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Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as essential regulators in a plethora of cancers. Nonetheless, the mechanistic functions of circRNAs in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) remain largely unknown. Methods: In this study, we aimed to identify novel circRNAs that regulate RCC epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and to subsequently determine their regulatory mechanisms and clinical significance. Results: circPRRC2A was identified by circRNA microarray and validated by qRT-PCR. The role of circPRRC2A in RCC metastasis was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. We found that increased expression of circPRRC2A is positively associated with advanced clinical stage and worse survivorship in RCC patients. Mechanistically, our results indicate that circPRRC2A prevents the degradation of TRPM3, a tissue-specific oncogene, mRNA by sponging miR-514a-5p and miR-6776-5p. Moreover, circPRRC2A promotes tumor EMT and aggressiveness in patients with RCC. Conclusions: These findings infer the exciting possibility that circPRRC2A may be exploited as a therapeutic and prognostic target for RCC patients.

To summarize the experience of retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RLU) in the treatment of upper ureteral calculi and long-term follow-up results and compare them with ureteroscopic lithotomy (URL) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).The clinical data of 585 patients with complex upper ureteral calculi who met the inclusion criteria from January 2006 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 206 cases treated with RLU, 201 cases treated with URL and 178 cases treated with PCNL. The operation time, hospitalization time, stone clearance rate, incidence of postoperative complications and recurrence rate were observed and compared among the three groups.Among 585 eligible patients, 206 cases were treated with RLU, 201 cases were treated with URL and 178 cases were treated with PCNL. The stone clearance rate (98.54%), postoperative complication types and rate (0.97%) in the RLU group were superior to those in the URL group and the PCNL group (P 0.05). There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate (3.88%) between the RLU group and the other two groups (P 0.05).Retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy has many advantages in the treatment of upper ureteral calculi, including high stone clearance rate, less complications especially in ureteral stricture. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is also safe to treat upper ureteral calculi accompanied with severe urinary tract infection.

BACKGROUND Soft-tissue digital defects frequently need to be covered by a flap rather than a skin graft. In hand surgery, functional preservation and aesthetic appearance are often as important as procedural efficacy. OBJECTIVE We present our clinical experience with reconstruction of digital skin defects with the free wrist crease flap. METHODS From January 2012 to September 2013, 14 digits of 14 patients (10 males, 4 females) were included for evaluation. The procedure was performed with brachial plexus block anesthesia. The superficial palmar branch of the radial artery, a subcutaneous superficial vein, and the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve were included in the free wrist crease flap. The flaps were used to reconstruct the skin defect of injured digits through microvascular anastomosis, and donor sites were closed primarily. RESULTS Postoperative follow-up time ranged from 3 to 25 months. All digital deformities were corrected, all flaps survived completely without ischemia, and none were aesthetically bulky. The area of free wrist crease flaps ranged from 2.5 to 5.0 cm by 2.0 to 3.1 cm. Slight wound infections appeared in two cases. Venous crisis occurred in one case, but it was successfully addressed after vascular exploration and reanastomosis. Sensation determined by static two-point discrimination measured in these flaps 2 months postsurgery was "good" at a mean 9.7 ± 2.1 mm (range, 6-14 mm). The mean motion range of the distal interphalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint was 23.4 ± 6.9 degrees (0-42 degrees) and 75.8 ± 22.1 degrees (0-98 degrees) preoperatively. The mean motion range of the distal interphalangeal joint recovered to 40.3 ± 5.7 degrees (36-42 degrees), and that of the proximal interphalangeal joint was 90.3 ± 15.3 degrees (85-98 degrees) postoperatively. Both joints reached normal motion angle and difference was statistically significant preoperatively and postoperatively (p

Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is one of the most important pests of asparagus in China. In this study the effects of five constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) on the growth, survivorship and reproduction of Proprioseiopsis asetus (Chant) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) fed on T. tabaci was examined under laboratory conditions. Development time of immatures decreased with increasing temperature. The lower egg-to-adult developmental threshold (T 0) and thermal constant (K) of P. asetus were estimated at 15.2 °C and 75.8 degree days by means of a linear model. Fertilized females fed on T. tabaci produced offspring of both sexes, whereas the offspring sex ratio [♀/(♀ + ♂)] of P. asetus at 20–35 °C was female-biased (0.68–0.78) and not significantly influenced by temperature. Survivorship during immature development was significantly influenced by temperature, and was especially low at 15 °C. Pre- and post-oviposition periods of fertilized females shortened with the increase in temperature. The longest oviposition period was 20.4 days, at 25 °C, whereas at 15 °C the mites did not reproduce. Maximum average life time fecundity and mean daily fecundity was recorded at 25 and 35 °C, respectively; the intrinsic rate of increase ranged from 0.05 (20 °C) to 0.17 (35 °C). The results indicate the capability of P. asetus to develop and reproduce at a broad range of temperatures, especially above 25 °C, which can be used for better management of T. tabaci in asparagus.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in aged men. In this study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of transurethral enucleation of prostate with button electrode plasmakinetic vaporization for the treatment of BPH. 60 patients diagnosed with BPH who were treated in our hospital from August to December, 2014 by enucleation with button electrode were retrospectively reviewed, and operation time, urinary catheter indwelling time, continuous bladder irrigation time, operation related complications, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual urine volume (PVR), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life assessment (QOL), perioperative hemoglobin and electrolytes were recorded. All the operations were completed successfully. The operation time and urinary catheter indwelling time were 45.3 ± 16.2 min and 1.72 ± 0.32 d, respectively. During the follow-up, urethral stricture (n = 1), and urinary incontinence (n = 2) were found with recovery after 1-month training. Postoperative PVR at 1, 3 and 6 months significantly decreased compared with preoperative ones (P max, QOL at 1, 3 and 6 months improved significantly (P

To investigate the risk factors of the serious complications related with double-J ureteral stent placement following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).Clinical data were reviewed for 272 patients treated with PCNL and indwelling double-J stents between January, 2014 and April, 2016. The risk factors of serious complications were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Serious complications of double-J ureteral stenting occurred in 63 patients (23.1%). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the ureter abnormalities (β=1.735, P=0.000, OR=5.670), stent indwelling duration (β=1.206, P=0.028, OR=3.340), gender (β=0.895, P=0.016, OR=2.446), preoperative urinary tract infection (β=0.849, P=0.020 , OR=2.338) and stent size (β=0.847, P=0.011, OR=2.333) were all risk factors of serious complications related with the procedure.Male patients are exposed to a higher risk of serious complications following PCNL. Effective management of urinary tract infection and choice of appropriate stent size in cases of ureteral abnormalities help to reduce these complications. The double-J stent should be withdrawn as soon as possible in patients with good postoperative recovery.

Accurate estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is important in clinical practice. Current models derived from regression are limited by the imprecision of GFR estimates. We hypothesized that an artificial neural network (ANN) might improve the precision of GFR estimates.A study of diagnostic test accuracy.1,230 patients with chronic kidney disease were enrolled, including the development cohort (n=581), internal validation cohort (n=278), and external validation cohort (n=371).Estimated GFR (eGFR) using a new ANN model and a new regression model using age, sex, and standardized serum creatinine level derived in the development and internal validation cohort, and the CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) 2009 creatinine equation.Measured GFR (mGFR).GFR was measured using a diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid renal dynamic imaging method. Serum creatinine was measured with an enzymatic method traceable to isotope-dilution mass spectrometry.In the external validation cohort, mean mGFR was 49±27 (SD) mL/min/1.73 m2 and biases (median difference between mGFR and eGFR) for the CKD-EPI, new regression, and new ANN models were 0.4, 1.5, and -0.5 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively (P0.001 and P=0.02 compared to CKD-EPI and P0.001 comparing the new regression and ANN models). Precisions (IQRs for the difference) were 22.6, 14.9, and 15.6 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively (P0.001 for both compared to CKD-EPI and P0.001 comparing the new ANN and new regression models). Accuracies (proportions of eGFRs not deviating30% from mGFR) were 50.9%, 77.4%, and 78.7%, respectively (P0.001 for both compared to CKD-EPI and P=0.5 comparing the new ANN and new regression models).Different methods for measuring GFR were a source of systematic bias in comparisons of new models to CKD-EPI, and both the derivation and validation cohorts consisted of a group of patients who were referred to the same institution.An ANN model using 3 variables did not perform better than a new regression model. Whether ANN can improve GFR estimation using more variables requires further investigation.

Objective To investigate the correlation of histological prostatitis with sexual function (erectile dysfunction [ED]) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods A retrospective analysis of patients with BPH who received surgical treatment (from May 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012) was conducted, consisting of 80 patients with uncomplicated BPH and 80 patients with BPH plus histological prostatitis. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) symptom score and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) before surgery were calculated. Preoperative sexual functions were compared between the 2 groups. Results Differences between both groups in age (72.56 ± 7.36 vs 71.98 ± 7.33) and IPSS score (18.65 ± 5.72 vs 20.50 ± 7.12) were not statistically significant (P >.05). Meanwhile, comparison in erectile function symptom score (14.80 ± 5.93 vs 7.35 ± 4.38) demonstrated significant differences (P

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated kidney injuries and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity and the therapeutic effects of tempol in crush syndrome (CS) model rats. Methods: Male Wister rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (SOG), CS groups (CS6G, CS12G and CS24G) and tempol treatment group (TG, a ROS scavenger). CS model rats were established by crushing the hind limbs of rats with 15 kg pressure for 6 hours, and inferior caval vein blood and kidney samples were harvested at 6, 12, 24 hours after removing crush pressure. In TG, 100 mg/kg tempol was intraperitoneally injected into CS model rats after withdraw of crush pressure. In SOG, rats were fixed on the board without any crush pressure. The activation of c-jun was determined by western blotting. Serological parameters and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in kidney tissues were determined by standard methods. Results: Acute kidney injury reached the peak at 12 hours after the crush pressure. Compared with SOG, the content of phosphorylated c-jun was significantly higher in CSG and TG (p < 0.05), and the content of phosphorylated c-jun in the CSG was significantly higher than that in TG (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the changes of the MDA content in the kidney tissues of the 3 groups were similar to the changes of phosphorylated c-jun content. Conclusion: ROS-mediated phosphorylation of c-jun may play important roles in the acute kidney injury of CS rats. Tempol can inhibit the phosphorylation of c-jun and alleviate the acute kidney injury.

Urethral ultrasonography is non-invasive and able to indicate the urethral lumen clearly, as well as the surrounding tissues of the posterior urethra, without contrast agent or X-ray irradiation. In this paper, we evaluate the reliability of urethral ultrasonography in the diagnosis of dysuria following bipolar transurethral plasma kinetic prostatectomy (TUPKP). A total of 120 benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients with dysuria undergoing TUPKP were enrolled in this study, with a mean age of 72.8 years. All the patients received urethral ultrasonography, urethroscopy and bladder neck urethra stenosis oulectomy. Among the 120 cases, there were 22 cases of bladder neck closure, 20 bladder orifice stricture, 60 urethral stricture, 10 prostate remnants, 2 calculi in prostatic urethra, 4 dysfunction of bladder detrusor muscle and 2 flap of internal urethral orifice. χ2-test was used for the comparison of ultrasonography and urethral cystoscopy in the diagnosis of dysuria following TRPKP, and no significant difference was found between two diagnostic tools (χ 2 = 0.94, P > 0.05). Urethral ultrasonography is a reliable and minimally invasive diagnostic tool for dysuria following TUPKP and is conducive to early treatment of dysuria following prostatectomy.

The present experiments sought to determine whether cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3), suppressed elastase-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development in a rat model.Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 16/each group) were randomly distributed into three groups: sham-, saline-, and cilostazol-. Rats of saline and cilostazol groups underwent intra-aortic elastase perfusion to induce AAAs, while rats of sham-group were perfused with saline. Rats of cilostazol-group received cilostazol treatment (100 mgkg(-1)d(-1)) for the entire experimental period. The areas of the lumen of the aortas at the segment with maximum diameter were measured preperfusion and on d 7, 14 after perfusion. Systolic blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff technique. Aortic tissue samples were harvested on d 14 after intra-aortic perfusion and evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot for matrix metalloproteinase-2, 9 (MMP-2, 9), by immunohistochemistry for nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and by Gomori aldehyde fuchsin for elastin. Activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in these samples were also measured.On d 14, rats of saline-group had significantly increased aortic sizes compared with sham-group (P0.01), while, cilostazol treatment significantly reduced this increase (cilostazol- versus saline-, P0.01) without affecting blood pressure (P0.05). The expression of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the destruction of elastic fibers in aortic tissues were significantly decreased by cilostazol treatment (P0.05), probably through the suppression of NF-κB activation (P0.01). Consistently, cilostazol significantly inhibited NADPH oxidase activity (P0.01), accompanied by a reduced level of ROS (P0.01).Cilostazol retards experimental AAAs development independently of blood pressure reduction possibly by inhibiting proteolysis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Selective PDE3 inhibition may offer an additional method to pharmacologically inhibit AAAs.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Liangxue Tongyu Formula (LXTYF), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on brain edema in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage and to explore the mechanism. METHODS Intracerebral hemorrhage was induced by using the intrastriatal autologous blood injection. Rats were randomized into sham-operated (SO) group, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) group and LXTYF group. Rats in the LXTYF group were intragastrically administered with LXTYF every day while the other two groups were given normal saline. Brain water content was determined at 24, 48, 72, and 120 h after intracerebral hemorrhage. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) level, and MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) mRNA expressions in perihematoma area were detected by gelatin zymography and fluorescence quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction at the four time points, respectively. RESULTS Water content in the ICH group was highly elevated after intracerebral hemorrhage, and reached to the peak at 72 h. Compared with the ICH group, the LXTYF group had lower water contents at 48, 72 and 120 h after intracerebral hemorrhage (P

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility and clinical efficacy of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for T(1)- and T(2)-stage renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) of a solitary kidney.A total of 56 patients with RCC in a solitary kidney were selected in this study, including 41 men and 15 women with a mean age of 49 years. B-type ultrasonography and CT revealed T(1)N(0)M(0) tumors in 51 cases and T(2)N(0)M(0) tumors in the remaining 5 cases; 41 cases were RCC in left kidney, and 15 were RCC in right kidney. Of them, 24 cases had RCC located in the upper pole, 24 in the inferior pole, and 8 in the central region of the kidney. The mean tumor diameter was 3.0 +/- 0.8 cm (1.5-5.5 cm). Postoperative pathology report showed 46 cases of T(1)-stage tumor (T(1a): 38; T(1b): 8) and 10 cases of T(2) stage. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery was performed. Surgical resection was performed along a resection line 0.5 cm from the tumors. Renal function was determined using emission CT before and after operation. Preoperative three-dimensional CT image reconstruction was performed using multislice spiral CT.All procedures were successfully performed without open conversion and serious complications. The mean warm ischemia time was 24 +/- 4.2 minutes (19-50 minutes). The mean operation time was 95 +/- 14.5 minutes. The mean blood loss volume was 105 +/- 20.4 mL. No postoperative urine leakage occurred. Both serum creatinine and nitrogen levels were normal after operation in all cases. The mean hospital stay was 9 +/- 2 days. There was no requirement for hemodialysis. No recurrence, metastasis, and implantation were observed during the 20 +/- 4 month follow-up periods, with a survival rate of 100%.Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy can be performed safely and effectively in selected patients with tumors in a solitary kidney owing to its minimal invasion, clear dissection, less hemorrhage, and rapid recovery.

Background Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are capable of differentiating into cardiomyogenic and endothelial cells in vitro. We tested the hypothesis that transplantation of ADSCs into myocardial scar may regenerate infracted myocardium and restore cardiac function. Methods ADSCs were isolated from the fatty tissue of New Zealand white rabbits and cultured in Iscoves modified dulbeccos medium. Three weeks after ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery of rabbits, either a graft of untreated ADSCs (UASCs, n = 14), 5-azacytidine-pretreated ADSCs (AASCs, n = 13), or phosphate buffer saline (n = 13) were injected into the infarct region. Transmural scar size, cardiac function, and immunohistochemistry were performed 5 weeks after cell transplantation. Results ADSCs in culture demonstrated a fibroblast-like appearance and expressed CD29, CD44 and CD105. Five weeks after cell transplantation, transmural scar size in AASC-implanted hearts was smaller than that of the other hearts. Many ADSCs were differentiated into cardiomyocytes. The AASCs in the prescar appeared more myotube-like. AASCs in the middle of the scar and UASCs, in contrast, were poorly differentiated. Some ADSCs were differentiated into endothelial cells and participate in vessel-like structures formation. All the ADSC-implanted hearts had a greater capillary density in the infarct region than did the control hearts. Statistical analyses revealed significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction, myocardial performance index, end-diastolic pressure, and peak +dP/dt, in two groups of ADSC-implanted hearts relative to the control hearts. AASC-implanted hearts had higher peak -dP/dt values than did control, higher ejection fraction and peak +dP/dt values than did UASC-implanted hearts. Conclusions ADSCs transplanted into the myocardial scar tissue formed cardiac islands and vessel-like structures, induced angiogenesis and improved cardiac function. 5-Azacytidine pretreatment before implantation is desirable for augmenting myogenesis. Transplantation of 5-azacytidine-treated ADSCs into the myocardial scar was more efficient than that of untreated ADSCs in preservation of cardiac function.

To explore the long-term clinical efficacy and safety of transurethral plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).A total of 550 patients with BPH who had undergone PKRP from October 2006 to September 2009 were enrolled in this study. All patients were evaluated at baseline and follow-up (3, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 months postoperatively) by peak flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual (PVR), quality of life (QoL), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). Operative details and postoperative complications regarded as safety outcomes were documented.A total of 467 patients completed the 5-year follow-up. The mean duration of surgery was 36.43 minutes, mean catheterization time was 48.81 hours, mean hospital stay was 4.21 days. At 60 months postoperatively, the mean Qmax increased from 6.94 mL/s at baseline to 19.28 mL/s, the mean PVR decreased from 126.33 mL to 10.45 mL, the mean IPSS score decreased from 15.79 to 7.51, the mean QoL score decreased from 4.36 to 1.91, and the mean OABSS score decreased from 6.39 to 3.65 (P0.001), respectively. In perioperative complications, the blood transfusion rate was 2.7%, urinary tract infection rate was 3.6%; no transurethral resection syndrome (TUR syndrome) occurred. In late complications, urethral stricture rate was 5.4%, recurrent bladder outlet obstruction rate was 2.1%, and the reoperation rate was 4.5%.PKRP is based on conventional monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and uses a bipolar plasmakinetic system. Our results indicate that the long-term clinical efficacy and safety of PKRP for BPH are remarkable. In particular, the incidence of urethral stricture, recurrent bladder outlet obstruction, and reoperation is low. We suggest that PKRP is a reliable minimally invasive technique that may be the preferred procedure for the treatment of patients with BPH.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of the most dangerous heart attack risk factors: diabetes and raised fasting plasma glucose, abdominal obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Analysis and representation of the variances of metabolic profiles is urgently needed for early diagnosis and treatment of MetS. In current study, we proposed a metabolomics approach for analyzing MetS based on GC–MS profiling and random forest models. The serum samples from healthy controls and MetS patients were characterized by GC–MS. Then, random forest (RF) models were used to visually discriminate the serum changes in MetS based on these GC–MS profiles. Simultaneously, some informative metabolites or potential biomarkers were successfully discovered by means of variable importance ranking in random forest models. The metabolites such as 2-hydroxybutyric acid, inositol and d -glucose, were defined as potential biomarkers to diagnose the MetS. These results obtained by proposed method showed that the combining GC–MS profiling with random forest models was a useful approach to analyze metabolites variances and further screen the potential biomarkers for MetS diagnosis.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining reduction plating with reamed intramedullary nailing for segmental fractures of proximal-middle tibia.From June 2007 to October 2011, 31 patients with segmental fractures of proximal-middle tibia were admitted. There were 18 males and 13 females, with an average age of 45.2 years (range: 23-77 years), of whom, 9 were Gustilo I type open fractures and 22 were close fractures. All the patients were treated with assisting plate combined with reamed intramedullary nailing. The operation was performed averagely 35 h (range: 16-72 h) after injury. During the post-operation follow-up radiographic evaluation, the range of knee joint, and Johner-Wruhs scores were measured.All the patients were followed-up for 18.5 months (range: 17-24 months). No wound infection or osteofascial compartment syndrome happened. All the fractures healed after 5.1 months (range: 4-6 months). The proximal and distal fracture sites healed simultaneously. No malunion was found. In the last follow-up, the mean range of knee joint was 9°-0°-127°, and according to Johner-Wruhs scores, 19 were excellent, 10 good, and 2 fair.Assisting plate with reamed intramedullary nailing is a safe and effective alternative choice for segmental fractures of proximal-middle tibia, which can ease the difficulty of the procedure, improve the quantity of reduction and enhance the stability of the hardware.

Background Reactive oxygen species play important roles in renal calcium crystallization. In this study, we examined the effects of catechin, which have been shown to have antioxidant properties on the renal calcium crystallization. Methods In the vitro experiment, the changes of the mitochondrial membrane potential, expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase 3 were measured to show the effects of catechin treatment on the NRK-52E cells induced by calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM). In the vivo study, Sprague–Dawley rats were administered 1% ethylene glycol (EG) to generate a rat kidney stone model and then treated with catechin (2.5 and 10 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. The urine and serum variables were dected on 7 and 14 days after EG administration. The expression of cytochrome c, cleaved caspase 3, SOD, osteopontin (OPN), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in kidney were measured. Furthermore, the mitochondrial microstructure in the kidney was also examined by transmission electron microscopy. Results Catechin treatment could prevent the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and expression of SOD, 4-HNE, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase 3 in NRK-52E cells induced by the COM. For the in vivo experiments, the EG administration induced renal calcium crystallization was also prevented by the catechin. The expression of SOD, OPN, MDA, OPN and 8-OHdG, were increased after EG administration and this increase was diminished by catechin. Moreover, catechin also prevented EG induced mitochondrial collapse in rat. Conclusions Catechin has preventive effects on renal calcium crystallization both in vivo and in vitro, and provide a potential therapeutic treatment for this disease.

The Bax, cyt-c and caspase-3 proteins play an important role in regulating the myocardial apoptosis. Although very little is known about the specific signal pathways modulated by Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), it seems advisable to suppose that GBE-induced antiapoptotic effect might be attributed to the regulation of the expression of these proteins. Our aim was to investigate whether GBE could attenuate ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis in cardiac myocytes and its potential mechanisms. In the myocardium ischemia reperfusion (IR) rat model, treatment of GBE (400 mg/kg) significantly decreased the cardiomyocyte cell apoptosis and myocardium infarction. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that GBE significantly inhibited I/R-induced increase of myocardial Bax, caspase-3, and cyt-c proteins expression. Western blot analysis confirmed results of immunohistochemical analysis. It is most likely that multiple pathways are involved in IR-induced apoptosis in rat myocardium cells. Therefore, these results demonstrate that GBE exhibits significant protective effect against myocardial I/R injury in rat heart, which is related to down-regulate Bax, cyt-c and caspase-3. Bcl-2 overexpression might prevent IR-induced apoptosis by inhibiting cytochrome c release from the mitochondria and block activation of caspase-3.

The importance of 5′AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in regulating glucose and fatty acid metabolism is increasing. Thus, it is regarded as a new pharmacological target for treatment of obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In order to explore the relationships between AMPK and diabetes mellitus, urines samples from four groups of C57 mice, i.e., the normal male and female C57 mice, female C57-AMPK gene knocked-out mice, and male C57-AMPK gene knocked-out mice, were studied by coupling GC/MS with a powerful machine learning method, random forest. The experimentation has been designed as two steps: firstly, the normal male and female mice were compared with male and female C57-AMPK gene knocked-out mice, respectively; then the differences between male C57-AMPK gene knocked-out mice and female C57-AMPK gene knocked-out mice were further detected. Finally, not only the differences between the normal C57 mice and C57-AMPK gene knocked-out mice were observed, but also the gender-related metabolites differences of the C57-AMPK gene knocked-out mice were obviously visualized. The results obtained with this research demonstrate that combining GC/MS profiling with random forest is a useful approach to analyze metabolites and to screen the potential biomarkers for exploring the relationships between AMPK and diabetes mellitus.

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? AND WHAT DOES THE STUDY ADD?: Thulium laser is a new generation of surgical laser. It is a minimally invasive technology with several advantages, including rapid vaporization and minimal tissue damage and bleeding. However, details regarding the safety and efficacy of thulium laser in treating BPH remains unknown. We performed a comparative study in 100 patients with BPH of the safety and efficacy of thulium laser resection of the prostate (TMLRP, n = 50) and bipolar transurethral plasmakinetic prostatectomy (TUPKP, n = 50). We found that the efficacy and indications were the same in TMLRP and TUPKP. In TUPKP, the morbidity of urethrostenosis was low, and was nearly bloodless in surgery and had higher safety. Nevertheless, TUPKP is more suitable for patients with larger prostate volume.To compare the safety and short-term efficacy of thulium laser resection of the prostate (TMLRP) and bipolar transurethral plasmakinetic prostatectomy (TUPKP) for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).A total of 100 patients diagnosed with BPH were randomly divided into two groups, treated with either TMLRP (50, group 1) or TUPKP (50, group 2). There was no significant difference in preoperative variables such as age, prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax ) and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) between the two groups. The perioperative parameters and therapeutic effects were recorded and compared between the two groups.There were significant differences in the following parameters between the two groups (TMLRP vs TUPKP [mean ± SD]): operation duration, 61.2 ± 24.2 vs 30.14 ± 15.9 min; catheterization time, 1.8 ± 0.4 vs 3.2 ± 0.6 d; postoperative hospital stay, 3.3 ± 0.8 vs 4.1 ± 1.3 d. The volume of blood loss and postoperative bladder irrigation were significantly lower in TMLRP group than in the TUPKP group. At 1 month after the operation, there were four cases of urethral stricture in the TUPKP group. At 3 months after the operation, IPSS, quality of life (QoL), Qmax and PVR were significantly improved, with no significant difference between the two groups.TMLRP is superior to TUPKP in terms of safety, blood loss, recovery time and complication rate, and is as efficacious as TUPKP for treating BPH. Operation duration was significantly longer in the TMLRP group than in the TUPKP group.

Objectives: Exchange nailing (EN) for aseptic femoral shaft nonunion is currently a standard orthopaedic treatment modality. However, according to recent studies there is occasionally a high failure rate when EN is used. In the present study, augmentative locked plating and bone graft was used as an alternative method for treating such cases. The purpose of this study was to report the treatment outcomes of selected femoral diaphyseal nonunions that had initially been treated by nailing. Methods: Thirteen patients with femoral diaphyseal nonunions underwent revision surgery with locked plate and bone graft. The inclusion criteria were: (a) nonisthmic nonunion; (b) atrophic/oligotrophic nonunion. All patients were managed by augmentative locked plating and bone graft. Results: All patients were followed up for a mean of 1.2 years (range, 1–2 years). After revision surgery all nonunions achieved bony union, the average union time being 7.5 months (range, 6–12 months). No major complications were observed in this case series. Conclusion: Augmentative locked plating is an effective and simple technique for treatment of femoral diaphyseal nonunion after nailing in selected cases.

Both severed legs were replanted in a 41-year-old man. Bilateral tibia and fibula were shortened by 4 cm equally. Tibial fixation was performed with reconstruction plate. Four weeks after the replantation, active and passive exercises were initiated in both of the knee joints. Four months after surgery, the patient was capable of walking independently for 20-30 m without the aid of crutches. After 28 months' follow-up, plantar sensitivity was defined as S3. This patient was satisfactory with the cosmetic and functional results.

To observe the influences of seasonal factors on peripheral facial paralysis by acupuncture.Four hundred cases of facial paralysis were divided into spring, summer, autumn and winter groups, 100 cases in each group. All these cases were treated by routine puncture. Fengchi (GB 20), Yifeng (TE 17), Qianzheng (Extra), Jiache (ST 6), and Dicang (ST 4), etc. were applied at affect side, once a day. 2 months observation was carried on to compare the clinical therapeutic effects and average courses. The facial symptoms, physical sign and functional activities were taken as observation indexes of therapeutic effect.The effect rate was 78.0% (78/100) in spring group, 82.0% (82/100) in summer group, 89.0% (89/100) in autumn group and 92.0% (92/100) in winter group; the effect rate in summer or autumn group was superior to those in spring group and in summer group (all P0.05); the average course was (47.6 +/- 22.3) days in spring group, (43.7 +/- 18.4) days in summer group, (31.5 +/- 11.3) days in autumn group and (22.6 +/-9.2) days in winter group, indicating the significant differences between groups except that between spring and summer group (all P0.01). The cured and markedly effective rate was 80.1% (161/201) for wind cold type, 53.5% (61/114) for wind heat type, and 36.5% (31/85) for damp heat type, indicating that it of wind cold type was superior to that of wind heat type or damp heat type (P0.001, P0.05).The syndrome distribution and courses of peripheral facial paralysis are different in different seasons, hence, the diseases should be treated according to attack time and syndromes.

The degloving injuries of the digits and palm remain a persistent challenge. We used an antero- lateral thigh flap to treat an 18-year-old, right-handed male worker with degloving injuries of the index, middle and ring fingers. The flap was designated to wrap the entire circumference of three fingers sustaining degloving injury and to form mitten-hand. The total lengths of the distal phalanxes of three fingers were retained almost complete. The donor defect was covered with split-thickness skin graft. Three months after the first operation, roentgenograms revealed terminal phalanxex resorption in three injured fingers, and the surgical syndactyly between the middle and ring finger was separated at the same time. One month later, the syndactyly between the index and middle fingers was also separated. Good coverage of the soft tissue defects with good function and appearance was achieved. Therefore, we considered that the length of the degloved finger could be preserved using free flap.

To investigate whether whole tumor cell vaccination strategies in combination with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) can stimulate graft-versus-tumor effect (GVT).Twenty-six BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: BMT group (group A, n = 10), BMT + vaccination group (group B, n = 10), control group (group C, n = 6). (BALB/c × C57BL/6) F1 mice [CB6F1, H-2K(b/d)] were used as donors. BALB/c mice of group C were only inoculated with Renca cell (2.6 × 10(6)). Mice of group A and B were conditioned with 8 Gy irradiation, followed by infusion by bone marrow cell of CB6F1 mice on day 1, then inoculated with Renca cell (2.6 × 10(6)) on day 8. All mice of group B were immunized subcutaneous on the back with 5 × 10(5) irradiated Renca tumor cells on day 9 and day 16. All mice of group C were inoculated with Renca cell (2.6 × 10(6)) on day 8. In group A and B, all mice were analyzed by fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) on day 14, and 28 day after BMT. Mice were killed on day 32 after inoculation with tumor cell and collected blood sample. All tumors were taken out to be weighed and then fixed in 10% buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin, and cut into 5 µm slices. The slices were stained with HE and examined by TdT mediated-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Liver, skin, intestine, and spleen were biopsied for histopathological examination.The results of chimera showed that engraftments of group A, B were full donor chimerism, and the chimerism of those remained above 90% and preserved even after 28 days. The tumor weight, tumor volume increment in the group B was lower than group A and C (P0.05). The tumor suppressing rates of the group A and B were 54%, 60% respectively. The area ratio of tumor necrosis and apoptosis index (AI) of the tumor in the group B were higher than group A and C (P0.05). Graft-versus-host disease was not observed in each group.The mechanism of GVT after haploidentical allogeneic bone marrow transplantation with tumor vaccination may be the promotion of tumor necrosis and apoptosis.

To analyze the cause of the postoperative shortening in distal radius fractures and to find treatment strategies to enhance the reduction effect of distal radius fracture and long-term efficacy.From June 2005 to January 2009, 46 patients with distal radius fractures were treated by surgical operation including 17 males and 29 females,ranging from 27 to 90 years old with an average age of 48 years. All fractures were reduced satisfactory with smooth articular surface. The postoperative radial shortening was analyzed.All patients were followed-up for 6 to 24 months with an average of 14 months. Among them, 12 patients had radial shortening. The causes of postoperative radial shortening includes: (1) patients older than 60 years; (2) severe osteoporosis; (3) preoperative displacement and comminuted fractures; (4) inappropriate fixation methods; (5) inadequate bone graft; (6) premature load.The key points to enhance the treatment outcomes include precise judgement of the fracture type and bone quality, sufficient bone graft, firmly fixed after anatomical reduction and an appropriate plan for early loadless functional exercise. Traumatic arthritis may be avoided or delayed if the above-mentioned six causes can be taken into consideration or preventive measures can be taken.

The coverage of large soft tissue defects in heel is a problem for surgical reconstruction. Various reconstructive materials are available depending on the location, size and depth of heel defect, but unique function of heel skin cannot be restored easily by means of reconstruction. We used prefabricated flap of the foot heel to cover heel defect in a child and obtained satisfactory clinical results.

To investigate effect of Epimedium flavonoids (EF), positively controlled by caloric restriction (CR) method, in retarding aging of the model organism C. elegans, in order to establish a basis for studying its action mechanism.Experiment for life-time analysis was conducted on animals grouped into the blank group, the CR group, and the high and low dose EF groups to observe their mean lifespan, maximum lifespan and age-dependent mortality. And the reproductive capacity test and acute heat-stress analysis were carried out in the blank group and the high dose EF group to observe the subalgebra and the mean survival time under acute heat-stress at 35 degrees C.As compared with the blank group, the mean lifespan in the two EF group and the maximum lifespan in the high dose EF group were higher, and the age-dependent mortality in the high dose EF group was lower significantly (P0.05 or P0.01); as compared with the CR group, the mean lifespan and maximum lifespan in the high dose EF group were higher (P0.01); but no significant difference of the subalgebra between the blank group and the high dose EF group was shown (P0.05). Compared with the blank group, the mean lifespan in the high dose EF group was significantly prolonged under acute heat-stress at 35 degrees C (P0.01).EF can retard the aging of C. elegans without damage on the reproductive capacity, and significantly improve its capacity against acute heat-stress.

To investigate the effect and its mechanism of Epimedium flavanoids (EF) in retarding aging with different systematic viewpoints.Hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal and lymphocytes taken from 4-, 10-, 18-, 24-month old rats and from EF treated 24-month old rats were used to measure whole genome mRNA expression by gene array. Serum samples were used for metabonomic assay with high performance liquid chromatography. Using specific gene chip for NF-kappaB signaling pathway to detect the gene expression of the molecule related to that pathway in lymphocytes. Then, a neural network (NN) model was established upon the data obtained to quantitatively evaluate the degree of aging and the efficacy of drug intervention.Gene expression of 199 genes showedan age-dependent pattern, most of which were reversed by EF, and the output of NN model showed that EF made the transcriptomics of 24-month old rats to 8-13 months. Seventeen metabolites among the 1,885 peaks detected were identified to have significant age-depending changes, and EF intervention reset the level of metabolites to a younger (18-month) level. The integral level of gene expression for NF-kappaB signaling pathway decreased significantly along with the increasing of age, and was significantly elevated by EF, NN model showed it approached to 10.5-month old.Phenotype of aging at different levels demonstrates a common age-dependent trend; EF can reverse this age-dependent change at different levels in a synchronous manner.

To study the characteristics of protein phosphorylation of p65, IkappaBalpha and IkappaBepsilon in lymphocytes of rats in the progress of aging and the the interventional effect of Epimedium flavonoids (EF).We chose the lymphocytes derived from SD rat spleen. We divided the SD rats into five groups i. e. 4 months (4 m), 27 months (27 m), the 27 m EF treated group (27 m + EF), and we also observed the whole interventional effect of PDTC (a NF-kappaB inhibitor) on old rat groups (27 m PDTC, 27 m PDTC + EF ) when IkappaBepsilon, IkappaBalpha were detected. Through the western-blotting analyses, we studied the entire characteristics and distinctions of phosphorylation expression in molecules related to NF-kappaB signal transduction pathway p65, IkappaBepsilon and IkappaBalpha in lymphocytes across the age spectrum of rats in aging. We also observed the whole interventional effect of EF on lymphocytes of old rats.With the increasing of age, the mean level of phosphorylation expressions of p65, IkappaBalpha and IkappaBepsilon in rat spleen lymphocytes decreased obviously, When inhibited NF-kappaB by PDTC, there was decreased evidently, while PDTC + EF can active NF-kappaB family and the above molecules were increased to a certain extent.The phosphorylation expressions of p65, IkappaBalpha and IkappaBepsilon in rat spleen lymphocytes were not enouphe, EF have a strong effect to upregulated the expression of them during aging.

To observe the therapeutic effect of warming needle moxibustion on prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc.Seventy-eight cases were randomly divided into a test group and a control group, 39 cases in each group. The control group were treated with acupuncture at Shenshu (BIL 23), Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3) and Weizhong (BL, 40), etc. , and the test group with acupuncture at the same acupoints as in the control group plus warming needle moxibustion at Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3) and Weizhong (BL 40).The total effective rate of 94.9% in the test group was significantly better than 71.8% in the control group (P0.01). The incidence rate of needling sensation propagating along the channel (84.6%) in the test group was significantly higher than 56.4% in the control group (P0.01).The warming needle moxibustion stimulating the needling sensation propagating along the channel has a better therapeutic effect on prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc.

To explore the access to tobacco and exam the predictors of successful tobacco purchase attempts among Chinese minors.A simulative trial of purchasing cigarettes was participated by 201 sixth grade students to assess the prevalence of illegal cigarette sales to minors in Guangzhou. Methods of Chi-square and unconditional logistic regression were used to identify the significant predictors,with the result of tobacco purchase as the dependent variable and the characteristics of stores, retailers and minors as the independent variables.A total of 165 students succeeded in purchasing cigarettes but 36 failed, and the percentage of successful purchase attempts was 82. 1% . Data from univariate analysis indicated that 9 factors were significantly associated with students' success in purchasing cigarettes. They were age and height of the purchasers, types of stores, seller's gender and age, posting cigarette advertisements,showing warning signs of 'no cigarette selling to minors' ,asking buyer's age,and asking whom you buy the cigarettes for. The results of multivariable analysis showed that only three variables entering the final logistic regression: the age of students, the type of stores, and showing warning signs of 'no cigarette selling to minors'.Chinese minors have easy access to purchasing cigarettes, especially in groceries and small markets. Selling cigarettes by sellers to minors should be monitored and managed in the future.

To explore similarity and difference of connotation between Shen deficiency syndrome (SDS) and Shen-yang deficiency syndrome (SYDS) on the molecular level.The senescent SD rats and corticosterone-treated rats were adopted for models of SDS and SYDS respectively, their syndrome was differentiated according to the therapeutic efficacy of treatment with epimedium flavonoids (EF). The gene expression profiles of hypothalamas, pituitary, adrenal gland and lymphocytes (HPAT axis) were detected before and after EF treatment using gene chip provided by Affymetrix company.As compared with the young rats, the ageing rats and corticosterone-treated rats showed a significant down-regulation in highly consistent pattern, of various neurotransmitters of HPAT axis firstly, followed with that of growth and sex hormone related genes. EF could reverse the above genes expression in both models, and for SYDS model rats, it could also significantly up-regulate the gene expressions of heat shock protein, cytochrome P450 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).Both SDS and SYDS model rats show connotation of Shen deficiency, and the substantial base of Shen-yang deficiency syndrome resides in the process of oxidative phosphorylation of energy metabolism accelerated by thyroid hormone.

To observe clinical therapeutic effect of moxibustion and acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) on refractory facial paralysis.Sixty cases were randomly divided into a test group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The control group were treated with acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3), Touwei (ST 8), etc. , and the test group with acupuncture at the same points as those in the control group plus moxibustion and acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) with a warm-heat sense transmitting into the depth of the point along the needle body for the patient.The total effective rate of 93.3% in the test group was significantly better than 76.7 in the control group (P0.05); in the test group, the total effective rate for the patients with needling sensation propagating along the channel was 100%, which was significantly superior to 80.00% in the patients with no needling sensation propagating along the channel (P0.05).Moxibustion and acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) activating sensation propagating along channel as main way has a better therapeutic effect on refractory facial paralysis.

To explore the mechanism of epimedium flavonoids (EF) in regulating immunosenescence via nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) related signal transduction pathway.(1) The apoptosis index (AI) of splenic lymphocyte in aged rats was monitored by flow cytometry, that of young rats was taken as control. (2) The differential expression profile of NF-kappaB related signals in aged rats allocated in the control group (aged rats, group A), the EF treated group (group B), the PDTC (a NF-kappaB inhibitor) treated group (group C) and the PDTC plus EF treated group (group D), was determined and the main significant molecules in them were analyzed with gene microarray of 96 genes related to NF-kappaB signal pathway.Excessive apoptosis of T lymphocyte cell was seen in aged rats, and it was significantly suppressed in group B and D. In group B, 73 genes were up-regulated to different extent, including 10 of the NF-kappaB/Rel/IB gene family, transduction signal molecule member of NIK/IKK/I B/Rel/NF-kappaB, NF-kappaB regulatory target genes, trans-membrane receptors, transcription factors, and receptor protein, etc. But the up-regulation on NF-kappaB gene family could not be seen in group C and that on others were also alleviated, while in the group D, the NF-kappaB gene family and its related transduction pathway were still activated to some extent. The NF-kappaB gene family showed a markedly common feature after EF intervention, either used alone or in combination with PDTC, i.e. the significant upregulated NF-kappaB1, NF-kappaB2, Rel B and I Bepsilon, and activated NIK/IKK/I B/Rel/NF-kappaB pathway.EF can suppress the excessive apoptosis of splenic lymphocyte in aged rats and activate Rel/NF-kappaB/ I B/IKK and their signal transduction pathway to up-regulate NF-kappaB through adjusting I Bepsilon and I Balpha, which may be the essential mechanism of EF in rebuilding the immune homeostasis of T lymphocyte apoptosis and retarding immunosenescence.

To investigate the regulatory effects of epimedium flavonoids (EF) on adrenocortical regeneration in rats with inhibited hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.Cell distribution in cell cycle and cell apoptotic rate were measured with PI stain and flow-cytometry; apoptosis cells were showed by in situ terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxy-uridine triphosphate-fluorescene nick end labeling assay (TUNEL), and the genome-wide gene mRNA expression was detected by oligonucleotide microarrays.Compared to the normal control, adrenal cells isolated from the HPA axis inhibited model group were arrested in Go/GI phase, and showed a higher apoptotic rate (P0.05). After treated with EF, cells in G0/G1 phase decreased and those in G2/M phase increased (P0.01), and the elevated apoptotic rate reduced significantly (P0.05). TUNEL assay showed the number of apoptotic cells per section was 4.67 1.53 in the normal control group, 70.67 +/- 9.29 in the model group, and 18.67 +/- 7.64 in the EF-treated group respectively (n=3). Gene expressions in adrenal were mostly restrained in the model group, including 7 cytocycle promoting genes, including V-ras, V-jun, etc., while after treatment with EF, 6 cytocycle promoting genes, 1 anti-apoptotic gene, and genes that closely related with adrenocortical regeneration as IGF-II and FGF7 and their receptors, as well as 7 steroid biosynthesis participated genes were all up-regulated. Conclusion EF can accelerate adrenocortical cell proliferation, inhibit its apoptosis, and promote steroid biosynthesis so as to enhance adrenocortical regeneration in HPA axis inhibited rats, which may contribute to the beneficial effects of EF in protecting adrenocortical function during glucocorticoid withdrawal.

To study the regulatory pathways and rules of the gene networks in Shen deficiency syndrome.Tissues of hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal, lymphocyte, bone, liver and kidney were taken as samples from 4 months' and 24 months' old SD rats and rats after treatment with Epimedium flavonoids (EF), differences of gene expression profile in Shen deficiency syndrome were studied repeatedly with gene chip rat expression set U230 2.0 array from Affymetrix Co.Gene expressions in the aged rats all decreased including neurotransmitter of gamma-aminobutyric acid (gammaGABA), gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and binding proteins (IGFBP) in hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal (HPA axis), cell growth-related gene, growth factor related protein, and immune regulatory genes such as interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in lymphocytes, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, procollagen, collagen, connective tissue growth factor in bone, and oxidative phosphorylation genes such as cytochrome P450 and NADH dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase related with protein metabolism, and glucose-6-phosphatase related with glucose metabolism in liver, most of which were up-regulated after treatment with EF as well as genes related with ageing and cell cycle, such as cyclin B, metabolism related genes and proteins of sodium and chloride channel in kidney.Dysfunction of the two regulatory pathways of gene networks as nerve-endocrine-immunity and nerve-endocrine-bone metabolism exists in Shen deficiency syndrome differentiated by effects of drugs, which could be improved by strengthening Shen therapy.

To investigate the mechanism of senescence delay of human diploid fibroblast (2BS) and protecting telomere length by epimedium flavonoids (EF).The drug sera of EF were used to treat the 2BS. The population doublings of 2BS cells were observed, the mRNA expression of p16 gene were determined by fluorescence real-time quantitative RT-PCR, the telomerase activation of 2BS cells were determined by TRAP-Hyb, the total retinoblastoma (Rb) and phosphorated Rb protein content were detected by ELISA, the telomere length of 2BS cells were determined by telomere restriction fragment (TRF) Southern blot assay.EF could significantly extend the population doublings of 2BS cells, the expression of p16 mRNA was decreased and the content of phosphorated Rb protein were increased by EF. The telomere lengthening of 2BS cells were improved by EF, but the telomerase was not activated.In senescence human fibroblasts 2BS cells, p16 gene mRNA expression increased, content of phosphorated Rb protein decreased and the telomere length of 2BS shortened, EF might delay the aging of cells through inhibiting the p16 gene expression, promoting the production of phosphorated Rb protein and to protect the length of telomere, but not activating the telomerase.

To investigate clinical significance of non-recurrent laryngeal nerve.Clinical data from 4 cases of non-recurrent laryngeal nerve and related literature review was made to acknowledge its incidence, variant types and matters concerned during thyroid surgery.Seven hundred and nineteen recurrent laryngeal nerves were exposed during 2156 thyroid operations in Xiangya Hospital, from which 4 were confirmed to hold non-recurrent laryngeal nerves (0.56%). Two cases were found on the right side and the other 2 on the left. Among the 4 cases, 3 (patients) were found to have non-recurrent laryngeal nerves during reoperation because of voice horse after the first operation. The other one was recognized during the first operation.Non-recurrent laryngeal nerve, a rare anomaly, is very vulnerable during thyroid surgery. Knowing the related knowledge of the non-recurrent laryngeal nerve and its types is helpful to avoid its damage during thyroid surgery.

To investigate the effect of cast post-core porcelain fused to metal crown on the restoration of residual root and crown of molars.One hundred and sixty-four residual roots and crowns of molars were treated with root canal therapy and restored by cast core porcelain fused to metal crown. The restoration effect was assessed at the 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th month.The strength of dental prosthesis retention, marginal fitness, and strength of crowns were satisfactory. The effective rate reached 95.12% during the 2 year follow-up.The cast post-core porcelain fused to metal crown is a better method in treating the residual root and crown of molars.