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.

As one of the major sources of infection, viruses could infect all organisms including bacteria, plants, animals, and humans. Infectious diseases caused by viruses pose a great threat and damage to human health and economic activities all over the world. Adaptor-associated protein kinase 1 (AAK1) is a member of the Ark1/Prk1 family of serine/threonine kinases and a specific key kinase regulating the phosphorylation of AP-2 protein μ2 subunit T156. In the past, AAK1 has been regarded as a feasible biological target for the treatment of nerve pain. Recently, scientists have found that inhibiting AAK1 can regulate endocytosis and inhibit virus invasion into cells. Therefore, AAK1 could be the potential target of anti-virus therapy. This paper reviews the research progress of small molecule AAK1 inhibitors in the field of antiviral, analyzes the future research directions and challenges, and provides new ideas for the development of antiviral drugs targeting AAK1.

To evaluate the visual performance of the patients with traumatic corneal astigmatism, after the treatment of topography guided off-flap epipolis laser in situ keratomileusi (off-flap Epi-LASlK).
●METHODS: This prospective clinical study was comprised of 21 eyes of 21 patients with irregular corneal astigmatism caused by trauma, they were treated by off-flap Epi - LASlK from July 2012 to December 2013. The data included uncorrected visual acuity ( UCVA), best spectacle - corrected visual acuity ( BSCVA ), contrast sensitivity 1, 6mo before and after surgery; the healing area percentage of corneal epithelia, the healing time of corneal epithelia and pain score at 3d after surgery.
●RESULTS: Postoperative 1mo both UCVA and BSCVA were improved significantly than that before surgery (t =15. 703, 4. 351, P< 0. 05); Compared with the 1mo after surgery, UCVA at 6mo after surgery raised significantly (t= 6. 867, P <0. 05). There was no statistical significance between 6 and 1mo after surgery about BSCVA (t= 1. 497, P = 0. 140 ). After surgery, mean spherical equivalent (SE) was reduced from -2. 43±3. 02D to -0. 23±0. 49D (P<0. 05), and the mean cylinder was reduced from -1. 86± 2. 23D to - 0. 46 ± 1. 03D (P< 0. 05). Postoperative 1mo,4 kinds of spatial frequency and contrast sensitivity had no significant difference compared with the preoperative (P>0. 05 ). Postoperative 6mo except the 3c/ d spatial frequency, the remaining 3 spatial frequency contrast sensitivity compared with those before operation were significantly improved ( P < 0. 05 ). The healing area percentage of corneal epithelia was 92. 46% ±8. 24% (80% -100%) at 3d after surgery; The healing time of corneal epithelia was 3. 50 ± 1. 56d; Pain scores at 3 and 7d after surgery was 1. 54±1. 32 and 0. 04±0. 64, respectively.
●CONCLUSlON: Topography-guided off-flap Epi-LASlK is safe and effective in treating the patients with traumatic corneal irregular astigmatism. The operation can improve both the contrast sensitivity and the visual performance.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) combined irradiation on the apoptosis of human lung cancer GLC-82 cells and to study its mechanism.

METHODSThe growth inhibition rate of GLC-82 cells acted by different concentrations DHA was detected using MTT assay at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Clone forming test was used. With multi-target single-hit model, the radiosensitization effect was assessed by calculating sensitizing enhancement ratio (SER).The effect of DHA combined irradiation on the apoptosis of GLC-82 cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. The protein expression of p53, p21, Bcl-2, and Bax were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSDifferent concentrations DHA (4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 μg/mL) had cytotoxicity on GLC-82 cells. The IC50 for 24, 48, and 72 h was 38.25,20.58, and 10.36 μg/mL, respectively, in obvious dose- and time-dependent manner. The growth inhibition rate was more significantly increased than that of the blank control group (P < 0.01, P<0.05). DHA had sensitization enhancement effect on GLC-82 cells, with SER of 1.4. DHA combined irradiation could obviously change the structure of GLC-82 cells cell cycle and induce apoptosis (with the apoptosis rate of 21.5%), which was significantly different from that of the blank control group (P < 0.05). Western blot showed the expression of p53 and p21 protein could be increased by DHA combined irradiation, and the expression of Bcl-2 protein down-regulated (P <0.01, P <0. 05).

CONCLUSIONSDHA had stronger cytotoxicity and radiosensitization on GLC-82 cells. Its mechanisms might lie in making the arrest of GLC-82 cells' growth at G0/G1 phase, decreasing the ratio of cells at S phase, restoring the function of p53, decreasing the expression of Bcl-2 protein, and inducing apoptosis in GLC-82 cells.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Artemisinins ; pharmacology ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Down-Regulation ; drug effects ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Proteins ; metabolism ; Radiation-Sensitizing Agents ; pharmacology ; Tumor Cells, Cultured ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the sensitivity to bortezomib of RPMI8226 cells after co-cultured with down-regulated Caveolin (Cav)-1 expression of HUVECs by transfection with Cav-1 shRNA (HUVECs(Cav-1 low)).

METHODSExposure to bortezomib with or without 50 nmol/L dexamethasone at different concentration, the proliferation of RPMI8226 was analyzed by MTT assay when it was cultured alone or co-cultured with HUVECs(Cav-1 low). Cav-1 expression was detected by using of Western blot and cell cycle, apoptosis and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTSCav-1 expression was notably down-regulated in HUVECs(Cav-1 low) (0.2199±0.0288 vs 1.3195±0.2393) (P<0.01). The IC(50) of bortezomib for RPMI8226 cultured alone, co-cultured with HUVECs orHUVECCav- 1 low were 20 nmol/L, 50 nmol/L and 65 nmol/L, respectively. The percentages of G₀/G₁ phase in RPMI8226 cultured alone, co-cultured with HUVECs and HUVECs(Cav-1 low) were 28.49%, 30.41%, and 36.15% respectively. The protection of RPMI 8226 against apoptosis by HUVECs was demonstrated that the apoptosis/death rates were 66.8%, 10.7% and 8.6% in RPMI8226 cultured alone, co-cultured with HUVECs and HUVECs(Cav-1 low) after exposure to 20 nmol/L bortezomib for 24 h. RPMI8226 could induce the oxidative stress of HUVECs before and after co-culture. The ROS level was raised from 15.0% to 35.2% in RPMI8226, from 80.4% to 91.0% in HUVECs, and from 84.6% to 96.8% in HUVECs(Cav-1 low).

CONCLUSIONThe down-regulated Cav-1 expression of HUVECs could promote proliferation and induce apoptosis of RMPI8226 cells, lead to G₀/G₁ phase arrest, and reduce the sensitivity to bortezomib.

Apoptosis ; Boronic Acids ; pharmacology ; Bortezomib ; Caveolin 1 ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Coculture Techniques ; Down-Regulation ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Multiple Myeloma ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to explore the scene-trait coping style of military rescuers in Wenchuan earthquake in an effort to provide scientific evidences for mental intervention program for Chinese military personnel.

METHODSBy cluster sampling, a total of 151 military rescuers and 331 control servicemen were administered the military personnel scene-trait coping style scale (MPSTCSS).

RESULTSAll active coping factor scores, and passive coping factor scores of affection, health and economy in the rescuer group were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05). The 21-above age subgroup, the 3-year plus service subgroup, and the officer subgroup had significantly higher active coping factor scores on military tasks, military experience and personal development than those of the 21-below age subgroup, 3-year minus service subgroup and the soldier subgroup, respectively (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe earthquake relief servicemen can cope with stressful situations better than control group by taking active coping style. The officers, servicemen older than 21 years, and servicemen with more service duration than 3 years could usually take active coping style.

Adaptation, Psychological ; Disasters ; Earthquakes ; Humans ; Military Personnel ; psychology ; Stress, Psychological

Objective To compare diagnostic value of ~(18)F-fluoredeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT with contrast-enhanced CT in detecting primary hepatic carcinoma and postoperative recurrence.Methods Twenty-five cases of primary hepatic carcinoma or postoperative recurrent tumor underwent whole-body ~(18)F-FDG PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT within one week's interval.They were retrospectively reviewed and the difierences between these two modalities were investigated.Results Of these 25 cases,there were 13 cases with primary hepatocellular carcinoma.1 case with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and 11 cases with postoperative recurrence.The sensitivity of 18 F-FDG PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT in diagnosing primary hepatic carcinoma was 78.6%(11/14) and 92.9%(13/14),and sensitivity in diagnosing postoperative recurrent was 100.0%(11/11) and 63.6%(7/11) respectively.Conclusion Contrast-enhanced CT may have a slight advantage over PET/CT in detecting primary hepatic carcinoma,but ~(18)F-FDG PET/CT combined with contrast-enhanced CT has even greater accuracy.Meanwhile,~(18)F-FDG PET/CT has better diagnostic accuracy in detection of postoperative recurrent tumor.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the manifestation of head shaking nystagmus (HSN) and the relationship between HSN and vestibular bithermal test while cross-checking the HSN and vestibular bithermal test.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty-four patients were examined by HSN and vestibular bithermal test. The latency and duration of HSN were observed and the dynamic changes of HSN were also investigated. The results of bithermal test were clarified by the values of canal paresis (CP).

RESULTSThere were 3 types of HSN, including 41 monophasic HSN, 11 biphasic HSN and 7 perverted HSN. The latency of monophasic HSN was (2.75 +/- 1.41) ms and the duration of it was (32.16 +/- 20.30) ms; as for the biphasic HSN, the first phase had no latency and the duration was (12.33 +/- 4.42) ms which was shorter than that of the second phase (57.00 +/- 17.19) ms (P < 0.01) and the latency of second phase was (57.00 +/- 17.19) ms. The value of canal paresis in the patients without HSN was lower than that in the patients with HSN.

CONCLUSIONSThe existence of HSN was dependent on the loss of the function horizontal canal and also on the stage of vestibular compensation. The variation of duration of HSN among individuals was great. In the acute stage of unilateral vestibular function loss, there appeared to be prominent HSN, and the direction of HSN is the same as that of spontaneous nystagmus. With the development of vestibular compensation, biphasic nystagmus would appear instead of monophasic HSN and the direction of first phase represent the direction of un-lesioned side. After compensation, HSN would not be elicited. However,when HSN existed, it suggested that the value of CP should exceed 25%. Perverted nystagmus pointed to central abnormality.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Caloric Tests ; Child ; Female ; Head ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Nystagmus, Pathologic ; physiopathology ; Paresis ; physiopathology ; Semicircular Canals ; physiopathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEImprovement in lung function was reported after acupuncture treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Because an immune response imbalance could be seen in COPD, we hypothesize that electroacupuncture (EA) may play a role in regulating inflammatory cytokines and contribute to lung protection in a rat model of smoke-induced COPD.

METHODSA COPD model using male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to cigarette smoke was established. The rats were randomly divided into four groups (control, sham, COPD, and COPD plus EA), and COPD model was evaluated by measuring pulmonary pathological changes and lung function. EA was applied to the acupuncture point Zusanli (ST36) for 30 min/d for 14 d in sham and COPD rats. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was used to measure levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and malonaldehyde (MDA).

RESULTSCompared with the control rats, COPD rats had significant changes in lung resistance (RL) and lung compliance (CL) (both P<0.01), bronchi and bronchiole airway obstruction (P<0.01), and levels of MDA, TNF-α, and IL-1β (P<0.01). There were no significant differences between the control and the sham groups. Compared with the COPD rats, the COPD plus EA rats had decreased RL and increased CL (both P<0.05), and reduced bronchi and bronchiole airway obstruction (P<0.05, P<0.01, respectively), while levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and MDA in BALF were lowered (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). However, TNF-α and IL-1β levels of the EA group rats remained higher than those of the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONEA at ST36 can reduce lung injury in a COPD rat model, and beneficial effects may be related to down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may prolong the clinical benefit of EA.

Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; immunology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Electroacupuncture ; Humans ; Interleukin-1beta ; immunology ; Male ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; etiology ; immunology ; therapy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Smoking ; adverse effects ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of PC4 and SFRS1 interacting protein 1 (PSIP1) on invasion and migration of human glioma U87 cells.

METHODSChemically synthesized siRNA targeting PSIP1 gene was transfected into U87 cells via lipofectamine, and the gene silencing effect was determined using real-time PCR. The changes in the invasion and migration abilities of the transfected cells were assessed with Transwell assay and wound healing assay, respectively. Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of N-cadherin, β-catenin and the transcription factor Slug.

RESULTSThe mRNA and protein level of PSIP1 was significantly reduced in U87 cells after transfection with PSIP1 siRNA (P<0.0001). PSIP1 knockdown in U87 cells resulted in significant suppression of cell invasion and migration abilities (P<0.01) and also reduced N-cadherin, β-catenin and Slug expressions.

CONCLUSIONs Silencing of PSIP1 impairs the invasion and migration abilities of glioma cells and lowers the expressions of N-cadherin, β-catenin and Slug, suggesting that PSIP1 may regulate Slug by classical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to modulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promote the invasion and migration of glioma cells.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; genetics ; metabolism ; Antigens, CD ; metabolism ; Cadherins ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Glioma ; pathology ; Humans ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Snail Family Transcription Factors ; Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; beta Catenin ; metabolism