Ginseng and its effective components are famous for their influence to enhance human immunity, regulate endocrine and antioxidant action. However, the different effects of different components are not clear. In this study, Wistar rats were used to study the effects of main components of ginseng, including total ginsenoside, panaxadiol saponins, panaxtrol saponin and ginseng polysaccharide. The results showed that the effects of panaxadiol saponins and ginseng polysaccharide on improving animal immune organ weight, plasma interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), plasma gamma-interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were better than that of the other groups. Total ginsenoside and panaxtrol saponin can effectively increase the concentration of spleen NK cells (NKC) while panaxadiol saponins and ginseng polysaccharide can significantly increase the concentrations of rat plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). As for the effect of increasing organization nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), total ginsenoside is better than that of other groups. In brief, different components in ginseng possess different effects on enhancing immunity, regulating endocrine and resisting oxidation. Panaxadiol saponins and ginseng polysaccharide are better in enhancing immune, and total ginsenoside shows advantages in resisting oxidation and stress.
Adrenal Glands ; drug effects ; growth & development ; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; blood ; Animals ; Brain ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Corticosterone ; blood ; Ginsenosides ; pharmacology ; Glutathione ; metabolism ; Immune System ; drug effects ; physiology ; Interferon-gamma ; blood ; Interleukin-2 ; blood ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Killer Cells, Natural ; drug effects ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Organ Size ; drug effects ; Panax ; chemistry ; Polysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Random Allocation ; Rats, Wistar ; Saponins ; pharmacology ; Spleen ; drug effects ; growth & development ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Thymus Gland ; drug effects ; growth & development ; Thyrotropin ; blood

Objective To study the ultrasonographic characteristics of Wilms′tumor (WT), aims at elevating the diagnostic level.Methods We retrospectively studied sonographic features in 30 cases of WT proved by operation and pathology.Results The tumors with heterogeneous pattern of solid and cystic tissue were shown in 22 cases.Seven cases demonstrate predominantly echogenic tumor. A huge cystic mass with numerous septas was shown in 1 case. The tumor extended into renal pelvis in 4, into renal vine in 1.The tumor metastasized to lymphnod in 1, to bilateral lungs in 1. Among 30 cases, the tumor was huge and grew beyond the renal profile in 26 cases, in 3 cases the tumors took up the renal sinus and made its structure turbulence, the renal shape was approximately normal.One case was extrarenal WT,the tumor located in retroperitonemu.Conclusions Sonographically, typical WT is a large heterogeneous mass within or without cystic areas, it also can be a pure cyst. It is easy to diagnose. When the tumor is limited to renal outline, it is easy to confusion with renal cancer. In addition, there are bilateral WT and extrarenal WT. The sonographic characteristics is similar among WT, clear cell sarcoma of kidney, malignant rhabdoid tumor and congenital mesoblastic nephroma. It is difficult to distinguish them from ultrasonography.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Amenorrhea ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; Antipsychotic Agents ; adverse effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Phytotherapy

Objective To systematically review the efficiency of 18 F-FDG PET in glioma grading by using Meta-analysis. Methods Retrieval in PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)was performed. Relevant papers concerning with glioma diagnoses with 18 F- FDG PET were selected. Paper quality was evaluated according to the standard of diagnostic test recommended by Cochrane Workshop. The data of glioma malignancy degree defined as semi-quantitatively and qualitatively were extracted from the papers. Meta-analysis was conducted with the Meta-Disc software to calculate pooled weighted sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence interval (CI). Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was performed and the areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Results Seven hundred and fifty-three patients from 17 papers ( 16 in English, 1 in Chinese) were included. Two hundred and seventy-two patients from 11 papers were using semi-quantitative (tumor to cortex ratio, T/C; tumor to white matter ratio,T/W) method and 481 patients from 9 papers were using qualitative method (visual observation, some of the papers had 2 or more methods). After heterogeneity test was done, different effect models were selected. The pooled weighted sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) with 95% CI for T/C group was 0. 952 (95% CI: 0. 903 -0. 980), 0. 409 (95% CI: 0. 318-0. 504) and 11. 746 (95% CI:5. 368-25. 702) respectively. The pooled weighted sensitivity, specificity and DOR with 95% CI for T/W group was 0. 857 (95% CI: 0. 768-0. 922), 0. 538 (95% CI: 0. 431 -0. 642) and 22. 066 (95% CI:7. 077-68. 800) respectively. The pooled weighted sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR)with 95% CI for qualitative method was 0.810 (95%CI: 0.757-0.855), 0.870 (95%CI: 0. 819-0.911 ) and 15.282 (95% CI: 3. 716-62. 851 ) respectively. The AUC for T/C group, T/W group and qualitative method was 0.8604, 0. 8373 and 0. 8724 respectively. Conclusions Grading glioma by 18 F-FDG PET with semi-quantitative method may provide high diagnostic sensitivity. If qualitative method is used, the diagnostic specificity may be higher.

Objective To analyze the ultrasonographic appearance of thyroglossal duct cysts and thyroglossal duct ifstula, and disicuss the value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of thyroglossal duct cysts and thyroglossal duct ifstula. Methods Totally 142 cases of surgically and pathologically conifrmed thyroglossal duct cysts and thyroglossal duct ifstula cases in Beijing Children′s Hospital Afifliated to Capital Medical University from 2005 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed and the ultrasonographic characteristics were analyzed. Results Among 142 cases, 128 cases of thyroglossal duct cyst were diagnosed by ultrasound. The ultrasonographic manifestation generally presented as anechoic and uneven medium echo cystic masses, with posteria wall echo enhancement. Most of the cyst walls were thin, and close to the thyoid, with or without deep ifstula. If the cysts were associated with infection, the wall would be thickening and echo enhancement of the surrounding soft tissue could be seen. Cysts ranged from the root of tongue to the suprasternal fossa, mostly in midline level of the neck. Of all the 128 cases, 95 cases were single cyst, round in shape; 33 cases had irregular shape with a fistula extended deeply, 13 cysts extended to the hyoid trailing edge, 20 cases extended to the mouth lfoor. Ultrasound examination revealed ifstulas in 10 cases, which presented as a hypoechoic thin strip-like echo inside the neck soft tissue, 6 cases extended to the hyoid bone direction, 2 cases extended to the mouthlfoor, 2 cases extended to the front thyroid. The other 4 cases showed anterior hypoechoic area, without cyst or ifstula structure. Conclusions Ultrasound is valuable in detcting the size, position, internal echo of the cyst and sinus, as well as showing their relationship with the hyoid. It is an optimal choice for the diagnosis of thyroglossal cyst and thyroglossal ifstula.

The Qinghai⁃Tibet Plateau is known as one of the highest endemic areas of echinococcosis However，the dog infection rates of Echinococcus granulosus in the plateau regions were similar to other non⁃Tibetan areas with the high endemic，and most of the rates were below 40%. The infected dogs with E. multilocularis were ubiquitous in Ganzi Prefecture of Sichuan Province and Qinghai Province where many survey data were done and available，which was much different from those in non⁃Ti⁃betan areas where the geographical distribution of dogs infected with E. multilocularis was sporadic. The total infection rates of Echinococcus in dogs kept stable from 1983 to 2009 in Ganzi Prefecture of Sichuan Province and did not show much variation from 2000 to 2014 in Qinghai Province as well. Since 2006，the national comprehensive prevention and control strategy and mea⁃ sures against echinococcosis have been launched in China，and significant progress has been made. In the endemic Tibetan area of Sichuan，the general Echinococcus infection rates in dogs were 28.10%，15.87%，19.22%，3.28% and 1.11% from 2009 to 2013，respectively，and the Echinococcus coproantigen⁃positive rate in Gannan Prefecture of Gansu Province and parts of Qing⁃ hai Province also decreased. This paper reviews the literature on the characteristics of dog infections in the Qinghai⁃Tibetan Plateau，so as to provide useful information to support echinococcosis control and prevention there.

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects, safety of pneumatic lithotripsy and 2 μm laser via transurethral ureteroscope for ureteral calculi accompanied with granulation. Methods27 cases (30 sides) of ureteral calculi accompanied with granulation treated with 2 μm laser and pneumatic lithotripsy via ureteroscope were reviewed. Results28 sides were fragmented successfully in a single procedure. The operation time was 15～45 min (mean 25 min). The intraoperative blood loss was 3～15 ml (mean 5 ml). The postoperative hospitalization time was 3～7 d (mean 5.5 d). 1 upper ureteral stone was pushed back to the renal pelvis and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was needed. The insertion of the ureteroscope was failed in 1 cases, who accepted open operation finally. Double-J tubes were pulled out in all the patients after 1 month, and 26 sides were stone-free. They were followed-up for 3～15 months (mean 8 months), no ureteral stenosis or urinary infection was found. Conclusion2 μm laser and pneumatic lithotripsy via ureteroscope is an effective and safe therapy for ureteral calculi with granulation, especially for those on middle or lower levels.

Background: Myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fi bers (MERRF) is a type of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, clinical experience with the antiepileptic treatment for myoclonus in MERRF is still limited. Myoclonus appears to be intractable, and some antiepileptic drugs may change the blood lactate level. Objective: In this study, we report on two patients, a girl and her mother, both with MERRF in a Chinese family. We aimed to study their myoclonus attack, response to AEDs and blood lactate level. Methods: The diagnosis was based on muscle biopsies and a genetic test. We recorded their myoclonus and detected alterations of blood lactate when the patients received antiepileptic drugs. Results: The patients displayed substantial differences in their responses to antiepileptic drugs. The mother exhibited a good response to valproic acid, although valproic acid is not recommended for mitochondrial disease; however, her daughter was refractory to many antiepileptic drugs until she received a combination treatment of levetiracetam and topiramate. We did not fi nd valproic acid, levetiracetam or topiramate affected the blood lactate levels. Conclusion: These fi ndings imply that not all MERRF patients are resistant to antiepileptic drugs, and for those who are intractable, combination treatment involving levetiracetam and topiramate may be effective for treating myoclonus in MERRF and does not worsen lactic acidosis.

Objective To investigate the protective effects of hyperbaric oxygen(HBO)against brain dam- age from hypoxic ischemia(HIBD)in neonatal rats.Methods One hundred and seventeen 7-day-old Sprague- Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:a control group(n=32),a hypoxic ischemia brain damage group (HIBD group,n=30),a hyperbaric air group(HBA group,n=27),and a hyperbaric oxygen group(HBO group, n=28).The HIBD model was established by permanent occlusion of the left common carotid artery followed by expo- sure to a mixture of 8% oxygen/92% nitrogen for 2 h(at 37℃).HBO therapy was administered to the HBO group after the hypoxia exposure once a day for 7 d,as was HBA therapy to the HBA group.Apoptotic cells in the cortex and hippocampus(A_(CH)cells)were measured using TUNEL at 9 d after birth,and the ratios of left and right cerebral hemisphere weight(R_(L/R))and rate of weight gain(GRW)were recorded 14 d after birth.A radial arm maze acquisi- tion test(RAMAT)was administered at 30 to 35 days.Lastly,the neuron density in the CA_1 subfield of the rats' hip- pocampi(ND_(CAI)was measured with Nissl staining.Results R_(L/R)and GRW in the HIBD group were significantly lower than in the control group(P＜0.01),while R_(L/R)was increased in the HBO and HBA groups,especially in the HBO group(P＜0.01),although there was no significant difference in GRW between the groups.Compared with the control group,A_(CH)cells were increased and ND_(CAI)was decreased in the HIBD group(P＜0.01),while A_(CH)cells were decreased and ND_(CAI)was elevated in the HBO group in comparison with the HIBD group(P＜0.01).There was no change in A_(CH)cells or ND_(CAI)in the HBA group.The RAMAT results for the HIBD group,including the time to find the arms baited with water,average times of working errors and reference memory errors,were significantly high- er than those of the control group,while these values for the HBO group were obviously lower than for the HIBD group,and there was no change for the HBA group(P＞0.05).Conclusion HBO therapy might increase the re- covery of learning and memory function by attenuating HIBD in neonatal rats.

Norovirus ; chemistry ; genetics ; physiology ; ultrastructure ; Open Reading Frames ; Virus Replication