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ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Scutellariae Radix （SR）-Paeoniae Radix Rubra （PRR） combination of different proportions on the expression of the Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）/nuclear transcription factor κB （NF-κB） and phosphatidylinositol kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） signaling pathways in liver tissues of rats with hepatic fibrosis and explore the mechanism against hepatic fibrosis. MethodSixty male SD rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a normal group， a model group， a positive control （silymarin） group， and SR-PRR 1∶1， SR-PRR 1∶2， and SR-PRR 1∶4 groups， with 10 rats in each group. The hepatic fibrosis model was induced in rats except for those in the normal group by intraperitoneal injection of 40% tetrachloromethane （CCl4）-olive oil solution at 3 mL·kg-1， 5 mL·kg-1 for the first time， for 8 weeks， twice per week. After 4 weeks， rats were treated correspondingly at 10 mL·kg-1 by intragastric administration， and the body weight of rats in each group was weighed for 8 weeks. After administration， histopathological changes in the liver were observed. Serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， hyaluronic acid （HA）， laminin （LN）， albumin （ALB）， alkaline phosphatase （AKP）， and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activities， malondialdehyde （MDA）， and hydroxyproline （HYP） content in liver tissues were detected. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB， PI3K， Akt， and mTOR in the liver of rats were detected by real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the model group， SR-PRR combination of different proportions could recover the body weight and improve the pathological injury of the liver. As revealed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） results， compared with the normal group， the model group showed increased ALT， AST， HA， LN， AKP， MDA， and HYP levels to different degrees （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the groups with drug intervention showed decreased levels of ALT， AST， HA， LN， AKP， MDA， and HYP， potentiated SOD activity， and increased level of ALB （P<0.05）. As revealed by Real-time PCR results， compared with the normal group， the model group showed increased mRNA expression of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB， PI3K， Akt， and mTOR （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the groups with drug intervention showed reduced mRNA expression of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB， PI3K， Akt， and mTOR in the liver of rats （P<0.05）. ConclusionSR-PRR combination of different proportions can improve the histopathological injury in liver tissues caused by CCl4， with the optimal effect observed in the SR-PRR 1∶4 group. SR-PRR may inhibit the development of liver fibrosis by inhibiting the expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways， thereby alleviating chemical-induced liver injury.
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Stroke is a destructive cerebrovascular event caused by the interruption of cerebral blood flow caused by the blockage or rupture of cerebral vessels， which is easy to cause physical disability and multiple functional injuries. The mortality rate of stroke patients in China occupies the first place in the world. How to effectively treat stroke is one of the urgent health problems to be solved. In the clinic， academician WANG Yong-yan observed that 60% of stroke patients with heat-phlegm and sthenic-Fu syndrome. Most of the patients with heat-phlegm and sthenic-Fu syndrome are characterized by stagnation of stool， bad breath and dry pharynx， and so on， After clinical practice， Xinglou Chengqi decoction （XLCQD） was established to treat stroke patients with heat-phlegm and sthenic-Fu syndrome. XLCQD is one of the representative prescriptions for removing phlegm to relax bowels， which is composed of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma， Natrii Sulfas， Trichosanthis Fructus and Arisaema Cum Bile by the ratio of 5∶5∶15∶3. At present， the research on XLCQD is mainly focused on clinical observation and pharmacological mechanism， while the basic research of its pharmacodynamic substance is relatively weak. This paper intends to sort out the chemical composition and pharmacological mechanism of XLCQD， in order to provide the basis for the chemical component identification， drug target prediction and material basis screening of this compound in the later stage. In addition， through the case analysis of XLCQD and modified XLCQD in the treatment of stroke， its rules of clinical application were summarized， in order to provide reference for the clinical application of this compound.
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OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid on blood loss and blood transfusion rate after minimally invasive unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.@*METHODS@#From January 2015 to September 2017, 90 patients underwent minimally invasive unicompartmental knee arthroplasty were divided into tranexamic acid group and control group, 45 cases in each group. In the tranexamic acid group, there were 22 males and 23 females, aged 62 to 69 (66.1±2.4) years;in the control group, 20 males and 25 females, aged 63 to 71(68.5±5.2) years. The amount of bleeding in the drainage ball at 48 hours after operation was recorded, and the blood transfusion rate and hematocrit level duringthe perioperative period were recorded. The factors influencing perioperative blood loss included gender, age and body mass index (BMI).@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for 12.5 to 28.3 (22.8±7.9) months. During the follow-up, the wounds of the two groups healed well, and no deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism occurred. There was no significant difference in postoperative blood loss between the tranexamic acid group and the control group. The postoperative bleeding volume in the tranexamic acid group was (110.0±52.1) ml, and that in the control group was (123.0±64.5) ml (P=0.39). There was no blood transfusion in the two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#Intra articular injection of tranexamic acid can not significantly reduce the postoperative blood loss in patients with minimally invasive unicompartment.
Subject(s)
Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Antifibrinolytic Agents/therapeutic use , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/adverse effects , Blood Loss, Surgical/prevention & control , Hemostatics , Injections, Intra-Articular , Postoperative Hemorrhage , Tranexamic AcidABSTRACT
"Bangjian" were traditional Tibetan medicine-flowers from Gentianaceae, which were widely used and had a long medicinal history for the function of detoxifying, curing heat symptoms and treating the laryngitis. The Tibetan compound preparation endowed SFDA approval number always used Bangjian aas the main raw materials for relieving cough, asthma and treating respiratory diseases such as acute and chronic bronchitis. Its commodity medicinal materials were also sold in Qinghai, Sichuan, Tibet and other local medicinal materials market and local specialty marke. However, when recorded by literatures of Tibetan medicine, Bangjian were often classified into white, blue and black or white, blue and variegated according to color of flowers, leading to disordered varieties. In this paper, different Bangjian including their original plants and the main application varieties were studied and authenticated by textual research, wild specimen collection, investigation and collection of samples from Tibetan hospitals，Tibetan pharmaceutical factories and medical material markets. Results showed that Bangjian-including blue, black and variegated flowers were originated from 14 species and 3 varietas according to literatures, and the main application varieties mainly come from Ser. Ornatae of Sect. Monopodiae, such as Gentiana veitchiorum for the most, G. sino-ornata as well as G. lawrencei var. farreri. Suggestion about establishing the quality standard of Bangjian was gived, which provided reference in reasonable use and scientific research for Bangjian, and also had practical value for its clinical use and development.
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Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint injection at Fenglong (ST 40) with Promethazine in treating posterior circulation ischemic vertigo (PCIV) due to turbid phlegm obstructing the middle.Method Sixty-two patients with PCIV due to turbid phlegm obstructing the middle were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 31 cases each. The two groups both received intravenous infusion of Vinpocetine injection, based on which, the treatment group was intervened by injection at Fenglong (ST 40) with Promethazine, while the control group was given gluteal intramuscular injection of Promethazine. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) were observed for the two groups before and after the treatment, and the clinical efficacies were also compared.Result The TCM syndrome and DHI scores were significant changed after the intervention in both groups (P<0.05). After the treatment, the TCM syndrome and DHI scores in the treatment group were significantly different from those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.5％ in the treatment group versus 80.6％ in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusion Injection at Fenglong (ST 40) with Promethazine is an effective method in treating PCIV due to turbid phlegm obstructing the middle.
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To provide the reference for selecting the research and development trend and direction of new drug in Chinese materia medica (CMM). We sorted out the new drugs of CMM approved by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) during 2010-2014 through database retrieval, analyzed their indications, declared period and approval rates, then discuss and suggest the predominance of CMM for research and development. In recent five years, among the new drugs of CMM approved by CFDA, their main indications are those for cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and urogenital system. The declared period from short to long is gynaecology system, respiratory system, and urogenital system. From the point of approval rates, urogential system and pediatric system are higher than others. Comprehensive the above three factors, we get that cardiovascular system is a classic indication for CMM; Urogenital system, pediatrics system and gynecologic system will be the potential fields for CMM research and development.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the nerve electromyogram results by analysing the pathological characters of 4 cases diagnosed as peripheral neuropathy caused by n-hexane and arsenic.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The nerve electromyogram examination and pathology data of 4 patients, who had been diagnosed as toxic chemicals peripheral neuropathy, were studied retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Two patients in this group were exposed to n-hexane, their nerve electromyogram examinations and biopsy pathology of superficial peroneal nerve indicated the peripheral neuropathy was mainly manifests the lesion of medullary sheath. Another two patients were exposed to arsenic, their nerve electromyogram examinations showed axonal degeneration associated with demyelination, and their biopsy pathology showed the peripheral neuropathy was mainly axonal degeneration.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Axonal degeneration and demyelination always coexist in peripheral neuropathy caused by chemicals.</p>
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Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Arsenic Poisoning , Pathology , Hexanes , Poisoning , Peripheral Nervous System Diseases , Pathology , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Objective To examine the association between pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH) and small-for-gestational-age babies(SGA)in a Chinese population.Methods Subjects were women who delivered a singleton baby(gestational weeks:equal to or greater than 28,and less than 42)in four cities or counties in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces,China,during the period of 1995-2000.A total number of 93 743 women were included.Incidence of SGA was calculated and compared between women with or without PIH and between groups with different severities of PIH.Multiple logistic regression was used to address the relationship between PIH and SGA while controlling for maternal age,occupation,education,parity,BMI,anemia,premature rupture of membranes and fetal sex.The association between PIH and SGA was also examined according to preterm or term delivery.Results The incidence of SGA in women with PIH(6.0%)was higher than women without(4.5%),and the incidence increased with severities of PIH.The adjusted relative risk rates(95%CI)of SGA in women with mild,moderate and severe PIH were 1.17(1.01-1.34),1.69(1.33-2.14),and 3.50(2.57-4.77),respectively,when confounders were controlled for.The risk ratios of SGA in women with PIH among women who delivered a preterm baby wete higher than those among women who delivered a term baby.Conclusion There seemed a statistical association between PIH and SGA,and women with PIH having higher incidence of SGA than those withont PIH.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association between third trimester hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and the risk of low birth weight and preterm delivery in a Chinese population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Subjects were women who delivered in four cities/counties in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, China, during the period of 1995 - 2000. Incidence of low birth weight and preterm delivery was calculated and compared among groups of women with different levels of Hb during the third trimester. Multiple logistic regression was used to address relationships between Hb levels and the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight while controlling for potential confounding factors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The overall prevalence of anemia during third trimester of pregnancy was 48.2% , mainly consisting of mild and moderate anemia. Mild and moderate anemia did not increase the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight statistically. The lowest incidence of preterm delivery and low birth weight was found among pregnant women with Hb levels at 90-99 g/L. The risk for preterm delivery and low birth weight increased with either increasing or decreasing hemoglobin concentrations. However,there was no remarkable elevation of the risk when Hb was in the range of 70-119 g/L. Women with severe anemia (Hb< 70 g/L) had 80% higher risk (95% CI:1.0-3.3) of preterm delivery and a 4.0-fold higher risk (95 % CI :2. 1-7.5) of low birth weight compared with women with an Hb value of 90-99 g/L. In addition, women with a high Hb concentration (Hb> 130 g/L) had 20% higher risk (95 % CI: 1..0-1.4) of preterm delivery and 50 % higher risk (95 % CI: 1.2-1.9) of low birth weight.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A U-shape relationship was found between Hb concentration and the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight. Severe anemia and high hemoglobin concentration were both associated with increased risk of preterm deliveries and low birth weight.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Young Adult , Delivery, Obstetric , Hemoglobins , Metabolism , Infant, Low Birth Weight , Infant, Premature , Pregnancy Trimester, Third , Premature Birth , Blood , Epidemiology , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting Bartonella henselae.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>According to the 16S-23S rRNA intervening sequences (IVS) specific for B. henselae, one pair of primers and one TaqMan-MGB probe were designed. A quantitative real-time PCR was developed with the primers, the probe, and the IVS, a standard template, in DNA sequence detection system (ABI 7900HT).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The standard curve was established with the standard template and the relationship between the value of threshold cycle (Ct) and the DNA copy number was linear (r = 0.997). The sensitivity of this quantitative real-time PCR was about 1000 times higher than that of a common PCR used to detect homologous DNA. By this quantitative real-time PCR, the DNA sample of B. henselae was positively detected but not from other rickettsial or bacterial DNA samples. The variation coefficients of intra- and inter-assay reproducibility were 0.2%-1.9%. Using the real-time quantitative PCR to detect samples from mice that were experimentally infected with B. henselae, the small amount of B. henselae DNA was detected in blood samples on days 2, 3, and 5 and large amount of B. henselae DNA was detected in spleen samples on days 1 and 2 after infection.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Results from our study suggested that this quantitative real-time PCR was highly specific, sensitive and with good repeatability for detection of B. henselae. It seemed quite useful for rapid detection of tiny DNA of B. henselae in various samples and laboratory diagnosis of bartonellosis caused by B. henselae.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Bartonella Infections , Diagnosis , Bartonella henselae , Genetics , DNA, Bacterial , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Methods , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in rodents from forest areas in northeastern China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PCR amplification, followed by sequence analysis was carried out. The sequences of 16S rRNA and gltA gene fragment amplified from rodent specimens were compared with corresponding part of the sequences deposited in GenBank.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total number of 276 rodents were tested, including 102 in Jilin province, 61 in Helongjiang province and 113 in Inner Mongolia autonomous region. The positive rates were 8.82%, 1.64% and 0.00%, respectively. The infection rate in rodents infected by ticks was 11.30 times higher than that in rodents without ticks (P = 0.002). The S. A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA sequences from rodents in Jilin and Heilongjiang were identical and differed in 3-5 bases compared with the corresponding parts of A. phagocytophilum from America, Sweden and Japan. Compared with the sequences registered in GenBank, the nucleotide sequence of gltA varied from 87%-97% and its deduced amino acid sequence changed from 84%-99%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A. phagocytophilum infection was presented in rodents from Jilin and Heilongjiang province.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Amino Acid Sequence , Anaplasma phagocytophilum , Genetics , Bacterial Proteins , Base Sequence , China , Ehrlichiosis , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S , Rodentia , Microbiology , Ticks , TreesABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR) assay for detecting Rickettsia rickettsii.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The primers and TaqMan-MGB probe were designed according to the ompB gene of R. rickettsii. A DNA fragment of ompB gene amplified from R. rickettsii by PCR was used as a standard template for the development of the method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>5 copies of ompB fragments of R. rickettsii were detected. The genomic DNA of R. rickettsii was detected by the developed quantitative PCR assay. However, the genomic DNA from another rickettsial or bacterial agent was not determined. Through this developed method, the positive results were obtained from the animals and cells, artificially infected with R. rickettsii.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The real-time quantitative PCR assay seemed to be highly sensitive and specific which might be used to rapidly detect R. rickettsia DNA in various samples and to early diagnose patients infected by R. rickettsii.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , DNA Primers , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Methods , Rickettsia rickettsii , Genetics , Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever , Diagnosis , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>In the past 5 years, new treatment materials and techniques offering a different concept in endovascular treatment have been described for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs). The aim of this study was to assess the endovascular treatment of CAVMs by using a liquid embolic material, Onyx (Micro Therapeutics. Inc., Irvine, CA, USA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From September 2003 to September 2004, Onyx was used to treat 22 patients with CAVMs. Ten AVMS were located in functional areas, 8 in deep cerebral areas, and 4 in the cerebellar hemisphere. The size of CAVMs was about 3 cm in diameter in 5 patients, 3-6 cm in 11, and more than 6 cm in 6.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the 22 patients, Onyx embolization was successful. Nidus occlusion was complete in 3 patients, > 90% in 8, > 80% and < 90% in 6, and > 50% and < 80% in 5. Complications included transient neurological deficits in 2 patients, and adherence of microcatheter to the site of injection in 2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Being non-adhesiveness, Onyx is a safe and satisfactory embolic material in the treatment of CAVMs. But its long-term efficacy awaits further follow-up.</p>
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Dimethyl Sulfoxide , Embolization, Therapeutic , Methods , Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations , TherapeuticsABSTRACT
Aim To evaluate the influence of asthma and the effect of anti-inflammation therapy on the quality of life (QOL) in allergic asthma patients. Methods The QOL of 45 patients with asthma were investigated by collecting questionnaire before and after three months anti-inflammation treatment , at the same time the serum eosinophil cationic protein(ECP) level was detected in 20 patients. The QOL questionnaire included 4 domains, they were respiratory symptoms, physical activity limitation, emotional function and environmental stimuli. Results The factors which influenced the QOL in asthma patients ranging from high to low were environmental stimuli, respiratory symptom and emotion function and physical activity limitation. After anti-inflammation treatment, the QOL was significantly improved and the serum ECP was decreased (P