Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristic of regional cerebral glucose metabolism in patients with Wilson's disease (WD) using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET.Methods Thirteen WD patients and 12 normal controls were studied by brain 18F-FDG PET, and the data were analyzed by visual analysis, semi-quantification and statistical parametric mapping (SPM). The radioactivity ratios of lenticular nuclei, caudate, thalamus and cerebellum to cerebral cortex and the ratio of lenticular nuclei to caudate were calculated, respectively. SPSS 11.0 software for statistics was also used to analyze the data. Results In WD patients, radioactivity of lenticular nuclei and candate was significantly decreased compared with controls. The radioactivity ratios of lenticular nuclei and caudate to cerebral cortex in WD patients were both significantly lower than that in normal controls (0.95±0.05 vs 1.26±0.05, t =15, P < 0.05 ; 1.02±0.06 vs 1.17±0.05, t = 8, P < 0.05), and the ratio of lenticular nuclei to caudate in WD patients was significantly higher than that in normal controls (0.93±0.06 vs 1.09±0.06, t =9, P< 0.05). Conclusion As compared with normal controls, patients with WD had significantly decreased glucose utilization in the basal ganglia, especially in the lenticullar nuclei.

BACKGROUND: Greatly importance has been attached to ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surface due to its excel ent wear resistance. But the risks of squeaking and ceramic fracture also go with it. Up til now, the choice between ceramic-on-ceramic and ceramic-on-polyethylene bearing surfaces in primary total hip arthroplasty remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes and safety between ceramic-on-ceramic versus ceramic-on-polyethylene bearing surfaces in total hip arthroplasty based on meta analysis. METHODS: We electronical y searched databases including PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Col aboration database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBMdisc) and China National Knowledge Internet for randomized control ed trials on the comparison between ceramic-on-ceramic versus ceramic-on-polyethylene bearing surfaces in total hip arthroplasty from inception to January 2015. References of the included studies were also retrieved. Investigators severely selected the studies, extracted data and assessed the quality according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Nine randomized control ed trials were included, involving 1 231 hips with ceramic-on-ceramic prosthesis and 932 hips with ceramic-on-polyethylene prosthesis. Meta analysis showed that both bearing surfaces achieved satisfied function recovery. But ceramic-on-ceramic had significantly increased risks of squeaking and ceramic fracture, meanwhile ceramic-on-polyethylene showed significantly higher wear rate. There were no significant differences in intra- or post-operative dislocation, osteolysis and other complications and prosthesis failure with any reason between two bearing surfaces. These results suggest that during the short- to mid-term fol ow-up period, no sufficient evidence can tel that ceramic-on-ceramic was obviously super than ceramic-on-polyethylene. Long-term fol ow-up is required for further evaluation.

A high sensitive and rapid method was developed for the analysis of lappaconitine in mouse plasma using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Detection was performed by positive ion electrospray ionization (ESI) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, monitoring the transitions m/z 585 --> m/z 535 and m/z 356 --> m/z 192, for the quantification of lappaconitine and tetrahydropalmatine (internal standard, IS), respectively. The method was linear over the concentration range of 3.0-2000.0 ng x mL(-1). The lower limit of quantification was 3.0 ng x mL(-1). Intra- and inter-run precisions (RSD) were both less than 9.9% and accuracy (RE) within +/- 4.8%. After single intravenous injections of lappaconitine hydrobromide at 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg x kg(-1), the elimination half-lives (t(1/2)) were 0.47, 0.48 and 0.49 h, and the areas under the curve (AUC(0-t)) were 55.5, 110.5 and 402.9 ng x h x mL(-1), separately. The pharmacokinetic profile of lappaconitine was linear at relatively lower dose levels (1.0-2.0 mg x kg(-1)). When the dose increased farther to 4.0 mg x kg(-1), the Vz and CL decreased, and the increase fold of the AUC was much larger than that of the dose.
Aconitine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Animals ; Area Under Curve ; Chromatography, Liquid ; methods ; Injections, Intravenous ; Male ; Mice ; Molecular Structure ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization ; methods

AIMTo investigate the chemical composition of the root of Salvia przewalskii Maxim.

METHODSCompounds were isolated by silica gel column chromatography. Structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectral analysis (EI-MS, FAB-MS, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, 1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C COSY, HMBC, NOESY) and phytochemical properties.

RESULTSEight compounds were isolated and identified as: tanshinone II-A (I), crypotanshinone (II), przewaquinone A (III), sugiol (IV), ursolic acid (V), 2 alpha, 3 alpha-dihydroxy urs-12-ene-28-acid (VI), oleanolic acid (VII), and neo-przewaquinone A (VIII).

CONCLUSIONCompound VIII is a new compound, and compound II, IV, V, VI and VII are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Conformation ; Molecular Structure ; Oleanolic Acid ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quinones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Salvia ; chemistry ; Triterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

The paper is aimed to establish a methods for identication of pearl powder and conch powder from different origins. Hermetic aluminum pan was used to encapsulate samples. The optimal testing conditions were: heating rate 10 degrees C x min(-1), sample weight 3 mg and nitrogen gas flow rate 40 mL x min(-1). The enthalpy values of pearl powder and conch powder was obvious different. Identication of pearl powder and conch powder by DSC is a practical method for its accuracy, convenience and practificality.
Animal Shells ; chemistry ; Animals ; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning ; methods ; China ; Discriminant Analysis ; Pinctada ; chemistry ; classification ; Powders ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of ytterbium citrate on human liver carcinoma HepG2 cell line and the potential mechanisms.

METHODSThe HepG2 cells were cultured with DMEM medium and divided into different groups in the following media, in serum-free medium as control, different concentration (0.01 - 5.00 mmol/L) [YbCit(2)](3-)+serum-free medium as treatment group, MTT assay was used to measure the viability of the cells; 2.00 mmol/L [YbCit(2)](3-)+serum-free medium was used as treatment group, and Hoechst 33258 staining was used to detect apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Differential proteomic analysis, assay of intracellular H(2)O(2) levels and mitochondrial transmembrane potential were performed to study the effects of [YbCit(2)](3-) on HepG2 cells and the potential mechanisms.

RESULTSThe data showed that 72 h treatment of [YbCit(2)](3-) at 2.00 - 5.00 mmol/L significantly inhibited cell proliferation, and the IC(50) was (2.46 ± 0.23) mmol/L. After treatment with 2.00 mmol/L [YbCit(2)](3-) for 48 h and 72 h, Hoechst 33258 staining demonstrated that [YbCit(2)](3-) induced significantly increased apoptosis in HepG2 cells. After treatment with 2.00 mmol/L [YbCit(2)](3-) for 72 h, two dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis revealed 14 differentially expressed proteins between [YbCit(2)](3-)-treated cells and the control cells. These proteins mainly included cofilin1, peroxiredoxin6, S100 calcium-binding protein A6, and proteasome 26S non-ATPase subunit 13 isoform 3 and so on. These proteins played important roles in the processes of anti-apoptosis, oxidation reduction, cell proliferation and protein degradation. The mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated, the results showed the red and green fluorescence ratio was 2.45 ± 0.28 in the control group, 1.56 ± 0.23 in 24 h group, 1.16 ± 0.18 in 48 h group, compared with the control, the differences were significant (F = 23.97, P = 0.001). The results of H(2)O(2) detection showed the fluorescence intensity was 20.00 ± 2.08 in the control group, 40.00 ± 5.50 in 24 h group, and 48.00 ± 2.03 in 48 h group, compared with the control, the differences were significant (F = 48.40, P = 0.000). The results indicated a significant reduction in mitochondrial transmembrane potential and significant increase in H2O2 generation were observed in [YbCit(2)](3-)-treated cells.

CONCLUSIONThese results suggested that [YbCit(2)](3-) could induce apoptosis of HepG2 cells through the mechanisms involving oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial ; drug effects ; Oxidative Stress ; Proteome ; analysis ; Proteomics ; Ytterbium ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo explore the safety and curative effects of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the treatment of silicosis.

METHODSThe protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the hospital, and ten patients with silicosis who had given written consent were enrolled in this study. BMSCs isolated from 100 ml of bone marrow for each case were purified and cultured. In each case the 3rd generation of qualified BMSCs (5 × 10(7)) were intravenously administered weekly for 3 weeks. Three cases among 10 patients were treated with BMSCs modified by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene. The clinical symptoms, chest films, chest CT, pulmonary functions, T cells, serum IgG and ceruloplasmin (CP) were observed in 6 or 9 months after treatment.

RESULTSNo obvious sub-effect was observed in cases treated with BMSCs, the clinical symptoms (such as cough, sputum and chest tightness) basically disappeared in 9 months after treatment. Pulmonary function tests showed that FVC increased from 71.2% ± 17.0% to 84.0% ± 10.9% (P < 0.01) and FEV1.0 increased from 67.5% ± 17.7% to 80.6% ± 14.9% (P < 0.01). The levels of serum CP and IgG significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Further, the chest films and CT in cases treated with autologous BMSCs modified by HGF gene were improved to different extent.

CONCLUSIONTreatment with autologous BMSCs modified by HGF gene exhibit a beneficial effect on silicosis.

Adult ; Bone Marrow Cells ; Female ; Hepatocyte Growth Factor ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Silicosis ; surgery ; Transfection ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study the toxic effects of aqueous extract of Crotalariae Assamicae Semen (CAS), one of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing Chinese herbal medicines, in rats and the possible mechanism in association with liver damage.

METHODThe aqueous extract of CAS (CASE) was prepared by the conventional water extracting-alcohol precipitating method. The LD50 value of CASE in rats was determined by Kärber method. Rats were randomly divided into four groups in which three groups were orally administered with different doses of the CASE and one group with distilled water as control. Toxic effects were assessed by morphological, biochemical and histopathological changes. Moreover, in vitro metabolism using rat liver microsomes was also conducted and applied for the exploration of the underlying mechanism of liver damage.

RESULTThe LD50 value of CASE in Wistar rats was (2.36 +/- 0.26) g x kg(-1). The toxic effects were found in all groups of rats dosed with CASE, in which serum levels of ALT and AST were significantly elevated, and the obvious and dose-dependent damages in liver and lung were observed by histopathological examination. Moreover, the liver tissue-bound pyrroles were detected and generated in a dose-dependent manner, and the pyrrole metabolites observed in the in vitro microsomal metabolism. All the evidences suggested a strong correlation between metabolism and toxicity of CASE in rats.

CONCLUSIONCASE could induce the acute toxicity in rats, of which liver and lung were the major targets. Toxic effects were strongly correlated with pyrrolizidine alkaloids in CAS. The possible mechanism for its liver toxicity may be related to the formation of pyrrole metabolites as well as the corresponding tissue-binding products.

Alanine Transaminase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Crotalaria ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; toxicity ; Lethal Dose 50 ; Liver ; drug effects ; enzymology ; injuries ; Male ; Microsomes, Liver ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids ; administration & dosage ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

BACKGROUND:Antibiotic loaded bone cement has been well studied in clinical prevention and treatment of postoperative infection after artificial joint replacement. However, little is reported on antituberculotic-loaded bone cement. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the drug release properties of polymethyl methacrylate bone cement carrying antituberculosis drugs in a simulated body fluid (phosphate buffer solution, PBS). METHODS:The bone cement SimpLex P and antituberculosis drugs, including pyrazinamide, isoniazid, rifapentine, prothionamide, capreomycin, rifampicin, moxifloxacin, and amikacin, were mixed at 40 g:1.5 g and 40 g: 2.5 g ratios to prepare 16 groups of experimental specimens (n=5 per group). In addition, 40 g of bone cement powder was mixed with the liquid monomer to prepare a group of non-loaded bone cement specimens (control group,n=5). Either experimental or control specimens were soaked in PBS simulated body fluid, and then the extractions were taken at different time points to measure concentrations of antituberculosis drugs by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The effective sustained-releasing time in the PBS simulated body fluid was 45 and 60 days for 1.5 g and 2.5 g groups of pyrazinamide, was 60 and 45 days for 1.5 g and 2.5 g groups of isoniazid, was 60 and 45 days for 1.5 g and 2.5 g groups of rifapentine, was 150 and 150 days for 1.5 g and 2.5 g groups of protionamide, was 150 and 150 days for 1.5 g and 2.5 g groups of capreomycin, was 45 and 60 days for 1.5 g and 2.5g groups of rifampicin, was 90 and 90 days for 1.5 g and 2.5 g groups of moxifloxacin, and was 60 and 90 days for 1.5 g and 2.5 g groups of amikacin, respectively. All the drug carriers had good drug release characteristics. Especially the 1.5 g and 2.5 g groups of protionamide, 1.5 g and 2.5 g groups of capreomycin, 1.5 g and 2.5 g groups of moxifloxacin and 2.5 g group of amikacin showed a longer period of drug release in accordance with the clinical need. However, our preliminary findings showed that the mechanical strength of the composite bone cement was considerably reduced by isoniazid, rifampicin, rifapentine, or protionamide, while the SimpLex P bone cement carrying pyrazinamide, amikacin, moxifloxacin, or capreomycin showed no changes in the mechanical strength. Therefore, pyrazinamide, amikacin, moxifloxacin, and capreomycin are suitable for the preparation of bone cements carrying antituberculosis drugs.

Objective To analyze the genetic diversity of Pomacea canaliculata based on the mitochondria DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunitⅠ(mtDNA COⅠ)gene as a molecular marker in Lincang City of Yunnan Province,so as to provide the scien-tific data for monitoring Angiostrongylus cantonensis in local areas. Methods The genotypes and polymorphisms of 38 speci-mens of P.canaliculata collected from Mengding Town of Lincang City were analyzed by sequencing COⅠgene.The phylogenet-ic tree and genetic distances were produced based on the haplotypes from GenBank and the present study by using the neighbour-joining method with the software MEGA version 6.06. Results Totally 31 sequences were acquired in the present study and they produced 3 unique haplotypes.Haplotype 1 showed a higher frequency compared to the others and it accounted for 83.9 % (26/31).The data showed that the least genetic distances ranged from 0 to 0.052 between P.canaliculata and 3 haplotypes,as well as the largest genetic distances ranged from 0.021 to 0.239 between Pila conica and 3 haplotypes.Otherwise,the analysis of the phylogenetic trees based on COⅠgene sequences of P.canaliculata indicated that all of 3 haplotypes clustered into one big clade with that from Japan(GenBank accession number: AB433769),China(GenBank accession number: KT313034)and USA(GenBank accession number:EU523129),which owned the closet relationship amongst them.Their genetic relationships were distantly related to the GenBank's reference sequences of P.insularum(GenBank accession number:EF514942),P.cam-ena(GenBank accession number: EF515059)and so on. Conclusion There is a P. canaliculata species in Lincang City of Yunnan Province as well as a high genetic diversity amongst the acquired 3 haplotypes in this study.