BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (UCBMSCs) have been shown to differentiate into nerve-like cells under the condition of in vitro culture. Brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) combined with ciliary neurotrophic factors (CNTF) at certain concentration can in vitro induce the differentiation of UCBMSCs into high proportion of neuronal-like cells. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of BDNF, CNTF and their combination for in vitrodifferentiation of UCBMSCs into nerve-like cells.METHODS: UCBMSCs of passage 5 were induced to differentiate into nerve-like cells using 5,10, 20 ug/L BDNF, 5,10, 20 ug/L CNTF or their combination. A blank control group was set, with no any interventions. Cell morphology was observed under inverted phase contrast microscope. At 1, 3, and 6 days of experiment, immunocytochemical staining for neuron specific enolase and glial fibrillary acidic protein was performed. The proportion of differentiated neuronal-like cells and glial cell-like cells was calculated.RESULTS ANDCONCLUSION:After induced differentiation into nerve-like cells, human UCBMSCs exhibited changeable morphology with contracted cell body, enhanced refraction of nucleus, and dendrite- and axon-like structure. Compared with blank control group, BDNF and CNTF couldsignificantly enhance the differentiation proportion of UCBMSCs into nerve-like cells. 20 ug/LBDNF combined with 20 ug/L CNTF yielded highest differentiation proportion of human UCBMSCs into nerve-like cells. These findings indicate that human UCBMSCs can differentiate into nerve-like cells after in vitro induction of BDNF, CNTF or their combination.

BACKGROUND: The repair of periodontal tissue is dependent on the number and proliferation and differentiation abilities of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. PDL cells have the potentiality of multi-directional differentiation such as cementoblast,osteoblast and fibroblast to fonn cement, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament and finally achieve periodontal tissue regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Shuanghuangbu extract on the proliferation and differentiation of PDL cells.DESIGN:Observation trail.SETTING:Central Laboratory of Wuxi Third People's Hospital. MATERIALS: Periodontal tissue was provided voluntarily by the healthy young patients with deformity correction, and golden thread,skullcap,and rhizoma drynariae by the National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products.METHODS: The experiment was conducted in the Central Laboratory of Wuxi Third People's Hospital from July to October 2003.The crushed golden thread.skullcap,and rhizoma drynariae were mixed with distilled water at ratio of 1:10 (m:V),and refluxed in boiling water for 5 hours.The extract was collected,and after colation,the residue was refluxed in boiling water for another 3 hours. Both extract was blended, rotary evaporated and condensed, finally the liquid extract of 3 kg/L was obtained.There were 8 groups in the study including golden thread group, skullcap group,rhizoma drynariae group,golden thread plus skullcap group,golden thread plus rhizoma drynariae group, skullcap plus rhizoma drynariae group, Shuanghuangbu group and control group. PDL cells were cultured/n vitro assisted with Shuanghuangbu.The proliferation of cells was detected with MTT method and the ratio of collagen content in total protein was evaluated with hydroxyproline (HP).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:A value of proliferated PDL cells and the proportion of collagen protein in total protein.RESULTS:①Proliferation of PDL cells:Except golden thread group,all Chinese medicine promoted the proliferation of PDL cells significantly compared with control group (P＜0.05). The A value of Shuanghuangbu group was significantly increased.A value was increased with time and reached the peak on day 5.There were significant differences among each group at different time (P＜0.05).②Ratio of collagen content in total protein:Except golden thread group,the percentage was significantly increased by other Chinese medicines compared with control group (P＜0.05), especially Shuanghuangbu. The percentage was increased with time and reached the peak on day 5. There were significant differences among each group at different time (P＜0.05). CONCLUSION:The findings suggest that as a traditional Chinese herb,Shuanghuangbu can significantly stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of PDL cells.and increase the proportion of collagen content in total protein.It may act as an ideal Chinese medicine helper factor for the regeneration of PDL cells.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the safe and effective treatment for painful venous malformation (VM) in limbs.

METHOD(1) 97 cases with painful VM underwent MRI to detect the location of VM, as well as its size and structure, its relationship with the surrounding tissue. Statistical analysis was also performed. (2) The embolic agent (ethanol) was first injected to embolize the draining vessels of VM, then the Polidocanol plus Methotrexate (MTX) was followed to keep the embolization effect on VM. The therapeutic effect was observed and analyzed.

RESULTSFrom January 2010 to January 2012, 97 patients with painful VM were treated. A Spearman correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between symptoms of pain and lesion growth, volume, or MRI grades (P > 0.05). The lesions in the muscle space are more likely to have the symptoms of pain (P < 0.01), followed by the lesions in the muscle, then the lesions in the joint and subcutaneous tissue. The pain relieve percentage was 95.9% (93/97) after one time embolic sclerotherapy. No severe complication, such as distant embolization, nerve damage, or muscle atrophy happened. No pain reoccurrence happened after 0.5-1.5 years of follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONSThe treatment of embolic scleratherapy is minimal invasive, safe and effective for painful VM with stable results.

Ethanol ; therapeutic use ; Extremities ; blood supply ; Humans ; Methotrexate ; therapeutic use ; Pain ; etiology ; Pain Management ; methods ; Polyethylene Glycols ; therapeutic use ; Sclerosing Solutions ; therapeutic use ; Sclerotherapy ; methods ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Vascular Malformations ; complications ; pathology ; therapy ; Veins ; abnormalities

Objective In the two division methods which are GDP per capita gathering and administrative level division of the state, which method can more reflect regional economy on teenagers psychological characteristics influence. Methods 10684 recruited youths were tested by Chinese enrollment psychological test system,and the division method of GDP per capita gathering and administrative level division of the state was adopted.Results By the method of GDP gathering, the percent of pass from digital operation was higher in second class region to first class region(P＜ 0.05 ). The percent of pass from digital search was higher in first and second class of region compared to third class of region(P ＜0.05). For the Net dimension, the average value of third class region (52.28 ±10. 53 ) was obviously higher than that of first class region (50. 64 ±- 10. 17)and second class region (51.53 ± 10.28 ) (P＜0. 05 ). For the Dit dimension, the average value of third class region (52.83 ± 11.03 ) was obviously higher than that of first class region (50. 56 ± 10. 56 ) and second class region (51.80 ± 10. 81 ) (P ＜0.05 ). The average value of Set dimension of second class region (51.81 ± 10.72)and third class region (52.44±- 10.94) was evidently higher than that of first class region (49.90 ± 10.76 ) (P ＜ 0. 05 ). While through the administrative level division of the state, the percent of pass was apparently higher in city than in country for digital searching and words reasoning; Set dimension was distinctly higher in country ( 52.30± 10. 85 ) than in city (51.07 ±10.90)(P＜0.05). Conclusion The GDP per capita clustering method can better reflect the regional economy on teenagers psychological characteristics influence.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and mechanism of extract of Apocynum venetum (AV) on kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The indexes of the blood glucose, renal function and oxidative stress were observed. The DM rats were administrated with the AV for 8 weeks, the above-mentioned indexes were detected. The blood glucose level, BUN, 24 h urine protein excretion, urine volume, renal index, renal cortex's MDA level in model groups all increased significantly. Renal cortex's SOD and GSH activities decreased significantly compared with the normal control group (P < 0.05). The above-mentioned indexes were significantly improved by the AV treatment (P < 0.05). AV have protective effects on renal function of kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, and maybe via inhibition of the renal oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVETo explore the methylation status in promoter region of norepinephrine transporter gene (NET, SLC6A2) in heart failure ( HF) patients and its correlation with qi deficiency/blood stasis syndrome (QDS/BSS).

METHODSThirty-six patients with heart failure (NYHA classification III to IV) were recruited in the study (as the heart failure group) and their scores of QDS/BSS were evaluated. Besides, a healthy elderly group (30 cases) and a healthy youth group (30 cases) were also set up. They were recruited from Physical Examination Center of Fujian Provincial Hospital. Pyrosequencing was applied to detect the methylation in promoter region of SLC6A2 gene, and the total methylation index (MTI) of CpG island was calculated. The correlation between the methylation status in promoter region of SLC6A2 and scores of QDS/BSS was assessed using Pearson and Partial analyses. Risk factors were screened and adjusted using Logistic regression.

RESULTSBy one-factor analysis of variance, the total MTI in the HF group (219.72% ± 54.03%) was obviously higher than that in the healthy elderly group (194.47% ± 34.92%) and the healthy youth group (161.60% ± 41.11%) (all P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the total MTI was higher in the healthy elderly group than in the healthy youth group (P < 0.01). By covariance analysis , after controlling age and BMI, the total MTI was higher in the HF group than in the healthy elderly group (P = 0.041), while it was higher in the healthy elderly group than in the healthy youth group (P = 0.016). Age was found to play an essential role in affecting MTI of SLC6A2 gene promoter region among the 3 groups (F = 16.447, P = 0.01). The total MTI was quite lower in the healthy youth group. Results of Partial correlation analysis showed MTI was positively correlated with scores of qi deficiency and blood stasis respectively (r = 0.494 and 0.419 respectively, both P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed after adjusting confounding factors, the relative risk (OR value) of total MTI of SLC6A2 gene in promoter region was 1.038 (95% CI, 1.006 to 1.071, P = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONSAbnormally elevated methylation of the promoter region of SLC6A2 gene is one of risk factors for HF. In addition, the degree of methylation of the promoter region of SLC6A2 gene was positively correlated with the severity of QDS/BSS.

Adolescent ; Aged ; DNA Methylation ; Heart Failure ; genetics ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Norepinephrine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins ; genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Qi

OBJECTIVETo explore clinical effects of suturing-assisted locking plate in treating elderly proximal humeral fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2005 to January 2013, 55 elderly patients with three- and four-part fractures of proximal humeral fractures were divided into treatment group and control group. In treatment group, there were 31 patients including 12 males, and 19 females aged from 65 to 85 with an average of (74.00±5.42) years old, and treated with suturing-assisted locking plates; 19 patients were Neer 3-part fractures, and 12 patients were Neer 4-part fractures of proximal humerus; 23 patients were suffered from low-energy injuries and 8 patients were caused by high-energy injuries. In control group, there were 24 patients including 7 males, and 17 females aged from 65 to 85 with an average of (72.79±5.34) years old, and treated with locking plates; 16 patients were Neer 3-part fractures, and 8 patients were Neer 4-part fractures of proximal humerus; 17 patients were suffered from low-energy injuries and 7 patients were caused by high-energy injuries. Operative time, blood loss during operation, and bone healing time between two groups were observed and compared. Postoperative Neer scoring were used to evaluate recovery of shoulder joint function.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 6 to 24 months with an average of 16.1 months. In treatment group, blood loss was (495.806±143.150) ml, function of Neer scoring was 22.645±2.443, range of action was 18.194±2.613, anatomy was 7.935±1.504 and total score of Neer scoring was 77.161±8.335; while in control group, blood loss was (641.667±169.851) ml, function of Neer scoring was 13.958±1.989, range of action was 13.083±2.165, anatomy was 5.500±1.978 and total score of Neer scoring was 58.792±7.313. There were sigificant difference between two groups in these indexes.

CONCLUSIONSuturing-assisted locking plate for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures in elderly, has advantages of less blood loss, simple fracture reduction and rapid recovery of shoulder joint, and is a effective method.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Plates ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Recovery of Function ; Shoulder Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Shoulder Joint ; physiopathology ; Sutures

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Qinwen Baidu Decoction (QBD) in treating snake bite induced dissseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

METHODSForty-six patients were randomly divided into the control group (n = 16) and the treated group (n = 30). They were all treated with the conventional therapy, including application of anti-snake venom serum and supplement of blood agglutination factors. For the treated group, QBD was administered additionally. The efficacy of treatment, chief indexes for DIC (platelet, fibrinogen and prothrombin time) and their recovery time, etc. were observed.

RESULTSThe total effective rate of the treated group was 93.33%, which was higher than that of the control group (56.35%), and the recovery time of chief DIC indexes in the treated group was significantly shorter than that in the control group respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONQBD shows obvious effects of shortening therapeutic course and enhancing efficacy in treating snake bite induced DIC.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Immune Sera ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Single-Blind Method ; Snake Bites ; complications ; drug therapy ; Snake Venoms ; immunology

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a highly valued traditional chinese medicine for the treatment of atherosclerosis-related disorders in china, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in China. The wilt disease is serious in the culture of S. miltiorrhiza. Wilt disease cause biomass of plant shoots and roots is lessened, active components are decreased. To solve these problems, we research the pathogen causing wilt disease of S. miltiorrhiza. The suspected pathogen is identified by morphology and etiological test. The identification was further confirmed by alignment the sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplified by PCR. Our result show the wilt disease of S. miltiorrhiza mostly occurred in July and August, which is hot and wetter. The wilt disease rate of S. miltiorrhiza continuous cropping for one year in S. miltiorrhiz stubble is 10%, but the wilt disease rate of S. miltiorrhiza continuous cropping for three years in S. miltiorrhiz stubble is 60%-70%. The root rot of S. miltiorrhiz caused by the wilt disease, so the wilt disease was mistaken for the rot root in production. Morphological characteristics show the pathogen is Fusarium oxysporum. The sequence of ITS wes determined and found by BLAST shared 99% identity to that of F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum. So it comes to the conclusion that the causing agent of wilt disease on S. miltiorrhiza belongs to F. oxysporum.
DNA, Intergenic ; genetics ; Fusarium ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; physiology ; Plant Diseases ; microbiology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; microbiology ; Seasons

OBJECTIVETo demonstrate the effects and mechanisms of Huangkui capsule (HKC) on renal fibrosis in rats with diabetic nephropathy (DN).

METHODRats were randomly divided into 5 groups, the sham-operated group (Sham group, n = 5), the vehicle-given group (Vehicle group, n = 7), the low dose of HKC-treated group (L-HKC group, n = 7), the high dose of HKC-treated group (H-HKC group, n = 7) and the lipoic acid (LA)-treated group (LA group, n = 7). DN models were induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ,35 mg x kg(-1)) twice and unilateral nephrectomy. After models were successfully established, the rats in HKC and LA groups were daily administrated with HKC suspensions (0.75, 2 g x kg(-1)) or LA suspensions (60 mg x kg(-1)) respectively, and at the same time, the rats in Vehicle group were daily administrated with distilled water (2 mL) for 8 weeks. All rats were sacrificed at the end of week 8 to collect blood and renal tissues. UAlb, renal function, renal fibrotic morphologic characteristics, as well as oxidative stress (OS)-related markers, the protein expressions of the key signaling molecules in p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling pathway, fibrogenic cytokines and inflammatory factors were examined respectively.

RESULTHKC, similar to LA, improved the general state of health, body weight, UAlb, BUN, UA and Alb in DN model rats. Of note, renal fibrosis was ameliorated in HKC groups,especially in H-HKC group which was better than that in LA group. In addition, HKC not only improved the main indexes of OS in the kidney like LA, but also down-regulated the protein expressions of phosphorylated-p38MAPK (p-p38MAPK), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in the kidney, whereas, LA only decreased the protein expression of TNF-α in the kidney in DN model rats.

CONCLUSIONHKC, similar to LA, has the actions of anti-OS in vivo. Moreover, HKC could attenuate renal fibrosis by suppressing the activation of p38MAPK signaling pathway and the protein expressions of fibrogenic cytokines and inflammatory factors in the kidney in DN model rats, which is different from LA.

Abelmoschus ; chemistry ; Animals ; Capsules ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Fibrosis ; Kidney ; drug effects ; pathology ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; drug effects ; Male ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors