Hair follicle (HF), one of the skin appendages, has received a lot of attention to be a new target and pathway for drug delivery. The development of hair follicle targeted drug delivery system (HFTDDS) through percutaneous permeation is particularly important for skin diseases derived from HF such as acne, hair loss, and folliculitis for their on-site action. This review describes the structure and physiological function of HF, the microenvironment of HF, and factors affecting HF permeation. Multiple nanoformulations used to improve the HF permeation and technologies to characterize the HF permeation were introduced. The latest advance of HFTDDS based on nanoformulations were systematically summarized and analyzed in the treatment of acne and hair loss. Finally, the challenges of formulating HFTDDS were discussed. The review is expected to provide some ideas and references for developing delivery systems for treating skin diseases derived from HF.

Research on the association between maternal periodontal disease and the risk of preeclampsia has generated inconsistent results. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between maternal periodontal disease and the risk of preeclampsia. A literature search of PubMed and Embase was performed to identify relevant papers published before March 2013. Only observational studies that assessed maternal periodontal disease and the risk of preeclampsia were selected. Patients' periodontal status was examined at different time points during pregnancy or after delivery (at 14-32 weeks of gestation, within 48 h prior to or within 5 days after delivery). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for cases and controls. Cases were defined as women with concurrent hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Eleven studies involving 1118 women with preeclampsia and 2798 women without preeclampsia were identified and analyzed. Women with periodontal disease before 32 weeks of gestation had a 3.69-fold higher risk of developing preeclampsia than their counterparts without periodontal disease (OR=3.69; 95% CI=2.58-5.27). Periodontal disease within 48 h prior to delivery was associated with a 2.68-fold higher risk of preeclampsia (OR=2.68; 95% CI=1.39-5.18). Pregnant women with periodontal disease within 5 days after delivery had a 2.22-fold higher risk of preeclampsia than women without periodontal disease (OR=2.22; 95% CI=1.16-4.27). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that maternal periodontal disease is an independent predictor of preeclampsia.

The changes of microRNA expression in rat hippocampus after traumatic brain injury (TBI) were explored. Adult SD rats received a single controlled cortical impact injury, and the ipsilateral hippocampus was harvested for the subsequent microarray assay at three time points after TBI: 1st day, 3rd day and 5th day, respectively. We characterized the microRNA expression profile in rat hippocampus using the microRNA microarray analysis, and further verified microarray results of miR-142-3p and miR-221 using quantitative real-time PCR. Totally 205 microRNAs were identified and up-/down-regulated more than 1.5 times. There were significant changes in 17 microRNAs at all three time points post-TBI. The quantitative real-time PCR results of miR-142-3p and miR-221 indicated good consistency with the results of the microarray method. MicroRNAs altered at different time points post-TBI. MiR-142-3p and miR-221 may be used as potentially biological markers for TBI assessment in forensic practice.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression of Ki-67, Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 in simple benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and BPH combined with prostatitis,and to evaluate the effect of inflammation on the development and progression of BPH. METHODS: All specimens were obtained from patients undergoing surgical resection of the prostate. The paraffin section of the specimens was stained with hemotoxyline and eosin, and observed under light microscope to examine the inflammation hispathological changes. Sixteen patients with simple BPH (Group A) and 42 patients with BPH combined with prostatitis (Group B) were included. Immunohistochemical analysis and Western blot were used to examine the expression of Ki-67, Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3. RESULTS: The expression of Ki-67 and Bcl-2 was significantly higher in Group B than that in Group A (P<0.05), and caspase-3 expression was significantly lower (P<0.05). There was no difference in Bax expression between the 2 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Prostatitis can up-regulate Ki-67, Bcl-2 expression, and down-regulate the expression of caspase-3 in BPH. Prostatitis appeared to play an important role in the development of BPH by affecting the proliferation and apoptosis of the prostatic cells.
Aged ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Humans ; Ki-67 Antigen ; biosynthesis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; complications ; metabolism ; Prostatitis ; complications ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; biosynthesis ; Up-Regulation ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; biosynthesis

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Kuntai Capsule (KC), a Chinese patent medicine, in add-back therapy for gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) treatment for moderate-severe endometriosis (EM).

METHODSTotally 100 patients suffering from stage III/IV EM, who were confirmed by laparoscopic surgery were randomly assigned to the GnRH-a group (A) and the KC combined GnRH-a group (B), 50 in each group. Patients in Group A were hypodermically injected with goserelin (3.6 mg), once per 4 weeks. Those in Group B additionally took KC, 4 pills each time, three times per day. The therapeutic course for all was 12 weeks. Serum levels of estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), bone gamma-carboxyglutamic-acid-containing proteins (BGP) were measured respectively. Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebra were also compared between the two groups.

RESULTSSerum levels of E2 and FSH both significantly decreased in the two groups at week 12 of the treatment (P < 0.05), when compared with pre-treatment. Compared with before treatment in the same group, KMI increased in the two groups (P < 0.05). Compared with before treatment in the same group, BMI decreased in the two groups with no statistical difference (P > 0.05). Serum BGP increased after 12-week treatment (P < 0.05). Compared with Group A after treatment, serum levels of E2 and FSH both significantly increased in Group B (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in KMI between the two groups (P > 0.05). As for the incidence of menopausal symptoms, better effects in improving symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disorders, and vaginal dryness were obtained in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the post-pre-treatment difference of BMI between the two groups, but with statistical post-pre-treatment difference in the BGP level (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSHKC combined GnRH-a could effectively reduce GnRH-a treatment induced partial low estrogen symptoms, improve increased serum BGP levels after GnRH-a therapy.

Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Endometriosis ; drug therapy ; Estradiol ; blood ; Female ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone ; agonists ; Humans

Objective To find out the perception status of Kaschin-Beck disease(KBD)-related knowledge among residents in Aba KBD areas. Methods In 2009, hierarchical clustering random sampling method was used to select 13 villages as survey points in Aba KBD areas, general demographic characteristics, KBD prevalence and KBD-related knowledge of residents were investigated. Results Of the residents investigated, the understanding rate of KBD-related knowledge was 36.7% (7361/20 080), understanding rate among female [40.2% (4427/11012) ]was high than that of male[32.3%(2934/9084), x2 = 134.80, P ＜ 0.05];50-year group[42.5%(2789/6562] was higher than others;Tibetan [42.8% (6775/15829)] was higher than other nationals;residents in Semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral areas [47.2% (5777/12239)] was higher than people in other areas ;farmer [42.6% (4585/10762) ],people who lost labor ability [42.7% (1487/3482)] and the unemployed [42.8% (941/2199) ] was higher;married people[41.6%(6067/14584)] was higher;KBD patients[47.6%(4585/9632)] was higher[x2 = 92.41,148.04,578.56,116.35,36.96,371.29 respectively, all P ＜ 0.05]. Sixty three point nine persent (978/1530) acquired KBD knowledge through explaination by medical and health personnel. Conclusions The current situation of perception of KBD-related knowledge among residents in Aba KBD areas is not optimistic. Understanding rate among residents with different demographic characteristics is significantly different. Targeted health education strategies and measures should be developed among different population groups.

Objective To study the effect of 17β-estrogen(17β-E2)on injured dopaminergic (DA) neurons induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA),and explore whether 17β-E2 has neuroprotective effect.Methods The male SD rats aged 2-3 d were decapitated under sterile conditions; the brain slices were induced injury by 6-OHDA(200 μmol/L); cells in the slices were divided into control group and 17β-E2 treatment groups(intervention with 1.0xl0-8 mol/L,1.0xl0-9 mol/L and 1.0×10-10 mol/L of 17β-E2,respectively).The tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)expression in DA neurons was observed by Western blotting at 15,30 and 60 min after the intervention.Results The expression of TH in the 1.0×10-9 mol/L 17β-E2 treatment group was the highest,which was significantly different as compared with that in the control group(P＜0.05); increasing or decreasing the concentration of 17β-E2 could not regulate the expression of TH; in the 1.0×10-9 mol/L 17β-E2 treatment group,TH expression at 15 min after intervention enjoyed the highest level; the TH expression could not increase by extending the time.Conclusion The 17β-E2 treatment at certain concentration(1.0×10-9 mol/L)for certain time(15 min)has a protective effect on injuried DA neurons

OBJECTIVETo explore the treatment of hypospadias with hydrocele.

METHODSNine patients with hypospadias complicated by hydrocele underwent urethroplasty with tunica vaginalis flap.

RESULTSSatisfactory results were achieved in 7 cases, all with a normal anatomic position of urethral meatus, perfect urination and no infection. Local infection and meatal stricture occurred in 1 case, which was restored to normal by urethral sounding. Scrotal urinary fistula developed in another.

CONCLUSIONWith minimum surgical trauma, conveniently available material and fast tissue repair, urethroplasty with tunica vaginalis flap is a desirable method for the treatment of hypospadias with hydrocele.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypospadias ; complications ; surgery ; Male ; Surgical Flaps ; Testicular Hydrocele ; complications ; surgery ; Testis ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of pH value and fluoride ions on the corrosion resistance of pure Ti and Ni-Cr-Ti alloy in the artificial saliva.

METHODSElectrochemical technique was used to measure the electric potential of corrosion (Ecorr), current density of corrosion (Icorr) and polarization resistance (Rp) of pure titanium and Ti-Ni-Cr alloy in the artificial saliva with different pH value and fluoride concentrations. After electrochemical analysis, microstructure and phase diffraction were examined by FSEM.

RESULTSWith the lower pH value, the Ecorr and Icorr of pure titanium and Ti-Ni-Cr alloy increased, the Rp decreased, there was a significant difference (P<0.05). The Ecorr and Icorr increased markedly, the Rp significantly reduced in the artificial saliva containing 0.2% NaF (P<0.01). FSEM showed that pure titanium and Ti-Ni-Cr alloy surface corrosion, pure titanium in the artificial saliva containing 0.2% NaF was most serious.

CONCLUSIONLower pH value decreases the corrosion resistance of pure titanium and Ti-Ni-Cr alloy and the artificial saliva containing fluoride ions decreases the corrosion resistance of pure titanium.

Chromium Alloys ; chemistry ; Corrosion ; Dental Alloys ; chemistry ; Electrochemistry ; Fluorides ; chemistry ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Materials Testing ; Metal Ceramic Alloys ; chemistry ; Nickel ; chemistry ; Saliva, Artificial ; chemistry ; Surface Properties ; Titanium ; chemistry

Research on the association between maternal periodontal disease and the risk of preeclampsia has generated inconsistent results. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between maternal periodontal disease and the risk of preeclampsia. A literature search of PubMed and Embase was performed to identify relevant papers published before March 2013. Only observational studies that assessed maternal periodontal disease and the risk of preeclampsia were selected. Patients' periodontal status was examined at different time points during pregnancy or after delivery (at 14-32 weeks of gestation, within 48 h prior to or within 5 days after delivery). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for cases and controls. Cases were defined as women with concurrent hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Eleven studies involving 1118 women with preeclampsia and 2798 women without preeclampsia were identified and analyzed. Women with periodontal disease before 32 weeks of gestation had a 3.69-fold higher risk of developing preeclampsia than their counterparts without periodontal disease (OR=3.69; 95% CI=2.58-5.27). Periodontal disease within 48 h prior to delivery was associated with a 2.68-fold higher risk of preeclampsia (OR=2.68; 95% CI=1.39-5.18). Pregnant women with periodontal disease within 5 days after delivery had a 2.22-fold higher risk of preeclampsia than women without periodontal disease (OR=2.22; 95% CI=1.16-4.27). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that maternal periodontal disease is an independent predictor of preeclampsia.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Observational Studies as Topic ; Odds Ratio ; Periodontal Diseases ; physiopathology ; Pre-Eclampsia ; physiopathology ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications ; physiopathology ; Risk Assessment ; statistics & numerical data ; Risk Factors