Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lung ; chemistry ; pathology ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oxidoreductases ; metabolism ; Sex Factors ; Smoking ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; metabolism ; WW Domain-Containing Oxidoreductase

The stems and branches of Hypericum petiolulatum were extracted by alcohol and liquid-liquid extraction. Seven furofuran lignans were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract of H. petiolulatum by using silica gelchromatography, Sephadex LH-20 chromatography, medium-pressure liquid chromatography and preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by the spectroscopic methods as pinoresinol (1), medioresinol (2), 8-acetoxypinoresinol (3), epipinoresinol (4), (+)-syringaresinol (5), (+)-1-hydroxysyringaresinol (6) and erythro-buddlenolE (7). All the isolates were firstly found in H. petiolulatum. In the bioassay, compound 7 showed remarkable antioxidative activity inhibiting Fe(+2)-cystine induced rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation with inhibitory rate 38% at a concentration of 1 x 10(-6) mol · L(-1) (positive control Vit E with the inhibitory rate of 35% at the same concentration).
Animals ; Antioxidants ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Hypericum ; chemistry ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Microsomes, Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Molecular Structure ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Rats

The whole herb of Solanum nigrum L. can be used as the herbal drug. In this study, UHPLC-Q Exactive high resolution mass combined with GNPS molecular network was used for the rapid characterization of the components in the leaves of S. nigrum L. A total of 157 compounds were identified, including 30 steroid alkaloids, 61 steroid saponins, 35 flavonoids, and 31 other compounds (amino acids and organic acids), by comparison with the data reported in the literature, and mass fragmentation characteristics analysis, as well as the correlation of known and unknown nodes in the GNPS molecular network. Compared with the fruits and stems, the leaves of S. nigrum L was rich in a variety of steroidal saponins, steroidal alkaloids, and flavonoids, and the results lay the foundation for the precise resources utilization of S. nigrum L.

This study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) on NAFLD in MSG-IR mice and to provide mechanism insights into its therapeutic effect. The MSG-IR mice with insulin resistance were treated with high dose (0.1 micromol.kg-1d-1) and low dose (0.025 micromol.kg-1d-1) of FGF21 once a day for 5 weeks. Body weight was measured weekly. At the end of the experiment, serum lipids, insulin and aminotransferases were measured. Hepatic steatosis was observed. The expression of key genes regulating energy metabolism were detected by real-time PCR. The results showed that after 5 weeks treatment, both doses of FGF21 reduced body weight (P<0.01), corrected dyslipidemia (P<0.01), reversed steatosis and restored the liver morphology in the MSG model mice and significantly ameliorated insulin resistance. Additionally, real-time PCR showed that FGF21 significantly reduced transcription levels of fat synthetic genes, decreased fat synthesis and promoted lipolysis and energy metabolism by up-regulating key genes of lipolysis, thereby liver fat accumulation was reduced and liver function was restored to normal levels. In conclusion, FGF21 significantly reduces body weight of the MSG-IR mice, ameliorates insulin resistance, reverses hepatic steatosis. These findings provide a theoretical support for clinical application of FGF21 as a novel therapeutics for treatment of NAFLD.
Animals ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Dyslipidemias ; metabolism ; Energy Metabolism ; drug effects ; Fatty Liver ; chemically induced ; complications ; Female ; Fibroblast Growth Factors ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Insulin Resistance ; Lipolysis ; drug effects ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; drug therapy ; Sodium Glutamate

Objective: To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of primaryhyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 67 PHPT patients (22 men, 45 women; mean age, 56.0 ± 16.3 years; range, 18–83 years) from January 2015 to December 2018. The laboratory data, including the serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH),calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, were evaluated before MWA and again 2 hours, 1 day, 7 days, 1month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months after. Results: Complete ablation was achieved with all 72 hyperplastic parathyroid glands found on the 67 patients enrolled, 64 ofwhom were treated in one session and 3 were treated over two sessions. The technical success rate was 100%. The medianfollow-up time was 13.6 months (range, 10.0–31.1 months). The clinical success rate was 89.4%. The volume reduction ratewas 79.4% at 6 months. Compared to pre-MWA, the serum iPTH, calcium, phosphorus, and ALP levels had significantlyimproved 6 months post-MWA (iPTH, 157.3 pg/mL vs. 39.2 pg/mL; calcium, 2.75 ± 0.25 mmol/L vs. 2.34 ± 0.15 mmol/L;phosphorus, 0.86 ± 0.20 mmol/L vs. 1.12 ± 0.22 mmol/L; ALP, 79 U/L vs. 54 U/L, respectively; all, p < 0.01). Hoarseness wasa major complication in 4 patients (6.0%), but it improved spontaneously within 2–3 months. Conclusion MWA is safe, feasible, and effective for the treatment of PHPT.

OBJECTIVETo construct a lentiviral vector carrying human NESG1-EGFP gene and observe its expression in 293FT cells.

METHODSThe CDS region of NESG1 gene was amplified from a plasmid containing the full-length NESG1 sequence and cloned into the lentiviral vector pGC-FU-EGFP by restriction endonuclease AgeI digestion and T(4) DNA ligase ligation. After transformation into competent E. coli cells, the candidate clones were identified by PCR and sequencing. The recombinant plasmid and the two packaging plasmids were co-transfected into human embryonic kidney cell line 293FT cells by lipofectamine 2000 to produce the lentiviral particles, and the viral titer was determined. The 293FT cells were infected by the lentiviral particles obtained and the transfection efficiency was assessed under fluorescent microscope. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of NESG1 protein in the transfected cells.

RESULTSThe lentiviral vector pGC-FU-NESG1-EGFP for NESG1 gene was constructed successfully. Strong green fluorescence was observed in 293FT cells under fluorescent microscope after co-transfection of the cells with the 3 plasmids of lentiviral vector. The virus in the supernatant reached a titer of 2×10(7) TU/ml. The transfection efficiency of the collected virus exceeded 90% in 293FT cells with a multiplicity of infection of 1. Western blotting identified the presence of NESG1 expression in the transfected 293FT cells.

CONCLUSIONThe lentiviral vector for NESG1 has been successfully constructed with a high yield of lentivirus, which facilitate further investigation of the roles of NESG1 gene in the development and progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Cell Line ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Kidney ; cytology ; embryology ; Lentivirus ; genetics ; metabolism ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo explore the normal aerification of paranasal sinuses in Chinese children with magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODSTwo hundred and eighty Chinese children aged from 17 days to 14 years without any symptoms related to sinusitis were statistically analyzed in MRI features, including counting the number of paranasal sinus pneumatization and the maximum axial and sagittal area of the left maxillary.

RESULTSThe pneumatization rate of maxillary sinus was 85% in children aged from 0 to 1 years. Until 3 years the pneumatization rate of maxillary sinus was 95% and there was no significant difference in boys and girls (χ(2) = 0.741, P = 0.389). The pneumatization rate of maxillary sinus reached 100% after 4 years old. The pneumatization rate of ethmoid sinus was 100% in this study. The pneumatization rate of sphenoid sinus was 0 within 1 year old, 49% within 4 years old and 100% after 7 years old. There was no significant difference in boys and girls on the pneumatization rate of sphenoid sinus (χ(2) = 2.452, P = 0.117). The pneumatization rate of frontal sinus was 0 within 5 years old, 62% within 9 years old and 95% after 10 years old. There was no significant difference in boys and girls on the pneumatization rate of frontal sinus (χ(2) = 0.124, P = 0.724). The axial and sagittal maximum area of maxillary sinus was (689.28 ± 221.79) and (659.76 ± 263.31) mm(2) in girls and (668.13 ± 206.38) and (638.60 ± 207.67) mm(2) in boys. The differences were significant (t = -19.78, P < 0.001; t = -19.89, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONThe study of the development and normal aerification of paranasal sinuses of children can help radiologist make correct diagnosis of paranasal sinuses in children.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Paranasal Sinuses ; anatomy & histology ; growth & development

Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China. zhuchuanlong@jsph.org.cn.
Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Glycyrrhizic Acid ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; drug therapy ; Tablets

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the influence of glucose-insulin-potassium treatment (GIK) on the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the scalded rats with MODS.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty Sprague Dawley rats were inflicted with 30% TBSA full-thickness scalding, and MODS model was reproduced with intraperitoneal injection of endotoxin following burn injury. Then the rats were randomly divided into GIK, glucose (G) and control (C) groups, with 40 rats in each group. The serum contents of glucose, lactate acid, TNF-alpha, NO and IL-6 of the rats in the three groups were determined during 1 to 7 PSD, and the mortality rate within 7 PSD was observed.

RESULTSThe serum contents of glucose, lactate acid, TNF-alpha, NO and IL-6 of the rats in the GIK group were obviously lower than those in the other two groups during 1 to 7 PSD (P < 0.01), and reached the lowest level at 6 to 7 PSD (TNF-alpha: 2.37 +/- 0.54 microg/L; IL-6: 0.28 +/- 0.17 microg/L; NO: 29 +/- 9 micromol/L). The content of glucose and lactate acid in G group were obviously higher than those in control group (P < 0.01), but the contents of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and NO content were similar between these two groups (P > 0.05). The mortality in GIK group within 7 PSD was 20.0%, which was evidently lower than that in G (37.5%) and C (47.5%) groups (P < 0.05), while that between G and C groups was similar (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe administration of GIK might ameliorate sepsis by reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokine after burns and endotoxin challenge.

Animals ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Burns ; complications ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; Cytokines ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Glucose ; therapeutic use ; Insulin ; therapeutic use ; Lactic Acid ; blood ; Multiple Organ Failure ; diagnosis ; etiology ; metabolism ; Potassium ; therapeutic use ; Prognosis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

BACKGROUNDAbout 50% - 70% of patients with Chiari malformation I (CMI) presented with syringomyelia (SM), which is supposed to be related to abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow around the foramen magnum. The aim of this study was to investigate the cerebrospinal fluid dynamics at levels of the aqueduct and upper cervical spine in patients with CMI associated with SM, and to discuss the possible mechanism of formation of SM.

METHODSFrom January to April 2004, we examined 10 adult patients with symptomatic CMI associated with SM and 10 healthy volunteers by phase-contrast MRI. CSF flow patterns were evaluated at seven regions of interest (ROI): the aqueduct and ventral and dorsal subarachnoid spaces of the spine at levels of the cerebellar tonsil, C2 - 3, and C5 - 6. The CSF flow waveforms were analyzed by measuring CSF circulation time, durations and maximum velocities of cranial- and caudal-directed flows, and the ratio between the two maximum velocities. Data were analyzed by t test using SPSS 11.5.

RESULTSWe found no definite communication between the fourth ventricle and syringomyelia by MRI in the 10 patients. In both the groups, we observed cranial-directed flow of CSF in the early cardiac systolic phase, which changed the direction from cranial to caudal from the middle systolic phase to the early diastolic phase, and then turned back in cranial direction in the late diastolic phase. The CSF flow disappeared at the dorsal ROI at the level of C2 - 3 in 3 patients and 1 volunteer, and at the level of C5 - 6 in 6 patients and 3 volunteers. The durations of CSF circulation at all the ROIs were significantly shorter in the patients than those in the healthy volunteers (P = 0.014 at the midbrain aqueduct, P = 0.019 at the inferior margin of the cerebellar tonsil, P = 0.014 at the level of C2 - 3, and P = 0.022 at the level of C5 - 6). No significant difference existed between the two groups in the initial point and duration of the caudal-directed CSF flow during a cardiac cycle at all the ROIs. The maximum velocities of both cranial- and caudal-directed CSF flows were significantly higher in the patients than those in the volunteers at the aqueduct (P = 0.018 and P = 0.007) and ventral ROI at the inferior margin of the cerebellar tonsil (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002), as so did the maximum velocities of the caudal-directed flow in the ventral and dorsal ROIs at the level of C2 - 3 (P = 0.004; P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONSThe direction of CSF flow changes in accordance with cardiac cycle. The syringomyelia in patients with CMI may be due to the decreased circulation time and abnormal dynamics of the CSF in the upper cervical segment. The decompression of the foramen magnum with dural plasty is an alternative for patients with CMI associated with SM.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Arnold-Chiari Malformation ; cerebrospinal fluid ; complications ; diagnosis ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Syringomyelia ; etiology