Objective To investigate the efficacy of lamivudine( LAM) combined with thymosin ?1 (T?1) on young patients with chronic hepatitis B. Methods Sixty six chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients aged from 12 to 16 years and weight greater than 33 kg were divided into the LAM + T?1 group and the LAM group; in LAM + T?1 group,T?1 was administered 1.6 mg hypodermic once daily and after 5 days it was changed to 1 6 mg hypodermic, twice in two weeks, and the drug was stopped after 26 weeks, while LAM had been administered 100 mg each time once daily for 52 weeks. In LAM group, only LAM had been administered 100 mg once daily for 52 weeks. The serum level of HBV DNA, HBV markers and the ALT were measured before and after treatment Results After the treatment, the rate of serum HBV UNA turned to negative in LAM + T?1 group was 100 % , and that in LAM group was 93.7 % ; recovery ratios at 52 weeks of LAM+ T?1 group was 87.1% ,and that of LAM group was 78. 1% .After 52 weeks, the HBeAg serum conversion rate of LAM + T?1 group was 58. 1 % , and that of the LAM group was 21.9%. Comparing the results of the two groups, the difference was remarkable. Conclusion The efficacy of T?1 combined with LAM on young patients with chronic hepatitis B is superior to that use of single LAM

Objective To observe the significance of expressions of CD14+CD16+ on peripheral monocytes in children with Kawasaki di-sease (KD).Methods The expression of CD14+ and CD14+CD16+ monocytes in 16 children with KD (1-11 years old) were analyzed by flow cytomety both pre-treatment and post-treatment.And the percentages of CD14+CD16+ monocytes among CD14+ monocytes were calculated.Sixteen healthy children (10 months -10 years old) were served as normal control group.Statistical analysis was performed using t test.Results The levels of CD14+ monocytes,percentage of CD14+CD16+ monocytes among CD14+ monocytes and CD14+CD16+ monocytes in children with KD during acute phase (n=16) were (1.03?0.58)?109 L-1,(12.53?5.31)% and(1.20?0.79)?108 L-1.They were significantly higher than those in the normal controls[(0.57?0.21)?109 L-1,(3.86?1.84)% and (0.21?0.10)?108 L-1](Pa0.05).And the expressive levels remained high when the patient recurred.Conclusions The expressive levels of CD14+CD16+ monocytes increase in children with KD.And they change when the patient's clinical condition change.

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C in breast cancer and their role in lymph node metastasis.

METHODSImmunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of VEGF-C, MMP-2, MMP-9 and LYVE-1 in 84 cases of breast cancer, including 52 cases with and 32 cases without lymph node metastases. The recombinant vector (pSIREN-VEGF-C) was transfected into human breast cancer cell MCF-7 by liposome, and the RNA expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF-C in MCF-7 cells after transfection was detected by PCR.

RESULTSThe expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF-C were 98.1% (51/52), 88.5% (46/52), and 94.2% (49/52) respectively for the metastatic group, and 75.0% (24/32), 53.1% (17/32), and 65.6% (21/32) respectively for the non metastatic group, and there was significant difference between these groups (P < 0.05). The lymphatic vessel density between these two groups was also significantly different (P < 0.05). Increased expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF-C was also associated with increased number of lymphatic vessels had also increased (P < 0.05). The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF-C in MCF-7 cells after gene transfection decreased significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMMP-2 and MMP-9 in conjunction with VEGF-C, promote lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis of breast cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Breast Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Medullary ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Female ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lymphangiogenesis ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Lymphatic Vessels ; metabolism ; pathology ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C ; genetics ; metabolism ; Vesicular Transport Proteins ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Spleen-invigorating Prescription (SIP) on dendritic cell function in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

METHODSA total of 60 patients with chronic HBV of Pi-deficiency syndrome type were enrolled and randomized to 2 groups, 30 in each group. Patients in the control group were given intramuscular injection with human interferon alpha 1b, 3 times a week, while those in the treated group were given orally with SIP twice a day, the therapy lasted for 6 months. Dendritic cells (DCs) were isolated from peripheral blood and cultured, then the expression of surface markers, HLA-DR, CD86, CD80, CD40, CD14 and CD11c were detected before and after treatment by flow cytometry, and the function of DCs was also evaluated by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) determination once before treatment and once after treatment.

RESULTSThe expressions of DCs' surface CD86, CD80, CD40 and CD11c in the treated group were higher (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and the changes of stimulating index, IFN-gamma and IL-12 were superior in the treated group to those in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSSIP can significantly improve DC's function, so, one of mechanisms of SIP in improving clinical efficacy may be the regulation of immune function.

Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; B7-1 Antigen ; analysis ; B7-2 Antigen ; analysis ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; immunology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Syndrome ; Yang Deficiency ; drug therapy ; Young Adult

Background It is well known that the diminution of visual acuity appears before notable complications in some high myopic eyes.However,whether the impaired vision is associated with the change of retinal thickness at macula area is still under investigation.Objective This study was to investigate the relationship of macular retinal thickness with the change of visual acuity in high myopic eyes.Methods A consecutive caseobservational study was performed.Two hundred and forty-five eyes of 132 patients with the diopter of-6.00～-20.00 D were enrolled in this study during the January 2011 to January 2012 in Beijing Tongren Eye Center.All of the patients received the measurement of retinal thickness with Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (FDOCT),and the scan mode was MM6.The eyes were divided into the corrected vision ≥0.9 group and the corrected vision ≤0.8 group.In addition,the eyes were assigned to the non-posterior staphyloma group,posterior staphyloma Ⅰ group (macular symmetry) and posterior staphyloma Ⅱ group (macular gradient).The retinal thicknesses in different quadrants at the macular zone were measured and calculated by OCT software.Results The demography was matched in different groups.Corrected visual acuity was significantly increased in the corrected vision ≥ 0.9 group than that in the corrected vision ≤0.8 group (1.02±0.16 vs.0.62±0.08) (t=3.233,P=0.001).Retinal thickness value at fovea was (256.28±13.19) μm in the corrected vision ≥0.9 group,and that in the corrected vision ≤0.8 group was (231.17 ± 10.96) μm,with a significant difference between the two groups (t =2.134,P =0.031).The corrected visual acuity was 1.00±0.27,0.78±0.21 and 0.90±0.13 in the non-posterior staphyloma group,posterior staphyloma Ⅰ group and posterior staphyloma Ⅱ group,respectively,showing significant difference among the three groups (F=15.760,P=0.015),and the corrected visual acuity of the non-posterior staphyloma group and posterior staphyloma Ⅱ group were significantly higher than that of posterior staphyloma Ⅰ group (q =16.131,P =0.006 ; q =-10.831,P=0.008).A significant difference also was seen in the mean retinal thickness among the three groups (F=2.316,P =0.025).The mean retinal thickness in the posterior staphyloma Ⅰ group was (234.21 ± 15.69) μm,which was significantly smaller than (252.25± 15.31) μm of the posterior staphyloma Ⅱ group (q =12.977,P =0.023).There were no significant difference in the retinal thickness at para-fovea area among the three groups (F=0.318,P =0.078).However,significant difference was found at peri-fovea area in different groups (F=1.925,P =0.013).The mean retinal thicknesses at peri-fovea area was (273.26 ± 16.37) μm in the posterior staphyloma Ⅱ group and was significantly smaller than (289.11 ± 19.30) μm of the posterior staphyloma Ⅰ group and (290.33 ± 17.12) μm of the non-posterior staphyloma group (q =-8.305,P =0.023 ; q =-7.011,P =0.012).Conclusions The retinal thickness at fovea is associated with the corrected visual acuity in high myopic eyes.The thinning of retinal thickness at the vertex of posterior staphyloma is one of causes of visual function impairment.

The mutations in the dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2) and dual oxidase maturation factor 2 (DUOXA2) genes can cause congenital hypothyroidism (CH). This study reports the pedigree with goitrous congenital hypothyroidism (GCH) due to the coexistence of heterozygous mutations in the DUOX2 and DUOXA2 genes. The two sisters with GCH were diagnosed with CH at neonatal screening and were enrolled in this study. The DUOX2, DUOXA2, and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) genes were considered for genetic defects screening. Family members of the patients and normal controls were also enrolled and evaluated. The two girls harbored compound heterozygous mutations, including a new mutation of c.2654G>T (p.R885L) in the maternal DUOX2 allele and c.738C>G (p.Y246X) in the paternal DUOXA2 allele, that has been previously reported. The germline mutations from the families were consistent with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. No mutations in the TPO gene and the controls were observed.
Alleles ; Congenital Hypothyroidism* ; Female ; Germ-Line Mutation ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Inheritance Patterns ; Iodide Peroxidase ; Mass Screening ; Neonatal Screening ; Oxidoreductases ; Pedigree ; Siblings

OBJECTIVETo investigate possible differences in the prognosis in children with severe nocturia who received different drug withdrawal schedules.

METHODSNinety-seven children with severe nocturia were randomly assigned to two groups: control (n=47) and observed (n=50). The control group accepted drug withdrawal immediately, while the observed group accepted dose tapering gradually after a 12-week treatment course. The frequency of enuresis was observed three months after complete drug withdrawal.

RESULTSDuring the treatment, the frequency of enuresis in all of children from both the control and the observed groups was reduced by over 90%. Forty-six children (92%) from the observed group showed the frequency of enuresis was reduced by over 90%, but 28 children (60%) from the control group (p<0.01) three months after the complete drug withdrawal. There were no significant differences in the adverse effect and the medication compliance between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe different schedules of drug withdrawal may lead to different prognosis, and the schedule of gradual drug withdrawal may be superior to the immediate one in children with nocturnal enuresis.

Adolescent ; Child ; Deamino Arginine Vasopressin ; administration & dosage ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nocturnal Enuresis ; drug therapy ; etiology

OBJECTIVETo find out the mechanisms of redifferentiation and reversion of malignant human gastric cancer cells induced by ascorbic acid.

METHODSHuman gastric cancer cells grown in the laboratory were used. The Trypan blue dye exclusion method was used to determine the cell doubling time. The electrophoresis rate and colonogenic potential were the indices used to measure the rate of redifferentiation. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured using the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and the content of H202 were evaluated by spectrophotography.

RESULTSSix mmol/L ascorbic acid was used as a positive control. Human gastric cancer cells were treated with 75 microm hydrogen peroxide, which alleviated many of the malignant characteristics. For example, the cell surface charge obviously decreased and the electrophoresis rate dropped from 2.21 to 1.10 microm x s(-1) x V(-1) x cm(-1). The colonogenic potential, a measure of cell differentiation, decreased 90.2%. After treatment with ascorbic acid, there was a concentration- and time-dependent increase in hydrogen peroxide (H202) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). However, the activity of catalase (CAT) resulted in a concentration- and time-dependent decrease. SOD and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AT) exhibited some effects, but there were statistically significant differences between the SOD and AT group and the H202 group.

CONCLUSIONSAscorbic acid induces growth inhibition and redifferentiation of human gastric cancer cells through the production of hydrogen peroxide.

Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Ascorbic Acid ; pharmacology ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; metabolism ; Stomach Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

OBJECTIVETo isolate and purify components from polysaccharides of purple sweet potato (PPSP) and to test their anti-tumor activity.

METHODSDEAE-Cellulose and CM-Cellulose exchange chromatography were applied to separate components of PPSP. The anti-tumor activities of each component were measured by MTT assay on Hela and HepG(2) cells and their monosaccharide composition were analyzed by TLC chromatography, followed by infrared spectroscopy studies.

RESULTSThrough weak anion exchange chromatography and gradient elution by sodium chloride solution, four components were separated and named as PPSP, PPSPII, PPSPIII and PPSPIV, respectively. MTT tests showed that PPSP II and PPSPIII inhibited Hela and HepG2 tumor cells in a certain extent. The structural analysis revealed that PPSPI was mainly composed of glucose and galactose, PPSP II was composed of glucose and had a typical absorption peak of β-D-glucose chitosan pyranose, PPSP III was a glycoprotein showing a protein absorption peak.

CONCLUSIONFour components were separated from PPSP successfully, among which PPSP II and PPSP III shows anti-tumor activities on Hela and HepG(2) cells in vitro.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; HeLa Cells ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Ipomoea batatas ; chemistry ; Polysaccharides ; pharmacology

The effects of two different sample labeling methods on background signal intensities for high-density 60mer oligonucleotide microarray were investigated. Peripheral blood samples from five disease and five control subjects were collected. Total RNA targets from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were extracted and labeled with RD-PCR protocol, which were hybridized to Agilent Human 1B oligonucleotide microarrays in a two-color comparative format. The positive control targets were labeled with the directly incorporated fluorescently-labeled dNTP labeling. The SPSS program was performed to test normality of the dataset, variance homogeneity between the groups, coefficients of variation (CV) and analysis of variance. The results showed that the background signal intensities of Cy3 channel were higher than those of Cy5 channel. The differences of background signal intensities between the RD-PCR approach and the directly incorporated fluorescently-labeled dNTP labeling were extremely significant (P- Cy3