Retroperitoneoscopic Anatomical Necrosectomy: A Modified Single-Stage Video-Assisted Retroperitoneal Approach for Treatment of Infected Necrotizing Pancreatitis.

Background: Video-assisted retroperitoneal necrosectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis. This study evaluated the safety and feasibility of a modified single-stage video-assisted retroperitoneal necrosectomy, retroperitoneoscopic anatomical necrosectomy (REAN).

Methods: Between September 2010 and May 2012, a total of 17 patients with infected necrotizing pancreatitis underwent REAN.

The effect of ulinastatin on hyperglycemia in patients undergoing hepatectomy.

Background: To identify the effect of ulinastatin (UTI) administration on stress-induced hyperglycemia and acute insulin (INS) resistance experienced by patients undergoing partial hepatectomy.

Methods: Forty-six patients undergoing partial hepatectomy were assigned randomly to the control group (group C) or UTI treatment group (group U). Six cases underwent partial hepatectomy but were not eligible for inclusion.

The expression profile and promoter analysis of ultraspiracle gene in the silkworm Bombyx mori.

The nuclear receptor, ultraspiracle protein (USP), is a transcription factor and an essential component of a heterodimeric receptor complex with ecdysone receptor. However, the mechanisms underlying the transcriptional regulation of USP in silkworm are unknown. In this study, using dual-spike-in qPCR method, we examined the expression of Bombyx ultraspiracle gene (BmUSP) in various tissues of silkworm as well as expression changes after stimulation with ecdysone.

Activation of BmGSTd1 promoter and regulation by transcription factor Krüppel (Kr) in silkworm, Bombyx mori.

The Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a large family of multifunctional enzymes, many of which play an important role in the detoxification of endogenous and exogenous toxic substances. In this research, firstly, we measured the rutin-induced transcriptional level of BmGSTd1 gene by using real-time quantitative RT-PCR method and dual spike-in strategy. The activities of the BmGSTd1 promoter in various tissues of silkworm were measured by firefly luciferase activity and normalized by the Renilla luciferase activity.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analogues with aromatic side chains attached at C-17.

Two new analogues of the steroid hormone 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 with aromatic side chains attached at C-17 were designed to investigate their effects on VDR, HL-60 cell differentiation and tumor cell proliferation. These analogues were prepared by the classical photochemical ring opening approach. After the protection of both the 1α- and 3β-hydroxyl in 1α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone with TBS groups, followed by bromination with NBS and debromination in the presence of γ-collidine, the diene intermediate was obtained.

Stereoselective reduction of C-20 ketone of vitamin D CD-ring and a new synthetic approach to maxacalcitol.

Stereoselective reduction of C-20 ketone of vitamin D CD-ring precursor using Corey's CBS reagents, (R)-(+)-2-methyl-CBS-oxazaborolidine and (S)-(-)-2-methyl-CBS-oxazaborolidine, led to the (20S)-alcohol 5 and (20R)-epimer 4 in approximately 17:1 selectivity. A new synthetic approach to the 22-oxa-25-hydroxy Grundmann's ketone 11 was developed through the Williamson etherification of (20S)-alcohol 5 with 1-bromomethyl-2,2-dimethyloxirane, followed by regioselective reductive epoxide ring opening with LiAlH4, the removal of the silyl protecting group by TBAF, and the environmentally benign TEMPO-mediated oxidation using inexpensive Oxone as a co-oxidizing agent. The preparation of drug maxacalcitol was achieved on gram scale by the convergent Lythgoe coupling via Wittig-Horner reaction of the A-ring phosphine oxide synthon with the CD-ring fragment.

The expression profile and promoter analysis of β-N-acetylglucosaminidases in the silkworm Bombyx mori.

β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (GlcNAcase) is a key enzyme in the chitin decomposition process. In this study, we investigated the gene expression profile of GlcNAcases and the regulation mechanism for one of these genes, BmGlcNAcase1, in the silkworm. We performed sequence analysis of GlcNAcase.

SOX10 is a novel oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma through Wnt/β-catenin/TCF4 cascade.

SOX (high mobility group) genes play an important role in a number of developmental processes. Potential roles of SOXs have been demonstrated in various neoplastic tissues as tumor suppressors or promoters depending on tumor status and types. The aim of this study was to investigate the function role of SOXs in the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Two anatomical pathways for retroperitoneoscopic pancreatectomy: indications for the posterior and lateral approaches.

Background: Retroperitoneoscopic pancreatectomy (RP) is a novel surgical procedure that is safe and feasible in animal models and clinical practice. However, the optimal approach for RP has not been established.

Objective: This study aimed to introduce the posterior and lateral approaches for RP.

Single-port and multi-port laparoscopic left lateral liver sectionectomy for treating benign liver diseases: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

Background: The use of single-port laparoscopy for left-lateral liver sectionectomy (LLLS) has been reported in the literature, but the effectiveness and safety of LLLS has not been validated in randomized, controlled trials. This prospective randomized controlled trial compared the effectiveness and safety of single-port and multi-port laparoscopic LLLS for the surgical treatment of benign liver disease.

Methods: Altogether, 38 patients aged 17-65 years (16 men, 22 women) with benign liver diseases were hospitalized for elective laparoscopic LLLS between January 2010 and December 2012.

[Effects of different anesthesia depth on stress response in elderly patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer].

Objective: To investigate the effects of different anesthesia depth on stress response in elderly patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.

Methods: A total of 105 ASA I-III patients aged 60-91 years undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer with general anesthesia were randomized into 3 groups, namely group A with a target Narcotrend index (NI) maintained at D0 level, group B with a NI at D2 level, and group C with a NI at E1 level. The anesthetics (profopol and remifentanil) were adjusted according to Narcotrend monitoring results to maintain the specified anesthesia depth.

Design and synthesis of highly potent HIV-1 protease inhibitors with novel isosorbide-derived P2 ligands.

The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of six HIV-1 protease inhibitors incorporating isosorbide moiety as novel P2 ligands are described. All the compounds are very potent HIV-1 protease inhibitors with IC50 values in the nanomolar or picomolar ranges (0.05-0.

Laparoscopic versus open distal splenopancreatectomy for the treatment of pancreatic body and tail cancer: a retrospective, mid-term follow-up study at a single academic tertiary care institution.

Background/objective: Laparoscopic distal splenopancreatectomy (DSP) is an effective and safe surgical modality for treating benign and borderline distal pancreatic tumors, but rarely for pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of laparoscopic versus laparotomic DSP in pancreatic body-tail cancer (PBTC) patients.

Methods: Thirty-four PBTC patients were consecutively and retrospectively hospitalized for elective laparoscopic DSP (n = 11) or laparotomy (n = 23) between January 2007 and December 2011.

Developments of kinesin spindle protein inhibitors as antitumor agents based on the five-membered heterocycle scaffolds.

Kinesin spindle protein (KSP) plays an essential role in centrosome separation and formation of the bipolar mitotic spindle. Its exclusive involvement in the mitotic spindle of proliferating cells presents an opportunity for developing new anticancer agents with reduced side effects relative to antimitotics that target tubulin. Small molecule KSP inhibitors have demonstrated their potential as novel antimitotic agents.

Single-port retroperitoneoscopic pancreatectomy: preliminary results from the first 3 patients.

To date, single-port laparoscopic pancreatic surgery has been rarely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of single-port retroperitoneoscopic pancreatectomy based on the first 3 cases in a single center. Three patients with suspected lesions in the distal pancreas underwent single-port retroperitoneoscopic pancreatectomy using a conventional retroperitoneoscopic pancreatectomy approach.

Expression analysis and RNA interference of BmCarE-10 gene from Bombyx mori.

Carboxylesterase (CarE) is a multifunctional superfamily, and it plays important roles in xenobiotic detoxification, pheromone degradation, neurogenesis and regulating development. In this research, firstly, we measured the rutin-induced transcriptional level of BmCarE-10 gene by using real-time quantitative RT-PCR method, and dual spike-in strategy. Several possible physiological functions were certified preliminarily by RNAi experiments in silkworm.

Evolution of human longevity uncoupled from caloric restriction mechanisms.

Caloric restriction (CR) and chemical agents, such as resveratrol and rapamycin that partially mimic the CR effect, can delay morbidity and mortality across a broad range of species. In humans, however, the effects of CR or other life-extending agents have not yet been investigated systematically. Human maximal lifespan is already substantially greater compared to that of closely related primate species.

Expression of Ku86 and presence of Ku86 antibody as biomarkers of hepatitis B virus related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common disease and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Level of the 82-kDa ATP-dependent DNA helicase II (Ku86) increases in some tumors, but its clinical use as a marker for HCC is rare.

Aims: To examine the relationship between increases in Ku86 and the development of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC to define the relationship between Ku86 and HCC.

Involvement of the mitochondrial p53 pathway in PBDE-47-induced SH-SY5Y cells apoptosis and its underlying activation mechanism.

2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-47)-elicited neurotoxicity is associated with neural apoptosis; however the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate whether the mitochondrial p53 pathway is involved in neuronal apoptosis induced by PBDE-47 and to correlate DNA hypomethylation with p53 activation, human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells were treated with different concentrations of PBDE-47 (1, 5, 10 μmol/L) for 24h in vitro. The apoptosis and ultrastructural alterations in cells, levels of p53, Bcl-2, Bax, cytochrome c (Cyt c), caspase-3 and methylation status of p53 promoter were determined.

Total laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy (D2+) with jejunal Roux-en-Y reconstruction.

Total laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy and the jejunal Roux-en-Y anastomosis were performed to treat cancer of the upper gastric body and fundic region. In the case of open anastomosis during total laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy, an incision of 6-8 cm would be required due to the need for placing the stapler anvil. If using the Roux-en-Y procedure, however, the incision could be reduced to as small as 4-5 cm without increasing the length of operation and intraoperative bleeding that favors postoperative recovery.

BmCREC is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident protein and required for ER/Golgi morphology.

Silkworm posterior silkgland is a model for studying intracellular trafficking. Here, using this model, we identify several potential cargo proteins of BmKinesin-1 and focus on one candidate, BmCREC. BmCREC (also known as Bombyx mori DNA supercoiling factor, BmSCF) was previously proposed to supercoil DNA in the nucleus.

Lithotomy using cholangioscopy via the left hepatic duct orifice versus the common bile duct in laparoscopic treatment of left-sided hepatolithiasis: a comparative study.

Objective: Laparoscopic hepatectomy is widely used in the surgical treatment of left-sided hepatolithiasis (LSH). Lithotomy using a cholangioscope usually is required for the treatment of concurrent right-sided hepatolithiasis or choledocholithiasis. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of gallstone elimination using cholangioscopy through the left hepatic duct (LHD) orifice versus the common bile duct (CBD).

[Reactivity of intrapulmonary arterial rings to thromboxane A2 and endothelin-1 is reduced in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

Objective: To investigate the reactivity of intrapulmonary arterial rings to vasoactive substances as thromboxane A2 and endothelin-1 in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: Intrapulmonary arterial rings isolated from patients with normal lung function and COPD were mounted in a Multi Myograph system to determine the reactivity of the intrapulmonary arterial rings to 60 mmol/L KCl, thromboxane A2 analogue U46619 and endothelin-1 before and after preconditioning with the COX synthase inhibitor indomethacin.

Results: The reactivity of intrapulmonary arterial rings to U46619 and endothelin-1 was significantly decreased in patients with COPD.

[Effect of propofol and inhalation anesthesia on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in the elderly: a meta-analysis].

Objective: To compare the effects of propofol and inhalation anesthesia on the incidence of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients undergoing noncardiac surgeries.

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang data and VIP Database (by October 2012) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing propofol and inhalation anesthesia for their impact on the incidence of early POCD in elderly patients undergoing noncardiac surgeries. After data extraction and quality evaluation, Stata 12.

Analyzing the promoters of two CYP9A genes in the silkworm Bombyx mori by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) are widespread proteins that interact with exogenous chemicals from the diet or the environment. CYP9A subfamily genes are important in the silkworm Bombyx mori. We previously reported transcriptional levels of two CYP9A genes in different tissues and their responses to sodium fluoride (NaF).