Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effect of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitor 12-(3-adamantan-l-yl-ureido) dodecanoic acid (AUDA) on focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats and its mechanisms.Methods Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation and saline control groups,as well as low-dose (0.157 ml/kg),medium-dose (0.235 ml/kg) and high-dose (0.314 ml/kg) AUDA groups (n =12 in each group).Four rats in each group were selected for infarct volume,cell apoptosis and p-Akt immunohistochemistry detection.A model of middle cerebral artery ischemia/ reperfusion was induced by the suture method.The corresponding dose AUDA or equal volume of saline was injected intraperitoneally before reperfusion in each AUDA group and the saline control group.Neurological deficit scores were performed at 24 h of reperfusion.2,3,5 triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to detect infarct volume.TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptotic cells of brain tissue in the periinfarction area.Immunohistochemical method was used to detect p-Akt expression of brain tissue in the peri-infarction area.Results TTC staining showed no infarction was observed in the sham operation group.The infarction volumes in the saline control group as well as the low-dose,medlum-dose and high-dose AUDA groups were 254.146 ± 25.481,212.679 ± 7.514,150.188 ± 33.997,and 99.563 ± 3.415 mm3,respectively.There were significant differences (F =39.637,P =0.000).The each dose AUDA group was significant less than the control group (all P=0.000).The medium-dose AUDA group was significantly less than the low-dose AUDA group (P=0.002),and the high-dose AUDA group was also significantly less than the low-dose AUDA group (P =0.000) and medium-dose AUDA group (P =0.006).TUNEL staining showed that a small number of apoptotic cells (6.400 ± 1.477/high-power field) were observed in the sham operation group.The numbers of apoptotic cells in the saline control group as well as in the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose AUDA groups were 57.550 ± 13.067,47.030 ± 8.423,34.530 ± 4.393 and 26.400 ± 2.683/high power field,respectively.Each dose AUDA group was significantly less than the saline control group (all P ＜0.01).The medium-dose and high-dose AUDA groups were significantly less than the low-dose AUDA group (P ＜ 0.01),and the high-dose AUDA group was also significantly less than the medium-dose AUDA group (P ＜0.01).Immunohistochemistry showed that only a few p-Akt-positive cells (3.325 ± 1.438/high power field) were observed in the sham operation group.The numbers of p-Akt-positive cells in the saline control group as well as the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose AUDA groups were 9.450 ±2.531,16.400 ± 3.865,22.875 ± 7.974,and 29.300 ± 3.203/high-power field,respectively.Each dose AUDA group was significantly more than the saline control group (all P ＜0.01).The medium-dose and high-dose AUDA groups were significantly more than the low-dose AUDA group (all P ＜0.01).The high-dose AUDA group was also significantly more than the medium-dose AUDA group (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions The inhibition of sEH may decrease neuronal apoptosis and reduce infarct volume in the peri-infarction area by upregulating the PI3K/Akt pathway.It has a neuroprotective effect for focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats.

Objectives To provide reference for the improve of health care system and healthcare insurance con-trolling method, through researching on the value-based healthcare paying system in South Korea. Methods The basic characteristics of the Korean health care system was researched, Specifically, its reform experiences of value-based health insurance review and assessment paying system,which government took. Results South Korea’s health care pay-ing system had achieved both good social and policy effects. Conclusions Value-based health care paying system is the main reason for the reducing of health care expenditures and making of scientific health policy.

Objective To investigate the association of multi-modality neuroimaging features and cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods Nine individuals with amnestic MCI (aMCI), fifteen patients with mild probable AD, and eleven age-controlled cognitively normal controls (NC) were recruited.All participants were administered with mini-mental status examination (MMSE) and Cognitive assessment screening instrument (CASI) to assess general cognitive function.Optimized voxel-based morphometry ( VBM ) was used for the analysis with 3-D high resolution anatomical images.Values of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean apparent diffusivity coefficient (ADC) were measured from different brain regions on diffusion-tensor images ( DTI) .The relationship between structural atrophy and DTI-based measurements in the selected brain regions was examined.Results The scores of MMSE and CASI were correlated with the volumetric changes in such areas as temporal, frontal and parietal lobes, and cingulate gyrus and hippocampal gyrus (P <0.001).The scores of MMSE and CASI were positively correlated with FA values, and negatively with ADC values in the white-matter-affected regions including temporal, frontal, parietal lobes, cingulate gyrus, and parahippocampal gyrus (P < 0.05).Conclusions Cognitive decline was associated with atrophy and white matter microstructural alterations in temporal, frontal, parietal lobes, cingulate gyrus, and parahippocampal gyrus in MCI and AD. Multi-modality imaging technique may be important in elucidating the brain mechanism of cognitive impairment.

Objective To evaluate the microstructural integrity of white matter (WM) in mild cognitive impairment ( MCI ) and Alzheimer disease (AD) using DTI technique, and to explore the relationship between WM abnormalities and cognitive dysfunction. Methods Nine cases of amnestic MCI, 15 cases of mild probable AD and 11 cases of normal controls (NC) with normal-appearing WM (NAWM) were studied using 3. 0 T MR system. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were measured in different WM areas. One-way analysis of variance was used to test the difference among the three groups for DTI indices. Spearman Correlation analysis was applied to reveal the correlation between the DTI indices and the MMSE and CASI scores. Results The FA value in parietal, centrum semiovale, posterior cingulate gyrus, parahippocampus, temporal and frontal WM in MCI was 0. 31 ± 0.03,0. 39 ± 0. 03,0. 62 ± 0. 05,0. 59 ± 0. 05,0. 47 ± 0. 08,0. 32 ± 0. 04, respectely, and MD value was ( 899 ± 30 ) × 10-6,(782±53) × 10-6, (732±45) × 10-6, (806±38) × 10-6, (772 ± 55) × 10-6, (792 ± 35) × 10-6 mm2/s. The FA value of these regions in AD was 0. 28 ± 0. 04, 0. 37 ± 0. 03,0. 55 ± 0. 06,0. 52 ± 0.05,0.40±0. 05,0. 27 ± 0. 04,and MD value was (912±37) × 10-6,(800 ± 67) × 10-6, (762 ± 46) × 10-6, (874±57)×10-6,(822±55)×10-6, (822±39)×10-6 mm2/s. The FA value in NC was 0.36±0.03,0.43±0.05,0.64±0.05, 0.60±0.05, 0.52±0.05,0.33±0.03, and MD value was (866±37)×10-6,(754±54)×10-6,(718±32)×10-6,(810±39)×10-6,(755±48) × 10-6, (785±23)×10-6 mm2/s. Compared with NC, the FA value in parietal WM was significantly decreased in MCI(P<0. 01 ), The significantly reduced FA values in parietal, centrum semiovale, posterior cingulate gyrus, parahippocampus, temporal and frontal WM , as well as significantly elevated MD values were found in AD(P <0. 05). There was significant correlation between these DTI indices and MMSE and CASI scores (P<0.05). Conclusions MR DTI can detect WM abnormalities in AD and MCI. The parietal WM abnormalities and the disconnection of WM circuitry may play an important role in the development of dementia.

The combination of Angelicae sinensis Radix (Danggui, DG) and Astragali Radix (Huangqi, HQ) is a popular herb pair commonly used in clinic for the treatment of blood deficiency syndrome in China. The aim of this paper is to study the interaction of DG and HQ nourishing and tonifying blood effects by response surface method. The blood deficiency mice were induced by injecting N-acetylphenylhydrazine (sc) and cyclophosphamide (ip). The blood deficiency mice were administrated intragastrically with DG-HQ extracts (0:1, 1: 5, 2:5, 2:3, 1:1, 3:2, 5:2, 5:1, 1:0). The changes of the peripheral blood indexes and organ indexes were observed. The indexes were integrated by comprehensive index method; the interactions of DG and HQ were analyzed by the response surface diagram established with Matlab software. The results showed that DG and HQ at most of their combination ratios had synergic effect. Within the range of 1:5 - 5:1, all of the extracts of DG-HQ showed synergic effect, and among which, high-doses had better effects than low-doses. The highest value (-1) of the synergic effect was showed when DG was 10 - 40 g at the same time of HQ as 90 -180 g, and DG was 50 - 100 g at the same time of HQ as 20 - 100 g. DG-HQ at all combination dosages within Chinese Pharmacopeia (DG: 6 - 12 g, HQ: 9 - 30 g) had certain synergic effect, and Danggui Buxue Decoction (DG: 6 g, HQ: 30 g) also was at this range. The results provided scientific basis to the clinical application of DG and HQ. And the response surface method was firstly applied to quantitatively evaluate the bio-activity change of herb combination, which provided a novel way for modern basic research on the interaction of herbs.

Objective To evaluate the effect of isoflurane preconditioning on inflammatory responses during spinal cord injury (SCI ) in rats .Methods Sixty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats ,weighing 250-300 g , were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n= 20 each ) using a random number table :sham operation group (S group) , SCI group , and isoflurane preconditioning group (I group ) . The animals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal pentobarbital sodium 40 mg/kg .SCI was produced by a weight-drop contusion at the T10 level .The rats inhaled 2% isoflurane for 2 h ,and the model was established at 24 h after the end of isoflurane inhalation in I group . Neurological function was assessed and scored by using the the Basso , Beattie , Bresnahan (BBB ) Locomotor Rating Scale on 7 days after SCI .Five rats in each group were then chosen and spinal cord specimens were obtained and cut into sections which were stained with haematoxylin and eosin for determination of the viable neuron count .Fifteen rats in each group were sacrificed and the spinal cord was removed for detection of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB ) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expression (by Western blot ) .Results Compared with S group ,BBB score and the number of viable neurons were significantly decreased ,and the expression of NF-κB and IL-1βprotein was up-regulated in SCI group ( P<0.05) .Compared with SCI group ,BBB score and the number of viable neurons were significantly increased ,and the expression of NF-κB and IL-1βprotein was down-regulated in group I ( P<0.05 ) .Conclusion The mechanism by which isoflurane preconditioning protects the spinal cord is related to inhibition of inflammatory responses in rats .

Schizophrenia is one of the most serious mental diseases found in humans. Previous studies indicated that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1344706 in the gene ZNF804A encoding zinc finger protein 804A was associated with schizophrenia in Caucasian population but not in Chinese Han population. However, current results are conflicting in Asian population. In the present study, a meta-analysis was performed to revisit the association between rs1344706 and the risk of schizophrenia in Asian, Caucasian and other populations. Electronic search of PubMed database identified 25 case–control studies with available genotype frequencies of rs1344706 for the meta-analysis, involving a total of 15,788 cases and 22,654 controls. A pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the association. The current meta-analysis showed an association between rs1344706 and schizophrenia in Caucasian populations (P= 0.028, OR= 1.138, 95% CI: 1.014–1.278; P = 0.004 for heterogeneity) and Asian populations (P = 0.008, OR = 1.092, 95% CI: 1.023–1.165; P = 0.001 for heterogeneity), but not in other populations (P= 0.286, OR= 1.209, 95% CI: 0.853–1.714, P = 0.120 for heterogeneity). Egger’s test (P > 0.05) and Begg’s test (P>0.05) are both suggestive of the lack of publication bias for the included studies. Thus, the absence of association in other populations suggests a genetic heterogeneity in the susceptibility of schizophrenia and demonstrates the difficulties in replicating genome-wide association study findings regarding schizophrenia across different ethnic populations. To validate the association between rs1344706 and schizophrenia, further studies with larger participant populations worldwide are needed.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in the diagnosis and treatment of azoospermia.

METHODSWe examined 385 azoospermia patients using the techniques of PESA and TESE.

RESULTSOf the total number of the azoospermia patients, 64 (16.62%) had sperm in the epididymis and 45 (11.69%) in the testis. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was applied to 64 of the patients with sperm in the epididymis or testis. The pregnancy rate after the embryo transfer was 39.07%.

CONCLUSIONPESA and TESE, as an effective therapy for azoospermia, can further the classification of azoospermia and provide chances of procreation to azoospermia patients with partial obstruction.

Adult ; Azoospermia ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Cell Separation ; methods ; Epididymis ; cytology ; Humans ; Male ; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic ; methods ; Testis ; cytology ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo analyze genetic mutation and molecular pathogenesis in a family affected with inherited coagulation factor XII(FXII) deficiency.

METHODSActivated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), FXII procoagulant activity (FXII:C), FXII antigen (FXII:Ag) and other coagulants were measured. For affected members of the family, exons 1-14 and flanking intronic regions of the FXII gene were amplified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced thereafter. Expression plasmids containing mutant FXII cDNA was constructed and transfected into COS7 cells transiently. Expressions of FXII:Ag and FXII:C were analyzed.

RESULTSThe proband has manifested a prolonged APTT of 108.1 s (reference range: 27.0-41.0 s). Her husband has a normal APTT. Other members of the family had slightly increased APTT. The FXII:C and FXII:Ag of the proband have both dropped to about 0.01 (reference range: 0.72-1.13). The FXII:C levels of her husband, son, daughter and grandchild were 0.57, 0.24, 0.14, 0.16, respectively. And the FXII:Ag levels in her husband, son, daughter and grandchild were 0.55, 0.27, 0.15, 0.21, respectively. The proband and her daughter have both carried a heterozygous deletional mutation 6800-6808delAGCTGGGAG (6800-6808del9bp) in exon 9. For the promoter region of the FXII gene, the genotypes of the proband, her son, daughter and grandchild was TT, whilst that of her husband was CT. Expression study has shown that, whilst the mutant FXII protein has accumulated in the cells similar to wild-type protein, its secretion has reduced approximately by half.

CONCLUSIONA novel deletional mutation 6800-6808del9bp has been identified in the FXII gene. Although mutant FXII protein can still accumulate in cells, its secretion has become insufficient. The 6800-6808del9bp mutation and 46T/T have both contributed to the pathogenesis of FXII deficiency in the family, but may have not been the sole cause.

Adult ; Aged ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; COS Cells ; Cell Line ; Cercopithecus aethiops ; Factor XII ; genetics ; metabolism ; Factor XII Deficiency ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Phenotype ; Young Adult

Objective To evaluate the effect of sevoflurane preconditioning on the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor type Ⅱ( mGluRⅡ) during focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion ( I∕R) in rats. Methods Forty-eight clean-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups (n＝16 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group ( group S), cerebral I∕R group (group I∕R) and sevoflurane preconditioning group (group Sev). Rats were anesthetized with 10% chloral hydrate 3 ml∕kg. Focal cerebral I∕R was produced by occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery for 2 h fol-lowed by 24 h reperfusion. In group Sev, 2. 7% sevoflurane was inhaled for 1 h and 24 h later focal cerebral I∕R was produced. At 24 h after reperfusion, neurological deficit was scored, the cerebral infarct size was determined by TTC staining, the cell apoptosis in ischemic penumbra was observed by TUNEL, IκB-α ex-pression was detected by Western blot, and mGluRⅡexpression was determined by immunofluorescent stai-ning. The apoptosis rate was calculated. Results Compared with group S, the neurological deficit score, cerebral infarct size and apoptosis rate were significantly increased, the expression of mGluRⅡwas up-regu-lated, and the expression of IκB-α was down-regulated in I∕R and Sev groups ( P＜0. 05). Compared with group I∕R, the neurological deficit score, cerebral infarct size and apoptosis rate were significantly de-creased, the expression of mGluRⅡwas down-regulated, and the expression of IκB-α was up-regulated in group Sev (P＜0. 05). Conclusion Sevoflurane preconditioning reduces focal cerebral I∕R injury through inhibiting the expression of mGluRⅡ in rats.