Objective:To analyze the mean levels of skeletal muscle mass and strength in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM), and to investigate the effects of chronic inflammatory factors and oxidative stress on them.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 patients with T2DM aged over 60 years and 126 elderly patients without diabetes(the control group). Skeletal muscle mass, strength and serum levels of chronic inflammatory factors interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG)were determined, and their effects on skeletal muscle mass and strength in elderly patients with T2DM were analyzed.Results:Compared with the control group, grip strength decreased in elderly patients with T2DM(25.03±7.85)kg vs.(29.52±7.73)kg( P<0.01), and skeletal muscle mass decreased(21.36±5.46)kg vs.(22.01±5.22)kg with no significant difference( P>0.05). Serum levels of 8-OHdG were higher in elderly patients with T2DM than in the control group(3.08±0.26)ng/L vs.(2.59±0.16)ng/L( P<0.01). Correlation and regression analysis results showed that 8-OHdG was an influencing factor for muscle strength in elderly patients with T2DM( R2=0.457)and that height and weight could be influencing factors for skeletal muscle mass in elderly patients with T2DM( R2=0.822). Conclusions:Skeletal muscle mass and strength decline in elderly T2DM patients, probably as a result of increased levels of oxidative stress.These findings may serve as evidence for sarcopenia intervention in elderly T2DM patients.

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) in preliminary assessment of esophageal carcinoma pathology features.Methods 58 patients were analyzed which were diagnosed with histological pathology as esophageal carcinoma underwent GSI enhanced scans before surgery.The iodine concentrations (IC) in the lesions were measured on the iodine-water based material-decomposition images.The results of IC value were evaluated retrospectively with different pathological grading,locations and pathological morphology according to the final pathologic findings.Results 52 cases patients were squamous cell carcinoma and 6 patients were adenocarcinoma.The IC values were (14.75±4.24) mg/ml and (12.86±5.09) mg/ml.The IC value between the two different pathological types had not statistically difference (P =0.35).The IC of different pathological grading:Well differentiation was (20.08± 4.66)mg/ml,n =19.Medium was (14.13±3.39) mg/ml,n =25.Poor was(11.73±3.21) mg/ml,n =14.The IC values between pathological grading had significant difference(P =0.00).There were four different pathological morphology including m edullar (n =16),m ushroom type (n =21),ulcer (n =13) and narrow type (n =8).Their IC values respectively were (16.34±2.56) mg/ml,(18.70±3.03) mg/ml,(14.31±4.60) mg/ml and (11.18±2.09) mg/ml.The IC value between mushroom and narrow type had statistical difference (P =0.04).The Other types had no statistically difference (P =0.19).Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate that GSI has a certain ability of pathologic stage of esophageal cancer.The GSI has a certain clinical value in guiding treatment and judging prognosis of esophageal carcinoma.

Aim To research the synergistic effect of hyperlipoproteinemia and Aβ in the processing of Alzheimer′s disease.Methods Seventy SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups, and dealt with D-gal(hypodermic injection), hyperlipemia diet, microinjection into both side of CA1 section in hippocampus, independently.Morris water maze(MWM) test was used to evaluate the spatial memory impairments.Tau and tau(pThr181) pathology in the hippocampus were detected using Western blot and immunohistochemistry.Nissl′s staining was used to detect cell apoptosis.Results Aβ25-35-treated rats showed significant impairments of spatial memory in MWM test, especially in the group of D-gal+Aβ25-35+HLD(P<0.01).Furthermore, these rats treated with Aβ25-35, D-gal, and hyperlipemia diet, exhibited significantly increased phosphorylation of tau, particularly in the Thr181 site.Conclusion Hyperlipoproteinemia is the risk factor for older person, which could strengthen the toxic effect of Aβ, and promote phosphorylation of tau.

OBJECTIVETo investigate flavonoids from Artocarpus hypargyreus.

METHODThe compounds were isolated by various chromatographic methods and identified by spectroscopic analysis.

RESULTTen compounds were isolated and their structures were identified as artohypaflavone (1), brosimone H (2), artonin A (3), artocarpin (4), artopetelin B (5), (-)-epiafzelechin (6), oxyresveratrol (7), (+)-afzelechin (8), (+)-catechin (9), and (+)-afzelechin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (10).

CONCLUSIONCompound 1 is a new isoprenylated flavone, while compounds 2, 4-6, and 8 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Artocarpus ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Flavonoids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure

BACKGROUNDBranch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is a common retinal vascular disorder of the elderly and both intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and intravitreal bevacizumab were reported to be effective. The purpose of this study was to compare intravitreal bevacizumab with intravitreal TA for the treatment of macular edema resulting from BRVO.

METHODSThe retrospectively comparative interventional study included a bevacizumab group of 34 BRVO patients (1.25 mg bevacizumab) and a TA group of 34 BRVO patients (4.0 mg TA), and the two groups were matched by baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Examinations were designed to be carried out at 1 day, 3 days, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after each injection. The mean follow-up was (148.43 +/- 130.56) days. Main outcome parameters were BCVA and morphometric measurements of the macula obtained by optical coherence tomography.

RESULTSIn all follow-ups, the mean changes of BCVA (LogMAR) between two groups were not significantly different (P > 0.10). Similarly, the rates of patients who got BCVA improvement > or = 2 lines or lost BCVA > or = 2 lines were not significantly different, either (P > 0.10). In both groups, compared with baseline, the mean central macular thickness (CMT) got reduction from 4 weeks to 1 year after initial injection, however, which lost statistical significance at 6-month follow-up in TA group (P = 0.25) and lost significance at 3-month and 6-month follow-up in bevacizumab group (P = 0.07, 0.21). The mean CMT between two groups differed at 3-month follow-up (P < 0.01), while almost kept parallel in other follow-ups (all P > 0.40). In TA group, retinal pigment epithelium tear occurred in 1 eye at 8 weeks after initial injection and 12 eyes (35.3%) got intraocular pressure > 21 mmHg. In bevacizumab group, no severe complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONFor BRVO, intravitreal bevacizumab versus intravitreal TA causes a similar increase in visual acuity and reduction of macular edema (except 3-month follow-up) with minor complications during 1 year.

Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; Bevacizumab ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Macular Edema ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retinal Vein Occlusion ; complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Triamcinolone Acetonide ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Visual Acuity ; Vitreous Body

Objective To evaluate the value of 3.0T magnetic resonance multi-b value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy for patients with central lung squamous cell carcinoma and atelectasis. Methods Twenty patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma were examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (including T1WI, T2WI and multi-b value DWI) before chemotherapy, 2 cycles of chemotherapy and 4 cycles of chemotherapy. The images, the tumor volume and changes of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were analyzed. Results In the patients with central lung cancer and atelectasis, the tumor and atelectasis could be distinguished on MRI examination before radiotherapy. It was more easily identified on T2WI images after radiotherapy. In the 20 patients, the ADC values in the effective group (partial remission or complete remission) and the invalid group were increased, but the differences of ADC values in the effective group before chemotherapy, 2 cycles and 4 cycles of chemotherapy were statistically significant [b=800 s/mm2:(1.09 ± 0.52) × 10-6 mm2/s, (1.22 ± 0.59) × 10-6 mm2/s, (1.24 ± 0.52) × 10-6 mm2/s, F = 31.19, P < 0.001]. There was no significant difference in ADC values between before and after chemotherapy (b = 800 s/mm2: (1.10 ± 0.49) × 10-6 mm2/s, (1.16 ± 0.60) × 10-6 mm2/s, (1.20 ± 0.72) × 10-6 mm2/s, F=2.86, P=0.089]. When b=800 s/mm2, the ADC curve slope in the effective group was more stable, better linearity. Conclusions The MRI technique can accurately distinguish the tumor from atelectasis before and after chemotherapy. The change of ADC value after chemotherapy is earlier than that of morphological change. The change rate of b value can better evaluate the curative effect of chemotherapy.

BACKGROUNDStem cells, which have the ability to differentiate into insulin-producing cells (IPCs), would provide a potentially unlimited source of islet cells for transplantation and alleviate the major limitations of availability and allogeneic rejection. Therefore, the utilization of stem cells is becoming the most promising therapy for diabetes mellitus (DM). Here, we studied the differentiation capacity of the diabetic patient's bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and tested the feasibility of using MSCs for beta-cell replacement.

METHODSBone marrow-derived MSCs were obtained from 10 DM patients (5 type 1 DM and 5 type 2 DM) and induced to IPCs under a three-stage protocol. Representative cell surface antigen expression profiles of MSCs were analysed by flow cytometric analysis. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to detect multiple genes related to pancreatic beta-cell development and function. The identity of the IPCs was illustrated by the analysis of morphology, ditizone staining and immunocytochemistry. Release of insulin by these cells was confirmed by immunoradioassay.

RESULTSFlow cytometric analysis of MSCs at passage 3 showed that these cells expressed high levels of CD29 (98.28%), CD44 (99.56%) and CD106 (98.34%). Typical islet-like cell clusters were observed at the end of the protocol (18 days). Ditizone staining and immunohistochemistry for insulin were both positive. These differentiated cells at stage 2 (10 days) expressed nestin, pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1), Neurogenin3, Pax4, insulin, glucagon, but at stage 3 (18 days) we observed the high expression of PDX-1, insulin, glucagon. Insulin was secreted by these cells in response to different concentrations of glucose stimulation in a regulated manner (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBone marrow-derived MSCs from DM patients can differentiate into functional IPCs under certain conditions in vitro. Using diabetic patient's own bone marrow-derived MSCs as a source of autologous IPCs for beta-cell replacement would be feasible.

Adult ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; Diabetes Mellitus ; therapy ; Female ; Glucose ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Insulin ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Islets of Langerhans Transplantation ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; Phenotype

AIMTo study the therapeutic efficiency of amphotericin B liposome (AmB-L) targeting to the brain in mice with meningitis.

METHODSAmphotericin B liposome targeting to the brain were prepared by film-sonication method. Their concentration and encapsulation percentage were determined. The Candida albicans was injected into the brain of BALB/c mice and the meningitis model was set up. Then the therapeutic efficiency of amphotericin B liposome targeting to the brain was studied.

RESULTSThe encapsulation percentage of amphotericin B liposome was 93.3%. The meningitis model was set up after the Candida albicans was injected into the brain of BALB/c mice for 2 h. The therapeutic efficiency was increased after conjugating RMP-7 (the commercial nama is Cereport) to the surface of amphotericin B liposome.

CONCLUSIONThe therapeutic efficiency of Amphotericin B liposome targeting to the brain in the mice with meningitis was better than that of the common amphotericin B liposome and the life of the mice in AmB-L-PEG-RMP-7 group was longer than that of the mice in AmB-L-PEG group and AmB-L-PEG + RMP-7 group.

Amphotericin B ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Antifungal Agents ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; therapeutic use ; Biological Transport ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; drug effects ; Bradykinin ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Brain ; metabolism ; Candida albicans ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Female ; Liposomes ; Male ; Meningitis, Fungal ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of Chinese medicine (CM) combined adjuvant chemotherapy in postponing relapse and metastasis of radical resected Ib-IIIa stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, and to explore its effect in improving their quality of life (QOL) and clinical symptoms.

METHODSWe designed a cohort study of 336 radical resected Ib-IIIa NSCLC patients by analyzing disease free survival (DFS) using Log-rank test. They were randomly assigned to the control group (155 cases, treated by adjuvant chemotherapy group) and the test group (181 cases, treated by adjuvant chemotherapy combined CM). By using controlled method, 60 radical resected NSCLC patients undergoing NP/NC program in 2012 (vinorelbine 25 mg/m2, combined with cisplatin 75 mg/m2 on day 1 and day 8/on day 1 or on day 1, 2, and 3; or carboplatin AUC = 5 on day 1) were assigned to the control group (29 cases) and the test group (31 cases). QOL scores (using EORTC QLQ-LC43 questionnaire) and TCM symptoms scores were compared between the two groups before chemotherapy, peri-chemotherapy (one day before the 2nd course of chemotherapy) , and after chemotherapy (20 days after ending the 4th course of chemotherapy).

RESULTS(1) The median DFS was longer in the test group than in the control group, but with no statistical difference between the two groups (42.73 months vs 35.57 months , P = 0.179). In the subgroup analysis, there was statistical difference in IIIa stage DFS. The median IIIa stage DFS of was longer in the test group than in the control group with statistical difference (27.87 months vs 19. 93 months, P = 0.047). (2) In the control study, repeated measured data indicated there was significant difference in physical functions between the two groups (P < 0.05). Total scores for health states decreased more in the test group than in the control group, but with no statistical difference (P > 0.05). Scores for constipation and CM syndrome scores were higher in the test group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCM had advantages in postponing DFS of radical resected NSCLC patients, especially in IIIa stage. CM could improve their QOL and clinical symptoms during adjuvant chemotherapy.

Adjuvants, Immunologic ; Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carboplatin ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Cisplatin ; therapeutic use ; Cohort Studies ; Disease-Free Survival ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; Quality of Life ; Vinblastine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use

BACKGROUNDTo evaluate an enzyme linked immunospot (ELISPOT) method for testing the specific cellular immunity of patients with hepatitis B and preliminarily investigate into the difference of cellular immunity in patients with various types of hepatitis B.

METHODSThe patients with acute hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis B liver cirrhosis, healthy persons with HBV vaccine immunization, healthy persons with past HBV infection and HBV naive persons were enrolled in this study. Their peripheral blood mononuclear cells were tested by ELISPOT to determine the number of gamma-interferon secreting cells.

RESULTSThe number of gamma-interferon secreting cells was significantly different between the patients with acute hepatitis B and those with chronic hepatitis B, and between the patients with acute hepatitis B and those with liver cirrhosis (P=0.0209 and P=0.0211).

CONCLUSIONThe specific cellular immunity in the patients with hepatitis B could be evaluated by determining the number of gamma-interferon secreting cells with the method of testing their peripheral blood mononuclear cells by ELISPOT. The specific cellular immunity was stronger in the patients with acute hepatitis B than in those with chronic hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; methods ; Hepatitis B ; blood ; immunology ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; blood ; immunology ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; immunology ; Interferon-gamma ; blood ; Leukocyte Count ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; cytology ; metabolism ; Liver Cirrhosis ; blood ; immunology