Objective To evaluate the effect of one-visit endodontic treatment for infected root canals with combination of nickel-titanium instruments and ultrasonic technique and warm vertical technique.Methods According to treatment,90 teeth were randomly divided into experimental and control groups.Two groups were used nickel titarlium root canal preparation.Experimental group:51 teeth for ultrasonic root canal irrigation,and warm vertical technique was employed to fill the root canal.Control group:39 teeth for rinse syringes,and warm vertical technique was employed to fill the root canal.Washing fluid was 2％ sodium hypochlorite.The root canal filling was observed after a week and one year of postoperative pain response.Results A week later,two groups of post-operative pain showed that there was significant difference in responses (x2 =15.525,P ＜ 0.05).One year later,the two groups showed no significant difference in efficacy(x2 =0.085,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion The combination of nickel-titanium instruments and ultrasonic irrigation technique and warm vertical obturation,for the treatment of infected root canals was a method to complete the root canal filling,could reduce both the number of patients subsquent visits and the postoperative pain response,while it could improve the quality of root canal filling.

BACKGROUND:At present, a great quantity of research has shown the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s for vascular restenosis. However, studies concerning their combined application to restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with diabetes mel itus are presently lacking.
OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of combined application of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s and benefiting-Qi nourishing-Yin and dissolving-congestion prescription on restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in dogs with diabetes mel itus.
METHODS:A dog model of vascular restenosis with diabetes mel itus was established by bal oon injury of femoral artery and intravenous injection of al oxan. After successful model induction, 22 dog models were randomly divided into three groups:model group (n=6), treatment with Chinese medicine (n=8), and combined treatment with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s and Chinese medicine (n=8). Serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay preoperatively and at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks postoperation. Samples of vessels were taken to conduct pathomorphological observation and quantitative analysis of proliferation degree. Tissues, including heart, liver, kidney and pancreatic gland, were col ected to evaluate the safety of stem cel transplantation using hematoxylin-eosin staining at 8 weeks postoperation.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels began to increase at 1 week postoperation in the Chinese medicine group and combined treatment group, at 4 weeks postoperation in the model group compared with preoperation (P<0.05). At al time points, serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels were highest in the combined treatment group, but lowest in the model group (P<0.05). Quantitative analysis of vascular proliferation demonstrated that at 8 weeks postoperation, new intimal area, new intimal/medial areas and stenosis rate were highest in the model group, but lowest in the combined treatment group at 8 weeks postoperation (P<0.05). Safety assessment of stem cel transplantation showed morphological structures of the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas were normal, no necrosis. In a word, the effects of the combined application of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s and benefiting-Qi nourishing-Yin and dissolving-congestion prescription were much pronounced in preventing restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in dogs with diabetes mel itus rather than single therapy of Chinese medicine. It is a safe and effective treatment to prevent vascular restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in dogs with diabetes mel itus.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical value of combination of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), CA125 and the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) in diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma.

METHODSTo detect the serum concentration of HE4 using ELISA and CA125 using ECL in patients of ovarian carcinoma group (n = 119), borderline ovarian tumor group (n = 36), benign ovarian neoplasm group (n = 96) and female healthy control group (n = 53). The ROMA based on the serum level of CA125, HE4 and a woman's menopausal status was used to calculate the predicted probability (PP) and diagnostic results of ovarian cancers.

RESULTSThe receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the cut-off value was 67.3 pmol/L (the AUC was 0.906, the sensitivity was 80.7% and specificity was 94.6%). The serum levels of HE4 and CA125 in the ovarian carcinoma group were significantly higher than that in the borderline ovarian tumor group, benign ovarian neoplasm group and female healthy control group (P < 0.01). The serum levels of CA125 and HE4 showed statistically no significant difference between the borderline ovarian tumor group and benign ovarian neoplasm group (P > 0.05). The levels of HE4 and CA125 were reduced significantly in ovarian patients after surgery therapy (P < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of HE4 + CA125 combination was 92.7% and 72.5%. The ROMA that can classify patients into high and low risk groups was established as 9.3% in premenopausal and 27.3% in postmenopausal women.

CONCLUSIONSHE4 is a helpful biomarker for ovarian carcinoma diagnosis. Biomarker combination of HE4 and CA125, and applying of the ROMA are helpful to improve the accuracy in diagnosis of ovarian cancers.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous ; blood ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; blood ; CA-125 Antigen ; blood ; Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous ; blood ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Cystadenoma, Serous ; blood ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Endometriosis ; blood ; diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Menopause ; Middle Aged ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; blood ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Proteins ; metabolism ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Teratoma ; blood ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDHyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBO) is a new method of ischemia preconditioning. In this study, we examined its effects on skin flap survival and the mechanisms involved.

METHODSThirty-six rats were divided into three groups: HBO preconditioning, control, and sham groups. An extended epigastric adipocutaneous flap based on the right superficial epigastric artery and vein was raised. A 3-hour period of flap ischemia was induced by clamping the pedicle vessels with a microvascular clamp. At the end of ischemia induction, the clamp was removed and the flap was resutured. Rats in the HBO preconditioning group were treated with HBO four times before surgery. Microcirculation in the skin flap was measured on postoperative days 1, 3 and 5. The size of the flap was measured on postoperative day 5, before the animals were sacrificed. Samples of the skin flap were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in the flap samples were measured.

RESULTSSurviving flap size was significantly higher in the HBO preconditioning group compared with controls, with a reduced inflammatory response and increased perfusion. IL-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in the HBO preconditioning group were lower than in controls.

CONCLUSIONSHBO preconditioning improved flap survival in this ischemia-reperfusion rat model. The mechanisms responsible for this effect may relate to attenuation of the inflammatory response and increased flap perfusion following HBO preconditioning.

Animals ; Graft Survival ; Hyperbaric Oxygenation ; methods ; Ischemia ; surgery ; Male ; Microcirculation ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skin ; Surgical Flaps

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the improvement of Kangshuai Yizhi Formula I ( I, KYF I) on: the learning and memory dysfunction in mice, and on the mechanism of the hippocampal cholinergic system and the nervous system of monoamine which are closely related to learning and memory function.

METHODSMice: in the low-, middle-, and high-dose KYF I groups were given low-, middle-, and high-dose KYF, respectively, by gastrogavage for 35 successive days. Animals in the control group and the model group were treated with distilled water. The acute learning and memory dysfunction model was established by injection of scopolamine from day 31, and Morris water maze was used to assess the behavior performance of scopolamine-induced model mice for five days. The activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), choline acetyl transferase (ChaT) and the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in hippocampus were measured. The activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in hippocampus and serum was also detected.

RESULTS(1) Compared with the control group, the: mean escape latency was shortened, and the frequency across the platform and the staying time at the platform area on the 5th day were decreased in the model group by Morris water maze test. The activities of AChE and MAO were increased, and the ChaT activity and monoamine neurotransmitter content were decreased as well. (2) The escape latency for 4 days in the low-, middle-, and high-dose KYF I groups was significantly shortened than that in the model group, with the shortest latency in the high-dose KYF I group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The frequency across the platform was significantly increased and the staying time at the platform was significantly prolonged in the middle- and high-dose KYF I groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). (3) As compared with the model group, the activity of ChaT and the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus were significantly increased, and the activities of AchE and MAO were significantly decreased in the hippocampus in the high-dose KYF I group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSHigh-dose KYF I can significantly improve the learning and memory dysfunction: induced by scopolamine in mice. Its mechanism may be related to improving the central cholinergic system and regulating the hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters.

Acetylcholinesterase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; drug effects ; Choline O-Acetyltransferase ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; enzymology ; pathology ; Learning ; drug effects ; Male ; Memory Disorders ; blood ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; physiopathology ; Mice ; Monoamine Oxidase ; blood ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; metabolism ; Reaction Time ; Scopolamine Hydrobromide ; toxicity ; Time Factors

This study was aimed to investigate the clinical features and laboratory data of 56 patients with multiple myeloma (MM), find the potential prognostic factors and compare Durie Salmon staging system with International Staging System for patients classification. The median survival time was calculated by the Kaplan Meier, and survival curves were compared using the Log-Rank test. Potential prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Bivariate correlation of Durie Salmon staging system with International Staging System were analyzed. The results showed that the median survival time of the patients was 42.7 months. Prognostic factors identified as adversely affecting survival included low levels of hemoglobin, platelet, serum albumin, high levels of lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, C-reactive, serum β2-microglobulin and high proportion of plasma cells in bone marrow. Among them, only hemoglobin level had independent prognostic value in MM. Durie Salmon staging system significantly correlated with International Staging System. In DS staging system, significant survival differences were found between patients in stages I and III, but statistically significant survival differences were observed among the all three stages in International Staging System. It is concluded that hemoglobin, platelet, serum albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, C-reactive, β2-microglobulin and the number of plasma cells in bone marrow have clinical value for evaluating the prognosis of MM patients. International Staging System can significantly distinguish three clinical stages of MM patients.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the differential expression of different types of Smads in keloids, normal scars and normal skins and its possible clinicopathological significance.

METHODSRT-PCR and Western blot methods were used to examine the expression of Smads mRNA and proteins level in 10 cases of keloid, in 10 cases of normal scar and in 10 cases of normal skin tissues and fibroblasts. Fibroblasts of keloid, normal scar and normal skin were cultured in vitro. The expression difference were compared and analyzed by t-test, there was statistical difference when P < 0.05.

RESULTSThe mRNA and protein expression of inhibitory Smad7 were significantly down regulated in keloid compared with normal scar (P < 0.05) and normal skin (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference of the mRNA and protein expression of Smad2, 3 and the protein expression of phosphorylation of Smad2, 3 in keloid, normal scar, normal skin tissues and fibroblasts.

CONCLUSIONSThe decreased expression of Smad7 in keloid might play a significant role in the increased TGF-beta1/Smads signal transduction, which can not be terminated by autologous negative feedback cycle.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Keloid ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Signal Transduction ; Smad Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; Young Adult

The TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) transdermal plaster (also known as "cataplasma") are flexible adhesive patches used for treatment of pain, resulted from arthritis, sprain and bruise, tendovaginitis, lumbar spine protrude, neuralgia, hyperosteogeny ache, abdominal discomfort and metastatic cancer, etc. Since the 1980's, investigators in China have used this modern patch delivery system for herbal drugs and obtained satisfactory results especially from the treatment of various types of pain associated with bone diseases, abdominal discomfort, and tumors, etc. The production of TCM cataplasma was successfully scaled up in early 90's and the commercial product line for an antirheumatic agent was first established in Shanghai by Leiyunshang Group. Thus far, a number of products in the form of TCM cataplasma became commercially available in the market, and clinical investigations with these products indicated that topically applicable herbal preparations, especially in the form of cataplasma, are preferred formulations with respect to the treatment comfort of the patient. Compared to the traditional preparations which utilize rubber and rosin as adhesives, cataplasma is advantageous in that the lipophilic and hydrophilic ingredients of the herbal extracts are solubilized and then "gellified" with the organic polymers, and that the drug matrix containing up to 40%-70% of water serves as a "drug reservoir" that will sustain the quick and continuous release of herbal ingredients over several days across the skin. While there are conventional remedies for palliation of pain and discomfort associated with bone diseases or cancers, administration of oral medicinal herbs combined with topical agents such as TCM cataplasma may significantly alleviate the symptoms and improve their quality of life. This article provides a review on three aspects, which include the process development, characteristics and developmental status of TCM cataplasma, and future development of such a technology.
Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Bone Neoplasms ; complications ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Pain ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Phytotherapy ; Skin Absorption ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods

OBJECTIVETo study the changes in the frontal white matter, the head of the hippocampus, and the anterior cingulate fasciculus metabolites in first-episode patients with positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

METHODSTwenty first-episode patients with positive symptoms of schizophrenia underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and proton multi-voxel spectroscopy (1H-MRS) examination. 1H-MRS images were obtained from two sides of the frontal white matter, the head of the hippocampus and the anterior cingulate fasciculus regions. The metabolites detected included N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds (Cho), creatine and phosphocreatine (Cr), and the ratios of NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr and NAA/Cho were determined. The fractional anisotropy (FA) values were measured in the frontal white matter, the head of the hippocampus, and the anterior cingulate fasciculus.

RESULTSThe Cho/Cr ratio was significantly reduced in the left frontal white matter (1.18 ± 0.21) of the patients as compared to the right side (1.44 ± 0.34, P<0.05). In the left head of the hippocampus, NAA/Cr (1.34 ± 0.45) and Cho/Cr (1.41 ± 0.39) were significantly reduced compared to those of the right side (1.75 ± 0.15 and 1.76 ± 0.36, respectively, P<0.05). No significant differences in the metabolite levels were found between the left and right anterior cingulate fasciculus (P>0.05). DTI showed similar FA values between the left and right sides of the frontal white matter, the head of the hippocampus, and the anterior cingulate fasciculus (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSPatients with positive symptoms of schizophrenia have diminished neuronal integrity and/or function in the left frontal white matter and head of the hippocampus, but not in the anterior cingulate fasciculus.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aspartic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; metabolism ; Brain ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Choline ; metabolism ; Creatine ; metabolism ; Diffusion Tensor Imaging ; Female ; Gyrus Cinguli ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Schizophrenia ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Young Adult

Invasion and metastasis are key factors contributing to the high mortality rate of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involving a complex mechanism. In the invasion and metastasis of HCC, miRNAs can serve as either oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes to regulate the differentiation and proliferation of tumor cells being and play important roles in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. This review summarizes the recent progress in research of the molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs targeting GSK-3β regulate HCC invasion and metastasis and examines the roles of miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and GSK-3β regulation.