Objective To examine the expression of heparin binding-epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) in paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer and elucidate the relationship between HB-EGF and the resistance of ovarian cancer to paclitaxel. Methods The human ovarian carcinoma cell line A2780 and the paclitaxel-resistant human ovarian carcinoma cell line A2780/Taxol were cultured in vitro. Western blot was used to dectect the expression of HB-EGF protein in A2780 and A2780/Taxol groups. The A2780 cells were treated with cross-reacting material 197 (CRM197 and A2780 + CRM197 group) or dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO;A2780 group), while the A2780/Taxol cells were treated with CRM197 (A2780/Taxol+CRM197 group) or DMSO (A2780/Taxol group). The effects of CRM197 on growth and proliferation was tested by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium( MTT) and the results were showed as absorbance (A).The effects of CRM197 on cell cycles was tested by flow cytometry, while the effects of CRM197 on apoptosis was examined by caspase-3 activity assay and the results were showed as p-nitroaniline(pNa). In animal experiment, four groups of cells were inoculated to BALB/c nude mouse subcutaneously to observe tumor formation ability following CRM197 treatment. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of HB-EGF protein in A2780 and A2780/Taxol group. Results The expression level of HB-EGF protein in A2780/Taxol group (2.11±0.41) was significantly higher than that of A2780 group (0.75±0.20;P<0.01). The inhibition effect of CRM197 on the cell growth of A2780+CRM197 and A2780/Taxol+CRM197 group was accompanied by the acceleration of CRM197 concentration(P<0.01). When CRM197≥1 μg/ml, the inhibition effect of CRM197 on the cell growth of A2780/Taxol+CRM197 group was significantly higher than that in A2780/Taxol group(P<0.05). In cell cycle experiment, CRM197 induced the cell-cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in A2780+CRM197 cells[(67 ± 4)%] compared with A2780 cells[(54 ± 6)%;P<0.01], while CRM197 significantly induced the cell-cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in A2780/Taxol+CRM197 cells [(72± 4)%] compared with A2780/Taxol cells [(24±8)%;P<0.01]. CRM197 treatment in A2780+CRM197 group [(40 ± 6)μmol/L] led to the acceleration of the caspase-3 activity when compared to A2780 group [(6 ± 6)μmol/L;P<0.01], while CRM197 treatment in A2780/Taxol+CRM197 group [(66 ± 12)μmol/L] led to significant acceleration of the caspase-3 activity when compared to A2780 group [(9 ± 6)μmol/L;P<0.01]. In experiments in vivo, the expression scores of HB-EGF protein in A2780/Taxol tumors(10.8 ± 3.3) were higher than that in A2780 tumors (5.0±2.2;P<0.01). The tumor size and tumor weight of the A2780/Taxol+CRM197 group were both higher than those of the A2780+CRM197 group [(546 ± 85) mm3 vs (1 355 ± 119) mm3,(0.56 ± 0.09) g vs (1.31 ± 0.27) g; all P<0.01]. The CRM197 inhibition rate of the A2780+CRM197 and A2780/Taxol + CRM197 group were 43% and 68% respectively, showed that CRM197 significantly suppressed the growth of A2780/Taxol xenografts in vivo(P<0.01). Conclusions HB-EGF is over-expressed in paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer and may be contributes to drug resistance. Inhibition of HB-EGF expression potently enhances apoptosis and inhibit the growth of paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer, shedding light on the HB-EGF-targeted therapy options for chemoresistant ovarian cancer patients.

This paper provides a brief overview of the current research activities which focused on the bio-application of gold magnetic nanocomposite particles. By combining the magnetic characteristics of the iron oxide core with the unique features of nano-gold particles such as targeting by surface modification and optical properties, such composite nanoparticles have a wide range of applications in cancer hyperthermia, CT and MRI imaging, bio-separation, bio sensors, gene diagnosis, drug targeting and many other biomedical fields.
Diagnostic Imaging ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Ferric Compounds ; chemistry ; Gold ; chemistry ; Humans ; Magnetics ; Nanocomposites ; chemistry ; Nanoparticles ; chemistry ; Neoplasms

Objective:To study the effect of flavonoids extracts from semen Astragali complanati (FAC) on the growth of hepatocellular H22 cells and elucidate its action mechanism. Methods:The mouse model bearing H22 tumor cells was established. The effects of FAC on the growth of xenografted H22 tumor, the immune organ, survival time, phagocytic function of macrophages, and lymphocyte transformation in tumor-bearing mice were observed. Results:The growth of H22 transplanted tumor was significantly inhibited by FAC at high, middle and low doses,compared with normal control group (P<0.05). The tumor-inhibiting ratio in cyclophosphamide (CTX) group was similar with that in FAC high-dose group (P>0.05). FAC markedly elongated the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. The high, middle and low doses of FAC elongated the survival time of tumor-bearing mice by 64.9%, 56.7% and 28.1%, which were significantly different with control group (P<0.01). The high, middle and low doses of FAC greatly increased the thymus index and spleen index of tumor-bearing mice (P<0.05, vs control) and elevated the phagocytic function of macrophages and lymphocyte transformation capability (P<0.01, vs control). The effect of CTX on immune function of tumor-bearing mice was opposite with FAC. The difference between CTX group and control group was significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: FAC inhibits the growth of H22 hepatoma, elongates the survival time, and elevates the non-specific immune function of tumor-bearing mice, indicating that FAC maybe exert its anti-tumor effect via regulating immune function of tumor-bearing mice.

Objective To establish a fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction method for quantifying the ICP4 gene expression of herpes simplex virus type 2(HSV2).Methods According to the HSV2 ICP4 gene sequence,we designed and synthesized PCR primer.The purified PCR product was sequenced after connecting with pMD-18 T plasmid.According to the sequence assay results,the primer and probe of fluorescent quantitative PCR was designed and synthesized.Standard recombinant plasmid extracted from the positive bacteriumclone was used as standard substance.The plasmid as standard substance was diluted for 10 times,then PCR reaction proceeded.The sensitivity and dependability of the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR were analyzed.Results The sequence result indicated that there was non-sense mutation of A-G and T-C.And the detection sensitivity was 101 copy.The Ct value were 14.275土0.137,17.988?0.162,22.081土0.259,25.957土0.345,29.565?0.203,33.269土0.287,37.737?0.698,respectively with 107~ 101 copies/?l.The coefficient of variability were 0.965%,0.902%,1.174%,1.329%,0.686%,0.862% and1.851%,respectively.There was a good linear function in statistics between the Ct value and the concentration gradient of standard plasmid DNA specimen.The coefficient of regression was 0.998.Conclusion The method of quantification of ICP4 gene of HSV2 with real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR is successfully established,and the method has good sensitivity and dependability,which can be used to quantitative detecting HSV2 ICP4.

BACKGROUND: Chinese medicines have better effects on preventing and treating diabetic nephropathy at early period, and the effects are caused by the diversity of the effective components of Chinese medicines which acts on the different targets of diabetic nephropathy.OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Xiaokening on the proliferation of mesangial cells under high glucose, and investigate the possible mechanism. DESIGN: A controlled observation.SETTING: Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University.MATERIALS: The experiments were completed in the Research Room of Cell Culture, Research Center of Endocrine Metabolism, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2003 to May 2004. The rat mesangial cell lines HBZY-1 were bought from Chinese Center for Typical Culture Collection.METHODS: The mesangial cells were passaged and cultured according to the instructions. ① Grouping according to different concentration of stimulation: In the high glucose+Xiaokening group, Xiaokening of 6 concentrations were used, I.e., 20.0, 40.0, 60.0, 80.0, 120.0, 200.0 g/L. Meanwhile,normal glucose control group and high glucose control group were also set,the glucose concentration in the medium was 5.6 and 30 mmol/L respectively. The proliferations were observed after 72 hours. Grouping according to different time points of stimulation: There were normal glucose control group, high glucose control group and high glucose+Xiaokening group, the glucose concentration in the medium was 5.6, 30 and 30 mmol/L respectively, and the Xiaokening concentration was 60 g/L. The proliferations were observed at 24, 48 and 72 hours respectively in the three groups.② The dispensed cell suspension was placed into the 96-well plate, and 200 μL suspension for each well. The culture plate was placed in the inoculation box containing CO2 (0.05 in volume fraction) at 37 ℃ for 24 hours, then the supernatant was deserted, cell solutions containing different drugs of different concentrations were added in each group, 200 μL for each well. The 96-well plate was then placed in the culture box containing CO2 (0.05 in volume fraction) and 100% humidity at 37 ℃ for inoculation.In the groups of different concentrations, 20 μL MTT (5 g/L) was added into the wells after 72 hours. In the groups of different time points, 20 μL MTT (5 g/L) was added into the wells at 24, 48 and 72 hours. Then the plates were inoculated at 37 ℃ for 4 hours. Under microscope, it was observed that MTT get into the cells, the supernatant was sucked away, then 150 μL dimathyl sulfoxide was added to dissolve methyl alcohol, and shaken to even with plate rocking bed for 30 s, and the absorbance (A) values were recorded with the microplate reader at the wavelength of 492 nm.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The proliferations of mesangial cells (A value) were observed at different time points and in Xiaokening of different concentrations.RESULTS: ①Proliferation of mesangial cells at different time points: The A values in the high glucose control group at 24, 48 and 72 hours (0.685 ±0.010, 0.750±0.087, 0.659±0.018) were higher than those in the normal glucose control group (0.586±0.054, 0.598±0.040, 0.527±0.047, P ＜ 0.05). In both the high and normal glucose control groups, the A value at 48 hours was higher than that at 24 hours (P ＜ 0.05), but the A value at 72 hours was lower than that at 48 hours (P ＜ 0.05). The A value in the high glucose+Xiaokening group at 72 hours was 0.538±0.023, and it was lower than that in the high glucose control group (P ＜ 0.05). ② Proliferation of mesangial cells in Xiaokening of different concentrations: Xiaokening high er than 60.0 g/L could obviously restrain the excessive stimulation of high glucose to the mesangial cells, and the effect was in a concentration-de pendent manner, but too high concentration (120.0 g/L) would result in the abscission and death of cells, whereas no survived cells could be observed in extremely high concentration (200.0 g/L). CONCLUSION: Xiaokening could inhibit the proliferation of mesan gial cells stimulated by high glucose after 72 hours in a concentration dependent manner, but too high concentration would cause strong cytotoxicity.

To analyze features of the rabies epidemic in China between 2007 and 2011,identify factors influencing the epidemic and to provide a scientific basis for further control and prevention of rabies,Descriptive epidemiological methods and statistical analysis was used on data collected from the National Disease Reporting Information System between 2007 to 2011 and the National Active Surveillance System between 2007 and 2010.Our analysis shows that while the number of human rabies cases decreased year by year,the number of districts reporting cases did not show significant change.The situations in Guangdong,Guangxi,Guizhou and Hunan provinces clearly improved over the period but they remain provinces with high-incidence,and consequently influence the epidemic situation of surrounding provinces and possibly the whole country.Summer and autumn were high-incidence seasons.Farmers,students and pre-school children represent the high-risk populations,and rates of cases in farmers increased,those for students decreased,and pre-school children remained unchanged.Provinces with active surveillance programs reported a total of 2346 individual cases,of which 88.53％ were associated with canines.Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) of rabies cases was not significantly improved,whereas PEP in post-exposure population was good.In rural regions of China,canine density was reduced somewhat,and the immunization rate increased slightly.Finally we show that while the epidemic decreased 2007 to 2011 in China,cases continued to be diffused in certain regions.Lack of standardization of PEP on rabies cases was the main reason of morbidity.The high density and low immunization of dog in rural areas and the defective situation of PEP are still continuous occurrences in China and remain a cause for concern.

In recent years (2007 to 2011),although the overall number of rabies cases in China has decreased,there is evidence of emerging or re-emerging cases in regions without previous rabies cases or with low incidence of rabies.To investigate the origin and the factors affecting the spread of rabies in China,specimens were collected from 2007 to 2011 from provinces with emerging and re-emerging cases and tested for the presence of the rabies virus.Positive specimens were combined with sequences from GenBank to perform comparisons of homology and functional sites,and to carry out phylogenetic analyses.Out of these regions,five provinces had 9positive specimens from canine and cattle,and 34 canine or human specimens were obtained from previously high-incidence provinces.Complete sequences of G gene were obtained for these samples.Homology of the sequences of these 43 specimens was 87％-100％ at the nucleotide level and 93.7％ -100％ at the amino acid level.These G gene sequences were combined with reference sequence from GenBank and used to construct a phylogenetic tree.The results showed that 43 specimens were all assigned to China clade I and clade Ⅱ,with all specimens from emerging and re-emerging areas placed within clade I.Specimens isolated from Shanxi and Inner Mongolia in 2011 were distinct from previously-isolated local strains and had closer homology to strains from Hebei,Beijing and Tianjin whereas new isolates from Shanghai were tightly clustered with strains isolated in the 1990s.Finally,Shaanxi isolates were clustered with strains from adjacent Sichuan.Our results suggest that the rabies cases in emerging and re-emerging areas in China in the last 5 years are a consequence of the epidemic spreading from of neighboring provinces and regions experiencing a serious epidemic of rabies.

Objective To optimize the extraction technology of Zhiqian Capsule;To provide evidence for researches on preparation into new Chinese medicine. Methods The main influential factors of extraction technology included the quantity of water, extraction time and immersion time. The extraction effect was evaluated with the content of aesculetin and the extract yield as indexes. The optimal extraction technology of Zhiqian Capsule was selected by single factor experiment and central composite design-response surface method. Results The best extraction conditions were as follows:reflux extraction for twice, the first time adding 10-fold of water and extraction for 2.5 h, the second time adding 8-fold of water and extraction for 2 h. Conclusion The optimal extraction technology of Zhiqian Capsule is efficient for extracting aesculetin, as well as economical, reasonable, easy and feasible.

Abdominal aortoenteric fistula (AAEF) is a rare but life-threatening complication of abdominal aortic aneurysms, and is also an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. We report a case of primary abdominal aortoduodenal fistula in a 74-year-old male patient, whose main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain, hematochezia, and hematemesis. Colonoscopy, abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional reconstruction angiography confirmed the diagnosis. The patient recovered well after emergent surgical management.
Abdominal Pain ; Aged ; Angiography ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal ; complications ; Aortic Diseases ; Colonoscopy ; Duodenal Diseases ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Intestinal Fistula ; Male ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Objective To investigate the current status of secondary prevention of cerebral infarction in Longquanyi District of Chengdu. Methods Prospective Investigation on the secondary prevention was conducted in 94 pa-tients with cerebral infarction at 3, 12 and 24 months following stroke. Results The percentages of patients receiving anti-platelet therapy, antihypertensive treatment, antidiabetic drug treatment and statin therapy were 96.8%, 92.1%, 91.7%and 63.8%at hospital discharge, 79.8%, 88.9%, 91.7%and 55.3%at 3 months, 76.1%, 75.0%and 41.4%, 63.8%at 12 months and 33.0%, 71.4%;58.3%and 22.3%at 24 months, respectively. None of stroke patients with atrial fibrillation re-ceived anticoagulation therapy. Conclusion There is a large gap between the current practice of secondary prevention and guideline in patients with cerebral infarction in Longquanyi District of Chengdu.