The theory of branch atheromatous disease (BAD) has been commonly underused in clinical practice and research since it was proposed in 1989.In this study,we sought to explore clinical characteristics of its substypes and biomarkers for prognosis of BAD.A total of 176 consecutive patients with BAD were classified into two groups:paramedianpontine artery group (PPA group,n=70) and lenticulostriate artery group (LSA group,n=106).Bivariate analyses were used to explore the relationship between white matter hyperintensities (WMHs),National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and prognosis evaluated by the modified Rank Scale (mRS) at 6th month after stroke.The differences in prevalence of diabetes mellitus and a history of ischemic heart disease were statistically significant between PPA group and LSA group (x2=8.255,P=0.004;x2=13.402,P＜0.001).The bivariate analyses demonstrated a positive correlation between NIHSS and poor prognosis in patents with BAD and in the two subtype groups,and a positive correlation between WMHs and poor prognosis in the PPA group.It is concluded that a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus and a history of ischemic heart disease exist in the PPA group than in the LSA group.In addition,high grades of NIHSS scores imply poor prognosis in patients with BAD and in the two subtype groups.Moreover,WMHs are a positive predictor for poor prognosis in patients in the PPA group.

Objective To Construction of P and NP genes eukaryotic expression vectors of Newcastle Disease Virus LaSota strain,study its reverse genetics and functional genome of NDV. Methods P, NP genes were amplified and cloned into pGEM-T easy vector and then subcloned into pcDNA3.1 (+) expression vector respectively, the recombinant plasmids were named pcDNA3.1(+)-P and pcDNA3.1 (+)-NP, Recombinant plasmids were transfected into 293 and BHK-21 cells respectively and were detected using IE and Western blot analysis. Results Expression of P, NP genes were detected and confirmed by the IE and WB analysis. Conclusion The recombinant eukaryotic plasmids pcDNA3.1 (+)-P, pcDNA3.1 (+)-NP were expressed in 293 and BHK-21 cells successfully. This research may be helpful for further study of reverse genetics and functional genome of NDV.

Polysaccharide sulfate (PSS) is a new type of antiatherosclerotic medicine for its effects of anticoagulation, anti-thrombosis and modulation of dyslipidemia. However, it is still uncertain whether PSS could modulate the diabetic dyslipidemia or not. Here, the rat model of diabetic dyslipidemia was developed and the effects of PSS on glucose and lipid levels were investigated in this animal model. Wistar rats were iv injected with streptozotocin 20 mg x kg(-1) after feeding with high fat diet for one and a half month. Then, rats received orally PSS (30, 90, and 180 mg x kg(-1)) for 1 month. After oral treatment with PSS (90 and 180 mg x kg(-1)) for 1 month, the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly reduced and the level of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) increased, compared with diabetic control rats. Moreover, PSS (30, 90, and 180 mg x kg(-1)) had a tendency to reduce glucose and insulin levels, and significantly increased insulin sensitivity index. Our results suggest that PSS could improve insulin sensitivity and relieve dyslipidemia in diabetic dyslipidemic rats.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Cholesterol, HDL ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; blood ; chemically induced ; complications ; Dyslipidemias ; blood ; etiology ; Hypolipidemic Agents ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Insulin ; blood ; Insulin Resistance ; Male ; Polysaccharides ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Streptozocin ; Sulfates ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Triglycerides ; blood

To study the chemical constituents from the root of Berchemia lineata (L.) DC., nine compounds were isolated from the EtOAc extract by using silica gel, RP-C18 silica gel column chromatography and preparative HPLC. Based on the spectroscopic analysis, their structures were identified as 5-hydroxy-7-(2'-hydroxypropyl)-2-methyl-chromone (1), (-)-(1'R, 2'S)-erythro-5-hydroxy-7-(1', 2'-dihydroxypropyl)-2-methyl-chromone (2), naringenin (3), eriodictyol (4), (+)-aromadendrin (5), (+)-taxifolin (6), (+)-catechin (7), (+)-epigallocatechin (8) and quercetin (9). Among them, compound 2 is a new chromone derivative. Compound 1 is a known chromone derivative and isolated from this genus for the first time. Compounds 3-9 are known flavonoids and isolated from this plant for the first time.
Catechin ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Chromones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Flavanones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Flavonoids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quercetin ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Rhamnaceae ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo identify the relationship between amino acid mutations in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates and their antibiotic resistance.

METHODSPI gene fragments of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from 17 clinical isolates were obtained with PCR amplification. They were cloned into the PCR cloning vector pBS-T to form pBS-T-PI and sequenced. The sequences of PI genes were analyzed. At the same time, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of penicillin and tetracycline to these 17 isolates were measured and contrasted with the corresponding PI sequence.

RESULTSThe recombinants of PI gene from 17 clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were successfully constructed and sequenced. They were divided into PIA and PIB subtypes according to the results from blastn software by comparing the sequences with the GenBank. Mutations were found at the sites of 120 and 121. There were only some of the sequences having an aspartic acid (D) mutation on 120 and 121 sites, which was not the same as reported. On the other hand,there were two PI sequences,5-9 and 6-1, whose mutations on No. 120 were lysine, similar to those documented.

CONCLUSIONSome relationship between PI amino acids mutations at sites 120 and 121 in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from Chengdu, China and their resistance to penicillin and tetracycline were found. However,further studies need to be done in the future to confirm this hypothesis.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; DNA, Bacterial ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Mutation ; Neisseria gonorrhoeae ; drug effects ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and safety of adding pravastatin (Pra) on top of standard therapy in non-ischemic heart failure patients.

METHODSA total of 61 patients hospitalized in our hospital from Jan 2005 to Jul 2006 were randomly divided into pravastatin group (Pra 20 mg/d on top of standard therapy, n = 30) and control group (standard therapy, n = 31) and followed 6 months. The changes on cardiac function, flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) of brachial artery, plasma TNF-alpha level, liver and kidney function were observed.

RESULTSIn Pra treated patients, FMD of brachial artery significantly increased after 3 months treatments and NYHA stage significantly improved, plasma BNP, TNF-alpha levels and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension significantly decreased, LVEF significantly increased significantly 6 months post therapy compared to baseline (all P < 0.01). In control group, the patients' NYHA stage also significantly improved (P < 0.05) and LVEF tended to be higher (P = 0.052) while FMD, plasma BNP and TNF-alpha levels remained unchanged at 6 months post therapy compared to baseline. In Pra group, the level of TC (P < 0.05) and LDL-C (P = 0.051) also significantly decreased while HDL-C remained unchanged 6 months post therapy. One patient in Pra group discontinued the study drug because of anaphylaxis. No event on liver and kidney dysfunction was noticed.

CONCLUSIONPravastatin was effective and safe in treating non-ischemic heart failure patients and can significantly improve left ventricular remodeling, endothelial and cardiac functions as well as reduce the levels of inflammatory factors.

Adult ; Female ; Heart Failure ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; blood ; Pravastatin ; therapeutic use ; Ventricular Function, Left

AIMTo study the biliary excretion of genistein and its metabolite at different doses in rats.

METHODSSuspended in 0.5% CMC-Na solution, genistein was orally administered to rats at the dose of 6.25, 12.5 and 50 mg x kg(-1), separately. At various time intervals, the bile was collected. The bile was treated with beta-glucuronidase. The genistein in bile was extracted twice by vortexing with 2.0 mL mixture of methyl tert-tubtyl ether and pentane (8:2). The organic phase was removed into the tubes and then evaporated in ventilation cabinet. The residue was dissolved in 50 microL of methanol. Twenty microL solution was drawn and detected by high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTSThe accumulative biliary excretion of genistein was (42.56 +/- 6.54) , (75.17 +/- 18.87) and (126.60 +/- 34.78) microg at the dose of 6.25, 12.5 and 50 mg x kg(-1), respectively. The total drug (genistein plus glucuronidated genistein) excreted from bile was (108.46 +/- 35.23), (423.46 +/- 158.31) and ( 853.74 +/- 320. 84) microg, and the ratio of glucuronidated genistein was 60.76% , 82.25% and 85.17% at the dose of 6.25, 12.5 and 50 mg x kg(-1), respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe genistein was excreted mainly in the form of glucuronidated genistein in rat bile. The genistein and glucuronidated genistein were excreted in a nonlinear dose-dependent manner.

Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Bile ; metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Genistein ; chemistry ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Male ; Molecular Structure ; Phytoestrogens ; administration & dosage ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo study the surgical reconstruction of unilateral Craniofacial Atrophy and Hypoplasia.

METHODSAccording to the etiological factors and severity of the facial deformities, different methods are employed, including bone framework reconstruction, soft tissue transplantation, orthognathic surgery.

RESULTSFrom September 1998 to August 2004, 42 cases were treated, Include: Hemifacial Microsomia 22 cases, Hemifacial Atrophy 16 cases, unilateral facial hypoplasia due to radiation 4 cases. Miniplate and transplants extrusion occurred on 2 post radiation patients due to poor soft tissue coverage, infection occurred on 1 patient after mandibular ramus reconstruction using autogenous rib and contralateral mandibular outer cortex. The leaving patients recovered well and the facial asymmetry were improved greatly.

CONCLUSIONSFacial asymmetry due to unilateral Craniofacial Atrophy or Hypoplasia is a common and complex condition for surgical management, The surgical plan should be delicated made individually according to the severity of the soft tissue and the underlying bone framework.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Craniofacial Abnormalities ; surgery ; Facial Asymmetry ; surgery ; Facial Hemiatrophy ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

The aim of this study is to establish an HPLC method for simultaneous determinations of mifepristone and its metabolites, mono-demethylated mifepristone, di-demethylated mifepristone and C-hydroxylated mifepristone in plasma and to evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of mifepristone tablet. Twenty healthy female Chinese subjects were recruited and a series of blood samples were collected before and after 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 12.0, 24.0, 48.0, 72.0 and 96.0 hours administration by a single oral dose of 75 mg mifepristone tablet. Mifepristone and its three metabolites were extracted from plasma using ethyl acetate and determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of mifepristone and its metabolites, including Cmax, tmax, MRT, t(1/2), V, CL, AUC(0-96 h) and AUC(0-infinity), were calculated by Drug and Statistical Software Version 2.0. The simple, accurate and stable method allows the sensitive determinations of mifepristone and its metabolites in human plasma up to 4 days after oral administration of 75 mg mifepristone tablet and the clinical applications of their pharmacokinetic studies.
Administration, Oral ; Area Under Curve ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Biological Availability ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Mifepristone ; administration & dosage ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Tablets

OBJECTIVEWith more precise diagnostic criteria and risk classifications, more effective therapy administered in clinical trials, and better supportive care, the outcome of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been improved dramatically. Today, approximately 80% of children treated for this disease in developed countries enjoy long-term event free survival (EFS) and in most instances, would be cured. In this study, treatment outcome of 82 childhood ALL patients in the hospital were analyzed, and ways for how to improve the EFS rate in childhood ALL were explored.

METHODSEighty-two patients with ALL were enrolled into the Nanfang ALL 99 protocol which derived from German BFM ALL 95 and Hong Kong-Singapore acute lymphoblastic leukemia 97 (HK-SG ALL 97). Dexamethasone instead of hydrocortisone was used for triple intrathecal therapy. Standard at risk patients who had been irregularly treated in other hospitals for short periods of time were classified as at intermediate risk. When ANC was > or = 1.0 x 10(9)/L and platelet > or = 100 x 10(9)/L, chemotherapy was started. Life table method was used to estimate survival rate and statistical analysis was done by using software SPSS for Windows.

RESULTSFrom March 1999 to September 2003, 82 childhood ALL patients were treated with the Nanfang ALL 99 protocol and 78 (95.1%) patients attained complete remission (CR) in a median time of 33 days. Out of 82 patients, 13 patients dropped out of the the Nanfang ALL 99 protocol because of financial difficulty or other reasons. Sixty nine patients were consecutively treated with the Nanfang ALL 99 protocol. The overall EFS rate at 2 years, 3 years and 5 years were 91.3%, 85.9% and 75.2%, respectively, with a median observation duration of 34 months. Three patients died of complications (4.3%). The disease relapsed in 6 patients and they died finally.

CONCLUSIONThe outcome of patients treated with the Nanfang ALL 99 protocol was favorable, and the mortality rate of this chemotherapeutic protocol was low. This protocol was well tolerated by Chinese patients and therefore the protocol is worthy of application in China.

Adolescent ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; drug therapy ; mortality ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome