A novel targeting drug carrier (FA-BO-PAMAM) based on the PAMAM G5 dendrimer modified with borneol (BO) and folic acid (FA) molecules on the periphery and doxorubicin (DOX) loaded in the interior was designed and prepared to achieve the purposes of enhancing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) transportation and improving the drug accumulation in the glioma cells. 1H NMR was used to confirm the synthesis of FA-BO-PAMAM; its morphology and mean size were analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Based on the HBMEC and C6 cells, cytotoxicity assay, transport across the BBB, cellular uptake and anti-tumor activity in vitro were investigated to evaluate the properties of nanocarriers in vitro. The results showed that the nanocarrier of FA-BO-PAMAM was successfully synthesized, which was spherical in morphology with the average size of (22.28 ± 0.42) nm, and zeta potential of (7.6 ± 0.89) mV. Cytotoxicity and transport across the BBB assay showed that BO-modified conjugates decreased the cytotoxicity of PAMAM against both HBMEC and C6 cells and exhibited higher BBB transportation ability than BO-unmodified conjugates; moreover, modification with FA increased the total uptake of DOX by C6 cells and enhanced the cytotoxicity of DOX-polymer against C6 cells. Therefore, FA-BO-PAMAM is a promising nanodrug delivery system in employing PAMAM as a drug carrier and treatment for brain glioma.
Biological Transport ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; Bornanes ; chemistry ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Dendrimers ; Doxorubicin ; pharmacology ; Drug Carriers ; chemistry ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Folic Acid ; chemistry ; Glioma ; Humans

Objective The goal of this report was to evaluate the applicability of the da Vinci S surgical system in thoracic surgery.Methods The da Vinci S surgical system consists of a console, a patient cart, and a vision system.The patient cart loading with 3 robot arms and 1 central endoscope arm connects the console which commands the movements of the arm tips.The robot arm tips are introduced via small chest wall ports and attached to the arms of the robot.The surgeon, sitting at the console, manipulates highly sensitive sensors that transfer the surgeon's movements to the arm tips.The so called EndoWrist'technology offers up , down, left, right, and twist, seven degrees of movements, thus exceeding the capacity of a surgeon's hand in open surgery.17 intrathoracic lesion cases, including 12 Myasthenia Gravis, 1 diaphragm hernia, 2 esophageal cancer, 1 pulmonary cancer , 1 pneumothorax, were evaluated for clinical application of the da Vinci S surgical system.Results Out of 17 surgical procedures, 14 procedures were done using the robot from beginning to the end, including 12 thymectomies, 1 diaphragm hernia repair, 1 pulmonary bleb dissection.Only gastric mobilizations, the abdominal part procedures were done using the da Vinci S system, and the thoracic part procedures were done through small incision thoracotomy in 2 cases with esophageal cancer.One resection of left upper lobectomy had to be converted due to surgical problem.The postoperative courses were uneventful.Conclusion The da Vinci operating robot can do nearly all kinds of thoracic operations.Advanced general thoracic procedures can be performed safely and effectively with the da Vinci S robot allowing precise dissection.This benefit becomes evident most elegantly in thymectomies.The robot operation procedures can be done by the doctors with open and assisted thoracopic surgery experiences and other personnels getting trained in a short period of time, but case selection and preparing emergency thoracotomy at any time is needed to ensure the patient safety.

To study effect of vitrification state of protective solutions on recovery of red blood cells after lyophilization, four protective solutions composed of isotonic buffers containing 7% DMSO (v/v) and 20%, 30%, 40% or 50% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (w/v) were adopted. Vitrification state of protective solutions was examined first when white ice crystal appeared in any protective solution during freezing or thawing, if the used solution was not a vitrification solution. Red blood cells were lyophilized in MINILYO45 freeze-dryer after washing, mixing with protective solutions and prefreezing. After lyophilization, the samples were quickly rehydrated by 37 degrees C rehydration solution. The results showed that in vitrification and devitrification experiments, white ice crystal appeared in solution of 20% PVP + 7% DMSO and 30% PVP + 7% DMSO during freezing and thawing; vitrification appeared in solution of 40% PVP + 7% DMSO during freezing, but devitrification appeared during thawing; vitrification appeared in solution of 50% PVP + 7% DMSO during freezing and thawing. After rehydration, the recoveries of red blood cells and hemoglobin in 40% PVP + 7% DMSO group were (81.36 +/- 14.94)% and (77.54 +/- 12.86)%, which were significantly higher than that in 20% PVP + 7% DMSO, 30% PVP + 7% DMSO and 50% PVP + 7% DMSO groups (P < 0.01). The concentration of free hemoglobin in 40% PVP + 7% DMSO group was also significantly lower than that in other three groups (P < 0.01). With increase of PVP concentration in protective solutions, vitrification state and protective effect of these solutions also increased; when concentration of PVP in protective solution was 40% though it was not a vitrification solution, the effect of lyophilization was the best; but when concentration of PVP further increased to 50%, though it was a vitrification solution, the effect decreased. It is concluded that excessive vitrification state could not benefit lyophilization of red blood cells.
Cryoprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Erythrocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; ultrastructure ; Freeze Drying ; methods ; Humans ; Microscopy, Electron ; Povidone ; pharmacology

Adolescent ; Calcaneus ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Male ; Osteochondroma ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of multidrug resistant protein 2 (MRP2) and glutathione (GSH) cotransport system in hepatic arsenic metabolism in rats.

METHODSThirty healthy Wistar rats were divided randomizedly into five groups. The first group was the control group and the rats in this group were administered with normal saline. In the second, third and fourth group the rats were administered with 4, 10 and 20 mg As(+)3/kg BW of sodium arsenite respectively every other day for two weeks. The fifth group was the benzene-soluble organics (BSO) intervention group and in this group the rats were administered with 2 mmol/kg BW BSO intraperitoneally every day three days before the end of the experiment. The other treatment was the same as in other groups. All rats were sacrificed two weeks after the treatments. Arsenic contents in bile, liver and blood were detected by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and the expression of MRP2 in the membrane of hepatocyte was determined by Western-blot analysis.

RESULTSThe level of total arsenic (including organic arsenic and inorganic arsenic) in bile, liver and blood in all three different dose groups was higher than those in the control groups (P < 0.05). Arsenic levels of bile and liver were increased with intragastric arsenic dose. Blood arsenic levels were not significantly different in three different dose groups. Expression of hepatic MRP2 was increased with intragastric arsenic concentration. A positive correlation between biliary arsenic concentration and MRP2 levels was found in liver (r = 0.986, P < 0.05). For the rats pretreated with BSO, the biliary arsenic was significantly higher than that in the control group but lower than that in the high dose group; the liver and blood arsenic was higher than that in the control group and in the high dose group. Expression of MRP2 pretreated with BSO was decreased.

CONCLUSIONSodium arsenite can induce expression of MRP2 and the up-regulation of MRP2 may play an important role in the bile secretion of arsenite and its metabolites. The function of MRP2 for transportation of arsenic and its metabolites is associated with the intracellular GSH level. BSO inhibits the synthesis of GSH, which weakens the function of the MRP2-GSH cotransport system and makes the liver arsenic increased.

Animals ; Arsenic ; pharmacokinetics ; Arsenic Poisoning ; metabolism ; Bile ; metabolism ; Female ; Glutathione ; biosynthesis ; Liver ; metabolism ; Male ; Membrane Transport Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Up-Regulation

BACKGROUNDDifferential diagnosis of isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis (ICMVT) and gastrocnemius hematoma is essential for early identification of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound for differential diagnosis of ICMVT and gastrocnemius hematoma.

METHODSA retrospective case series of 35 ICMVT (M:F, 21:14; mean age (64.5 ± 10.6) years) and 23 gastrocnemius hematoma (M:F, 16:7; mean age (75.4 ± 11.8) years) patients with bilateral/unilateral lower limb pain was conducted between January 2006 and September 2012. Characteristics and the morphology of high-frequency color Doppler ultrasonography of the lower limb deep vein, great saphenous vein, calf muscles, skin, and soft tissue were examined.

RESULTSICMVT hypoechoic signals were characterized by long, tube-like masses on longitudinal sections and oval masses on transverse sections, with apparent muscle thrombosis boundaries, distal and proximal venous connections, and, often, lower limb DVT. Gastrocnemius hematoma hypoechoic signals were characterized by large volumes, enhanced posterior hematoma echo, hyperechoic muscle boundaries, no hematoma blood flow, and no DVT, and clear differences in trauma/exercise- and oral anticoagulant-induced hematomas were readily apparent. According to the measurement, the ratio of long diameter/transverse diameter (D/T) in ICMVT patients was about less than 2.0, whereas in gastrocnemius hematoma patients the ratio was more than 2.0. Early stage isoechoic and hypoechoic signals were detected with gradually increasing ovular anechoic areas. Partial muscle fibers in the hematoma due to muscle fractures were apparent.

CONCLUSIONHigh-frequency color Doppler ultrasound was found to be a sensitive and reliable method for differential diagnosis of ICMVT and gastrocnemius hematoma due to trauma and exercise or prolonged oral anticoagulant use.

Aged ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Leg ; diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscle, Skeletal ; diagnostic imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography ; Venous Thrombosis ; diagnostic imaging

OBJECTIVETo explore the therapeutic effect of interleukin-11 (IL-11) on high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) induced mucositis in Wistar's rats, the proliferative effect on CEM leukemia cell line and the antitumor effect on HDMTX.

METHODSNinety-five 5-week old, 120 - 150 grams weight Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Group A is normal control (n = 15), group B MTX control (n = 20), group C IL-11 pretreatment group before MTX injection (n = 20), group D (n = 20) the high dose IL-11 group (475 microg.kg(-1).d(-1)) after MTX injection, group E (n = 20) the low dose IL-11 group (150 microg.kg(-1).d(-1)) after MTX injection. All rats in group B approximately E were given 1 ml MTX intraperitoneally (100 mg/kg). Rats were killed at day 1, 3, 5, 7 after MTX injection. The mortality rates, changes of small intestine tissue morphology and ultra structure were observed. The proliferation of small intestine crypt cell was assayed by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical staining. MTT method was used to detect the proliferation of CEM cell line.

RESULTIL-11 treatment resulted in a significant increase of survival of HDMTX treated rats, increased of small intestinal villus length and villus/crypt ratio. IL-11 administration was associated with enhancement of small intestine mucosa recovery after HDMTX therapy. Group C showed a greater effect than group B (P < 0.01). IL-11 had no effect on CEM cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONIL-11 has a significant mitigating effect on high-dose MTX induced intestinal mucositis in rat, and significantly increase the survival of the rats. IL-11 could be safely used in the HDMTX treatment of childhood acute lymphocyte leukemia.

Animals ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; toxicity ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Interleukin-11 ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Intestinal Mucosa ; drug effects ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Intestine, Small ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Methotrexate ; toxicity ; Microscopy, Electron ; Mucositis ; chemically induced ; mortality ; prevention & control ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; analysis ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Survival Rate

BACKGROUNDThere is no consensus regarding the performance for endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS) at every stage of rectal cancer. Thus, the purpose of our study was to further assess the value of ERUS in the preoperative staging of rectal cancer.

METHODSA retrospective study was performed with 44 consecutive patients (mean age: (63.3 ± 10.2) years) who underwent surgical treatment for endorectal carcinoma and were preoperatively evaluated using Biplane ERUS between September 2008 and December 2010. We compared the ERUS staging with the pathological findings based on surgical specimens.

RESULTSERUS staging agreed with the histologic staging in 39 of the 44 (88.6%) patients: the agreement on the depth of transmural invasion was good (κ = 0.73; 95%CI: 0.60 - 0.86, P = 0.000). The detection sensitivities of rectal cancer with ERUS were as follows: T1 85.7%, T2 87.5%, T3 88.9%, and T4 100.0% with specificity values of T1 97.3%, T2 92.9%, T3 96.2%, and T4 97.6%. ERUS correctly staged patients with T1 95.5%, T2 90.9%, T3 70.5%, and T4 97.7%. The positive predictive value of ERUS was lowest for T4 (75%), but highest for T3 (94.1%) followed by T2 (87.5%) and T1 (85.7%); the negative predictive values of ERUS from high to low were ordered as T4 (100%), T1 (97.3%), T2 (92.9%), and T3 (92.6%). The percentage of total over-staged cases was 4.5% and the under-staged cases was 6.8%. The extent of perirectal lymph node metastases was determined with a sensitivity of 68.4% (13/19), specificity of 80.0% (20/25), and diagnostic accuracy of 75.0% (33/44).

CONCLUSIONBiplane ERUS has a high diagnostic accuracy for tumoral invasion of the rectal wall at every T stage, but relatively low diagnostic accuracy for lymph node metastases.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Rectal Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVETo study the bioactive constituents of the fresh rhizome of Pinellia ternata, and provide the scientific basis for quality control.

METHODVarious chromatographic techniques were used to separate and purify the chemical constituents, and their chemical structures were determined on the basis of physical-chemical properties and spectroscopic analysis. The inhibitory effects of the isolated compounds on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production in the peritoneal macrophages of mice stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were assayed in vitro by microplate colorimetric method.

RESULTNine compounds were isolated and identified as (E)-p-coumaryl alcohol (1), 3, 4-dihydroxycinnamyl alcohol (2), ferulic acid (3), lariciresinol (4), erythro-guaiacylglycerol-beta-O-4'-sinapyl ether (5), dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (6) , isolariciresinol (7) , sachaliside 1 (8) and coniferin (9). The inhibitory effect of compounds 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9 were 24.1% , 57.6% , 40.2% , 82.7% , and 62.0% , respectively, against the TNF-alpha production in the peritoneal macrophages of mice stimulated with LPS at a concentration of 10(-5) mol L(-1) in vitro.

CONCLUSIONThe compounds 1, 2 and 4-8 from genera Pinellia Ten. and compound 9 from P. ternata were isolated for the first time. The compounds 1, 2, 8 and 9 were phenylpropanoids, and 4-7 were lignanoids. The anti-inflammatory effects of the rhizome of P. ternata might relate at the least to compounds 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9.

Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Cinnamates ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Coumaric Acids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Furans ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Lignans ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Macrophages, Peritoneal ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Molecular Structure ; Pinellia ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the supplementary analgesic effect of electroacupuncture and its influence on the maintenance of anesthesia and the speed of recovery of patients undergoing craniotomy.

METHODSEighty cases of supratentorial tumor resection were randomly divided into group A and group S, 40 cases in each group. All the patients were anesthetized with 2% Sevoflurane. The patients in group A received electroacupuncture at Hegu (LI 4) and Waiguan (TE 5), Jinmen (BL 63) and Taichong (LR 3), Zusanli (ST 36) and Qiuxu (GB 40) from anesthesia beginning to the end of operation, and in group S without electroacupuncture. The end-tidal Sevoflurane concentration, minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), bispectral index (BIS) and the information during anesthesia recovery stage were recorded, respectively.

RESULTSThe end-tidal concentration and MAC of Sevoflurane in group A at all times were significant lower than those in group S (P<0.05, P<0.01) with a Sevoflurane saving of 9.62% on average. The BIS in group A during a few phases were higher than that in group S (all P<0.05). During anesthesia recovery stage, the time of each phase in group A was significantly shorter than that in group S (all P<0.01). No dysphoria and one case with nausea and vomiting were shown in group A, but in group S, 2 patients had dysphoria and 3 patients had nausea and vomiting.

CONCLUSIONElectroacupuncture combined with Sevoflurane anesthesia can decrease the dosage of Sevoflurane, shorten the recovery time of anesthesia and improve the quality of anesthesia recovery of the patients undergoing resection of supratentorial tumor.

Acupuncture Analgesia ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Anesthesia Recovery Period ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Methyl Ethers ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Middle Aged ; Supratentorial Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; surgery ; therapy ; Young Adult