Objective To investigate the effect of gypenoside on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammatory response. Methods The BV2 microglia cell line was cultured in vitro. The BV2 microglia cells were divided into four groups: normal control, LPS (10 ng/ml), GP + LPS (GP 20 μg/ml, LPS 10 ng/ml), and GP (20 μg/ml). After 24 h cultivation, ELISA was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. Immunocytochemistry staining and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of nuclear factor (NF-κB) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS-1). Results Compared with the normal control group, the release of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as the expression level of NF-κB in the LPS group were increased significantly (all P < 0. 001). Compared with the LPS group, the release of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as the expression level of NFκB were decreased significantly, while the expression level of SOCS-1 was increased significantly (P < 0. 001). There were no significant differences in the release of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as the expression levels of NF-κB and SOCS-1 between the GP group and normal control group (all P > 0. 05 ). Conclusions GP can significantly inhibit the LPS-mediated microglial inflammatory response. SOCS-1 protein may be involved in GP inhibiting LPS-mediated microglial inflammatory response.

Mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of about 3 500 subjects derived from 17 studies of Himalayan highlanders (Tibetans, Sherpas, and Ladakhis) was compared with lowlanders (Chinese Han, Indian Tamils) lived in the Himalayas, and European climbers during Everest expeditions as well as Andean natives. The results found that Hb concentration in Himalayan highlanders was systemically lower than those reported for Andean natives and lowland immigrants. These comparative data demonstrated that a healthy native population may successfully reside at high altitude without a significant elevation in Hb, and the lower Hb levels of Himalayan highlanders than those of migrated lowlanders and Andean natives are an example of favourable adaptation over the generations. In addition, excessive polycythemia has frequently been used as a marker of chronic mountain sickness (CMS). Altitude populations who have a higher Hb concentration also have a higher incidence of CMS. The low Hb in Himalayans suggested as showing adaptation over many generations in Tibetan stock. Recent work in Tibet, suggested that Tibetans there may have adapted to high altitude as a result of evolutionary pressure selecting for genes which give an advantage at altitude. All of the population genomic and statistical analysis indicated that EPAS1 and EGLN1 are mostly likely responsible for high altitude adaptation and closely related to low Hb concentration in Tibetans. These data supported the hypothesis that Himalayan highlanders have evolved a genetically different erythropoietic response to chronic hypoxia by virtue of their much longer exposure to high altitude.
Adaptation, Physiological ; Altitude ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Hemoglobins ; genetics ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-Proline Dioxygenases ; genetics ; Tibet

ABSTRACT:Objective To evaluate the curative effect of tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O)and modified TVT-O in treating female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Methods We selected 1 1 3 female patients diagnosed with SUI from January to December 2013 in our department and divided them into standard TVT-O group (group A,5 6 cases)and modified TVT-O group (group B,5 7 cases).We evaluated prospectively the safety,short-term efficacy and complications of operation in the two groups.Results The length from bilateral obturator membrane to the puncture point in the skin was greater in group A than in group B.The average intraoperative blood loss was more in group A than in group B.The median NRS score of postoperatie thigh pain in group A was higher than in group B (P<0 .0 5 ).The two groups did not differ significantly in operation duration,postoperative catheterization,mean hospital stay duration,the length and position from bilateral obturator membrane to the puncture point,or surgical efficacy (P>0.05).Conclusion Both TVT-O and modified TVT-O techniques are effective in treating female SUI.Modified TVT-O has a short path to get through the adductor muscles and less intraoperative blood loss;therefore,it can significantly reduce the complications such as postoperative pain to enhance the quality of life after operation. 

This paper describes the development of the combined tumor therapeutic equipment based on the theory of 1 + 1 = 3 or 1 + 1 > 3 tumor combined treatment synergism. It has become a promising and valuable method dealing with cancer tumors for its good adaptability, better effectiveness and convenience. The therapeutic equipment is combined with PC and MS windows operation system, and adopts intellectual temperature control device, which realizes homogeneous and smooth heating to intracavity tumor focus and automatic processing and statistical management of all case data. The equipment works stably and is of great value in clinical applications.
Algorithms ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Equipment Design ; Humans ; Hyperthermia, Induced ; instrumentation ; methods ; Information Storage and Retrieval ; Male ; Microcomputers ; Middle Aged ; Rectal Neoplasms ; therapy ; Software ; Therapy, Computer-Assisted ; instrumentation

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

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.

This study was aimed to detect the mutations and microsatellite instability (mtMSI) in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop region in bone marrow cells of acute leukemia (AL) patients, and to analyze their relationship with the pathogenesis of AL. 19 cases of newly diagnosed AL were enrolled in this study. Through extracting mtDNA, the D-loop region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the sequences of PCR products were detected by the pros- and cons-direct sequencing methods. The sequencing results were compared with the revised Cambridge reference sequence (rCRS) and the relevant database (MITOMAP database, GenBank database, mtDB database). The results showed that the mutation rate of mtDNA D-loop region in AL was 79% (15/19). 215 variations (35 mutations, 180 SNP) and a kind of mtMSI in the D-loop region were detected. A new type of mutation nt150 C-CT was found. Also, there was no significant difference in the number of mutations between patients with different ages and different types of AL (AML, B-ALL). It is concluded that there is high frequency of mutations in the mtDNA D-loop, and the mutations may be associated with the pathogenesis of AL.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Marrow Cells ; Child ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia ; genetics ; Male ; Microsatellite Instability ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo compare the difference in the efficacy on gait time cycle of ischemic stroke between yin-yang respiratory reinforcing and reducing needling technique (yin-yang needling) and the conventional acupuncture.

METHODSSixty cases of ischemic stroke were randomized into a conventional acupuncture group and a yin-yang needling group, 30 cases in each one. The basic treatment (the control of blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipid, the intravenous drops of ginkgo leaf extract and dipyridamole injection and vinpocetine injection) were applied in the two groups. Additionally, in the conventional acupuncture group, the acupoints of the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming [Biguan (ST 31), Liangqiu (ST 34), Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Xiajuxu (ST 39), etc.] were selected and stimulated with the even needling technique. In the yin-yang needling group, the acupoints of yin meridians such as Zuwuli (LR 10), Xuehai (SP 10), Yinlingquan (SP 9) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc. and the acupoints of yang meridians such as Biguan (ST 31), Liangqiu (ST 34) and Yanglingquan (GB 34), etc. were selected. The reducing manipulation of respiratory reinforcing and reducing technique was applied to the acupoints of yin meridians and the reinforcing manipulation was applied to the acupoints of yang meridians. The kinematics time parameters were determined and compared before and 4 weeks after treatment.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the differences in the gait cycle, the phase time of standing (%), the phase time of single support (%), the phase time of unilateral sway (%) on the affected (healthy) foot and phase time of double support (%) were significant as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P < 0.05), in which, the gait cycle (1.75 +/- 0.21 vs 2.02 +/- 0.37), the phase time of standing (%) on the affected (healthy) foot [(65.41 +/- 5.20)% vs (68.37 +/- 6.24)%, (70.99 +/- 6.47)% vs (74.51 +/- 5.19)%], the phase time of unilateral sway (%) on the affected (healthy) foot [(36.08 +/- 4.86)% vs (33.65 +/- 2.94)%, (31.04 +/- 3.41)% vs (26.77 +/- 2.67)%] and the phase time of double support (%) [(36.91 +/- 5.10)% vs (41.22 +/- 5.39)%] in the yin-yang needling group were improved much obviously after treatment as compared with those in the conventional acupuncture group. The differences in support phase time (%), single support phase time (%) and sway phase time (%) were significant between the affected limb and healthy limb of the two groups after treatment (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONYin-yang respiratory reinforcing and reducing needling technique effectively improves hemiplegic gait movement cycle and walking function in patients of ischemic stroke, which is superior to the conventional acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture Therapy ; instrumentation ; methods ; Aged ; Female ; Gait ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Male ; Meridians ; Middle Aged ; Stroke ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Time Factors ; Yin-Yang

The development of a RF ablation therapeutic instrument based on improved PID algorithm is introduced here. It is based on the theory of radio frequency local destruction. By adopting the improved PID temperature control algorithm, the problem of the temperature control precision reduction due to tumor tissue characteristic changing by heating has been solved, thus ensuring homogeneous and smooth radio frequency heating to tumor foci. Experiments demonstrate that the new algorithm has strong adaptability and anti-disturbance capability, the equipment works stably and reliably, and can control therapeutic temperature precisely (+/- 2 degrees C), which indicates a good clinical application value.
Algorithms ; Calorimetry ; instrumentation ; methods ; Catheter Ablation ; instrumentation ; methods ; Electrodes ; Equipment Design ; Humans ; Hyperthermia, Induced ; instrumentation ; methods ; Information Storage and Retrieval ; Neoplasms ; therapy ; Software ; Temperature