OBJECTIVETo analyze the rules for acupoint selection of acupuncture and moxibustion in domestic clinical treatment of perimenopausal syndrome based on data mining technology in modern times.

METHODSThe relevant literature were retrieved from Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang database on this disease treated with clinical acupuncture and moxibustion in China from 1978 to 2013. The database of acupuncture-moxibustion prescription was set up. The relevant regulations of data mining technology were used to analyze the rules for acupoint selection.

RESULTSTotally, 211 papers, 254 acupuncture-moxibustion prescriptions and 130 acupoints were included. The total frequency of acupoints application was 2193 times, with 14 meridians involved. The utilization of the acupoints in the lower limbs and on the back were 33.0% (723/2193) and 23.8% (521/2193) and those of yin and yang meridians were 51.8% (1136/2193) and 44.0% (965/2193), respectively. The utilization of the specific acupoints accounted for 88.7% (1946/2193).

CONCLUSIONIn clinical treatment of perimenopausal syndrome with acupuncture and moxibustion in modern times, the acupoint selection from involved meridians is the basis, associated with multiple methods of acupoint combination; yin and yang meridians are equally important and the specific acupoints are considered particularly critical in application.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; China ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; Female ; Humans ; Perimenopause ; physiology

The mammalian cell nucleus is highly structured and organized into various membrane-less nuclear compartments called nuclear bodies. Nuclear bodies are highly dynamic structures, with a variety of substances gathered inside to promote the more efficient conduct of certain biological reactions. It dynamically produces responses under different biological processes and stress conditions such as tumorigenesis, apoptosis, antiviral defense, and plays an important role in regulating cell homeostasis. Tumor is a major public health problem, and finding new targets is the key to tumor therapy. How the nuclear bodies are involved in the development of tumor has not been reported. This review aims to provide a new understanding of how the nuclear bodies regulates tumor progression and provide a new effective strategy for tumor prevention and treatment.

OBJECTIVETo study the correlation between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and Ki-67, a marker of tumor activity, in the diagnosis of gliomas.

METHODSConventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), enhanced scanning, and diffusion-weighted imaging were performed in 76 patients with pathologically confirmed gliomas. The ADC values were measured at tumor parenchyma and the corresponding contralateral normal brain. The relatively ADC (rADC) values of the tumor parenchyma were calculated. The correlation of the ADC values with tumor grades was analyzed. The expression of Ki-67 was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The correlation between ADC value and Ki-67 in the diagnosis of gliomas was analyzed.

RESULTSThe ADC values and rADC values of high-grade gliomas were significantly lower than those of low-grade gliomas. The ADC values of tumor parenchyma were inversely associated with the degree of malignancy of the gliomas (r=-0.898, r=-0.868; P<0.01). The expression of Ki-67 was significantly higher in high-grade gliomas than that in low-grade gliomas. The Ki-67 labeling index in grade 3 and 4 gliomas were (29.48 ± 19.78)% and (31.21 ± 17.50)%, respectively. Both of them were significantly higher than Ki-67 labeling index in low-grade (grade 1 and 2) gliomas [(2.33 ± 2.20)%] (P<0.01). Nevertheless, the Ki-67 labeling index showed no significant difference between grade 3 and 4 gliomas (P>0.05). The expression of Ki-67 was negatively correlated with the ADC values and rADC values in tumor parenchyma (r=-0.627, r=-0.607; P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe ADC and rADC values of tumor parenchyma can indirectly reflect the proliferation and malignancy of gliomas and therefore can be useful for the grading of glioma.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Female ; Glioma ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDProbucol is known to reduce the development of atherosclerotic lesions, but its impact on vascular remodeling associated with de novo atherosclerosis is incompletely understood. We therefore examined the effect of probucol on vascular remodeling in a rabbit model of established atherosclerosis.

METHODSAortic atherosclerosis was induced by a combination of endothelial injury and 10 weeks' atherogenic diet. Animals were then randomized to receive the foregoing diet without or with 1% (wt/wt) probucol for 16 weeks. At the end of week 26, in vivo intravascular ultrasound, pathological, immunohistochemical and gene expression studies were performed.

RESULTSProbucol significantly decreased vessel cross-sectional area, plaque area and plaque burden without effect on lumen area. More negative remodeling and less positive remodeling occurred in the abdominal aortas of probucol group than the control group (56% vs. 21%, 18% vs. 54%, respectively, both P < 0.01). In addition, the probucol group showed a smaller mean remodeling index relative to the control group (0.93 ± 0.13 vs. 1.05 ± 0.16, P < 0.01). Furthermore, probucol treatment decreased macrophage infiltration, inhibited apoptosis of cells within plaques, and reduced the production of matrix metalloproteinases-2, -9, cathepsin K and cathepsin S (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThese findings suggest that probucol may attenuate the enlargement of atherosclerotic vessel walls and be associated with a negative remodeling pattern without affecting the lumen size. This effect may involve inhibition of extracellular matrix degradation and prevention of apoptosis in atherosclerotic plaques.

Animals ; Anticholesteremic Agents ; pharmacology ; Aorta ; pathology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Atherosclerosis ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lipids ; blood ; Macrophages ; drug effects ; physiology ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; Probucol ; pharmacology ; Rabbits ; Ultrasonography, Interventional ; methods

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Panax notoginseng (PN) on pathological features in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) rabbits and its mechanisms.

METHODSA stable pathological animal model similar to CSDH in humans could be established using subdural injections of small number of blood through a subdural pre-catheter in rabbits. After successful modeling, 18 rabbits were randomly divided into the model group, the low dose PN group (0.125 g/kg), and the high dose PN group (0.250 g/kg), 6 in each group. Normal saline was given to rabbits in the model group, while PN power was given to those in the PN groups by gastrogavage for 6 successive days. Pathologic features of the hematoma outer membrane were observed by HE staining. The activity of SOD and the content of MDA in the hematoma outer membrane were examined by the colorimetric method. Expressions of CD31, CD34, and VEGF in the hematoma outer membrane were observed by immunohistochemical assay. Expressions of VEGF in the peripheral blood and the subdural hematoma were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expressions of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 in the hematoma outer membrane were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, the inflammatory reaction was comparatively lessen and the proliferation of the fibrous tissue was relatively mature in the low and high dose PN groups. The activity of SOD increased (P < 0.05); expressions of CD31 and CD34 were reduced (P < 0.01); VEGF expression in the residual hematoma fluid decreased (P < 0.05) in the high dose PN group. Expressions of VEGF and VEGFR-2 were all reduced in the high and low dose PN groups (P < 0. 05, P < 0.01). Compared with the low dose PN group, expressions of CD31 and CD34 were reduced (P < 0.01), and the VEGFR-2 expression was also reduced (P < 0.05) in the high dose PN group.

CONCLUSIONSPN could promote the fibrous repairing of subdural hematoma in CSDH rabbits. It also lessened inflammation and oxidative injury of the hematoma outer membrane and reduced expressions of VEGF. The pathological angiogenesis could be reduced through influencing VEGFR-2 receptor pathways, which might be an important mechanism.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic ; metabolism ; pathology ; Panax notoginseng ; chemistry ; Rabbits ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 ; metabolism

To explore the conventional cytogenetic (CC) characteristics and the partial molecular cytogenetic characteristics of multiple myeloma (MM), R banding technique was used for karyotype analysis in 53 cases of MM, and fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) technique was used for molecular cytogenetic analysis in 20 cases out of them. The results showed that the rate of chromosome abnormality was 32.1% in 53 cases. Among these abnormalities, 82.4% were involved in 3 or more than 3 chromosome aberrations, the mode of chromosome was from 44 to 90. The chromosome karyotype abnormality was involved in all of 24 chromosomes, and 70.6% chromosome aberrations involved at least one of 1q21 amplification, 13q14 deletion, 17p13 deletion and 14q32 translocation. Some uncommon structural aberrations were observed, such as t(11;16)(p11;p13) and some chromosome abnormalities were often revealed in acute or chronic leukemia. FISH detection showed that the results of 3 in 12 cases of MM with normal karyotype were positive; the results of 5 in 8 cases of MM with abnormal karyotype were positive. It is concluded that the abnormal chromosome karyotype was relatively complex in most cases of MM showing obvious heterogenicity. Detected rate of chromosome abnormalities in MM can be raised by FISH, though FISH technique has its limitations. If CC analysis and FISH technique are combined, it will be useful to raise the identification capability in detection of abnormal chromosomes in the cytogenetic study of MM.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Cytogenetic Analysis ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate mental health status among middle school students in Wenchuan earthquake region three months after the earthquake.

METHODS38 classes of 3 middle schools in the disaster region were selected and 1966 students were invited to participate the investigation. The post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) checklist-civilian version was used to screen positive PTSD, and the perceived social support scale (PSSS) was used to evaluate the level of perceived social support.

RESULTS1958 valid questionnaires were selected. The general positive rate of PTSD was 78.29% (1533/1958). PTSD prevalence of the girls was 82.30%(851/1034), higher than that of the boys (73.92% (683/924), chi(2) = 20.22, P < 0.01); the rate of the minority students was 80.27% (1375/1713), higher than that of the Han students (64.98% (154/237), chi(2) = 28.75, P < 0.01); the rate of the rural students was 83.52% (872/1044), higher than that of the urban students (72.43% (662/914), chi(2) = 35.37, P < 0.01); the rate of those who were injured in the quake was 90.38% (94/104), higher than that of the uninjured (77.66% (1439/1853), chi(2) = 9.40, P < 0.01). The level of perceived social support and family support of the subjects was high while outside family support was average. The medians of the score were 21, 60 and 39, respectively. The severity of PTSD was negatively correlated with perceived social support, and perceived support within and outside family (r values were -0.191, -0.130 and -0.190 respectively, all P values < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe incidence rate of PTSD is high among the middle school students in disaster region. The symptoms and severity of PTSD are different in the middle school students with different characteristics. Moreover, the more perceived social support they obtain, the better health status they keep.

Adolescent ; Child ; China ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Disasters ; Earthquakes ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Social Support ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic ; psychology ; Students ; psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo explore the value of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique in diagnosis of variant Ph chromosome translocation (VT) and Ph chromosome-negative chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML).

METHODSNine CML patients with VT and 2 Ph chromosome-negative CML patients confirmed by R banding were assayed with dual color-dual fusion BCR/ABL probe by FISH.

RESULTSThe 9 patients with VT involved chromosomes 1, 3, 5, 12, 13, 15, 17 and 21 besides chromosomes 9 and 22, and some of them showed recurrent aberrations; FISH results were positive and the signal feature was 2R2G1Y. The 2 Ph-negative CML patients had normal karyotypes; FISH was positive and the signal feature was 1R1G2Y and 1R1G1Y respectively.

CONCLUSIONFISH can provide better diagnosis for CML with VT and Ph-negative CML. Abnormal karyotype and marker gene changes can be assessed based on the signal feature of the positive cell. So FISH is a complementary method to banding technique in diagnosis of CML.

Adult ; Aged ; Chromosomes ; genetics ; Female ; Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl ; genetics ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; methods ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic, Atypical, BCR-ABL Negative ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Philadelphia Chromosome ; Translocation, Genetic ; Young Adult

Objective:To observe the effect of hyperthermia combined with paclitaxel on the proliferation, apoptosis and cycle of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line CAL-27, and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods:The working concentration of paclitaxel was determined by CCK-8 assay, and the cultured CAL-27 cells were divided into the control, paclitaxel, 42℃ hyperthermia and combined treatment groups. The ability of cell proliferation was detected by colony formation assay, and the cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. The expression levels of AKT, p-AKT, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in each group were measured by Western blot.Results:Compared with the control group, the proliferation was significantly inhibited and the apoptosis of CAL-27 cells was significantly promoted in the combined treatment, hyperthermia and paclitaxel groups (all P<0.05), and the anti-proliferation and apoptosis-promoting effect in the combined treatment group was significantly better than those in the hyperthermia and paclitaxel groups (all P<0.05). Western blot showed that hyperthermia combined with paclitaxel could significantly up-regulate the expression level of Bax protein and significantly down-regulate the expression levels of P-AKT and Bcl-2 in CAL-27 cells (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Hyperthermia combined with paclitaxel can play a synergistic role in inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma CAL-27 cells. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of AKT activation and the activation of Bax/Bcl-2 apoptosis signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of adult cardiomyocytes in the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into cardiomyocytes. METHODS: Rat MSCs were isolated by a Percoll's gradient solution and cultured in low-glucose Dulbecco' s modified Eagle' s medium (DMEM). After 2 passages, cell-surface antigen CD34, CD71 and CD90 for rat MSCs were determined by flow cytometry, and these MSCs were transfected with pEGFP-N3 by Lipofectamine2000. Then those MSCs labeled with GFP, were cultured in contacted, nocontacted and conditioned with adult rat myocardiocytes. Immunofluorescence staining against alpha-actin, desmin, and troponin-T were performed after 1 week. RESULTS: Immunofluorescence staining was positive against alpha-actin, desmin, and troponin-T on MSCs in contacted culture group. In contrast, no alpha-actin, desmin, and troponin-T expression on MSCs were observed in the noncontacted culture group and the conditioned culture group. CONCLUSION Direct cell-to-cell contact between MSCs and adult cardiomyocytes may induce differentiation of MSCs into cardiomyocytes.
Animals ; Antigens, CD34 ; analysis ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Communication ; Cell Differentiation ; physiology ; Cell Separation ; Cells, Cultured ; Coculture Techniques ; Female ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells ; cytology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Thy-1 Antigens ; analysis