectral analysis was used for structure elucidation.

RESULTSEight compounds were isolated from the whole plant of this Chinese endemic plant and their structures were elucidated as notoserolide A (1), notoserolide D (2), austricin (3), jacquilenin (4), 3 beta, 14-dihydroxy-11 beta, 13-dihydrocostunolide (5), p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (6), luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7) and daucosterol (8), respectively.

CONCLUSIONAll compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. Among them, 2 is a new compound.

Asteraceae ; chemistry ; Lactones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Sesquiterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Sitosterols ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

BACKGROUNDGastroesophageal reflux disease with extra-esophageal symptoms, especially those with respiratory distress was attracting more and more attention. The related mechanisms were still in controversy. The purpose of the work was to explore airway inflammation triggered by gastroesophageal reflux.

METHODSSixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were used as study group and 9 as control. In the study group, a plastic extender with a trumpet-shaped distal end was inserted into the lower esophagus to dilate the cardia, the pylorus was ligated. One ml of 0.1 mol/L hydrochloric acid was injected into the stomach. While a simple laparotomy was performed for control animals. All animals from two groups were sacrificed 24 hours after operation. Then tracheotomy was carried and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected in all animals. Cells in the fluid were counted and levels of interleukin (IL)-5, -6, -8 in it were measured.

RESULTSCompared with control group, the study group presented a neutrophil pattern of airway inflammation and an elevated concentration of IL-5, -6, -8 with no significant difference regarding eosinophil count.

CONCLUSIONThe gastroesophageal reflux-triggered airway inflammation is characterized by a neutrophilic airway inflammation which differed from that caused by asthma, and enhanced levels of IL-5, -6 and -8, which are similar to that caused by asthma.

Animals ; Asthma ; etiology ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; immunology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; complications ; Inflammation ; etiology ; Interleukin-5 ; analysis ; Interleukin-6 ; analysis ; Interleukin-8 ; analysis ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley