Prognostic Significance of the Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio in Neuroendocrine Carcinoma / 전남의대학술지

Extra-pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare and aggressive cancer. Although several biological and histological markers have been suggested as prognostic factors for this cancer, the prognostic importance of systemic inflammatory markers, including the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio, is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between systemic inflammatory markers and the prognosis of extra-pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 85 patients with unresectable or metastatic extra-pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma who received platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line chemotherapy from August 2007 to November 2019. We used time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to determine the cut-off values. The cut-off values for the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio were 3.0 and 158.5, respectively. There was no significant difference in the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score, Ki-67 index, or response to chemotherapy between groups. The high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio group showed significantly worse overall survival (high vs. low, median 11.1 vs. 21.0 months, log-rank p=0.004) and shorter median progression-free survival, but the latter was not statistically significant. The high platelet-lymphocyte ratio group also showed significantly worse progression-free survival and overall survival than the low platelet-lymphocyte ratio group (high vs. low:median 5.6 vs. 9.8 months, log-rank p=0.047 and median 13.8 vs. 21.0 months, log-rank p=0.013, respectively). In multivariable analysis, a high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio is a potent and readily available prognostic factor for extra-pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Effect of Joint Cavity Injection of Dioscoreae Rhizoma Polysaccharides on Inflammatory Factors and Articular Cartilage Metabolism in Rabbit Knee Osteoarthritis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of joint cavity injection of Dioscoreae Rhizoma polysaccharides （DRP） in protecting against cartilage degeneration and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors in the rabbit model of knee osteoarthritis to provide relevant references for the development and further research on DRP. Method:Fifty-five New Zealand white rabbits were selected for the induction of knee osteoarthritis model by the modified Hulth's modeling method. The model rabbits were randomly divided into a model group， a sodium hyaluronate group （1.00 mg·kg^-1）， and low- （0.7 mg·kg^-1）， medium- （1.43 mg·kg^-1）， and high-dose （2.15 mg·kg^-1） DRP group according to a random number table. One week after modeling， the rabbits in the groups with drug intervention were treated correspondingly for five weeks， once per week， and no intervention was performed in the model group. Five weeks later， the joint specimens were observed by visual observation. The articular cartilage tissues were observed under the light microscope for pathological sections and scores by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and toluidine blue （TB） staining. The expression levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1<italic>β</italic> （IL-1<italic>β</italic>）， and tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α </italic>（TNF-<italic>α</italic>） in the synovial fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 （MMP-13）， transforming growth factor-<italic>β</italic>₁ （TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）， and type Ⅱ collagen （Col-Ⅱ） in the articular cartilage were measured by immunohistochemistry. Result:After five weeks of DRP intervention， compared with the model group， the DRP groups exhibited lowered levels of IL-6， IL-1<italic>β</italic>， and TNF-<italic>α</italic> in the synovial fluid （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， reduced expression of MMP-13 in the articular cartilage （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and increased levels of TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁and Col-Ⅱ （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with the low-dose and high-dose DRP groups， the medium-dose DRP group showed reduced levels of IL-6， IL-1<italic>β</italic>， and TNF-<italic>α</italic> in the knee joint （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， increased levels of TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁ and Col-Ⅱ in cartilage tissues （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and dwindled level of MMP-13 （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with the sodium hyaluronate group， the medium-dose DRP group showed no significant differences in IL-6， IL-1<italic>β</italic>， and TNF-<italic>α</italic> in rabbit knee joints， and TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁， Col-Ⅱ， and MMP-13 in cartilage tissues. Conclusion:Joint cavity injection of DRP can significantly reduce the expression of IL-6， IL-1<italic>β</italic>， and TNF-<italic>α</italic> in rabbit synovial fluid， effectively inhibit the expression of MMP-13 in the articular cartilage to suppress the degradation of articular cartilage collagen and promote the synthesis of TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁ and Col-Ⅱ. Therefore， DRP can protect and repair articular cartilage to delay the degeneration of articular cartilage.

Intracranial malignant solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma:a clinicopathologic analyses of 16 cases / 临床与实验病理学杂志

Purpose To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and prognosis of malignant solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma ( SFT/HPC). Methods Sixteen cases of intracranial malignant SFT/HPC were retrospectively studied. The clinical data, imaging features, histopathological and immunohistochemical characteris-tics were analyzed. Results The 8 male and 8 female patients were between 31 and 71 years of age ( mean 51). The median age was 51 years (range, 31-71 years). 16 malignant SFT/HPC cases were originated from intracalvarium. The imaging features showed intracranial neoplasms with relatively clear surrounding boundaries. Microscopically spindle shaped cells were hypercel-lular, and exhibited≥5 mitoses per 10 HPF. Cytological atypia was mild. The clinicopathologic characteristics included pattern-less growth pattern, storiform or fascicular growth pattern, solita-ry fibrous tumor-like regions and hemangiopericytoma-like re-gions. Tnere were 2 cases with abundant papillary structure and 2 with sarcomatous structure, 2 with focal necrosis, 2 with inva-ded cerebral tissues, and 10 with invaded meninges. Immuno-histochemically, 93. 75% ( 15/16 ) cases were positive for STAT6, with 15/16 showing diffuse staining. 87. 5% (14/16) cases were positive for CD34, with 37. 5% (6/16) showing dif-fuse staining. 81. 25% (13/16) cases were positive for BCL-2. 68. 75% (11/16) cases were positive for CD99. The Ki-67 in-dex ranged from 5% to 40% . Sixteen patients were followed up for 1-64 months, and 7 patients ( 43. 75% ) had recurrences. Conclusion Malignant SFT/HPC shares malignant behaviours. STAT6 is a specific marker for the diagnosis of this tumor. The prognosis of malignant SFT/HPC is related to the extent of tumor excision and long-term follow-up.

Evaluation on the implementation of malaria elimination measures in Huzhou City / 预防医学

Objective To analyze the situation of malaria epidemic and the course of prevention and control,and to summarize and promote the experience of malaria elimination. Methods The data of malaria prevention measures of different stages in Huzhou City from 1950 to 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Results Huzhou City went through three serious malaria epidemics during the past 60 years:1954 to 1955,1962 to 1963 and early 1970. The highest incidence rate was 13 981. 76 / 1 00,000 in 1963. Since standard treatments(including anti - relapse treatment)were carried out and anti - mosquito facilities had improved,the average annual incidence rate in the 70 s declined gradually. From 1980 to 1989,Huzhou City set up 15 - 30 longitudinal monitoring stations which covered 70% villages and towns. In 1989,the City passed the fundamental evaluation of malaria eradication. The average annual incidence rate from 1990 to 2009 was 0. 37 / 1 000,000,and 48. 95% were imported cases. After 2010,Huzhou City had no local malaria case,and all cases reported were imported from 2010 to 2015. Conclusion A remarkable effects of the targeted control measures have been made at different stages in Huzhou City. In order to consolidate the achievements,we should strengthen the monitoring of floating population,timely and effective treatment of imported cases.

Effects of umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on the expression of inflammatory factors in rats with spinal cord injury / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The production and release of a large amount of inflammatory factors caused by immune system inflammatory response mainly contributes to secondary spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of umbilical cord Wharton’s jely mesenchymal stem cel transplantation on repair of injured neurological function and expression of inflammatory factors monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and interleukin 10 in rats with acute spinal cord injury. METHODS: Eighty-one healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equaly divided into sham operation, model and cel transplantation groups, with 27 rats per group. Rats in the latter two groups were subjected to hemisection of the spinal cord to establish acute spinal cord injury models. Rat models in the cel transplantation group received umbilical cord Wharton’s jely mesenchymal stem cel injection (1×106)via the tail vein. Rat neurological function was evaluated using the BBB score at different time points after spinal cord injury. The expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and interleukin 10 in injured spinal cord tissue was detected using ELISA assay at different time points after spinal cord injury. Migration and neuronal differentiation of umbilical cord Wharton’s jely mesenchymal stem cels in the injured spinal cord tissue were determined using immunohistochemical staining method. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the sham operation and model groups, rat neurological function was significantly recovered in the cel transplantation group (P < 0.05). Compared to the model group, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 level in the serum and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 mRNA and protein expression in the injured spinal cord tissue were significantly lower (P < 0.05), but interleukin 10 mRNA and protein expression in the injured spinal cord tissue was significantly higher (P < 0.05), in the cel transplantation group. In the cel transplantation group, umbilical cord Wharton’s jely mesenchymal stem cels could migrate to the injured region and express glial fibrilary acidic protein. These findings suggest that umbilical cord Wharton’s jely mesenchymal stem cels promote rat neurological function recovery by regulating the inflammatory response in the injured spinal cord tissue, which is likely to be one of mechanisms by which transplantation of umbilical cord Wharton’s jely mesenchymal stem cels treats spinal cord injury.

Effects of MiR-194 on the metastasis of human osteosarcoma cell line U2-OS by recombinant lentivirus vector / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective:This study aimed to construct a lentiviral expression vector for microRNA-194 and investigate its effect on the metastasis of human osteosarcoma cell line U2-OS. Methods:Pri-and mature miR-194 amplified by PCR were inserted into the plenty-GFP vector and identified by restriction endonuclease digestion and nucleotide sequencing. The osteosarcoma cell line U2-OS was transfected with the lentivirus. Then, the stable transfected cells were used in Transwell and wound healing assay. Results:Restric-tion analysis and sequencing showed that the recombinant lentiviral expression vector was constructed correctly. The titers of obtained overexpression and suppression expression recombinant lentivirus were 1.5*108 and 4*108 TU/ml. Cell metastasis ability was signifi-cantly different in different experimental groups (P<0.01). Conclusion:The lentiviral expression vector for microRNA-194 was suc-cessfully constructed. MicroRNA-194 could influence the metastasis of the osteosarcoma cell line U2-OS;thus, it could be further ex-plored as a potential target in osteosarcoma therapy.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the 6 confirmed human cases with novel influenza A (H7N9) virus infection in Zhejiang / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical spectrum, geographic location of human H7N9 avian influenza as well as the characteristics of population at high risk of infection, in order to develop strategies for the prevention and control of the infection. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics on the 6 confirmed human cases in Zhejiang were also analyzed.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to test the nucleic acid of human H7N9 avian influenza infection, from pharyngeal swabs of the patients and their close contacts. Face to face interview and descriptive method were used to collect related clinical and epidemiological data. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 17.0.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Six confirmed cases were distributed in Hangzhou and Huzhou cities. The 6 confirmed human cases, including 5 males and 1 female were all confirmed with novel influenza A (H7N9) virus infection, with an average age as 60.83 years (with median as 64.50 years). Cough was the most common initial symptom to be noticed. The clinical manifestations would include fever, dizziness, pain of muscles, coughing, expectoration and short of breath. All the X-ray chest films showed severe pneumonia, and 5 of them having had other chronic diseases. None of the cases admitted to have had a history of exposure to ill/death avians. However, all of the cases had been frequently exposed to the agricultural-byproduct-trading-markets where the positive rate of novel influenza A (H7N9) virus in environmental specimens was up to 43.21%. 32 of the 375 close contacts (8.53%) to the 6 cases appeared abnormal symptoms, but no positive result related to novel influenza A (H7N9) virus nucleic acid was detected from their throat swabs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acute infection on the respiratory system seemed the main clinical manifestation. Elderly men, especially those with chronic diseases were under high risk of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza. The source of infection might be associated with the exposure to poultry. There was still lack of evidence to confirm the route of person to person transmission on H7N9 avian influenza.</p>

Rapidly detect and distinguish between norovirus G I and G II type with a pair of primers / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The purpose of this study was to develop RT- PCR assay for Rapidly detect and distinguish between Norovirus genogroup I and genogroup II with a pair of primers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A pairs of primers specific to capsid prote in ORF2 gene of G I and G II Norovirus were dsigned according to the published complete genome sequence, with which the RNA of Norovirus was extracted and RT-PCR amplification. The sensitivity, specificity of the RT- PCR assay was estimated and apply it to the detection of Norovirus in clinical specimens.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results showed that the assay possessed high specificity for Norovirus detection and without any evident cross-reaction with other viruses, including rotavirus, enteric adenovirus and hepatitis A virus. The detection limit of RT-PCR assay for Norovirus G I and G II were up to 100 pg/ml and 10 pg/ml respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The RT- PCR assay provide rapid and sensitive detection of Norovirus G I and G II and should prove to be useful for Norovirus diagnosis in the outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis.</p>

A norovirus-borne outbreak caused by contaminated bottled spring water in a school, Zhejiang province / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To study a local hospital reported acute gastroenteritis in a boarding school on its source of infection, mode of transmission and risk factors of the infection. Methods A suspected case was defined as who had developed diarrhea (≥3 times/day) or vomiting among teachers or students of the school, during April 19-30, 2010. A confirmed case was from a probable case plus tested positive for norovirus in stool specimens by using RT-PCR. Stool specimens of cases and environmental specimens were collected for laboratory diagnosis. In a ease-control study, we compared exposures to sources of bottled water, consumption of bottled water, and hygienic habits of 220 probable or confirmed cases from April 21-23 in the peak of the outbreak, together with another 220 controls, with frequency-matched by school grade. Results 20.3% of the 1536 students but none of the teachers developed the disease. 98.6% of the cases (n=217) and 85.5% (n=188) of the controls had drunk bottled water in the classroom (ORM-H= 12.3,95%CI: 3.7-40.9). 47.9% (n= 104)of the cases and 41.5% (n=78)of the controls had drunk unboiled bottled water in classroom (ORM-H=3.8,95%CI: 1.5-9.6). 47.9% (n=104) of the cases and 48.4% (n=91) of the controls had drunk bottled mixed water (boiled and unboiled) in the classroom (ORM-H=2.8, 95%CI: 1.1-7.0).Stool specimens from 3 cases and one bottle of uncovered bottled water in classroom showed positive of having norovirus genotype Ⅱ. Coliforms was cultured much higher rates than standard deviations in the bottled water. The factory making the bottled water was not licensed or having strict disinfection facilities. Conclusion Bottled spring water contaminated by norovirus was responsible for this outbreak.

Molecular characteristics of noroviruses causing outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in Huzhou / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the molecular characteristics of Noroviruses causing outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in Huzhou.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 2008 to 2010, total 119 fecal specimens collected from outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis were tested for Norovirus. Partial sequence of RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of the positive samples were amplified by RT-PCR, then the PCR production were purified, sequenced and put into phylogenetic analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>50 of 119 specimens were positive for Norovirus by real-time RT-PCR. Out of those 50 Norovirus positive specimens, 9 were Norovirus Genogroup I (GI) positive, 35 were Norovirus Genogroup II (GII) positive, 6 was both Norovirus GI and GII positive. 12 PCR products for RdRp were selected for further studies on sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the 5 GI norovirus isolates were belonged to genotype GI/2 and GI/3. Of the 7 GII norovirus isolates, 6 were belonged to genotype GII/4, 1 was belonged to genotype Glib.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Norovirus is a major cause of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in Huzhou and the epidemic strains of norovirus isolated from Huzhou had a high degree of genetic diversity.</p>

Effect of spironolactone on the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 in renal tubular epithelia cells exposed to high glucose / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in renal tubular epithelial cells exposed to high glucose and the effect of spironolactone on the TLR4 expression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In vitro renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) were randomly exposed to DMEM culture solution with low glucose (5 mmol /L), high glucose (25 mmol/L) or 10(-7) mol/L spironolactone plus 25 mmol/L glucose. Immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to determine TLR4 protein and mRNA expression. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the cell culture supernatant were determined using ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of TLR4 mRNA in the high glucose group began to increase 6 hrs and remained at a higher level up to 24 hrs after exposure as compared with the low glucose group. The TLR4 mRNA expression in the spironolactone treatment group was significantly lower than that in the high glucose group, although it was higher than that in the low glucose group between 6 and 24 hrs after exposure. TLR4 protein expression increased significantly in the high glucose group 24 and 48 hrs after exposure compared with that in the low glucose group. The TLR4 protein expression in the spironolactone treatment group was lower than that in the high glucose group, but higher than that in the low glucose group. IL-6 and TNF-alpha expression in the supernatant from the NRK-52E cells in the high glucose groups increased significantly as compared with the low glucose group. The spironolactone treatment group had significantly reduced IL-6 and TNF-alpha expression compared with the high glucose group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>High glucose triggers an increase in the expression of TLR4 and inflammatory factors in NRK-52E cells. TLR4 may participate in the progress of diabetic nephropathy. Spironolactone can reduce expression of TLR4 and inflammatory factors, which might be attributed to one of the mechanisms of protection by spironolactone against diabetic nephropathy.</p>

Epidemiological study and clinical analysis of 113 laboratory-confirmed cases with hand, foot and mouth disease / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyse the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of different pathogenesis type cases, severe and common cases of hand, foot and mouth disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Descriptive epidemic method was used to analyse the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of laboratory-confirmed cases with hand,foot and mouth disease.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The epidemiological characteristics 113 cases were the same as epidemic situation at the same time in Anji county. Clinical characteristics were difference in different pathogenesis type cases, severe and common cases of hand, foot and mouth disease.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Prevention and control work taken should according to the characteristics of the disease, such as early identification of severe cases, handling and controlling over the outbreaks in order to reduce the severe cases and the death.</p>

An investigation and analysis on an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis caused by genogroup I and II norovirus / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the cause of an outbreak characterized by diarrhea and vomit in a middle school in Huzhou City.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Comprehensive analysis was conducted based on field epidemiological study, clinical characteristics of the cases and laboratory test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>578 cases of acute gastroenteritis were found. The attack rate was 23.58%. The most frequently observed clinical symptoms were diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and nausea. Some few had fever. Most cases had slight clinical symptom with a course from 1 to 3 days. The cases were distributed in every class, showing no phenomenon of clustering. Norovirus were detected in 11 out of 15 stool samples by using RT-PCR. 6 were genogroup II norovirus. 3 were genogroup I norovirus. enogroup I and II norovirus were detected at the same time in 2 stool samples (the same student with 2 tests). Case-control study showed that drinking unheated bottled water was risk factor (OR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.19-5.23), and had a dose response relation with the disease (chi = 24.8 P < 0.01). The epidemic was controlled soon through isolating patients during treatment, providing boiled water, disinfecting and health education.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This was an infectious diarrhea outbreak caused by norovirus. The suspected transmission ways were drinking unheated bottled water and contact daily.</p>

Clinical application and analysis of hepatitis C virus NS3 antigen detection by ELISA in human serum / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen assays have been produced to exclude infectious donations collected during the preseroconversion window phase (PWP). For the same purpose, we evaluated the specificity and sensitivity of a novel hepatitis C virus NS3 antigen detection immunoassay and the application of this assay in clinical diagnosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Samples from 77 healthy subjects, 173 anti-HCV positive patients and 3708 hepatitis patients other than HCV positive were tested with the HCV NS3 antigen assay. Some HCV NS3 antigen positive samples were further validated with HCV-RNA, neutralization and immunodot assays. Twenty-five sequential samples from 11 HCV NS3 antigen positive patients were subjected to kinetic study.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Only 48 (1.3%) of 3708 anti-HCV negative samples were positive for HCV NS3 antigen. Among them, 44 of 3030 samples from patients only infected with HBV were HCV NS3 antigen positive, 4 of the 445 samples from patients infected with other type hepatitis were HCV NS3 antigen positive. In addition, 42 (24.3%) of 173 anti-HCV positive samples were HCV NS3 antigen positive and all 77 samples from healthy subjects were negative to HCV NS3 antigen assay. Of the 15 HCV NS3 antigen positive samples, 9 (60%) were HCV-RNA positive. The neutralization and positive percentage of immunodot assay for 23 HCV NS3 antigen positive sera were 87.0% (20/23) and 69.6% (16/23) respectively. Of the 25 sequential samples from 11 HCV NS3 antigen positive patients, there was a negative correlation between the OD values and the duration of test (r = -0.989, P < 0.05), and there were correlations among their HCV NS3 antigen, HCV-RNA and anti-HCV titres. The anti-HCV antibodies of two sera were detected while their OD values of HCV NS3 antigen decreased gradually.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The HCV NS3 antigen detection assay showed perfect specificity and high sensitivity. Thus, it would be useful and economical as a routine test in laboratories for early diagnosis of HCV infection and prevention.</p>

Survival analysis on liver failure patients treated with an artificial liver support system / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy of artificial liver support system (ALSS) in the treatment of liver failure patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This is a prospective, multi-center, controlled, large sample clinic trial. 518 patients with liver failure from 5 hospitals were studied and followed. All the patients received similar pharmacological manipulation according to one and the same protocol but were divided into an ALSS treatment group and a control group without ALSS treatment. The ALSS treatment procedures included plasma exchange, molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS), plasma exchange plus hemofiltration and other combined nonbioartificial methods. The analysis of survival time was computed using the Kaplain-Maier method, and comparison among groups was done using Log-Rank, Breslow and/or the Tarone-Ware test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Survival time of acute liver failure patients was prolonged from 4.0+/-0.2 days to 8.0+/-0.4 days (P=0.004). ALSS was shown to be two times more effective. ALSS increased the survival time of acute on chronic (A on C) liver failure patients from 27.0+/-1.6 days to 39.0+/-4.0 days (P less than 0.01). In addition, it increased the survival time of the patients in the middle and end stage of subacute liver failure and A on C liver failure, but had no significant effects on early stage patients. The survival time of middle stage patients was 38.0+/-17.5 days in the control group vs 66.0+/-18.6 days in the ALSS group (P less than 0.05). The survival time of end stage patients of the control group and the ALSS group was 18.0+/-4.0 days vs 26.0+/-2.5 days (P less than 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Multi ALSS treatment is more effective than the standard medicinal liver care treatment. Multi-ALSS treatment could increase survival time of patients suffering from acute liver failure or A on C liver failure, especially in their middle and end stages. It is important and necessary to treat these patients with ALSS.</p>

Effect of soy isoflavones on cAMP/PKA pathway in breast cancer cells of the rat / 生理学报

Soy isoflavones have been reported to be natural chemopreventive in several types of human cancer. Daidzein and genistein are two main components of soy isoflavones. In our previous study, they were shown to be anti-proliferative and induce cell cycle arrest at S phase of SHZ-88 rat breast cancer cells. We hypothesized that soy isoflavones might exert its anticancer effect by activating cAMP/PKA pathway. The present study was designed to analyze the effect of soy isoflavones on the cAMP/PKA pathway in SHZ-88 cells. Daidzein and genistein were dissolved in DMSO. Cells were treated with 50 mug/ml daidzein and 15 mug/ml genistein, respectively, and with only equal DMSO in the culture medium as control. The cellular cAMP content was tested by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The activity of adenylate cyclase (AC), phosphodiesterase (PDE) and PKA were measured by RIA and (gamma-(32)P) ATP incorporation. Reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) mRNA of the cells. The results showed that the concentration of cAMP in the cells treated with 50 mug/ml daidzein and 15 mug/ml genistein was significantly increased by 9.5%and 11.0%, respectively, 5 min later (P<0.05), then increased by 31.0%and 40.3%, respectively, 10 min later (P<0.01), compared with that of the control group cells. The activity of AC was not affected during the course of experiment, but that of PDE was decreased to 71.8%and 71.6%, respectively, in the control group 5 min later (P<0.05). The PKA activity was increased to 125.8%and 122.3%, respectively, in the control group 20 min after the cells were treated with daidzein and genistein (P<0.05), and kept at high level till 40 min after treatment. CREB mRNA of the cells treated with daidzein and genistein was increased by 31.6%and 51.1%, respectively, 3 h later (P<0.05), then began to decrease 6 h after treatment. The current study suggests that soy isoflavones activate the cAMP/PKA pathway in SHZ-88 rat breast cancer cells by inhibiting the activity of phosphodiesterase.

Effects of cysteamine on the plasma levels of SS and some metabolic hormones in adult geese / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To know the effect of cysteamine (CS) on the plasma levels of somatostatin (SS) and some metabolic hormones in adult geese.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fourteen adult crossbred geese (Chuan white x Tai lake) fitted with chronic wing vein cannulas were used in this study to evaluate the effect of CS on SS, TSH, T3 and T4 levels. The experiment was consisted of control and treated phase. The diet was added CS at dosage of 100 mg/kg bw on the first day of the treated phase. The blood samples were collected from the cannulas and analyzed by radioimmunoassay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The plasma SS concentration was (1.87 +/- 0.10) microg/L in control phase. Whereas SS concentrations on day 1, 3, 5, 7 of treated phase were decreased markedly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Thereafter it was rose on the seventh day, however it was still lower than that of control. The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) content (2.45 +/- 0.31 mIU/L) was significantly decreased by 21.63% (P < 0.01) on day 1, and 18.37% (P > 0.05) on day 3 and day 5. Comparing with control phase (5.41 +/- 0.98 microg/L), T4 contents were elevated by 60.26% (P < 0.01), 43.25% (P < 0.01), 37.15% (P < 0.01) and 16. 82% (P < 0.01) respectively on day 1, 3, 5, 7. T3 level was (1.05 +/- 0.06) microg/L in control phase, whereas the levels was significantly increased by 36.19% (P < 0.01) on day 3. Also, the insulin concentration was higher than that of control (4.43 +/- 0.41 mU/ L) by 18.28% (P < 0.05) on the day 5.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results indicate that CS can decrease the plasma SS and TSH levels, whereas increase the levels of T4, T3 and insulin, therefore change metabolism, improve the nutrition transform and accelerate the growth in geese.</p>

Effects of clenbuterol on the hepatic flux of nitrogen, VFA and glucose in sheep / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To examine the liver mechanism with which clenbuterol (CL) is explained how to affect growth metabolism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The technique of chronic poly catheter was used to study the effects of CL (0.8 mg/kg b w) on the hepatic flux of nitrogen, VFA and glucose in 4 sheep.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The urea-nitrogen flux in CL-treated period always was lower than that in control during 24 h. The average flux of urea-nitrogen in hepatic and portal vein were decreased by 16.86% (P < 0.01) and 15.51% (P < 0.05), respectively, compared with that of control. The peptide level in hepatic vein was decreased with the treatment of CL, average flux of peptide was decreased by 38.71% (P < 0.01). But the peptide level of portal vein in CL treatment period was similar to control. Moreover, VFA level in the portal vein was enhanced by CL, the average flux of acetate in portal vein was increased by 19.49% (P < 0.01). No difference of VFA level in hepatic vein was noted between CL-treated period and control. In addition, the glucose flux in hepatic vein was obviously increased with CL treatment, the average flux of glucose was increased by 25.96% (P < 0.01). And glucose flux in portal vein was also elevated during CL-treated period.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CL can affect growth metabolism of animal with increasing nitrogen deposition, improving absorption and utilization of VFA and enhancing glucose synthesis in sheep liver.</p>

Effects of clenbuterol on the metabolism of nitrogen and IGF-I level in isolated perfused rat liver / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To examine the liver mechanism with which clenbuterol is explained how to affect growth metabolism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four adult SD rats were randomly divided into three groups, a control and two treatment groups. The technique of isolated perfused rat liver in vitro was used to study the effects of clenbuterol on urea nitrogen concentration of perfused medium, GPT activity and synthesis and secretion of IGF-I in isolated perfused rat liver.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Urea-nitrogen concentration of perfused medium was significantly affected by clenbuterol in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. The urea-nitrogen level was decreased by 15.02% (P > 0.05),17.97% (P > 0.05), 26.76% (P < 0.05) and 30.08% (P < 0.01) for 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h after administering clenbuterol at the dose of 1 x 10(-6) mol/L, respectively, compared to that of control. 1 x 10(-8) mol/L CL had the similar effect on urea-nitrogen level. GTP activity of isolated perfused rat liver was inhibited by clenbuterol. The enzyme activity was decreased by 24.65% (P < 0.05) at the dose of 1 10(-6) mol/L CL in clenbuterol-treated 4h. The production and secretion of IGF-I were also influenced by clenbuterol in isolated perfused rat liver. IGF-I concentration of rat liver was increased by 19.77% (P < 0.05) in 4 h clenbuterol treatment (1 x 10(-6) mol/L). Meanwhile, IGF-I concentration of perfusion medium was also elevated though the difference was not significant compared with control.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is suggested that clenbuterol may improve growth metabolism by means of increasing nitrogen retention and enhancing IGF-I production and secretion of rat liver.</p>

Effect of cysteamine on the pancreatic secretion and enzymatic activity in geese / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To know the effect of cysteamine on the pancreatic secretion and enzyme activity in geese.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eight adult geese fitted chronic pancreatic and duodenal cannulas were used to evaluate the effect of cysteamine (CS) on the pancreatic secretion and enzyme activity. The experiment was consist of control and treated phase. CS was added in the diet at the dosage of 100 mg/kg bw on the first day of treated phase. The birds were free fed at daytime (8:00-20:00) and fasted at nighttime (20:00-8:00). The pancreatic juice samples were collected continuously for three days in each phase.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>CS increased the average rate of pancreatic secretion by 240.16% (P < 0.01), in which that of daytime was elevated by 234.45% (P < 0.01), while that of nighttime elevated by 253.70% (P < 0.01). The secretion volume at daytime was more than that of night. CS increased trypsin activity by 49.05% (P < 0.01), whereas lipase and amylase activity was reduced by 25.44% (P < 0.01) and 21.95% (P < 0.01) separately. The one hour total activity of trypsin, lipase and amylase were elevated by 406.88% (P < 0.01), 153.58% (P < 0.01) and 166.59% (P < 0.01) respectively. Ratios of pancreatic secretion were different between day and night.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results indicate that CS can affect the pancreatic juice secretion and pancreatic enzyme activity by depleting the somatostatin, so that benefits to improve the digestive foundation and supply more nutrition for quickly growing in geese.</p>