Background Curcumin derives from the rhizome of curcuma longa.It has proven to have an antiproliferative effect in previous studies on vast majority of endothelial and epithelial cells,however,the study of its inhibiting effect on the proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and underlying mechanism is rare.Objective Aim of this study was to investigate the potential inhibitory effect of curcumin on the proliferation of cuhured human RPE cells in vitro and its possible mechanism.Methods Human RPE cells harvested by trpsinEDTA were suspended in DMEM/F12 medium with serial dilutions of curcumin (5,10,15,20 mg/L),and the human RPE cells cultured by DMEM/F12 without curcumin were used as control.The proliferation value of human RPE cells (A value) was measured by water-soluble tetrazole-1 (WST-1) assay,the optimized dose of antiproliferation of curcumin was determined and applied for further experimental process.Apoptosis and cell cycle of human RPE cells were detected by flow cytometric analysis at 48 hours and 72 hours after curcumin treatment.The ultrastructure profile of the cells were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Western blot analysis was performed to measure the relative expressing level of the pro-apoptotic factors p53,p21 WAF1/CIP1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the cells,respectively.Factorial design of two factor analysis of variance of SPSS 17.0 software was used to compare the difference of A values of the cells among the various groups and time points,and independent-sample t test was used to compare the differences of apoptosis rate and cell ratio in different cycles between curcumin group and control group.Results WST-1 assay showed that the A value was gradually reduced with the increase of curcumin dose (F tion =96.55,P =0.00),and gradually increased with the lapse of time (Ftime =4634.28,P =0.00).The early apoptotic rate of the cells was (13.37±1.26) ％ in the curcumin group 48 hours after treated by 15 mg/L curcumin,and that of the control group was (7.03 ±0.37) ％,with a significant difference between them (t =8.33,P=0.00).In 72 hours after treated by 15 mg/L curcumin,the early and middle-late apoptotic rates of the cells were (15.97±0.16) ％ and (0.26±0.03) ％,which were significantly higher than those of the control group (7.29±0.37) ％ and (0.14±0.02) ％ (t=37.80,P=0.00;t=7.44,P=0.00).The cell ratio of G0/G1 phase in the curcumin group was (57.17±1.17)％ 48 hours after treated by 15 mg/L curcumin,and that in the control group was (67.73± 1.10)％,showing a significant difference (t =11.40,P =0.00).M itochondrial swelling and vacuolar degeneration were seen in the cells after treated by 15 mg/L curcumin.The relative expression levels of p53 and p21WAF1/CIP1 protein in the cells were higher in the curcumin group than those of the control group at 24,48 and 72 hours (all at P＜0.05),but the expression levels of PCNA protein were lower in the curcumin group than those of the control group in various time points (all at P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Curcumin can effectively inhibit the proliferation of human pigment epithelial cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner.P53 pathway may participate in anti-proliferating process.

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of plum-blossom needle therapy and cupping therapy combined with traction on cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type.Methods 60 patients with cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type were randomly divided into the treatment group and control group with 30 cases in each group. The patients of the treatment group were treated with plum-blossom needle therapy and cupping therapy combined with traction, and those of the control group only with traction. The therapeutic effects of two groups were compared.Results The total effective rate of the treatment group was 83.3 %, that of the control group was 60.0%. There was a significant difference between two groups ( P<0.05).Conclusion The effect of plum-blossom needle therapy and cupping therapy combined with traction on cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type is superior to traction therapy alone.

Objective To investigate the expression of Clq complement receptor(ClqRp and gClqR)in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC)of systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE), and the corre|ation between serum levels of complement lq(Clq)and anti-Clq autoantibodies(ClqAb)with ClqRp and gClqR is analyzed. The probable mechanism of ClqRp and gClqR in the development of SLE is explored. Methods The peripherial blood monouclear cells of 58 SLE patients and 30 healthy subjects were collected for the detection of the expression of ClqRp and gClqR by flow cytometry. The serum levels of Clq and ClqAb were detected by single radial immunodiffusion and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)re- spectively. The correlation between ClqRp and gClqR and other disease activity parameters, such as Clq, ClqAb, SLEDAI score, anti-dsDNA antibody, C3, C4 levels were analyzed. Results The expression of ClqRp on mononuclear and neutrophiles of SLE was(7.2?2.3)% and(3.4?2.1)%, lower than that in healthy individuals [(10.6?2.1)% and(9.0?8.7)% ], P

Objective To study the subclavian artery angiography for hemoptysis and its clinical value.Methods Thirty-eight cases of hemoptysis undertook subclavian artery angiography after embolization of bronchial arteries and branches of thoracic aorta. Group A: 4 recurrent cases underwent subclavian artery angiography (unilateral: n =2, bilateral: n =2). Group B: 16 cases underwent subclavian artery angiography according to the manifestation on X-ray and CT (right: n =10, left: n =6). Group C: 18 cases underwent bilateral subclavian artery angiography.Results of subclavian artery angiography were divided into three classes: normal(-),chaotic and hyperplasia of small branchi vessels(+),obviously bleeding (++).Some of the obviously bleeding cases were embolized and analysed for clinical efficacy and complications. Results Bleeding cases accounted for 63.2%(24/38)and bleeding subclavian arteries accounted for 50%(29/58), including(++):37.9%(22/58) and(+): 12.1%(7/58). Positive rate of chronic fibro-cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis was the highest. Bleeding sites were coincided with lung lesions. Twelve cases were embolized with the immediate cessation rate of hemoptysis reaching 100%. Eight cases with long-term follow-up showed 5 cured, 1 with significant effect and 2 recurrent. The complications occurred with fever, vomiting, chest pain, hiccup and dyspnoea.Conclusions Subclavian artery angiography has important clinical value in artery embolization for hemoptysis, especially for lesions in the upper lobes of lungs and with more fruitful result for chronic fibro-cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis.

Objective To investigate the angiographic manifestation of the proper esophageal artery (PEA),the hish risk factom for the presence of the anomalous PEA in hemoptysis and to evaluate the safety of transcatheter aaefial embolization(TAE) of the PEA using gelatin sponge(GS).Methods Selective esophageal arteriography WSS performed in forty-three patients with hemoptysis,including 15 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis,18 cases of bmnchiectasis,7 cases of posttuberculous bronchiectasis and three cases of lung cancer. One case experienced failure of bronchial arterial embolization. The angiographic manifestation of the PEAs Was studied.The complications of the procedure and clinical results were observed in the patients who underwent TAE using GS.Results Thirty-nine PEAs were catheterized selectively in 37 patients(86.0%).Eighteen anomalous PEAs(46.2%)were catheterized selectively in 17 patients (45.9%).The anomalous PEAs showed tortuosity,dilatation,hyperplasia,shunting with pulmonary artery and anastomosis with the bronchial artery.All lesions involved basal segment of inferior pulmonary lobar. Bronchiectasis Was the most frequent disease for PEA abnormality. No complications occurred and satisfactory curative effect Was achieved with TAE of the anomalous PEAs.Conclusions It is necessary to perform selective proper esophageal arteriography when the lesion involves basal segment of inferior pulmonary lobar in hemoptysis.Supplemental TAE of the anomalous PEA using GS is safe and valuable in the management of hemoptysis.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) can result in intestinal mucosal barrier (IMB) dysfunction. This study was undertaken to demonstrate the effect of IGF-I on the intestinal mucosal barrier in rats with SAP and its possible mechanisms. METHODS: Seventy-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: a sham operation (SO group,n=24), a SAP group not treated with IGF-I (SAP group,n=24), and a SAP group treated with IGF-I (IGF-I group,n=24). SAP was induced in the rats by injecting 5.0％ sodium taurocholate into the biliary-pancreatic duct. The SO rats were given an infusion of normal saline instead. The rats in the IGF-I group underwent the SAP procedure and were given a subcutaneous injection of IGF-I at 30 minutes before the operation and at 3 hours after the operation. Eight rats in each group were sacrificed at 6, 12 and 24 hours after operation. Apoptosis of mucosal cells in the small intestine was determined by TUNEL. The levels of endotoxin and DAO and serum amylase were also measured. Pathologic changes in the small intestine were monitored. Changes of bax and bcl-2 mRNA expression in the small intestine were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The levels of serum amylase were lower in the IGF-I group than in the SAP group at all three time points (P<0.05). The levels of endotoxin in the IGF-I group were higher than those in the SAP group at 6 hours, but lower in the IGF-I group than in the SAP group at 12 and 24 hours (P<0.05). The levels of diamine oxidase were higher in the IGF-I group at 6 hours but lower than those in the SAP group at 12 and 24 hours. The pathological score of the small intestine was lower in the IGF-I group than in the SAP group, and the difference was statistically significant at 12 and 24 hours. The pathologic changes observed under electron microscopy were better in the IGF-I group than those in the SAP group. The apoptosis index of intestinal epithelial cells was significantly decreased in the IGF-I group compared with the SAP group. Compared with the SO group, the mRNA expression levels of bax were increased at each time point in the SAP group, and were significantly decreased in the IGF-I group as compared with the SAP group at each time point (P<0.05). The expression levels of bcl-2 were weak and not different between the SO group and the SAP group (P>0.05). They were significantly increased in the IGF-I group versus the SO and SAP groups (P<0.05). The ratio of bax and bcl-2 mRNA expression levels at each time point in the SAP group were significantly higher than those in the SO group, but they were obviously decreased in the IGF-I group. CONCLUSIONS: Exogenous IGF-I seems to protect mucosal cells in the small intestine against SAP-induced apoptosis and could alleviate SAP-induced injury of the intestinal mucosa. The underlying mechanisms include enhanced mRNA expression of bcl-2 and inhibition of bax mRNA expression.

OBJECTIVETo build three-dimensional (3-D) visible model for surgical treatment of infection of fascial spaces of hand.

METHODSSerial thin cross-sections (0.2 mm) of hand were made by cryomicrotome, and the thin cross-sections of metacarpal parts were observed. A personal computer was employed to reconstruct 3-D model of metacarpal fascial space.

RESULTSThe shapes, locations and adjacent relations of the mid-palmar space, thenar space and metacarpal bones were displayed clearly from computerized 3-D model, which could be the cross-reference of the cross-sections expediently.

CONCLUSIONThe computerized 3-D reconstruction of metacarpal fascial spaces can provide some guidance for surgical treatment of infection and other diseases of metacarpal fascial spaces.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional ; Hand ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical characteristics of gastric cancer between young and elderly patients,and bring forward corresponding countermeasures.

METHODSClinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis between 79 young (or= 65 years old) patients were compared.

RESULTSThe constituent ratio of gender between young and elderly group was not significantly different (P=0.226). There was no particularity of early symptom in young patients, but they had shorter course of disease (165 d vs 400 d, P=0.029) and more frequent inferior part of cancer (49.4% vs 41.7%, P=0.038) as compared to elderly patients. There was significant difference between two groups in pathological stage ratio (P=0.027). The median total survival time of young and elderly patients was 1006 d and 530 d respectively, which was not significantly different (P=0.108). Furthermore, median survival time of young and elderly patients after radical resection were 1197 d and 919 d respectively, and the difference was not significant as well (P=0.242).

CONCLUSIONSCharacteristics of young patients with gastric cancer are lower incidence, larvaceous symptoms, more malignancy and quick development, which still remain general features of gastric cancer. By correct therapy, the efficacy of above young patients is similar to elderly patients. The key to improve prognosis is to further fortify cognition for gastric cancer and elevate early diagnostic rate.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Carcinoid Tumor ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prognosis ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the influence of two different types of digestive tract reconstruction on the life quality, nutritional status and tolerance to adjuvant chemotherapy after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric carcinoma.

METHODSThe clinical data of a total of 107 patients treated in our department from January 2005 to december 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 49 patients underwent digestive tract reconstruction with functional jejunal interposition (FJI group) and 58 patients underwent Roux en-Y jejunal P-type anastomosis (PR group) after total gastrectomy. 79 of 107 (73.8%) patients received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with XELOX regimen. The digestive complications and tolerance to chemotherapy were assessed respectively.

RESULTSNeither severe complications nor surgery-related or chemotherapy-related death were observed among the 107 patients. There were statistical differences in the incidence rate of emaciation, dumping syndrome and retention syndrome between the FJI and PR groups (P < 0.05), but no significant statistical difference in incidence rate of reflux esophagitis (P > 0.05). 28 of 40 (70.0%) patients in the FJI group completed all six cycles of chemotherapy, while 12 (30.0%) patients interrupted the treatment due to chemotherapy-related toxicity. 39 patients in the PR group received chemotherapy, 19 (48.7%) of them completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy but 20 (51.3%) patients interrupted. There was a significant difference in the incidence rate of grade III/IV chemotherapeutic toxicity and completion rate of chemotherapy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBoth functional jejunal interposition and Roux-Y operation are reasonable and safe procedures of digestive tract reconstruction. The incidence rates of emaciation, dumping syndrome and retention syndrome are lower in the patients with FJI, showing a better tolerance to adjuvant chemotherapy than Roux en-Y jejunal p type anastomosis.

Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; methods ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; methods ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Deoxycytidine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Gastrectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Jejunum ; surgery ; Nutritional Status ; Postoperative Period ; Quality of Life ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; surgery

BACKGROUNDMycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) can cause a variety of human infections, involving the lung, skin and soft tissues, and is generally believed to be acquired from environmental sources. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular diversity and antibiotic susceptibility of M. abscessus isolates as the basis for strategies to improve control and management of infection.

METHODSSeventy M. abscessus isolates from patients attending the Guangzhou Thoracic Hospital were identified from 2003 to 2005 by biochemical tests, gas chromatography, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction analysis (PRA) of heat shock protein gene hsp65, and sequencing of the quinolone resistance determining regions (QRDRs) of gyrA. Susceptibilities to six antibiotics were determined by micro-broth dilution. Isolates were genotyped using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis.

RESULTSMost isolates (63/70; 90%) were susceptible to amikacin but rates of susceptibility to other antibiotics varied from moderate, clarithromycin (60%) and imipenem (43%), to low for ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin (3%), and 87% of isolates had intermediate susceptibility to cefoxitin. RAPD analysis showed that the 70 clinical isolates displayed 69 unique RAPD patterns.

CONCLUSIONSThe high genetic diversity of isolates suggests that they are not transmitted from person to person but, presumably, are acquired independently from environmental sources. M. abscessus isolates displayed variable levels of susceptibility to all antibiotics tested, other than amikacin, indicating a need for routine susceptibility testing to guide treatment.

Amikacin ; pharmacology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Cefoxitin ; pharmacology ; China ; Chromatography, Gas ; Ciprofloxacin ; pharmacology ; Clarithromycin ; pharmacology ; Imipenem ; pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Mycobacterium ; drug effects ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique