Effect of acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and tuina on the cognitive function in the patients with subjective cognitive decline. / é’ˆåˆºé¢ˆå¤¹è„Šç©´è”åˆæŽ¨æ‹¿å¯¹ä¸»è§‚è®¤çŸ¥ä¸‹é™æ‚£è€ è®¤çŸ¥åŠŸèƒ½çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effects on cognitive function, sleep quality and hemodynamics in the patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) after treated with acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and tuina on the base of healthy lifestyle education and meta-memory training. METHODS: Sixty SCD patients were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (30 cases, 3 cases dropped out). In the control group, the healthy lifestyle education and meta-memory training was performed, twice daily, 15 min each time; the 5-day intervention was delivered a week, lasting consecutively 4 weeks. On the base of the intervention as the control group, in the observation group, acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and tuina was conducted. First, one-finger pushing and plucking method of tuina was exerted on the neck region along the running courses of the bladder meridian of foot-taiyang and the governor vessel, for 10 min to 15 min; afterwards, acupuncture was delivered at bilateral neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2), from C1 to C7; and the needles were retained for 30 min. This intervention was given once daily, 5 times a week, for consecutive 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the score of the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the score of full scale memory quotient (FSMQ) were assessed by Wechsler memory scale-fourth edition (WMS-Ⅳ) and the score of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was compared between the two groups. Using transcranial Doppler ultrasound, the hemodynamic indexes (the mean velocity [Vm] and pulsatility index [PI] of the left vertebral artery [LVA], the right vertebral artery [RVA] and the basilar artery [BA]) were determined in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of MMSE and FSMQ increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05, P<0.001), PSQI score was lower (P<0.05) and Vm of BA was higher (P<0.001) in the observation group when compared with those before treatment. The scores of MMSE and FSMQ, as well as Vm of BA were higher (P<0.05, P<0.001), and PSQI score was decreased (P<0.05) in the observation group when compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The combined therapy of acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and tuina is more advantageous to improving cognitive function, relieving chronic emotional stress and ameliorating sleeping quality in the patients with subjective cognitive decline, which may be achieved by improving the blood supply of the basilar artery.

A novel C-type lectin (SpccCTL) suppresses MCRV replication by binding viral protein and regulating antiviral peptides in Scylla paramamosain.

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) play a crucial role in the recognition and activation of innate immune responses against invading microorganisms. This study characterizes a novel C-type lectin (CTL), SpccCTL. The cDNA sequence of SpccCTL has a full length of 1744 bp encoding a 338-amino acid protein. The predicted protein contains a signal peptide, a coiled-coil (CC) domain, and a CLECT domain. It shares more than 50 % similarity with a few CTLs with a CC domain in crustaceans. SpccCTL is highly expressed in gills and hemocytes and upregulated after MCRV challenge, suggesting that it may be involved in antiviral immunity. Recombinant SpccCTL (rSpccCTL) as well as two capsid proteins of MCRV (VP11 and VP12) were prepared. Pre-incubating MCRV virions with rSpccCTL significantly suppresses the proliferation of MCRV in mud crabs, compared with the control (treatment with GST protein), and the survival rate of mud crabs is also significantly decreased. Knockdown of SpccCTL significantly facilitates the proliferation of MCRV in mud crabs. These results reveal that SpccCTL plays an important role in antiviral immune response. GST pull-down assay result shows that rSpccCTL interacts specifically with VP11, but not to VP12. This result is further confirmed by a Co-IP assay. In addition, we found that silencing SpccCTL significantly inhibits the expression of four antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Considering that these AMPs are members of anti-lipopolysaccharide factor family with potential antiviral activity, they are likely involved in immune defense against MCRV. Taken together, these findings clearly demonstrate that SpccCTL can recognize MCRV by binding viral capsid protein VP11 and regulate the expression of certain AMPs, suggesting that SpccCTL may function as a potential PRR playing an essential role in anti-MCRV immunity of mud crab. This study provides new insights into the antiviral immunity of crustaceans and the multifunctional characteristics of CTLs.

Harsh Childhood Discipline and Developmental Changes in Adolescent Aggressive Behavior: The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion.

Harsh discipline during childhood (psychological aggression and corporal punishment) has been found to be an early risk factor for adolescent aggressive behavior. However, previous studies have mainly examined the relationship between harsh discipline as a whole and the level of adolescent aggressive behavior. This study investigates the effects of childhood psychological aggression and corporal punishment on the initial levels and rate of change in adolescent aggressive behavior, as well as the mediating role of self-compassion in this relationship. Using cluster sampling, a three-wave follow-up assessment was conducted on 1214 high-school students (60.7% boys; mean age at Wave 1 = 15.46 ± 0.71). The results showed that childhood psychological aggression and corporal punishment had a positive predictive effect on the development level of adolescent aggressive behavior. However, only childhood psychological aggression significantly directly attenuated the decline rate of adolescent aggressive behavior. In addition, both childhood psychological aggression and corporal punishment indirectly affected the initial levels and growth rate of adolescent aggressive behavior through self-compassion. These findings could provide potential targets for prevention and intervention programs aimed at improving aggressive behavior in Chinese adolescents.

3D ZnII-Based coordination polymer: Synthesis, structure and fluorescent sensing property for nitroaromatic compounds.

A water-stable ZnII-based coordination polymer (CP) with excellent photophysical behavior, namely [Zn2L(atez)(H2O)2] (compound 1; H3L = 4-(2',3'-dicarboxylphenoxy); atez = 5-aminotetrazole), was successfully prepared by the solvothermal reaction of Zn ions with a π-conjugated and semi-rigid multicarboxylate ligand H3L in the presence of N-containing linker atez. Compound 1 displays a hierarchically pillared three-dimensional (3D) (3,4,5)-connected (4·62) (42·64) (43·64·83) net which is based on two-dimensional (2D) multicarboxylate- ZnII layers strutted by the atez ligands. Sensing investigations of compound 1 reveal that this material can selectively and sensitively detect nitroaromatic compounds in water suspension through fluorescence quenching effect. In particular, it is worth noting that it shows highly specific detection of nitrobenzene (NB) and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) with remarkable quenching constants (KSV = 7.5 × 104 M-1 for NB and KSV = 1.9 × 105 M-1 for TNP) and low limit of detection (LOD = 0.93 µM for NB and LOD = 0.36 µM for TNP). Investigations reveal that the probable mechanisms for such sensing processes are the concurrent presence of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) as well as photoinduced electron transfer (PET) between the CP and nitroaromatic molecules. This work not only offers an effective route to improve the application of fluorescent CPs but also provide one novel probable fluorescence probe for nitroaromatic compounds.

Multifunctional Cd-CP for fluorescence sensing of Cr(VI), MnO4-, acetylacetone and ascorbic acid in aqueous solutions.

The development of multifunctional fluorescent chemosensors for the detection of multiple targets remains challenging but of great importance. In this paper, one novel coordination polymer (CP), denoted as [Cd2(edda)(phen)2]∙H2O (compound 1, H4edda = 5,5' (ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy)) diisophthalic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) is successfully designed and prepared under hydrothermal conditions. Structural analysis indicates that compound 1 possesses a one-dimensional (1D) double chain structure, then self-assembles into a three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular framework via π…π interactions between phen molecules. Interestingly, compound 1 is found to be tolerant in wide range of acidic to alkaline aqueous solutions (pH = 2-13). Fluorescent spectral investigations reveal that compound 1 exhibits highly selective and sensitive fluorescence responses toward MnO4-, Cr(VI) ions, acetylacetone (acac) and ascorbic acid (AA) by fluorescence quenching in the aqueous phase. The detection limits are in the very low range, reaching µM level for the detection of MnO4-, Cr(VI) ions, nM for AA and ppm for acac detection. The distinguished multi-responsive performance suggests compound 1 to be a potential multifunctional probe. Furthermore, the possible quenching mechanisms have also been systematically investigated in this work.

A water-stable dual-responsive Cd-CP for fluorometric recognition of hypochlorite and acetylacetone in aqueous media.

One novel cadmium(II)-coordination polymer [Cd3L2(datrz)(H2O)3] (CP 1) is controllably synthesized by surmising the astute combination of semi-rigid tricarboxylate acid 4-(2',3'-dicarboxylphenoxy) benzoic acid (H3L) and auxiliary ligand 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole (datrz). Structure analysis shows that CP 1 has a two-dimensional (2D) layer structure with a 5-nodal (43) (44·62) (45·64·8) (45·6) (47·66·82) topology. Further investigations reveal that CP 1 shows superordinary water stability and good thermal stability. The fluorescent explorations suggest that the as-synthesized CP 1 could emit blue light centered at 485 nm, attributing to ligand-based emission. In terms of sensing investigations, CP 1 could act as a fluorescent sensor for detecting hypochlorite (ClO-) and acetylacetone (acac) through fluorescence turn-off process in aqueous solution, and the detection limit could reach 0.18 µM and 0.056 µM, respectively. Further research reveals that it is more likely the N-H···O-Cl hydrogen bonds between -NH2 groups of the triazole ligands and O atoms of ClO- plays the key role in the system, which may serve as a bridge for the energy transfer, leading to fluorescence quenching of the chemosensor. While the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) combined with inner filter effect (IFT) should be responsible for the turn-off fluorescence of CP 1 triggered by acac.

Cryoablation with drug-loaded bead embolization in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: safety and efficacy analysis.

This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of drug-eluting bead (DEB) embolization (DEB-TACE) when combined with cryoablation in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study was a single-center randomized controlled trial comprised of 60 patients with HCC conducted between August 2015 and October 2017. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: DEB-TACE combined with cryoablation (DEB-TACE-Cryo group) or cryoablation alone (Cryo group). Inter-group differences in overall survival, progression-free survival, and adverse reactions were assessed. The operative success rates were 82.7% and 77.4% in the DEB-TACE-Cryo group and Cryo group, respectively, with no operative mortality. The overall survival and progression-free survival in the DEB-TACE-Cryo group were significantly higher than those in the Cryo group (16.8 months vs.13.4 months, P = 0.0493; 8.1 months vs. 6.0 months, P = 0.0089, respectively). The postoperative complications in the two groups were rated as grade 1 or grade 2, according to guidelines set by the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0 (CTCAE V4.0). We demonstrated that DEB-TACE combined with cryoablation was effective, well tolerated, and had a low complication rate. Therefore, this combination therapy may be a better choice for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Long-term clinical effect of Tangyiping Granules () on patients with impaired glucose tolerance.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term clinical effect of Tangyiping Granules (, TYP) on patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) to achieve normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and hence preventing them from conversion to diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: In total, 127 participants with IGT were randomly assigned to the control (63 cases, 3 lost to follow-up) and treatment groups (64 cases, 4 lost to follow-up) according to the random number table. The control group received lifestyle intervention alone, while the patients in the treatment group took orally 10 g of TYP twice daily in addition to lifestyle intervention for 12 weeks. The rates of patients achieving NGT or experiencing conversion to DM as main outcome measure were observed at 3, 12, and 24 months after TYP treatment. The secondary outcome measures included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial plasma glucose (2hPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting insulin (FINS), 2-h insulin (2hINS), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), blood lipid and patients' complains of Chinese medicine (CM) symptoms before and after treatment. RESULTS: A higher proportion of the treatment group achieved NGT compared with the control group after 3-, 12- and 24-month follow-up (75.00% vs. 43.33%, 58.33% vs. 35.00%, 46.67% vs. 26.67%, respectively, P<0.05). The IGT to DM conversion rate of the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group at the end of 24-month follow-up (16.67% vs. 31.67%, P<0.05). Before treatment, FPG, 2hPG, HbA1c, FINS, 2hINS, HOMA-IR, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels had no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the 2hPG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and TG levels of the treatment group decreased significantly compared with those of the control group (P<0.05). CM symptoms such as exhaustion, irritability, chest tightness and breathless, spontaneous sweating, constipation, and dark thick and greasy tongue were significantly improved in the treatment group as compared with the control group (P<0.05). No severe adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: TYP administered at the IGT stage with a disciplined lifestyle delayed IGT developing into type 2 DM.

Construction of acylhydrazidate-extended metal-organic frameworks.

Under hydrothermal conditions, the reactions of Ba(2+)/Zn(2+), aromatic polycarboxylic acids and N2H4 with or without oxalic acid were carried out, affording four new acylhydrazidate-extended metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) [Ba(pmdh)] (pmdh = pyromellitdihydrazidate) 1, [Ba(sdpth)(H2O)2]·0.5H2O (sdpth = 4,4'-sulfoyldiphthalhydrazidate) 2, [Ba2(cpth)2(H2O)2] (cpth = 4-carboxylphthalhydrazidate) 3 and [Zn2(pdh)2(ox)]·H2O (ox = oxalate, pdh = pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylhydrazidate) 4. The acylhydrazidate molecules pmdh, sdpth, cpth and pdh in compounds 1-4 derived from the hydrothermal in situ acylation of N2H4 with aromatic polycarboxylic acids. X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis revealed that (i) in compound 1, the pmdh I molecules link the Ba(2+) ions into a two-dimensional (2D) layer with a (4,4) topology, and then the pmdh II molecules extend these layers into a three-dimensional (3D) network; (ii) in compound 2, the sdpth molecules link the Ba(2+) ions to form a one-dimensional (1D) square tube. Interestingly, the tubes are further linked into a 3D supramolecular network via the N-H···O interactions, creating synchronously big channels; (iii) in compound 3, the cpth I molecules link the Ba1 ions into a 3D network with a (10,3) topology. Ba2 and cpth II are distributed on the channels; (iv) in compound 4, Zn(2+) and pdh aggregate to form two types of Zn4(pdh)4 clusters. The ox molecules act as the secondary linkers, extending the Zn4(pdh)4 secondary building units (SBUs) into a 3D network with a 6(6) topology. The photoluminescence analysis indicates that compounds 3 and 4 emit green light with maxima at 495 nm for 3 (λ(ex) = 397 nm), and 522 nm for 4 (λ(ex) = 395 nm), respectively. At 77 K, the activated 2 and 4 can adsorb N2 in amounts of 58.31 cm(3) g(-1) for 2 and 38.38 cm(3) g(-1) for 4, respectively.

New hybrid Cd(II) compounds: synthesis and structural characterization.

In an acidic solution, the room-temperature reactions of CdX2 (X(-) = Cl(-), Br(-) or CH3COO(-)) and organic N-heterocyclic molecules with or without SCN(-)/SeCN(-)/dca(-) (dca(-) = dicyanamide) created the five new hybrid Cd(ii) compounds [H2(4,4'-dtdpy)]2[CdBr4]SO4·2.5H2O (dtdpy = dithiodipyridine) 1, [H(2,2'-dtdpy)]2[CdBr4] 2, [(Hbim)2CdCl2(SCN)2] (bim = 2,2'-biimidazole) 3, [H2(pip)][Cd(SCN)4] (pip = piperazine) 4 and [CdL2] (L = HNC(OH)N(-)CN) 5. X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis revealed that: (i) compound 1 is a double salt of [H2(4,4'-dtdpy)]SO4 and [H2(4,4'-dtdpy)][CdBr4], [H2(4,4'-dtdpy)]SO4 shows a two-dimensional (2D) supramolecular layer structure and [H2(4,4'-dtdpy)][CdBr4] is distributed in the space between the supramolecular layers; (ii) compounds 2 and 3 are mononuclear molecular entities. Of those, 2,2'-dtdpy and bim were only in situ monoprotonated; (iii) compound 4 contains a 2D supramolecular layered structure which is based on [Cd(SCN)4](2-) chains H2(pip)(2+)via NSCNNpip interactions; (iv) the three-dimensional (3D) compound 5 exhibits a rutile-related (4·6(2))2(4(2)·6(10)·8(3))-topology. The ligand L originates from the in situ nucleophilic addition of H2O with one -CN group of dca(-). Upon excitation, the solid-state compounds 3 and 4 emit blue light, and the solid-state compound 5 emits violet light.

Digitoxin induces apoptosis in cancer cells by inhibiting nuclear factor of activated T-cells-driven c-MYC expression.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac glycosides such as digitoxin have been shown to directly cause apoptotic death of cancer cells both in vitro, and in vivo. However, the mechanism connecting cardiac glycoside action to apoptosis is not known. It has been reported that compounds resembling digitoxin are able to reduce c-MYC expression. Furthermore, it has been previously shown that the transcription of c-MYC depends on nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) binding sites in the c-MYC promoter. We have therefore hypothesized that NFAT might mediate digitoxin effects on c-MYC mRNA message. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have chosen to study this process in HeLa cells where structurally intact c-MYC genes in 8q24 co-localize with human papilloma virus 18 at all integration sites. RESULTS: Here we show that within the 1(st) h following treatment with digitoxin, a significant reduction in c-MYC mRNA occurs. This is followed by a precipitous loss of c-MYC protein, activation of caspase 3, and subsequent apoptotic cell death. To test the NFAT-dependence mechanism, we analyzed the effects of digitoxin on NFAT isoform-dependent auto-activation of a NFAT-luciferase expression system. Drug dependent effects on expression varied according to each of the four canonical NFAT isoforms (1, 2, 3 or 4). The most digitoxin-sensitive NFAT isoform was NFAT1. Using c-MYC chromatin immune precipitation, we find that digitoxin inhibits interaction of NFAT1 with the proximal c-MYC promoter. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the carcinotoxic activity of digitoxin includes suppression of NFAT-driven c-MYC expression.

Epidemiology of esophageal cancer in Yanting - regional report of a national screening programme in China.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Yanting in Sichuan Province is one of the highest risk areas of esophageal cancer (EC) in the world. We here summarize the epidemiology of EC in Yanting using data from the national screening programme during 2006-2011. METHODS: Random cluster sampling was used to select a proportion of natural villages from six towns in Yanting, and residents aged 40-69 years old were invited for screening. Participants were screened using endoscopy with iodine staining and then confirmed by histological examinations. RESULTS: The overall detection rates of low-grade hyperplasia (LH), moderate hyperplasia (MH), high-grade hyperplasia (HH), carcinoma in situ (CIS), intramucosal carcinoma (IC) and invasive carcinoma (INC) were 5.33%, 1.28%, 0.68% , 0.15% , 0.06% and 0.29%, respectively. The detection rates of LH, MH, HH and INC increased with age, reaching the peak among those aged 60-65 years, and the prevalences of LH and MH were higher among men than among women. In addition, the detection rates of hyperplasia were much higher in mountainous than in hilly areas. CONCLUSIONS: Among the high risk population, there are a great number of people with early-stage EC or precancerous conditions who do not have presenting symptoms. In particular, the elderly, men, or those living in mountainous areas are the most vulnerable population. It is therefore important to reinforce health education and screening services among such high risk populations.

Poly[[tetra-aquadi-µ4-fumarato-µ2-oxalato-dierbium(III)] tetra-hydrate].

The title compound, {[Er2(C4H2O4)2(C2O4)(H2O)4]·4H2O} n , was synthesized by the reaction of erbium nitrate hexa-hydrate with fumaric acid and oxalic acid under hydro-thermal conditions. The Er(3+) cation (site symmetry ..2) is eight-coordinated by six O atoms from four fumarate anions (site symmetry ..2) and one bidentate oxalate anion (site symmetry 222), and by two water mol-ecules. The complex exhibits a three-dimensional structure consisting of oxalate pillared Er-fumarate layers with channels occupied by coordinating and lattice water mol-ecules. The three-dimensional structure features by Owater-H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving both the coordinating and lattice water mol-ecules.

[Results of a screening program on high incidence area of esophageal cancer in Yanting Sichuan from 2006 to 2011].

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of esophageal cancer and various lesions of esophagus in high risk areas through a screening program for early diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: Random cluster sampling method was used to select some portions of a natural village as screening object in the high risk areas of esophageal cancer, from 2006 to 2011. Endoscope iodine staining and index biopsy screening methods were used on people with high risk and followed by pathological exams for confirmation. RESULTS: The detection rates regarding mild esophageal hyperplasia, moderate and severe esophageal hyperplasia were 5.33% (803/15 065), 1.28% (193/15 065), 0.68% (102/15 065) respectively while the detection rates on carcinoma in situ, intramucosal carcinoma and invasive cancer were 0.15% (22/15 065), 0.06% (9/15 065), 0.29% (43/15 065) respectively. The detection rate in male esophageal hyperplasia was higher than in female. People younger than 65 years old, the detection rates on mild, moderate or severe esophageal hyperplasia and invasive cancer showed an increase with age, with the 60-year-olds group reaching the highest. The detection rates on the above said diseases were 7.72% (198/2565), 2.07% (53/2565), 1.29% (33/2565), 0.51% (13/2565) respectively. The detection rates on mild, moderate or severe esophageal hyperplasia varied in different years and with statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) but did not show any obvious trend of changing. Geographical distribution of mild esophageal hyperplasia, moderate esophageal hyperplasia, severe esophageal hyperplasia also significantly varied in different villages (P < 0.001). The highest detection rate in the mountainous villages was seen the highest while the detection rate of village from hilly areas was the lowest. CONCLUSION: There were considerable numbers of patients with precancerous lesions in the general population from the high risk areas. The detection rate of esophageal cancer in the mountain residents was higher than the rate in the hilly areas. Men and the elderly were the key populations calling for esophageal cancer prevention programs to be carried out.

Effect of transarterial pulsed perfusion with heated saline on tumor vascular permeability in a rabbit VX2 liver tumor model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of transarterial pulsed perfusion with 60 °C saline on vascular permeability of tumor tissue, as well as its hepatic and renal toxicity, in a rabbit VX2 liver model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: VX2 carcinomas were grown in rabbit livers, forty male New Zealand white tumor-bearing rabbits were randomly divided into four groups, followed by transarterial perfusion with 37 °C saline 60 ml (n=10) (control 1 group), transarterial pulsed perfusion with 37 °C saline 60 ml (n=10) (control 2 group), transarterial continuous perfusion with 60 °C saline 60 ml (n=10) (TCP group), transarterial pulsed perfusion with 60 °C saline 60 ml (n=10) (TPP group), the duration of time for tumor tissues in the range 43-45 °C of the treated groups was measured with needle thermometer during perfusion. Vascular permeability was assessed using the extravasation of Evans blue (EB) dye in the tumor or normal liver tissues of the four groups separately, the tumor or normal liver tissues of the four groups were estimated by histopathologic examination, and hepatic and renal toxicity was evaluated by means of blood biochemical analysis. The vascular endothelial cells in the tumor were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: The duration of time for tumor tissues in the range 43-45 °C of TPP group showed significantly longer than that of TCP group (12.3±3.3 min vs. 5.7±2.5 min) (P<0.01). After perfusion, the EB content of tumor tissue in TPP group showed significantly higher than that in TCP group (15.21±0.94 µg/100 mg vs. 10.71±0.84 µg/100 mg) (P<0.01), and also showed significantly higher than that in the two control group (3.42±0.87 µg/100 mg, 3.57±0.64 µg/100 mg) (P<0.01). Blood chemical analysis indicating there was an increase (P<0.05) in the serum ALT, AST levels in the two heated perfusion groups at 1, 2, 4, 8 h after infusion when compared to that in the two control group, but there was no significant difference in the serum ALT, AST levels among the four groups at 24 h after perfusion (P>0.05), and there was no significant difference in the serum BUN, Cr levels among the four groups at 1, 2, 4, 8, 24 h after perfusion. Observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, there were no obvious signs of tissue destruction in liver tissue and tumor tissue. TEM indicating the endothelial cell gap was broadened and the endothelial cells' microvillus was decreased after heated perfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The vascular permeability of the rabbit VX2 tumor was significantly increased after transarterial pulsed perfusion with 60°C saline without significant increase in hepatic and renal toxicity.

Poly[(aqua-calcium)-µ(4)-pyrazine-2,3-di-carboxyl-ato].

The polymeric title compound, [Ca(C(6)H(2)N(2)O(4))(H(2)O)](n), was synthesized from pyrazine-2,3-dicarb-oxy-lic acid and calcium dichloride under hydro-thermal conditions. The Ca(2+) cation is seven-coordinated by five O atoms and one N atom of four pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxyl-ate anions, and one water mol-ecule. The complete deprotonated pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxyl-ate anion adopts a µ(4)-coordination mode, resulting in the formation of a three-dimensional structure.

2-Meth-oxy-4-[(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)imino-meth-yl]phenol.

The title compound, C(13)H(19)N(3)O(2), was obtained by the direct solvent-free reaction of 4-hy-droxy-3-meth-oxy-benzaldehyde with 1-amino-4-methyl-piperazine. The piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation. In the crystal, strong inter-molecular O-H⋯N and weak inter-molecular C-H⋯O and C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds help to establish the packing.

Tumor necrosis factor-induced nonapoptotic cell death requires receptor-interacting protein-mediated cellular reactive oxygen species accumulation.

The mechanism of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced nonapoptotic cell death is largely unknown, although the mechanism of TNF-induced apoptosis has been studied extensively. In wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblast cells under a caspase-inhibited condition, TNF effectively induced cell death that morphologically resembled necrosis. In this study, we utilized gene knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts cells and found that tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) I mediates TNF-induced necrotic cell death, and that RIP, FADD, and TRAF2 are critical components of the signaling cascade of this TNF-induced necrotic cell death. Inhibitors of NF-kappaB facilitated TNF-induced necrotic cell death, suggesting that NF-kappaB suppresses the necrotic cell death pathway. JNK, p38, and ERK activation seem not to be required for this type of cell death because mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors did not significantly affect TNF-induced necrotic cell death. In agreement with the previous reports that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) may play an important role in this type of cell death, the ROS scavenger butylated hydroxyanisole efficiently blocked TNF-induced necrotic cell death. Interestingly, during TNF-induced necrotic cell death, the cellular ROS level was significantly elevated in wild type, but not in RIP(-/-), TRAF2(-/-), and FADD(-/-) cells. These results suggest that RIP, TRAF2, and FADD are crucial in mediating ROS accumulation in TNF-induced necrotic cell death.

Protective effects of adenoviral cardiotrophin-1 gene transfer on rubrospinal neurons after spinal cord injury in adult rats.

Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), a muscle-derived cytokine, supports the survival of motoneurons in vivo and in vitro. The present study investigated whether adenoviral huCT-1 gene transfer protected injured neurons from cell death or atrophy and promoted regeneration of rubrospinal tract (RST) after spinal cord injury in adult rats. Administration of the adenoviral CT-1 vector (Adv-CT1) to C3-4 lateral funiculus hemisection cavity, that completely interrupted RST, led to sustained CT-1 expression. Providing Adv-CT1, which rescued 20% of neurons, could prevent the loss of injured rubrospinal neurons 8 weeks post-injury. Retrograde tracing with FluoroGold showed that 1.2% of RST neurons regenerated at least two segments caudal to the injury site. Anterograde tracing with biotinylated dextran amine revealed that the RST axons terminated in white matter and gray matter. Behavioral testing revealed a significant functional recovery in limb usage. This observation indicated that adenoviral CT-1 gene transfer into the injured cord promoted survival and regeneration of rubrospinal neurons in adult rats.