Objective To investigate the dose-effect effects of th ree relating bone growth factors, dexamethasone, recombinant human basic fibro blastic growth factor (rhFGF) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein- 2 (rhBMP-2), on proliferation and differentiation of periosteal cells so as to provide experimental basis for their further application in bone tissue engineer ing. Methods Periosteal cells were isolated and cultured in vitro and then exposed to dexamethasone (10 -8 mol/L, 10 -7 mol/L and 10 -6 mol/L), rhFGF (50 ng/ml, 200 ng/ml and 500 ng/ml) and rhBMP-2 (50 n g/ml, 500 ng/ml and 1 000 ng/ml) respectively. At the 4th and 7th days respectiv ely, the culture stopped and the total protein and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ac tivities were measured. ResultsDexamethasone at concentratio n of 10 -6 mol/L significantly inhibited protein synthesis without obvious effects on ALP expression. The rhFGF at various concentrations significantly pro moted cell proliferation but inhibited ALP activity. The rhBMP-2 at various con centrations exerted insignificant effect on cell proliferation. In comparison, A LP expression was significantly enhanced by treatment of rhBMP-2 at concentrati on of 500 ng/ml and 1 000 ng/ml ( P

Objective:To investigate the possible role of miR-181d in regulating the multidrug resistance (MDR) of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and its clinical significance. Methods: Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to investigate the differential expression of miR-181d and BCL2 from mRNA and protein levels in the chemo-sensitivity cell H69 and the chemo-resistance cell H69AR. The miR-181d expression in H69AR was then upregulated. More-over, CCK8 assay was employed to detect the sensitivities of the cells to chemotherapy drugs, such as ADM, DDP, and VP-16. Mean-while, the expression of miR-181d in the specimens of 87 cases with SCLC were detected using QRT-PCR. All patients received the chemotherapeutic regimen of EP (etoposide+cisplatin). Correlation of the miR-181d expression with clinicopathological features, prog-nosis, and survival time of the patients was studied. Results:miR-181d was downregulated in the SCLC multidrug-resistant cell line H69AR and chemo-resistant patients. Moreover, miR-181d was concurrent with the upregulation of BCL2 protein compared with the parental H69 cell line and chemo-sensitive patients (P<0.001). miR-181d expression in H69 cells resistant to chemotherapy drugs (ADM, DDP, and VP-16) was inhibited (P<0.01). Enforced miR-181d expression reduced the BCL2 protein level and sensitized H69AR cells to chemotherapy drugs (P<0.01). miR-181d expression was associated with tumor stage, sensitivity of chemotherapy, and survival time (all P<0.001). Patients with high miR-181d expression had longer overall survival and progress-free survival time com-pared with those with low miR-181d expression (P<0.001). Conclusion: miR-181d may play a role in the development of MDR in SCLC and may be a potential predictive factor for treatment efficacy.

Objective To investigate the function of acid pocket in reflux esophagitis. Methods The 15 healthy controls and 24 reflux esophagitis patients were identified by reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ) and gastric endoscopy. The location of subjects' lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was determined by 4 channel esophageal manometry system. Then a single-channel pH electrode was positioned 1 cm below the distal border of the LES to monitor fasting pH for half an hour. After a standard meal, the pH was continuously measured for two hours. Then the electrode was moved to 5 cm above the proximal border of the LES to monitor the dynamic pH for 24 h.Results Acid pocket was found in 16 cases of reflux esophagitis patients(66.67%) and 10 cases of healthy individuals (10/15). Acid pocket occurred earlier in reflux esophagitis group than healthy controls [11.00(4.25-17.00) min vs 30.00(15.50-54.25) min, P＜0.05], and the average pH value was lower [1.84(1.59-2. 19) vs 2.32 (1.96-2.71), P＜0.05]. There was no statistic difference in mean pH value of gastroesophageal junction and the duration of acid pocket before the meal.Conclusion There is abnormal acid reflux in reflux esophagitis patients, and acid pocket with earlier occurrence and lower pH value may relevant to esophageal mucosal impairment.

ObjectiveTo analyze the transitional shifts between with different sets of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the planning CT for liver cancer patients,and calculate the margins from clinical target volume (CTV) to the planning target volume (PTV)with and without image guided radiotherapy (IGRT).MethodsFive liver cancer patients received radiotherapy after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).The first CBCT images (CBCT1) were obtained with Elekta CBCT plus active breathing control (ABC) system before treatment.The second CBCT images (CBCT2 ) were obtained after correcting the set-up errors and the third CBCT images ( CBCT3 ) were obtained after treatment.The CBCT images were registered and matched with the planning CT images using lipiodol as a direct surrogate for target localization.The PTV margins were calculated by comparing the shift between planning CT and CBCT according to formula M =2.5 ( Σ doctor2 + Σ set-up2 + Σ transter2 )1/2.Paired t-test was used to compare the differences between the results from CBCT1,CBCT2 and CBCT3. Results The average transition shifts in the left-right ( LR),superior-inferior (SI) and anterior-posterior (AP) directions were 0.254,-0.612,0.314 cm between planning CT and CBCT1 ;were 0.020,0.014,-0.064 cm between planning CT and CBCT2 ;and they were -0.004,0.042,-0.040 cm between planning CT and CBCT3.The PTV margins were LR 0.96 cm,SI 0.96 cm and AP 0.83 cm without IGRT,and LR 0.67 cm,SI 0.68 cm and AP 0.58 cm with IGRT.ConclusionsThe PTV margins can be reduced by 3 mm with IGRT for liver cancer using lipiodol as a direct surrogate for target localization.

A HPLC method was established to determine the contents of the five anthraquinones and rhaponticin in the different varieties of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. The difference existed in different varieties. The results showed that rhein and rhaponticin were marker substances which could be used to distinguish palm leaf groups rhubarb and wave leaf groups rhubarb. Authentic rhubarb didn't contain rhaponticin. Falsify rhubarb contains trace amounts of rhein. Rheum tanguticum contains abundant rhein. The ratio value of the content of rhein to chrysophanol could be used to distinguish R. tanguticum from the other two authentic varieties (R. palmatum and R. officinale). The content of rhaponticin varied largely in different varieties of wave leaf groups rhubarb.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Quality Control ; Rheum ; chemistry ; classification ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; classification

Objective To investigate the combination effect of tramadol and low dose propofol on emergence agitation in children receiving sevoflurane for adenotonsillectomy procedure. Methods Ninety patients receiving sevoflurane for adenotonsillectomy procedure were randomly divided into control group (administration of 0.1 mL/kg normal saline 30 min before the end of operation), tramadol group (administration of 1 mg/kg tramadol 30 min before the end of operation) and tramadol + propofol group (administration of 1 mg/kg tramadol 30 min before the end of operation and 1 mg/kg propofol at the end of operation). Time of extubation and time stayed in postanesthetic care unit (PACU) after operation were recorded, scores of Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium ( PAED) Scale, modified Aldrete scores and pain scores were obtained immediately after entrance into PACU, and the prevalences of post-operative nausea and vomiting were observed. Results There was no significant difference in time of extubation, time stayed in PACU and modified Aldrete Scores among groups (P >0.05). There were significant differences in scores of PAED Scale immediately after entrance into PACU, with control group > tramadol group > tramadol + propofol group (P < 0.05). The pain scores of tramadol group and tramadol + propofol group were significantly lower than that of control group (P < 0.05). The prevalence of nausea and vomiting was the highest in tramadol group, and the prevalence in tramadol + propofol group was significantly lower than that in tramadol group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion The combination use of tramadol and low dose propofol can decrease the severity of emergence agitation in children receiving sevoflurane for adenotonsillectomy procedure, and reduce the prevalence of nausea and vomiting.

Objective To detect the expression of scleroderma-related autoantibodies, such as anti-Scl-70, anli-centromere antibody ( ACA)and anti-RNA polymerase Ⅲ ( ARA) , and their relationship with clinical features in Chinese systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Methods One hundred and thirty-five Chinese SSc patients from the clinical database of the Scleroderma Trials and Research Group proposed by European League Against Rheumatism's Scheroderma Trial and Research Group( EUSTAR) were consecutively enrolled. The expression of ARA, anti-Scl-70 and ACA were detected through linear immunoblotting, double immunodiffusion and indirect irnmunofluorescence, respectively. The relevance between the existing of autoantibodies and clinical manifestations was analyzed statistically. Results Among the 135 Chinese SSc patients, the prevalence of anti-Scl-70, ACA, ARA were 49. 6% , 13.3 % and 8.9% respectively. Patients with anti-Scl-70 antibody had significantly shorter disease course [(71 ±59) month vs (90 ± 103) month, P = 0.041] , higher proportion of interstitial lung disease ( P = 0. 031) but lower of pulmonary arterial hypertension (P =0.042). Modified Rodnan's skin score (P=0.008) and prevalence of facial and cervical cutaneous sclerosis (P = 0. 002) , distal (to elbow/knee ) cutaneous sclerosis ( P = 0. 004 ) and digital pitting scarring/disappear of digital pad were all significantly higher in anti-Scl-70 positive group. Patients with AC A had longer disease course ( P = 0. 036) , lower IgM level ( P = 0. 045) and were less prevalent of interstitial lung disease ( P =0. 045). Patients with ARA had higher serum creatinine and urea nitrogen level ( P ＜ 0.001) although otherwise features had unremarkable differences. Conclusion Scleroderma-related autoantibodies have relevance with different clinical manifestation and detection of these autoantibodies may be helpful to the diagnosis of SSc, organ involvement evaluation and predicting outcomes. The clinical relevances of autoantibodies in Chinese SSc patients may differ from other areas or races.

BACKGROUND:Inflammatory factor plays an important role in restenosis after bal oon injury. Sphingosine1-phosphate receptor 1 can enhance the expression of inflammatory factor and promote development and progression of this pathological process.
OBJECTIVE:To observe the expression of the inflammatory factors and sphingosine1-phosphate receptor 1 after bal oon injury of the rat carotid artery and effects of fingolimod hydrochloride on reducing inflammatory reaction.
METHODS:Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were equal y and randomly divided into four groups. In the blank control group and negative control group, left common carotid artery was only isolated, and left external carotid artery was ligated. In the bal oon injury group and drug intervention group, rat models of carotid artery injury were
established by bal oon injury on the left common carotid artery. In the negative control and drug intervention groups, the rats were intraperitoneal y injected with fingolimod hydrochloride 1 mg/kg. In the blank control and bal oon injury groups, the rats were intraperitoneal y injected with an equal volume of saline. Samples were col ected at 3, 7 and 21 days.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the proliferation of blood vessel was remarkable in the bal oon injury group, but attenuated in the drug intervention group. The appearance of blood vessels was normal in the blank control group and negative control group. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR revealed that cyclooxygenase 2 and prostaglandin E2 mRNA expression levels were significantly lower in the drug intervention group than those in the bal oon injury group at 7 days (P<0.05). Cyclooxygenase 2 and prostaglandin E2 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in the bal oon injury group and drug intervention group than those in the blank control group and negative control group at the same time point (P<0.05). Western blot assay results revealed that sphingosine1-phosphate receptor 1 expression was high in early stage of injury, and then reduced in late stage of injury. In particular, protein expression further decreased after drug intervention. Results indicated that fingolimod hydrochloride suppressed inflammatory reaction of injured blood vessels and lessened the stenosis of injured blood vessels by regulating cyclooxygenase 2 and prostaglandin E2 mRNA expression using sphingosine1-phosphate receptor 1.

Objective To explore the duration of blood blocking effect and recovery process induced by low-frequency ultrasound combining microbubbles (USMB) on prostate cancer xenografts.Methods A total of 88 nude mice undergoing USMB was studied.Contrast enhanced ultrasound,Hemotoxylin and eosin staining,and modified Martius-Sarlet-Blue staining were used to compared the average peak intensity(API),time to peak intensity(TP) and histological alteration before and after treatment.Results Immediately after the treatment,the tumor contrast perfusion completely disappeared,API dropped from 68.63±5.25 to 18.01±2.73 (P<0.001,vs pre-treatment) and TP increased from (32.28±6.18)s to (72.63±7.47)s (P<0.001,vs pre-treatment).At 30 minutes and 1 hour after treatment,the tumor perfusion remained defect.At 2 hours after treatment,rarely dotted enhancement was showed.The differences among the three groups in API and TP at 30 minutes,1 hour and 2 hours after treatment were not significant (all P>0.05).From post-3 hours after treatment ,the tumor perfusion began a process of perfusion recovery,and showed nodular or large patch of heterogeneous enhancement.API at 3 hours after treatment was 51.99±6.20 (P<0.001,vs post treatment immediately),and TP decreased to (50.41±6.51)s (P<0.001,vs post treatment immediately).At 4 hours,5 hours,6 hours,12 hours and 24 hours after treatment ,CEUS showed homogeneous and rich enhancement,and there was no significant difference in both API and TP,compared with those pre-treatment (all P>0.05,vs pre-treatment).Histological examinations showed that,immediately after treatment,microvessels severely dilated,ruptured and intravascular and extravascular thrombi formed.At 30 minutes,1-hour and 2-hour after treatment,extravascular thrombi and hematomas gradually disappeared.From 3-hour after treatment,vessel dilation was lessened,and intravascular thrombi gradually shrank.At 12-hour after treatment,microvessels had almost fully recovered as pre-treatment.Conclusions USMB could block blood perfusion of prostate cancer xenografts in nude mice for 2 hours.The blood reperfusion is probably mainly caused by thrombolysis in microvessels.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Du meridian moxibustion in treating polycystic ovarian syndrome of spleen-kidney yang deficiency type. Methods Seventy patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome of spleen-kidney yang deficiency type were randomly allocated to treatment and control groups, 35 cases each. The treatment group received Du meridian moxibustion plus medication and stomach and the control group, medication alone. Sex hormones [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (IH) and testosterone (T)], fasting insulin (INS), fasting blood glucose (GLU), body mass index (BMI) and changes in menstrual cycle were observed in the two groups before and after three weeks of treatment. The clinical therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups. Results The total efficacy rate was 94.3%in the treatment group and 77.1%in the control group;there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P＜0.05). There were statistically significant pre-/post-treatment differences in LH, LH/FSH and T in the two groups (P＜0.01, P＜0.05). There were no statistically significant post-treatment differences in sex hormones between the two groups (P>0.05). There were statistically significant pre-/post-treatment differences in INS, BMI and menstrual cycle in the treatment group (P＜0.01, P＜0.05). There was a statistically significant pre-/post-treatment difference in menstrual cycle in the control group (P＜0.05). There were no statistically significant post-treatment differences in INS, GLU, BMI and menstrual cycle between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Du meridian moxibustion is an effective way to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome of spleen-kidney yang deficiency type. It can improve insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity.