This study was to investigate the chemical constituents of the aerial part of Zygophyllumfabago, by phytochemical methods. The compounds were isolated by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies from the EtOAc extract. Their structures were characterized by various spectroscopic data (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS) and comparison with the literature. As a result, thirteen compounds were isolated and their structures were identified as 1-hydroxyhinesol(1), hinesol(2), atractylenolactam(3), beta-eudesmol (4), 5alpha-hydroperoxy-beta-eudesmol(5), 12-hydroxy-valenc-1(10)-en-2-one(6), pubinernoid A(7), (6S,7E)-6-hydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-3,9-dione(8), 3-hydroxy-5alpha, 6alpha-epoxy-beta-ionone (9), (3S,5R, 6S, 7E)-3, 5, 6-trihydroxy-7-megastigmen-9-one(10), (6R,7E,9R)-9-hydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-3-one(11), (S)-3-hydroxy-beta-ionone(12), and blumenol A(13). Compounds 1-7 were sesquiterpenoids and 8-13 were megastigmane type norsesquiterpenoids. All the compounds were obtained from Z. fabago for the first time, and compound 1 was a new natural product.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization ; Terpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Zygophyllum ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the virological response of managing chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with peg-interferon alpha-2b (PEG-IFN alpha-2b) and ribavirin.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the virological response of 40 patients with different genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after anti-HCV management. Patients were given different dosages of PEG-IFN alpha-2b and ribavirin based on their weights. The duration of treatment was 48 weeks for patients infected by HCV genotype 1, and was 24 weeks for the others. HCV RNA was tested before treatment, 12 weeks post management, end of treatment, and 24 weeks after treatment stopped.

RESULTSData from 40 patients were collected. Among them, 24 cases experienced HCV genotype 1 infection, and 16 cases were infected with other genotypes. Between these two groups, the early virological responses were 75.0% (18/24) and 87.5% (14/16), the end-of-treatment virological responses were 80.0% (16/20) and 85.7% (12/14), and the sustained virological responses were 56.2% (9/16) and 78.5% (11/14), respectively.

CONCLUSIONBody weight-based customized PEG-IFN alpha-2b in combination with ribavirin can effectively treat patients with different genotypes of CHC.

Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; administration & dosage ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Genotype ; Hepacivirus ; genetics ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; drug therapy ; virology ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; administration & dosage ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polyethylene Glycols ; RNA, Viral ; blood ; Recombinant Proteins ; Retrospective Studies ; Ribavirin ; administration & dosage ; Treatment Outcome

Aim To study the apoptosis effect of cucurbitacin Ⅱa on non-small cell lung cancer cell lines NCI-H460 and A549 and its underlying mechanism.Methods Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay.The apoptosis effect and cell cycle arrest were detected by Flow cytometry.Western blot was employed to detect the related protein.Results The proliferation of lung cancer cell lines NCI-H460 and A549 was inhibited by CuⅡa, which showed cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 224.9 nmol·L-1 and 108.3 nmol·L-1 against NCI-H460 and A549 respectively.CuⅡa induced the cells apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase.The results of Western blot showed CuⅡa inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 and Cofilin in a dose-dependent manner.Further, CuⅡa inhibited the phosphorylation of Aurora A, in line with the important characteristics of anti-tumor effect of Aurora A kinase inhibitor with blocking cells in the G2/M phase.Conclusion CuⅡa has obvious anti-tumor effect against non-small cell lung cancer, which suggests its value as a lead compound for lung cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and reliability of the measurement of critical anatomic landmarks of endoscopic endonasal anatomy of pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa using multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT), and to illustrate the spatial relationship of the surgical landmarks in pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa through an endoscopic endonasal view and radiological images.

METHODSIncluded in this study were eleven fixed cadaver heads (22 pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa), which were prepared from MSCT scans for establishing a spatial coordinates system to calculate the radiological anatomic data and attaining 3D reconstruction image, and also were anatomically dissected to get anatomic data. The anatomic data in two groups were compared, the endoscopic and radiological images of the same regions acquired during the endoscopic endonasal approaches observed.

RESULTSThe distance (x(-) ± s) from nasal columella to sphenopalatine foramen, pterygoid canal, foramen rotundum, foramen ovale, foramen spinosum, carotid canal, foramen lacerum in radiological group were: (68.83 ± 3.00), (72.49 ± 2.88), (75.26 ± 3.14), (88.55 ± 5.00), (95.19 ± 4.31), (106.76 ± 3.77), (88.16 ± 2.87) mm and in anatomic group were: (68.90 ± 3.04), (72.73 ± 3.08), (75.44 ± 3.07), (89.75 ± 4.13), (96.22 ± 3.37), (106.68 ± 3.75), (88.47 ± 2.64) mm. There was no statistical difference between two groups (t value were -0.856, -1.134, -0.920, -1.923, -1.903, 2.820 and 1.209, respectively, all P > 0.05). Sphenopalatine foramen, pterygoid canal, foramen rotundum, foramen ovale, foramen spinosum, foramen lacerum, carotid canal were the corresponding anatomic structures in endoscope and radiology, which provided the surgeons with anatomic landmarks to identify the spatial relationship of the surgical structures in pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa.

CONCLUSIONSMSCT measurements of anatomic landmarks are feasible and reliable, can be used in clinical individualized surgery. The corresponding anatomic structures of endoscopic and radiological landmarks provide useful reference to surgeons when operating in these areas through an endoscopic endonasal approach.

Endoscopy ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Pterygopalatine Fossa ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Skull Base ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, Spiral Computed

Objective To study the value of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) in evaluating traumatic optic neuropathy. Methods DT-MRI data of bilateral optic nerve were acquired in 6 patients with unilateral traumatic optic neuropathy. Volume One 1.44 and DTV2 softwares were employed to measure the fraction anisotropy (FA) and average apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and to self-compare between the injured and intact optic nerves. The architecture of the optic radiation fiber tracts were displayed with the software of diffusion tensor fiber tracking. Results All of the infraorbital segments of optic nerves were well demonstrated, with suboptimal intracanalicular portion in 2 patients. The average FA of intraorbital optic nerve in 6 patients: the injured side was 0.244±0.067 and the uninjured side was 0.452±0.053 (P=0.000);FA of the injured side obviously decreased. The average value of ADC: the injured side was (1.417±0.121)×10<'-3> mm<'2>/s and the uninjured side was (1.087±0.118)×10<'3> mm<'2>/s (P=0.003);the value of ADC of the injured side obviously increased. Statistically significant differences were noted between the injured side and the uninjured side. The spacial integralities and connected situations of the nerves could be obtained in 4 patients with significant differences between the injured and the uninjured sides. Conclusion DT-MRI can provide useful pathological information in evaluating traumatic optic neuropathy.

Objective To compare the effects and complications between neuroendoscope-assisted and conventional shunt methods in patients with hydrocephalus,Methods The data of 299 patients with hydrocephalus admitted to our hospital from June 2002 and June 2009 were analyzed.Among these patients,98 adopted neuroendscope:78 were performed ventriculoperitoneal shunt(EVPS)combined with endoscopic third ventriculostomy(ETV)and the other 20 with obstructive hydrocephalus were performed ETV only.The other 201 patients adopt conventional operation:VPS was employed in 196 and ventriculoatrial shunt was performed in 5.We compared shunt effectiveness by calculating the pre-and post-operative ventricular indexes,shunt failure rates and complication rates during the follow-up between the 2 groups.Results No difference in etiology of hydrocephalus or clinical characteristics between the 2 groups was found.Compared with the conventional shunt group,neuroendscope-assisted group enjoyed a longer operative time,a higher surgery cost,a lower clogging incidence rote and a higher precision rote of putting the tube(P<0.05).Conclusion Applying of neuroendoscope is a very good option in treating patients with various kinds of hydrocephalus with good long-term follow-up results.

Objective To summarize the surgical experiences of treating the frontal sinus cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (FS-CSFR) via combined transfrontal and intranasal endoscopic approaches. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 17 patients with FS-CSFR,received surgery in our hospital from 1996 to 2009, with emphasis on postoperative complications,clinical outcomes and key technology involved in surgery via combined transfrontal and intranasal endoscopic approaches. Results Of the 17 patients, 9 were successfully repaired after 1 surgery via combined transfrontal and intranasal endoscopic approaches; the other 8 were initially treated by endoscopic intranasal approach alone, of which 5 (62.5%) were successful and 3 failed. And then, the 3 patients subsequently underwent the surgery via combined transfrontal and intranasal endoscopic approaches and succeeded. These 12 patients with FS-CSFR, performed surgeries via combined transfrontal and intranasal endoscopic approaches were successfully repaired with quick recovery, mild complications, and no significant facial scars. Follow up was performed for 6 to 10 y and no CSFR recurrence was noted. Conclusion Surgery via combined transfrontal and intranasal endoscopic approaches offers advantages not only in overcoming the difficulty and defects of intranasal endoscopy but also in providing a few traumas and an easy approach, which helps the recovery.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of endoscopic optic nerve decompression (EOND) on patients with traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) and their related prognostic factors. Methods The clinical data of 103 eyes with TON,admitted to our hospital from January 1995 to February 2001 (n=53) and from March 2001 to December 2009 (n=50),were retrospectively analyzed; the clinical outcomes of these patients after being performed EOND were observed. Univariate analysis (Chi-square test) and logistic regression were performed to analyze the prognostic factors of TON underwent EOND therapy. Results The total effective rate of 103 eyes was 37.86％ (39/103); the effective rate of eyes with residual vision was 83.3％ (20/24),which was significantly higher than that of those without residual vision (24.05％,19/79,P＜0.05).Univariate analysis and multiple factor logistic regression,respectively,showed that 3 variables significantly increased the risk of the visual acuity:no residual vision, interval from injury to surgery for more than 3 d and ethmoid and/or sphenoid sinus hematocele after injury.Other factors such as age,disturbance of consciousness,optic canal fracture,performing of sheathotomy,hormone level and interval from injury to surgery for more than 7 d were not correlated with the efficacy (P＞0.05).Comparing fractures at different sites and with different severities,the efficacy of surgery was also different. The logistic regression equation is P (1)=1/ [1+e-(-2139+2.839X3+1.372X5+2.263X9)]. Conclusion The total therapeutic efficacy of EOND on patients with TON is not satisfactory, especially for those without light perception. The prognostic factors of TON were very complex and interactive; no light perception, interval from injury to surgery for more than 3 d,hemorrhage within the ethmoid and/or sphenoid sinus and lateral or multiple fracture of optic canal are factors affecting the prognosis of EOND for patients with TON. The indication for EOND must be individualized.

OBJECTIVETo summarize the clinical experience of treatment of frontal sinus diseases via combined transfrontal and intranasal endoscopic approaches, and to explore its indications.

METHODSA retrospective study of 24 patients was conducted. All patients were underwent combined transfrontal and intranasal double approaches because of different kinds of frontal sinus diseases, including 16 cases with frontal sinus cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea caused by traumatic comminuted fractures located in posterior wall of frontal sinus, 5 cases with osteoma, 3 cases with inverted papilloma (cancer was confirmed in one case).

RESULTSAll sixteen cases with frontal sinus cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea were cured after the first attempt. All cases with osteoma and inverted papilloma (including the patient with canceration) were resected completely after the first attempt. Postoperative follow-up lasted from 3 to 132 months in frontal sinus cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, 8-38 months in osteoma, 7-42 months in inverted papilloma and canceration, the median follow-up period was 36 months. No recurrence was found. Operations were successful in all the patients and frontal sinus outflow tracts were unobstructed. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred and no disfigurement was found.

CONCLUSIONSThe potential indications for the combined transfrontal and intranasal endoscopic approaches are listed as follows, (1) frontal sinus lesions mainly located on the posterior wall, (2) propensity to recur or malignant neoplasms, (3) the lesions of frontal sinus with their lateral boundaries or operative site beyond the plane of the lamina papyracea.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Frontal Sinus ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paranasal Sinus Diseases ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in children and young adults worldwide. Therefore, we investigated the role of AG490 in regulating brain oedema, expression of CD40 and neurological function after TBI.

METHODSSprague Dawley rats (n = 240) were randomly divided into a sham operation group, TBI+saline group and TBI+AG490 (JAK/STAT inhibitor) group. Members of each group were euthanized at 6, 12, 24 or 72 hours after injury. Neurological severity score (NSS) was used to evaluate the severity of neurological damage. Brain water was quantitated by wet/dry weight method. The expression of CD40 was assessed by flow cytometry.

RESULTSIn both the TBI+saline group and the TBI+AG490 group, the brain water content was elevated after TBI, reached a peak at 24-hour and remained high for the rest of the period investigated; the expression of CD40 reached a peak 24 hours after TBI; the NSS was elevated after TBI and then decreased after 6 hours. Elevations in the level of CD40, degree of brain edema and NSS after TBI were significantly reduced in TBI+AG490 group.

CONCLUSIONInhibition of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway reduces brain oedema, decreases the expression of CD40 and exerts neuroprotective effects after TBI.

Animals ; Brain Edema ; metabolism ; Brain Injuries ; drug therapy ; CD40 Antigens ; analysis ; Flow Cytometry ; Janus Kinases ; metabolism ; Male ; Neuroprotective Agents ; therapeutic use ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; STAT Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Tyrphostins ; therapeutic use