Formulation of expert consensus on clinical application of external ethnic medicine: taking Baimai Ointment as an example / 中国中药杂志

The concept of ethnic medicine is divided into a broad sense and a narrow sense. The broad concept refers to the traditional medicine of the Chinese nation, and the narrow concept refers to the traditional medicine of Chinese ethnic minorities. The external medicine is one of the main forms of ethnic medicine, and it is also the important content of ethnic medicine for external use, which is widely used in clinical practice. As the theory of ethnic medicine is unique, the application methods have certain characteristics, which are the key technical parts of clinical practice. However, the existing traditional Chinese medicine consensus formulation me-thods cannot meet the needs of the consensus formulation of the external ethnic medicine. Therefore, the methods suitable for expert consensus on external ethnic medicine are required. This article took Expert opinion on clinical application of Baimai Ointment as an exa-mple, and explorde a reasonable, effective, multi-dimensional, and multi-stage method to formulate expert consensus on the external ethnic medicine. In this research, three-dimensional sources of information, including ancient classics, clinical research evidence, and expert application experiences, were systematically and scientifically collected. After organization and analysis, the information was formed into comprehensive evidence. In a formal consensus meeting, part of the recommendations reached consensus. As to the issues that did not reach agreement, in-depth interviews were used to explore the reasons for the differences and resolve the disagreements. Finally, unanimous recommendations were reached. There are common problems during the formulation process of Expert opinion on clinical application of Baimai Ointment. This study is expected to provide references for the formulation of expert consensus on other external ethnic medicine.

Connotation of Baimai disease and analysis of compatibility and usage of Baimai Ointment: based on Tibetan medicine theory / 中国中药杂志

Baimai is a complex of structure and function with the characteristics of wide distribution, complex structure, and multi-dimensional functions. Baimai, consisting of the channels in brain, the internal hidden channels connecting the viscera, and the external channels linking the limbs, governs the sensory, motor, and information transmission functions of human. According to Tibetan medicine, Baimai functions via "Long"(Qi) which moves in Baimai. "Long" is rough, light, cold, tiny, hard, and dynamic. The dysfunction of Baimai is manifested as numbness, swelling and pain, stiffness, atrophy, contracture, disability, hyperactivity, etc. The clinical manifestations of Baimai disease are facial paralysis, limb numbness, hemiplegia, contracture and rigidity, pain, opistho-tonos, paralysis, unconsciousness, head tremor, aphasia and tongue stiffness, and other abnormalities in facial consciousness, limb movement, and tactile sensation. Baimai Ointment for external use is used for the treatment of Baimai disease. It is mainly composed of medicinals which are spicy and bitter, warm, soft, mild, heavy, moist, and stable, and thus it is effective for the rough, light, cold, tiny, hard, and dynamic "Long" of Baimai disease. In clinical practice, it is mainly used for musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis, scapulohumeral periarthritis, cervical spondylosis, low back pain, myofascitis, and tenosynovitis, nervous system diseases, such as paralysis and shoulder-hand syndrome, and limb stiffness caused by stroke, spastic cerebral palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and facial neuritis, and limb motor and sensory dysfunction caused by trauma. According to the main symptoms of Baimai disease such as stiffness, rigidity, contraction, numbness, sensory disturbance and pain, clinicians should apply the Baimai Ointment via the inunction treatment of Tibetan medicine and in combination with Huo'ermai therapy and physiotherapy.

Effect of Adjuvant Therapy of Huayu Pills on Neurological Recovery of Patients with Acute Cerebral Infarction / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effects of adjuvant therapy of Huayu pills on neurological recovery of patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) and syndrome of Qi deficiency and blood stasis, and to investigate its mechanism of action for antioxidation, anti-inflammation and improvement of microcirculation. Method:One hundred and forty patients were randomly divided into control group (70 cases) and observation group (70 cases) by random number table. During the study period, there were 3 drop-out cases, 2 excluded cases, and 65 completed cases in the control group. There were 1 drop-out cases, 4 excluded case, and 65 completed cases in the observation group. Western medicine was given in both groups. Patients in control group additionally got oral administration of Xiaoshuang Tongluo tablets, 6 tablets/time, 3 times/day. The patients in observation group got oral administration of Huayu pills, 5 g/time, 2 times/days. The treatment course was 4 weeks in both groups. Before the treatment, and at the second and fourth week after treatment, scores of national institute of health stroke scale (NIHSS) were graded. Before and after treatment, scores of functional independent measures (FIM) scale, fugl-meyer assessment of motor function (FMA), Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were graded. Disability/mortality and safety were discussed after treatment. Levels of the whole blood viscosity (BV), plasma viscosity (PV), platelet aggregation rate (PAG), fibrinogen (FIB), P-selectin (CD62p), D-dimer (D-D), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), lipid peroxide (PLO), homocysteine (Hcy), tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α), serum cystatin C (Cys-C) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were detected both before and after treatment. Result:In the analysis of rank sum test, clinical efficacy in observation group was better than that in control group (Z=2.131, P<0.05). At the second and fourth week after treatment, scores of NIHSS, Qi deficiency and blood stasis, as well as levels of NO, PLO, MDA, Hcy, Cys-C, hs-CRP, TNF-α, BV, PV, PAG, FIB, CD62 p and D-D in observation group were lower than those in control group (P<0.01), while levels of FIM, FMA and SOD were all higher than those in control group (P<0.01). Conclusion:Based on the comprehensive treatment of Western medicine, adjuvant therapy of Huayu pills can improve the degree of nerve function defect, improve the ability of exercise and daily life, reduce the degree of disability, improve the microcirculation and hemorheology, reduce the inflammatory reaction, eliminate oxygen free radicals, and relieve the oxidative stress injury in patients with ACI and Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, and the clinical efficacy is better than that of Western medicine alone.

Prospective Comparison of Redo Microvascular Decompression and Percutaneous Balloon Compression as Primary Surgery for Recurrent Trigeminal Neuralgia

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively compare facial pain outcomes for patients having either a repeat microvascular decompression (MVD) or percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) as their surgery for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) recurrence. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 110 patients with TN recurrence who had either redo MVD (n=68) or PBC (n=42) from July 2010 until September 2016. The mean follow-up was 45.6 months. RESULTS: After redo MVD, 65 patients (95.6%) experienced immediate relief of pain. After PBC, 34 patients (81%) were immediately relieved of their neuralgia. After 1 month, the clinical effect of redo MVD was better than PBC (p 0.05). Patients after PBC who occurred developed herpes simplex (35.7%), facial numbness (76.2%), and annoying dysesthesia (21.4%) more frequently compared with patients after redo MVD who occurred developed herpes simplex (14.7%), facial numbness (8.8%), and hypoesthesia (5.9%) (p < 0.05). The symptoms recurred respectively in 15 patients (22.1%) and 19 patients (45.2%) after redo MVD and PBC within the entire 6-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION: For the patients with TN recurrence, redo MVD was a more effective procedure than PBC. The cure rate and immediate relief of pain were better, and the incidence of complications was lower.

Metabonomics study of interaction mechanism between Dendrobium officinale and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides based on GC-MS / 中草药

Objective To investigate the metabolites related to the course of anthracnosis of Dendrobium officinale and its possible mechanism based on the technique of metabonomics, so as to provide theoretical support for the creation or breeding of disease resistant varieties of D. officinale. Methods The normal and infected by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides leaves of D. officinale were collected respectively, and to find out the differential metabolites through the sample pretreatment, GC-MS analysis, and bioinformatics analysis. Then the differential metabolites and analysis of metabolic pathways involved in the course of disease were carried on the preliminary discussion. Results The multidimensional statistical models of each analysis group were successfully established. The dispersion points of VIP > 1.0 were selected as the potential differential materials, combined with P < 0.05 in the analysis of single dimensional Statistics (test) as the standard to verify. A total of 84 differential metabolites screened from 305 identified metabolites were considered to be pathogenesis related metabolites. A total of 34 differential metabolites were found out to be involved in the metabolic pathways through the pathway enrichment analysis, and the obtained ZC-GB metabolic pathways were of significance. Conclusion Based on GC-MS technology, the metabolomics analysis of D. officinale samples (normal/infected) was carried out and the metabolites related to the course of anthracnosis of D. officinale were found out. It could lay the foundation for studying the disease of D. officinale and cultivating resistant varieties on molecular level.

Prospective Comparison of Redo Microvascular Decompression and Percutaneous Balloon Compression as Primary Surgery for Recurrent Trigeminal Neuralgia

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively compare facial pain outcomes for patients having either a repeat microvascular decompression (MVD) or percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) as their surgery for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) recurrence.METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 110 patients with TN recurrence who had either redo MVD (n=68) or PBC (n=42) from July 2010 until September 2016. The mean follow-up was 45.6 months.RESULTS: After redo MVD, 65 patients (95.6%) experienced immediate relief of pain. After PBC, 34 patients (81%) were immediately relieved of their neuralgia. After 1 month, the clinical effect of redo MVD was better than PBC (p < 0.01). Patients who had redo MVD more commonly were pain free off medications (93.4% at 1 year, 78.2% at 4 years) compared with the PBC patients (85.1% at 1 year, 59.3% at 4 years). However, mean length of stay was longer (p>0.05). Patients after PBC who occurred developed herpes simplex (35.7%), facial numbness (76.2%), and annoying dysesthesia (21.4%) more frequently compared with patients after redo MVD who occurred developed herpes simplex (14.7%), facial numbness (8.8%), and hypoesthesia (5.9%) (p < 0.05). The symptoms recurred respectively in 15 patients (22.1%) and 19 patients (45.2%) after redo MVD and PBC within the entire 6-year follow-up period.CONCLUSION: For the patients with TN recurrence, redo MVD was a more effective procedure than PBC. The cure rate and immediate relief of pain were better, and the incidence of complications was lower.

Expression of thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase in pregnant and lactating rats / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To observe the mRNA and protein expression of thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) in each trimester of pregnant and lactating Wistar rats.Methods Ninety-six SPFNAF Wistar rats (84 female and 12 male),weighting 220-260 g were involved.All female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 groups according to their body mass via the random number table method:control group,early pregnancy group (7 d),midpregnancy group (14 d),late pregnancy group (21 d),early lactation group (7 d),midlactation group (14 d) and late lactation group (21 d),12 rats in each group.The rats were fed with conventional feed and drank deionized water freely.Female rats of the last 6 groups were mated with male rats.Thyroids were collected on the 7 d,14 d and 21 d of their pregnancy and lactation,respectively.The mRNA expression levels of Tg and TPO were detected by quantitative real-time PCR,and the protein expression levels of Tg and TPO were detected by Western blotting.Results The expression levels of Tg mRNA in thyroid tissue in the control group,early,middle and late pregnancy and early,middle and late lactation (1.05 ± 0.01,3.20 ± 0.23,1.88 ± 0.12,2.69 ± 0.20,1.53 ± 0.19,2.37 ± 0.31,2.23 ± 0.12) were significantly different between groups (F =42.864,P ＜ 0.05),and those of pregnancy and lactation groups were higher than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The expression levels of Tg protein were 0.15 ± 0.01,0.38 ± 0.01,0.32 ± 0.02,0.37 ± 0.01,0.21 ± 0.01,0.35 ± 0.01,0.44 ± 0.01,respectively.The differences between groups were statistically significant (F =232.250,P ＜ 0.05).And those of pregnancy and lactation groups were higher than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The expression levels of TPO mRNA in thyroid tissue in the control group,early,middle and late pregnancy and early,middle and late lactation (0.57 ± 0.01,0.74 ± 0.03,0.78 ± 0.13,1.08 ± 0.10,0.98 ± 0.10,1.00 ± 0.07,0.76 ± 0.05) were significantly different between groups (F =15.448,P ＜ 0.05).And those of pregnancy and lactation groups were higher than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The expression of TPO protein were 0.23 ± 0.01,0.41 ± 0.01,0.72 ± 0.02,0.78 ± 0.01,0.49 ± 0.01,0.52 ± 0.01,0.45 ± 0.02,respectively.The differences between groups were statistically significant (F =563.692,P ＜ 0.05).And those of pregnancy and lactation groups were higher than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The mRNA and protein expression levels of TPO and Tg have increased in pregnant and lactating rats.This performance may be raleted to thyroid hormone deficiency and mild hypothyroidism.

Atorvastatin Attenuates TNF-alpha Production via Heme Oxygenase-1 Pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 Macrophages / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the effect of atorvastatin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNF-α production in RAW264.7 macrophages.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>RAW264.7 macrophages were treated in different LPS concentrations or at different time points with or without atorvastatin. TNF-α level in supernatant was measured. Expressions of TNF-α mRNA and protein and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were detected by ELISA, PCR, and Western blot, respectively. HO activity was assayed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>LPS significantly increased the TNF-α expression and secretion in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The HO-1 activity and HO-1 expression level were significantly higher after atorvastatin treatment than before atorvastatin treatment and attenuated by SB203580 and PD98059 but not by SP600125, suggesting that the ERK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways participate in regulating the above-mentioned effects of atorvastatin. Moreover, the HO-1 activity suppressed by SnPP or the HO-1 expression inhibited by siRNA significantly attenuated the effect of atorvastatin on TNF-α expression and production in LPS-stimulated macrophages.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Atorvastatin can attenuate LPS-induced TNF-α expression and production by activating HO-1 via the ERK and p38 MAPK pathways, suggesting that atorvastatin can be used in treatment of inflammatory diseases such as sepsis, especially in those with atherosclerotic diseases.</p>

Meta-analysis of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs] compared to tricyclic antidepressants [TCAs] in the efficacy and safety of anti-depression therapy in Parkinson's disease[PD] patients

To assess the efficacy and safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors[SSRIs] and tricyclic antidepressants[TCAs] in treatment of Parkinsonian depression. A computer-based search was conducted in the databases of PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CochraneControlled Trails Register up to December 2011. The random controlled clinic trials about SSRIs and TCAs in treatment of Parkinsonian depression were collected. Statistical analysis was completed using Review Manager, version 5.0. Five clinic controlled trials were identified for this meta-analysis. There was no significant statistical difference in the response rate of treatment [RR 0.95, 95%CI [0.78, 1.16]] and Hamilton depression score [RR -2.54, 95%CI [-5.35, 0.26]] between two groups. In term of complications, no statistical difference was observed in the insomnia rate between two groups [RR 0.82, 95%CI [0.24, 2.84]]. Moreover, the incidence rate of xerostomia [RR 0.21, 95%CI [0.07, 0.65]] and constipation [RR 0.12, 95%CI[0.02, 0.63]] was lower in SSRIs group rather than those in TCAs group. In general, SSRIs and TCAs have comparable efficacy and equal acceptability in treatment of Parkinson's disease-induced depression. However, SSRIs are superior to TCAs in the terms of xerostomia and constipation

Prophylactic G-CSF mobilized donor lymphocytes infusion after non-myeloablative stem cell transplantation prevents relapse in patients with high-risk leukemia / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the anti-leukemia effects of prophylactic G-CSF mobilized donor lymphocytes infusion (pG-DLI) and its relationship with the incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in high-risk leukemia patients with non-myeloablative stem cell transplantation (NST).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>12 patients with high-risk leukemia were analyzed, including Ph⁺ acute lymphocytic leukemia (n=1), acute leukemia (AL) with persistent non-complete remission (n=2), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with central nervous system (CNS) relapse (n=3), hybrid AL (n=1), secondary AML evolving from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS/AML) (n=2), chronic myeloid leukemia in accelerated phase (CML-AP) (n=1), CML in blastic phase (CML-BP) (n=2). All patients received non-myeloablative conditioning and pG-DLIs were administered 30-40 days post transplantation if no signs of GVHD were present. The percentage of donor cell chimera was analyzed by short tandem repeat-polymerase chain reaction (STR-PCR) just before and after pG-DLI. The incidence of leukemia relapse and GVHD were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>12 high-risk leukemia patients with a median age of 38 (range: 29-52) years received G-DLI at a median interval of 35 (32-40) days. The median numbers of infused mononuclear cells (MNCs), CD34⁺, and CD3⁺ cells/kg recipient body weight was 2.3×10⁸/kg, 1.7×10⁶/kg, and 0.6×10⁸/kg, respectively. 10 of 12 patients had full donor chimera before pG-DLIs and conversion from mixed to full donor chimera occurred in the other 2 patients shortly after pG-DLI. Grade II acute GVHD (aGVHD) was observed in only 2 patients and chronic GVHD (cGVHD) developed in 6 patients, including involvement of skin (n=3), skin and intestine (n=2), liver (n=1). 1 patient died of cGVHD. With a median follow-up of 40 (24-64) months, 7 patients are alive in remission, with 3-year actuarial overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates of the same 58.3%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our findings indicate that pG-DLI after NST does not increase the risk of aGVHD, but could enhance the capacity graft-vs-leukemia and prevent relapse in high-risk leukemia patients.</p>

Anti-inflammatory effects of oxymatrine through inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 microglia cells

Oxymatrine, a potent monosomic alkaloid extracted from Chinese herb Sophora japonica [Sophora flavescens Ait.]. Possesses anti-inflammatory activittyes. This study was designed to investigate the effects of oxymatrine on nuclear factor-kappa B [NF-[kappa]B] and mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK]-dependent inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide [LPS]-activated microglia. In this paper, BV2 microglia were pretreated with different concentrations of oxymatrine [1, 10 and 20 Microg/mL] for 30 min as followed by stimulation with LPS [1 Microg/mL] for different times [30 min, 1 h, 3 h, and 6 h]. Concentrations of nitric oxide [NO], prostaglandin E[2] [PGE[2]], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin-1beta [IL-1beta] and interleukin-6 [IL-6] in supernatant, mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS] and cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2], cytosolic inhibitor of kappa B-alpha [I-[kappa]B alpha] and phospho- I-[kappa]B[alpha] and nuclear p65 protein levels, and the phosphorylations of MAPK molecules such as extracellular-signal-regulated kinase [ERK] 1/2, p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK] were determined. It was shown that oxymatrine inhibited the productions of NO, PGE2, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6, attenuated the mRNA levels of iNOS and COX-2, suppressed the phosphorylation of I-[kappa]B[alpha] in cytosol, decreased the nuclear levels of p65, and also blocked ERK, p38 and JNK pathway in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells in a dose-dependent manner. According to the results; it is suggested that oxymatrine may attenuate inflammatory responses of microglia and could be potentially useful in modulation of inflammatory status in the brain disorders

Arthroscopic reduction and fixation for isolated greater tuberosity fractures / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Traditionally, displaced greater tuberosity fractures are treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Arthroscopic treatment and outcome of greater tuberosity fractures is far from comprehensive. The objective of the current study was to assess the surgical procedure and outcome of an arthroscopic method in the treatment of isolated greater tuberosity fractures.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2006 to December 2009, 23 patients with isolated greater tuberosity fractures were treated with an arthroscopic procedure using three cannulated screws combined with washers. During follow-up, radiographs and the constant shoulder score (CSS) were used to evaluate the outcome.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three cannulated screws with washers were used to fix the fractured fragment of the greater tuberosity under an arthroscope. All incisions healed at primary intention without infection. The mean duration of follow-up was 20 months (range 18 - 36 months). Fracture fixation was excellent, and fractures healed 2 - 6 months (mean 3.8 months) after surgery. At final follow-up, the CSS was 92 (range 86 - 100).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The described arthroscopic procedure provides anatomical reduction and firm fixation for isolated greater tuberosity fractures. It is a successful and minimally invasive procedure with satisfying therapeutic effects as well as excellent functional recovery.</p>

Sperm chromatin structure assay predicts the outcome of intrauterine insemination / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), as a clinically practical technique for the analysis of DNA damage, is rarely reported in China. This study focuses on the correlation of DNA damage with the pregnancy rate of intrauterine insemination (IUI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We performed semen analysis for 482 couples undergoing IUI, calculated the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) by SCSA, and observed the relationship between DFI and the pregnancy rate of IUI.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Clinical pregnancy was achieved in 5 (5.26%) of the 95 cases with DFI > 25%, and in 59 (15.25%) of the 387 cases with DFI < or = 25%. Those with sperm DFI >25% had significantly lower rates of biochemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy than those with DFI < or = 25% (OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14 - 0.96 and OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16 - 0.97). No significant differences were found in the DFI of 54 cases between the first and the second cycle ([15.05 +/- 7.98]% vs [17.25 +/- 12.18]%, P > 0.05). Sperm DFI was significantly negatively correlated with sperm concentration, sperm motility and total progressively motile sperm count (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The pregnancy rate of IUI is significantly lower in couples with DFI >25% than in those with DFI < or = 25%. Sperm DFI obtained from SCSA is partly correlated with sperm concentration and motility, and it is a robust predictor of the IUI outcome.</p>

Clinical value of artificial insemination by donor / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical value of artificial insemination by donor (AID).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed 480 cycles of AID among 258 infertile couples, who were divided according to the women's age into a < or = 30 yr group and a > or = 31 yr group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 120 pregnancies were achieved in 480 AID cycles, with a cycle pregnancy rate of 25.00% and a cumulative pregnancy rate of 46.51%. In the natural cycles, the cycle pregnancy rate was 29.65% and the cumulative pregnancy rate was 51.00% in the < or = 30 yr group, significantly higher than 13.33% and 25.00% in the > or = 31 yr group (P < 0.05). In the ovulation induction cycles, no significant differences were found in the cycle and cumulative pregnancy rates between the two groups (24.02 and 48.86% versus 23.81 and 43.48% , P > 0.05). The cycle and cumulative pregnancy rates decreased with the increase of infertility duration and the women's age, but had no significant differences. In the first four cycles, the cycle pregnancy rates were 24.03, 24.94, 24.69 and 25.00% (P > 0.05), and the cumulative pregnancy rates were 24.03, 39.53, 45.74 and 46.51%, with significant differences between the first cycle and the other three (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ovulation induction is superior to natural cycle in AID for older women. IVF/ICSI can be resorted to only after AID has failed three or four times.</p>

Gene mutation analysis of a collodion baby / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the mutations pattern of the genes of a collodion baby.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Collodion baby is a genetic heterogeneous disease caused by mutations of several genes. Since the most common mutations were observed in TGM1 gene, this gene was chosen for mutation screening. The screening was carried out by PCR and direct sequencing. The allele specific primers were designed for a missense mutation and allele-specific (AS) PCR was carried out in 50 normal individuals for population study.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three novel alterations were detected in TGM1 gene of the proband, a missense mutation c.463C > T (p.Arg155Trp) in exon 3, a nonsense mutation c.578G > A (p.Trp193X) in exon 4, and a single nucleotide deletion (c.694delG) also in exon 4 of TGM1 gene. This infant's father was heterozygote of c.694delG mutation, while his mother carried the two mutations (c.463C > T and c.578G > A) on the same chromosome. The missense mutation was not detected in his father and in any of the control individuals by AS-PCR.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Three novel mutations were identified in TGM1 gene in a Chinese collodion baby. A double mutation (c.463C > T and c.578G > A) located on the maternal allele while the c.694delG deletion on the paternal allele.</p>

Polypronuclear zygotes and clinical pregnancy after IVF / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the relationship between the percentage of polypronuclear zygotes and clinical pregnancy following IVF.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We collected the data of 954 IVF cycles, and according the percentage of polypronuclear zygotes in the IVF cycles, allocated them to Groups A (without polypronuclear zygotes) , B (with < 30% polypronuclear zygotes) and C (with > or = 30% polypronuclear zygotes). Then we analyzed the relationship between the percentage of polypronuclear zygotes and the rate of clinical pregnancy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with Group A, Group C showed a significantly lower rate of clinical pregnancy (43.2% vs 28. 1%, P < 0.05), while Group B exhibited a markedly higher rate (43.2% vs 52.36%, P < 0.05) and obviously decreased polypronuclear zygote formation with the increase of age (35.6% vs 24.1%, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The percentage of polypronuclear zygotes in IVF cycles may serve as a prognostic indicator of the clinical outcome.</p>

The effects of different occluder selection on cardiac remodeling post transcatheter closure in patients with secundum atrial septal defect / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effects on cardiac remodeling post transcatheter closure by Amplatzer septal occluder selected by oval circumference formula in patients with atrial septal defect (ASD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 146 patients with ASD (68 males,mean 33.5 years) treated by transcatheter closure with the Amplatzer occluder were enrolled in this study. The diameter of defects was corrected with the oval circumference formula (group A, 73 cases) or by echocardiography (group B, 73 cases). Cardiac remodeling was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before the procedure, 3 days, 3 months and 6 months after ASD closure.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean ASD diameter was similar between the two groups [(20.16 +/- 4.98) mm vs. (21.36 +/- 5.69) mm, P > 0.05] and the mean diameter of the selected occluder of group A was significantly smaller than that in group B [(21.95 +/- 6.78) mm vs. (25.85 +/- 6.75) mm, P < 0.05]. Procedural success rate was identical between the two groups (97.3%) and the defects were completely occluded and there was no residual shunt during the 6 months follow up period, there were also no complications during and after the procedure. The lateral diameter of right atrial (RALD), the diastolic diameter of right ventricle (RVDD), RALD/LALD, RVDD/LVDD and pulmonary diameter (PD) were significantly decreased while the lateral diameter of left atrial (LALD) and left ventricle (LVDD) were significantly increased post ASD closure in both groups. At 6 months follow up, RALD decreased by (18.63 +/- 10.59)% in group A versus (10.14 +/- 6.59)% in group B, LALD increased by (13.42 +/- 8.38)% in group A versus (9.28 +/- 4.95)% in group B and RALD/LALD ratio decreased by (26.35 +/- 11.24)% in group A versus (13.98 +/- 8.96)% in groups B (all P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ASD occluder selection based on the oval circumferen ce formula is superior to that made by echocardiography in terms of more favorable cardiac remodeling post ASD closure.</p>

Expression of Fas protein in myocardiac tissue of viral myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis (VMC) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and their relationship.@*METHODS@#Sixty samples including 20 VMC, 20 DCM and 20 controls were collected. The expression of Fas protein in myocardium of each group was detected by modified immunohistochemistry with unequivocal brown staining in the myocardial membrane scored as positive, and the results of positive reaction were analyzed by Ridit test.@*RESULTS@#Fas protein expression increased obviously in VMC and DCM groups as compared with that of the control group. The difference of positive results between each group analyzed by Ridit test was statistically significant (P<0.005). Statistically significant differences were found between VMC and control groups as well as between DCM and control groups (P<0.05), but not between VMC and DCM groups (P>0.05) by multiple comparison Ridit test.@*CONCLUSION@#The expression of Fas protein is significantly higher in the VMC and DCM groups than in that of the control group. These results suggest that both the VMC and DCM may share a similar pathogenesis, which most likely involves cell apoptosis.

Enhanced absorption of breviscapine photosomes in small intestine of rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate whether the absorption of breviscapine can be enhanced by using breviscapine photosomes.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Testing the uptake and intestinal permeability of breviscapine powder and breviscapine photosomes by using intestine perfusion technique and reverted gut sac method.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The uptake and permeability coefficient of breviscapine were increased in photosomes. The absorption process obeyed the Fick's law in the range of 0-100 microg x mL(-1).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The absorption breviscapine photosomes is enhanced by increasing the permeability through a passive mechanism.</p>

Neuro-protective effect of naomaitong to brain damage after focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion (I/R) in the aged rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study neuro-protective effect of naomaitong on brain damage after focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion (I/R) in the aged rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>11 groups of 20-22-month old SD rats were subjected to 3 hours of middle cerebral artery occlusion with the intraluminal filament technique, followed by 12 hours of reperfusion. Nervous symptom, oedema of brain, infarct size, morphology and superfine structure of brain, etc were monitored thoughout cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Infarct size of brain in ischemia and reperfusion groups were significantly greater. Oedema of it was higher, nervous symptom of it was more serious, and morphology and superfine structure brain were more obvious than those of sham-operated group. Nervous symptom, oedema of brain, infarct size, morphology and superfine structure of brain in treated groups were ligher than those of untreated groups (P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Naomaitong can protect brain damage after focal cerebral I/R in the aged rats.</p>