Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Xifeng Dingchan Pill (Pill for stopping wind and tremor) on Parkinson's disease (PD).Methods Sixty PD patients were randomized into a treatment and a control group. The treatment group (30 cases) was given madopar and Xifeng Dingchan Pill and the control group (30 cases) was administered madopar only. The effect Xifeng Dingchan Pill was evaluated according to the changes of Webster score and PD symptom factor score.Results The total effective rate of the treatment group was 76.67%, higher than 53.33% in the control group (P

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complicated disease, commonly diagnosed among the elderly, which leads to degeneration of the central nervous system. It presently lacks an effective therapy for its complex pathogenesis. Adverse effects from Western drug-based medical intervention prevent long-term adherence to these therapies in many patients. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long been used to improve the treatment of PD by alleviating the toxic and adverse effects of Western drug-based intervention. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xifeng Dingchan Pill (XFDCP), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, taken in conjunction with Western medicine in the treatment of PD patients at different stages in the progression of the disease.

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of different surgical approaches on multi-level cervical spondylosis in elderly patients.Methods A total of 53 aged patients with multi-level cervical spondylosis (≥70 years old) who received operation in our department during May 2007 to May 2014 were retrospectively studied, and divided into anterior cervical surgical group (n=22) and posterior cervical group (n=31), according to the surgical approach.The operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, postoperative complications, Japanese orthopedics association (JOA) scores, Neck disability index (NDI), postoperative subjective improvement of clinical symptoms and spinal fusion of the two groups were evaluated and compared respectively.Results The mean operative time was longer in the anterior surgical group than in the posterior surgical group [(2.7±0.5)h vs.(1.9±0.3) h, P＜0.05].The average blood loss of the anterior surgical group was less than that of posterior surgical group [(90.0±50.4) ml vs.(160.7±40.5)ml, P＜0.05].The hospitalization time of the anterior surgical group was less than that of posterior surgical group [(10.3±2.5) d vs.(15.7±3.6) d, P＜0.05].Postoperative JOA score of anterior surgical group was higher than that of posterior surgical group 6 months after surgery [(14.7 ±0.8)vs.(13.8±1.2), P＜0.05], while there was no significant difference in JOA score between the two groups up to the last follow-up [(14.8±1.2) vs.(14.7±1.8), P＞0.05].NDI score was lower in anterior surgical group than in posterior surgical group 3, 6, 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up.Among the 41 patients, radiographic outcomes showed that there were 16 cases of anterior surgical group with no bony fusion at the follow-up 3 months after operation, and all the 16 patients achieved bony fusion at the follow-up 1 year after operation, and there were 4 cases with titanium mesh subsidence (＜ 3 mm).Conclusions Both anterior cervical decompression and fusion and posterior cervical single open-door laminoplasty have good efficacy in the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylosis in elderly patients, which have advantages on the limb functional recovery time and cervical function assessment.When anterior cervical surgical contraindications were excluded, the anterior cervical decompression and fusion may be a good choice for the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylosis in aged patients.

A total of 16 patients with airway stenosis including benign lesion (n=4) and malignant disease (n=12) were treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC) and Z-type covered retrievable metallic stent.L-and I-type stents were placed by guidance of brenchoscope,while Y-type stent was placed by the guidance of both bronchoscope and fluoroscope.Airway stenosis was from (58.8 +9.1)% before APC to (7.5±2.4)% after APC in tracheal,from (67.4±7.4)% to (19.4±4.1)% in left main bronchus,from (69.6±8.9)% to (27.6±5.4)% in right main bronchus.Symptoms of chest distress and breathlessness were improved remarkably,tachypnea indexes were decreased,but Kamofsky performance scope were increased.Twelve stents were successfully installed by the first time,including 9 Y-shape;otherwise,4 stents failed to be installed because the carinal was too wide to insert the Y-shape stent in two patients with lung cancer,finally,L+I type stents were used.Median survival time after successful stenting was 10 months,and mean time was 13 months.APC combined with bifurcated metal stants relieved obstruction and improved quality of life.

Objective To analyze the effect of Noggin silencing on the BMP and Wnt signaling pathways in hair follicle development.Methods The expression of BMP-2, BMP-4, BMPR-IA, BMP-6, BMP-7, LEF-1 andβ-catenin in Noggin silencing MC3T3-E1 stable cell line was detected by RT-PCR and western blot.Results RT-PCR results showed that the expressions of five genes in BMP signaling pathway were all significantly influenced by Noggin silencing, the ex-pressions of BMP-2 (P<0.001), BMP-4 (P<0.01), BMP-6 (P<0.001) and BMP-7 (P<0.001) were all increased and the expression of BMPR-IA (P<0.01) was decreased.While the expressions of the two genes LEF-1 (P<0.001) and β-catenin ( P<0.001) in Wnt signaling pathway were significantly decreased.Western blot results showed that the ex-pressions of these proteins in the two signaling pathways were also affected.The expressions of BMP-2 (P<0.05), BMP-4 (P<0.05), BMP-6 (P<0.05) and BMP-7 (P<0.05) were all increased, while the expressions of BMPR-IA (P<0.05), LEF-1 (P<0.01) andβ-catenin (P<0.001) were decreased.Conclusions There may be a negative feedback regulation of Noggin on the BMP signaling pathway in vitro, but a positive feedback regulation on the Wnt signaling pathway in vitro.It provides certain evidence for studies on the effect of Noggin gene on BMP and Wnt signaling pathways in vivo. There may be an interaction between hair follicle development-related signaling pathways, which still needs further experi-ments to prove.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the chemical constituents of Excoecaria acerifclia and their antitumor activities.

METHODThe constituents were isolated and purified by column chromatography. Their structures were identified by their physicochemical properties and spectral features. Cytotoxicities of the purified compounds were evaluated by MTI method against human cancer cell lines HepG2.

RESULTEight compounds were isolated and identified as: 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-coumarin (1), 8-hydroxy-6,7-methoxy-coumarin (2), kaempferol (3), kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-glucoside (4), quercetin-3-O-beta-D galactoside (5), kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-glucoside-2"-gallate (6), beta-sitosterol (7), daucosterol (8).

CONCLUSIONAll compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. Compounds 5 showed inhibitory activity towards HepG2 with IC50 values of 7.13 mol x L(-1).

Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Euphorbiaceae ; chemistry ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Plant Extracts ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVETACE, Ar-He target cryosurgery and radioactive seeds implantation are the mainly micro-invasive methods in the treatment of lung cancer. This article summarizes the survival quality after treatment, the clinical efficiency and survival period, and analyzes the advantages and shortcomings of each methods so as to evaluate the clinical effect of non-small cell lung cancer with multiple minimally invasive treatment.

METHODSAll the 139 cases were non-small cell lung cancer patients confirmed by pathology and with follow up from July 2006 to July 2009 retrospectively, and all of them lost operative chance by comprehensive evaluation. Different combination of multiple minimally invasive treatments were selected according to the blood supply, size and location of the lesion. Among the 139 cases, 102 cases of primary and 37 cases of metastasis to mediastinum, lung and chest wall, 71 cases of abundant blood supply used the combination of superselective target artery chemotherapy, Ar-He target cryoablation and radiochemotherapy with seeds implantation; 48 cases of poor blood supply use single Ar-He target cryoablation; 20 cases of poor blood supply use the combination of Ar-He target cryoablation and radiochemotheraoy with seeds implantation. And then the pre- and post-treatment KPS score, imaging data and the result of follow up were analyzed.

RESULTSThe KPS score increased 20.01 meanly after the treatment. Follow up 3 years, 44 cases of CR, 87 cases of PR, 3 cases of NC and 5 cases of PD, and the efficiencywas 94.2%. Ninety-nine cases of 1 year survival (71.2%), 43 cases of 2 years survival (30.2%), 4 cases with over 3 years survival and the median survival was 19 months. Average survival was (16 +/- 1.5) months. There was no severe complications, such as spinal cord injury, vessel and pericardial aspiration.

CONCLUSIONMinimally invasive technique is a highly successful, micro-invasive and effective method with mild complications. To non-small cell lung cancer, we can improve the middle and long term clinical effect by using the different combination of multiple minimally invasive treatments according to the patient's condition.

Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; pathology ; surgery ; Cryosurgery ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVETranscatheter arterial chemotherapy and embolization is the main method in the treatment of lung cancer, but most of the reports do not study individually to small cell lung cancer (SCLC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), hypovascular and hypervascular lung cancer. The pre-embolization perfusion of hemotherapeutics is still being used routinely and seldom report to iodized oil embolization. The article summarized the quality of life after the treatment, clinical efficiency, survival time and complications to evaluate the clinical effect of primary hypervascular NSCLC treated with embolization of emulsion of chemotherapeutics and iodized oil.

METHODSThe study totally analyzed 41 cases which confirmed by pathology and follow up study from January, 2008 to January 2009. The CT scan with IV contrast demonstrates over moderate enhanced lesion which indicate hypervascular. Within the 41 cases, 23 cases of central, 18 cases of peripheral. Suqamous carcinoma 21 cases, adenocarcinoma 15 cases and squamoadenocarcinoma 5 cases. Stage IIIb 34 cases, stage IV 7 cases. Superselective incubation with microcatheter under DSA, to embolize the capillary bed with liquefied iodized oil and the emulsion of pharmorubicin, to embolize the supply artery of the tumor with gelatin foam microparticle. The liquefied iodized oil 5 mL-10 mL, pharmorubicin 10 mg-30 mg. The longest follow up is 12 months and to compare with the references of 2007-2009.

RESULTSThe KPS is widely acclaimed after the treatment (P < 0.05), no complete response (CR), 31 cases of partial response (PR), 7 cases of no change (NC) and 3 cases of progressive disease (PD), the total efficiency (CR+PR) is 75.6%. The clinical efficiency (CR+PR+NC) is 92.68%. 33 cases of total survival tome over 12 months (80.48%), IIIb stage 29/34 (85.29%), IV stage 4/7 (57.14%). 1 case with severe complication-spinal injury.

CONCLUSIONTo treat primary hypervascular NSCLC with simple embolization of emulsion of chemotherapeutics and iodized oil is very useful and can avoid the side effect of chemotherapeutics. The key point to avoid spinal injury and other severe complications is to distinguish the spinal aretery and intratumor AV fistula by using superselective incubation with microcatheter under DSA.

Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; blood supply ; mortality ; therapy ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; Emulsions ; Female ; Humans ; Iodized Oil ; administration & dosage ; Lung Neoplasms ; blood supply ; mortality ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo investigate the chemical constituents of Peperomia tetraphylla.

METHODThe constituents of EtOAc-soluble portion were isolated and purified by chromatography. Their structures were identified by spectral features.

RESULTSix amides were isolated and identified as, aristololactam All (1), aristololactam B II (2), N-trans-feruloyltyramine (3), N-trans-sinapoyltyramine (4), N-trans-feruloylmethoxytyramine (5), N-p-coumaroyltyramine (6).

CONCLUSIONAll compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Amides ; analysis ; Peperomia ; chemistry ; Plant Extracts ; analysis

Objective:To screen the differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs derived from liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) and its effect on the malignant biological characteristics of liver cancer cells.Methods:miRNA expression profile chip was used to analyze the differentially expressed exosomal miRNA derived from LCSCs. The effects of miRNA on malignant phenotypes of LCSCs were identified. The cells were further treated with doxorubicin at different concentrations (0, 150, 300 μmol/L), and the expression level of miR-196a was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The apoptosis of liver cancer cells cultured by exosomes derived from LCSCs (Exo-NC group) and exosomes derived from miR-196a inhibited LCSCs (Exo-Inhibitor group) and the activity of caspase3/7 under the action of exosomes from LCSCs were detected. Nude mice were randomly divided into Do-PBS group, Do-Exo-Inhibitor group and Do-Exo-NC group using random number table method, with 5 mice in each group, and the effect of miR-196a on nude mice xenograft tumor model with liver cancer cells was analyzed.Results:In this study, exosomes were isolated and purified from CD133 + Huh7 stem cell culture supernatant. miR-7162-3p, miR-1910-5, miR-3613-3p, miR-196a and miR-155-5p were up-regulated, while miR-1246 and miR-3613-5p were down-regulated. miR-7162-3p, miR-196a and miR-155-5p in exosomes had important effects on the self-renewal ability of LCSCs. miR-1910-5p, miR-196a and miR-155-5p had important effects on the invasion ability of liver cancer stem cells, among which miR-196a had the most significant inhibitory effect. Treatment for 24 h, the miR-196a expression level of the 0, 150 and 300 μmol/L doxorubicin was 0.96±0.05, 1.23±0.05 and 2.33±0.03 respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=996.90, P<0.001). Treatment for 48 h, the miR-196a expression level of the 0, 150 and 300 μmol/L doxorubicin were 1.02±0.07, 2.35±0.05 and 2.89±0.55 respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=303.00, P<0.001). When the concentration of doxorubicin was 0 and 300 μmol/L, the apoptosis rates of the Exo-NC group were 9.37%±0.19% and 11.64%±0.27%, and those of the Exo-Inhibitor group were were 18.80%±1.91% and 22.79%±1.57%, with statistically significant differences ( t=4.41, P=0.048; t=4.96, P=0.038). When doxorubicin was not used, the ratios of caspase3/7 in the Exo-NC group at 24 h and 48 h were 0.94±0.08 and 0.97±0.09, and those in the Exo-Inhibitor group were 1.56±0.01 and 1.58±0.01, with statistically significant differences ( t=11.41, P=0.008; t=6.07, P=0.026). Under 300 μmol/L doxorubicin, the ratios of caspase3/7 in the Exo-NC group at 24 h and 48 h were 0.95±0.07 and 1.36±0.08, and those in the Exo-Inhibitor group were 2.84±0.08 and 3.20±0.14, with statistically significant differences ( t=24.20, P=0.002; t=15.78, P=0.004). The results of xenograft tumor in nude mice showed that the tumor volumes of Do-PBS, Do-Exo-Inhibitor and Do-Exo-NC groups increased successively, which were (1 051.86±89.90) mm 3, (1 310.91±86.66) mm 3 and (2 185.14± 352.34) mm 3 respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=30.28, P<0.001). The weights of the transplanted tumors in the 3 groups increased successively, which were (0.36±0.10) g, (0.39±0.12) g and (0.76±0.16) g respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=11.81, P=0.002). The expression of miR-196a in tumors was significantly decreased after miR-196a inhibitor transfection. The expression levels of the 3 groups were 1.05±0.16, 0.38±0.08 and 2.17±0.26, with a statistically significant difference ( F=48.93, P<0.001). Conclusion:The exosomal secreted by LCSCs can enhance the resistance of liver cancer cells to doxorubicin by miR-196a.