Adult ; Aspergillosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Aspergillus fumigatus ; Heart Transplantation ; Humans ; Male

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical application of pedicled superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) flaps in Burns and Plastic Surgery.

METHODS19 cases with skin and soft tissue defects were repaired with the Superficial circumflex iliac artery flaps. The defects located in the hand and forearm, the lower abdomen and perineal area, the radicle area of thigh, etc. Before the SCIA flaps were transfered to the recipient areas, 15 cases with different kinds of wounds were debrided thoroughly, 3 cases with scar were removed directly. The size of the flaps ranged from 3.0 cm x 4.5 cm to 26.0 cm x 22.0 cm, and the pedical was 5 cm to 7 cm in length.

RESULTSThe flaps in the 18 cases survived completely. Skin necrosis in the distal end of the flap appeared in 1 case, and the wound healed after the second repair. The follow-up period rang from 3 to 18 months. The apperance and function of the hand or foot was satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONSBecause the pedicled SCIA flaps can be obtain conveniently and contain sufficient blood-supply, so the flap is easy to survive and the flap can be designed in a large size. We believe it is an ideal method to use this flap to repair skin and soft tissue defects located in hands, forearms, the lower abdomen and perineal areas, the radicle area of thigh and so on.

Burns ; surgery ; Forearm ; Graft Survival ; Hand ; Humans ; Iliac Artery ; Necrosis ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; surgery ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; pathology ; transplantation ; Thigh ; Wound Healing

A total of 12 775 SSRs were identified from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi genomic database, accounting for 2.56% of the total genomic sequences. The result showed that S. baicalensis SSRs were based on 68.32% dinucleotide and 18.63% trinucleotide repeats; CT/GA and TTC/GAA were predominant in the dinucleotide motifs and the trinucleotide motifs respectively. Nine primers were selected to produce highly reproducible SSR bands and were used in studying the genetic diversity of S. baicalensis, 50 individuals from ten populations. 68 SSR polymorphic loci were detected, these loci were polymorphic and displayed 4 to 12 alleles per locus with a mean number of 7; the effect number of alleles was 3. Expected heterozygosities were 0.6 and were far more greater than the average in dicotyledonous plants. PIC (polymorphism information content) was 0.72, Shannon's information index was 1.32, these all proved that S. baicalensis had a high genetic diversity in general. Genetic differentiation among population Gst was 0.131, genetic variation among population accounted for 13.1% and genetic variation within population accounted for 86.9%. The cluster analysis showed that 10 populations S. Baicalensis were classified into 2 groups, but it was not associated with geographical distribution.

To analysis the differences between Tripterygium wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum, specimens of their leaves were collected from five production regions and analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The data were analyzed by multivariate statistical method, such as hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal signal correction partial least square discrimination (OPLS-DA). Potential markers with VIP values above 5.0 and corresponding r values above 0.85, were selected and further tested by combining mann-Whitney nonparametric. Those with P < 0.001 and AUC = 1 were confirmed as metabolite markers to discriminate them from each other. Results revealed that the two species were obviously different in their leaf metabolites. Based on their mass spectra, 23 potential metabolite markers were identified to distinguish T. wilfordii from T. hypoglaucum.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Mass Spectrometry ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Tripterygium ; chemistry ; classification ; metabolism

Adult ; Aged ; Arteriosclerosis Obliterans ; drug therapy ; Asteraceae ; chemistry ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Heparin ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Leg ; blood supply ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy

OBJECTIVETo observe the impacts of acupoint catgut embedding therapy and acupuncture-moxibustion therapy on the long-term efficacy and patient's life quality in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

METHODSSixty-nine patients were randomized into the combined acupuncture-moxibustion and acupoint catgut embedding therapy group (combined therapy group, 36 cases) and an acupuncture-moxibustion group (33 cases). In the acupuncture-moxibustion group, acupuncture was applied at Yingxiang (LI 20), Shangyingxiang (EX-HN 8), Yintang (GV 29), Shangxing (GV 23), Tongtian (BL 7) and Zusanli (ST 36). Moxibustion was applied at Zusanli (ST 36), Feishu (BL 13), Dazhui (GV 14) and Fengmen (BL 12). In the combined therapy group, on the basis of the treatment as acupuncture-moxibustion group, the catgut embedding therapy was applied at Feishu (BL 13), Fengmen (BL 12), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), Zhongwan (CV 12) and Qihai (CV 6). The treatment duration was 4 weeks in the two groups. The clinical efficacy of allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) score were observed before and after treatment as well as in the 4-weeks follow-up after the end of treatment respectively.

RESULTSThe markedly effective rate was 72.7% (24/33) in the combined therapy group and 48.4% (15/31) in the acupuncture-moxibustion group after treatment. The efficacy was similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). It was 57.6% (19/33) in the combined therapy group and was 22. 6% (7/31) in the 4-week follow-up after treatment, indicating the long-term efficacy in the combined therapy group was superior to that in the acupuncture-moxibustion group (P<0. 05). Scores of RQLO after treatment and in 4-week follow-up after treatment in both groups were improved as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). In 4-week follow-up, the improvements in sleep and affection in the combined therapy group were superior to the acupuncture-moxibustion group (3.27 +/- 3.23 vs 4.61 +/- 3.56, 3.48 +/- 3.67 vs 5.81 +/- 4.15, both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe acupoint catgut embedding therapy combined with acupuncture-moxibustion therapy are safe and effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and display the more roles in the long-term efficacy.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; instrumentation ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Catgut ; utilization ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion ; Quality of Life ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

This study was to report the effect of Tangshen Formula on phospholipids metabolism in diabetic nephropathy patients. A normal phase-HPLC-TOF/MS method was used in this study for the determination of seven species of phospholipids in human plasma. Then, the concentration changes of potential phospholipids biomarkers were discussed in diabetic nephropathy phase III and phase IV patients among different groups, including before and 3, 6 months after administration of Tangshen Formula. Significant increases of PE750, PI885, PC792, PC826, PC830, PC854 and PC802 levels were observed 6 months after administration of Tangshen Formula and conventional western medicine, as well as a decrease of LPC540 level, when compared with those before medication. Concentrations of all the potential phospholipids biomarkers showed a tendency towards normal levels; however, both the improvement degree and onset time of these compounds were not same. Additionally, Tangshen Formula treatment based on conventional western medicine treatment was more efficient in adjusting the levels of these compounds when compared with western medicine treatment alone, especially for the phase IV patients. These results indicated that Tangshen Formula was capable in regulating and improving phospholipids metabolism in diabetic nephropathy patients, which may be related with the direct or indirect inhibition of protein kinase C pathway and the corresponding reduction of phospholipase A2 activity. Therefore, Tangshen Formula may be used as an effective drug for diabetic nephropathy therapy, at least as an adjunctive therapeutic drug.

Hepatic fibrosis models were induced by CCl4 in rats. To explore vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFβ1) mRNA expression and bcl-2, Bax protein expression levels of intervention and explore the mechanism of the Aralia chinesis anti-hepatic fibrosis. Sixty male Sprague-Dawlley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: nomal group, model group, high-dose (10 mL x kg(-1)), medium-dose (7.5 mL x kg(-1)), low-dose (5.0 mL x kg(-1)) of A. chinesis treated group and colchicine treated group. The change of liver histopathology was observed by HE and Masson staining. The mRNA of VEGF, TGF-β1 were detected by RT-PCR. The protein of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by Western blot. In the model group liver cell obvious degeneration, necrosis, a large number of collagen fibers of the cable hyperplasia, part visible pseudolobule formation. A. chinesis large, medium, low-dose group and colchicine group liver cell degeneration and necrosis reduced A. chinesis small, medium, and high-dose group was gradually reduced trend and A. chinesis large, middle dose group degree of reduction is particularly significant. Compared with model group, A. chinesis of large, medium and small dose group and colchicine group VEGF mRNA expression, A. chinesis of large, medium-dose group TGF-β1 mRNA expression reduce (P < 0.05); compared with colchicine group, A. chinesis of large, middle dose group of VEGF mRNA expression decreased (P < 0.05); A. chinesis of large, middle dose group of TGF-β1 mRNA expression decreased (P < 0.01), and compared with colchicine group, large dose group of of TGF-β1 mRNA expression decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with model group, A. chinesis of large, medium and small dose group and colchicine group Bcl-2 protein expression reduce (all is P < 0.05). But A. chinesis of large, medium and small dose group and colchicine group of Bax protein expression were increased (P < 0.05). A. chinesis regulation of VEGF, TGF-β1 may prevent the activation of hepatic stellate cells, liver tissue by up regulating the anti-apoptotic protein Bax and down pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 expression, thereby to improve the degree of liver fibrosis.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Aralia ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; genetics ; metabolism

A total of 12 775 SSRs were identified from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi genomic database, accounting for 2.56% of the total genomic sequences. The result showed that S. baicalensis SSRs were based on 68.32% dinucleotide and 18.63% trinucleotide repeats; CT/GA and TTC/GAA were predominant in the dinucleotide motifs and the trinucleotide motifs respectively. Nine primers were selected to produce highly reproducible SSR bands and were used in studying the genetic diversity of S. baicalensis, 50 individuals from ten populations. 68 SSR polymorphic loci were detected, these loci were polymorphic and displayed 4 to 12 alleles per locus with a mean number of 7; the effect number of alleles was 3. Expected heterozygosities were 0.6 and were far more greater than the average in dicotyledonous plants. PIC (polymorphism information content) was 0.72, Shannon's information index was 1.32, these all proved that S. baicalensis had a high genetic diversity in general. Genetic differentiation among population Gst was 0.131, genetic variation among population accounted for 13.1% and genetic variation within population accounted for 86.9%. The cluster analysis showed that 10 populations S. Baicalensis were classified into 2 groups, but it was not associated with geographical distribution.
Alleles ; Cluster Analysis ; Genetic Variation ; Genomics ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Scutellaria baicalensis ; genetics ; Trinucleotide Repeats

Objective To clone and express Dengue virus nonstructural protein 4A (NS4A) gene and express in eukaryotic cells.Then,to isolate and purify and isolate cellular proteins interacted with NS4A.Methods With specific primers,NS4A gene fragment tagged with FLAG and HA (FLAG-NS4A-HA) was amplified by PCR and cloned into an expression vector,pSG5 vector.Recombinant plasmid was transfected into A549 cells by LipofectAMINETM2000.Transient expression of FLAG-NS4A-HA was detected by Western blot.The NS4A interacting proteins were isolated and purified by tandem affinity purification (TAP) system using HA and FLAG antibodies,and then assayed by silver stained SDS-PAGE.Results Dengue virus NS4A gene tagged with FLAG and HA was successfully constructed into pSG5 vector and expressed in A.549 cells.Silver stained SDS-PAGE showed that the expressed NS4A and two potential interacting proteins that interact with NS4A were isolated after TAP purification and SDS-PAGE.Conclusion Cellular proteins that potentially interacted with Dengue virus NS4A were successfully purified and isolated,which provided a basis for further research.