[Epidemiological investigation of constipation in urban areas of Hangzhou, China].

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of constipation in Hangzhou urban areas by analyzing data from a recent epidemiological survey. Methods: From August 2022 to June 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 43 communities on eight streets in suburbs of Hangzhou, including Wangjiang, Sijiqing, Puyan, Changhe, Ziyang, Xiaoshanchengxiang, Zhuantang, and Banshan. Written questionnaires were filled out face to face by community doctors. The prevalence of constipation was investigated using a combination of the Bristol stool typing method and the Rome IV criteria. The risk factors for constipation were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The study cohort comprised 10,479 participants, 5551 of whom were male (53.0%) and 4928 female (47.0%). The overall prevalence of constipation was 10.6% (1107/10,479). The prevalence was 11.0% (613/5551) for male and 10.0% (494/4928) for female participants; this difference is not statistically significant (P>0.05).There were no significant differences in the prevalence of constipation between different categories of body mass index (P>0.05). The prevalence of constipation was highest in individuals aged 70 years and above, accounting for 15.4% (264/1717) of all cases. There were significant differences in the prevalence of constipation between different occupations, marital statuses, and educational levels (P<0.001). Patients with hypertension or diabetes mellitus had a higher prevalence of constipation than those without these conditions, those who had been taking long-term medication had a higher prevalence of constipation than those who did not, parents of children with constipation had a higher prevalence of constipation than those with children who did not have constipation, and there were other significant differences in various variables (P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of modifiable factors revealed that eating less fruit (OR=1.284, 95%CI: 1.061-1.553, P=0.010), liking spicy and salty food (OR=1.234, 95%CI: 1.039-1.466, P=0.016), sleeping for too long (OR=1.644, 95%CI: 1.260-2.144, P<0.001), irregular sleep patterns (OR=1.370, 95%CI: 1.127-1.665, P=0.002) and minimal exercise (OR=1.388, 95% CI: 1.168-1.649, P<0.001) were all risk factors for constipation; whereas mix diets (OR=0.709,95%CI:0.608-0.826, P<0.001), meat diets (OR=0.604,95%CI: 0.495-0.736, P<0.001), moderate alcohol consumption (OR=0.659, 95% CI: 0.534-0.812, P<0.001), less or no drinking (OR=0.523, 95% CI: 0.428-0.638, P<0.001), and non-smoking (OR=0.819, 95%CI:0.674-0.995, P<0.001) protected against constipation. We found no association between dietary preferences and the risk of constipation (refined grains: OR=1.147, 95%CI:0.944-1.393, P=0.167; no specific preference: OR=0.935, 95%CI:0.783-1.117, P=0.459). The rate of agreement between self-evaluation of constipation by the respondents and objective criteria was higher for negatives (95.8%) than for positives (38.0%). Conclusion: The prevalence of constipation is relatively high in the urban population of Hangzhou. A good lifestyle and diet can significantly reduce its incidence. There should be more emphasis on preventive education, promotion of prevention of constipation, and advocacy for a healthy lifestyle.

s-wave superconductivity in the noncentrosymmetric W3Al2C superconductor: an NMR study.

We report on a microscopic study of the noncentrosymmetric superconductor W3Al2C (withTc= 7.6 K), mostly by means of27Al- and13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Since in this material the density of states at the Fermi level is dominated by the tungsten's 5dorbitals, we expect a sizeable spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effect. The normal-state electronic properties of W3Al2C resemble those of a standard metal, but with a Korringa product 1/(T1T) significantly smaller than that of metallic Al, reflecting the marginal role played bys-electrons. In the superconducting state, we observe a reduction of the Knight shift and an exponential decrease of the NMR relaxation rate 1/T1, typical ofs-wave superconductivity (SC). This is further supported by the observation of a small but distinct coherence peak just belowTcin the13C NMR relaxation-rate, in agreement with the fully-gapped superconducting state inferred from the electronic specific-heat data well belowTc. The above features are compared to those of members of the same family, in particular, Mo3Al2C, often claimed to exhibit unconventional SC. We discuss why, despite the enhanced SOC, W3Al2C does not show spin-triplet features in its superconducting state and consider the broader consequences of our results for noncentrosymmetric superconductors in general.

Postexercise hypotensive response in stroke patients following acute moderate or high intensity cycling session.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is highly prevalent in stroke patients and reducing blood pressure is a priority. Aerobic exercise is known to induce postexercise hypotensive responses, but limited studies have documented this concept in stroke patients. The purpose was to investigate the effect of a single bout of moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on postexercise ambulatory blood pressure with patients with prior ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). METHODS: Ten hypertensive adults (mean age: 70±9 years) with prior ischemic stroke or TIA participated using a randomized crossover design. Ambulatory blood pressure was monitored for up to 8 hours after either ergocycle MICT or HIIT of respectively 50% and 95% of peak power output. Blood pressure was compared to pre-exercise resting measure. RESULTS: HIIT and MICT induced a decrease of systolic blood pressure of -11.0±9.2 mmHg and -4.7±4.5 mmHg respectively (P=0.03) immediately after the exercise. Ambulatory systolic blood pressure showed a steady linear increase (R2=0.90; P<0.001) of ~1.2 mmHg/hour and returned to pre-exercise measure after 8 hours. Effect of the two exercise conditions over time did not significantly differ (P=0.278). Diastolic blood pressure was not affected by both exercises. CONCLUSIONS: Those results suggest that HIIT induce a systolic blood pressure reduction of greater magnitude than MICT immediately after cycling exercise among patients with prior ischemic stroke or TIA. For both exercises, effects on ambulatory blood pressure are similar and persist up to 8 hours.

Preliminary clinical application of the robot-assisted CT-guided irreversible electroporation ablation for the treatment of pancreatic head carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a robot-guided irreversible electroporation (IRE) ablation system for the treatment of pancreatic head carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 20 cases with pancreatic head carcinoma were divided into two groups: 11 cases in group A with manual probe placement and 9 cases in group B with robotic navigated probe placement. The two groups were compared in terms of planning time before puncture, puncture time, the total time of electrode deployment, number of scans, and punctual accuracy of the single electrode. RESULTS: Each probe was successfully punctured, and no complications were detected. P-values were calculated for all the parameters, using the SPSS 25.0 software and the t test. CONCLUSIONS: The new robot can reduce the total operating time as compared to the manual probe placement with the same accuracy in the IRE of pancreatic head carcinoma.

Higgs Mode of Planar Coupled Spin Ladders and its Observation in C_{9}H_{18}N_{2}CuBr_{4}.

Polarized inelastic neutron scattering experiments recently identified the amplitude (Higgs) mode in C_{9}H_{18}N_{2}CuBr_{4}, a two-dimensional near-quantum-critical spin-1/2 two-leg ladder compound, which exhibits a weak easy-axis exchange anisotropy. Here, we theoretically examine the dynamic spin structure factor of such planar coupled spin-ladder systems using large-scale quantum Monte Carlo simulations. This allows us to provide a quantitative account of the experimental neutron scattering data within a consistent quantum spin model. Moreover, we trace the details of the continuous evolution of the amplitude mode from a two-particle bound state of coupled ladders in the classical Ising limit all the way to the quantum spin-1/2 Heisenberg limit with fully restored SU(2) symmetry, where it gets overdamped by the two-magnon continuum in neutron scattering.

Discrete Superconducting Phases in FeSe-Derived Superconductors.

A general feature of unconventional superconductors is the existence of a superconducting dome in the phase diagram. Here we report a series of discrete superconducting phases in the simplest iron-based superconductor, FeSe thin flakes, by continuously tuning the carrier concentration through the intercalation of Li and Na ions with a solid ionic gating technique. Such discrete superconducting phases are robust against the substitution of 20% S for Se, but they are vulnerable to the substitution of 2% Cu for Fe, highlighting the importance of the iron site being intact. The superconducting phase diagram for FeSe derivatives is given, which is distinct from that of other unconventional superconductors.

Simple citrate anticoagulation protocol for low flux haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: For patients unable to receive heparin anticoagulation during haemodialysis, saline flushes to reduce circuit clotting are often the norm. Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) although effective is not used by many centres including in Singapore. We wanted to demonstrate the superiority and safety of a simple regional citrate anticoagulation regime, compared to saline flushes, for heparin-free low flux haemodialysis. METHODS: This is a prospective, open label, cross over study on 25 sequential haemodialysis sessions for inpatients receiving heparin-free haemodialysis. Patients were allocated either to regional citrate anticoagulation or standard heparin free haemodialysis and subsequently cross over to the alternate method. RCA was carried out using a protocol derived from previous studies. Assessment of anticoagulation was performed using visual inspection of clot formation in dialysis circuits and post-filter ionized calcium (iCa2+) using point-of-care Ionized calcium device at stipulated intervals. Intravenous Calcium gluconate replacement was given to patients receiving citrate adjusting the rate according to pre-filter iCa2+. Laboratory analyses of electrolytes were also assessed at the start and end of the RCA sessions. RESULTS: There were no clots in the RCA arm, with 79% (n = 19) in the saline flush arm having some clot, including 1 clotted circuit. Post-filter iCa2+ at various time points were within acceptable range. Electrolyte readings in the RCA group were all within normal limits except for 4 cases of total Calcium:iCa2+ ratio > 2.5. CONCLUSION: RCA is confirmed to be superior to saline flushes for circuit patency. We have a simple and safe protocol that can be followed for low flux haemodialysis. The study was approved by Singapore National Health Group domain-specific ethnical committee. NHG DSRB reference number 2014/01037. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: ISRCTN69952745 (registration date 8/11/17).

Identifying electrochemical effects in a thermal-electrochemical co-driven system for CO2 capture.

Currently, the most promising amine absorption system for CO2 capture still faces the challenges of heavy steam consumption and a high energy penalty. Thus, a new thermal-electrochemical co-driven system (TECS) for CO2 capture was developed to resolve these problems. In the TECS, unknown electrochemical behaviors are quite essential to assess the CO2 capture performance. Electrochemical experiments were designed using response surface methodology (RSM) to identify electrochemical effects. The results show that the cathode process is slow and difficult, which is the main limitation in improving the performance of the TECS. Forced convection is necessary to improve the diffusion-controlled process and accelerate desorption. Four factors (Cu(ii) molality, CO2 loading, temperature, KNO3 molality) play an auxo-action role in determining anode and cathode reaction rates. A regression model is developed based on the experimental data, and optimum operating conditions are obtained. Regeneration energy consumption reaches about 1.3 GJ per t CO2, a decline of up to 70% compared with the traditional process. In addition, preliminary CO2 desorption experiments suggest that the mass transfer ascribed to the electrochemical process accounts for over 50% of the overall mass transfer coefficient in the CO2 desorption process.

MicroRNA signatures of platinum-resistance in ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The authors utilized a microRNA (miRNA) array to compare the differentially expressed miRNAs in platinum-resistant associated ovarian cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The differential expression of microRNA between COC1 (DDP-sensitive) and platinum-resistant COC1/DDP (DDP-resistant) tumor cell lines was determined using microarray. Expression levels were further validated by real-time quantitive polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: The authors identified that several miRNAs are altered in collected 86 samples of human ovarian cancer cell-lines, with four significantly deregulated miRNAs and 13 upregulated miRNAs. Of which, miR-141-3p was the most differentially expressed miRNA between COC1 group (1.7833 ± 0.7213) and COC1/DDP group (14.0433 ± 4.4895) (p < 0.05). Additionally, the product curve of PCR amplification indicated that miR-141-3p had a significant higher expression level in chemotherapy resistant group (n = 20) rather than in chemotherapy sensitive group (n = 20) (9.56 ± 1.04 vs. 1.59 ± 0.91, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that miR-141-3p might be used as a therapeutic target to modulate platinum-based chemotherapy and as a biomarker to predict chemotherapy response.

Advancing public health surveillance to estimate child maltreatment fatalities: review and recommendations.

Fatal child maltreatment is a compelling problem in the United States. National estimates of fatal child maltreatment, based largely on child welfare data, have fluctuated around 1,500 deaths annually for the past ten years. However, the limitations of child welfare and other mortality data to accurately enumerate fatal child maltreatment are well documented. As a result of these limitations, the true magnitude of fatal child maltreatment remains unknown. Public health surveillance has been proposed as a mechanism to improve estimation of fatal child maltreatment, as well as to collect and analyze relevant risk factor data for the ultimate goal of developing prevention strategies. This paper describes public health surveillance efforts undertaken to improve estimation of fatal child maltreatment, and presents the unique challenges of identifying fatal child neglect. The strengths and limitations of existing sources of child maltreatment fatality data are reviewed and broad recommendations for strategies to advance public health surveillance of fatal child maltreatment are presented.

Observation of superconductivity at 30~46 K in A(x)Fe2Se2(A = Li, Na, Ba, Sr, Ca, Yb, and Eu).

New iron selenide superconductors by intercalating smaller-sized alkali metals (Li, Na) and alkaline earths using high-temperature routes have been pursued ever since the discovery of superconductivity at about 30 K in KFe2Se2, but all have failed so far. Here we demonstrate that a series of superconductors with enhanced T(c) = 30∼46 K can be obtained by intercalating metals, Li, Na, Ba, Sr, Ca, Yb, and Eu in between FeSe layers by the ammonothermal method at room temperature. Analysis on their powder X-ray diffraction patterns reveals that all the main phases can be indexed based on body-centered tetragonal lattices with a∼3.755-3.831 Å while c∼15.99-20.54 Å. Resistivities show the corresponding sharp transitions at 45 K and 39 K for NaFe2Se2 and Ba0.8Fe2Se2, respectively, confirming their bulk superconductivity. These findings provide a new starting point for studying the properties of these superconductors and an effective synthetic route for the exploration of new superconductors as well.

Mapping the central effects of chronic ketamine administration in an adolescent primate model by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Ketamine, a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist, is capable of triggering excessive glutamate release and subsequent cortical excitation which may induce psychosis-like behavior and cognitive anomalies. Growing evidence suggests that acute ketamine administration can provoke dose-dependent positive and negative schizophrenia-like symptoms. While the acute effects of ketamine are primarily linked to aberrant activation of the prefrontal cortex and limbic structures with elevated glutamate and dopamine levels, the long-term effects of ketamine on brain functions and neurochemical homeostasis remain incompletely understood. In recent years, reports of ketamine abuse, especially among young individuals, have surged rapidly, with profound socioeconomic and health impacts. We herein investigated the chronic effects of ketamine on brain function integrity in an animal model of adolescent cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Immunohistochemical study was also conducted to examine neurochemical changes in the dopaminergic and cholinergic systems in the prefrontal cortex following chronic ketamine administration. Our results suggest that repeated exposure to ketamine markedly reduced neural activities in the ventral tegmental area, substantia nigra in midbrain, posterior cingulate cortex, and visual cortex in ketamine-challenged monkeys. In contrast, hyperfunction was observed in the striatum and entorhinal cortex. In terms of neurochemical and locomotive changes, chronically ketamine-challenged animals were found to have reduced tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) but not choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) levels in the prefrontal cortex, which was accompanied by diminished total movement compared with the controls. Importantly, the mesolimbic, mesocortical and entorhinal-striatal systems were found to be functionally vulnerable to ketamine's chronic effects. Dysfunctions of these neural circuits have been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, schizophrenia and attention deficit disorder (ADD). Collectively, our results support the proposition that repeated ketamine exposure can be exploited as a pharmacological paradigm for studying the central effects of ketamine relevant to neuropsychiatric disorders.

Urgent replacement of a mechanical mitral prosthesis in an anticoagulated patient with Bombay red blood cell phenotype.

PURPOSE: Bombay red blood cell phenotype is an extremely rare blood type for which patients can receive only autologous or Bombay phenotype red blood cells. We report a case of urgent repeat sternotomy for replacement of a mechanical mitral prosthesis in a patient with Bombay phenotype anticoagulated with warfarin, to emphasize the transfusion challenges in such patients. CLINICAL FEATURES: A male of Indian descent presented to hospital with New York Heart Association IV symptoms. His medical history revealed previous mitral valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis in 2005 and Bombay phenotype blood. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated thrombus obstruction of the mitral prosthesis despite anticoagulation with warfarin. Right ventricular systolic pressure was >100 mmHg with 3+ tricuspid regurgitation. The patient's condition was temporized with diuretics, bronchodilators, and bi-level positive airway pressure ventilation while transfusion medicine and cardiac surgery were consulted for urgent surgery. The patient received vitamin K and prothrombin complex concentrate prior to repeat sternotomy and successful mitral prosthesis replacement. After cardiopulmonary bypass, heparinization was corrected with protamine and followed by a second dose of prothrombin complex concentrate and recombinant activated factor VIIa. Postoperatively, the patient received four units of packed red blood cells, two autologous units and two units of Bombay specific red blood cells. Right ventricular pressures stabilized at 40 mmHg following surgery. The patient recovered following several days of inotropic support with milrinone, diuretics, and bronchodilators. CONCLUSION: Patients with Bombay phenotype red blood cells present as type O, but they are unable to receive red blood cells from any phenotype other than Bombay phenotype. They are able to receive all other blood products, including fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, platelets, prothrombin complex concentrate, and recombinant activated factor VIIa. Coordination between Canadian Blood Services, transfusion medicine, surgery, and anesthesia is important in managing these patients.

Mobile ventricular thrombus arising from the mitral annulus in patients with dense mitral annular calcification.

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) has been considered a risk factor for thrombo-embolic disease. Superimposed thrombus formation on MAC has not been well described as a possible underlying mechanism for this association. We report three patients with mobile left ventricular (LV) thrombus arising from the LV aspect of severe calcified mitral annulus in the setting of normal LV function, mitral valve function, and sinus rhythm.

The toxic effect of ketamine on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line and human neuron.

Ketamine used as an injectable anesthetic in human and animal medicine is also a recreational drug used primarily by young adults often at all night dance parties in nightclubs. The percentage of ketamine users has grown very fast in the last 5 years worldwide. However, this leads to the serious question of the long-term adverse effects of ketamine on our nervous system, particularly the brain, because ketamine as an NMDA antagonist could cause neurons to commit apoptosis. Our study therefore aimed to find out the chronic effect of ketamine on neuron using prolonged incubation (48 h) of neuronal cells with ketamine in culture. Our results showed that differentiated neuronal cells were prone to the toxicity of ketamine but probably less susceptible than undifferentiated neuronal cells and fibroblasts. This suggested that the ketamine abuse would be harmful to many other organs as well as the brain. Our results also confirmed that the toxicity of ketamine is related to apoptosis via the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio pathway and caspase-3 in the differentiated neuronal cells. Therefore, long-term ketamine treated cell or animal models should be sought to study this multiorgan effects of ketamine.

Long-term vaginal ring pessary use: discontinuation rates and adverse events.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, at a minimum of 6 years, the long-term discontinuation rates and incidence of adverse events associated with vaginal ring pessary use. DESIGN: Retrospective case identification. SETTING: Tertiary urogynaecology unit. SAMPLE: All women fitted with either a Portex ring pessary or Introl bladder neck support device during the index period (1992-2002). METHODS: Retrospective chart review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Length of use and complications of pessary use, including bleeding, extrusion, malodorous vaginal discharge, constipation and incontinence. RESULTS: Of the 273 women fitted with a ring pessary, 167 were successfully using it at 4 weeks; subsequently, 93 (56%) experienced complications comprising bleeding, extrusion, severe vaginal discharge, pain and constipation, in that order, although 38 women (23%) had more than one type of complication and most had more than one episode. Only 23 of 167 (14%) continued with pessary use at the study endpoint (November 2008). The median duration of use was 7 years (interquartile range, 6-9 years; range, 2.25-13.9 years). Of those who discontinued, the median duration was 1.4 years (range, 0.1-11 years; interquartile range, 0.5-3.6 years). After cessation, 73 (44%) chose conservative treatment and 50 (30%) chose surgery. Twelve women died during the time frame; nine returned to their GP. CONCLUSIONS: We were surprised to find a 56% complication rate in pessary users. Our study shows that, over time, the majority of women chose to discontinue using pessaries. Women should be informed of these data when deciding on the management of their pelvic organ prolapse.

Finger domain mutation affects enzyme activity, DNA replication efficiency, and fidelity of an exonuclease-deficient DNA polymerase of herpes simplex virus type 1.

The catalytic subunit of herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase (Pol), a member of the B family polymerases, possesses both polymerase and exonuclease activities. We previously demonstrated that a recombinant virus (YD12) containing a double mutation within conserved exonuclease motif III of the Pol was highly mutagenic and rapidly evolved to contain an additional leucine-to-phenylalanine mutation at residue 774 (L774F), which is located within the finger subdomain of the polymerase domain. We further demonstrated that the recombinant L774F virus replicated DNA with increased fidelity and that the L774F mutant Pol exhibited altered enzyme kinetics and impaired polymerase activity to extension from mismatched primer termini. In this study, we demonstrated that addition of the L774F mutation to the YD12 Pol did not restore the exonuclease deficiency. However, the polymerase activity of the YD12 Pol to extension from mismatched primer termini and on the nucleotide incorporation pattern was altered upon addition of the L774F mutation. The L774F mutation-containing YD12 Pol also supported the growth of viral progeny and replicated DNA more efficiently and more accurately than did the YD12 Pol. Together, these studies demonstrate that a herpes simplex virus Pol mutant with a highly mutagenic ability can rapidly acquire additional mutations, which may be selected for their survival and outgrowth. Furthermore, the studies demonstrate that the polymerase activity of HSV-1 Pol on primer extension is influenced by sequence context and that herpes simplex virus type 1 Pol may dissociate more frequently at G.C sites during the polymerization reaction. The implications of the findings are discussed.

5-HT 1A and 2A receptor positive cells in the cerebella of mice and human and their decline during aging.

This study evaluated the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor positive cells in the cerebella of mice and human by immunocytochemistry. Mice were of ages 1, 3, and 12 months whereas the human subjects were divided into two groups, a younger 57-78 years old group and an older 82-91 years old group. Both 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor positive cells were observed in the molecular and granular layers of the cerebella of mice and human. Although there was a decline in these positive cells during aging, no regional difference in the positive cells were observed in the anterior, middle, and posterior regions of the cerebella.

The difference in gliosis induced by ß-amyloid and Tau treatments in astrocyte cultures derived from senescence accelerated and normal mouse strains.

Astrocytes react to various neurodegenerative insults rapidly and undergo changes known as gliosis or astrogliosis. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), a wall of reactive astrocytes surrounds senile plaques of ß-amyloid (Aß) and might play an important role in clearing of Aß. AD is neuropathologically characterized by the co-existence of two pathological structures, senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of Aß and Tau protein respectively. However, the molecular mechanisms underlie astrogliosis and increased expressions of GFAP and other astrogliosis markers are poorly understood. Since AD is age related, the aim of this study is to compare the gliosis of aging prone astrocytes cultured from senescence-accelerated mice and astrocytes from normal mice in response to Aß and Tau treatment. Our results demonstrated that the aging prone astrocytes have showed larger degree of gliosis than normal astrocytes. Since reactive astrocytes had less ability to support co-cultured neurons as compared with control astrocytes. Therefore, it is likely that aging prone astrocytes might contribute to cell loss or dysfunction associated with insults in AD. In other words, aging prone astrocytes might have decreased ability than normal astrocytes to protect or prevent neuronal dysfunction in AD pathology. In addition, further AD related studies should use aging prone astrocytes instead of normal astrocytes.

Pien Tze Huang, a composite Chinese traditional herbal extract, affects survival of neuroblastoma cells.

Pien Tze Huang is a popular Chinese medicine for liver diseases. In the investigations of possible effects of Pien Tze Huang on the central nervous system, we first studied the in vitro anti-cancer activity of Pien Tze Huang on neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) as compared with normal fibroblasts (NIH-3T3). Results showed that Pien Tze Huang significantly decreased (p < .05) cell survival of SH-SY5Y as compared to NIH-3T3. Furthermore, the decreases in cell survival of SH-SY5Y were significantly and linearly dose-dependent (p < .05) from 400 to 1,000 microg/ml. This supports further in vivo and animal studies for anti-cancer effect, neuroprotection, and their mechanisms.