Abstract:ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Rheb, a regulating protein in the upper stream of mTOR signaling pathway, on adipocyte differentiation. Methods(1) The recombinant plasmid pCAG-Insulator-Rheb was constructed and injected into the embryo of B6 mouse to produce transgenic mouse over-expressing Rheb. (2) The mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (MEFs) were collected from Rheb transgenic mice on pregnancy day 13.5, and they were induced to differentiate into adipocytes after identified by PCR. (3) On differentiation day 12, the MEFs were subjected to Oil Red O staining and the contents of triglyceride in the MEFs were determined; moreover, the expression of special transcription factor PPARγ and C/EBPα was examined by real-time PCR, and all of the above parameters were used to assess the role of Rheb in the differentiation of adipocytes. ResultsWe successfully constructed the transgenic mouse model over-expressing Rheb. We found that mouse over-expressing Rheb promoted adipogenesis in MEFs and increased the content of triglyceride in MEFs; moreover, the overexpression also greatly changed the results of Oil Red O staining and greatly promoted the expression of adipocyte specific transcript factor PPARγ and C/EBPα. ConclusionOver-expression of Rheb can promote the differentiation of MEFs into adipocytes.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles on human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT cells). MethodsHaCaT cells were incubated with different concentrations of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles for 4 h at 37℃ with 5% CO2. Then transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the way nanoparticles entering HaCaT cells and the ultrastructure of HaCaT cells. ResultsThe mean diameter of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles was 12 nm. The nanoparticles of different concentrations could enter the HaCaT cells by phagocytosis. After entering the cells the particles were released from phagocytic vesicles and exerted influence on the nearby mitochondria, leading to mitochondria swelling and cristae dissolving. ConclusionFe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles can damage the ultrastructure of mitochondria near the particles in HaCaT cells, and the effect is in a concentration-dependent manner.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo summarize our experience on the first clinical series of retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site(LESS) renal cryoablation in mainland China and to assess its safety and feasibility after obtaining the informed consents. MethodsTwo patients with small renal masses underwent retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site renal cryoablation by the same urologic surgical team at March 14, 2012 and March 19, 2012 in our department. The male patient was 79 years old, with the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI, Age-weighted) being 4, maximal tumor diameter being 2.7 cm, R.E.N.A.L. score being 2+2+3+p+3=10p,and preoperation eGFR being 61.5 ml/(min·1.73 m2). The female patient was 43 years old with CCI (Age-weighted) being 3, maximal tumor diameter being 2.6 cm, R.E.N.A.L. score being 1+1+1+a+2=5a,and preoperation eGFR being 187.8 ml/(min·1.73 m2). At the level of midaxillary line, we made a 2-cm longitudinal skin incision at the mid-point between the iliac crest and the inferior margin of 12th rib. The renal masses were fully isolated and exposed, and then two 2-mm cryoprobes were percutaneously introduced and placed into the tumor under laparoscopic visualization. Two freeze-thaw cryoablation cycles were performed according to the instruction of EndoCare Cryo-Care Surgery System. ResultsThe two procedures were smoothly completed without any extra skin incision. The operative duration, cyroablation time, estimated blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay of the male and female patients were 185/170 min, 30/30 min, 50 /30 ml, 6/5 d, respectively; and the postoperative pain scores measured by the visual analogscale (VAS) were 2/1, 1/1, and 0/0 at day 1, day 2, and day 3, respectively. Pathologic examination revealed clear cell renal cell carcinoma in both patients (Fuhrman gradeⅡandⅠ). The eGFR at 1-month after operation was 60.2/144.3 ml/(min·1.73 m2) in both patients. CT scan found no evidence of recurrence at the cyroablative region 1 week and 1 month after operation. ConclusionOur initial experience shows that laparoendoscopic single-site renal cryoablation is a safe, feasible and effective procedure, with small incision, less pain, less damage of renal function, rapid recovery, and satisfactory short-term effect, but the patients should be carefully chosen. And the long-term effect should be confirmed by large sample study.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo observe the effect of ATP on transient outward potassium current (IA) and the underlying mechanism in the cultured trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons by using whole-cell patch clamp technique. MethodsThe TG neurons were acutely separately from male SD rats and were cultured in vitro, and then were subjected to whole-cell patch clamp 4 h later. ResultsThe results showed that the ATP-activated currents in rat TG neurons could be classified into three types (T, S and B type). ATP significantly inhibited IA on T type neurons (P<0.05), and TNP-ATP, an antagonist of P2X3 receptors, could block the inhibitory effect of ATP against IA. ATP did not inhibit IA in S type neurons. Meanwhile, ATP could inhibit IA in TG neurons in which ATP could not induce any inward currents. Suramin, an antagonist of P2Y receptors, could block the inhibitory effect of ATP against IA . ConclusionATP can inhibit IA in cultured TG neurons, probably through P2X3 or P2Y receptors. Further studies are required to clarify the underlying mechanisms by which ATP affect IA, which will cast lights on the mechanism of neuropathic pain and provide evidence for the clinical therapy.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo observe the effect of nitric oxide(NO）on cardiovascular activities in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), so as to understand the role of central NO in cardiovascular regulation. MethodsThe changes of blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) were observed following treatments with increased or decreased NO in the NTS and RVLM of anaesthetized SD rats.ResultsMicroinjection of the NO precusor L-arginine (L-Arg, 2 nmol in 50 nl) into the NTS, a key relay of cardiovascular reflex transmission, produced significant decreases in BP, HR, and RSNA (P<0.05), and injection of NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME,10 nmol in 50 nl) into the NTS produced significant increases in these cardiovascular parameters (P<0.05). However, injection of L-Arg (2 nmol in 100 nl) into the RVLM, a key region controlling sympathetic outflow, significantly increased basal BP, HR, and RSNA (P<0.05), and injection of L-NAME (10 nmol in 100 nl) into the RVLM showed a cardiovascular inhibition effect (P<0.05).ConclusionNO exhibits different effects in different cardiovascular centers, suggesting that it plays a special role in maintaining the basal cardiovascular activity.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo establish a non-invasive method based on fluorescent tracer technique using inducible co-stimulatory molecules(ICOS) expressed on activated T cells for diagnosing acute heart graft rejection in mice. MethodsThe cervical heterotopic heart transplantation was used as model to establish isograft, allograft, allograft plus tacrolimus treatment, and allograft with tacrolimus ceased groups. On the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th day after transplantation, Cy7.SE-ICOS-Ab was injected into the heart transplant mice via tail veins. The real-time fluorescent imaging changes of the graft were observed by fluorescent equipment. Flow cytometry was used to examine the expression of ICOS on spleen T cells of mice in each group. H-E staining was used to observe the pathological changes of cardiac graft. ResultsThere was no noticeable fluorescent imaging in the grafts at the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th day after transplantation in the isograft and allograft with tacrolimus treatment group. On the first day after transplantation, the fluorescent imaging of graft in the allograft group had no noticeable changes, but the fluorescent imaging gradually increased on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th day. The graft fluorescent imaging became stronger on the 3rd day after ceasing tacrolimus in the treated allograft group, and it became stronger at 5 and 7 days after ceasing tacrolimus. H-E staining found no noticeable rejection in isograft group and allograft plus tacrolimus treatment group at all time points. The allograft and allograft puls tacrolimus ceased group developed rejection on the 3rd day after transplantation, and the rejection became more serious on the 5th and 7th day. Flow cytometry showed that there were no significant differences in ICOS expression on spleen T cells on the 1st day after transplantation among the four groups (P>0.05). The isograft and allograft plus tacrolimus treatment group had no ICOS expression on the T cells, and ICOS expression in the allograft and allograft with tacrolimus ceased group gradually increased on the 3rd, 5th and 7th day. ConclusionICOS expression intensity is associated with the degree of graft rejection. Fluorescently labeled anti-ICOS can help to assess the development and severity of acute rejection after transplantation in a non-invasive way.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo explore the influence of embryonic neural stem cell (ENSC) transplantation on learning and memory dysfunction after traumatic brain injury in rats. MethodsA total of 80 adult male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, traumatic brain injury (TBI) group, traumatic brain injury and neural stem cell transplantation (TBI＋NSC) group, traumatic brain injury and PBS transplantation (TBI＋PBS)group. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the distribution and migration of BrdU＋ and the changes of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus following traumatic brain injury. The spatial cognitive functions of animals were examined by Morris water maze. ResultsENSCs marked with BrdU were found in the hippocampus at 7, 14, 21, and 28 d after transplantation. Increased expression of NGF and BDNF proteins was found around the hippocampus in the TBI＋NSC group, with the IOD values at day 7 being 0.495 4±0.013 4 for NGF and 0.474 5±0.042 5 for BDNF, and the values at day 14 being 0.576 7±0.021 1 for NGF and 0.556 3±0.032 1 for BDNF, which were significantly higher than those in other groups (P<0.05). The escape latency of TBI＋NSC group was significantly decreased compared with TBI and TBI＋PBS groups(P<0.05). ConclusionNeurophic factors are changed in the hippocampus following transplantation of ENSCs, which is of great importance for the recovery of cognitive dysfunction following traumatic brain injury.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo simulate different anterior and posterior correction strategies using finite element model of Lenke 2 type adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS), in an effort to seek the optimal surgical protocol. MethodsThe finite element model of Lenke 2 type AIS was established and used to simulate five surgical strategies. The effectiveness and shoulder balance parameters were compared among different surgical approaches. ResultsThe coronary proximal thoracic(PT) Cobb angle and corrective rates of the five surgical strategies were 21.5(44.8%), 26.5(32.1%), 28.1(27.9%), 34.1(12.5%), and 32(17.9%). The corrective rates for the main thoracic curves were not significantly different among the five strategies, and the physiological sagittal configuration was maintained. Postoperative radiographic shoulder balance parameters were increased for all five surgical protocols. Except for strategy A(posterior fusion from T2 to T11), other four strategy achieved the following outcomes: coracoid height difference＞9 mm, clavical angle＞2.5° and clavicular tilt angle difference＞4.5° .ConclusionSimulation of posterior correction and fusion to T2 including both thoracic curve can achieve excellent three-dimensional corrective results and balanced shoulders for Lenke 2 type AIS model with preoperative left elevated shoulder. Partial fusion of PT curves to T3 or T4 results in inferior corrective rate of PT curve and mild or moderate shoulder imbalance. Simulation of anterior or posterior selective main thoracic curve fusion has very low spontaneous PT corrective rate and can lead to deteriorated shoulder imbalance slight to moderate degrees.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo summarize our experience in rescuing fatal bleeding induced by carotid artery rupture(CAR) and in vascular reconstruction. MethodsSix patients (11 times) with CAR-induced fatal bleeding were treated in our department during Dec. 2002 to Dec. 2008. The patients included 4 males and 2 females, with an age range of 12-67 years old and a median of 48 years old. The primary illness included vocal cord paralysis (2 cases) after operation of thyroid carcinoma, recurrent thyroid carcinoma (1 case), recurrent hypopharyngeal carcinoma (1 case), head and neck trauma (1 case) and carotid body tumor(1 case). Four patients received radiotherapy (60-80 Gy) before second operation. One patient (2 times) had in-nominate artery blowout, 4 (8 times) had common carotid blowout, and one had internal carotid artery blowout. CAR occurred during or after surgical operations in 4 patients (8 times) and was caused by external injury in 1 case (1 time). ResultsRestore of CA after complete exposure of rupture was performed for 5 times, anastomosis by artificial blood vessel for 1 time, direct anastomosis for 1 time, reconstruction by great saphenous vein for 2 times, and ligation of total carotid artery for 2 times. Of all patients, 3 cases undergoing vascular reconstruction succeeded by one try, 2 by 2 tries, and 2 cases underwent ligation of artery because of suture falling off for radiotherapy of infection. Muscle flaps including pectoralis major myocutaneous flap ( 3 cases ) and sternocleidomastoid faps (2 cases) were used to protect vascular anastomosis. All cases were successfully rescued, without perioperative death. One patient developed hemiplegial after ligation of carotid artery. All cases had complete follow-up data. One patient died due to bleeding one week after discharge, 1 died due to recurrent tumor within one year after operation. By now one patient survived for 3 years and 3 for 5 years. ConclusionOnce CAP occurs, prompt press by hands and quick anti-shock procedure are the prerequisites of successful rescue. Reconstruction or repair of carotid artery can prevent complications of the nervous system, and individualized vascular reconstruction strategy should be employed. Ligation of carotid is effective to rescue patients of CAR, but it should only be chosen when reconstruction is impossible.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo compare the effects of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration(CVVH)and intermittent hemofiltration (IHF) on the hemodynamics and clinical outcomes of patients with type 1 cardiorenal syndrome.MethodsFrom May 2008 to June 2011, 34 patients diagnosed with type 1 cardiorenal syndrome were admitted to our hospital and received CVVH(19 cases) or IHF (15 cases) . The general data, acute hemodynamic changes before and after hemofiltration and clinical outcomes at 28 days after hemofiltration were evaluated. ResultsThere were no significant differences in the heart rates, diastolic blood pressure between the two groups before and after hemofiltration (P>0.05) . The systolic pressure was similar between the two groups before hemofiltration (P>0.05), but that in the IHF group was significantly lower than that in the CVVH group after hemofiltration (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in the maximal mean pressure or blood pressure changes between the two groups at 48 h after hemofiltration(P>0.05), but the minimal mean pressure in IHF group was significantly lower than that in the CVVH group (P<0.05). The improvement of cardiac function and the mortality rates at 28 d after hemofiltration were not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05). Multivariate analysis suggested that APACHE Ⅱ was the main influence factor of 28-day mortality of patients, and APACHE Ⅱ and net ultrafiltration were the main influence factor of the minimal mean pressure. ConclusionCompared with IHF, CVVH fails to greatly reduce the mortality of patients with type 1 cardiorenal syndrome. The severity of the disease is the main influence factor for the hemodynamic changes and the 28-day mortality of patients with type 1 cardiorenal syndrome.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo investigate the salt sensitivity of middle-aged population with normal blood pressure, and to observe the consistency of chronic sodium load test and cold pressor test in determining salt sensitivity. MethodsTotally 68 middle-aged volunteers with normal blood pressure were divided into salt sensitivity (SS) group and non-salt sensitivity (NSS) group according to the results of chronic sodium load test, and the general data and increase amplitudes of blood pressure were compared between SS and NSS groups. The results of the two tests were compared by χ2 test of fourfold table. ResultsAccording to the results of chronic sodium load test 22 (32.4%) subjects were included in the SS group and 46 (67.6%) were included in the NSS group. Compared with NSS group, SS group had a significantly elder age, higher proportion of family hypertension history (P<0.05),and significantly higher heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at rest (P<0.01). After cold pressor test, the increase amplitudes of SBP, DBP and mean artery pressure(MAP) in SS group were significantly higher than those in NSS group (P<0.05, P<0.01). χ2 test of fourfold table showed no significant difference between sodium load test and cold pressor test in determining salt sensitivity (χ2=0.363, P＞0.05). ConclusionThe rate of salt sensitivity in the present normotensive middle-aged population is 32.4%. Cold pressor test may be used as a substitute for the chronic sodium load test in determination of salt sensitivity.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo systematically revise the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin in treatment of proximal ureteral calculi. MethodsElectronic search was conducted with PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, Wanfang database, CNKI and VIP to collect randomized controlled trials(RCTs) involving the application of tamsulosin in treatment of upper ureteral calculi. The quality of the included trials was assessed; the data were extracted and analyzed with RevMan 5.0 software. ResultsFive RCTs involving 480 patients were identified. The results of meta-analysis showed that, compared with the control group, patients in the tamsulosin group had (1) a remarkably higher stone clearance rate (RR=1.25,95%CI:1.12-1.40, P<0.000 1), (2) shorter mean time of calculi expulsion (shortened by 2.99 days, 95%CI: -3.61--2.37, P<0.000 01), and (3) decreased incidence of renal colic episodes and mean visual analogue scale pain score (RR=0.39,95%CI:0.26-0.57, P<0.000 01; WMD=-10.94,95%CI: -21.30--0.58, P=0.04).ConclusionOur results show that tamsulosin can improve the stone clearance, shorten the mean time for calculi expulsion, decrease the incidence of renal colic episodes and the mean visual analogue scale pain score in patients with proximal ureteral calculi.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo investigate the fragmentation pathways of Chuan’agelei (a new drug) and its flatten structure ferulic acid and ligustrazine. MethodsChuan’agelei, ferulic acid and ligustrazine were subjected to analysis by ESI-MSn in negative mode. Their fragmentation pathways were explained using the Mass Frontier 6.0 software. We also compared the fragmentation mechanisms of Chuan’agelei, ferulic acid and ligustrazine, and the fragmentation pathways were analyzed systematically. ResultsIon peaks m/z 312 \[M-H\]-, 283, 268, 193, 178, 149 and 134 were observed for Chuan’agelei; m/z 178\[M-H\]-, 149 and 134 for ferulic acid; and m/z 135 \[M-H\]- for ligustrazine. ConclusionChuan’agelei is cracked mainly by losing -CH3, -COOH and tetramethyl pyrazine. Ferulic acid is cracked mainly by losing -CH3 and -COOH, while ligustrazine can not be cracked.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo construct the three dimensional pharmacophore models of inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR-2), so as to provide a theoretical model for designing novel VEGFR-2 inhibitors. MethodsThe model was derived from 30 reported VEGFR-2 inhibitors (21 molecules as training set and the rest as testing set)with structural variety and resembling binding mode, whose IC50 values spanned 5 magnitudes by using Catalyst Software in Discovery Studio 2.5 Package. ResultsThe best model consists of one hydrogen bond receptor, two hydrophobic cores, one aromatic plane and 4 excluded volumes. The predictive relativity (R) was 0.89. ConclusionCross-validation results indicate that the constructed model has satisfactory predictivity and can be used to screen molecule databases for searching novel lead compounds which can inhibit VEGFR-2.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo determine S-(-)-amlodipine level in human plasma by LC-MS/MS method, and to investigate its chiral transformation potential in healthy male volunteers. MethodsThe separation of amlodipine was performed by CHIRAL-AGP analytical column (150.0 mm×4.0 mm, 5 μm) with 10 mmol/L acetate buffer (pH 4.38)-2-propanol (982, V/V) as the mobile phase and chlordiazepoxide as the internal standard. The plasma S-(-)-amlodipine was extracted with solid phase extraction in ten healthy male volunteers at different time points after oral test (2.5 mg). Atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) were used with positive ion scans, and the mass transition pairs of m/z 409.0→237.9 and m/z 300.0→282.0 were used to detect amlodipine and internal standard, respectively. ResultsThe linear calibration curve of each enantiomer of amlodipine showed excellent correlation over the range of 0.1031 μg/L (20.62 μg/L(r=0.999 8, r=0.999 7). The absolute recovery was more than 70.0%, the relative recoveries were 85.0%-115.0%, and intra-run and inter-run relative standard deviation (RSD) were less than 15.0%. No R-(-)-amlodipine was detected in the plasma of ten healthy male volunteers at different time points after single oral test. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of S-(-)-amlodipine in healthy male volunteers were as follows:t1/2 was (42.77±8.08) h, Cmax was (3.06±0.51) μg/L, tmax was (6.3±1.0) h, MRT was (69.25±8.04) h, AUC0-144 was (176.20±31.89) h·μg·L-1, and AUC0-∞ was (197.92±37.54) h·μg·L-1. ConclusionThe present method is highly selective, sensitive, accurate and with no endogenous interference forpharmacokinetic study. R-(+)-amlodipine is not found in the plasma, indicating that there is no chiral transformation in healthy male volunteers.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo use high-performance liquid chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-TOF/MS) for analyzing the chemical constituents of Fuzhengpingxiao Capsule. MethodsThe separation was performed on a Agilent Eclipse plus C18 reverse phase column (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm)．The mobile phase consisted of water containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile was used as gradient elute．The flow rate was 1 ml/min, the post-column split ratio was 31, and the temperature of column was 25℃. Time-of-flight mass spectrometer(TOF/MS) and electrospray ion source (ESI) was employed for qualitative analysis under both positive and negative ion mode, and mass scan range was m/z 100-1 100. ResultsA total of 247 major chemical constituents were identified in Fuzhengpingxiao Capsule by HPLC-TOF/MS, including 168 in positive mode, 103 in negative mode, and 24 in both. The source herb of the components were identified. ConclusionAn efficient HPLC-TOF/MS approach has been established for studying the chemical constituents in Fuzhengpingxiao Capsule, which paves a way for the quality control and further in vivo studies of the preparation.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo construct mouse wide-type and mutant dynactin-1 expression vectors and investigate their expression in mouse podocytes. MethodsMouse cDNA was synthesized from mouse total RNA and was used as a template for PCR amplification to obtain full length dynactin-1 cDNA. The DNA fragment was then cloned into pcDNA3.1(+)-FLAG and pEGFP-N1 vector to produce wide-type dynactin-1 vector. The mutant dynactin-1 was obtained by site-direct mutagenesis kit. All the constructs were verified by restriction enzyme digestion, sequenced, and then transfected into mouse podocyte clone 5 (MPC5). Western blotting analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy were employed to determine dynactin-1 protein expression. ResultsThe amplified mouse dynactin-1 cDNA fragment was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and a single discrete band of the correct size (3.8 kb) was observed. The vectors containing mouse dynactin-1 were subjected to restriction enzyme digestion and two vector fragments (pcDNA3.1\[+\]-FLAG(5.4 kb) and pEGFP-N1\[4.7 kb\] individually) and the 3.8 kb insert fragment were observed by electrophoresis. The result of sequencing showed that the sequence of cloned dynactin-1 was identical to that reported in Genbank. Dynactin-1 protein band with the correct relative molecular weight was detected by Western blotting analysis, and immunofluorescence microscopy showed dynactin-1 protein expression in the cytoplasm of the mouse podocytes. ConclusionWe have successfully constructed wide-type and mutant dynactin-1 vectors and expressed them in mouse podocytes, which provides a foundation for future research on dynactin-1.

Abstract:miRNA, regarded as an important negative gene regulator at the post-transcriptional level, plays a critical role in oligodendrocyte differentiation and pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Myelinating oligodendrocytes are important for the conduction of action potentials, synaptic plasticity and also for cognitive deficits of Alzheimer’s disease. Application of miRNA, especially oligodendrocyte-specific miRNAs in studying the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, will provide a new insight for the drug development and clinical diagnosis of the disease. In this paper we review the research progress in miRNA, oligodendrocytes and Alzheimer’s disease.

Abstract:Prostate cancer is one of the mostly-seen malignant tumors in men worldwide. Imaging technique has recently become increasing important in the diagnosis, staging, and post-treatment follow-up of prostate cancer. In this article, we review the values of conventional and functional imaging methods and molecular imaging approach in the diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer.

Abstract:Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) plays a crucial role in many cellular processes. It functions as a cofactor in more than 200 oxidation-reduction reactions in humans. As the rate-limiting enzyme of the predominant NAD biosynthesis pathway in mammals, nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) regulates the cellular NAD level. Nampt is a key protein in biochemical processes and energy metabolism and has various biological activities. Tumor cells are more sensitive to the NAD levels, making them more susceptible to Nampt inhibition than normal cells. Experimental evidence indicates that Nampt has proangiogenic activity and supports the growth of some tumors. These findings make Nampt attractive for pharmaceutical research during recent years, and Nampt inhibitors might be used for tumor chemotherapy. Currently 4 Nampt inhibitors have been reported: FK866, CHS828, CB30865, and IS001. Here we review the recent progress of Nampt inhibitors in cancer therapy, providing evidence for the development and application of Nampt regulating agents.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical value of thoracoscopy combined with laparoscopy for the treatment of early stage esophageal carcinoma. MethodsFrom June 2010 to December 2011, 56 patients with esophageal carcinoma receiving thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy(TLE)in our hospital and 53 receiving conventional open esophagectomy(OE) were included in the present study. The operative procedures,postoperative complications,recurrence or metastasis rates,mortality and follow-up outcomes were compared between the two groups. ResultsCompared with the OE group, TLE group had significantly less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, fewer ICU cases, shorter chest tube duration, less chest drainage amount and longer operation time(P<0.05).The number of harvested lymph nodes and positive lymph node rate were not significantly different between the two groups. The incidence rate of postoperative complication was 8.9% in TLE group and 11.3% in OE group (P>0.05). The two groups were followed up for 3 to 21 months. TLE group had a recurrence or metastasis rate of 5.7%, similar to that in the OE group (8.3%, P>0.05). The total survival rate of TLE group was 98.1%, which was similar to that in the OE group ( 97.9%, P>0.05). ConclusionThoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy is a safe,feasible,effective and minimally invasive method for treatment of esophageal cancer; it has less complications and quick recovery and has a similar short-term outcome to conventional open esophagectomy．

Abstract:ObjectiveTo compare the conventional repair, Prolift system and Gynemesh system in total pelvic floor reconstruction. MethodsForty patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), who were treated in our department from March 2009 to March 2011, were included in the present study. Fifteen cases were in the conventional repair group, 10 in the Prolift system surgery, and the other 15 in the Tongshi group (revised total pelvic floor construction with Gynemesh).The pre-,peri-operative data and follow-up results were compared between the 3 groups.ResultsThe body mass index, menopause age, pregnant times and the degrees of prolapses were comparable in the 3 groups (P>0.05). The degrees of anterior and posterior vaginal proplase and uterus proplase were not significantly different between the 3 group (P>0.05). The intro-operative blood loss, highest body temperature, residual urine, operation time, and hospital stay were not significantly different between the 3 groups (P>0.05).The follow-up rate was 100% for the Prolift group, with a mean time of (5.8±2.0) months; one case developed erosion in the anterior vagina1 wall and one had Ⅰ stress urinary incontinence.The follow-up rate was 93.3% in the Gyenmesh group, with a mean time of (9.1±2.0) months; one case had chylous ascites after whole pelvis suspension and one had recurrent anterior vaginal proplase POP-Q Ⅱ.The follow-up rate was 100% in the classical group, with a mean time of (9.1±5.0) months; anterior and posterior vaginal proplase POP-Q Ⅱ were each found in one case.ConclusionConventional repair, Prolift system and Gynemesh system are all safe and suitable for total pelvic floor reconstruction, and they have no difference concerning the short-term clinical outcomes and complications.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo measure the changes of total factor productivity of high level(Level 3) comprehensive military hospitals, so as to provide evidence for improving the productivity of these hospitals. MethodsThe 2007 and 2010 panel data of 36 high level military hospitals, including 3 input parameters and 5 output parameters, were collected in the present study.The Malmquist productivity index (MPI)of data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used for analysis. ResultsThe productivity of 28 (77.8%) hospitals was increased during 2007-2010.Further analysis showed that the increased productivity was mainly attributable to technology progress in 11(30.6%)hospitals, to improved efficiency in 2 (5.56%)hospitals, and to both technology progress and improved efficiency in 15(41.7%) hospitals.The 8 hospitals with decreased productivity were all due to technology backwardness. ConclusionThe total factor productivity of high level comprehensive military hospitals has witnessed a noticeable increase, and the increase is mainly attributable to technology progress and improved efficiency.The decrease of productivity is mainly due to technology backwardness.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo observe the efficacy of technetium-99 methylenediphosphonate (99Tc-MDP) combined with methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MSS) on thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). MethodsTotally 42 TAO patients with a disease course less than 1 years were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group was treated with 99Tc-MDP combined with MSS (40 mg/d for one month) and the control group was treated with MSS alone (40 mg/d for four months). The degree of exophthalmos and TAO activity were observed before and after treatment and were compared between the two groups. ResultsThe clinical symptoms of TAO were improved in both groups. The effective rate for exophthalmos degree was 90.9%(20/22) in the experimental group and 65%(13/20) in the control group, and there was significant difference between the two groups ( P<0.05 ). The clinical efficacies for TAO ophthalmopathy activity were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05 ). No 99Tc-MDP-associated adverse reactions were found in the experimental group. Conclusion99Tc-MDP combined with MSS shows satisfactory effect for treatment of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, especially for exophthalmia, with no 99Tc-MDP-associated adverse reactions, and can shorten the period of corticosteroid treatment.

Abstract:ObjectiveTo assess the value of percutaneous nephrostomy under ultrasound guidance for cystostomy in high-risk patients. MethodsSeventeen high-risk patients underwent the cystostomy using percutaneous nephrostomy under ultrasound guidance. The successful puncture rate, operation time, efficacy and postoperative complications were observed. ResultsThe puncture was successfully with one try in all the 17 cases, and the procedures were completed within 15 min. It is not necessary to suture the incision in the lower abdomen and the patients had slight pain during the procedure. During the 3-5 days follow-up, we did not found urecchysis around the catheter nor incision infection. ConclusionPercutaneous nephrostomy under ultrasound guidance can reduce the risk in high-risk patients receiving cystostomy.

Abstract:以往研究发现,动脉硬化性疾病和静脉血栓性疾病之间存在内在联系。原发性下肢深静脉血栓(deep vein thrombosis,DVT)患者中,内皮依赖性舒张功能(endothelial dependent vasodilation,EDV)减低,颈动脉内中膜厚度(intima-media thickness,IMT)增厚\[1-2\]。在继发性下肢DVT患者中,研究者没有发现颈动脉IMT增厚,据此认为继发性DVT不是动脉硬化的危险因素\[3\]。而动脉内皮细胞功能损伤才是动脉硬化的起始步骤,是动脉硬化的最早期表现,继发性下肢DVT和动脉内皮细胞功能的关系目前尚未见报道。本研究运用超声检查肱动脉EDV来代表动脉内皮细胞功能,研究急性继发性下肢DVT和早期动脉硬化之间的关系。