OBJECTIVE To investigate the neuroprotective effect and possible mechanisms of lute-olin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide (LGU) against focalcerebral ischemic injury. METHODS The focal cerebral ischemic injury model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group,model group(MCAO),LGU group(0.24,0.72 and 2.16 mg·kg-1)and positive control group(Edaravone at 5 mg·kg-1).LGU was injected intravenously 30 min after MCAO.Neurological severity score,infarct volume and brain water content were detected 24 h after MCAO and the levels of Na+-K+ATPase,Ca2+ATPase,TNF-α and IL-1β were detected to explore the possible mechanisms.For the therapeutic time window test,LGU(0.72 mg·kg-1)was injected intrave-nously 0.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h respectively after MCAO. To evaluate motion behavior, LGU were injected intravenously 30 min after MCAO and once per day during detection period. The changes of motor coordination were detected by rotating rod method and grip strength analysis, and the changes of gaits were detected using DigiGait Imaging System. RESULTS LGU improved the neurological severity score, infarct volume ratio and brain water content. The therapeutic time window of LGU for cerebral infarction and brain edema was at least 6 h and for neurological dysfunction was 12 h.LGU also prolonged the latency on rotarod, increased the forelimb tension and improved 8 gait parameters, including stance duration,stride length,stance width,paw area,paw area variability,gait symmetry,ataxia coefficient and tau propulsion.Furthermore,LGU increased Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase levels in the cortex and hippocampus in the ischemic side,reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum. CONCLUSION LGU has a significant neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischemic injury via improving energy metabolism and reducing inflammation.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect and mechanisms of luteolin-7-O-β-d-glucuronide (LGU) on oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes injury. METH-ODS The protective effect of LGU on OGD-induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes death were investigated by MTT assay. The microfilament change of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was detected by phalloidin staining and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage rate was also detected by LDH kit. In order to explore the possible mechanisms of LGU, ATP content, intracellular Ca2+fluorescent intensity and concentra-tion, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP)and the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins were detected by ATP kit,CLSM(Fluo-3/AM probe),Ca2+kit,CLSM(JC-1 probe)and western blotting meth-od, respectively. RESULTS The inhibition of H9C2 cardiomyocyte survival rate inducedby OGD was improvedby pretreated with LGU in a concentrationdependent manner. The microfilaments injury as well as the increase of LDH leakage rate were also improvedby pretreated with LGU.The ATP content was significantly decreased,intracellular Ca2+fluorescent intensity and concentration were significantly increased and the MMP was significantly decreased 4 hafter OGD. LGU significantly reversed the de-crease of intracellular ATP content,the increase of Ca2+fluorescent intensity and concentration and the decrease of MMP.The release of cytochrome C,the expressionsof caspase-9 and caspase-3 in H9C2 cardiomyocytes were increased 16 h after OGD.LGUsignificantly inhibited the changes of these apop-tosis-related proteins. CONCLUSION LGU has a significant protective effect against OGD-induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes injury through inhibiting calcium overload,increasing ATP content,improving mi-tochondrial function and inhibiting apoptosis.

Follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcoma is a neoplastic proliferation of FDCs. Because its cytologic findings can vary widely, both the cytomorphology and histopathology of FDC sarcoma can impose a significant diagnostic dilemma. We present cytologic features of FDC sarcoma assessed by intraoperative touch imprint. Intra-abdominal lymphadenopathies were noted in 54-year-old male with hepatitis B-virus associated liver cirrhosis. In contrast to cytologic features of classical FDC sarcoma, the tumor cells featured a large epithelioid or Reed-Sternberg cell-like shape scattered in a background with abundant inflammatory cells, which led to a mistaken diagnosis of malignant lymphoma. However, in accordance with cytologic features previously described in the literature, the tumor cells were characterized by a fragile cytoplasm with cytoplasmic processes in dendritic or reticulated patterns reminiscent of the ultrastructural features of FDC. Cytoplasmic features rendering nuclei with a tendency to form clusters or syncytial aggregates associated with reactive lymphocytes appear to be the most valuable finding in diagnosis of FDC sarcoma.
Cytoplasm ; Dendritic Cell Sarcoma, Follicular ; Dendritic Cells ; Dendritic Cells, Follicular ; Hepatitis ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphocytes ; Lymphoma ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sarcoma

Angiosarcoma is a rare malignant vascular neoplasm which can arise in any part of the body. Specific recognition of this neoplasm in cytological specimens is difficult in the absence of an ancillary method. Herein, we present the cytologic findings of two cases of angiosarcomas diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology. One case is a recurred angiosarcoma in the left chest wall and the other case is a lymphedema-associated angiosarcoma in the left lower leg. The cytologic findings of both cases are similar. Cytologic features that identified this neoplasm as an angiosarcoma included arborizing microtissue fragments, irregular anastomosing vascular spaces lined by atypical cells, microacini, intracytoplasmic lumen, and intracellular red blood cells, marked cell discohesiveness, spindle to ovoid, irregular, hyperchromatic nuclei, and elongated cytoplasmic processes with indistinct borders. This report emphasizes that when aspiration smears show vasoformative features in a bloody background, angiosarcoma should be included in the differential diagnosis.
Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Cytoplasm ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Erythrocytes ; Hemangiosarcoma ; Leg ; Thoracic Wall ; Vascular Neoplasms

An ectopic cervical thymoma is an uncommon tumor of the neck displaying the same histologic features as a mediastinal thymoma. Because of its unusual location, this mass is often confused as originating from the thyroid. In this report we describe a case of cervical type AB thymoma. Aspiration cytologic smears were highly cellular and revealed irregular tissue fragments, cohesive sheets, and clusters of crowded epithelial cells intermingled with many small lymphocytes. The epithelial cells had oval and spindle shaped bland-looking nuclei and scant cytoplasm with indistinct cell borders. Mitosis, nuclear atypia, and necrosis were not observed. The cells were focally arranged in a nesting pattern. Many small lymphocytes, a few activated lymphocytes, and lymphoid tangles were seen in the background. A cytologic misdiagnosis of "possible carcinoma" was rendered. Therefore, ectopic thymoma should also be considered in fine needle aspiration cytology of a neck mass when the smear shows epithelial and lymphoid components.
Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Cytoplasm ; Diagnostic Errors ; Epithelial Cells ; Lymphocytes ; Mitosis ; Neck ; Necrosis ; Thymoma ; Thyroid Gland

BACKGROUNDTreatment of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) is usually made by a transarterial approach. However, in many complicated patients, treatments via transarterial approaches can not be achieved, and only an operation via a transvenous approach is feasible. We aimed to study the feasibility of transarterial embolization of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulas with a combination detachable coils and Onyx to embolize a complicated cavernous DAVF via a transvenous approach.

METHODSFrom August 2006 to August 2007, six cases of complicated cavernous DAVF were embolized with a combination of detachable coils and Onyx via a transvenous approach. Three cases were male and the other three were female. Their ages ranged from 36 to 69 years old. The fistula was in the right lateral cavernous sinus in one case, in the left lateral cavernous sinus in another, and in the bilateral cavernous sinus in 4 cases. One fistula was fed by the right internal carotid artery and its meningohypophyseal trunk; one was fed by the branches of the left internal carotid artery and left external carotid artery; four were fed by the branches of the bilateral internal carotid artery and/or the bilateral external carotid artery. One case was drained via one lateral inferior petrosal sinus; three were drained via bilateral inferior petrosal sinuses; one was drained via one lateral ophthalmic and facial veins; one was drained via the inferior petrosal sinus and the ophthalmic and facial veins. Four were embolized via the inferior petrosal sinus, and two were embolized via the ophthalmic and facial veins.

RESULTSAmong six cases of complicated cavernous DAVF, four were fully embolized with Onyx by a single operation, and two cases were fully embolized with Onyx following two operations. Transient headache was found after operation in all patients, but was cured after several days by the symptomatic treatments. In one case, the first operation via the inferior petrosal sinus was a failure; the feeding branches of the external carotid artery were embolized, and transient facial palsy was appeared after operation. The fistula was fully embolized with Onyx via the inferior petrosal sinus after two months with no complications. One bilateral cavernous sinus DAVF was embolized with Onyx via the inferior petrosal sinus by two operations, and transient abducens nerve palsy occurred after embolization.

CONCLUSIONSBecause Onyx may be injected via a transvenous approach and the microcatheter is easily withdrawn, cavernous sinus via transvenous catheterization and embolization is a safe and efficient way to treat complicated cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulas, especially those for which operations via transarterial approaches have failed, or spontaneous cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Adult ; Aged ; Arteriovenous Fistula ; complications ; therapy ; Cavernous Sinus ; abnormalities ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; administration & dosage ; Dura Mater ; blood supply ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polyvinyls ; administration & dosage

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase isoform 2 (PMCA2) in spiral ganglion cell (SGC) from inner ear of newborn rats and further check PMCA2 splice variants at site A and C.

METHODSSpiral ganglion tissues isolated from cochlea of newborn rats (P3-P4) were cultured and identified in vitro. The cochlea of newborn rats (P3-P4) were isolated and cut into frozen sections. The expression of PMCA2 was detected by immunofluorescence analyses. The SGC cultured in 4 wells of the 6-well culture plate were collected and the total RNA was extracted by Trizol and reverse transcribed to cDNA. The site A and C splice variants of PMCA2 were respectively checked by nested PCR and common PCR.

RESULTSThe SGC grew well with good refraction and showed positive immunoreactivity for neuronal marker NF-200. Strong green fluorescence could be seen in cytomembrane, cytoplasm and neuritis, as well showing SGC immunoreactivity for PMCA2 antibody. In the cochlear sections, the spiral ganglion tissues were strongly stained by PMCA2. PMCA2z was present at splice site A, but PMCA2b and PMCA2c were present at splice site C.

CONCLUSIONSGC from newborn rats strongly expresses PMCA2 and different splice variants are present at PMCA2 splice site A and C.

Animals ; Female ; Male ; Plasma Membrane Calcium-Transporting ATPases ; metabolism ; Protein Isoforms ; metabolism ; RNA Splice Sites ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spiral Ganglion ; cytology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the impacts of three different surgical approaches to urethral stricture on the erectile function of the patients.

METHODSThis study included 126 male patients with urethral stricture, 35 treated by substitution urethroplasty (group A), 52 by anastomotic urethroplasty (group B), and 39 by internal urethroplasty (group C). We evaluated the pre- and postoperative erectile function of the patients using IIEF-5 scores by telephone calls and interviews. We also monitored their nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT).

RESULTSThe IIEF-5 scores in groups A, B and C were 13.5 +/- 4.5, 11.1 +/- 4.8 and 14.5 +/- 4.41 respectively after surgery, all significantly decreased as compared with 17.1 +/- 2.6, 17.1 +/- 3.0 and 17.6 +/- 2.2 preoperatively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAll the three surgical approaches can reduce IIEF-5 scores in patients with urethral stricture, but anastomotic urethroplasty may induce a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction than the other two approaches.

Adult ; Aged ; Humans ; Intraoperative Period ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Penile Erection ; physiology ; Urethral Stricture ; surgery ; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male ; methods ; Young Adult

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) in the treatment of refractory and relapsed acute leukemia (AL) patients. Methods: The clinical data of 22 refractory and relapsed AL patients who were treated with UCBT as salvage therapy from November 2009 to May 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received a myeloablative conditioning regimen for prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) with cyclosporine A (CSA)/short course of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Results: ①Of 22 patients, 9 cases were male and 13 female. The median age was 23 (15-44) years and median weight of 52.5 (43-82) kg. All patients were transplanted with a median umbilical cord blood nucleated cells of 3.07 (1.71-5.30)×10⁷/kg (by weight), the median CD34⁺ cells was 1.60 (0.63-3.04)×10⁵/kg (by weight). ②The myeloid cumulative implantation rate was 95.5% (95%CI 45.2-99.7%) after transplantation of 42 d, with the median implantation time of 19 (13-27) d. The platelet cumulative implantation rate after transplantation of 120 d was 81.8% (95%CI 54.2-93.6%), the median implantation time of 42 (20-164) d. ③The incidence of Ⅱ-Ⅳ, Ⅲ-Ⅳ aGVHD and the 2 year cumulative incidence of cGVHD were 36.4%, 13.6% and 40.3% respectively. ④ The transplant related mortality (TRM) after transplantation of 180d was 22.7%, 2 year cumulative rate of relapse was 18.7% (95%CI 3.6-42.5%), 2 year disease-free survival rate (DFS) and overall survival rate (OS) were 53.7% and 58.1%, respectively. Conclusion: The preliminary results show that the use of UCBT is safe and effective for refractory and relapsed AL patients who fail to respond to conventional chemotherapy.
Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation ; Female ; Graft vs Host Disease ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; Leukemia/therapy* ; Male ; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation ; Retrospective Studies ; Transplantation Conditioning ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety of recombinant human interferon alpha-2b for nasal spray for the prevention of SARS and other upper respiratory viral infections.

METHODSField epidemiologic evaluation was conducted, the design was randomized and had a synchronously parallel control group. In the study, the drugs were given for five days and all subjects were followed up for ten days.

RESULTSDuring the period of using interferon, body temperature of the experimental group was normal compared to the control group. Experimental group had more influenza-like symptoms than the control group (P < 0.05), such as headache (4.83%-7.09%), dizziness (7.17%-11.63%), lassitude (8.55%-15.06%), muscular soreness (4.43%-7.09%), pharynx dryness (12.10%-17.85%), angina (6.25%-8.72%), abdominal pain (2.30%-5.50%) and diarrhea (2.45%-5.66%). Most of side effects reached their peak with in the first 3 days. Except for pharynx dryness, the incidences of all other side effects declined after completion of the use of the trial drug, and incidences of some symptoms in experimental group were lower than those of the control group. There were no significant differences in the symptoms of cough and expectoration between the experimental group and the control group. The incidence of exanthem in the control group was significantly higher than that in the experimental group. The side effect of bloody nasal mucus was not observed in experimental group, which had been reported by other authors in several volunteer studies.

CONCLUSIONUsing recombinant human interferon alpha-2b for nasal spray could lead to some influenza-like symptoms, however, all those symptoms were mild , reversible, and relieved after completion of the use of the trial drug. No serious side effects were found during the period of following up. The authors conclude that the drug is safe.

Abdominal Pain ; chemically induced ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Dizziness ; chemically induced ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Headache ; chemically induced ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Recombinant Proteins ; SARS Virus ; drug effects ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; prevention & control ; virology ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult