Abstract:Objective To prepare a pancreatic cancer-targeted nano-scale ultrasound contrast agent (T-UCA) and to evaluate its in vitro targeting effect. Methods PLGA-PEG-NHS was synthesized with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). The construction of PLGA-PEG-NHS was characterized by ¹H-NMR. Perfluoroctyl bromide (PFOB)-loaded PLGA nanoparticle contrast agent was prepared using emulsion evaporation technique with PLGA-PEG-NHS and PFOB, and the products were further conjugated with Hedgehog antibody. The morphology of T-UCA were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, and the size distribution and Zeta potential of T-UCA were characterized by dynamic light scattering method. Furthermore, the drug entrapment efficiency and loading capacity of T-UCA were determined by GC-MS,and the release rate of T-UCA in vitro was examined by dialysis method. Finally, the in vitro targeting performance was quantitatively verified by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry with human pancreatic cancer lines SW1990 and CFPAC-1. Results The average diameter and the Zeta potential of T-UCA were 198.9 nm and -31.8 mV, respectively. Moreover, the encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of T-UCA was (63.7 ± 3.9)% and (14.3 ± 0.9)%, respectively. Nearly 85.3% liquid perfluorocarbon was released from the T-UCA within 48 h. In vitro cell experiments showed that the targeted contrast agent could bind to SW1990 cells which had high expression of Hedgehog antigen, while not to the CFPAC-1 cells without expression of Hedgehog antigen. Conclusion The emulsion evaporation technique can be used to prepare T-UCA with desirable characteristics, and the prepared T-UCA can specifically target the pancreatic cancer cells with high expression of Hedgehog, making it a promising pancreatic cancer-targeted nanosacle ultrasound contrast agent.

Abstract:Objective To explore the role of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in aggravating airway inflammation and airway resistance in murine asthma model. Methods A total of 30 6-8-week-old male BALB/c mice were equally divided into three groups randomly: the control group, ovalbumin (OVA) group (asthma group), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)/OVA group (RSV+asthma group). In OVA group, murine asthma model was established using an OVA sensitization; in OSV/RSV group, mice were firstly sensitized by OVA and subsequently infected with RSV intranasally for three times to make acute viral infection asthma model; and in control group, the mice received equal volume of PBS treatment. Twenty-four hours after the last challenge, the airway resistance was evaluated by mouse ventilator (Buxco RC). Inflammatory cell infiltration was measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Pulmonary tissue samples were collected and stained with H-E, PAS or VG to observe inflammation of pulmonary tissues. Results Pulmonary tissue of mice in OVA group had inflammatory cell infiltration, airway mucus secretions were visible, and collagen was seen around the airway. Pulmonary tissue of mice in OVA/RSV group had significant inflammatory cell infiltration, alveolar stenosis, telangiectasia congestion, airway mucus secretions and collagen deposition. Lung function and the proportion of BALF eosinophils (EOS%) in OVA group and OVA/RSV group were significantly different from that of the control group (P<0.05,P<0.01). Airway resistance and the EOS% in OVA/RSV group were significantly different from those of the OVA group (P<0.05). Conclusion RSV infection can aggravate the airway inflammation and result in airway resistance in murine asthma model.

Abstract:Objective To fabricate nano-hydroxyapatite (Nano-HA)/poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) scaffolds with the selective laser sintering (SLS) technique and to study the mechanical strength, biocompatibility and bioactivity of the prepared scaffolds. Methods Nano-HA and PCL powders with Nano-HA weight ratio accounting for 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% were mixed, and PCL and Nano-HA/PCL scaffolds (5%, 10% and 15%) were fabricated using SLS technique. The porosity and mechanical strength of scaffolds were determined. Isolated rabbit bone marrow stromal cells were seeded onto the Nano-HA/PCL or PCL scaffolds and cultured in vitro. Cell adhesion and proliferation were observed. The osteogenesis for pure PCL and nano-HA/PCL scaffolds were compared by detecting alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and Alizarin Red S staining. Results Both the pure PCL and Nano-HA/PCL composite scaffolds showed good mechanical strength and cell adhesion without obvious cell toxicity. The expression of ALP in all groups showed no significant difference on the first day of seeding, but with the extension of culture time, ALP expression in Nano-HA/PCL group was significantly increased compared with PCL group and blank group( P <0.05). The expression of ALP increased with the increase of Nano-HA ratio( P <0.05). The positive intensity of Alizarin Red S staining in Nano-HA/PCL group was higher than those in PCL group and blank group; moreover, the number of calcium nodules and positive intensity of staining were inceased with the increase of nano-HA the ratio. Conclusion The nano-HA/PCL composite scaffold fabricated with SLS technique in the present study has good mechanical strength, biocompatibility and osteoinduction, and it may serve as an alternative material for bone repair.

Abstract:Objective To explore the effect of vitamin E (VE) against the neurotoxicity of benzo[a]pryene (B[a]P) in male SD rats. Methods A total of 60 male SD rats were randomly assigned to one of the following six groups (n=10/group): the blank control group, vehicle control group, B[a]P group(5 mg/kg), low dose of VE (10 mg/kg) + B[a]P (5 mg/kg) group, medium dose of VE (50 mg/kg) + B[a]P (5 mg/kg) group and high dose of VE (100 mg/kg) + B[a]P (5 mg/kg) group. The rats were gavaged with the corresponding dose of B[a]P once a day for 30 days. Morris water maze was used to evaluate the learning and memory performance of rats. Morphological changes in hippocampus were observed. The activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) and γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase(γ-GCS), the contents of glutathione(GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and malonaldehyde (MDA) in the hippocampus tissue were all examined. Results The results of the behavior tests showed that rats treated with B[a]P exhibited a significantly increased escape latency and a significantly decreased cross-platform times and the residence time on the platform compared with the blank control group and vehicle group (P<0.01). VE treatment could obviously improve the changes of the above index (P<0.01). Besides, the morphological changes in hippocampus suggested that VE could protect against the injury induced by B[a]P. The activities of SOD, GSH-Px and γ-GCS and the contents of GSH, GSSG in rat hippocampus of B[a]P group were significantly decreased, while the content of MDA was significantly increased compared with the blank control group and vehicle control group (P<0.01). Moreover, the above indices were obviously improved with the increase of VE dosage in VE groups. Conclusion VE can play an protective role in B[a]P-induced neurotoxicity.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the protective effects of glutathione (GSH) against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and the related mechanism. Methods SD rats were randomized into Sham, I/R and GSH groups with 20 rats in each group. Rat models of segmental (70%) warm hepatic ischemia were established in I/R and GSH groups. GSH was injected through the femoral vein at the dose of 5 mg/kg 5 min before ischemia. At 24 h after reperfusion, liver injury was evaluated by serological and histological indices. Liver cell apoptoses were evaluated by TUNEL staining. The GSH/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratios of tissue level were compared between different groups. Liver mitochondria were collected and the mitochondrial calcium capacity (CRC) was evaluated. Results The serum aspartate transaminanse (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in GSH group were significantly decreased 6 h after reperfusion compared with I/R group(P<0.05). 24 h after reperfusion, the liver injury was alleviated and the number of apoptosis cells was significantly decreased in GSH group compared with I/R group (P<0.05). The GSH/GSSG ratio of tissue level in GSH group was significantly increased 6 h after reperfusion compared with I/R group (P<0.05). Liver mitochondrial CRC in GSH group was significantly increased 6 h after reperfusion compared with I/R group (P<0.05). Conclusion GSH preconditioning can protect liver from hepatic I/R injury, which is possibly by inhibiting oxidative response and subsequent inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition.

Abstract:Objective To summarize our experience in surgical treatment of cervical intramedullary spinal cord tumors and to identify the prognostic factors associated with postoperative neurological status. Methods The clinical data of 65 consecutive patients with cervical intramedullary spinal cord tumors undergoing operation between Jan. 2009 and Dec. 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. McCormick Scale was applied to evaluate the preoperative and postoperative neurological functions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent prognostic factors of postoperative neurological status. Results Laminectomy was performed in 61 patients and unilateral multilevel interlaminar fenestration (UMIF) was applied in 4 patients. Of all the 65 patients, 48 received total resection, 4 received subtotal resection and 13 received partial resection. The follow-up time was from 4 months to 15 years. The median follow-up time was 68 months. The clinical symptoms were relieved in 42 patients after operation, maintained unchanged in 14 and aggravated in 9. The pain remission rate of the patients was the highest (82.4%), followed by the sphincter dysfunction remission rate (68.8%), and the sensory disturbance remission rate of the patients was the lowest (39.6%). Based on McCormick Scale, the postoperative neurological functions was improved in 18 patients (27.7%) and maintained unchanged in 39 (60%), while eight patients (12.3%) developed neurological deterioration. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that good preoperative neurological function (OR=19.87, 95% CI: 4.10-96.23, P =0.000)and total resection (OR=7.40, 95% CI: 1.34-40.95, P =0.022) were the independent protective factors for postoperative neurological status. Conclusion Microsurgical resection is the first-line treatment for cervical intramedullary spinal cord tumors, which can achieve a satisfying outcome in most cases. Preoperative neurological status and surgical extent are significantly associated with the postoperative functional outcome of patients.

Abstract:Objective To evaluate the cardioprotective effects of silymarin on mice with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its possible mechanism. Methods A total of 60 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Sham group, AMI group, AMI+Silymarin group, and AMI+Vehicle group. Drug administration was started at the second day after modeling and lasted for four weeks. Four weeks after modeling, hemodynamic parameters and quantitative echocardiographic assessments were obtained to evaluate the cardiac function. Myocardium infarct area was estimated by H-E staining. Cell apoptosis was observed by TUNEL and apoptotic index was calculated. Protein expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 were detected by Western blotting analysis. Results Compared with AMI group, AMI+Silymarin group had improved hemodynamic parameters and cardiac function, significantly reduced infarction area and histopathology changes of the infarcted area (P<0.05), significantly decreased cardiomyocyte apoptotic index (P<0.05), significantly increased protein expression of Bcl-2 and significantly decreased expression of Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 (P<0.05). Conclusion Silymarin can reduce infarction area and improve cardiac function in mice, which might be related to inhibition of the myocardial apoptosis.

Abstract:Objective To study the effect of miR-141 on the proliferation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)cells. Methods The expressions of miR-141 in 19 HNSCC tissues and the matched adjacent normal tissues were analyzed by qRT-PCR. The miR-141 in Hep-2 or SCC-9 cells was overexpressed or down-regulated by miR-141 mimics or miR-141 ASO transfection. Then the effects of overexpression or down-regulation of miR-141 on cellular proliferation were analyzed by MTT experiment. The targeted genes of miR-141 were predicted by bioinformatics algorithms. Results The expression of miR-141 in HNSCC tissues was found significantly lower than that in matched normal tissue(P<0.05). Overexpression of miR-141 significantly inhibited the proliferation of Hep-2 and SCC-9 cells, and down-regulation of miR-141 significantly promoted the proliferation of Hep-2 and SCC-9 cells(P<0.05). Bioinformatics algorithms showed that ZEB1 was likely to be a targeted gene of miR-141 in HNSCC. Conclusion miR-141 may inhibit HNSCC cell proliferation via ZEB1.

Abstract:Objective To evaluate the preventive effect of pancreatic duct stent against post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) and hyperamylasemia in high-risk patients. Methods A total of 160 patients with high-risk PEP underwent ERCP therapy between Jan. 2013 and Dec. 2014 and were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into pancreatic duct stent group (n=82) and control group (n=78) according to whether receiving pancreatic duct stent or not. Abdominal pain was evaluated after ERCP. The levels of serum amylase were detected at 3 h and 24 h after ERCP. The incidences of PEP and hyperamylasemia were compared between the two groups. Results The serum amylase levels at 3 h and 24 h after ERCP in pancreatic duct stent group were significantly lower than those in control group ([184.89±257.33] U/L vs [305.35±371.81] U/L, P <0.05; [268.07±344.73] U/L vs [465.86±639.94] U/L, P <0.05). The incidences of PEP and hyperamylasemia in pancreatic duct stent group were also significantly lower than those in control group (2.4%[2/82] vs 11.5%[9/78], P <0.05;17.1%[14/82] vs 30.8%[24/78], P <0.05). The incidence of abdominal pain and abdominal pain score were (19.5%[16/82], [1.24±0.58]) in pancreatic duct stent group, which were significantly lower than those in control group (43.6% [34/78], [1.68±0.97]) ( P =0.001). Conclusion Pancreatic duct stent can effectively prevent PEP and hyperamylasemia in high-risk patients following ERCP.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅰ on the migration and invasion capacity of colon cancer cell line Caco2, and to explore the possible molecular mechanism. Methods Human colon cancer cell line Caco2 was treated with 1 μmol/L rotenone in vitro. Then the relative activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅰ was examined by chromatometry, the capacity of cell migration and invasion was determined by transwell assay, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in cells was determined using flow cytometry. Results The activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅰ of Caco2 cells treated with 1 μmol/L rotenone was significantly lower than that of the untreated cells(P<0.01). In addition, Transwell assay showed that the cell migration rate and invasive rate in Caco2 cells treated with rotenone were significantly higher than those in untreated Caco2 cells after 48 h (migrant rate [30.4±1.4]% vs [22.6±1.4]%, invasive rate [20.3±1.0]% vs [15.2±1.3]%, P<0.01). Furthermore, the ROS level in the rotenone treated cells was significantly higher than that in untreated cells ([5.68±0.44]% vs [3.46±0.30]%, P<0.01). Conclusion Our data suggest that inhibiting the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅰ may promote cell migration and invasion by increasing ROS production in colon cancer cells.

Abstract:Valproate is commonly used as a first-line broad-spectrum anti-epileptic drug. Valproate has a narrow therapeutic window, its metabolism is affected by many factors, and it has great individual differences, which makes individualized drug dosage regime needed for valproate. Population pharmacokinetics is a population analytical method developed in recent years. This paper reviewed the in vivo metabolic process and the population pharmacokinetics of valproate in recent years, and analyzed the factors that may affect the metabolism of valproate, including demographic factors, genetic factors and concomitant medications, hoping to provide reference for clinical individualized drug dosage regime.

Abstract:Hypertensive intracranial hemorrhage (HICH) has high incidence and mortality, causing great economic and health burden. However, HICH is the only subgroup of stroke that has no clear treatment standard. Though traditional craniotomy still enjoys popularity in treating HICH, yet no clear clinical evidence support its benefit to neuronal function and prognosis. Recently minimally invasive surgery (MIS) begin to show great advantage to treat HICH. This review presented the current situation and recent progress of common MIS procedures for HICH, including stereotactic aspiration, neuro-endoscopic evacuation and fibrinolysis treatment.

Abstract:MicroRNA (miRNA) is involved in the regulation of many genes at the post-transcriptional level and plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes. More and more evidence suggests that muscle atrophy diseases are related to the regulation of miRNA, which indicting that miRNA may have a great potential to become biomarkers and drug targets for the treatment and diagnosis of the disease. This paper outlined the progress of miRNA in muscle atrophy, hoping to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of muscle diseases.

Abstract:Objective To evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of minimally invasive treatment via anterolateral acromial approach (ALA) for severely impacted valgus fractures of the proximal part of the humerus. Methods From June 2011 to May 2013, a total of 20 patients with severely impacted valgus proximal humeral fracture were treated through ALA in a minimally invasive manner. Direct reduction, bone grafting, reconstruction of the rotator cuff insertion and Proximal Humerus Internal Locking System (PHILOS) planting were well carried out. Systematic rehabilitation exercise of the shoulder joint was performed postoperatively. Results All the patients were followed-up for at least one year, with an average of (15±3) months (range 12~36 months). No axillary neurapraxia occurred that could be attributed to the surgical approach. All fractures healed within 6 months, and the average Constant-Murley score at 1 year was (83.0±1.5) (range 79.0 to 89.5) during a 12-month follow-up. There was no internal fixation failure or avascular necrosis (AVN) of humeral head during follow-up. Conclusion Treatment of severely impacted valgus proximal humeral fractures with minimally invasive ALA through percutaneous plating PHILOS can avoid the injury of nerve and vascular, reduce the dissection of soft tissue, avoid damage to the residual blood supply of the humeral head and achieve stable fixation, benefiting early function recovery.

Abstract:Objective To study the clinical effect of famitinib malate for treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Methods Nine mRCC patients treated with famitinib malate in our center completed their follow-up from October 2011 to June 2015. The patients received famitinib malate at an initial dose of 25 mg, which was given orally before breakfast once a day. One cycle consisted of 42 days. The antitumor efficacy and the adverse event (AE) were observed. Results After treatment with famitinib for 3 cycles, the objective response rate (ORR) reached 66.7% (6/9) for the patients, with partial remission (PR) found in 6 patients, stable disease (SD) in 2 patients and progressive disease (PD) in 1.The median follow-up time was 29 months (15-40 months) in our study and the median progression free survival (PFS) was 16.5 months (4.5-38.0 months). The most common treatment-related AE of famitinib malate was proteinura, and other AEs were similar to those of sunitinib. Six patients had reduction and interruption as appropriate due to AEs, and 2 patients stopped the treatment due to intolerable proteinuria. Conclusion Famitinib malate has a good antitumor activity upon mRCC, and its adverse reaction is controllable, making it a promising molecule-targeted drug for clinical application.

Abstract:Objective To determine the contents of seven main flavonoids in Epimedium of different places of origin by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Methods The HPLC condition was as follows: SHISEIDO MG-C₁₈ column (3.0 mm×100 mm,3.0 μm); the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% formic acid was used as gradient elute; the gradient of acetonitrile was 25% (0-10 min), 25%-40% (10-12 min), 40%-45% (12-22 min), 45%-75% (22-25 min) and 75%(25-30 min); flow rate was 0.6 mL/min; UV detection wavelength was set at 270 nm; column temperature was 25℃; and injection volume was 5 μL. The sample was ultrasonically extracted with 70% ethanol solution. Results The seven flavonoids, including epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, icariin, icariside Ⅰ, icariside Ⅱ and anhydroicaritin were separated at baseline within 30 min. The standard curves had good linearity (r=0.999 9), with the RSD% of intraday and interday precision being both less than 2.0%, the recovery being 98%-102%, and the RSD% of stability and repeatability also being less than 2.0%. The results showed that the method could meet the requirements of method validation. The contents of seven flavonoids in reference crude meterial and Herba Epimedii from Liaoning, Gansu and Hubei province were determined. Conclusion The present method is rapid and simple, and can be used for quality control of Epimedium, which may lay a foundation for studying the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of the flavonoids of Epimedium.

Abstract:Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of presetting negative pressure drainage for anastomotic leakage after esophageal cancer surgery. Methods The clinical data of 68 patients with intrathoracic anastomotic leakage following surgery of esophageal and cardial carcinoma from January 2008 and January 2014 were retrospectively analyzed The patients were divided into 3 groups, including presetting negative pressure drainage group (Group A), endoscopy drainage placement group (Group B) and traditional treatment group (Group C ). Results A total of 1 251 patients underwent intrathoracic anastomosis were analyzed and anastomotic leakage occurred in 68 cases (5.4%), with 14(20.6%) died after operation. The mortality rates of Group A and Group B were significantly lower than that in Group C (14.3%, 0 vs 39.1%,P<0.05). The repeated drainage times in Group A and Group B were signficantly less than that in Group C (P<0.05). Compared with Group B and Group C, Group A had the advantage of shorter manipulation time (P<0.05). Drainage lavaging time, recovery time and retaining time of gastric tube in Group A and Group B were significantly shorter than those in Group C(P<0.05). Patients in Group A and Group C had significantly less discomfort in nasopharynx and significantly lower obstruction incidence compared with those in Group B (P<0.05). Except for death, all patients with anastomotic leakage had normal diet and safe discharge after prompt treatment. Conclusion Presetting negative pressure drainage after esophageal cancer surgery has a better effect for anastomotic leakage by reducing recovery time, lowering mortality rate and alleviating the suffering of patients.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the incidence and risk factors for cognitive deterioration occurred within the first three months after ischemic stroke. Methods A total of 195 patients with acute ischemic stroke were consecutively enrolled in this prospective study. The patients were divided into two groups: cognitive deterioration and non-cognitive deterioration group, according to whether the total scores of mini-mental state examination (MMSE) dropped by more than 2 points from the acute phase (first fourteen days) to three months after stroke, and comparison was made between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the risk factors for cognitive deterioration within the first three months after ischemic stroke. Results We found that 117 (60.0%) patients were diagnosed with post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) in the acute phase of ischemic stroke and 37 (19.0%) suffered cognitive deterioration within the first three months after ischemic stroke. Univariate logistic regression analysis suggested that the deterioration was significantly associated with age, sex, years of education, MMSE in the acute phase, clinical dementia rating scale (CDR) scores in the acute phase and the level of glycosylated hemoglobin at admission (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that age (>70 years old) (RR=2.509,P=0.045), illiteracy (RR=3.038,P=0.011) and the level of glycosylated hemoglobin (RR=1.364,P=0.016) in the acute phase were the risk factors for cognitive deterioration within three months after ischemic stroke,and high score of MMSE was a protective factor for cognitive deterioration within three months after ischemic stroke (RR=0.852, P=0.001). Conclusion The risk factors for early-stage cognitive deterioration after ischemic stroke include age (>70 years old), illiteracy, high level of glycosylated hemoglobin and serious cognitive impairment in the acute phase.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the body mass index (BMI) distribution of infants in urban Chongqing, and to explore the related factors of high BMI status. Methods A total of 31 902 (17 511 boys and 14 391 girls) infants aged from seven months to two years old, who received child heath care in Department of Child Health Care, the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 1^st, 2010 to November 1^st, 2014 were participants. The body mass, length, social demography, birth and infant feeding information were all collected. Chi-square test, Pearson correlation and logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. Results The rate of high BMI status was 16.1% in infants aged seven months to two years old in our study, with the number of boys being significantly more than that of the girls (18.1% vs 13.5%, P<0.01). High BMI status in infants were associated with urban living, macrosomia, caesarean, high education level of parents and breast feeding (P<0.01). The multiple logistic regressions showed that age, gender, region of living, birth mass, delivery mode,gestational age and parents' education level were associated with high BMI status in infants aged from seven months to two years old (P<0.01) . Conclusion Birth mass, feeding patterns, age, gender and region are important factors for high BMI status in infants. Childhood obesity prevention should be prevented from many aspects.

Abstract:Objective To study the effects of systemic inflammation on the damage of blood brain barrier (BBB), innate immune cell activation and neuronal degeneration in basal ganglia of diabetic mice and the related mechanisms. Methods Diabetic mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The system inflammation was induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The mice were divided into diabetic group, diabetic plus LPS group and control group. The activation of microglia and astrocyte in the area of basal ganglia and protein expression of Occludin in BBB were detected by immunofluoresence. Neuronal degeneration was detected by toluidine blue staining, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) activity was detected by gelatin substrate gel zymography. Results Compared with control group, the number of neurons in the basal ganglia was significantly decreased in the diabetic group (P<0.01) and the number of active microglia was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the diabetic group, the diabetic plus LPS group had significantly decreased neurons in the basal ganglia and significantly increased active microglia and astrocytes (P<0.05 or P<0.01). MMP-9 was significantly activated in diabetic group compared with that in the control group, and that in the diabetic plus LPS group was significantly activated compared with that in the diabetic group (P<0.05). However, the MMP-2 activities were not significantly different among the three groups. Occludin expression in the basal ganglia was decreased in the diabetic group compared with control group, and a more greater decrease was found in diabetic plus LPS group. Conclusion Hyperglycemia can lead to inflammatory cell activation in the basal ganglia, BBB damage and neuronal degeneration in mice; and systemic inflammation can aggravate the pathological process in the basal ganglia.

Abstract:Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Kuanxionglifei Decoction combined with Sanziyangqin Decoction (KXLFD-SZYQD) in treating acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with turbid phlegm obstructing lung syndrome, and to observe its effect on the lung function and routine blood tests. Methods Ninety patients meeting the diagnosis criteria were randomly divided into three groups. Thirty cases in KXLFD-SZYQD group were treated with western medicine and KXLFD-SZYQD, thirty cases in Kuanxionglifei Decoction (KXLFD) group were treated with KXLFD and western medicine, and thirty cases administered with western medicine alone were taken as controls. The therapeutic course was 7 d. The clinical therapeutic effects, accumulated scores of symptoms, pulmonary function and routine blood test were observed before and after treatment. Results (1) The total effective rates of KXLFD-SZYQD group, KXLFD group and control group were 93.3%(28/30), 80.0%(24/30) and 66.7%(20/30), respectively, with significant difference found between KXLFD-SZYQD group and control group (P=0.01). (2) The accumulated scores of symptoms showed that the improvement in KXLFD-SZYQD group was significantly greater than those in the other two groups (P=0.018, P=0.000), and the improvement of KXLFD group was significantly greater than that of the control group (P=0.027). (3) Compared with control group, KXLFD-SZYQD group also had significantly improved FEV₁%, FEV₁/FVC%, WBC and NEUT% (P=0.003, P=0.000, P=0.001,and P=0.003, respectively), and compared with KXLFD group, the improvement in KXLFD group was greater than that in the control group, but without significant difference (P=0.032, 0.037, 0.037,and 0.034, respectively). (4) The vital signs of the three groups were stable during the treatment, and there were no damage to the heart, liver or kidney and no other serious complications. Conclusion KXLFD-SZYQD combined with western medicine treatment can decrease WBC count and neutrophil percent, improve lung function and the clinical condition of AECOPD patients with turbid phlegm obstructing lung syndrome.

Abstract:Objective To construct the implantation model of human hilar cholangiocarcinoma in situ in nude mice and to analyze the nerve infiltration of cholangiocarcinoma cells in these tumors. Methods After anesthesia, nude mice were given laparotomy. Then, cultured human hilar cholangiocarcinoma cell line QBC939 was injected in the interaction between the hilar bile duct and portal vein of nude mice. Ultrasonic assay was used to determine the location and the status of the tumor. Two weeks after implantation, nude mice were sacrificed for the anatomical and pathological observation. In addition, S100 protein was detected using immunohistochemistry to determine the status of nerve infiltration in the tumor specimens. Results All nude mice implanted with QBC939 cells developed tumors in situ as revealed by Ultrasonic assay and anatomy. Tumor cells were highly aggressive and invaded into the surrounding organs and lymph node. 8 of 10 (80%) tumor specimens had nerve infiltration. Conclusion The implantation model of human hilar cholangiocarcinoma in situ with high ratio of nerve infiltration in nude mice serves as ideal platinum for exploring the mechanism of the development and progression of hilar cholangiocarcinoma and determining the effective treatment strategies.

Abstract:Obiective To observe the therapeutic effect of salt-partitioned moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) plus warm needling method on deficiency syndrome of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Methods Thirty-six patients were divided into treatment group (n = 19) and control group (n = 17) according to visiting departments. Patients of the treatment group were administered with salt-partitioned moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) plus warm needling method, once per day, while patients of the control group were treated with oral Finasteride, 5 mg each time, once a day. Clinical efficacy was evaluated after twelve weeks of treatment for both groups, and adverse reactions were observed. Results Total effective rate of the treatment group was 84.21% (16/19), significantly higher than 70.59% (12/17) of the control group (P<0.05). Serious adverse reactions were not observed in both groups. Conclusion Salt-partitioned moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) plus warm needling method is safe and effective for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Abstract:Objective To investgate the CT scan features of tracheobronchial amyloidosis in order to improve the diagnosis.Methods CT imagings of 7 patients(5 males and 2 females, mean age 48,range from 32~69 years.)with tracheobronchial amyloidosis histopathologically confirmed retrospectively analyzed.7 patients performed CT scan of thorax.Results 7 patients were diffuse lesions in tracheobronchial tree with wall thickening and lumen stenosis unequally.3/7 manifest annular wallthickening,4/7 manifest nonuniform wallthickening, 2/4 involve the front wall distinctly,1/4 involves the right wall distinctly,1/4 involves the front and two sides of the walls distinctly.4/7 involve two sides of the main bronchuses.1/7 involve the upper left lobe bronchus.1/7 involve the main bronchuses and all branches.1/7 uninvolved.2/7 find a soft tissue nodule against to the wall respectively.2/7 accompanied by applications,such as pulmonary atelectasis,diffuse bronchiectasia.7 patients performed histopathological examinations result of amyloidosis. conclusion tracheobronchial amyloidosis has certain characteristic on CT scan,this examination can help find applications of the lung,and plays a guidance role in diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract:Objective: Our study aimed to determine interaction of residual urine volume with dialyzer membrane flux on uremic toxicity in HD patients. Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study. Two hundred and five patients on maintenance hemodialysis in our blood purification center were included and divided into two groups of 24 h-urine volume<300 ml and 24 h-urine volume ≥ 300 ml. The patients were further divided into high-flux and low-flux dialysis groups according to the type of dialysis membrane used in each group. Baseline demographic, clinical data and laboratory values were recorded and compared in each group. Results: Patients with 24 h-residual urine volume ≥ 300 ml preferred a higher dialysis frequency (P>0.031). Body mass index(P=0.015) were significantly higher in patients with 24 h-residual urine volume ≥ 300 ml, in whom serum creatinine(P=0.033), cystatin C(P=0.002), β2-microglobulin(P=0.000) and ferritin(P=0.012) levels were significantly lower. The pre-dialysis β2-microglobulin(P=0.000) and ferritin(P=0.043) levels were significantly lower in the high-flux subgroup in patients with 24 h-residual urine volume < 300 ml, but pre-dialysis intact parathyroid hormone (P=0.049) level and body mass index (P=0.023) were significantly higher in the high-flux subgroup. Levels of serum β2-microglobulin (P=0.439) and intact parathyroid hormone (P=0.190) were not significantly different between high- and low-flux subgroups in patients with 24 h-residual urine volume ≥ 300 ml. Conclusion: High-flux dialysis was more efficient in removal of β2-microglobulin and maintenance of body mass index. Benefits of hemodialysis using high-flux membrane differed in patients with 24 h-residual urine volume < 300 ml and ≥ 300 ml. High-flux dialysis could provide more benefits in HD patients with 24 h-residual urine volume < 300 ml.