Objective To determine the therapeutic effect of recombined rat insulin-like growth factory 1 gene and transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-?_1)gene on anterior cruciate ligament transection(ACLT)- induced osteoarthritis-like changes in NZW rabbit knee joints.Methods Eighteen NZW rabbits were divided into 3 groups randomly after osteoanhritis was established by ACLT and another six rabbits were used as normal control group(group 1).Chondrocytes which had been transfected with IGF-1 gene,co-transfected with TGF-?_1 and IGF-1 gene(group 3,4)were injected into the rabbits knee joints.Experimental control group(group 2)only had ACLT bul was not transfected.After 4,8 weeks,rabbits were sacrificed and their joints were evaluated by morphological grades,histological examination,in situ hybridization examination,immunohistochemistry exami- nation,and transmission electron microscopy examination(TEM).Results The morphological grades showed that the normal control group had a very significant difference with the experimental control group(P

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of auxins 2,4-D,IAA,IBA,NAA on induction of adventitious roots as well as that of IBA concentrations on the growth of adventitious roots and the accumulation of caffeic acid derivatives, with test-tube seedling leaves Echinacea pallida as the explant, and cultivate adventitious roots in bioreactors.

RESULT1.0 mg x L(-1) IBA was found the best for the induction of adventitious roots, with the numer of induced adventitious roots up to 22. 5 in each culture dish. Among different concentrations for suspension cultivation of IBA tested, 1.0 mg x L(-1) IBA was found the most suitable for the growth of adventitious roots and the accumulation of caffeic acid derivatives. In a 5 L balloon type bubble bioreactor, 8.98 g x L(-1) dry weight was achieved after one month, which was 2.05 times of 4.38 g x L(-1) dry weight cultivated in a triangular flask. The content of echinacoside cultivated in a bioreactor was 14.08 mg x g(-1) DW, which was 2.4 times of cultivated roots. The contents of chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid and total caffeic acid derivatives were 4.0-25.6 times of ultivated roots.

CONCLUSIONThe study can provide high-quality biomedical drugs containing such caffeic acid derivatives as echinacoside for mass production of Echinacea purpurea medicines.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid ; pharmacology ; Bioreactors ; Caffeic Acids ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Echinacea ; drug effects ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Indoleacetic Acids ; pharmacology ; Indoles ; pharmacology ; Naphthaleneacetic Acids ; pharmacology ; Plant Growth Regulators ; pharmacology ; Plant Leaves ; drug effects ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Plant Roots ; drug effects ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Seedlings ; drug effects ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Tissue Culture Techniques ; instrumentation ; methods

Objective To evaluate X-ray,CT and MRI findings of soft tissue infections in AIDS. Methods Three cases of soft tissue infections with AIDS were retrospectively analyzed by comparing the imaging findings with pathological results.All patients were performed MRI,X-ray was in 1 case,CT was in 1 case.Results Cellulitis was in 1 case:MRI showed extended thickening of subcutaneous tissues, ill-defined hypointense areas on T_1WI and hyperintensity on T_2WI,and reticular pattern on GRE. Necrotizing fasciitis was in 1 case:MRI showed obvious thickening of subcutaneous tissues and deep fasciae, abnormally increased signal intensity on T_1 and T_2WI.Fluid collections were within muscles and muscles interval on fat-suppressed T2 WI.Tuberculosis was in 1 case:CT demonstrated multiple low density areas in the subcutaneous tissues and clear peripheral rim enhancement.MRI appeared hypointense on T_1WI and hyperintensity on T_2WI,and peripheral rim enhancement following gadolinium injection.Conclusion Infections of soft tissue are common complication in patients with AIDS,radiology is important in early diagnosis and treatment planning in this population.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the brain oxidative stress injury induced by nano-alumina particles in ICR mice.

METHODSSixty male ICR mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: control group, solvent control group, 100 mg/kg micro-alumina particles group, 3 groups exposed to nano-alumina particles at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. The mice were exposed by nasal drip for 30 days. Then levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in brain tissues of mice were detected.

RESULTSThere was no difference of SOD activity in mouse brain between control group [(17.32 +/- 6.23)U/gHb] and 50 mg/kg nano-alumina particles group [(17.89 +/- 1.82) U/gHb]. The SOD activity [(4.93 +/- 2.30)U/gHb] in 200 mg/kg nano-alumina particles group was significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.05). The MDA levels in 3 nano-alumina particles groups were (0.76 +/- 0.13), (1.00 +/- 0.30) and (1.16 +/- 0.39)nmol/ml, respectively, which were significantly higher than that [( 0.24 +/- 0.09)nmol/ml] in control group (P < 0.05). The GSH levels in 3 nano-alumina particles groups were (0.72 +/- 0.08), (0.55 +/- 0.19) and (0.61 +/- 0.20)mg/gpro, respectively, which were significantly lower than that [(1.55 +/- 0.34)mg/gpro]] in control group (P < 0.05). The CAT activity in 50 and 100 mg/kg nano-alumina particles groups were (10.40 +/- 3.84) and (10.40 +/- 2.00)U/mgpro, respectively, which were significantly higher than that [(5.79 +/- 0.96) U/mgpro] in control group (P < 0.05). The CAT activity [(3.25 +/- 1.04)U/mgpro] in 200 mg/kg nano-alumina particles group was significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.05 ).

CONCLUSIONNano-alumina particles can induce the oxidative stress damage in brain tissues of mice.

Aluminum Oxide ; toxicity ; Animals ; Cerebral Cortex ; metabolism ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Nanoparticles ; toxicity ; Oxidative Stress ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

The liver injury induced by Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM) was investigated based on idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity model co-treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a non-hepatotoxic dose. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were intragastrically administered with three doses (18.9, 37.8, 75.6 g crude drug per kg body weight) of 50% alcohol extracts of PM alone or co-treated with non-toxic dose of LPS (2.8 mg·kg(-1)) via tail vein injection. The plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were assayed and the isolated livers were evaluated for histopathological changes. The dose-toxicity relationships of single treatment of PM or co-treatment of LPS were investigated comparatively to elucidate the idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity of PM. The results showed that no significant alterations of plasma ALT and AST activities were observed in the groups of solo-administration of LPS (2.8 mg·kg(-1), i.v.) or different dosage (18.9, 37.8 and 75.6 g·kg(-1), i.g.) of PM, compared to normal control group (P > 0.05); while significant elevations were observed in the co-administration groups of PM and LPS. Treatment with LPS alone caused slight infiltration of inflammatory cells in portal area but no evident hepatocytes injury. Co-treatment with LPS and PM (75.6 g·kg(-1), i.g.) caused hepatocyte focal necrosis, loss of central vein intima and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration in portal areas. When further reduce the dosage of PM, significant increases of plasma ALT and AST activities (P < 0.05) were still observed in co-administration groups of LPS and PM (1.08 or 2.16 g·kg(-1)), but not in LPS or PM solo-administration groups. Nevertheless, the co-treatment of low dosage of PM (0.54 g·kg(-1)) with LPS did not induce any alteration of plasma ALT and AST. In conclusion, intragastric administration with 75.6 g·kg(-1) of PM did not induce liver injury in normal rats model; while the 2 folds of clinical equivalent dose of PM (1.08 g·kg(-1)) could result in liver injury in the LPS-based idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity model, which could be used to evaluate the idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity of PM.
Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Animals ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; blood ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ; pathology ; Hepatocytes ; pathology ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Polygonum ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical therapeutic results of allograft tendon for anatomical reconstruction of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) for the treatment of patellar dislocations.

METHODSFrom September 2008 to June 2013, 16 patients with patellar dislocation underwent MPFL reconstructions. There were 2 males and 14 females, aged 11 to 27 years old (16 years old on average). Patellar dislocations occurred in 11 left and 5 right knees. The disease course ranged from 3 to 10 years. The frequency of dislocation ranged from 9 to 33 times (19 times on average). Affected knee joints showed patellar instability; the range of action for patella obviously increased. The X-ray films showed patellar dislocation. The preoperative Q angle was (36 ± 9)°, and the congruence angle was (63 ± 18)°. Reconstruction was performed via allograft tendon. Allograft tendon was fixed through the superomedial pole of the patella, and the other end was fixed at the natural MPFL insertion site near the medial femoral condyle with an interference screw in a bone tunnel. All the patients were evaluated postoperatively; Kujala patellofemoral scores, objective knee function, complications, and reoperations were assessed.

RESULTSPrimary healing was achieved in all cases. No infection or necrosis and absorption of grafts was observed. All the patients were followed up for an average of 16.4 months (ranged, 10 to 24 months) postoperatively. At the latest follow-up, all the patients had no pain, swelling and patellar instability; neither patella redislocation nor fracture occurred. The X-ray films showed good position of tunnel 6 months after operation, and the congruence angle was (5 ± 9)°, showing statistically significant difference when compared with preoperation (P < 0.05). The postoperative Q angle was (17 ± 8)°, the Kujala knee function score improved significantly from 45.20 ± 9.20 to 89.30 ± 6.40 at the latest follow-up, showing statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMPFL reconstruction improves clinical symptoms. Anatomical MPFL reconstruction is effective for patellar dislocation, and it offers good recovery of the premorbid patella mechanics. The interference screw provides firm fixation. Allograft can avoid the graft harvest site morbidity, but it increases the cost of the surgery.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Allografts ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Ligaments, Articular ; surgery ; Male ; Patellar Dislocation ; surgery ; Patellofemoral Joint ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Tendons ; transplantation

BACKGROUNDProtein arginine methyltransferases 1 (PRMT1) is over-expressed in a variety of cancers, including lung cancer, and is correlated with a poor prognosis of tumor development. This study aimed to investigate the role of PRMT1 in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) migration in vitro.

METHODSIn this study, PRMT1 expression in the NSCLC cell line A549 was silenced using lentiviral vector-mediated short hairpin RNAs. Cell migration was measured using both scratch wound healing and transwell cell migration assays. The mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, 2 (TIMP1, 2) were measured using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of protein markers for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) (E-cadherin, N-cadherin), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Src, AKT, and their corresponding phosphorylated states were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCell migration was significantly inhibited in the PRMT1 silenced group compared to the control group. The mRNA expression of MMP-2 decreased while TIMP1 and TIMP2 increased significantly. E-cadherin mRNA expression also increased while N-cadherin decreased. Only phosphorylated Src levels decreased in the silenced group while FAK or AKT remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONSPRMT1-small hairpin RNA inhibits the migration abilities of NSCLC A549 cells by inhibiting EMT, extracellular matrix degradation, and Src phosphorylation in vitro.

Blotting, Western ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; enzymology ; genetics ; Cell Line ; Cell Movement ; genetics ; physiology ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; genetics ; physiology ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Protein-Arginine N-Methyltransferases ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; physiology

OBJECTIVE: To describe the MRI findings in ten patients of spinal epidural angiolipoma for differentiated diagnosis presurgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten surgically proved cases of spinal epidural angiolipomas were retrospectively reviewed, and the lesion was classified according to the MR findings. RESULTS: Ten tumors were located in the superior (n = 4), middle (n = 2), or inferior (n = 4) thoracic level. The mass, with the spindle shape, was located in the posterior epidural space and extended parallel to the long axis of the spine. All lesions contained a fat and vascular element. The vascular content, correlating with the presence of hypointense regions on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) and hyperintense signals on T2-weighted imaging, had marked enhancement. However, there were no flow void signs on MR images. All tumors were divided into two types based on the MR features. In type 1 (n = 3), the mass was predominantly composed of lipomatous tissue (> 50%) and contained only a few small angiomatous regions, which had a trabeculated or mottled appear. In type 2 (n = 7), the mass, however, was predominantly composed of vascular components (> 50%), which presented as large foci in the center of the mass. CONCLUSION: Most spinal epidural angiolipomas exhibit hyperintensity on T1WI while the hypointense region on the noncontrast T1WI indicates to be vascular, which manifests an obvious enhancement with gadolinium administration.
Adult ; Aged ; Angiolipoma/*diagnosis/surgery ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Epidural Neoplasms/*diagnosis/surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Laminectomy/methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/*methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the management of complicated, severe or recurrent Budd-Chiari syndrome.

METHODSFrom February 2004 to August 2007, 28 patients with complicated, severe or recurrent Budd-Chiari syndrome were treated. In this series, 16 patients relapsed after treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty or stent deployment, 2 cases relapsed after surgery; and the other 10 were under severe conditions and hard to treat, including malignancy of the inferior vena cava and right atrium. Meso-cavo-atrial shunt was carried out in 10 cases, meso-cavo-jugular shunt in 6 (capitis medusa was used in one case), cavoatrial shunt in 2 and cavo-jugular shunt in 1, mesocaval shunt in 2, and radical or extended radical correction in 7.

RESULTSOne patient (3.6%) died in 24 hours after operation. Graft infection occurred in 1 case. Excellent, good, fair, poor and death rate were 22.2%, 55.5%, 14.8%, 3.7% and 3.7%, respectively, the overall effective rate was 92.5%.

CONCLUSIONTo select personalized treatment according to the disease status brings hopes to difficult, severe, recurrent Budd-Chiari syndrome.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation ; Budd-Chiari Syndrome ; surgery ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Critical Illness ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Portacaval Shunt, Surgical ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To explore the role of free fatty acids(FFA) on expression of miR-335 in human matured adipocytes.Methods In order to induce differentiation,confluent human pre-adipocytes (day 0) were subsequently cultured in serum-free PAM containing 50 nmol/L insulin,100 nmol/L dexamethasone,0.5 mmol/L 3-isobutyl1-methylxanthine,and 100 μmol/L rosiglitazone.Then human matured adipocytes (day 16) were treated with 1 mmol/L FFA cocktail composed of lauric acid,myristic acid,linoleic acid,oleic acid,and arachidonic acids for 4,8 and 24 hours.Meanwhile,untreated cells were collected as control group.Total RNA from these adipocytes were extracted and the levels of miR-335 expression were evaluated by real-time PCR.Results The expression of miR-335 at 4,8 and 24 hours showed no statistical significance when compared to 0 hour in untreated matured adipocytes (all P ＞ 0.05).The relative expression of miR-335 after the intervention of FFA in human matured adipocytes were 9.03 ± 0.31,9.85 ±2.41 and 11.23 ± 0.62,respectively at 4,8 and 24 hours when used with snRU6 for normalization,and there was statistical signi-ficance compared with 0 hour in control group (all P ＜ 0.05).The levels of miR-335 were 4.73 ± 0.60,5.38 ± 1.25 and 4.57 ±0.52 at the same time point when used with miR-103 for normalization,and there was statistical significance compared with 0 hour in control group (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions FFA exert a positive effect on the miR-335 expression in human matured adipocytes,which provide the basis for the further study about the role of miR-335 in human adipocytes.