Objective To investigate ultrasound as a therapy for white lesions of the vulva.Methods Immunohistochemistry and hybridization in situ were used to study changes in VEGF protein and mRNA in the vulva skin of rabbits after ultrasound irradiation.Results After irradiation,VEGF protein and mRNA had increased markedly after 4 and 7 days,but their levels recovered by day 14.Conclusion Ultrasound irradiation causes local edema and hypoxia which enhance production of VEGF.VEGF promotes growth of local microvessels and increases the permeability of the endothelial cells of blood vessels.These changes improve nutrition of the mierovessels and nerve endings and ameliorate the microenvironment for tissue growth.One could speculate that ultrasound irradiation helps rehabilitation and regeneration of pathologic vulva skin.

Atropa belladonna is a medicinal plant and main commercial source of tropane alkaloids (TAs) including scopolamine and hyoscyamine, which are anticholine drugs widely used clinically. Based on the high throughput transcriptome sequencing results, the digital expression patterns of UniGenes representing 9 structural genes (ODC, ADC, AIH, CPA, SPDS, PMT, CYP80F1, H6H, TRII) involved in TAs biosynthesis were constructed, and simultaneously expression analysis of 4 released genes in NCBI (PMT, CYP80F1, H6H, TRII) for verification was performed using qPCR, as well as the TAs contents detection in 8 different tissues. Digital expression patterns results suggested that the 4 genes including ODC, ADC, AIH and CPA involved in the upstream pathway of TAs, and the 2 branch pathway genes including SPDS and TRII were found to be expressed in all the detected tissues with high expression level in secondary root. While the 3 TAs-pathway-specific genes including PMT, CYP80F1, H6H were only expressed in secondary roots and primary roots, mainly in secondary roots. The qPCR detection results of PMT, CYP80F1 and H6H were consistent with the digital expression patterns, but their expression levels in primary root were too low to be detected. The highest content of hyoscyamine was found in tender stems (3.364 mg x g(-1)), followed by tender leaves (1.526 mg x g(-1)), roots (1.598 mg x g(-1)), young fruits (1.271 mg x g(-1)) and fruit sepals (1.413 mg x g(-1)). The highest content of scopolamine was detected in fruit sepals (1.003 mg x g(-1)), then followed by tender stems (0.600 mg x g(-1)) and tender leaves (0.601 mg x g(-1)). Both old stems and old leaves had the lowest content of hyoscyamine and scopolamine. The gene expression profile and TAs accumulation indicated that TAs in Atropa belladonna were mainly biosynthesized in secondary root, and then transported and deposited in tender aerial parts. Screening Atropa belladonna secondary root transcriptome database will facilitate unveiling the unknown enzymatic reactions and the mechanisms of transcriptional control.
Alkaloids ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Atropa belladonna ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; genetics ; Hyoscyamine ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plants, Medicinal ; genetics ; metabolism ; Scopolamine Hydrobromide ; metabolism ; Tropanes ; metabolism

Objective Toinvestigatetheriskfactorsforleukoaraiosis(LA)inpatientswithlarge arteryatherosclerosis(LAA).Methods Theclinicaldata(age,sex,hypertension,diabetes,smoking, serum lipid level,hyperhomocysteinemia,and numbers of stenosis or occluded cerebral arteries)of 312 patients with LAA classified by the modified stop stroke study trial of Org 10172 in acute stroke treatment (SSS-TOAST ) were analyzed retrospectively. The age-related white matter changes (age related white matter changes,ARWMC)scale was used to evaluate LA. All the 312 patients were divided into non-LA group(n=72)and LA group(n=240)according the T2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluid attenuated inversion recovery(FLAIR)sequence,and 3 groups according to the (age-related white matter changes,ARWMC)scores:mild LA,moderate LA,and severe LA groups. The patients with multiple risk factors were analyzed by the univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses. Results (1)Of the 312 patients with LA,227 were males (72. 8%). Their average age was 64 ± 11 years,and 240 of them (76. 9%)had LA. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR,2. 911,95%CI 1. 647-5.146,P=0. 000),hypertension (OR,2. 583,95%CI 1. 373-4.857,P<0. 01),diabetes (OR,1. 882, 95%CI 1. 058-3. 348,P <0. 05),the numbers of stenosis or occlusion arteries (OR,1. 851,95%CI 1.018-3. 367,P<0. 05),and lacunar infarction (LI)(OR,1.493,95%CI 1. 202-1. 853,P<0. 01)were the risk factors for LA. (2)The comparison of the clinical data in patients with different severity in the LA group found that there were significant differences in age,hypertension,diabetes,the numbers of stenosis or occlusionarteries,andLIamongthe3groups(allP<0.05).Conclusion Age,hypertension,diabetes, the numbers of stenosis or occlusion arteries,and LI are the independent risk factors for patients with LAA,and it is associated with the severity of LA.

Objective To investigate the therapic efficiency of early one-stage ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and cranioplasty on patients with skull deficit,hydrocephalus and hernia in the cerebral tissue of deficited skull after large flap decompression.Methods Thirty-eight patients with skull deficit,hydrocephalus and hernia in the cerebral tissue of deficited skull after large flap decompression,admitted to our hospital from June 2009 to December 2010,were chosen in our study;early (within two months of onset) one-stage ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and cranioplasty were performed on these patients; follow up was performed for 6-24 months.Results Postoperative CT scan 10 days after the surgery showed that hydrocephlus disappeared in 31 patients and significantly alleviated in 7; the midline located on the middle of the brain,and the titanium structure in the skull deficit was good.The follow-up of 6-24 months (mean 13 months) indicated that hydrocephlus disappeared in 30 patients,significantly alleviated in 6,and recurred in 2 patients under CT scan; recurred hydrocephalus disappeared after a new re-operation of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt.Conslusion The early one-stage ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and cranioplasty could achieve favorable outcome for patients with skull deficit,hydrocephalus and hernia in the cerebral tissue of deficited skull after large flap decompression.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of surgical management on patients with secondary epilepsy under the monitoring of cortical electrocorticography (ECoG). Methods Eighty-four patients with secondary epilepsy, admitted to our hospital from September 2004 to January 2008, were chosen; intraoperative ECoG monitoring was performed to locate the epileptic foci before the resection of the primary lesion. After the resection of primary lesion, resection of epileptic foci, enlarged resection of epileptic foci, cortical thermocoagulation, anterior temporal lobectomy,amygdalohippocampectomy and anterior callosotomy were performed, respectively, in different patients according to the clinical manifestations of seizures, and the locations of lesions and epileptic waveform discharges detected by intraoperative ECoG monitoring. Results The epileptic waveform discharges in 84 patients were noted before the resection of primary lesion. The epileptic waves were found in 80patients at the peripheral areas of the primary nidus under immediately postoperative ECoG monitoring,with a relevance ratio reaching 95.24%; after the resection of residual cortical zone with epileptic wave discharges, epileptic wave disappeared on immediately postoperative ECoG in 13 patients whose lesion located in nonfunctional area; normal signals were noted in 60 of the 67 patients performed cortical thermocoagulation whose cortical zone with epileptic wave discharges were located or neighbored in functional area, and good outcomes under the immediately postoperative ECoG monitoring were noted in the other 7 patients performed thermocoagulation combined with anterior callosotomy and/or amygdalohippocampectomy. The follow-up studies for 10 months to 4 years showed that grade Ⅰ in 56patients (66.67%), grade Ⅱ in 21 (25.00%), grade Ⅲ in 4 (4.76%) and grade Ⅳ in 3 (3.57%) according to the Engle standard of curative effect were achieved; the total effective rate was 96. 42%. Conclusion ECoG monitoring can significantly improve the efficiency of surgical management of secondary epilepsy.

OBJECTIVETo study the genetic pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis (MG) caused by cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) gene polymorphisms and regulation function of transcription factor.

METHODSELISA assay was used to determine the expression level of serum sCTLA-4 in MG. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CTLA-4 at exon 1 +49, promoter -318, -1661, -1772 were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Transcription factor nuclear factor 1(NF-1) and c/EBPbeta binding site were confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation(CHIP) assay.

RESULTSIt was found that the frequencies of the GG+49 genotype and G+49 allele are higher in MG patients with thymoma than those in patients of thymic hyperplasia and normal thymus subgroups. T/C-318 is not correlated with MG. The frequency of CT-1772 genotype is significantly higher in MG patients, especially in MG patients with thymoma, when compared with that in healthy controls. Meanwhile, the frequency of the G-1661 allele and GG-1661 genotype is lower in MG patients. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between each SNPs in promoter -1772, -1661, -318 and coding sequence 1 (CDS 1) +49 is apparent. sCTLA-4 levels in patients' sera are correlated with the haplotype and genotype. T/C-1772 and A/G-1661 SNPs change the sequence of transcription factor NF-1 and c/EBPbeta binding sites. DNA variants lose site-specific binding activity of transcription factor regulated by lectin ConA and PHA.

CONCLUSIONThere are strong positive linkages among four SNPs. C/T-1772 and A/G-1661 polymorphisms can result in inefficient transcription of CTLA-4 gene. T>C-1772 mutation also affects gene splicing. These SNPs may constitute a factor of susceptibility to disease.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antigens, CD ; Antigens, Differentiation ; blood ; genetics ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta ; genetics ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; CTLA-4 Antigen ; Exons ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myasthenia Gravis ; genetics ; immunology ; NFI Transcription Factors ; Point Mutation ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Thymoma ; genetics ; Thymus Hyperplasia ; genetics ; Thymus Neoplasms ; genetics ; Transcription Factors ; genetics

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of focused ultrasound for patients with white lesions of the vulva,as well as its safety and feasibility.Methods Clinical data of 941 patients with white lesions of the vulva treated with focused ultrasound from June 2003 to December 2005 were retrospectively reviewed.The mean age of the patients was 40.8 years(18-70 years)and the median course of the disease was 6.2 years(3 months-45 years).Meanwhile,pathological diagnosis was performed in all the patients before treatment,in which 498 cases were squamous hyperplasia,342 cases were lichen sclerosus and 101 cases were lichen sclerosus with squamous hyperplasia.Patients were followed up and therapeutic effects of focused ultrasound was evaluated at 6 and 12 months after the treatment,respectively.The symptoms of pruritus in the vulva and the changes in the color and elasticity of the vulvar lesions were observed.Results Of all the patients,900 were followed up after the treatment,and the ratio of effectiveness was 94.9%.Only 46 patients(5.1%)had no response to the therapy.Of the effective patients,434 cases were completely cured(48.2%),and 420 cases were improved(46.7%).Pruritus of vulva recurred in 101 patients (11.2%)one year after treatment;however,these patients still had a response to the second or third treatment.Conclusions Focused ultrasound therapy is a highly effective instrument in treatment of white lesions of the vulva.It can not only relieve the symptoms of itching,but is also helpful in recovering the color and elasticity of the vulva.

Objective To study the surgical treatment and effects of the lesions in the third ventricle. Methods The data of 15 patients with third ventricular lesion, accepted surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. The lesions were removed through transcallosal approach in 11 patients, frontal trans-cortical approach in 2 and trans-terminalis approach in 2,respectively. Postoperative radiotherapy was performed in 5 and chemotherapy in 2. VP shunt was performed in 1. Results The lesions were total-resected in 8 (53.3%), subtotal-resected in 5 (33.3%) and partial-resected in 2 (13.3%) with 1 postoperative death. The hydrocephalus were resolved in all cases. With a follow-up of 3 to 12 months, all the 14 patients recovered without obvious neurological deficits. Conclusion Proper microsurgical approach and perfect surgical skills are the keys to high resection and good prognosis. And postoperative radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be helpful in improving the outcome

Objective To investigate the image changes of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in children with epilepsy and their clinical significance. Methods Sixty-four patients with epilepsy,admitted to our hospital from March 2008 to March 2011,and 10 healthy children as control group were chosen in our study; the patients were divided into MR normal group and MR abnormal group according to the results of MR imaging. All of them received 1H-MRS examination on the hippocampal area.The ratio of NAA/Cho+Cr was compared between each 2 groups. Results No significant differences on the ratio of NAA/Cho+Cr were noted between the fight and left sides in all the groups (P＞0.05).The ratio of NAA/Cho+Cr was significantly different:MR normal group and control group enjoyed obvious difference as compared with MR abnormal group (P＜0.05); however,MR normal group and MR abnormal group existed no statistically significant differences (P＞0.05). Conclusion 1H-MRS is more sensitivity than MRI in children with epilepsy,therefore,1H-MRS can find the lesions earlier than MR imaging.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship of angiogenesis and the Ang family members/ receptor (Ang/Tie2) in hemangioma.

METHODSExpression of Ang1, Ang2 and the receptor Tie2 was detected with immunohistochemical SP method and RT-PCR method in 17 cases of proliferating hemangioma, 13 involuting cases and 10 cases of normal children skin.

RESULTSThe expression of Ang2 and Tie2 was higher markedly in proliferating hemangiomas than in involuting hemangiomas (P < 0.01), and was rare or negative in normal skin. Expression of Ang1 was rare or negative both in hemangioma and normal skin without significant difference between them (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAng/Tie2 system may play an important role in the proliferating and involuting process of hemangioma.

Angiopoietin-1 ; metabolism ; Angiopoietin-2 ; metabolism ; Child, Preschool ; Hemangioma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Infant ; Receptor, TIE-2 ; metabolism