AIM: To investigate whether grafting neural stem cells (NSCs) improves the impaired cognitive deficits and spatial recognition after ischemic-hypoxic brain damage (HIBD) in neonatal rats. METHODS: Non-immunosuppressed 7-day-old SD rats were used as research subject and randomly divided into 3 groups: (1) sham group (n=10); (2) HIBD group (n=11); (3) transplant group (n=13). (2) and (3) were anesthetized and subjected to a hypoxic/ischemic injury obtained by combination of left carotid ligation and exposure to 8% oxygen for 2 h. At 3 days post injury, hypoxic-ischemic brain damaged animals were re-anesthetized and randomized to receive stereotactic injection of NSCs prelabeling with BrdU or control media into the hippocampus in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Cognitive (i.e., learning) deficits were assessed at 2 to 4 weeks after transplantation. At the end of the behavioral tests, the animals were killed and evaluated for NSC survival and histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Transplant group showed significantly improved cognitive function in selected tests as compared with HIBD group during the 4-week observation period. They took less time than HIBD group in finding the 3 arms baited with water and had a decreased number of working and reference memory errors in radial maze acquisition tests. Histological analysis showed that transplanted NSCs attenuated CA1 cell loss after HIBD, and NSCs survived for as long as 4 weeks after transplantation and were detected in the hippocampus. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that transplanted NSCs attenuate brain damage and cognitive dysfunction after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. This approach warrants continued investigation in light of potential therapeutic uses.

Objective To investigate the protective effects of hyperbaric oxygen(HBO)against brain dam- age from hypoxic ischemia(HIBD)in neonatal rats.Methods One hundred and seventeen 7-day-old Sprague- Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:a control group(n=32),a hypoxic ischemia brain damage group (HIBD group,n=30),a hyperbaric air group(HBA group,n=27),and a hyperbaric oxygen group(HBO group, n=28).The HIBD model was established by permanent occlusion of the left common carotid artery followed by expo- sure to a mixture of 8% oxygen/92% nitrogen for 2 h(at 37℃).HBO therapy was administered to the HBO group after the hypoxia exposure once a day for 7 d,as was HBA therapy to the HBA group.Apoptotic cells in the cortex and hippocampus(A_(CH)cells)were measured using TUNEL at 9 d after birth,and the ratios of left and right cerebral hemisphere weight(R_(L/R))and rate of weight gain(GRW)were recorded 14 d after birth.A radial arm maze acquisi- tion test(RAMAT)was administered at 30 to 35 days.Lastly,the neuron density in the CA_1 subfield of the rats' hip- pocampi(ND_(CAI)was measured with Nissl staining.Results R_(L/R)and GRW in the HIBD group were significantly lower than in the control group(P＜0.01),while R_(L/R)was increased in the HBO and HBA groups,especially in the HBO group(P＜0.01),although there was no significant difference in GRW between the groups.Compared with the control group,A_(CH)cells were increased and ND_(CAI)was decreased in the HIBD group(P＜0.01),while A_(CH)cells were decreased and ND_(CAI)was elevated in the HBO group in comparison with the HIBD group(P＜0.01).There was no change in A_(CH)cells or ND_(CAI)in the HBA group.The RAMAT results for the HIBD group,including the time to find the arms baited with water,average times of working errors and reference memory errors,were significantly high- er than those of the control group,while these values for the HBO group were obviously lower than for the HIBD group,and there was no change for the HBA group(P＞0.05).Conclusion HBO therapy might increase the re- covery of learning and memory function by attenuating HIBD in neonatal rats.

How to identify active constituents of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and study their interactions are key problems in the development of TCMs. The inhibitory effect of six alkaloids from Rhizoma Coptidis (RC) on Shigella dysenteriae (S. dysenteria) growth had been investigated by microcalorimetry in this study. Main active constituents of RC were confirmed by comparing their contributions to the bacteriostatic effect, and the interactions among active constituents were further researched. According to the result, in 0.8 mg-mL-1 extract of RC, the contributions of six active alkaloids including berberine, coptisine, epiberberine, palmatine and the combination of jatrorrhizine and columbamine were 52.83%, 36.31%, 2.49%, 4.27% and 3.21%, respectively. Therefore, berberine and coptisine were the main active constituents of RC that inhibited the growth of S. dysenteria. The study of interactions among the six alkaloids indicated that, 1 there were some contstituents antagonizing the inhibitory effect of RC, 2 there was a synergy effect between berberine and coptisine, 3 there were additive effects between other four alkaloids and the main active constituents. These results may provide some useful references for the establishment of the quality standard for RC and the development of multi-component TCMs.
Alkaloids ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Berberine ; analogs & derivatives ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Berberine Alkaloids ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Coptis ; chemistry ; Drug Interactions ; Drug Synergism ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Shigella dysenteriae ; drug effects ; growth & development

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation of the deleted azoospermia (DAZ) gene copy related to gr/gr and b2/b3 deletions in the AZFc region with male spermatogenic impairment.

METHODSThis study included 121 infertile men with different de- grees of spermatogenic impairment and 95 healthy donors from the sperm bank. Using PCR, PCR-RFLP, and Y chromosome specific sequence tagged sites (STS) , we analyzed the association of DAZ gene copy deletions related to gr/gr and b2/b3 deletions in the AZFc region with spermatogenic impairment.

RESULTSThere were 15 cases of gr/gr deletion (12. 40% ) and 6 cases of b2/b3 deletion (4.96%) in the infertility group as compared with 13 cases of gr/gr deletion (13.68%) and 1 case of b2/b3 deletion (1.05%) in the control. Analysis of the DAZ-specific single nucleotide variant (SNV) loci revealed 11 gr/gr-DAZI/DAZ2 deletions (9.09%), 4 gr/gr-DAZ3/DAZ4 deletions (3.31%), and 6 b2/b3-DAZ1/DAZ2 deletions (4.96%) in the infertile men in comparison with 3 gr/ gr-DAZ1/DAZ2 deletions (3.16%), 10 gr/gr-DAZ3/DAZ4 deletions (10.53%), and 1 b2/b3- DAZ3/DAZ4 deletion (1.05%) in the control.

CONCLUSIONPartial deletions of gr/gr and b2/b3 exist in both healthy men and male patients with different degrees of spermatogenic impairment and cannot be considered as a risk factor for spermatogenesis impairment. However, deletions of different DAZ duplicons in gr/gr and b2/b3 deletions have different effects on spermatogenesis. DAZ1/DAZ2 instead of DAZ3/DAZ4 deletions might be associated with spermatogenesis impairment.

Deleted in Azoospermia 1 Protein ; Gene Deletion ; Gene Dosage ; Humans ; Male ; RNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; Spermatogenesis ; genetics

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignant tumors as well as a frequent cause of cancer-related mortality in men worldwide. The test of serum markers has dramatically improved the early diagnosis of PCa, but its underlying molecular mechanisms are not yet completely identified. Long noncoding RNA (IncRNA) is emerging as a new player in the PCa paradigm demonstrating its potential roles in both oncogenic and tumor suppressive pathways. LncRNA is frequently aberrantly expressed in the majority of PCa cases. This review highlights recent findings of the aberrant expression of lncRNA in PCa and discusses its novel roles in the diagnosis, prediction, prognosis, metastasis, and potential clinical treatment of PCa.
Humans ; Male ; Prognosis ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; RNA, Long Noncoding ; metabolism

OBJECTIVE:To promote the healthy development of TCM decoction piece. METHODS:Based on analyzing the literature,national policy and data,the advantages and urgent problems of bringing TCM decoction piece into the National Essen-tial Medicine List were summarized,and the suggestions for its health development were provided. RESULTS:Bringing TCM de-coction piece into the National Essential Medicine List relieved the economic burden of patients and provided opportunity for the de-velopment of TCM decoction piece industry. However,it existed problems,such as production,circulation,storage and monitor-ing;mutual conflict in the relevant supporting policies;inconsistent medicare reimbursement;and urgent improvement of quality standard. CONCLUSIONS:The relevant departments should establish and improve the quality standard system of TCM decoction piece,and clear the varieties of TCM decoction piece in the National Essential Medicine List,perfecting supporting policies such as medicare reimbursement and attaching importance to the training of professional talents can ensure scientific and rational services for the public health.

Objective To explore the methods and techniques of the treatment for epidermoid cyst with endoscope assisted keyhole approach microneurosurgery Methods Sixteen patients with epidermoid cyst were treated with endoscope assisted keyhole approach microneurosurgery Different keyhole approaches were selected according to the position of the tumors With microneurosurgery,larger part of tumor was resected,then under neuroendoscope remains of tumors was found out and removed Result After the tumor were removed with microneurosurgery,the remains of tumors in 13 cases (81 25%) were still found under endoscope,and were resected with endoscope;the remains of tumors in 3 cases were not found Total excision of tumor was achieved in 14 patients (87 5%);Two patients subtotal excision Fifteen cases (93 75%) with clinical symptom had an improvement or recovery 2 weeks operation One case occurred nor bacterial meningitis and recovery 2 weeks after treatment Hydrocephelar and second intracranial hematoma were not found in all patients Following up was carried out for 10 patients after 3 12 months Nine patients got a good result One patient with trigeminal neuralgia Conclusion Endoscope assisted keyhole approach microneurosurgery can increase the total resection rate for epidermoid cyst,reduce the trauma of operation and reaction after operation [Key words] Epidermoid cyst; Intracranial; Neuroendoscope; Keyhole; Microneurosurgery

OBJECTIVESTo investigate adverse factors that may hinder successful placement and stabilization of the microcatheter during endovascular therapy of micro-intracranial aneurysms (≤ 3 mm in maximum diameter), and to explore the relevant managements.

METHODSForty-six patients with fifty-one micro-intracranial aneurysms treated by endovascular therapy from June 2001 to October 2009 were retrospectively analyzed for their intervention data.

RESULTSAdverse factors of optimal micro-catheterization mainly included, tortuosity of the proximal vessels (PVs) and the parent artery (PA), relative large gap in diameter among the PVs, the PA and the microcatheter, relative large divergence in direction among the PVs, the PA and the aneurysm dome, and stent deployed in the PA.

CONCLUSIONSCarefully considering the direction of the PVs and the PA, the aneurysm's location and dome orientation, choosing the microcatheter and microwire after balancing among their physical properties, as well as utilizing balloon and/or stent assistance, can facilitate micro-catheterization during endovascular treatment of micro-intracranial aneurysms.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Catheterization ; methods ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Stents ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study the necessity, feasibility, security of carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) for symptomatic carotid stenosis combined with kinking.

METHODSTwelve patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis and kinking demonstrated by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) received CAS from December 2003 to December 2009. There were 9 male and 3 female patients, age ranged from 59 to 77 years (mean 69.3 years). All the patients' clinical, imaging, intervention and follow up data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTSAll CAS procedures were successfully performed with 14 self-expandable stents placed. The mean degree of stenosis was reduced from 85.6% before stenting to 11.2% after stenting, the angle of kinking, according to Metz' category, were improved from less than 90° to more than 120° in each case. No perioperative procedure related stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurred. The clinical symptoms and signs of cerebral ischemia were improved or disappeared for all patients. During follow-up of these 12 patients for 6 to 72 months, one patient experienced ipsilateral carotid territory TIA and another patient experienced contralateral carotid territory TIA. DSA follow up of 5 patients demonstrated 1 case with in-stent restenosis and arterial kinking remote to the stent of internal carotid artery. CAS were performed again and CT angiography follow up demonstrated no kinking and restenosis 2 years after the intervention. Duplex scan of the other 7 patients demonstrated neither kinking nor restenosis.

CONCLUSIONSCAS seems to be feasible and safe for the patients with symptomatic kinking and stenosis, and maybe helpful to lower the risk of cerebral ischemia, but further study is needed.

Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon ; methods ; Carotid Stenosis ; surgery ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stents ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the factors influencing the prognosis of penis-sparing surgery (PSS) for early-stage penile cancer.

METHODSWe retrospectively studied the clinical data about 45 cases of early-stage penile cancer treated by PSS from January 2007 to December 2014. We calculated the rate of local recurrence-free survival by the Kaplan-Meier method, and conducted univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses on the relevant factors including the patient's age, marital status, tumor location, tumor size, postoperative sexual life, histological grade, and TNM stage.

RESULTSOne-year and three-year local recurrence-free survival rates were 95.5% and 52.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the histological grade (P = 0.039) and postoperative sexual life (P = 0.049) were independent factors for the prognosis of PSS. Logistic regression showed the patients age to be significantly associated with histological grade (P = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONHistological grade and postoperative sexual life are important independent prognostic factors of PSS for early-stage penile cancer, and the patients age is associated with the prognosis of PSS through its influence on the tumor grade.

Age Factors ; Disease-Free Survival ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Grading ; Organ Sparing Treatments ; Penile Neoplasms ; surgery ; Penis ; surgery ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Quality of Life ; Retrospective Studies