OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Xianxiong decoction on the mice with acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide.

METHODEighty female ICR mice were randomly divided into 8 groups: model group, Xianxiong decoction group, Daxianxiong decoction group, Xianxiong decoction group without Kansui Radix group, Xianxiong decoction group without Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma group, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Kansui Radix group, normal group and control group. Animals of each group, except normal group, were undertaken intraperitoneal injection and intranasal inhalation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on day 1, 2, 3 to establish acute lung injury (ALI) model. 30 min after modeling, 0.2 mL corresponding drugs were administrated to each mice, dexam ethasone and normal saline were given to the mice of control group and normal group respectively. White blood cell in blood, neutrophil percentage of blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) supernatant, the ratio of wet and dry lung tissue ( W/D), histopathological changes of lung tissue were estimated. Sixty ICR mice were randomly divided into normal, model, control, high, middle and low dose Xianxiong decoction groups and were modeled in the same way. ELISA was applied to detect the level of NF-kappaB, TNF-alpha and IL-6 in BALF, PCR for NF-kappaB and TNF-alpha mRNA in lung tissue, and Western blot for NF-kappaB and TNF-alpha. Half of 20 ICR mice were administrated with Xianxiong decoction of its maximum tolerant normal saline.

RESULTCompared with model group, the number of WBC in blood of Xianxiong decoction group mice decreased (P < 0.01), percentage of neutrophils in both blood and BALF decreased as well (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); it also significantly reduced the ratio of W/D (P < 0.01); and found the alveolar wall, the number of inflammatory cells infiltrating improved, compared with model group. Xianxiong decoction reduced the level of NF-kappaB, TNF-alpha and IL-6 in BALF (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05); its high and low dose groups only found TNF-alpha level declined. Five mice died 24 h after administration of Xianxiong decoction which indicated its toxicity when other influential factors were considered.

CONCLUSIONXianxiong decoction is effective on the ALI mice induced by LPS, but it is of toxicity at 3 g x mL(-1).

Acute Lung Injury ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Animals ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; adverse effects ; Lung ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; NF-kappa B ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To evaluate the values of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling ( BIPSS),high dosage dexamethasone suppression test (HDDST) and pituitary image in the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Methods Totally 87 patients with confirmed pathological diagnosis were recruited in the study.All received the procedure of BLPSS,HDDST,and pituitary MRI with dynamic enhancement.The diagnostic performances of three differential diagnosis methods in ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome were evaluated.Results Seventy-eight patients were diagnosed as cases of pituitary ACTH adenoma,and the remaining 9 were confirmed cases of ectopic ACTH syndrome due to the thymic carcinoid.The sensitivity and specificity of HDDST,pituitary MRI,and BIPSS for the diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome were 82.1％ and 100％,79.5％ and 44.4％,92.3％ and 100％,respectively.In Cushing's disease,the diagnostic accuracy was 83.9％ with HDDST,77.0％with pituitary MRI,and93.1％ with BIPSS.In those patients with Cushing's disease,the coincidence of lateralization was 83.9％ with BIPSS and 64.5％ with MRII.Conclusion BIPSS was better than the other two methods in differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome.Compared with the pituitary MRI,the concordant rate of BIPSS in lateralization of the tumor is higher,and it is more reliable.

AIM:To research the effects of lithium chloride on transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in cultured human Tenon capsule fibroblasts (HTFs) and explore its mechanism.METHODS:HTFs were cultured and identified by vimentin staining with immunofluorescence and the morphological characteristics.The experimental group was processed 48h with LiCl in concentration of 80mmol/L, the control group without LiCl.The mRNA expression of TGF-β and CTGF in two groups were analyzed with real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real time-qPCR) and the protein expression was detected with Western blot.RESULTS:The cultured HTFs expressed TGF-β and CTGF.The mRNA expression of TGF-β and CTGF significantly decreased compared with the control group(t=20.042, 14.995, P<0.05).the protein expression of TGF-β and CTGF also decreased significantly compared with the control group(t=46.058、12.452, P<0.05)CONCLUSION:The cultured HTFs can express TGF-β and CTGF in mRNA and proteins' level.LiCl can reduce the expression of TGF-β and CTGF both in gene and proteins' level.LiCl has the potential to modulate wound healing for glaucoma filtration surgery.

BACKGROUNDHigh peritoneal transport status was previously thought to be a poor prognostic factor in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. However, its effect on diabetic nephropathy PD patients is unclear in consideration of the adverse impact of diabetes itself. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of peritoneal transport characteristics on nutritional status and clinical outcome in diabetic nephropathy patients on PD.

METHODSOne hundred and two diabetic nephropathy patients on PD were enrolled in this observational cohort study. According to the initial peritoneal equilibration test result, patients were divided into two groups: Higher transport group (HT, including high and high average transport) and lower transport group (LT, including low and low-average transport). Demographic characteristics, biochemical data, dialysis adequacy, and nutritional status were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were compared. Risk factors for death-censored technique failure and mortality were analyzed.

RESULTSCompared with LT group (n = 37), serum albumin was significantly lower and the incidence of malnutrition by subjective global assessment was significantly higher in HT group (n = 65) (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that death-censored technique failure and mortality were significantly increased in HT group compared with that in LT group. On multivariate Cox analyses, higher peritoneal transport status and lower residual renal function (RRF) were independent predictors of death-censored technique failure when adjusted for serum albumin and total weekly urea clearance (Kt/V). Independent predictors of mortality were advanced age, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and lower RRF, but not higher peritoneal transport status.

CONCLUSIONSHigher peritoneal transport status has an adverse influence on nutrition for diabetic nephropathy patients on PD. Higher peritoneal transport status is a significant independent risk factor for death-censored technique failure, but not for mortality in diabetic nephropathy patients on PD.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biological Transport ; Cohort Studies ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; metabolism ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nutritional Status ; Peritoneal Dialysis

Objective To evaluate the performance characteristics of the second trimester double-marker test for the detection of fetal Down's syndrome in mainland China. Methods This prospective national multi-centered study used alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and free β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin( free β-hCG)as the serum markers. From May 2004 to September 2006, 11 centers participated in the collection and analysis of maternal serum AFP and free β-hCG between 14 and 20+6 weeks of pregnancy. The screening results were calculated using the standard algorithm based on the standard database provided with the analytic software. Patients with an increased risk of Down's syndrome pregnancy (≥1/270) were offered genetic anmiocentesis. Outcomes of all pregnancies were obtained.Results A total of 66 132 singleton pregnancies were included in the study. The median maternal age was 27 years. At a cut-eft of 1 in 270, the detection rate (DR) based on a Caucasian database was 72% corresponding to a false positive rate (FPR) of 5%, and the DR based on the Chinese database was raised to 76% corresponding to an FPR of 5%. Conclusion The double-marker test using AFP and free β-hCG is an effective screen strategy for second-trimester detection of fetal Down's syndrome in mainland China. Ethnic variance exists between the Caucasian and Chinese populations. The accuracy of screening is increased by the use of race-specific medians.

Objective To investigate the relationship between atherosclerotic lesions of arteries of lower extremities and metabolic disorders in patients with diabetic foot. Methods Three hundreds and sixty two patients with type 2 diabetes were selected, including 232 males and 130 females, with average age of (64.9?11.2) years and the average diabetic duration of (9.2?7.5) years. Atherosclerotic lesions of the arteries were detected by type B ultrasound. According to severity of lesions of femoral, popliteal and tibial arteries, the patients were classified into four groups: A-control group, B-plague formation (plague), C-arterial stenosis (stenosis) (luminal narrowing≥50%) and D-arterial occlusion (occlusion). Fasting blood glucose, GHbAlc and lipid levels (Total cholesteral, TC; Triglyceride, TG; Low density iipoprotein, LDL) were tested in all patients. Results (1)GHbAlc levels in group B and group C were significantly different from that in group A respectively[(8.4?2.2%)vs(7.8?2.2%),P

OBJECTIVETo generate a human papillomavirus (HPV16) prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine candidate for cervical cancer.

METHODSHPV16 major capsid protein L1 gene/minor capsid protein L2 gene and HPV16 early E6/E7 genes were inserted into a vaccinia virus expression vector. A strain of non-recombinant vaccinia virus containing the sequences was obtained through a homologous recombination and identified.

RESULTSDNA hybridization confirmed that the HPV16L1/L2/E6/E7 genes were integrated into vaccinia virus DNA. Western Blot result showed that full-length L1/L2/E6/E7 proteins were co-expressed in CEF cells infected with the recombinant virus.

CONCLUSIONNTVJE6E7CKL1L2 could be taken as a candidate of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine for HPV-associated tumors and their precancerous transformations.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Capsid Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Chick Embryo ; Cloning, Molecular ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Humans ; Oncogene Proteins, Viral ; genetics ; metabolism ; Papillomaviridae ; genetics ; immunology ; Papillomavirus E7 Proteins ; Papillomavirus Infections ; immunology ; prevention & control ; virology ; Papillomavirus Vaccines ; genetics ; immunology ; therapeutic use ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Repressor Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Tumor Virus Infections ; immunology ; prevention & control ; virology ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; immunology ; prevention & control ; virology ; Vaccinia virus ; genetics ; Virus Replication

OBJECTIVETo investigate the regulation on endothelial function of sapindus saponins in spontaneously hypertensive rats by studying the reactivity on different vasoconstrictor and dilator, and the content of the active substances.

METHODForty 16-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomly divided into five groups, one with placebo as model group, one with captopril tablets (27 mg x kg(-1)) as positive control, one with low-dose sapindus saponins (27 mg x kg(-1)), one with medium-dose (54 mg x kg(-1)), one with high-dose (108 mg x kg(-1)). And another eight healthy Wistar-Kyoto strain (WKY) rats were used as the normal group. The animals were treated for eight weeks, and the indicators to be detected were as follows: (1) the response of thoracic aorta on different vasoconstrictors Ang II (1 x 10(-9) -1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1)), PE (1 x 10(-8) 1 x 10(-4) mol x L(-1)), KCl (20 -120 mmol x L(-1)); (2) the endothelium-dependent or non-endothelium-dependent vasodilation response of thoracic aorta on Ach (1 x 10-(10)-1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1)) or SNP (1 x 10(-8)-1 x 10(-3) mol x (L(-1); (3) the content of NO, 6-KPG1alpha, ET-1 and TXB2 in serum was determined by Elisa.

RESULTIn SHR model group, the response of thoracic aorta on Ang II, PE and KCl was increased, the endothelium-dependent vasodilation on Ach was reduced, but the effects on SNP was not obvious, the content of ET-1 and TXB2 was increased, and the content of NO and 6-KPG1alpha was reduced, Vs the normal control group, there were significant differences (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); in the treatment groups, the response of thoracic aorta on Ang II, PE and KCl was reduced, the endothelium-dependent vasodilation of thoracic aorta on Ach was improved, the content of ET-1 and TXB2 was reduced, and the content of NO and 6-KPG1alpha was increased, Vs the SHR model group, there were significant differences (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONOur findings suggested that sapindus saponins protected the endothelial function in SHR, the mechanisms were relevant to the protection of endothelial function.

Angiotensin II ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; drug effects ; physiology ; Endothelin-1 ; analysis ; Endothelium, Vascular ; drug effects ; physiology ; Female ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Rats, Inbred WKY ; Sapindus ; chemistry ; Saponins ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the safety and feasibility of testis-sparing surgery (TSS) in the treatment of testicular tumor.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 8 cases of benign testicular tumor treated by TSS in our hospital from October 2005 to March 2012.

RESULTSThe 8 patients, aged 18-67 (mean 45) years, were preoperatively diagnosed with benign testicular tumor and all underwent partial testis resection. Rapid intraoperative pathology showed the incisal margins to be negative. Postoperative pathological examination confirmed Sertoli cell tumor in 3 cases, adenomatoid tumor in another 3, and mature teratoma in the other 2. The patients were followed up for 6 months to 7 years (mean 4 years), which revealed no relapse and metastasis, nor significant differences from the baseline in the testosterone level, IIEF score, and routine semen parameters.

CONCLUSIONTestis-sparing surgery is one of the effective options for the management of benign testicular tumor, which can maximally preserve the testis tissue and protect the patient's sexual function.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Organ Sparing Treatments ; methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Sertoli Cell Tumor ; pathology ; surgery ; Teratoma ; pathology ; surgery ; Testicular Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Testis

OBJECTIVETo evaluate retrospectively the efficacy and toxicity of capecitabine-based chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced breast cancer.

METHODSThree hundred and seventy-six patients with advanced breast cancer were treated with capecitabine-based chemotherapy regimens in our department from Sep 2002 to Sep 2009. They were divided into 3 groups. The group 1 was treated with capecitabine 1000 mg/m(2) orally twice daily on d1-d14, repeated every 3 weeks. The group 2 was treated with capecitabine as group 1, and combined with docetaxel 60 - 75 mg/m(2) intravenous infusion on d1, repeated every 3 weeks. The group 3 was treated with capecitabine as group 1, and combined with vinorelbine 25 mg/m(2) intravenous infusion on d1 and d8, repeated every 3 weeks. The median treatment period of treatment was 3 cycles.

RESULTSAmong the 376 patients, 218 patients were evaluable for response. In the group 1 the objective response rate (ORR) was 12.8% and the clinical benefit rate (CBR) was 21.6%. The CBR but not ORR of first line therapy with capecitabine was 35.2%, significantly higher than that of more than first line therapy (17.1%, P < 0.01). The ORRs for group 2 and group 3 were 53.8% and 36.4%, respectively. In the group 2 there was no significant difference in the ORR between the first line therapy and more than first line therapy. In the group 3 the ORR of first line therapy of NX regimen was 36.4%, significantly higher than that of more than first line therapy (16.7%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe capecitabine-based chemotherapy is effective and tolerable, and can be used not only in first line but also more than first line therapy. The single agent maintenance chemotherapy after response to combined chemotherapy can prolonge the duration of treatment for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Adult ; Agranulocytosis ; chemically induced ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Capecitabine ; Deoxycytidine ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Diarrhea ; chemically induced ; Disease Progression ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand-Foot Syndrome ; etiology ; Humans ; Leukopenia ; chemically induced ; Maintenance Chemotherapy ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Remission Induction ; Retrospective Studies ; Taxoids ; administration & dosage ; Vinblastine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives