Objective To assess the methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with preparations of Tripterygium wilfordii to provide a scientific basis for the improvement of clinical trials and systematic review. Methods CBMdisc (1978-2000) and TCMLRS (1984-2000) were searched for RCTs on rheumatoid arthritis treated with preparations of Tripterygium Wilfordii. Jadad scale and the evaluating scale designed by the EBM methodological research group of Guangzhou University of TCM were used to evaluate the methodological quality of the trials. Results Of the 27 randomized trials included in this study, seven described the methods for randomization and only one had randomized concealment. Blindness was used in six of the trials. Twenty-four of the trials were found to be of low methodological quality with Jadad scores below three. Although all of the trials had their diagnostic standards for subject selection, only 37% described the inclusion and (or) exclusion criteria. Information about drug safety was not reported in 21% of the trials. Conclusions In general, the methodological quality of the studies is disappointing. Many shortcomings exist in the methodology of the included literatures, which calls for future attention to the correct use of the principles of randomization, control and blindness in randomized control trials.

Calcium sensing receptors (CaSR) is a member of super-family of G-protein coupling receptors. This review first introduced the concept, construction features, distribution, functions, decision methods, moderators, genetic locus of CaSR and its relationship with some diseases concisely. Then this article described the investigation progress of CaSR in cardiovascular system intensively, including the expression pattern, role and signal pathways of CaSR in rat myocardium in normal, ischemia-reperfusion injury, apoptosis and cardiac hypertrophy;the role and mechanism of CaSR in calcium homostasis regulation of rat myocardium, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and cardiac ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning. The metabolism rule, physiological significance and pathological action of polyamine in cardiac cells;the increase of CaSR expression in cardiac tissue of artherosclerosic rat and its effect on sensitivity to acute myocardial infarction are also discussed. In the end, the research perspective of CaSR in cardiovascular system was anticipated.

Objective:To compare the feasibility,complications and advantages of the nose-intestine tube and the jejunostic tube in early enteral nutrition after double incisions for the therapy of esophageal cancer.Methods: 52 postoprative patients were divided into three groups.The nose-intestine tube group(A group,n =16) and the jejunostic tube group(B group,n = 21) received the enteral nutrition(Nutrison Fibre) and the conrtrol group(C group,n = 15) received intravenous isotonic glucose solution and oral liquid diet after the bowel movement recovery.The blood glucose,the function of liver and kidney,electrolytes and nutritional status were observed.The recovery of bowel movement and other digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain,distention,diarrhea,nausea and vomiting were observed during the period of study.Some complications such as acute intestinal obstruction,pnumonia and rhinolaryngitis were observed during the period of study.Results: The time for placing the jejunostic tube was faster than that for placing the nose-intestine tube(P

To explore the relationship between endometriosis with menstruation as well as gestational status. [Methods] Case- group comparative trial was applied to investigate the menstruation as well as gestational status in 91 cases of endometriosis and 67 cases of non - endometriosis in the same period. [ Results ] Single - factor analysis showed that primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea were the risk factors of endometriosis. Age of primigravida and primiparity at 24 or less, times of pregnancy over 2 and the application of contraceptive device were the possibly protective factors. Unconditional logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea were the risk factors of endometriosis, and there was a positive interaction between the age of primigravida and the application of contraceptive device. [Conclusion] Primary dysmenorrhea was the risk factor of endometriosis.

Objective To investigate expression of PP2CE in human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)tissues and the clinical pathological significance,and test its sub-cellular localization in liver cells and HCC cells.Methods A total of 50 samples of HCC tissues and their para-carcinoma tissues were collected in Tongji Hospital(Wuhan).PP2CE mRNA and protein levels were detected in HCC tissues and their para-carcinoma tissues by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry method.Immunofluorescent assay was performed to test the sub-cellular localization of PP2CE in the cells.Results PP2CE mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly decreased in HCC tissues as compared with those in para-carcinoma tissues(both P＜0.05).Immunohistochemistry analysis found that PP2CE expression was associated with tumor size,differentiated degree,portal vein invasion and clinical stage(both P＜0.05).Immunofluorescent assay suggested that PP2CE was mainly located in the cytoplasm and perinuclear area.Conclusion PP2CE is reduced in HCC and may be implicated in the development and progression of HCC.

AIM: To investigate the nasal absorption of ligustrazine and promotion action of synthetic borneol. METHODS: In situ nasal recirculation method was used to study the dose effect relationship of nasal absorption of ligustrazine and the effect of synthetic borneol on nasal absorption of ligustrazine in rats. RESULTS: When the concentrations of ligustrazine were 0.25 , 0.75 ,and 1.25 g?L -1 in circulation liquid, respectively, the corresponding values of the absorption rate constant k were 0.0195 , 0.0227 , and 0.0241 min -1 . However, when the concentrations were 2.5 and 5.0 g?L -1 in circulation liquid, the absorption rate constant k lowered with the concentration being added. CONCLUSION: Ligustrazine can be absorbed through the nasal mucous and synthetic borneol can promote the absorption.

Objective To establish the expression of membrane-bound HLA-G1-G4 isoforms in choriocarcinoma cell line JAR and to investigate its roles in NK cytotoxicity in vitro. Methods Stable expression of HLA-G1, -G2, -G3 and -G4 in JAR cells was established by gene cloning and transfection.HLA-Gtranscripts and protein expression in the transfected JAR cells was tested by RT-PCR, flow cytometry, Western blot and immunocytochemistry, respectively. High-affinity peptide KIPAQFYIL pulsing was performed to evaluate its effects on HLA-G expression. Effects of HLA-G1-G4 isoforms on NK cytotoxicity was performed with lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) releasing method. Results RT-PCR, Western blot and immunocytochemistry results showed that exogenous HLA-G1-G4 gene were successfully transfected and proteins were stably expressed in the HLA-G negative JAR cells; Flow cytometry data showed that only HLAG1, but not HLA-G2-G4 isoform was detectable in those transfected JAR cells and the peptide pulsing did not affect their expression status. However, all HLA-G1-G4 isoform expressed JAR cells could significantly decreased the NK cell cytotoxicity (P＜0.05). Conclusion HLA-G1-G4 isoform expression could dramatically inhibit NK-92 cell lysis, indicating that membrane-bound HLA-G isoforms are importantly immunotolerant and may play immune regulation roles in various physio-pathological situations.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of acquisition of HLA-G1 antigen by NK cells.Methods K562 cells stably expressing HLA-G1 antigen (K562-G1) were constructed.K562-G1 cells, K562 cells and shed HLA-G1 were respectively co-cultured with NK-92MI cells to observe the acquisi-tion of HLA-G by NK cells.To further investigate the mechanism , NK-92MI cells with blockage HLA-G re-ceptors were further co-cultured with K562-G1 cells and HLA-G1 proteins expressing on K 562-G1 cells were blocked and then co-cultured with NK-92MI cells. Acquisition of HLA-G 1 by NK-92MI cells was analyzed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy .The effects of HLA-G1 expression on the cytotoxicity of NK-92MI cell were evaluated by flow cytometry analysis based on CD 107a labeling.R esults NK-92MI cells could quickly acquire HLA-G1 from K562-G1 cells in co-culture experiments .Blockade of HLA-G1 or its re-ceptors KIR2DL4 and ILT2 with specific mAbs did not affect the acquisition of HLA-G1 by NK-92MI cells. Moreover, HLA-G1 could significantly inhibit the cytotoxicity of NK cell ( P<0.01).Conclu sion NK-92MI cells acquire HLA-G1 from K562-G1 cells via trogocytosis , which is not associated with affinity be-tween receptor and ligand , extracellular domain of HLA-G1 or passive adhesion .

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of atorvastatin calcium in the treatment of chronic congestive heart failure(CHF).Methods According to the order of admission with single and double,132 CHF patients were randomly divided into control group and study group,66 cases in each group.The control group was given routine treatment,and the study group was treated with atorvastatin calcium on the basis of routine treatment.The clinical efficacy was assessed.Before and after treatment,the serum TC level was measured,the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and heart left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVDD),heart index(CI) were assessed by echocardiography.The adverse reactions during treatment were observed.Results The total effective rate of the study group was 92.42%,which was higher than 83.33% of the control group,the difference was statistically significant(x2=9.35,P<0.05).The serum TC of the study group after treatment was (3.24±0.75)mmol/L,which was lower than (4.70±0.86)mmol/L of the control group,the difference was statistically significant(t=8.96,P<0.05).The level of LVEF of the study group after treatment was (46.39±6.35)%,which was higher than (44.60±5.82)% of the control group,the difference was statistically significant(t=9.47,P<0.05).The levels of LVDD and CI were (47.06±5.39)mm and (2.60±0.62)L·min-1·m-1 respectively,which were lower than (49.53±6.17)mm and (2.97±0.69)L·min-1·m-1 of the control group,the differences were statistically significant(t=10.31,9.40,all P<0.05).There was no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups(x2=2.04,P>0.05).Conclusion Atorvastatin calcium in the treatment of CHF patients on the basis of routine treatment has better clinical effect.It can significantly reduce TC and significantly improve cardiac function,and has high safety.

Objective To explore gait features at usual speed of community-dwelling elderly people,and its relationship with history of falls in the past one year.Methods According to history of falls in the past one year,135elderly people in Hefei City were recruited and divided into fallers(23 cases) and non-fallers(112 cases).Self-designed questionnaires were completed by all participants to collect data including gender,age,frequency of exercise,BMI,Barthel Index,MMSE,fear of fall and so on.Gait parameters were measured by IDEEA LifeGait when participants walked for 10 meters at usual speed.Results Between fallers with non-fallers,the time of Timed Up and Go Test had statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).Gait analysis results showed that swing power,foot fall,preswing angle,speed had statistically significant differences between two groups (all P＜0.05).Conclusion When community-dwelling elderly people are walking at usual speed,the shorter of the time of Timed Up and Go Test,the weaker of swing power,foot fall and pre-swing angle and the slower speed is,the more possible falls will occur.