Calcinosis ; complications ; Decalcification Technique ; Humans ; Meningeal Neoplasms ; complications ; Meningioma ; complications ; Specimen Handling ; methods ; Ultrasonics

Objective: To collect, compare and analyze the changes in the strength and stability of the forearm Rou-Kneading manipulation before and after the training in Shaolin Neigong (internal Qigong). Methods: Ninety first-year undergraduates were randomized into three groups using the random number table method, with 30 people in each group. The Gongfa (Qigong method) group received training in both Shaolin Neigong and forearm Rou-Kneading manipulation. The manipulation group only received training in forearm Rou-Kneading manipulation. The control group only received training in forearm Rou-Kneading manipulation for one week. The ZTC-1 intelligent Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) manipulation parameter detection system was used to collect the wave crest, wave trough, and crest-trough difference of the strength and frequency of the forearm Rou-Kneading manipulation on the Z-axis (up and down), X-axis (left and right) and Y-axis (backward and forward) at weeks one, five and ten from the three groups. The collected data were then processed and analyzed. Results: The intra-group comparisons showed statistical significance in the Gongfa group and manipulation group (P<0.05). The strength and stability shown on the axes Z, X, and Y constantly grew with the increase of training time in the Gongfa group. The wave crest on the axes Z and Y steadily rose in the manipulation group, as well as the frequency on the axes Z, X and Y. The control group failed to show statistical significance in any of the three times of intra-group comparisons (P>0.05). The between-group comparisons showed statistical significance among the three groups at weeks five and ten (P<0.05). At week five, the wave crest on the axes Z, X, and Y, and the crest-trough difference on the axes X and Y were more prominent in the Gongfa group than in the manipulation group, showing statistical significance (P<0.05). At week ten, the wave crest, wave trough, and crest-trough differences on the axes Z, X, and Y were more prominent in the Gongfa group than in the manipulation group, presenting statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion: Practicing Shaolin Neigong can help the trainees reach the level of strength and frequency of Tuina clinicians in a shorter time in the forearm Rou-Kneading manipulation training. It can advance the efficiency in studying the forearm Rou-Kneading manipulation and promote the quality of the manipulation.

Objective To observe the effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine(5-aza-CdR)on the normal epithelial specific-1 gene(NES1)and the growth of human gastric cancer xenografts in nude mice,and to explore the possible anti-tumor mechanisms and search for new treatment for gastric cancer.Methods Human gastric caner xenograft model in nude mice was established and treated with 5-aza-CdR.The growth of xenografts in nude mice was observed,and the status of methylation and protein expression of NES1 gene were detected by MSP and immunohistochemistry respectirely.Results After treatment with 5-aza-CdR,the growth of the xenografts in nude mice was greatly inhibited(P

OBJECTIVETo detect mutations in the ED1 gene in two Chinese pedigrees and a sporadic case with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED) and provide evidences with the mutation analysis for genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis and confirmation of carrier status.

METHODSPeripheral blood samples were obtained from two pedigrees and the sporadic patient, and genomic DNA was extract by salting out method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing were performed to screen mutations in ED1 gene.

RESULTSThree mutations were identified. In one of the pedigrees, a 1045G > A transition was evidenced in exon 9 that resulted in a change of Ala 349 Thr. In the other pedigrees and the sporadic patient, 467G > A and 466C > T transitions were demonstrated in exon 3 that resulted in change of Arg 156 His and Arg 156 Cys. These mutations were not found in 100 normal individuals.

CONCLUSIONSThese mutations were responsible for the disease in the two families and the sporadic patient. All these mutations had been identified previously.

Child ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Ectodermal Dysplasia 1, Anhidrotic ; genetics ; Ectodysplasins ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation, Missense ; Pedigree

OBJECTIVETo identify proteomic patterns in hepatic tissues for diagnosing early HBV related HCC.

METHODSProteomic spectra were generated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), A preliminary "raining" set of spectra derived from analysis of 14 cancer tissues and 14 non-cancer tissues, a proteomic patterns that completely discriminated cancer from non-cancer was identified. The discovered pattern was then used to classify an independent set of 48 masked samples: 24 from cancer tissues, and 24 from non-cancer tissues.

RESULTSThe discriminatory pattern correctly identified all cancer tissues and non-cancer tissues in the masked set. This result yielded a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 100%.

CONCLUSIONFurther analysis on these proteins in the proteomic pattern will be helpful to screen tumor markers for HBV related HCC. These findings justify a prospective assessment of proteomic pattern technology as a screening tool for cancer in high-risk and general populations.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Hepatitis B ; complications ; Humans ; Liver ; chemistry ; Liver Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Neoplasm Proteins ; analysis ; Proteomics

OBJECTIVETo observe and evaluate the effect of transdifferentiation of bone marrow derived stroma cells (BMSCs) into nerve cells by ultrafiltration membrane extract mixture from Angelica sinensis and Hedysarum polybotrys.

METHODSThe BMSCs in vitro cultured after treated by ultrafiltration membrane extract mixture from Angelica sinensis and Hedysarum polybotrys were divided into 5 groups, i.e., the blank group, the low dose group (6 g/L mixture), the high dose group (12 g/L mixture), the combination group (3 g/L mixture + 0.5 mmol/Lbeta-mercaptoethanol), and the positive control group (13-mercaptoethanol). The effects of transdifferentiation of nerve cells were observed using toluidine blue staining in each group. The differences of 5 specific neuroproteins, i.e. neuron-specific enolase (NSE), nestin, neurofilament protein (NFP), microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were detected using immunohistochemical technique and immunofluorescent technique respectively. The changes of the cell cycle were detected using flow cytometry (FCM).

RESULTSAfter induction BMSCs changed morphologically. The morphological features were weaker in the high and low dose groups than in the combination group and the positive group. Except the blank group, the aforesaid 5 proteins expressed positively in the rest groups. Their expression levels were highest in the positive control group (P <0.05), followed by the combination group (P <0.05). As for the cell proliferation rate detected by FCM, it was the lowest in the positive control group, followed by high dose group, low dose group, and then the combination group (all P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe ultrafiltration membrane extract mixture from Angelica sinensis and Hedysarum polybotrys could effectively induce the transdifferentiation of BMSCs into nerve cells. Its inducing capacities were weaker in the positive control group, but it showed marked proliferation effects on differentiated cells. Therefore, the mixture might be a more ideal medication pathway for effectively inducing BMSCs' transdifferentiation into nerve cells, which might have higher proliferation and be used for clinical research.

Angelica sinensis ; chemistry ; Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Fabaceae ; chemistry ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Mice ; Neurons ; cytology ; Ultrafiltration

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of oxiracetam combined with nimodipine on cognitive impairment patients with type 2 diabetes and to investigate its mechanisms.Methods Ninety patients with cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into oxiracetam group (A) (n =30) with oxiracetam 800 mg, tid, po;nimodipine group (B) (n=30) with nimodipine 20 mg, tid, po;and combined group (C) (n=30) with oxiracetam plus nimodipine of the same dose.After tweleve-week treatment,the Montreal cognitive assessment ( MoCA ) and activities of daily living ( ADL ) scale were evaluated.Neuron -specific enolase ( NSE ) and S -100βprotein expressions in blood serum and drug adverse reactions were also evalua-ted.Results After tweleve-week treatment, MoCA score was signifi-cantly increased ( P<0.05 ) and ADL scale was significantly reduced in all of the three groups ( P <0.05 ) , and the changes in the C group was much more obvious than other two groups (P <0.01).After treatment, NSE and S-100βprotein expressions in blood serum of group A and B were obviously reduced compared with before treatment ( P <0.05 ) , while group C were more dramatically reduced compared with A and B group ( P <0.01 ) . No obvious side effect was observed in the period of treatment in all the three groups. Conclusion Oxiracetam combined with nimodipine treatment was superior to either of the single regiment in the treatment of cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes without increasing the risk of developing side effect by inhibiting NSE and S-100βexpressions.

Objective To explore the management of endocrine disturbance related to Symptomatic Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) in both pre- and post-operation, as well as the risk factors for the recurrence of RCCs after the operation. Methods The clinical manifestations, radiological and pathologic features, treatment, and surgical outcomes of 11 cases of symptomatic RCCs were reviewed retrospectively. Results Headache recovered in 100% of patients and visual disturbance improved in 83.3%, and Amenorrhea and/or galactorrhea recovered or improved in 66.7% of patients. However, diabetes insipidus and panhypopituitarism did not improve postoperatively. Transcranial surgery was performed in 6 patients and transsphenoidal surgery in 5 patients. No recurrence occurred in transcranial radical resected cases while 2 of 5 subtotally removed cases recurred with an average follow-up of 34.5 months. Inflammation was present in two of the recurrent cases. Conclusion RCCs is a rare pathology with a wide specctrum of clinical and radiological features. Accurate preoperative diagnosis can be difficult. Endocrine disturbance should be evaluated both pre- and post-operatively, and proper hormones replacement therapy is mandatory in these selected patients, Removing as much as possible and multiple biopsies around the cyst wall will be helpful in accurate diagnosis, especially of cases showing atypical pathologic findings, and special attention should be paid to follow-up examination.

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether the polymorphism of DNA repair genes XPC (Ala499Val and Lys939Gln) and XPG (His1104Asp) is associated with the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSA hospital-based case-control study was conducted in 500 cases with HCC and 507 controls. Genotypes of XPC and XPG were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction with the TaqMan MGB probe.

RESULTSCompared to the CC genotype, the CT genotype and the TT genotype of XPC Ala499Val were not associated with the susceptibility to HCC (adjusted OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.85-2.12; adjusted OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.68-2.51, respectively). Compared to the AA genotype, the AC genotype and the CC genotype of Lys939Gln were not associated with the susceptibility to HCC (adjusted OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.78-1.85; adjusted OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 0.88-3.73, respectively). Compared to the CC genotype, the CG genotype and the GG genotype of XPG His1104Asp were not associated with the susceptibility to HCC (adjusted OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.56-1.27; adjusted OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.67-1.87, respectively) However, the stratified analysis revealed that the females with the AC+CC genotype of XPC Lys939Gln had increased risk of HCC compared to those with AA genotype (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.01-4.64).

CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that XPC and XPG polymorphisms do not independently affect on the susceptibility to HCC, but the joint effect of C allele of XPC Lys939Gln and female may modify the risk of HCC.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; DNA Repair ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; Endonucleases ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nuclear Proteins ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Transcription Factors ; genetics

The purpose of this study was to investigate the vasorelaxing effect and mechanism of idoxifene (a new estrogen receptor modulator) on human internal mammary artery (HIMA). HIMA segments were harvested from men during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Patients with diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, or smoking habit were excluded. The vasorelaxing effect of idoxifene on artery rings from HIMA with and without endothelium was measured by means of perfusion in vitro. Cumulative dose-response to idoxifene in the range of 0.01-10 micromol/L was observed in the presence and absence of NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME. It was also studied whether the vasodilation effect of idoxifene on HIMA was blocked by methylene blue (MB), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase (GC). The results obtained from idoxifene were compared with those from 17beta-estradiol (E(2)). It was found that idoxifene caused a concentration-dependent relaxation on HIMA. The dose range was from 0.03 micromol/L (minimal vasodilatory concentration) to 3 mmol/L (maximal vasodilatory concentration). It was also found that the vasorelaxation effect of idoxifene on HIMA was dependent on endothelium. E(2) (0.1-100 micromol/L) also resulted in an endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, but the vessels were 15-fold less sensitive to E(2) than to idoxifene in their vasorelaxation responses. The EC(50) for E(2) was 4.65+/-0.34 micromol/L, compared with 0.32+/-0.02 micromol/L for idoxifene. The mean maximal vasodilatory value of E(2) was 88.3+/-5.7%, compared with 88.6+/-7.2% for idoxifene. Pretreatment with L-NAME (100micromol/L) abolished idoxifene-induced vasodilation virtually by blocking nitric oxide production. The vasorelaxing effect of idoxifene disappeared in the presence of MB (10 micromol/L). These findings demonstrate that idoxifene results in an endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of HIMA, like estrogen. The effect of idoxifene is more potent than that of traditional estrogen, and is possibly mediated by NO-GC-cGMP pathway.
Estrogen Antagonists ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Mammary Arteries ; drug effects ; physiology ; Tamoxifen ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Vasodilation ; drug effects