Objective To observe the effect of combined therapy of external point application and herbal concentrate-granules on patients with asthma (hot wheezing in TCM).Methods 60 patients suffering from onset period of bronchial asthma were randomized to a control group and a treatment group.The control group was given budesonide inhaler and theophylline sustained release tablets.The treatment group was given combined therapy of external point application and herbal concentrate-granules.The course of treatment was 10 days.To observe the value ofFEV1％,ACT scores and TCM syndrome scores etc.Results After treatment,the value of FEV 1％ [treatment group:(82.83 ± 11.35) ％,control group:(83.85 ± 16.72) ％] and ACT [treatment group:(19.86±2.32),control group:(19.66±2.54)] in both groups were markedly increased with statistical significance (P＜0.01); and the difference between the two groups were also significant; TCM syndrome scoring [treatment group:(4.27±3.65),control group:(5.05±4.14)] was notably decreased in both groups compared with the values before the treatment with statistical significance (P＜0.01); but the difference between the two groups was not significant (P＞0.05).Conclusion The combined therapy of external point application and herbal concentrate-granules can treat bronchial asthma in the acute clinical course and improve lung function.

AIM: To investigate the alteration of serum free fatty acids in the carbon tetrachloride-induced fatty liver. METHODS: Drug-induced fatty liver rat models were built by injection 40% CCl_4. Serum free fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography. RESULTS: In the composition of serun free fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids [oleic acid C18∶1,(28.672?7.332 ?/mg?L~(-1) vs 41.373?2.180 ?/mg?L~(-1)), linoleic acid C18∶2(16.739?0.871 ?/mg?L~(-1) vs 24.959?5.325 ?/mg?L~(-1)), arachidonic acid C20∶4(6.105?2.656 ?/mg?L~(-1) vs 9.802?0.779 ?/mg?L~(-1)),P

Activities of Daily Living ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Cerebral Infarction ; rehabilitation ; therapy ; Humans ; Recovery of Function ; Time Factors

Background Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major event in the pathogenesis of posterior capsular opacification (PCO),and the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is the marker of EMT.Previous studies showed that breviscapine plays an important role in anti-fibrosis and suppression EMT,however,the mechanism of its effect on EMT in LECs is unclear.Objective Present study was to investigate the effect of breviscapine on the expression of α-SMA and fibronectin (FN) in human LECs induced by transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2).Methods Human LECs strain,HLE-B3,was cultured and passaged in DMEM containing 10％ fetal bovine serum.Different concentrations of breviscapine (6.75,12.75,25.00,50.00 and 100.00 mg/L)were added into the medium for 24,48 and 72 hours respectively,and then cell cunting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to evaluate the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of breviscapine to HLE-B3.In addition,HLE-B3 was subcultured at the density of 1 × 106/hole and divided into 4 groups.The cells were in free-serum medium as the normal control;the cells were exposed in 10 μg/L TGF-β2 as TGF-β2 group;while in the breviscapine group,10 mg/L of breviscapine was added into the culture medium and another group was the combination of 10 mg/L breviscapine and 10 μg/L of TGF-β2 treatment.Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA expressions of α-SMA and FN as well as their protein in HLE-B3 72 hours after cultured.Results The inhibitory rate of breviscapine to HLE-B3 proliferation was gradually elevated with the increase of concentration of breviscapine,showing a significant inhibition of the cell proliferation among the different groups and at various time points (F =292.851,P=0.000;F =65.037,P=0.000).IC50 of HLE-B3 at 72 hours was 22 mg/L,and therefore,in rest of experiment 10 mg/L of breviscapine was used which was 1/2 only half of the IC50.α-SMA and FN were expressed in cultured normal HLE-B3.The expressing level of α-SMA mRNA and FN mRNA in the HLE-B3 was significantly different among the normal group,TGF-β22 group,breviscapine treatment group and combination group as well as at various time points (F =105.490,P =0.000 ; F =1041.414,P =0.000).Similarly,the protein expressions of α-SM A and FN in the HLE-B3 was significantly different among the four groups and different time points (F=136.872,P=0.000;F=119.820,P=0.000).The expression levels of α-SMA and FN mRNA and their proteins in HLE-B3 were remarkably increased in the 10 μg/L TGF-β2 group compared with the normal control group (at all P=0.000),and those in the combination group were obviously declined in comparison to the TGF-β2 group (P =0.001,0.001,0.001,0.010).No significant difference was found in the expressions of α-SMA and FN in the HLE-B3 between the breviscapine group and normal control group in both transcriptional level and protein level (P =0.551,0.292,0.551,0.360).Conclusions 10 mg/L breviscapine can arrest the proliferation and EMT of human LECs.This result suggests that using breviscapine may be a potential prophylactic approach in the prevention of PCO.

AIM:To evaluate the clinical effects of femto-LASIK using new Ziemer LDV Z6 femtosecond laser machine (Z6).
METHODS: Two - hundred cases ( 400 eyes ) was randomly separated into two groups: Group A included 200 eyes which corneal flaps were made by Z6, and Group B included rest of 200 eyes which corneal flaps were examined by a traditional Ziemer LDV CrystalLine femtosecond laser machine (CrystalLine). Visual acuity, slit lamp, refraction, Sim-K average, intraocular pressure (IOP), non-invasive tear break-up time (NIAvg-BUT), operation difficulty and complications were compared between two groups preoperatively and postoperatively.RESULTS:There was no significant differences between two groups in visual acuity, refraction, Sim-K average, IOP and NIAvg - BUT either preoperatively or 6mo postoperatively (P>0. 05). Although there were significant differences in operation difficulty and complications were found between two groups ( P< 0. 05 ), there was no serious complication in any group. Furthermore, a clear demarcation line could be observed in the cornea of Group A postoperatively.
CONCLUSION:More careful and strict requirements are needed when using the new Z6 femtosecond laser for corneal flaps.

Objective To investigate the effects of RNA interference(RNAi)targeting human epithelial growth receptor-2(HER-2)gene on the invasive and chemotactic ability of SKOV3 cells. Methods Glyeeraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH)was used as the positive control. Lipofectamine 2000 mediated transient transfection was conducted to transmit the siRNA into SKOV3 cells. Three pairs of specifically targeted(HER-2 siRNA Ⅰ,HER-2 siRNA Ⅱ,HER-2 siRNA Ⅲ)sequence were selected in the coding region of HER-2 mRNA.Transfection of HER-2 siRNA was conducted with lipofeetamine 2000 in ovarian carcinoma cell line SKOV3.The HER-2 gene expression was assessed by real- time PCR and western blot assays.Changes of invasive and chemotaetie capacity of SKOV3 cells were measured by polycarbonates coated with or without matrigal.Results Western blot results showed that the expression of GAPDH protein was decreased in specifically transfected cells and with the increase of siRNA dose,the expression of GAPDH protein was decreased.GAPDH protein gray value in control group, different doses(0.5,1.0,1.5,2.0 ?g)GAPDH siRNA interference groups were 0.6855?0.0259,0.5698 ?0.0275,0.4542?0.0296,0.3341?0.0178 and 0.1816+0.0180,respectively.There was a significant difference in each group(F=198.126,P

AIM: To discuss the clinical applications of methods to localize nasal cut ends and the effects of Z-plasty in the surgeries for lower eyelid longitudinal laceration combined with lower lacrimal canaliculi disruption.
METHODS: From September, 2010 to October, 2013, a total of 37 patients ( 37 eyes ) with lower eyelid longitudinal laceration combined with lower lacrimal canaliculi disruption were operated for anastomosis of lacrimal canaliculi disruption and suture of lower eyelid longitudinal. Different methods to search for the nasal cut ends of lacerated lacrimal canaliculi, such as “under a microscope directly”, “guided by probing needle” and“pigtail curved probe”. Then, to repair lower eyelid longitudinal laceration with Z-plasty transposition flaps. Follow up was 3mo~2a after operation.
RESULTS: All nasal cut ends could be found successfully on 37 patients;Lacrimal duct unobstructed in 31 patients (83. 8%), improved in 5 patients (13. 5%), invalid in 1 patient (2. 7%),the overall successful rate was 97. 3%; the eyelids repair was satisfactory, small scars, the appearance and function was normal.
CONCLUSION: The nasal cut ends can be found successfully by “directly under a microscope”, “guided by probing needle” and“pigtail curved probe”;the effect of silicone drainage tube used as lacrimal canaliculi bracket is satisfactory; most patients gained excellent recovery for both appearance and function after Z-plasty.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of butyl alcohol extract of baitouweng decoction (BAEB) on the fungal cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), filamentation and biofilm formation of Candida tropicalis.

METHODGradual dilution method was used to determine the MIC. XTT assay was applied to determine the SMIC80. Time-Kill assay was employed to draw the Time-Kill curve. The water-hydrocarbon two-phase assay was used to measure the cell surface hydrophobicity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to observe the morphological changes of the biofilm. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was applied to determine the thickness of the biofilm. The quantification real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect expression changes of releated genes (UME6, ALST3 and NRG1). result: The MICs of BAEB against C. tropicalis strains are determined as 64-128 mg x L(-1). The SMIC80 s of BAEB against the biofilm of Candida tropicalis strains are determined as 256-512 mg x L(-1). Time-Kill curve results indicate that BAEB has a promise fungicidal effect at 256 and 512 mg x L(-1). SEM results shows that 512 mg x L(-1) BAEB can inhibit the formation of C. tropicalis biofilm on Silicone catheter, and the morphology of biofilm is also affected by BAEB. The thickness of C. tropicalis biofilm is reduced by BAEB according to CLSM results. Furthermore, qRT-PCR results indicate that expression of UME6 and ALST3 are significantly down-regulated by BAEB 256,512 mg x L(-1), and NRG1 is not affected by BAEB.

CONCLUSIONBAEB inhibits effectively the CSH, filamentation and biofilm formation of VVC strains of C. tropicalis.

Antifungal Agents ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Biofilms ; drug effects ; Candida tropicalis ; drug effects ; genetics ; physiology ; Candidiasis ; microbiology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Fungal Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal ; drug effects ; Humans ; Virulence Factors ; genetics ; metabolism

AIM: To evaluate the growth-inhibitory effects of NS-398, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, in human colon cancer HT-29 cells and its possible mechanisms. METHODS: MTT assay was applied to detect the cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was performed to detect apoptosis rate and cell cycle. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of bcl-2 mRNA and bax mRNA. Alteration of cytoskeleton component F-actin was observed by confocal laser scanning microscope. RESULTS: NS-398 could inhibit growth of HT-29 cells in dose-and time-dependent manners. Flow cytometry revealed that NS-398 could induce apoptosis and cause G0/G1 arrest of HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner. After 72 h incubation with NS-398 at different concentrations, the expression level of bcl-2 mRNA was lowered and the ratio of bcl-2 to bax was decreased in HT-29 cells. F-actin was mainly distributed around nuclei forming annular structure in HT-29 cells. After exposure to NS-398, the annular structure around nuclei disappeared and fluorescence intensity of F-actin decreased obviously. CONCLUSION: NS-398 can inhibit the growth effectively and induce apoptosis in HT-29 cells in vitro, which is associated with the down-regulation of bcl-2 to bax ratio and the disruption of cytoskeleton.

Objective The incidence of post-operative hyperbilimbinemia, which is associated with poor outcomes in patients, was reported to be increased in recent years though it has been a rare complication for cardiac operations. Post-opera-tive impairment of liver function is highlighted. We evaluated the incidence and prognosis of post-operative hyperbiliruhinemia in adult patients who underwent cardiotomy with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Methods Sixty-five adult patients who had received ECMO support after cardiac surgery from 2004 to 2008 were enrolled and evaluated retrospec-tively. Post-oporative hypethilirubinemia was defined as the serum level of the total bilirubin more than 51.3 μmol/L during postoperative period. Demographic and clinical data included gender, age, types of surgery, perioperative hemodynamic param-eters, biochemical variables, duration of the ventilation support, ICU stay and outcomes. Results The mean age of the pa-tients was (50.1 ± 13.9) years, forty-six patients(70.8%) were male. The main cardiac procedures were heart transplanta-tion for 9 patients, coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve operations for 47 patients, congenital heart disease correction for 4 patients and other operations for 5 patients. Among all patients, fifty-one patients(78.5%) were weaned from ECMO succeas-fully and thirty-thrce patients were discharged from hospital. The overall mortality rate was 49.2%. Overall incidence of post-operative hyperbilirubinemia was 55.4%. In patients with postoperative hyperbilirubinemia, the mean peak value for serum to-tal bilirubin was 104.8 (68.5-156.7) μmol/l. The hospital mortality in the hyperbilirubinemia group was significantly higher than that in the non-hyperbilirubinemia group(66.7% vs. 27.6%, P <0.01). Moreover, postoperative hypethilirubinemia (adds ratio = 3. 895, 95% confidence interval, 1.088 - 13.947 ; P = 0.037) and SOFA score (odds ratio = 1.214, 95% confidence interval, 0.987 - 1.494, P = 0.047) and APACHE Ⅲ score (odds ratio = 1.096, 95% confidence interval, 1.028 - 1.169 ; P = 0.004) were associated with hospital mortality after adjusting for preoperative levels of the total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, gender and age. Conclusion Postoperative hyperbilirubinemia is one of the complications in adult patients who undergo cardiotomy with ECMO support, and is associated with increased hospital mortality.