Objective To investigate the effect of catalpol from Radix Rehmanniae on A?25-35-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells.Methods PC12 cells were routinely cultivated and treated by A?25-35(final concentration,20 ?mol/L) 24 hours after the addition of catalpol or saline.Forty-eight hours later,cells were examined for viability and apoptosis by MTT method and TUNEL method,respectively,while Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA expression were analyzed by semi-quantitive RT-PCR. Results Catalpol could significantly elevate the viability at 1?10-5 mol/L and 1?10-4 mol/L(P

Objective To investigate the effects of ZMS,the active component of Zhimu,on amyloid precursor protein(APP) and ?-site APP cleaving enzyme 1(BACE1) in HEK293sw cells. Methods HEK293sw cells were pretreated with different concentrations of ZMS in routine culture medium for 24 h,and then serum-free medium with ZMS was used for further culture for 48 h.Cells were examined for expression of APP and ?-secretase BACE1 with Western blotting and RT-PCR,and were then examined for BACE1 activity with fluorescence method. Results 1 ?mol/L and 10 ?mol/L ZMS significantly decreased the expression of BACE1 mRNA and protein,while had no effect on the expression of APP mRNA and protein.It was indicated by fluorescence analysis that 10 ?mol/L ZMS significantly decreased the ?-secretase activity.Conclusion ZMS significantly decreases the activity and expression of ?-secretase BACE1,while has no effect on the expression of APP in HEK293sw cells.

OBJECTIVETo discuss the effect of limited head and neck squamous cell carcinomas human papillomavirus(HPV) infection status on the prognosis in different nationalities of Xinjiang.

METHODSThe clinical data of 149 cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma from Uighur, Han and Kazak was analyzed. The HPV16/18 infection and viral load was examined.The prognosis was analyzed by cox multiIvar-Iate model. The effect of HPV infection status on prognosis was evaluated.

RESULTSIn this study, Oropharyngeal HPV infection rate was 35.0%, followed by hypopharynx 30.0%, oropharyx was 16.0%. The overall survival rate of 3 years and 5 years was 66.4%, and 39.2% respectively. The clinical stage,N stage and HPV were influencing factors for the prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (P< 0.05). N stage and HPV were independent prognostic factors for the prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThere is a high rate of HPV infection in oropharynx in head and neck cancer. HPV positive is a protective factor for the prognosis of head and neck cancer, and the risk of death in patients with HPV was 3/5 lower than that of HPV negative patients. HPV viral load may be positively related to the total survival rate. N stage is a risk factor for the prognosis of head and neck cancer. Different nationalities have little influence on prognosis.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; ethnology ; mortality ; pathology ; virology ; China ; Ethnic Groups ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; ethnology ; mortality ; pathology ; virology ; Human papillomavirus 16 ; Human papillomavirus 18 ; Humans ; Neoplasm Staging ; Papillomavirus Infections ; diagnosis ; mortality ; virology ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Survival Rate ; Time Factors ; Viral Load

OBJECTIVETo observe the differences in the clinical efficacy on depression in comparison among the alliance of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, simple herbal medicine and flupentixol and melitracen tablets.

METHODSTwo hundred and twenty-seven cases were randomized into a Chinese medicine group(75 cases), an acupuncture + medication group(78 cases) and a western medicine group(74 cases). In the Chinese medicine group, Shugan Jianwei Anshen Decoction was prescribed, in which Radix Bupleuri and Radix Paeoniae Alba were the monarch herbs, one dose a day. In the acupuncture + medication group, on the basic treatment of Chinese medicine, acupuncture was combined every day at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenmen (HT 7), Lingdao (HT 4), Daling (PC 7), Laogong (PC 8), Yongquan (KI 1), etc. In the western medicine group, deanxit was taken orally, 1 tablet after getting up in the morning and after lunch respectively. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks in the three groups. The change of Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) score and clinical efficacy were observed before and after treatment.

RESULTSIn 8 weeks of treatment, in the acupuncture + medication group, 19 cases were cured, 35 cases were markedly effective, 14 cases were effective and 10 cases failed, the effective rate was 87.2%; in the western medicine group, 11 cases were cured, 32 cases were markedly effective, 18 cases were effective and 13 cases failed, the effective rate was 82.4%; in the Chinese medicine group, 5 cases were cured, 14 cases were markedly effective, 35 cases were effective and 21 cases failed, the effective rate was 72.0%. HAMD assessment was done in 8 weeks of treatment, which was (5.71 +/- 4.32) scores in the acupuncture + medication group, (6.09 +/- 3.78) scores in the western medicine group and (9.24 +/- 3.49) in the Chinese medicine group, the differences were significant in the Chinese medicine group compared with the western medicine group and the acupuncture + medication group (both P < 0.05). The differences in the scores after treatment were not significant statistically between the acupuncture + medication group and the western medicine group (both P > 0.05), but the cured and markedly effective rate in the acupuncture + medication group was superior to that in the western medicine group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe alliance of acupuncture and medication achieves the definite efficacy on depression, characterized as less adverse reactions and better safety.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Cooperative Behavior ; Depression ; drug therapy ; psychology ; therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo compare the behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs between two strains of mice.

METHODSThe Kunming (KM) and ICR mice were injected intraperitoneally with caffeine (3, 10, 30, 100 mg/kg), ephedrine (3, 10, 30, 100 mg/kg), diazepam (1, 3,1 0 mg/kg) and chloral hydrate (10, 30, 100 mg/kg), respectively. Ten min after injection, the locomotor activity in the open field was recorded for 2 h. The total distance, the distance ratio to total distance and the time in central region were analyzed for each drugs. Thirty min after injection, the latent time in the passive avoidance test was measured in a shuttle box.

RESULTSCaffeine and diazepam prolonged the latent time, and ephedrine and chloral hydrate decreased the latent time, but there were no differences between the two strains. The two strains of mice exhibited significant differences in the total distance after injection of ephedrine 10 mg/kg, diazepam 3 mg/kg and chloral hydrate 100 mg/kg. Compared to KM mice, ICR mice exhibited an increase in the distance ratio and the time in central region after injection of ephedrine 10-100 mg/kg, but a decrease after diazepam 3-10 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONKM and ICR mice show no differences in latent time, but significant differences in the total distance, the distance ratio and the time in central region in the locomotor activity. Therefore, selection of mouse strains is important in the study of psychoactive drugs.

Animals ; Caffeine ; pharmacology ; Central Nervous System Agents ; pharmacology ; Chloral Hydrate ; pharmacology ; Diazepam ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Ephedrine ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Motor Activity ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of juglone on the ultrastructure of human liver cancer BEL-7402 cells.

METHODSBEL-7402 cells were incubated in the presence of 12.5 micromol/L juglone for 24 h, and fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde for HE staining and Coomassie brilliant blue staining and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTSIncubation with juglone resulted in obvious changes in the cell morphology and cytoskeletal alterations of the cells. Scanning electron microscopy revealed reduced volume of the cell bodies, dissociation of the cells, curling and malformation of the microvilli on the cell surface with rupture of the intercellular junction and enlargement of the intercellular space. The formation of apoptotic bodies was observed. Transmission electron microscopy showed expansion of the endoplasmic reticula, mitochondrial cristea disintegration, nucleolar fragmentation and formation of the apoptotic bodies after the exposure to juglone for 24 h.

CONCLUSIONJuglone can cause ultrastructural changes of human liver cancer BEL-7402 cells and induce their apoptosis.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; ultrastructure ; Naphthoquinones ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the ideal digestive tract reconstruction methods among three different surgical methods after radical gastrectomy of gastric cancer patients.

METHODSA total of 123 patients who received elective radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer from February 2010 to August 2011 were prospectively enrolled and randomly divided into radical proximal gastrectomy and jejunal interposition group, radical proximal gastrectomy and esophageal with the posterior of residual-stomach group, and radical total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy group. Patients were followed up for 12 months. Symptoms of reflux esophagitis were observed, gastric emptying tests were done, liver and kidney function was also monitored. The quality of life was documented before operation, and one and twelve months after operation.

RESULTSNo significant differences were found among these three groups in the pH value of lower part of esophagus, the blood regular test results and the functional parameters of kidney and liver before and after operation(all P>0.05). Symptoms of reflux esophagitis was reported in 1(2.4%) patients in the jejunal interposition group, 10(24.4%) in esophageal with the posterial of residual-stomach group, and 7(17.1%) in the Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy group(P=0.017). There was 1(2.4%), 10(17.1%), and 8(19.5%) patients presented reflux of barium meal in these three groups, respectively (P=0.046). There were no statistically significant difference in PH at the distal esophagus(6.9±0.2 vs. 6.8±0.1 vs. 6.9±0.1, P=0.196). The quality of life was significantly improved one year after surgery in terms of general status, physical function, emotional function, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, pain, constipation, and diarrhea (all P<0.05), with the jejunal interposition superior than the other two methods.

CONCLUSIONThree methods of digestive tract reconstruction in radical gastrectomy of gastric cancer patients can improve the health status and the quality of life in gastric cancer patients. Radical proximal gastrectomy and jejunal interposition is the preferred method.

Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; Esophagus ; Gastrectomy ; Gastric Emptying ; Gastric Stump ; Humans ; Jejunum ; Quality of Life ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Stomach Neoplasms ; surgery

Objective To explore the acceptability of male circumcision (MC) as an HIV prevention method and its related factors among young men of Yi ethnicity in Liangshan prefecture. Methods 446 young men were selected in Butuo county,under stratified sampling method. Using a self-designed questionnaire,face to face interviews were taken to collect HIV-related risk behaviors,knowledge and acceptability of MC. Results After an introduction on MC by interviewers,40.6% of the interviewees expressed their willingness in taking this surgery. The main reason for acceptance was that they felt this surgery might reduce the risk of HIV infection (90.1%). For those who refused to take this surgery,most of them thought it was too sensitive and embarrassing (52.5%) and were afraid that it might affect their procreation ability. Data from logistic regression analysis indicated that the acceptability of MC was associated with the following factors as: age,income,experience of commercial sexual behavior. They also felt that messages related to male MC surgery could reduce the risk of being infected with HIV/STDs or induce pain when having sexual intercourse,or it might cause partial infection after surgery,or they might be mocked at if taking the surgery. Conclusion It is the prerequisite in helping young people of Yi ethnicity to have a good understanding on MC as for Yi people,embarrassment attitudes towards sex appears to be one of the big obstacles against the popularization of this surgery. The operation should be provided by trained and professional doctors,with standardized procedure,in good sanitary conditions and free for service.

OBJECTIVETo constitute the animal model of unilateral olfactory nerve transection and observe the expression level and distribution of odorant receptors.

METHODSThirty-two rats were divided into two groups: the olfactory nerve transection group (20) and the control group (12). The former group received the operation to transect the left olfactory nerve following the left olfactory bulb was exposed under microscope and the latter group did not give any disposal. At every stage of five days, two weeks, four weeks and six weeks after the operation, five rats from the nerve transection group and three from the control group were anaesthetized simultaneously, and olfactory epithelium were taken out after transcardial perfusion, then paraffin imbedding. Coronal sections were sliced for HE staining to observe the thickness changes of the olfactory epithelium, and for in situ hybridization (ISHs) to investigate the expression of olfactory receptor genes (Olr287, Olr226, Olr1493 and Olr1654) in the epithelium, also to evaluate the changes of the expression level and location of the selected receptors during the regeneration of olfactory epithelium.

RESULTSHE staining showed that 5 days after the operation cell quantity and thickness of the olfactory epithelium decreased obviously, which increased gradually 2 or 4 weeks after operation. After 6 weeks' recovery, the thickness of the epithelium could reach the control level. The pattern of cell staining by ISH showed a specific spatial distribution along the anteroposterior (AP) and dorsoventral (DV) axis. Evidence suggested that odorant receptors were distributed in continuous and multiple overlapping bands in the normal or nerve transected-recovered epithelium rather than in the conventionally accepted three or four zones. The data also demonstrated that the distribution of sensory neuron types, as identified and defined by odorant receptor expression, was restored to normal or nearly so by 6 weeks after operation. Likewise, the numbers of probe-labeled neurons in the nerve transected-recovered had an obvious decrease 5 days after olfactory nerve transection. Reactive cells (x(-) +/- s) of Olr1493 in the operated side was (53.9 +/- 19.9), compared with (419.0 +/- 21.2) in the unoperated side, there was statistic significance between them (t = 63.960, P < 0.01). Reactive cells increased gradually according to the regeneration of the epithelium, and were nearly equivalent to the normal side 6 weeks later without significant differentiation (t = 2.600, P > 0.05), according to the absolute positive cells in the operated and unoperated side of (417.8 +/- 32.4) and (445.3 +/- 10.0) respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe regeneration of the sensory neurons and receptors, both the number and the distribution, can recover to normal after olfactory nerve transection.

Animals ; Male ; Olfactory Mucosa ; metabolism ; Olfactory Nerve ; metabolism ; surgery ; Olfactory Nerve Injuries ; Olfactory Receptor Neurons ; cytology ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Odorant ; genetics ; metabolism

This study aims to explore the effect and mechanism of Jiao-tai-wan (JTW) on systemic and tissue-specific inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity-resistant (OR)rats with chronic partial sleep deprivation (PSD).OR rats with PSD were orally given JTW and Estazolam for 4 weeks.The amount of food intake and metabolic parameters such as body weight increase rate,fasting plasma glucose (FPG),fasting insulin (FINS),homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and plasma inflammatory markers were measured.The expression levels of circadian proteins cryptochrome 1 (Cry1)and cryptochrome 2 (Cry2) in hypothalamus,adipose and liver tissues were also determined.Meanwhile,the mRNA expression of inflammatory markers,activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 protein,as well as the expression levels of insulin signaling pathway proteins in hypothalamus,adipose and liver tissues were measured.Additionally,cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and activity of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP)in hypothalamus tissue were measured.JTW significantly decreased the body weight increase rate and food intake,ameliorated systemic inflammation and insulin resistance.JTW effectively ameliorated inflammation and increased PI3K/AKT signaling activation in hypothalamus,adipose and liver.Interestingly,all these changes were associated with the up-regulation of circadian gene Cryl and Cry2 protein expression.We also found that in hypothalamus tissue of P SD rats,down-regulation of Cry 1 and Cry2 activated cAMP/PKA signaling and then led to inflammation,while JTW inhibited this signaling.These results suggested that JTW has the beneficial effect on ameliorating inflammation and insulin resistance in partially sleep-deprived rats by up-regulating Cry expression.