BACKGROUND: Icariin has a broad prospect for promoting cell proliferation. Differentiation direction of periosteal cells is uncertain, but the cells are easy to be induced by ultrasound, oxygen or bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7). Periosteal cells have been applied in bone tissue engineering; however, icariin effects on the proliferation and differentiation of periosteal cells is little reported.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of icariin on the proliferation and differentiation of human periosteal cells, thus providing theoretical basis for icariin applied in bone tissue engineering. METHODS:The human periosteum was obtained and the primary cells were isolated in vitro.After culture and expansion,periosteal cells were cultured in 24-well plates, and induced by 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 mg/L icariin and 50 μg/L BMP7, respectively. The corresponding avsorbance values of different groups were detected. The levels of alkaline phosphatase and calcium nodules in periosteal cells were measured at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days, and the mRNA levels of osteocalcin, osteopontin and Runx2 were detected at 3, 5 and 7 days. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The periosteal cells proliferated well after induction with icariin, and could proliferate well in different concentrations of icariin and the positive control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the periosteal cells induced by icariin were able to produce more alkaline phosphatase and calcium nodules (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of osteocalcin, osteopontin and Runx2 in periosteal cells could be up-regulated by icariin (P < 0.05). These findings imply that icariin can promote proliferation and differentiate of periosteal cells into osteoblasts, and it can be used as an inducer for the preparation of seed cells in bone tissue engineering.

BACKGROUND: Although icariin has a clear role in inducing differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells, no studies have reported on its use in proliferation of periosteal cells in animal experiments. Three-dimensional polycaprolactone scaffold is a new scaffold, and it has the characteristics of biodegradability, proper pore size, and good histocompatibility. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of icariin on the proliferation of periosteal cells, to construct periosteal cells and three-dimensional scaffold composite tissue-engineered bone and study its therapeutic effect on radical defects in rabbits, so as to provide a new way for the treatment of bone defects . METHODS: The mandibular periosteum was obtained from the rabbit and the primary cells were obtained by tissue explant method. The passage 3 cells were planted on 24-well plates. In experimental group, icariin at 10-4, 10-3and 10-2mol/L were added into the corresponding cell culture wells; equal volume of PBS was added to control group; positive control group was treated with 10 μg/L basic fibroblast growth factor. The cell proliferation in each group was measured by MTT method on the 2nd, 4th, 6thand 8thdays, respectively. The three-dimensional polycaprolactone scaffolds,10-2mol/L icariin and 107/L periosteum cells were placed in cell culture plates and cultured in vitro to construct the cell-scaffold complex. After the rabbit radical defect model was established, the model rabbits were randomized into three groups (n=15 per group), followed by implanted with scaffold complex (experimental group), polycaprolactone scaffold (polycaprolactone group) or nothing (control group). Pathological sections were taken at the 2nd, 4thand 8thweeks respectively for hematoxylin-eosin staining to observe the bone and count the number of osteoblasts. The X-ray films of the radius were obtained at the 4thweek. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The proliferation of periosteal cells induced by different concentrations of icariin, especially 10-2mol/L icariin, was better than that in the control group (P < 0.05), Therefore, the optimal concentration of icariin was 10-2mol/L. (2) At 4 weeks after transplantation, in the experimental group, there were more osterocytes and less microvessels; in the polycaprolactone group, there were more new vessels, less woven newly born bone and osterocytes; in the control group, the defect region was filled with more granulation tissue and less osterocytes. At the 8thweek, complete healing in the defect region was observed in the cell-scaffold complex group, while partial healing in the polycaprolactone scaffold group. In the control group, however, fibroblasts and scar tissues were visible in the defect region, with presence of closed medullary cavity and nonunion. The number of osteocytes in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the other two groups (P < 0.05). X-ray examination at the 4thweek showed that the defect region in the experimental group achieved healing;in the polycaprolactone group, the callus formed and defect region connected partly; and there was a clear gap in the defect region of the control group. Our findings indicate that icariin at different concentrations can promote the proliferation of periosteal cells and the concentration of 10-2mol/L has the greatest role. Icariin can induce proliferation of periosteal cells in the three-dimensional polycaprolactone scaffold, which contributes to bone repair.

A novel sesquiterpenoid (1) and three known compounds identified as isoaltenuene (2), altenuene (3), and alternariol 4, 10-O-dimethyl ether (4), were isolated in our investigation of the cytotoxic constituents from solid cultures of the endophytic fungus Colletotrichum sp. The structures of these compounds were elucidated through spectroscopic data analysis. All compounds exhibited cytotoxic activity against lung cancer cell line A549, breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1. Compound 4 could induce the PANC-1 cells inflation or death, but couldn't induce apoptosis at the IC50 of 60.2 microg x mL(-1).
Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Colletotrichum ; chemistry ; Humans ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Lactones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Molecular Structure ; Sesquiterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence of anemia and related risk factors in infants aged 6-12 months from rural areas of southern Shaanxi Province.

METHODSA questionnaire survey was used to collect the basic information on infants aged 6-12 months and their families from rural areas of southern Shaanxi Province, China. The content of hemoglobin was measured in these infants. A multivariate logistic stepwise regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for the development of anemia in infants.

RESULTSA total of 1 802 infants and their families participated in the survey, and there were 1 770 valid samples. A total of 865 infants (865/1 770, 48.87%) were found to have anemia. The multivariate logistic stepwise regression analysis showed that breastfeeding after birth (lack of scientific supplementary food) increased the risk of anemia in infants (OR=1.768, P<0.01). Addition of supplementary food which met the criteria for minimum feeding frequency recommended by WHO (OR=0.779, P<0.05) and formula milk feeding (OR=0.658, P<0.01) were protective factors against anemia in infants.

CONCLUSIONSIn the rural areas in southern Shaanxi Province, anemia in infants aged 6-12 months is still a serious public health problem. Improper feeding can increase the risk of anemia in infants, and scientific addition of supplementary food is the key to reducing anemia in infants.

Anemia ; etiology ; Breast Feeding ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect and results of short and medium periods of follow-up of percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty for critical pulmonary stenosis of neonates and infants under 6 months of age.

METHODSBetween January 2002 and December 2008, 34 consecutive patients aged from 13 to 175 days with critical pulmonary valvular stenosis underwent percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty. Patients records, catheterization data, angiograms and echocardiograms were reviewed. Patients were followed up for 6 months to 4 years (mean 25.5 months) by means of clinical examination and Doppler echocardiography.

RESULTSThe pulmonary valvuloplasty was accomplished in 32 (94%) of 34 attempts. Immediately after dilation, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) decreased from (96 ± 28) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) (49 ± 20) mm Hg (P < 0.01), the transvalvular peak to peak systolic gradient (ΔP) decreased from (89 ± 25) mm Hg to (25 ± 12) mm Hg (P < 0.01), and the right ventricular/aortic systolic pressure ratio decreased from 1.2 ± 0.5 to 0.7 ± 0.3 (P < 0.01). One patient died because of cardiac tamponade following rupture of the pulmonary valve annulus, 2 patients developed pericardial effusion, 3 patients had infundibular spasm, 3 patients had a pre-dilation by small balloon and 1 patient had weakened femoral artery pollex. After a follow up period of 6 months to 4 years 3 of 31 patients lost to follow-up. Repeat valvuloplasty was performed in 5 patients (3 neonates), no patient required surgery, and the other 23 patients did not undergo further intervention, a mean peak systolic Doppler gradient of (20 ± 13) mm Hg was found and no significant pulmonary regurgitation was seen.

CONCLUSIONSPercutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty was effective and safe for the treatment of critical pulmonary stenosis of neonates and infants under 6 months of age with good short and medium term results.

Catheterization ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Lost to Follow-Up ; Male ; Pulmonary Valve ; Pulmonary Valve Stenosis ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To summarize the value of clinical features, CSF, imaging and EEG in diagnosing viral encephalitis accompanying generalized tonic clonic seizure( GTCS) . Methods The clinical, imaging and EEG characteristic of 30 patients with viral encephalitis accompanying GTCS were retrospectively analyzed. Results Of the 30 cases with viral encephalitis,21 cases GTCS attacked(70% ) within 14 days,9 cases had GTCS (30% ) in 15-28 days.27 cases CSF were abnormal with the pressure,cell number,protein. The incidence of positive pathogenicity was 12/16; 19 cases MRI had abnormal signal. All the patients had abnormal EEG during the disease. Conclusion The clinical features, CSF, imaging and EEG were all important in diagnosing and estimate of viral encephalitis accompanying GTCS.

Objective To discuss the treatment effect of immunoglobulin in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) with Guillain-Barre syndrome(GBS).Methods The clinical data of AIDS with GBS,diagnosed by clinical and laboratory methods,were retrospectively analyzed,and literature retrieval analyzed.Results After treatment by immunoglobulin and antiviral.The patient's peripheral nerve injury recovered,and the number of HIV decreased.Conclusion Immunoglobulin has a therapeutic effect for HIV infection related GBS,and beneficial to antiviral treatment.

Objective To explore the best time of catheterization so as to reduce patients' physiological responses,discomfort,and the detection rate of non-glomerular red blood cells caused by catheterization before and after anesthesia,and explore.Methods.Totals of 100 cases received gynecological surgery were randomly divided into experimental group( n =50) and control group (n =50 ).In the experimental group catheterization was applied after anesthesia,while in the control group half an hour before entered the operating room in the ward.The pulse,blood pressure,and discomfort of two groups were recorded before and after catheterized,and the positive of non-glomerular red blood cells in urine after catheterization were monitored.Results There was significantly difference in the plus systolic,blood pressure before and after catheterization in control group (P ＜0.05 ),while no significantly difference was detected in experimental group( P ＞ 0.05 ).The positive rate of nonglomerular red blood cells in control group and experimental group respectively was 30.0％ and 12.0％ in the first test,and the second was 24.0％ and 6.0％,the difference was statistically significant ( x2 = 4.882,6.353,respectively ;P ＜ 0.05 ).The discomfort level in control group was significantly higher than that in experimental group (P ＜ 0.01 ).Conclusions In order to reduce the discomfort and mucosal injury caused by catheterization,the best time to be select is after anesthesia.

In order to investigate the expression of the anti-platelet glycoprotein specific antibodies and anti-HLA antibodies in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), 45 patients with ITP were selected in this study. An easy PCR-SSP assay was used to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms or deletion in HPA and HLA systems. The anti-platelet glycoprotein specific antibodies and anti-HLA antibodies in plasma or platelet eluate were tested with a solid phase ELISA. The results indicated that the anti-platelet glycoprotein specific antibodies were detected in plasma or platelet eluate of 45 patients, among which anti-GPIIb/IIIa/and anti-GpIb/IX were most common. Both the anti-platelet glycoprotein specific antibodies and anti-HLA antibodies were found in plasma of 11 patients. Pedigree investigation in 2 patients (case 37 and case 40) was carried out, the results showed that anti-platelet glycoprotein specific antibodies and anti-HLA antibodies detected in 2 patients closely related to incompatibility with platelet antigens and HLA antigens in parents. In conclusion, the results suggested that detection of the anti-platelet glycoprotein specific antibodies and anti-HLA antibodies in plasma or platelet eluate in combination with investigation of clinical manifestation of patients is important for diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic ; blood ; Antigens, Human Platelet ; immunology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; HLA Antigens ; immunology ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex ; immunology ; Platelet Glycoprotein GPIb-IX Complex ; immunology ; Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins ; immunology ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; blood ; immunology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETracheobronchomalacia is one of the common respiratory tract dysplasia in children. Its symptoms are nonspecific, and routine methods are unreliable in the assessment of tracheobronchomalacia in children. In addition, many physicians are confused about its clinical characteristics, so tracheobronchomalacia is often underdiagnosed. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical features of tracheobronchomalacia in children and to investigate the diagnostic value of flexible bronchoscopy for children with tracheobronchomalacia.

METHODFor diagnosis and treatment, 229 children out of 4725 patients hospitalized in the division of respiratory disorders were examined by Olympus BF3c-20 flexible bronchoscopy or by Olympus BF-P20 flexible bronchoscopy under general anesthesia with propofol, in Chongqing Children's Hosptial from April 2004 to April 2006. Fifty-three cases were confirmed to have tracheobronchomalacia by bronchoscopy, patients' data including airway lesion, age, sex, clinical characteristics, aided examinations, treatment, final outcomes, were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS(1) Of the 53 children with tracheobronchomalacia, 31 were not suspected for this diagnosis prior to bronchoscopy, who were instead misdiagnosed as refractory pneumonia, difficult-to-control asthma, bronchial foreign body, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary atelectasis of unknown origin or bronchiolitis. (2) In the 53 children with tracheobronchomalacia aged one month to eight years, 41 were infants, 6 were younger than two years, 4 were younger than 3 years and the rest 2 cases were older than 3 years. The risk of tracheobronchomalacia related inversely with ages. Ten cases were girls and 43 were boys. (3) Eleven cases had tracheomalacia, 24 bronchomalacia, 18 tracheobronchomalacia; 12 cases had malacia on left lung, 11 on right lung, 19 on both sides; 21 children were mild cases, 25 moderate cases, 7 severe cases. (4) In the 53 children with tracheobronchomalacia, 28 had recurrent or prolonged wheezing, 16 chronic cough, 5 recurrent respiratory infections, 2 atelectasis of unknown origin, and 2 dyspnea.

CONCLUSIONSThe infants and toddlers seem to be predisposed more to the bronchomalacia than the older children. Clinical features of children with airway malacia were variable and atypical, expiratory stridor and cough are the most commonly reported symptoms. Flexible bronchoscopy should be regarded as a "golden standard" method for diagnosing TBM.

Bronchoscopy ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Tracheobronchomalacia ; diagnosis ; pathology