Novel Expandable Epoxy Beads and Epoxy Particle Foam.

Expanded polymeric beads offer the advantage of being able to produce parts with complex geometries through a consolidation process. However, established polymeric beads are made of thermoplastics, deform and melt beyond their temperature services. In this manuscript, a new technique is proposed to fabricate expandable epoxy beads (EEBs), then expand and fuse them to produce epoxy particle foams (EPFs). This technique is called solid-state carbamate foaming technique. For production of EEBs, a mixture of epoxy, carbamate and hardener is prepared and poured into a 10 mL syringe. The mixture is manually extruded into 60 °C water to obtain a cylindric shape. The extrudate is then further cured to obtain an epoxy oligomer behaving rheological tan delta 3 and 2 at 60 °C. The extrudate is cut into pellets to obtain EEBs. The EEBs are then loaded into an aluminum mold and placed in an oven at 160 °C to expand, fuse to obtain EPFs of 212 kg/m3 and 258 kg/m3. The obtained EPFs provide a Tg of 150-154 °C. The fusion boundaries in EPFs are well formed. Thus, the produced EPFs exhibit a compressive modulus of 50-70 MPa, with a torsion storage modulus at 30 °C of 34-56 MPa.

Tailoring Epoxy Resin Foams by Pre-Curing with Neat Amine Hardeners and Its Derived Carbamates.

The use of amine-based carbamates with their dual function, acting as amine curing agents and CO2 blowing agents after their decomposition without by-products, are promising for ecofriendly epoxy foams as high-performance materials. However, controlling cell morphology requires a proper adjustment of the viscosity at the foaming step. The viscosity is altered not only by blending neat amine and its derived carbamate at a fixed pre-curing time, but also by changing the pre-curing time at a fixed blend ratio. Within this study, diglycidylether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin is mixed with different blend ratios of isophorone diamine (IPDA) and its derived carbamate (B-IPDA). The systems are characterized by DSC and rheology experiments to identify the pre-curing effects on the derived epoxy foams. Epoxy foams at a blend ratio of 30/70w IPDA/B-IPDA showed the best foam morphology and an optimum Tg compared to other blend ratios. Furthermore, it was found that both pre-curing times, 2 h and 3 h, for the 30/70w IPDA/B-IPDA system reveal a more homogeneous cell structure. The study proves that the blending of neat amine and carbamate is beneficial for the foaming performance of carbamate systems.

Distribution Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Associated with Ovulatory Dysfunction: A Clinical and Epidemiological Investigation / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the distribution characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndromes of abnormal uterine bleeding associated with ovulatory dysfunction （AUB-O）. Method:A clinical and epidemiological investigation was conducted in 6 688 patients with AUB-O from the provincial， municipal， and county/district hospitals in 29 provinces， autonomous regions， and municipalities across China to identify the distribution characteristics of their TCM syndromes. Result:The AUB-O patients nationwide were mainly differentiated into the kidney Qi deficiency syndrome （17.34%）， the spleen Qi deficiency syndrome （13.25%）， the Qi and blood deficiency syndrome （12.62%）， the Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome （8.45%）， and the kidney Yin deficiency syndrome （6.88%）. AUB-O resulted from Qi deficiency， Yin deficiency， and blood deficiency， often involving the kidney， spleen and liver. The analysis of the regional distribution of TCM syndromes in AUB-O patients revealed that kidney Qi deficiency， spleen Qi deficiency， and Qi and blood deficiency were the shared syndromes. However， due to regional discrepancy， the TCM syndrome varied widely from one geographic region to another. The kidney Qi deficiency syndrome was more frequently seen in North China， Northwest China， Southwest China， and East China， but less frequently in central China， Northeast China， and South China. The spleen Qi deficiency syndrome occurred most frequently in central China， while the East China had the highest frequency of Qi and blood deficiency syndrome. The spleen and kidney deficiency syndrome was mostly present in central China， North China， and Southwest China， the Qi deficiency （kidney deficiency） and blood stasis syndrome in Northwest China， South China， and North China， the kidney Yin deficiency syndrome in East China， Northwest China， and Northeast China， the deficiency-heat syndrome in Southwest China and East China， the kidney Yang deficiency syndrome in South China， the liver depression and blood heat syndrome in Northeast China， and the liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome in central China. The diagnostic criteria for the kidney Qi deficiency， spleen Qi deficiency， Qi and blood deficiency， Qi deficiency and blood stasis， and kidney Yin deficiency syndromes were not significantly different from the previous ones. The distinctive symptoms for the kidney Qi deficiency syndrome were irregular vaginal bleeding， heavy menstrual flow， or shortened menstrual cycle， back soreness and pain， and forgetfulness， while those for the spleen Qi deficiency syndrome mainly included the shortened menstrual cycle， mental fatigue， lack of strength， poor appetite， loose stool， and white tongue coating. The Qi and blood deficiency syndrome were mainly manifested as the shortness of breath， laziness to speak， pale complexion， dizziness， and palpitation. The Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were mainly judged by the scanty menstrual flow frequently or occasionally accompanied by blood clots， mental fatigue， lack of strength， and dark purple tongue. The ovulatory bleeding， dizziness， tinnitus， vexing heat in chest， palms and soles， and night sweat were the characteristic signs for the kidney Yin deficiency syndrome. Conclusion:There exist certain rules in the geographical distribution of TCM syndromes of AUB-O patients， which has provided a reference for the clinical treatment of AUB-O in accordance with the local conditions.

Effect of Resin and Blocked/Unblocked Hardener Mixture on the Production of Epoxy Foams with CO2 Blocked Hardener in Batch Foaming Process.

The present study focuses on the processing and properties of epoxy foams by the use of CO2 blocked hardener N-aminoethylpiperazine (B-AEP) and different resins. Although some studies described the foaming with carbamates, little attention has been given to the interaction of resin properties (such as viscosity) on the foaming performance. Therefore, two resins, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) and epoxy novolac (EN), as well as their 50:50 blend, were foamed with B-AEP and unblocked/blocked AEP hardener mixtures in a batch foaming process. Furthermore, the commercially available chemical blowing agent para-toluenesulfonyl hydrazide (TSH) was used as a benchmark for commonly used chemical blowing agents. The lowest density in this study was reached by the DGEBA+B-AEP system in the range of 215 kg/m3 with the drawback of an inhomogeneous cell structure and high cell size distribution. The best cell morphology and lowest cell size distribution was reached with the EN+15:85% unblocked:blocked hardener mixture, resulting in a density in the range of 394 kg/m3. A syntactic foam was achieved by a DGEBA+50:50% unblocked:blocked hardener mixture with a density of around 496 kg/m3. It was found that a higher viscosity of the resin lead to an increase in the density and a decrease in the cell size distribution range as a result of a closer expansion time window.

Expert consensus statement on Kangfu Xiaoyan Suppository in treatment of pelvic inflammatory in clinical practice / 中国中药杂志

Kangfu Xiaoyan Suppository is widely used in the treatment of gynecological inflammatory diseases. Long-term clinical application and a certain amount of research evidences show that Kangfu Xiaoyan Suppository can alleviate the clinical symptoms of pelvic inflammatory diseases,reduce the recurrence rate,and relieve sequelae,with a better safety and economic characteristics. As a type of nationally protected traditional Chinese medicine and type B medicine included in medical insurance,it has been selected as a Chinese patent medicine for rectal administration. It was included in the Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of common gynecological diseases of traditional Chinese medicine published by the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2012,the Pelvic inflammatory diseases diagnosis and treatment guidelines issued by the Infectious Diseases Collaborative Group of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association in 2014,and the group standard of Single use of traditional Chinese medicine/combined antibiot guidelines for clinical practice-pelvic inflammatory diseases of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2017. To further enhance clinicians' understanding of the drug and better guide its rational clinical use,experts from the field of gynecology of traditional Chinese and Western medicine were invited to develop and compile this expert consensus. This consensus takes full account of clinical evidences and expert clinical experience,and form recommendations for clinical problems based on evidences and consensus recommendations for clinical problems without evidence by nominal grouping method. The expert consensus is mainly formed in the consideration of six factors: quality of evidence,economy,efficacy,adverse reactions,patient acceptability and others. Based on clinical research evidences and expert experience,this consensus provides a preliminary reference for the clinical use of the drug in a concise and clear format. However,evidence-based support is still required in a large number of high-quality studies,and this consensus will be revised in the future according to new clinical problems and the update of evidence-based evidence in practical application.

Comparative study of clinical features and pregnancy outcomes of intrauterine subchorionic hematoma and retroplacental hematoma / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective@#To explore the clinical features and pregnancy outcomes of intrauterine subchorionic hematoma and retroplacental hematoma.@*Methods@#From May 2016 to May 2018, in the Fourth Hospital of Xi′an City, 110 cases of intrauterine hematoma were selected in the middle of pregnancy, including 52 cases of subchorionic hemaloma (group A) and 58 cases of retroplacental hematoma (group B). The clinical features and pregnancy outcomes of the two groups were compared.@*Results@#The volume of hematoma in group B was significantly smaller than that in group A [(8.8 ± 1.7) cm3 vs. (18.3 ± 2.0) cm3], the gestational weeks of group B was also significantly lower than that of group A [(35.2 ± 2.1) weeks vs. (38.4 ± 1.8) weeks], the full-term pregnancy rate in group B was lower than that in group A[56.9%(33/58) vs. 84.6%(44/52)], miscarriage rate and premature birth rate were higher than those in group A [20.7%(12/58) vs. 5.8%(3/52), 22.4%(13/58) vs. 7.7%(4/52)], and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).The incidence of fetal distress in group B was higher than that in group A [17.4%(8/46) vs. 2.0%(1/49)], the incidence of fetal membrane rupture, placental abnormality, and placental residue was all higher than that in group A[41.3%(19/46) vs.10.2%(5/49), 37.0%(17/46)vs.12.2%(6/49), 28.3%(13/46) vs. 6.1%(3/49)], and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The neonatal body mass in group B was lower than that in group A [(3 091.7 ± 887.6) g vs. (3 457.6 ± 560.2) g], and the incidence of neonatal diseases was higher than that of group A [15.2%(7/46) vs. 2.0%(1/49)], and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).@*Conclusions@#The volume of hematoma and gestational weeks of intrauterine retroplacental hematoma are lower than those of subchorionic hematoma, and the retroplacental hematoma is more likely to have adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Comparative study of clinical features and pregnancy outcomes of intrauterine subchorionic hematoma and retroplacental hematoma / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To explore the clinical features and pregnancy outcomes of intrauterine subchorionic hematoma and retroplacental hematoma. Methods From May 2016 to May 2018, in the Fourth Hospital of Xi′an City, 110 cases of intrauterine hematoma were selected in the middle of pregnancy, including 52 cases of subchorionic hemaloma (group A) and 58 cases of retroplacental hematoma (group B). The clinical features and pregnancy outcomes of the two groups were compared. Results The volume of hematoma in group B was significantly smaller than that in group A [(8.8 ± 1.7) cm3 vs. (18.3 ± 2.0) cm3], the gestational weeks of group B was also significantly lower than that of group A [(35.2 ± 2.1) weeks vs. (38.4 ± 1.8) weeks] , the full-term pregnancy rate in group B was lower than that in group A[56.9% (33/58) vs. 84.6% (44/52)], miscarriage rate and premature birth rate were higher than those in group A [20.7%(12/58) vs. 5.8%(3/52), 22.4%(13/58) vs. 7.7%(4/52)], and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).The incidence of fetal distress in group B was higher than that in group A [17.4% (8/46) vs. 2.0% (1/49)], the incidence of fetal membrane rupture, placental abnormality, and placental residue was all higher than that in group A[41.3% (19/46) vs.10.2%(5/49), 37.0% (17/46)vs.12.2%(6/49), 28.3% (13/46) vs. 6.1%(3/49)], and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The neonatal body mass in group B was lower than that in group A [(3 091.7 ± 887.6) g vs. (3 457.6 ± 560.2) g], and the incidence of neonatal diseases was higher than that of group A [15.2% (7/46) vs. 2.0%(1/49)], and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions The volume of hematoma and gestational weeks of intrauterine retroplacental hematoma are lower than those of subchorionic hematoma, and the retroplacental hematoma is more likely to have adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Effect of GnRHa controlled ovarian hyperstimulation on mouse embryo implantation and its mechanism / 生理学报

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects and underlying mechanism of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) on embryo implantation in mice. Forty female Kunming mice aged 9 weeks were randomly divided into two groups (control and COH groups). The COH group received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of aminocyclin acetate (GnRHa), human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), while the control group was given equal amount of physiological saline by i.p. injection. One male mouse and two female mice were put into the same cage at 16:00 on the hCG injection day, and on the fourth day of pregnancy, 10 mice from each group were killed. The levels of serum estradiol (E) and progesterone (P) were measured by radioimmunoassay; HE staining was used to observe the morphology of ovarian and endometrial tissues. The protein expression levels of endometrial leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and glycodelin A were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Ten mice from each group were sacrificed on the eighth day of pregnancy, and the status of the uterus and the average number of blastocysts were observed. The results showed that, compared with control group, the serum E level in COH group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while the P level was increased significantly (P < 0.05); the ovarian follicles at different developmental stages were rare, corpus lutea (CL) were visible and multiple, the endometrium was thinned, and the number of endometrial glands was reduced (P < 0.05); the contents of LIF, p-STAT3, HB-EGF and glycodelin A in the endometrium were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) on the fourth day of pregnancy; mouse blastocysts developed slowly and were decreased in number on the eighth day of pregnancy (P < 0.05). The above results suggest that GnRHa COH can affect embryo implantation in mice. The mechanism may be related to the imbalance of gonadal hormone, the changes in the structure of the endometrium and the expressions of LIF, p-STAT3, HB-EGF and glycodelin A in the implantation stage, which may lead to the decrease of endometrial receptivity and the abnormal dialogue between the embryo and the uterus.

Value of contrast enhanced ultrasound combined with elastography in differential diagnosis of non-mass-like lesions on breast / 中国医师杂志

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS),elastography and their combined use in diagnosing non-mass-like lesions on breast.Methods From November 2015 to January 2017,79 nodules diagnosed by conventional ultrasound were prospectively enrolled and examined by CEUS and elastography before surgery.Multivariate logistic regression models were established for CEUS and CEUS combined with elastography to diagnose breast malignancy.The diagnostic performances of CEUS,elastography and their combined use were evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results The CEUS features significantly predicting malignancy were hyperenhancement,heterogeneous enhancement,visualization of penetrating vessels (P ＜ 0.01).Furthermore,the multivariate logistic regression for CEUS combined with elastography showed that heterogeneous enhancement,visualization of penetrating vessels and elasticity score were the independent predictors of breast malignancy.The area under the ROC curve of CEUS combined with elastography was (0.915 ± 0.223),which was higher than that of CEUS and elatography (0.851 ±0.029,0.790 ±0.038,P ＜0.05).Moreover,the sensitivity,and accuracy of CEUS combined with elastography were 89.1％,and 86.1％,respectively.The omission diagnostic rate of CEUS combined with elastography (8.9％) was reduced.The diagnostic accuracy of CEUS combined with elastography was significantly higher than that of CEUS and elastography.Conclusions The diagnostic value of CEUS combined with elastography was remarkably significant in the differential diagnosis of non-mass-like lesions on breast.

Effects of Cangfu Congxian Decoction on Oxidative Stress in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Cangfu Congxian Decoction (CCD) on oxidative stress in granulosa cells of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty PCOS patients underwent in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) were assigned to the treatment group and the control group 1 according to random digit table, 20 in each group. Patients in the treatment group took CCD (200 mL, once in the morning and once in the afternoon) 2 months before IVF-ET, while those in the control group 1 took no Chinese medical decoction. Recruited were another 20 patients undergoing IVF-ET for tubal factors (as the control group 2). The clinical effect of IVF-ET were observed, including oocyte retrieval number, 2 pronuclear (2PN) fertilization rate, good quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) induced transplantation cancel rate. The expression of relative oxygen species (ROS) in granulosa cells was detected using cell immunofluorescence combined with confocal microscopy and FCM.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group 1, occyte retrieval number, 2PN fertilization rate, and good quality embryo rate increased in the control group 2 and the treatment group (P <0. 05). OHSS induced transplantation cancel rate decreased in the control group 2 (P < 0.05). Fluorescence intensity of ROS decreased in the treatment group and the control group 2, as compared with the control group 1 (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CCD increased good quality embryo rate by down-regulating the expression of ROS protein in ovarian granulosa cells, and correcting in vivo oxidative stress.</p>

Comparison of clinical efficacy of heated humidified high flow nasal cannula versus nasal continuous positive airway pressure in treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in very low birth weight infants / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the differences of clinical efficacy between heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) ventilation and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 66 VLBW infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were diagnosed with RDS, and they were randomly assigned to HHHFNC group and NCPAP group after receiving treatment with porcine pulmonary surfactant and conventional treatment. The changes in clinical symptoms and the incidence of complications were observed in the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The HHHFN group had significantly earlier first milk feeding and full enteral feeding, significantly shorter oxygen exposure time and invasive ventilation time, and significantly lower incidences of second intubation within 7 days, nasal injury, air leak, and abdominal distention, as compared with the NCPAP group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Compared with NCPAP, HHHFNC causes slighter injury and has better tolerability, and it can be considered as the first choice of noninvasive ventilation in the treatment of RDS in VLBW infants.</p>

Effects of Bushen Wenyang Huayu Recipe on TRPV1 and Sensitization Factor NGF in Experimental Endometriosis / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Bushen Wenyang Huayu Recipe (BSWYHYR) on nerve growth factor (NGF) and transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor I (TRPV1) in experimental endometriosis (EMT), and to explore its mechanism for treating EMT-induced pain.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally in-bred line BALB/c 75 female mice were divided into five groups, i.e., the sham-operation group, the model group, the high dose BSWYHYR group, the low dose BSWYHYR group, the gestrinone group, 15 in each group. Writhing response was observed in each group. Serum contents of NGF were detected using ELISA. Expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 in uterus and ectopic foci were detected using immunohistochemical staining SP and Western blot. mRNA expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 in uterus and ectopic foci were detected by Real-time PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The serum NGF content in the model group was higher than that in the sham-operation group (P < 0.01), and there was positive correlation between NGF and the writhing frequency (r = 0.574, P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, serum levels of NGF significantly decreased in the 3 treatment groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, mRNA and protein expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 increased significantly in the model group (P < 0.01). Protein expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 decreased significantly in the 3 treatment groups, when compared with the model group (P < 0.01). mRNA expression levels of NGF and TRPV1 decreased most in the high dose BSWYHYR group (P < 0.01). NGF in uterus and ectopic foci was positively correlated with protein and mRNA expression levels of TRPV1 (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>NGF and TRPV1 participated in the occurrence of pain in EMS. BSWYHYR played an important role in inhibiting EMT-induced pain through reducing the up-regulation of NGF on TRPV1.</p>

Effects of Bushen Wenyang Huayu Recipe on Expressions of HIF-1α, PHD2, and VHL in Endometriosis Rats with Shen Yang Deficiency Blood Stasis Syndrome / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Bushen Wenyang Huayu Recipe (BWHR) on hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), proline hydroxylase2 (PHD2), von Hippel Lindau disease (VHL) suppressor gene expressions in endometriosis (EM) rats with Shen yang deficiency blood stasis syndrome (SYDBSS), and to explore the pathogenesis of EM and the mechanism of BWHR for treating EM.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 50 SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, i.e., the blank control group, the sham-operation group, the model group, the Chinese medicine (CM) group, and the Western medicine (WM) group, 10 in each group. Rats in the blank control group and the sham-operation group were fed routinely. Rats in the rest 3 groups received 30-day "extended refrigerator freezing and ice water immersion" and combined with " autotransplantation" to establish EM rat model with SYDBSS. One Milliliter BWHR at 3.33 g/mL was administered to rats in the CM group by gastrogavage. Gestrinone at the daily dose of 0. 5 mg/kg was administered to rats in the WM group by gastrogavage. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to rats in the model group, the blank control group, and the sham-operation group. The size and morphology of ectopic foci in rats were observed after 4 weeks of medication. Expressions of serum CA125, plasma cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were detected by radioimmunoassay. Morphological changes of eutopic endometrium and ectopic tissue were observed under the optical microscope by HE staining. Protein expressions and contents of HIF-lα, PHD2, and VHL were detected by immunohistochemical SABC method and Western blot. mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, PHD2, and VHL were detected by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ectopic foci grew significantly in the model group. Their volumes were obviously contracted after treated by CM and WM. Compared with the blank control group and the sham-operation group, serum CA125 and plasma cGMP obviously increased, cAMP obviously decreased (P < 0.05); expressions and contents of HIF-1α mRNA and protein all decreased (P < 0.05); mRNA and protein expressions and contents of PHD2 and VHL all decreased in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with model group, levels of CA125 and cGMP obviously decreased; cAMP levels obviously increased, expressions and contents of HIF-1α mRNA and protein all increased, mRNA and protein expressions and contents of PHD2 and VHL all increased in the WM group and the CM group (P < 0.05). Compared with the CM group, PHD2 protein contents were higher in the WM group (P < 0.05). HIF-1α was negatively correlated with PHD2 (r = -0.799, P = 0.00). HIF-1α was negatively correlated with VHL (r = -0. 625, P = 0.003).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>BWHR could effectively treat EM. Its mechanism might be associated with reducing contents of HIF-1α, serum CA125, and plasma cGMP, and up-regulating expressions of PHD2, VHL, and cAMP.</p>

Effect of Bushen Tiaojing Recipe containing serum on FSH/cAMP-PKA pathway in in vitro cultured human ovarian granular cells / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the potential molecular mechanisms for Bushen Tiaojing Recipe (BTR) improving the endocrine function of ovarian granular cells by observing the effect of BTR containing serum on follicle stimulating hormone/cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A (FSH/ cAMP-PKA) pathway in in vitro cultured human ovarian granular cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The primary ovarian granular cells collected from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer patients were cultured for 24 h. The human and rat serum containing different concentrations of BTR (low, medium, high dose), and their normal serums were co-incubated with ovarian granular cells for 48 h respectively, and then they were divided into the low, medium, high dose BTR groups and the control group. The levels of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the culture medium were measured by radioimmunoassay. The protein expression of FSHR in ovarian granular cells was detected by Western Blot. The mRNA expression of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and P450 aromatase (P450arom) in ovarian granular cells were detected by Real-time PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In human BTR containing serum groups: Compared with control group, the levels of E2 and cAMP in the culture medium were higher (both P < 0.05) in the medium and high dose BTR groups; the levels of P in the culture medium decreased in the medium dose BTR group (P < 0.01). The protein and mRNA expression of FSHR in ovarian granular cells increased (all P < 0.01), the mRNA expressions of P450arom in ovarian granular cells were higher (P < 0.05, P< 0.01) in the medium and high dose BTR groups. In rat BTR containing serum groups: Compared with the control group, the levels of E2 in the culture medium were higher (all P < 0.01), cAMP in the culture medium were higher (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) in the medium and high dose BTR group; the levels of P in the culture medium decreased in the medium dose BTR group (P < 0.01). The protein and mRNA expression of FSHR in ovarian granular cells were higher (all P < 0.01), the mRNA expression of P450arom in ovarian granular cells increased in the medium and high dose BTR groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BTR could possibly improve the endocrine function of ovarian granular cells by regulating main effector molecules FSHR, cAMP, P450arom, and E2 in FSH/cAMP-PKA pathway of ovarian granular cells.</p>

Safety and effectiveness of tumor-ablative chemotherapy combined with low intensity modified conditioning regimen for 30 patients with hematologic malignancies receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of tumor-ablative Chemotherapy combined with low intensity conditioning regiment BUCy/TBICy for patients with hematologic malignancies receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The clinical data of 30 patients with hematologic malignancies received above-mentioned therapeutic method from January 2012 to January 2013 was analyzed retrospectively, and the engraftment, GVHD, infection, conditioning-related toxicity, relapse and survival rates were evaluated. All the patients signed the informed consent before transplantation. The median follow-up duration was 20.5 (16.3-27.3) months. The results indicated that all the patients had been engrafted successfully. One year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 93.3% and 83.3% respectively. No conditioning-related toxicity occurred. The incidences of II-IV grade aGVHD was 37.9%, among which incidence of III-IV grade aGVHD was 3.4%; incidence of extensive cGVHD was 13.8%. So far, 1 case relapsed, 1 case displayed graft rejection, and poor function of graft occurred in 1 case, death occurred in 2 cases(6.7%). It is concluded that tumor-ablative chemotherapy combined with low intensity-modified BUCy/TBICy is safe and effective in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies, and it is useful to reduce relapse of hematologic malignancies after transplantation.

Effect of bushen tiaojing recipe on the quality of the oocytes and reproductive hormones in the follicular fluid in IVF-ET patients / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of Bushen Tiaojing Recipe (BTR) on the quality of oocytes, reproductive hormones, and the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP15) of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty infertility patients who prepared for IVF-ET were assigned to two groups according to the treatment order, the treatment group [20 cases, treated with BTR + controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH)] and the control group (treated with COH alone, 40 cases). Age, the time limit for infertility, basal follicle-stimulating hormone (bFSH) concentration, usage days and the dosage of gonadotropins (Gn), serum levels of estradiol (E2), luteotropic hormone (LH), and progesterone (P) on the HCG injection day, the number of retrieved occytes, the fertilization rate, the number of embryos, the high quality embryo rate, and the clinical pregnancy rate were compared. Concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LH, E2, testosterone (T), and P in the follicular fluid were detected via chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay. The mRNA and protein expression of BMP-15 in mature granulosa cells was detected by real-time fluorescent PCR and Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirty-two patients were pregnant and the total pregnancy rate was 53.3%. Of them, 19 were pregnant and the total pregnancy rate was 47.5% in the control group, while 20 were pregnant and the total pregnancy rate was 65.0% in the treatment group. But there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the Gn dosage was lower and the high quality embryo rate was higher in the treatment group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in serum concentrations of E2, LH, or P on the HCG injection day, the number of retrieved oocytes, or the fertilization rate (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, FSH concentrations in the follicular fluid were significantly lower and LH concentrations were significantly higher in the treatment group (P < 0.05). The LH concentrations in the follicular fluid were significantly higher in pregnant patients than non-pregnant patients, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05).There was no statistical difference in E2, T, or P concentrations (P > 0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of BMP-15 in granulosa cells was higher in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). It was also higher in pregnant patients than non-pregnant patients, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>During the IVF-ET process, BTR could elevate the quality of oocytes, and increase the sensitivity of ovarian follicles to exogenous Gn, which was correlated with the mRNA and protein expression of BMP-15 in granulosa cells, and changing concentrations of FSH and LH.</p>

Effect of Bushen Tiaojing Recipe and Xiaoyao Pill on adenohypophysis and ovary in androgen-induced sterile rats: a comparative study / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Bushen Tiaojing Recipe (BTR) and Xiaoyao Pill (XYP) on the morphology and sex hormones secretion of adenohypophysis and ovaries in androgen-induced sterile rats (ASR).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty 9-day old SD female rats randomly recruited from total 60 rats were subcutaneously injected with testosterone propionate to establish the ASR model. And the rest 10 rats were recruited as the normal group. Thirty successfully modeled rats were recruited and randomly divided into the model group, the BTR group (administered with BTR suspension), and the XYP group (administered with XYP suspension), 10 in each group. Five weeks later, rats were decapitated in the proestrus. Serum levels of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were detected by radioimmunoassay. The morphologies of adenohypophysis and ovary were observed after HE staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal group, serum E2 and T levels increased, while FSH and LH levels decreased in the model group (all P < 0.01). The morphology of adenohypophysis and ovary was abnormal in the model group. Compared with the model group, serum E2 and T levels decreased, while FSH and LH levels increased in the BTR group and the XYP group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Besides, E2 and T levels in the BTR group and FSH levels in the XYP group restored to normal (all P > 0.05). The damaged structure of adenohypophysis and ovary got restored to different degrees.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BTR and XYP both could improve ovulation failure.</p>

Effect of bushen tiaojing recipe on the expressions of Smad1, Smad5, Smad8, and Smad4 in human mural granulosa cells / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of Bushen Tiaojing Recipe (BTR) on the expressions of drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein (Smadl), Smad5, Smad8, and Smad4 on human mural granulosa cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-six patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) were randomly assigned to two groups in the ratio of 1:2, the treatment group and the control group. Twenty-three patients in the treatment group were treated with BTR and GnRHa/FSH/hCG, while forty-three patients in the control group were treated with GnRHa/FSH/hCG. The mRNA expressions of Smad1, Smad5, Smad8, and Smad4 on mural granulosa cells of the mature follicle were detected by real-time PCR on the ovum retrieval day. The expressions of Smad1, Smad5, Smad8, and Smad4 at the protein level were observed using cell immunofluorescence method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mRNA and protein expressions of Smadl in the granulosa cells were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (P <0.05). There was no statistical difference in the mRNA and protein expressions of Smad5, Smad8, and Smad4 between the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mechanisms of BTR for improving the pregnancy rate and the ovarian functions might be correlated with up-regulating mRNA and protein expressions of Smadl of human mural granulosa cells.</p>

Clinical and molecular genetic analysis for a patient with glycogen storage disease Ⅰa / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the mutation of glucose-6-phosphatase gene (G6PC gene) in a patient with glycogen storage disease Ⅰa.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PCR was used to amplify all five exons of G6PC gene. The PCR products were directly sequenced to detect the mutations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A heterozygous 743G>A mutation was found in the patient and his mother, resulting in the substitution of glycine (G) by arginine (R) in codon 222(G222R) in the putative membrane-spanning domain in human G6Pase, but not in his father and his sister.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>G222R mutation in G6PC gene was first identified in a patient with glycogen storage disease Ⅰa in mainland China.</p>

Effects of Modified Wenjing Decoction on the ovarian oxidative damage of cold coagulation blood stasis model rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of Modified Wenjing Decoction (MWJD) on the ovarian oxidative damage of cold coagulation blood stasis (CCBS) model rats, thus consummating the action mechanisms of MWJD for treating gynecopathy of CCBS syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Female SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, and the treatment group. Rats in the model group and the treatment group were placed in the ice water (0 -1 degrees C) to establish the rat model of CCBS syndrome. Meanwhile, MWJD was given by gastrogavage to rats in the treatment group for 2 weeks. Rats were decapitated during the oestrous cycle. The serum levels of estradiol (E2), progestone (P), testosterone (T) were detected. The bilateral ovarian tissues were taken out and operated on ice. The total bilirubin (TBIL), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxygen capacity (T-AOC) were detected after homogenate.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal group, serum levels of E2, P, T, and ovarian levels of TBIL, SOD, T-AOC all obviously decreased in the model group, and the ovarian MDA level increased, showing statistical difference (P <0. 05, P <0.01). After treated by MWJD, when compared with the model group, serum levels of E2, P, T, and ovarian levels of TBIL, SOD, T-AOC increased, the ovarian MDA level decreased, showing statistical difference (P <0.05, P <0.01). All indices except serum T level and the ovarian MDA content restored to the normal levels (all P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The ovarian functions are abnormal in CCBS model rats. MWJD could restore the ovarian functions by improving the ovarian oxidative damage state, thus treating gynecopathy of CCBS syndrome.</p>