[Two new prenylated 2-arylbenzofurans from roots of Artocarpus heterophyllus and their anti-respiratory burst activities].

Two prenylated 2-arylbenzofurans were isolated from roots of Artocarpus heterophyllus, with a combination of various chromatographic approaches, including ODS, MCI, Sephadex LH-20, and semipreparative high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). They were identified as 5-[6-hydroxy-4-methoxy-5,7-bis(3-methylbut-2-enyl)benzofuran-2-yl]-1,3-benzenediol(1) and 5-[2H,9H-2,2,9,9-tetramethyl-furo[2,3-f]pyrano[2,3-h][1]benzopyran-6-yl]-1,3-benzenediol(2) with spectroscopic methods, such as HR-ESI-MS, IR, 1D NMR, and 2D NMR, and named artoheterins B(1) and C(2), respectively. The anti-respiratory burst activities of the two compounds were evaluated with rat polymorphonuclear neutrophils(PMNs) stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA). The results showed that 1 and 2 exhibited significant inhibitory effect on respiratory burst of PMNs with IC_(50) values of 0.27 and 1.53 µmol·L~(-1), respectively.

[Value of three-dimensional speckle-tracking imaging in evaluating left ventricular systolic function and its correlation with peripheral arterial elasticity in children with simple obesity: a prospective study]. / ä¸‰ç»´æ–‘ç‚¹è¿½è¸ªæˆåƒæŠ€æœ¯å¯¹å•çº¯æ€§è‚¥èƒ–å„¿ç«¥å·¦å¿ƒå®¤æ”¶ç¼©åŠŸèƒ½çš„è¯„ä»·åŠå ¶ä¸Žå¤–å‘¨åŠ¨è„‰å¼¹æ€§ç›¸å ³æ€§çš„å‰çž»æ€§ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To study the application of three-dimensional speckle-tracking imaging in evaluating left ventricular systolic function and its correlation with peripheral arterial elasticity in children with simple obesity. METHODS: Random sampling combined with convenience sampling was used to obtain research samples, and then the samples were divided into an obesity group (23 cases), an overweight group (21 cases), and a normal group (24 cases). Three-dimensional speckle-tracking imaging was used to measure the global longitudinal strain (GLS), global radial strain (GRS), and global circumferential strain (GCS) of the left ventricle. An automatic arteriosclerosis tester was used to measure ankle-brachial index (ABI) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). These parameters were compared among the three groups. The correlation of three-dimensional speckle-tracking parameters with ABI and baPWV was evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in GLS, GRS, and GCS between the obesity and normal groups (P>0.05). The overweight group had a significantly higher GLS than the normal group [(-24±7) vs (-19±12), P<0.05]. The obesity and overweight groups had a significantly lower ABI than the normal group [(1.00±0.09)/(1.09±0.13) vs (2.25±0.13), P<0.05). The obesity group had a significantly higher baPWV than the normal group [(978±109) vs (905±22), P<0.05]. In the children with obesity, GLS was positively correlated with baPWV (r=0.516, P<0.05) , but not correlated with ABI (P>0.05), and GCS and GRS had no significant correlation with ABI or baPWV (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There are varying degrees of changes in left ventricular systolic function and peripheral arterial elasticity in children with simple obesity, and there is a certain correlation between them.

Greenness surrounding schools and adiposity in children and adolescents: Findings from a national population-based study in China.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated that exposure to green space may benefit human health. However, the available evidence concerning the effects of greenness, especially school-based greenness, on pediatric obesity is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between school-based greenness and adiposity in children and adolescents in China. METHOD: We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study of 56,620 children and adolescents (aged 6-18 years) in seven provinces/municipalities across China. School-based greenness was assessed using satellite-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) within 100-, 500-, and 1000-m circular buffers around each school's address. Generalized linear mixed regression models were used to estimate associations of greenness with BMI z-scores (zBMI), waist circumference, and prevalent overweight/obesity. We also explored the potential mediating role of ambient air pollution and physical activity in the greenness-adiposity associations. RESULT: In the adjusted model, an IQR increase in NDVI-1000m was associated with lower zBMI (ß: -0.11, 95% confidence interval[CI]: -0.13,-0.09) and waist circumference (ß: -0.64, 95%CI: -0.78,-0.50). Consistently, an IQR increase in NDVI-100m, NDVI-500m, NDVI-1000m was associated with 7-20% lower odds of overweight/obesity in the adjusted models. Air pollutants mediated 6.5-29.1% of the association between greenness and zBMI. No significant mediation effect was observed for physical activity. CONCLUSION: Higher school-based greenness levels were associated with lower zBMI, waist circumference, and lower odds of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Ambient air pollutants may partially mediate the greenness-adiposity associations.

The Chinese herb Fructus Broussonetiae aids learning and memory in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion by reducing proinflammatory microglia activation in rats.

The neuroprotective role of Fructus Broussonetiae in a model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion with cognitive decline was focused on neural plasticity and microglia/macrophage polarization. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion was induced by bilateral common carotid artery ligation. Fructus Broussonetiae shortened escape latency and added the number of platform crossings of rats, up-regulated the expression of synaptophysin in the gray matter and increased myelin basic protein expression in the white matter. Further mechanistic experiments were conducted to examine microglia activation and M1/M2 polarization. It was shown that Fructus Broussonetiae reduced the activation of microglia revealed by decreased expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1, inhibited M1 polarization of microglia and improved microglial M2 polarization shown by down-regulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and Fc fragment of IgG receptor IIIa and up-regulated the expression of arginase-1. In conclusion, the Chinese herb Fructus Broussonetiae can improve cognitive function following chronic cerebral hypoperfusion by down-regulating the activation of microglia, inhibiting microglial M1 polarization, and improving neural plasticity.

[Effect of anti-androgen and progesterone on development of regrowth antlers in 6 year old sika deer].

To investigate the effects of anti-androgen drugs and melengestrol acetate (MGA) on development of regrowth antlers in 6 year old sika deer, twenty healthysika deerwith similar body weight and antler weightwere randomly divided into five groups by using single factor test design: flutamide (n=4), bicalutamide (n=4), progesterone acetate (CPA, n=4), melengestrol acetate (MGA, n=4), control(n=4). All deer were fed with same diets and were housed outside together in an opened fence of 15 m×30 m with free access to water and feed. Treatment groups were injected subcutaneously sustained-release agents of the four drugs respectively when two-branched antlers were harvested. The control group had no special treatment. In the experiment period of 60 d, blood sampleswere collected for 4 times for each deer. The concentration of testosterone in plasma was tested and analyzed to compare the changes between different groups. Development of regrowth antlers was observed. At the end of the experiment, regrowth antlers were weighted and analyzed. The resultsshowed that the weights of regrowth antlers in treatment groups were significantly greater than those from control group and the weight gain (as compared with the control group) was 100.50%, 64.46%, 87.16% and 117.46% respectively in flutamide group, bicalutamide group, progesterone acetate group and melengestrol acetate group. For plasma testosterone concentration, it was not significantly different in the early stage (in the first 35 d), but at the end of the experimen, it was significantly higher than that of earlier stage (P<0.01) in various groups. Testosterone concentration of flutamide treated group was significantly lower than that of the other groups (P<0.01), while the level inbicalutamide and MGA treated groups was significantly higher than that in other groups (P<0.01). The results showed that both anti-androgen drugs and MGA treatment promoted the development of regrowth antlers and increased the weight of regrowth antlers, where the effect was most significant by MGA treatment. From the morphological observation of the antlers, it was found that anti-androgen and MGA treatments prolonged the growth period of regrowth antlers through delaying the ossification of antlers. However, plasma testosterone concentration was not affected by the treatments.

[Quality evaluation of musk based on the biological potency of its anti-thrombin activty].

This study attempts to establish a method for the anti-thrombin activty bioassay of musk, explore the impact of species and producing areas on the anti-thrombin activty of musk, and provide scientific basis for its biological quality evaluation. Anti-thrombin activty of musk was analyzed by thrombin titration, and the influence factors such as musk solution concentration, fibrinogen concentration, thrombin concentration and titration interval were optimized to evaluate the effect of different species and producing areas on anti-thrombin activty of musk. As a result, there was a good linear relationship between musk solution concentration and thrombin consumption volume within the range of 0.01-0.02 g·mL⁻¹ (r=0.991 4) under the experimental condition as follows: fibrinogen concentration was 0.5%, the thrombin concentration was 10 U·mL⁻¹ï¼› titration time interval was once every minute, and each titration volume was 2 µL. The average anti-thrombin activty potency of Moschus berezovskii from different producing areas was (105.0±10.4) U·g⁻¹, (102.4±5.5) U·g⁻¹ for M. sifanicus from different producing areas, (97.7±6.6) U·g⁻¹ for M. moschiferus from Anhui province, and (58.6±6.4) U·g⁻¹ for artificial musk. The results indicated that this anti-thrombin activty bioassay method could be applied to evaluate the anti-thrombin activty of musk quickly, conveniently, sensitively and exactly. It was also suggested that different species and producing areas had effects on the anti-thrombin activty of musk, so it is necessary to pay attention to species and producing areas in the process of musk domestication; meanwhile, the artificial musk and natural musk also showed great differences in anti-thrombin activty, suggesting that ratio in artificial musk prescription needs to be further optimized.

Prognostic Value of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width on Bleeding Events in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients Taking Dabigatran (110 mg b.i.d.) after Catheter Ablation.

OBJECTIVES: Recent research has indicated that red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases such as chronic heart failure and coronary heart disease. We aimed to study the predictive value of RDW for bleeding events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) during the administration of 110 mg of dabigatran twice a day after catheter ablation. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-two NVAF patients who were hospitalized and received catheter ablation in Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital from January 2014 to January 2015 were enrolled (110 mg of dabigatran was administered orally to outpatients preoperatively twice a day for 3 weeks). The enrolled patients were divided into the high RDW (>12.8%) group (n = 85) and the low RDW (≤12.8%) group (n = 87) according to the median RDW. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) at dabigatran trough concentration was also detected. Patients were followed up for 3 months to observe the occurrence of bleeding events, and the predictive value of RDW as well as APTT for bleeding events was assessed from receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. RESULTS: In all patients, preoperatively, no bleeding events were observed and the APTT did not exceed twice the normal upper limit. Thirteen cases of bleeding events, all minor bleeding, occurred after a 3-month follow-up: 3 of gingival bleeding, 3 of urinary tract bleeding, 3 conjunctival hemorrhages and 4 subcutaneous hemorrhages. The incidence of bleeding events in the low RDW group was lower than in the high RDW group (3.4 vs. 11.8%, p = 0.039). The areas under the ROC curve for RDW and APTT to predict the occurrence of bleeding events were 0.737 (cutoff point 13.25%; p < 0.05) and 0.558 (p > 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: RDW was associated with the occurrence of bleeding events in NVAF patients on dabigatran (110 mg twice a day) after ablation, while also being an independent predictor of bleeding events. RDW had superior predictive value for bleeding events over APTT when APTT did not exceed twice the normal upper limit.

[Research progress on identification and quality control of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum].

Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum, as a traditional Chinese medicine, has great potential for development. However, the identification and quality control system is not perfect, leading to the market chaos and chronic slow growth in deep processing of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum. This paper gives an overview of present situation in identification and quality control system of the Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum, and analyzes present problems. Based on these results, the feasibility study scheme in identification and quality control system for Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum would be then put forward, providing ideas to establish its comprehensive evaluation system.

[Protection and bidirectional effect of rhubarb anthraquinone and tannins for rats' liver].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the bidirectional effect of rhubarb total anthraquinone (TA) and total tannins (TT) on rats' liver. METHODS: One hundred rats were randomly divided into 10 groups, i.e., the blank group, the model group, the blank + high dose TA group, the blank +low dose TA group, the blank + high dose TT group, the blank + low dose TT group, the model + high dose TA group, the model + low dose TA group, the model +high dose TT group, and the model + low dose TT group, 10 in each group. The carbon tetrachloride (CCI4) was used to prepare the acute liver injury rat model. TA and TT of rhubarb (at 5.40 g crude drugs/kg and 14.69 g crude drugs/kg) were intragastrically administrated to rats in all groups except the blank group and the model group, once daily for 6 successive days.The general state of rats, biochemical indices such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), laminin (LN), hyaluronic acid (HA), transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), as well pathological results of rat liver tissues. Finally the protection laws of TA and TT for rats' liver were analyzed using factor analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, all biochemical indices increased in the blank group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). HA also increased in the blank + high dose TA group; AST, ALT, and HA also increased in the blank +high dose TT group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, AST, ALT, ALP, HA, and TGF-beta1 significantly decreased in the model + low dose TA group, the model + high dose TA group, the model + low dose TT group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Serum AST, ALT, and ALP also decreased in the model + high dose TT group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Pathological results showed that mild swollen liver cells in the model + high dose TA group. Fatty degeneration and fragmental necrosis around the central veins occurred in the blank + high dose TA group. The pathological injury was inproved in the model +low dose TA group. Two common factors, liver fibrosis and liver cell injury, were extracted by using factor analysis. TA showed stronger improvement of the two common factors than TT. CONCLUSIONS: Rhubarb TA and TT showed protective and harmful effects on rats' liver. At an equivalent dosage, TA had better liver protection than TT. High dose TT played a role in liver injury to some extent.

[Study on dosage-toxicity/efficacy relationship of prepared rhubarb on basis of symptom-based prescription theory].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the dosage-efficacy/toxicity relationship of prepared rhubarb, in order to explore the bidirectional effects in hepatoprotection and hepatotoxicity of prepared rhubarb and the objective authenticity for attenuating toxicity by processing. METHOD: Normal and pathological animals were adopted simultaneous to investigate the effect of total extracts from prepared rhubarb within a high dose range (2.0, 5.4, 14.7, 40.0 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) on normal state, biochemical index and histopathology of experimental animals. The factor analytic approach was used to analyze the dosage-efficacy/toxicity relationship of prepared rhubarb. RESULT: The factor analytic approach was used to extract two common factors from the nine biochemical indexes. The firs common factor was mainly dominated by HA, LN and TGF-ß1, and could be explained as fibrotic factors. The second common factor was mainly dominated by ALT, AST and ALP, and could be explained as cellular factor. The results of the factor analysis suggested that prepared rhubarb showed significant bidirectional effects in hepatoprotection and hepatotoxicity, which could protect liver in CC14 injured chronic hepatic injury, but had a certain hepatotoxic effect to normal animals. The pathological examination showed consistent results with the factor analysis. Under comparable dosages, prepared rhubarb showed a stronger liver protecting effect than crude rhubarb, with a lower toxicity. CONCLUSION: Although prepared rhubarb has a certain hepatotoxic effect to normal animals, it has also a significant therapeutic effect to animals with liver injury. The results proved the symptom-based prescription theory and the scientificity of the symptom-based medication. The symptom-based prescription theory is important to correctly realize the dosage-efficacy/toxicity relationship of traditional Chinese medicines and guide the symptom-based medication.

Erythropoietin-derived peptide ARA290 mediates brain tissue protection through the ß-common receptor in mice with cerebral ischemic stroke.

AIM: To explore the neuroprotective effects of ARA290 and the role of ß-common receptor (ßCR) in a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). METHODS: This study included male C57BL/6J mice that underwent MCAO and reperfusion. The neuroprotective effect of ARA290 on MCAO-induced brain injury was investigated using neurological function tests (Longa and modified neurological severity score). Cerebral infarction was examined by 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, neuronal apoptosis was assessed by immunofluorescence staining, blood parameters were measured using a flow cytometry-based automated hematology analyzer, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify the serum metabolomics signature, inflammatory cytokines and liver index were detected by commercially available kits, and the protein levels of the erythropoietin (EPO) receptor and ßCR were measured by western blot. RESULTS: ARA290 exerted a qualitatively similar neuroprotective effect after MCAO as EPO. ARA290 significantly reduced neuronal apoptosis and the level of inflammatory cytokines in the brain tissue. However, ARA290's neuroprotective effect was significantly suppressed following the injection of siRNA against ßCR. CONCLUSION: ARA290 provided a neuroprotective effect via ßCR in cerebral ischemic mice without causing erythropoiesis. This study provides novel insights into the role of ARA290 in ischemic stroke intervention.

Activity limitation and participation restrictions of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: psychometric properties and validation of the Chinese version of the WHODAS 2.0.

PURPOSE: This study sought to determine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) in a sample of 402 primary breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy after surgery. METHODS: Four-hundred and two subjects were interviewed with the Chinese version of the WHODAS 2.0. Patients also completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B). Internal consistency reliability was measured by Cronbach's α. Spearman correlation coefficients between total scores and subscales of FACT-B and WHODAS 2.0 were examined to get the convergent validity. Independent sample t test was applied to test discriminant validity by comparing the difference of disability scores for different degree of relevant symptoms. The factor structure of the WHODAS 2.0 was examined by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: The Chinese version of the WHODAS 2.0 showed satisfactory internal consistency (r, 0.72-0.92), convergent validity and discriminant validity. After 4 items(item D2.2: standing up; D3.3: eating; D4.5: sexual activities; and D6.3: living with dignity) were excluded, EFA identified seven separate factors for 'Self-care and Household activities,' 'Getting along with people,' 'Getting around,' 'Understanding,' 'Communicating,' 'Participation in society' and 'Family burden'(explained variance 72.13 %). The reduced model also presented the best fit [confirmatory fit index = 0.914, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.900, root mean square error of approximation = 0.069] compared with the model suggested by EFA and hypothesized a prior. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the Chinese version of the WHODAS 2.0 is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring activity limitation and participation restrictions in Chinese breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

[Therapeutic efficiency of transsubperiosteal approach for excision of orbital cavernous hemangiomas].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the indications, operative skills and effects of transsubperiosteal approach for excision of orbital cavernous hemangiomas (OCH). METHODS: In a retrospective study, the records of 42 cases with OCH confirmed by pathologic examination between June 2004 and June 2010 were analyzed. Preoperative diagnoses were based on clinical signs, CT and MRI examinations. According to the locations of the tumor, patients were assigned to 4 groups: group I: tumors located in the superotemporal quadrant in 18 cases; group II: tumors located in or near the superior orbital fissure in 15 cases; group III: tumors in the inferior peripheral space extending to the orbital apex in 4 cases; group IV: tumors in the inferonasal quadrant in 5 cases. In all 4 groups the periorbital skin was incised and then the periosteum of orbital rim was exposed. Tumors were removed from subperiosteal space. The complications and follow-up results were recorded. RESULTS: The rate of preoperative correct diagnosis was 100%. All cases were cured by once surgical procedures for average 20-30 min. Thirty-eight (90.5%) tumors were removed intact. The deblocking removal was recorded in 4 (9.5%) cases. In order to improve the surgical exposure of orbital apex in group II, superolateral orbital rim was removed in 6 (14.3%) cases and the walls were drilled in 3 (7.1%) cases. Follow-up periods ranged 1 to 7 years. No recurrent or remnant was recorded on imaging reviews. The visual acuity was improved in 6 (14.3%) cases. The temporary complications included chemosis in 9 (21.4%) cases, limited ocular movement in 4 (9.5%) cases and ptosis in 3 (7.1%) cases. The permanent complications included limited ocular extreme movement and dilated pupil, both in 2 cases (4.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Transsubperiosteal approach is eligible for the removal of OCH in the superotemporal, inferonasal quadrant and the floor of the orbit and is recommended for the tumors near the superior orbital fissure. This approach is safe and effective for removal of OCH with less surgical complication.

Caffeic acid inhibits acute hyperhomocysteinemia-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion in mouse cerebral venules.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of CA on acute HHcy-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion in mouse cerebral venules. METHODS: Male C57 BL/6J mice were injected with DL-Hcy (50 mg/kg) and CA (10 mg/kg). The effect of CA on HHcy-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion in cerebral vessels was assessed using intravital microscopy. Plasma cytokines and chemokines were evaluated by cytometric bead array. ROS production in HUVECs and adhesion molecule expression on leukocytes were determined by flow cytometry. E-selectin and ICAM-1 expression in cerebrovascular endothelium was detected by immunohistochemistry. CD18 phosphorylation and the Src/PI3K/Akt pathway in leukocytes were determined by confocal microscopy and Western blot. RESULTS: CA inhibited HHcy-elicited leukocyte rolling and adhesion, decreased ROS production in HUVECs, and reduced plasma KC, MIP-2, and MCP-1 levels. CA reduced the E-selectin and ICAM-1 expression on cerebrovascular endothelium and CD11b/CD18 on leukocytes caused by HHcy. Of notice, CA depressed CD18 phosphorylation and the Src/PI3K/Akt pathway in leukocytes. CONCLUSIONS: CA inhibited HHcy-provoked leukocyte rolling and adhesion in cerebral venules, ameliorating adhesion molecule expression and activation, which is related to the suppression of the Src/PI3K/Akt pathway in leukocytes.

[Effect of ferulic acid on learning and memory impairments of vascular dementia rats and its mechanism of action].

This study is to investigate the effect of ferulic acid on learning and memory impairments of vascular dementia (VD) rats and its mechanism of action. VD rats model was replicated by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO). The learning and memory capability of VD rats was evaluated by Morris water maze. The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of glutamic acid (Glu) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in hippocampus of VD rats' brain were determined, separately. The results showed that ferulic acid could alleviate learning and memory deficits of VD rats significantly. Ferulic acid was found to inhibit the activity of AChE and increased the activity of SOD in rat hippocampus. In addition, ferulic acid could also decrease the content of Glu and MDA in rat hippocampus. These results suggested that ferulic acid could alleviate VD rats' learning and memory deficits, which might be due to antioxidation, the improvement of cholinergic system in brain, or the inhibitory of nerve injury by excitatory amino acids.

[Clinical analysis of 14 cases of congenital orbital fibrosis].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to show the clinical and imaging characteristics in patients with congenital orbital fibrosis. METHODS: A retrospective review of a series of 14 patients with congenital orbital fibrosis hospitalized in Institute of Orbital Disease during 2005 to 2009 have been characterized. Patients aged from 3 months to 18 years old, the median age was 7 years old, 6 cases (43%) were male. RESULTS: Ocular changes were found at birth in all patients, symptoms at onset of the disease included dysfunction of eye movement (12 cases), lagophthalmos (7 cases), diplopia (5 cases), exophthalmos (4 cases), conjunctival congestion (4 cases) and endophthalmos (2 cases). The results of medical examinations including visual acuity, exophthalmos or endophthalmos, diplopia with or without compensative head station, displacement of the eye, lagophthalmos, blephroptosis and ocular dyskinesia all have been record. In the 14 cases, 13 patients have undertaken the CT imaging examination, soft tissue lesions have been found in the orbit with high density and irregular shape, accompanied with thickened ocular muscles and anatomical changes. Of the 9 cases which underwent MRI examination, all of the lesions showed medium signals in T(1)WI, with medium to low signals in T(2)WI. Local excision has been performed in 2 patients, we found that the orbital lesions packaged with hard fibrous tissues around, and the ocular muscles were thick and stark. Pathological examination showed fibrosis and degeneration in the lesions, lacrimal gland and ocular muscles. Some lymphocyte infiltration also has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital orbital fibrosis is an orbital disease occurs at birth and is characterized with series of signs such as endophthalmos or exophthalmos, ocular dyskinesia and diplopia. Imaging examinations often find abnormal mass with irregular shape and soft tissue density in orbit. Till now, no efficient therapy has been established.

Erythropoietin promotes the differentiation of fetal neural stem cells into glial cells via the erythropoietin receptor-ß common receptor/Syne-1/H3K9me3 pathway.

AIMS: To investigate the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on the differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs)/neural progenitors (NPs) in the treatment of hypoxic-ischemic injury and its potential mechanisms. METHODS: Fetal NSCs/NPs were treated with EPO after oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). Cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation of NSCs/NPs were detected by CellTiter-Glo, Edu assay, flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Immunofluorescence staining, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and western blotting were used to test the existence of EPO receptor/ß common receptor (EPOR/ßCR) heterodimer on NSCs/NPs and the possible pathway. RESULTS: EPO treatment at different time points increased cell viability without affecting proliferation. EPO treatment immediately after OGD/R promoted oligodendrocyte and astrocyte differentiation, while decreasing neuronal differentiation of NSCs/NPs. EPOR/ßCR heterodimer existed on the cell surface of the fetal cortical NSCs/NPs, EPO treatment significantly increased the mRNA expression of ßCR and elevated the correlation between EPOR and ßCR levels. In addition, mass spectrometry analysis identified Syne-1 as a downstream signaling molecule of the EPOR/ßCR heterodimer. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting indicated that the ßCR/Syne-1/H3K9me3 pathway was possibly involved in the differentiation of fetal neural stem cells into the glial cell effect of EPO. CONCLUSION: EPO treatment immediately after OGD/R could not facilitate fetal NSCs/NPs neurogenesis but promoted the formation of the EPOR/ßCR heterodimer on fetal NSCs/NPs, which mediates its function in glial differentiation.

[Tissue distribution of free anthraquinones in SD rats after orally administered extracts from raw and prepared rhubarbs].

Rhubarb anthraquinone derivatives (AQs) have been documented to have both therapeutic and toxic effect on liver and kidney, leading to a complex puzzle to assess their benefits and risks. In this study, the tissue distributions of AQs in SD rats after orally administrated extracts of raw and prepared rhubarb were examined whether they undergo different uptake. The total rhubarb extract (14.49 g x kg(-1) of body weight per day od, counted on the quantity of crude material) was administrated orally for 12 weeks. The concentrations of the AQs in different tissues were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The five major AQs, aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophynol and physcion, could all be detected in the liver, kidney and spleen, while only rhein, aloe-emodin and emodin reached the quantitative limit. The tissue concentrations of AQs in raw rhubarb group were higher than that in steamed rhubarb group with rhein > emodin > aloe-emodin in the same tissue. On the whole, the tissue distribution of rhein was higher than that of emodin and aloe-emodin in liver, spleen and kidney. AQs could not be detected in those tissues after drug withdraw for 4 weeks, which suggested scarcely any accumulative toxicity of rhubarb. The result indicated that raw rhubarb had more tissue toxicity than steamed rhubarb and rhein may be one of the major poisonous ingredients. The results were concordant with the traditional Chinese medicine theory of toxicity-attenuating effect of processing.

[Clinical analysis of 25 cases of intraorbital nonmetallic foreign bodies].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical features, diagnostic methods and treatment of intraorbital nonmetallic foreign body injuries. METHODS: In a retrospective study, the records of 25 consecutive cases with nonmetallic foreign bodies in the orbit confirmed by surgery were analyzed with special attention to the types of injury, history, clinical manifestations, imaging findings, treatment and follow-up results. RESULTS: Among 25 cases with nonmetallic foreign bodies, 23 cases were caused by trauma, including 11 cases with wooden bodies, 3 cases with glass, grease, or stone, 2 cases with plastic pen point, and one case with fire crackers. The remaining two cases had iatrogenic foreign bodies. The distinctive clinical manifestation was the periorbital fistula recorded in 11 (44%) cases, mostly in patients with wooden foreign bodies. The CT findings were different in various foreign bodies. The wooden foreign bodies showed low density in the acute stage and the density increased gradually from the acute to the chronic stage. CT images with lower windows could distinguish a wooden foreign body better. The grease was seen as low density mimicking orbital fat on CT. The stone or glass showed as masses with high density. Wooden foreign bodies displayed low signals on both MRI T1- and T2-weighted images. The surrounding pus was seen as a ring with high signal on T2-weighted images. The inflammatory infiltration showed marked enhancement. The grease displayed high signal on both T1- and T2-weighted images and showed lower signal than that of the fat. All patients underwent surgical removal of retained foreign bodies and the surrounding decomposed tissues. The infected wounds were not sutured at one stage operation. After follow-up for 6 months, all wounds healed normally and all patients recovered well. No complications were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: There are various types of intraorbital nonmetallic foreign bodies. The clinical manifestations of these different foreign bodies are complex. CT is the preferred examination for this condition. With the combination of correct diagnosis, proper surgical skills, and complete removal of foreign bodies and surrounding decomposed tissues, nonmetallic foreign bodies can be treated efficiently.

[Effect of toothpaste containing emulsifier 30 and sodium lauryl sulfate surfactant on the integrity of oral epithelium].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of toothpaste containing emulsifier 30 and sodium lauryl sulfate surfactant on the integrity of oral epithelium. METHODS: Sixty individuals equally divided into 2 groups by random number table methods. Group A received toothpaste containing emulsifier 30, while group B received fluoride toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) surfactant. The exfoliation of oral soft tissue was evaluated before, 30 minutes and 4 days after the test. The fluoride concentration in plaque and saliva was compared between the two groups. The data were processed with SPSS 22.0 software package. RESULTS: The scores of oral soft tissue exfoliation at 30 min and 4 d after the test were increased significantly (P<0.05). The scores of subgingival, supragingival, oral apex and oral soft tissue exfoliation of group A at 30 min after using the paste were significantly lower than those 4 days after using the paste(P<0.05), while no significant change was observed in the score of oral soft tissue exfoliation at the dorsal tongue(P>0.05). The total scores of subgingival, supragingival, dorsal tongue, ventral tongue and oral soft tissue exfoliation in group B 30 min after using the paste were significantly higher than those at 4 d after use, and the score of oral soft tissue exfoliation at oral apex was significantly lower than that at 4 d after use (P<0.05).The total scores of subgingival, supragingival, dorsal tongue, ventral tongue and oral soft tissue exfoliation in group B at 30 min after using the paste were significantly higher than those of group A, while the score of oral soft tissue exfoliation at oral apex was significantly lower than that of group A(P<0.05).The total scores of subgingival, supragingival, ventral tongue and oral soft tissue exfoliation in group B at 4 d after using the paste were significantly higher than those of group A(P<0.05). The scores of oral soft tissue exfoliation at oral apex and dorsal tongue at 4 d after use had no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The fluoride concentration in plaque and saliva was increased significantly in both groups after test(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both fluoride toothpaste containing emulsifier 30 and SLS surfactant cause a certain degree of oral soft tissue exfoliation. In comparison, fluoride toothpaste containing emulsifier 30 has less oral soft tissue damage; moreover, the two fluoride toothpastes can effectively inhibit acid production of plaque bacteria and prevent occurrence of caries.