Lobeline shows protective effects against MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuron death and attenuates behavior deficits in animals.

We previously demonstrated that lobeline effectively inhibited dopamine transporter (DAT)-mediated dopamine (DA) transportation. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether lobeline shows protective effects against neurotoxin-induced cell death . Mice were administered 30 mg/kg 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetra-hydropyridine (MPTP) and treated with 80 mg/kg L-dopa, 10 mg/kg GBR12935 or 1 or 3 mg/kg lobeline, respectively, via injection.

[Roles of computed tomography in the diagnosis and treatment of complex atlas pillow deformity].

Objective: To explore the roles of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and treatment of complex atlas pillow deformity.

Methods: From January 2010 to February 2012, the preoperative and postoperative CT imaging findings were collected from 32 cases of complicated atlas pillow deformity undergoing surgical treatment at Henan Provincial People's Hospital. There were 18 males and 14 females with a mean age of 36.

[Treatment strategies for complicated craniocervical junction malformations].

Objective: To explore the treatment strategies for complicated craniocervical junction malformations with diverse clinical and imaging features.

Methods: The clinical data of 67 cases of complicated craniocervical junction malformation treated between January 2000 to December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on their clinical manifestations and imaging findings, different operative procedures were adopted, including odontoidectomy via transoral transpharyngeal approach (n = 3), occipito-cervical fusion and(or) suboccipital decompression (n = 19) and odontoidectomy via transoral transpharyngeal approach followed by occipito-cervical fusion in two-stage operation (n = 25).

HOXB7 as a prognostic factor and mediator of colorectal cancer progression.

Purpose: This study was to investigate the clinicopathologic significance and potential role of HOXB7 in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Experimental Design: The relationship between HOXB7 expression and clinical characteristics of CRC was analyzed in 224 paraffin-embedded archived CRC specimens by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The effects of HOXB7 on cell growth and proliferation, as well as on tumorigenesis, were examined both in vitro and in vivo, using MTT assay, colony formation assay, cell cycle analysis, soft agar assay, and tumorigenesis in nude mice.

Prognostic analysis and complications of traumatic carotid cavernous fistulas after treatment with detachable balloon and/or coil embolization.

Objective: To explore the causes of the formation of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas and the therapeutic effect of detachable balloon and/or coil embolization and the prevention of its complications.

Methods: From October, 1992 to March, 2002, 17 patients with traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas were treated with detachable balloon and/or coil embolization in our hospital. The clinical data and imaging features of CT, MR and selective angiogram of these patients were analyzed.