OBJECTIVETo study the chemical constituents in Agrimonia pilosa.

METHODThe compounds were isolated and purified by various column chromatographic methods and elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidences.

RESULTNine flavonoids were obtained and identified as tiliroside (1), kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-rhampyranoside (2), quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhampyranoside (3), quercetin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), kaempferol (6), apigenin (7), luteolin (8), quercetin (9).

CONCLUSIONCompounds 1-3, 5, 6 and 8 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Agrimonia ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Flavonoids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene pol-ymorphisms at Fok I site and the risk of preterm birth for potential intervention of of preterm birth or threatened premature delivery.

METHODSFifty-seven women with preterm birth and 84 with full-term birth were included in this analysis. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction frag-ment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was performed to identify VDR gene Fok I geno-types.

RESULTSNo significant difference was found in age, D-dimer (DDI), fibrinogen (Fg), serum calcium (Ca), leukocyte count or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level between the women in the preterm and full-term birth groups (P>0.05). The two groups differed signifi-cantly in the distribution of VDR gene Fok I site genotypes and allele frequency of F/F (P<0.05).The frequency of FF genotype was significantly higher in the preterm group than in the full-term group. Compared with Ff and ff genotypes, FF genotype was associated with an in-creased risk of preterm delivery (χ=9.701, P=9.701, OR=3.320, 95% CI [1.560, 7.066]). In the preterm group, the maternal age, DDI, Fg, serum Ca, leukocyte count or HbA1c did not differ significantly between the genotypes (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONVDR gene Fok I site geno-types are related with preterm birth, and the FF genotype may serve as a potential risk factor for preterm birth.

Objective To explore the damage mechanism of dopamine cells induced by amphetamine (AMPH). Methods The damage model of dopaminergic cells in mice was established by intraperitoneal injection of AMPH. The mice were randomly grouped into control, saline, amphetamine treatment for 1 day, 7 days, 14 days and 28 days. Each group contained 10 mice. The model of cell injury was established by use of AMPH in PC12 cells. The dopaminergic fibers of corpus striatum and PC12 cells were observed by the immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence method, and changes of proteins in the protein kinase B (Akt) / glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK-3β) / collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2) signal pathway were detected by Western blotting. Results AMPH caused the damage of dopaminergic fibers in the mouse corpus striatum and PC12 cells. Meanwhile, AMPH inhibited Akt and GSK-3β phosphorylation levels, and increased phosphorylated CRMP-2 level. Nerve growth factor(NGF), an agonist of Akt, or SB216763, an inhibitor of GSK-3β protected PC12 cells against AMPH-induced toxicity through upregulation of Aat and GSK-3β phosphorylation and downregulated of phosphorylation CRMP-2. Conclusion AMPH causes damage of dopamine cells via inhibition of Akt/ GSK-3β/ CRMP-2 signal pathway.

To explore novel antifatigue agents targeting with AMPA receptor, 10 compounds were synthesized and their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, ESI-MS and elemental analysis. 1-BCP was treated as the leading compound. The antifatigue activities were evaluated by weight-loaded forced swimming test, and the AMPA receptor binding affinities were tested with radioligand receptor binding assays. The results unveiled that 5b appeared to possess potent antifatigue activities and high affinity with AMPA receptor, which deserved further studies.
Animals ; Benzamides ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Dioxoles ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Fatigue ; prevention & control ; Piperidines ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Radioligand Assay ; Receptors, AMPA ; metabolism ; Swimming

OBJECTIVEA randomized trial of breast self-examination (BSE) Program was carried out to evaluate whether the intensive BSE could reduce the number of deaths among women from breast cancer.

METHODSThis study was a randomized controlled trial (RCT). A total of 266 064 women (age of 30 to 64 years) associated with 519 textile factories in Shanghai had been randomly assigned to a BSE group (132 979 women) or a control group (133 085 women) since 1989. Initial instruction in BSE group would include demonstration of proper palpation techniques and was followed by 2 reinforcement sessions during the subsequent 4 years including video shows, BSE instruction sessions and BSE practice under medical supervision. These activities were continued for 5 years. Attendance at all events was recorded. The cohort was followed through July 2000 for development of breast diseases, and the breast cancer cases were followed through 2001 for vital status. Data analysis methods used would include Kaplan-Meier plots, log-rank test and Cox modeling.

RESULTSAmong women under instruction, 864 breast cancers detected and 133 breast cancer deaths occurred while 896 breast cancers were detected and 130 deaths recorded in the control group. The tumor size (P = 0.07), TNM stage (P = 0.39) and cumulative breast cancer mortality rate (P = 0.72) were not significantly different between the 2 groups. However, more and smaller fibroadenomas were detected in the instruction group than in the control group (P< 0.01).

CONCLUSIONIntensive instruction in BSE did not seem to have reduced the mortality rate of breast cancer, but more and smaller benign breast lumps could be detected.

Adult ; Breast Diseases ; diagnosis ; Breast Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; mortality ; Breast Self-Examination ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Patient Education as Topic

BACKGROUNDPrimary malignant germ cell tumors (GCTs) of mediastinum are rare neoplasms. We introduce our institutional experience in managing patients with primary malignant GCTs of the mediastinum, focusing on the analysis of therapeutic modalities.

METHODSA retrospective review was done in 39 consecutive patients with mediastinal malignant GCTs treated in our institution between 1991 and 2007.

RESULTSA total of 39 patients were enrolled in this study with a median age of 27 years. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates of the whole population were 60.2% and 57.7%, respectively. Stratified by the histology, 18 patients (46.2%) had seminoma and 21 patients (53.8%) had nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). The 5-year OS rate of patients with seminoma was 87.4% as compared with 36.7% in patients with NSGCTs (P = 0.0004). The 5-year PFS rate was also significantly higher in seminoma patients (87.4% vs. 31.6%, P = 0.003). For 19 patients with NSGCTs managed with multi-modality treatment, chemotherapy exposure appeared to impact the prognosis. The 5-year OS rate was 44.9% in patients with chemotherapy exposure as compared with 20.0% in patients without it (P = 0.43).

CONCLUSIONOur study confirmed the significance of systemic chemotherapy in the treatment of primary mediastinal GCTs.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mediastinal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Seminoma ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; Testicular Neoplasms ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of local application of bFGF and sucralfate during continuous tissue expansion (CTE).

METHODSCTE combined with local administration of bFGF and sucralfate was used in twelve patients with scar and nasal tip defects. Twenty three expanders were placed in the subcutaneous pockets through intralesion short incisions. Continuous expansion began at 1-3 days after expander implantation. The histomorphological changes and epidermal cell proliferation were observed. The clinical results were investigated.

RESULTSThe average inflation time was 8.9 days. The average interval of the two operations was 13.5 days. The average hospitalization was 28.4 days. The average immediate stretch-back rate of the expanded skin was 25.7%. The clinical results were satisfactory without any complications. Histological examinations showed that the epidermal, granular and spinous layer became thicker. The basal cells increased significantly. The dermis thinned slightly and the collagen fibers became thicker. The elastic fiber regenerated significantly. Fibroblast and capillary density increased obviously. The immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the proliferation of epidemic basal cells was significant postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONLocal application of exogenous bFGF and sucralfate during CTE was feasible in patients. It could accelerate tissue expansion and improve the quality of expanded skin flap.

Capillaries ; anatomy & histology ; Cell Proliferation ; Collagen ; analysis ; Dermis ; blood supply ; pathology ; Epidermis ; cytology ; Fibroblast Growth Factors ; pharmacology ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Nose Deformities, Acquired ; surgery ; Sucralfate ; pharmacology ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; Time Factors ; Tissue Expansion ; instrumentation ; methods ; Tissue Expansion Devices ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of naringin on the proliferation, differention and maturaion of rat calvarial osteoblasts (ROB).

METHODSegregated neonatal SD rat skull, enzyme digestion to obtain ROB. The culture medium was replaced every three days. Serial subcultivation proceeded when cells covered with 80% culture dish. Naringin supplemented into the culture at 1 x 10(-4), 1 x 10(-5), 1 x 10(-6), 1 x 10(-7) mol x L(-1) respectively. MTT method was adopted in proliferation analysis and the activity of ALP was examined after induced 9 days. Search the best concentration and supplemented into the medium, then the osteogenic differentiation markers including the secretion amount of osteocalcin, osteopontin and bone morphogenetic protein-2 were compared between the naringin-supplemented group and the control. Total RNA was isolated and the mRNA level of bFGF, IGF-1, Runx-2, Osterix, ERa and ERbeta was investigated by Real time RT-PCR. Total protein also was isolated and the expression ERa, ERbeta and collagen I was examined by Western blot. After the addition of ICI 182.780, an inhibitor of the estrogen signal pathway, these index also was examined and the changes were compared.

RESULTThe ROB proliferation was motivated by naringin dose-dependently. And it evidently leads to osteogenic process and maturation. 1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1) is the best concentration. Naringin improved the secretion of osteocalcin, osteopontin, bone morphogenetic protein-2 and collagen I significantly. Besides, it can also enhanced the mRNA level of bFGF, IGF-1, Runx-2, Osterix, ERalpha and ERbeta. While all these effects can be restrained by ICI 182.780.

CONCLUSIONThe naringin with final concentration of 1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1) enhances the osteogenic differentiation and maturation of ROB significantly, while the promoting effects vanished after the addition of ICI 182.780. These results suggesting that naringin is one of the phytoestrogens and have the activity of bone formation may via estrogen signal pathway, it can be developed into a new drug for osteoporosis therapy.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Flavanones ; pharmacology ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; genetics ; metabolism ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Osteocalcin ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skull ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the pathological characteristics of salivary malignant myoepithelioma with characteristic multinodular architecture.

METHODSTo observe the histologic and cytologic characteristics of 19 cases of de novo salivary malignant myoepithelioma with multinodular growth pattern. Immunohistochemistry of calponin, SMA, S-100, GFAP, cytokeratin, PCNA was done on 11 cases and ultrastructure was observed on 3 cases.

RESULTS19 tumors presented characteristic multinodular growth pattern, mostly accompanied by central necrosis. Neoplastic nests invaded the surrounding normal tissue and tumor cells displayed a variety of pleomorphism. Epitheliod cell was the most predominant cell type. Tumor-related extracellular matrix formation was revealed among tumor cells. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the tumor cells were positive for calponin, SMA, S-100, GFAP, AE1/AE3, CKH and PCNA. Myofilaments were found in neoplastic cell cytoplasm under the electron microscope.

CONCLUSIONHistologic and cytologic observation, immunostaining and ultrastructural study all supported the myoepithelial and malignant nature of the tumor.

Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Myoepithelioma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Parotid Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Salivary Gland Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology

OBJECTIVEUsing molecular epidemiology method to characterize human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype CRF01 _ AE strains being prevailed in Zhejiang province.

METHODSGag fragments of the HIV-1 strains were amplified by nested-polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) from the DNA extracted from whole blood of HIV-1 infected individuals in Zhejiang province. PCR products were sequenced and analyzed by phylogenetic method.

RESULTS81 HIV-1 subtype CRF01 _ AE sequences were identified from the 192 samples that sequenced successfully. As one of the dominant subtypes in Zhejiang, CRF01 _ AE was transmitted mainly by heterosexual or homosexual contact in local residents. In migrants living in Zhejiang, CRF01 _ AE were transmitted mainly by heterosexual contact or injecting drug use. There were three main clusters in the phylogenetic tree which bootstrap value was larger than 60. We named the clusters with group MIX (47 sequences), group SEX (7 sequences) and group MSM (12 sequences) based on the transmission. Pairwise DNA distances in the gag region within the three groups and between CM240 were different (P = 0.000). Data through the analyses of deduced amino acid sequences from the three groups showed that several signature amino acid sites were distinct from the same positions of the subtype reference strains.

CONCLUSIONThe CRF01 _ AE strain prevailing in Zhejiang province was from several sources, transmitted by more than three different transmission routes, and becoming the main subtypes circulating in homosexual population in this study. More attention needs to be paid to the epidemic characteristic of CRF01 _ AE.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; HIV Infections ; epidemiology ; virology ; HIV-1 ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Epidemiology ; methods ; Phylogeny ; Young Adult