To observe the effect of Astragali Radix polysaccharides (APS) on the learning and memory functions of aged rats, in order to explore its mechanism for improving the learning and memory functions. Natural aging female SD rats were selected in the animal model and randomly divided into the control group, the APS low-dose group (50 mg x kg(-1)), the APS high-dose group (150 mg x kg(-1)) and the piracetam-treated group (560 mg x kg(-1)). They were orally administered with the corresponding drugs for consecutively 60 days. Besides, a young control group was set. The learning and memory functions of the rats were tested by the open-field test and the Morris water maze task. The Western-blot method was used to observe the levels of relevant neural plasticity protein N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA receptor) in hippocampus, calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II), protein kinase (PKA), the phosphorylation level of CAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and the protein expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF). In this study, the authors found that the learning and memory functions and the hippocampus neural plasticity protein expression of the aged rat group were much lower than that of the young control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the aged rat group, the APS group showed the significant improvement in the impaired learning and memory functions of aged rats and the up-regulation in the hippocampus neural plasticity protein expression. The results showed that APS may improve the learning and memory functions of aged rats by increasing the expressions of relevant neural plasticity proteins.
Aging ; drug effects ; metabolism ; psychology ; Animals ; Astragalus Plant ; chemistry ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; metabolism ; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Female ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Learning ; drug effects ; Memory ; drug effects ; Polysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate ; metabolism

Objective To establish a novel Monte Carlo simulation method for reconstruction of medical accelerator model and X?ray energy spectrum based on IAEA Varian 6 MV X?ray phase?space file and photon energy spectrum of the target accelerator. Methods The verified 6 MV X?ray phase?space files were preprocessed to elevate the energy of each particle. Particles were saved in different Phase?Space?Let ( PSL) files according to their position and energy, yielding an initial photon energy spectrum for Monte Carlo simulation of accelerator under an initial target energy. The initial photon energy spectrum was fit to a photon energy spectrum of an accelerator ( Elekta Precise 10 MV X?ray accelerator) under an unknown target energy to yield a fitting coefficient, which was the weight of each PSL. Finally, an accelerator model under an unknown target energy was reconstructed using the initial PSL files and the weight information. The percentage depth dose ( PDD) distribution was calculated in different square open fields. The effectiveness of this method was verified using one dimensional gamma passing rate. Results The peak position and overall distribution of the reconstructed 10 MV photon energy spectrum were in accordance with those of the verified 10 MV photon energy spectrum. The PDD calculated from the reconstructed 10 MV accelerator model agreed well with the measured PDD. The one?dimensional gamma passing rate was above 96%( 1%/1 mm, threshold=0%) . Conclusion The Monte Carlo reconstruction method proposed in this study is reliable, accurate, and effective.

Objective To observe the effects of a rehabilitation robot and body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) on the walking ability of hemiplegic patients after stroke.Methods Sixty hemiplegic patients were divided randomly into treatment and control groups (n=30 in each).The treatment group received training assisted by a leg rehabilitation robot for 10-20 min once daily,6 days per week for 8 weeks in addition to conventional treatments and BWSTT.The control group was only given conventional treatments and BWSTT once daily for 8 weeks.Their lower extremity functions,balance and walking ability were assessed with a simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and using the Berg balance scale (BBS) and Functional Ambulation Categories (FACs).Results After training,both groups showed significant improvements in terms of FMA,BBS and FAC results.The treatment group showed significantly better improvements in lower extremity function,balance and walking ability compared with the control group.Conclusions The lower-limb rehabilitation robot and BWSTT could together improve balance and walking ability.

Objective To discuss the technical points, safety and clinical effectiveness of DSA-guided percutaneous acetabuloplasty (PA) for the treatment of acetabular metastases. Methods Fifteen patients, including 6 males and 9 females, with acetabular malignant metastases were enrolled in this study.A total of 19 lesions were detected. The lesions were 13 - 25 mm in size (mean 19 ± 4 mm), the dose of PMMA used for per lesion was 5 - 13 ml (mean 8.2 ± 2.3 ml). All patients complained of greater or less degree of pain in their hips, 8 patients had to use walking stick, 4 patients showed limping although they could walk independently and three patients could not walk alone. DSA-guided percutaneous acetabuloplasty was performed in all patients and follow-up after the procedure was conducted for 1 - 12 months. Visual analogue score (VAS), walking state score and analgesic dosage taken by the patients were used for the evaluation of the clinical effectiveness. The complications were analyzed. All the data obtained were statistically analyzed with paired samples t test and analysis of variance by using SPSS12.0 statistical software.Results The procedure was technically successful in all patients. Pain rating evaluated by the VAS decreased from a mean of 7.8 before surgery to a mean of 4.2 in 24 hours after surgery (P < 0.01 ), which further decreased to 2.5 in one month (P < 0.01 ), while walking state score increased from a mean of 1.5before surgery to a mean of 2.5 in 24 hours after surgery (P < 0.01 ). The analgesic dosage taken by the patient was reduced in 14 patients and remained the same in one patient. The bone cement leakage into paraacetabular soft tissues occurred in three cases and peripheral vascular exudation of acetabulum was observed in three cases with no obvious clinical symptoms. Conclusion As a safe, reliable and minimally-invasive technique, DSA-guided percutaneous acetabuloplasty has excellent anti-pain effect in treating acetabular metastases. This therapy can markedlyimprove the patient's walking ability and the quality of life.

Background and purpose:The association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is still unknown. The aim of this study was to elucidate how MS correlates with the prevalence and malignancy of RCC.Methods:This study enrolled 398 RCC patients (350 clear cell RCC patients, 5 XP11.2 transloca-tion RCC patients, 16 papillary RCC patients and 27 chromophobe RCC patients), 160 normal persons, and 32 benign renal tumor patients. The metabolic status of the patients was assessed, and the link between MS and the prevalence or malignancy of RCC was calculated.Results:Clear cell RCC patients had signiifcantly higher rates of hypertension, higher body mass index (BMI) and longer waist circumference. Forty-eight percent clear cell RCC patients had MS, while the number was 33% for papillary RCC, 26% for chromophobe RCC, 0% for XP11.2, 17% for AML, and 25%for normal people. MS patients had signiifcant higher rates of having clear cell RCC than no-MS patients, however this kind of difference was not seen in other types of RCC. Clear cell RCC patients with higher Furhman grade had lower rates of MS.Conclusion:Patients with MS are more likely to develop clear cell RCC. Patients with high Furhman grade tumors have low MS rates, indicating that high grade tumor may have other originating mechanisms other than metabolic disorders.

Background and purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a hypervascular tumor associated with a poor prognosis and lack of effective treatments. Consequently, identifying novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. We have previously shown that the kringle 1 domain of human hepatocyte growth factor (HGFK1) is a more effective anti-angiogenesis molecule than angiostatin. In this study, we observed the effects and mechanisms of HGFK1 gene on the HCC. Methods: A recombinant adeno-associated vires carrying the HGFK1 gene (rAAV-HGFK1) was constructed.HCC of rat was induced by McA-RH7777. rAAV-HGFK1 was used to treat the rat, median survival time and metastasis rate were observed. Results: Ten days after tumor cell inoculation, surgery were performed to confirm the tumor formation, PBS, rAAV-EGFP or rAAV-HGFK1 was injected directly into the tumor nodule followed by portal vein injection. Results from our study demonstrated that rAAV-HGFK1 treatment significantly prolonged the median survival time of the HCC bearing rats from 30 days (PBS and rAAV-EGFP groups) to 49 days (rAAV-HGFK1 group). More importantly rAAV-HGFK1 inhibited tumor growth and completely prevented liver, lung and peritoneal metastasis. In the controlled PBS and AAV-EGFP group, liver and peritoneal metastasis rate were both 100%, and lung metastasis rate was 100% and 83%, respectively. While there was no metastasis found in treatment group, with only 33% of ascites happened. This was most possibly due to the primary tumor in liver but not due to the metastasis. Moreover, at a higher magnification (1000×), it was clear that the HGFK1 protein was expressed mainly in the cytoplasma of liver cells. In parallel, IHC staining of CD31 also demonstrated a significantly lower level of microvessel density (MVD) (6.21±1.6) in the liver tumor of the AAV-HGFK1 treatment group, as compared to the two control PBS and AAV-EGFP groups (25.1±2.1 and 26.8±2.5, respectively, P<0.01). HE staining showed that AAV-HGFK1 treatment induced large areas of necrosis in the tumor tissues, while minimal areas of necrosis were observed in the tumor tissue in the control groups. In addition, no toxicity appeared when high dosage (4.8× 1012 vg/rat) of rAAV-HGFK1 was administered in rats. Conclusion: Results from this study demonstrated that HGFK1 inhibited the growth and metastasis of HCC and prolonged the survival time of animals with HCC through anti-angiogenesis effects. No obvious toxicity was observed. It might be the novel promising treatment for HCC and other cancers.

Objective To explore the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) on hemiplegic gait of acute stroke patients. Methods 41 stroke patients were randomly divided into treatment group (n=21) and control group (n=20). All the patients received conventional rehabilitation and body weight supported treadmill training, and the treatment group received FES in addition. The patients were evaluated with the Composite Spasticity Scale (CSS), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) before and 8 weeks after intervention. Results There was no significant difference in all the assessment between two groups before intervention (P>0.05). The scores of CSS, FAC and BBS improved in both groups 8 weeks after intervention (P<0.001), and improved more in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion FES could further improve ambulation of stroke patients.

Objective To observe the characteristics of bone development and body development in 3-7 years old children with cerebral palsy. Methods 50 girls and 50 boys aged 3-7 years with cerebral palsy were included. Their height, weight, length of right and left upper extremities, and both hands bone age were measured by trained professionals. Results Their bone ages of both hands were 1 year younger than actual age (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between right and left hand bone age (P>0.05). Their height growth was in line with the normal children, while the weight growth was a little different. Both sides of upper limbs growed synchronously, and slowed down with the time. There was no significant difference in both sides (P>0.05). Conclusion The bone development of children with cerebral palsy lags behind the life age. Their height growth is close to normal children. The development shows no no significant lateral dominance.

Objective To investigate the effect of pelvic intensive training on gait of stroke patients with hemiplegia. Methods 60 stroke patients with hemiplegia were divided into control group (n=30) and observation group (n=30). Both groups received routine rehabilitation training. The observation group received pelvic intensive training, twice a day, additionally. The average step length, the time of each foot and the 3-minute walking distance were tested before and 8 weeks after treatment with Biodex Gait Trainer 2. Results The average step length and the time of each foot of both sides and the 3 minutes walking distance were significantly better after treatment (P<0.001). And the indexes were significantly better in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion Pelvic intensive training can improve the gait of stroke patients with hemiplegia.

Processed Chinese medicine is the core of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) industry chain,which directly affects the clinical efficacy and. safety of Chinese patent medicine and clinical formula Decoction pieces. Studied the variation of effective substance in vivo Chinese medicine processing before and after processed, clarifying the effective substance and processing principle is a top priority of the development of Chinese medicine processing. The traditional research method chiefly focus on the variation about chemicals in vitro of processed Chinese medicine, it cannot reveal that the integrity and complexity of processed Chinese medicine efficacy changes, so the change process is the focus of future research in vivo on the base of effective substance of TCM This paper described the research on the base of effective substance of TCM and Processed Chinese medicine research status in vitro, discussed the analytical methods (plasma chemistry, pharmacokinetics, metabonomics) of the dynamic process in vivo about processed Chinese medicine, and pointed out development and related problems in process in vivo on the base of effective substance of TCM, which could provided research ideas and methods for in-depth interpretation of Chinese medicine processing mechanism.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; pharmacokinetics ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional