OBJECTIVETo determine the postnatal changes in serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) level in neonates.

METHODSTwenty full-term infants and 30 preterm infants without a history of asphyxia or neurological disease born over the same period were enrolled. The 30 preterm infants consisted of 15 late preterm births and 15 early preterm births. Serum NSE levels were determined using electrochemical immunosensor array on postnatal days 1, 3 and 7. Ten healthy adults volunteered as controls.

RESULTSSerum NSE levels in neonates of the full-term group and two preterm groups gradually decreased with increasing birth age (P<0.01). All the three groups of neonates had significantly higher serum NSE levels on postnatal days 1, 3, and 7 than the healthy adult group (P<0.01). The early preterm group had significantly higher serum NSE levels than the full-term group on postnatal days 1, 3, and 7 (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSSerum NSE level in neonates during early postnatal days is related to gestational and birth ages and higher than the normal adult level. The reference value for normal serum NSE level in neonates should be determined according to gestational and birth ages, rather than the normal adult level.

Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; blood ; Male ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase ; blood ; Reference Values

OBJECTIVETo investigate the modulation effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) implantation on the myofibroblasts congregating in the infarct region after myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODSMI was induced in SD rats by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation, and the experimental animals were assigned randomly into the sham group, MI + PBS group and MI + MSC group (myocardial injection of 0.1 ml 2×10(7)/ml in four locations in the infarct region). Echocardiography, hemodynamic examinations and Masson trichrome staining were performed. Implanted MSC differentiation and myofibroblasts congregating in infarct region were investigated by immunofluorescence staining. TGF-β(1)-Smad2 signaling pathway was examined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS(1) Four weeks late, heart-weight/body-weight ratio [(3.04 ± 0.16) mg/g vs. (3.34 ± 0.14) mg/g, P < 0.01] and myocardial infarction size [(38.72 ± 2.38)% vs. (46.36 ± 2.81)%, P < 0.01] were significantly reduced in MI + MSC group than in MI + PBS group, while scar thickness of infarct region was thicker [(0.93 ± 0.17) mm vs. (0.65 ± 0.16) mm, P = 0.01], and LVEF was higher [LVEF: (32.5 ± 5.9)% vs. (26.5 ± 4.5)%, P = 0.03] in MI + MSC group than in MI + PBS group. (2) Myofibroblasts congregating in the infarct region was significantly enhanced in MI + MSC group compared with MI + PBS group [(196 ± 20) cells/mm(2) vs. (89 ± 25) cells/mm(2), P < 0.01], and part of implanted MSC expressed α-SMA(+). (3) TGF-β(1) expression and the phosphorylating of Smad2 in the infarct region were significantly upregulated in MI + MSC group compared with MI + PBS group (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSMSC could improve myocardial function and promote myofibroblasts congregating in the infarct region via activating the TGF-β(1)-Smad2 signaling pathway in this model.

Animals ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Myocardial Infarction ; metabolism ; therapy ; Myofibroblasts ; cytology ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; Ventricular Remodeling

OBJECTIVETo explorer the effectiveness of enriched bone marrow stem cells technique for lumbar fusion.

METHODSWith the randomization and control principles, 2 graft materials [Enrichment bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells hybridized with beta-tri calcium phosphate (composite graft group), autologous iliac crest bone graft (autograft group)] were compared in posterior lumbar fusion procedures. 56 patients with degenerative disc disease, lumbar instability or spinal stenosis, were included. The volume of cells suspension in pre- and post-enrichment and the number of nucleated cells (NCs) were identified. The number of osteoprogenitor cells was estimated by counting the colony-forming units which express alkaline phosphatase (CFUs/ALP+). Then the efficiency of the enrichment was evaluated. Clinical follow-up with roentgenogram and Oswestry scale scores was performed for outcome evaluation.

RESULTS(249 +/- 31) ml bone marrow per patient from bilateral iliac crests was aspirated peri-operatively. About (43 +/- 11) ml enriched bone marrow was collected. The number of NCs was concentrated from (15.9 +/- 3.3) x 10(6)/ml to (44.1 +/- 10.8) x 10(6)/ml, CFUs/ALP+ was significantly increased from (118 +/- 86)/ml to(486 +/- 305)/ml. The follow-up was about (26.3 +/- 7.5) months. There was no significant differences in age, gender, disease and fusion segments between the two groups. The fusion rate was 93.3% and 96.2% for composite graft group and autograft group, respectively (chi2 = 0.2146, P = 0.6432). There was no difference in operation time between the two group (t = 0.5243, P = 0.6022), but blood loss in composite graft group was more than that in autograft group (t = 6.4664, P < 0.01). Cell salvage for auto-transfusion could transfuse back half of the blood loss during operation. No hematoma or chronic soreness in the bone marrow donor sites of composite graft group occurred, but a little exudation or moderate swelling in the wound happened in 4 cases which disappeared under medical treatment. Meanwhile, 15.4% patients had hematoma in the iliac bone donor site and 26.9% patients had chronic soreness, but no case had wound problem in autograft group. As for Oswestry scale scores, there was no significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe enrichment technique of autologous bone marrow stem cells can greatly increase the concentration of MSCs. It is a rapid and safe method used peri-operatively. The composite material of enriched MSCs and porous beta-TCP is a good bone substitute in posterior spinal fusion.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Substitutes ; Bone Transplantation ; methods ; Calcium Phosphates ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Ilium ; transplantation ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Fusion ; instrumentation ; methods ; Stem Cell Transplantation ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDRecently congenital infection with Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) has been demonstrated in pigs, rabbits, mice and dogs. We explored the rabbit as an animal model for the congenital infection of schistosomiasis japonica and assessed the effect of a congenital S. japonicum infection on the resistance of rabbit kittens to a postnatal challenge infection.

METHODSSixteen pregnant New Zealand white rabbits were infected with a single dose of S. japonicum cercariae. The exposed animals were divided into three groups according to the gestation age at the time of infection. Diagnosis of prenatally acquired S. japonicum infection in the rabbit kittens was primarily based on serological tests in combination with parasitological and histopathological findings. Congenitally infected kittens were challenged percutaneously with 100 S. japonicum cercariae to assess the effect of a congenital S. japonicum infection on kitten resistance to a postnatal challenge infection.

RESULTSThe overall prevalence of congenital infection in offspring of infected mothers was 20% (12/60). The congenital infection rate in group L (late gestation) was much higher than in group E (early gestation) and group M (mid-gestation) (P <0.05). After a postnatal challenge infection, prenatally infected kittens had a 54.66% worm reduction rate, 41.45% egg reduction rate, and 51.76% granuloma size reduction rate compared to naïve kittens.

CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrates the possibility of congenital infection of S. japonicum in rabbits and the resistance of congenitally infected kittens to a postnatal challenge infection. These results have important implications not only for epidemiological investigations, but also in designing government control programs for schistosomiasis.

Animals ; Antibodies, Helminth ; blood ; Female ; Immunoglobulin M ; blood ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Rabbits ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; congenital ; immunology ; parasitology

BACKGROUNDRoux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP) is the main surgical procedure used in type 2 diabetes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the different types of GBP in treatment of type 2 diabetes.

METHODSPatients with type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into two groups: those who underwent gastrojejunal loop anastomosis bypass and those who underwent gastrojejunal Roux-en-Y bypass. Blood glucose alterations, operation time, and operation complications were observed.

RESULTSGastrojejunal loop anastomosis bypass and gastrojejunal Roux-en-Y bypass were both effective in the treatment of selected patients with type 2 diabetes. Compared with gastrojejunal Roux-en-Y bypass, gastrojejunal loop anastomosis bypass had the advantages of easier implementation, shorter operation time, and fewer operation complications.

CONCLUSIONSGastrojejunal loop anastomosis is effective in treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is safe, easy to implement, and worthy of clinical popularization.

Adult ; Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; blood ; surgery ; Female ; Gastric Bypass ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo objectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yimusake Tablet in the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE) through a multi-centered large-sample trial.

METHODSWe conducted a multi-centered, open, fixed-dose, and self-compared clinical trial among 300 patients with diagnosed PE. The trial lasted 12 weeks, including 4 weeks without any medication and 8 weeks of treatment with Yimusake Tablet, 2 pills (1 g) per night. We observed the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) before and after treatment, evaluated the safety of medication, and performed a questionnaire investigation on the patients' satisfaction.

RESULTSOf the 300 PE patients, 288 accomplished the clinical trial. The patients ranged in age from 22 to 60 years, averaging at 31.6 years. The mean IELT of the patient was 62.5 seconds at baseline, 168.9 seconds after 4 weeks of treatment with Yimusake Tablet, and 222.2 seconds after 8 weeks of medication. Among the 157 patients with normal erectile function (IIEF >21), the mean IELT was 71.4 seconds before treatment, 147.4 seconds after 4 weeks of medication, and 172.5 seconds after 8 weeks of medication. The patients' satisfaction was significantly increased after treatment. Those complicated by mild to moderate erectile dysfunction achieved different degrees of improvement in the IIEF-5 score, with a mean increase of 3.8. Only a few patients experienced mild adverse events, including constipation, dry mouth, nose bleeding, abdominal pain, and lumbosacral pain, which were all relieved without drug withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONYimusake Tablet is a safe and effective medicine for the treatment of PE.

Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Ejaculation ; drug effects ; physiology ; Erectile Dysfunction ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Penile Erection ; Phytotherapy ; Premature Ejaculation ; drug therapy ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tablets ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo study the antitumor effects and associated mechanisms of extract of the Smilax china L. rhizome (SCR) on ovarian cancer cells.

METHODSOvarian cancer cells A2780 were treated with different concentrations of SCR extract (SCRE), and compared with controls. Effects on cell growth were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay; proliferation effects by EdU incorporation assay; cell cycle by propidium iodide staining; apoptosis by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide; cellular distribution of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) by immunofluorescence; protein levels of NF-κB, caspase-3, poly-adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cellular inhibitor of apoptosis (cIAP)-1, anti-X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-XL), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and AKT by Western blotting; and effects of SCRE combined with cisplatin or adriamycin on A2780 cells by CCK-8 assay.

RESULTSSCRE suppressed A2780 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05,P<0.01), arrested cells in G2/M phase and induced apoptosis by activating caspase-3, PARP and Bax. SCRE treatment also correlated with inhibition of NF-κB and downregulation of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, cIAP-1, XIAP and AKT. SCRE can promote chemosensitivity to cisplatin and adriamycin in A2780 cells (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSCR effectively inhibits NF-κB, induces apoptosis and reduces chemoresistance to cisplatin and adriamycin in ovarian cancer cells, which might be its molecular basis for treating ovarian cancer.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; NF-kappa B ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Smilax