Objective: To multi-objectively optimize the purification process parameters of licorice flavonoids using entropy-weight method, Plackett-Burman design (PBD), and Box-Behnken design (BBD). Methods: On the basis of HPLC fingerprints of licorice, the macroporous resin type was chosen using the recovery rates of six components (liquiritin apioside, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritin apioside, licuraside, isoliquiritin, and neoisoiiquiritin) as detection indexes. Weights of the recovery rates of six components were determined by entropy-weight method, in order to obtain the comprehensive index. The significantly influencing factors were firstly evaluated by PBD, then purification conditions were optimized by BBD. Results: ADS-7 type resin showed a high selectivity for six components. The optimized purification technology was as follows: pH value was 4.5, sample concentration was 0.20 g/mL, ratio of sample to resin was 1.0 g/g, flow rate was 0.6 mL/min, elution dosage was 6.7 BV, ethanol concentration was 83% of eluting agent, and elution rate was 1.0 mL/min. Under the conditions, the recovery rates of six components were 86%-97%, the theoretical and actual comprehensive indexes were 93.32% and 93.05%, respectively, with a relative error of 1.17%. Conclusion: Entropy-weight method combined with PBD and BBD-RSM used to optimize the purification process for the licorice flavonoids in this study is scientific and feasible, providing a new reference to realize the multi-objective optimization of the purification technology for active constituents in Chinese materia medica.

Objective To discuss the selection of short- or long-segment posterior fixation for treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures. Methods A total 134 patients with thoracolumbar fractures treated with pedicle instrument fixation from January 2005 to December 2008 were studied retrospectively. According to AO fracture classification, there were 70 patients with type A fractures, 37 with type B and 27 with type C. The patients were divided into two groups according to the number of instrumented levels; short-segment posterior fixation (SSPF) group (four screws; one vertebral body above or below the fractured vertebrae) and long-segment posterior fixation (LSPF) group (eight screws; two vertebral bodies above or below the fractured vertebrae). Clinical outcomes and radiological parameters (superior-inferior endplate angle, vertebral body angle, displacement of vertebral body) were compared according to AO fracture classification. Results All type A fractures were treated with SSPF, mean superior-inferior endplate angle changed from preoperative 21.3° to postoperative 8.5° and 11.1° at final follow up. There was no statistical difference in the correction of Cobb angle for type B fractures in SSPF group (26 patients) and LSPF group (11 patients), while the correction loss of vertebral body angle was 3. 64° in SSPF group and 1.09° in LSPF group, with statistical difference (P < 0. 05). There was no statistical difference in the correction of Cobb angle for type C fractures in SSPF group (7 patients) and in LSPF group (20 patients), but the correction loss of vertebral body angle was 3.6° in SSPF group and 0. 8° in LSPF group, with statistical difference (P < 0. 05). There was no statistical difference in vertebral displacement correction. Conclusions Most types A and Bl fractures should be treated with SSPF; most types B2, B3 and C fractures should be treated with LSPF.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the gene polymorphism cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14)-159C/T (rs2569190),and interleukin-8 (IL-8)-251A/ T (rs4073)and the susceptibility of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC),to clarify the influencing factors of susceptibility of NEC and to provide genetics theory basis for the research on the pathogenesis of NEC. Methods:Total 28 newborns with NEC and 41 newborns without NEC were selected.The amplification of peripheral blood DNA was conducted by PCR.The genotypic and allelic frequencies of CD14-159C/T and IL-8-251A/T of the patients were detected by Sanger DNA sequencing method. The relationship between them and the susceptibility of NEC was studied.Results:The distribution of genotypic frequencies of CD14-159C/T and IL-8-251A/T was consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P >0.05).There were no significant differences of the allelic and genotypic frequencies of CD14-159C/T,or genotypic frequencies of IL-8-251A/T between two groups (P >0.05).While in NEC group,the T allelic frequency of IL-8-251A/T site was higher than that in control group (χ2 = 4.184, P = 0.041, OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.03 - 4.46 ). Conclusion:The polymorphism of CD14-159C/T is irrelevant to the pathogeny of NEC,but T allelic frequency of IL-8-251A/T site might be related to the susceptibility of NEC.So T allele in IL-8-251A/T may be one of the danger factors of NEC.

Objective To investigate the correlation between the expressions of tumour suppressor gene PTEN and oncogene C-myc in colorectal carcinoma.Methods The expressions of PTEN and C-myc protein in normal colorectal mucosa(n=8), adjacent non-cancerous tissues(n=10) and primary colorectal carcinoma tissues(n=60) were observed by S-P immunohistochemical assay.Results Of 60 colorectal carcinoma tissues,C-myc protein was detected in 46 cases.The expression rate of C-myc in the primary colorectal carcinoma tissues(76.70%) was significantly higher than that in the normal(0) and adjacent non-cancerous tissues(10%)(P0.05).The positive expression rate of PTEN protein in the primary colorectal carcinoma tissues(25.00%,15/60) was significantly lower than that in the normal(100%) and adjacent non-cancerous tissues(90%)(P

Objective: To observe the effects of interferon-induced protein 204 (p204) over-expression on apoptosis, proliferation and migration of aortic vascular adventitial ifbroblast (VAFs) in experimental rats.
Methods: Our research included in 3 groups: Iif204-Lv group, in whichVAFs were infected by Iif204-recombined lentivirus, Con-Lv group, in which VAFs carried the empty vector without virus, Blank control group, in which VAFs were untreated. VAFs proliferation was examined by MTT method, cell apoptosis was measured by lfow cytometry and the migration was detected by scratching assay and transwell chamber method. The mRNA and protein expressions of p204, p53 and p21were evaluated by real-time q RT-PCR and Western blot analysis respectively.
Results: Compared with Con-Lv and Blank control groups, Iif204-Lv group had decreased VAFs proliferation (by OD value) at 48 hours: (0.53 ± 0.05) vs (0.66±0.03) and (0.63 ± 0.06), at 72 hours: (0.89 ± 0.06) vs (1.02 ± 0.06) and (1.01 ± 0.07); distance of cell migration (by pixel): (61.00 ± 1.83) vs (74.50 ± 6.25) and (75.50 ± 7.85); number of cell migration: (61.75 ± 10.69) vs (155.25 ± 10.21) and (153.75 ± 9.40), allP<0.05. VAFs apoptosis rates were similar among different groups. Compared with Con-Lv and Blank control groups, Ifi204-Lv group presented up-regulated mRNA expressions of p204 (3.45 ± 0.15) vs (2.09 ± 0.10) and (2.06 ± 0.09); p53 (3.41 ± 0.09) vs (2.06 ± 0.07) and (2.10 ± 0.06); p21 (3.01 ± 0.08) vs (2.05 ± 0.06) and (2.11 ± 0.08), allP<0.05.
Conclusion: p204 over-expression inhibits VAFs proliferation and migration which might be partly related to the activation of p53 and p21 expression in experimental rats.

Objective To discuss the selections of surgical treatment for lower cervical spine fracture and dislocation and the treatment outcome.Methods Clinical data of 50 cases of lower cervical spine fracture and dislocation were analyzed retrospectively.There were 37 males and 13 females at mean age of 41 years (range,20-80 years).Forty-four cases underwent anterior fusion,but 4 with ankylosing spondylitis and 2 with extremely unstable cervical spine were treated with combined posterior fusion.Two cases sustaining ankylosing spondylitis and being unable to be operated via the anterior approach due to the maximum neck flexion limits were treated with posterior decompression and fusion.Two cases developed delayed fracture and underwent posterior release prior to the anterior fixation and fusion.Two cases underwent a second surgery with the posterior release,anterior fusion and posterior fusion performed successively.Neurological performance was evaluated using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)scale.Results All the patients were followed up for mean 28 months (range,12-48 months).Implant loosening and redislocation occurred in one ankylosing spondylitis case 2 months after anterior fusion.Other 49 cases achieved bony fusion in 6 months.Neurological function showed no recovery in complete spinal cord injury cases,but improved for average ASIA 1-2 grades for incomplete spinal cord injury cases.Conclusions Anterior surgery provides good reduction and neurological improvement in treatment of lower cervical spine fracture and dislocation.For extremely unstable cases or difficult anterior reduction cases,posterior surgery or combined anterior/posterior surgery should be considered.

Objective:To assess the consequences of switching aspirin dosage from 100 mg/d to 40 mg/d on cardiovascular benefit,bleeding risk and platelet aggregation in very elderly patients. Methods:Arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation(AA-Ag)was measured in 537 patients aged 80 or older treated with aspirin (100 mg/d).In the study,100 patients with low on-treatment platelet ag-gregation and at high risk of bleeding and low risk of cardiovascular events,were switched to aspirin (40 mg/d)and their platelet aggregation was measured again 7 days later.Their bleeding and upper gastroin-testinal symptoms were also recorded in following 3 months.Results:The study observed a heterogeneous distributed aspirin 100 mg/d AA-Ag (range:0.42% to 28.78%)in the 537 very elderly patients.Aspi-rin 100 mg/d AA-Ag before the switch in aspirin 40 mg/d group was 5.00% ±2.32% and the rate of the patients with low on-treatment platelet aggregation was 71.00%.The rates of melena or occult blood positive,other minimal bleeding,upper gastrointestinal symptoms and a history of gastrointestinal bleeding in 40 mg/d group were higher than those in 100 mg/d group.On a regimen of aspirin 40 mg/d,AA-Ag increased to 11.21% ±4.95%(range:2.12% to 28.84%)with 95.00%of the patients with AA-Ag<20%and the rate of the patients with low on-treatment platelet aggregation was 15.00%.Multiple vari-able analysis revealed that aspirin 40 mg/d AA-Ag was significantly influenced by aspirin 100 mg/d AA-Ag,BMI and platelet counts.The rate of gastrointestinal bleeding decreased from 12.00% to 5.00%, and upper gastrointestinal symptoms decreased from 59.00% to 21.00% after the switch in 40 mg/d group.Conclusion:Switching aspirin dosage from 100 mg/d to 40 mg/d reduces the bleeding events and improves upper gastrointestinal symptoms,thus inhibiting platelet aggregation effectively in very elderly patients.

Objective To investigate the effect of transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in subarachnoid space on chronic neuropathic pain in rats. Methods One hundred and forty female SD rats weighing 180-200 g were used in this study. Chronic neuropathic pain (NP) was induced by ligation and separation of tibial and common fibular nerves (SNI). Two weeks after the surgery the animals were randomly divided into4 groups (n=35 each):group Ⅰ NP; group Ⅱ NP+ MSC (MSCs); group Ⅲ NP+ phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and group Ⅳ NP+ bone marrow monocyte (BNMCs). MSCs 10 μl, PBS 10 μl and BNMCs 10 μl were injected into subaraclmoid space at 2 weeks after surgery in group Ⅱ , Ⅲ and Ⅳ respectively. Paw withdrawal threshold to yon Frey filament stimulation (PWT) was measured before surgery (T0, baseline), at 2 weeks after surgery (T1) and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks after subarachnoid injection (T2-6). Five animals were killed at T1-6 in each group and their lumbar enlargements were removed for determination of BDNF mRNA expression. Results PWT was significantly decreased by SNI at T1 in all 4 groups, and at T2-6 in group Ⅰ , Ⅲ and Ⅳ as compared with the baseline at T0 (P ＜ 0.05). Subarachnoid MSC transplantation significantly reduced mechanical hyperalgesia at T2-6 and up-regulated BDNF mRNA expression at T2-4 as compared with that at T1 (P ＜0.05). There was no significant change in PWT and BDNF mRNA expression after subarachnoid PBS and BNMCs injection in group Ⅲ and Ⅳ (P ＞ 0.05). Compared with group Ⅰ , PWT was significantly increased and BDNF mRNA expression was up-regulated in group Ⅱ (P ＜ 0.05), but no significant change in PBS and BNMCs was found in group Ⅲ (P ＞ 0.05) .Conclusion Up-regulation of BDNF mRNA expression in the spinal cord may be involved in the amelioration of chronic neuropathic pain by subarachnoid bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of negative emotions on serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and neuropeptide Y (NYP) in hepatitis B liver cirrhosis (HBLC) patients.

METHODSTotally 617 HBLC patients were assigned to the negative emotion group (415 cases) and the non-negative emotion group (202 cases) judged by negative emotions. Case numbers of various grading Child-Pugh were recorded in the two groups. Their liver functions were compared between the two groups. Serum levels of ACTH and NPY were detected using double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the two groups.

RESULTSThere was no statistical difference in Child-Pugh grading between the two groups (χ2 = 0.65, P = 0.72). Compared with the non-negative emotional group, serum ACTH levels decreased significantly in the negative emotion group with statistical difference (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in serum ACTH levels between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe negative emotion of HBLC patients was not related to the serum ACTH level, but to relatively lower-concentration serum NPY levels.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; blood ; Emotions ; Hepatitis B ; blood ; psychology ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; blood ; psychology ; Neuropeptide Y ; Serum

Objective To evaluate the impact of the intrauterine device (IUD) insertion on the mental state of women.Methods From Jan.2009 to Jun.2010,a multi-center clinical observational study was performed.Totally 641 women were selected in the six provinces' 18 family planning service stations and hospitals for IUD insertion surgery study.Analysis of the change of women's mental state which was evaluated by symptom checklist-90 (SCL-90) scale before and after IUD insertion surgery.Results Before and after IUD insertion surgery,10 factors' scores in SCL-90 of the observed objects were between 1.1 to 1.2,total scores were 107 ± 27 and 105 ± 25,respectively.Before and after surgery,total average score both were 1.2,the average score of positive items both were 2.1.The difference of the above results were not statistically significance (all P ＞0.05).Preoperative and postoperative,the rate of positive items was 9.2％-19.6％ and 7.7％-17.6％,respectively.In addition to anxiety and fear,the rate of other factors' positive items postoperative was significantly lower than those in the preoperative (all P ＜ 0.05).The incidence of the observed objects postoperative of each factor score,deteriorated was in the range of 4.9％ to 23.0％,improved was in the range of 26.3％-50.1％.The incidence of total scores,deterioration was 28.8％ (166/575),improved was 45.6％ (262/575).The incidence of the average score of positive items,deterioration was 3.7％ (21/575),improved was 52.3％ (301/575).Logistic analysis showed that,in addition to unit level,there were no other significant influencing factors for women' mental state of postoperative (all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion IUD insertion surgery has no adverse effect on women's mental state.