Objective To investigate the incidence and influencing factors of aldosterone escape in patients with non-diabetic nephropathy by RASI-therapy. Methods A total of 104 patients with non-diabetic nephropathy were treated with ARB or combination therapy of ACEI and ARB in a mean follow-up period of 12 months. Aldosterone escape was determined according to the change of plasma aldosterone concentration before and after treatment during 6-month and 12-month ACEI/ARB treatment, while the influencing factors of aldosterone escape in patients with non-diabetic nephropathy was also analyzed after therapy with RASI . Results In 12 months, the incidence of aldosterone escape was significantly higher than that in 6 months (26.92% vs. 14.42%, P = 0.007). After 12-month treatment, the difference was statistically significant in incidence of aldosterone escape among different stages of CKD (P = 0.027). Compared with 6-month incidence of aldosterone escape in the losartan group, 12-month incidence increased evidently (P = 0.020). The Ald level was positively correlated with urinary protein excretion and the Scr level (r = 0.431, P = 0.003 and r = 0.336, P = 0.009, respectively), and negetively correlated with levels of the eGFR (r = -0.275, P = 0.006). Univariate Logistic regression demonstrated that risk factors of aldosterone escape included pre-treatment values of the urinary protein excretion (OR = 3.671, P = 0.028) and the eGFR (OR = 0.972, P = 0.019). Multivariate Logistic model revealed pre-treatment values of the eGFR was positively associated with aldosterone escape (OR = 0.970, P = 0.012). Conclusion The incidence of the aldosterone escape increases along with the time of treatment. Renal function has correlated with aldosterone escape and pre-treatment value of the eGFR is an independent risk factor of aldosterone escape.

Aim at the two problems in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) mechanism elucidation, one is the lack of detailed biological processes information, next is the low efficient in constructing network models, we constructed an auxiliary elucidation system for the TCM mechanism and realize the automatic establishment of biological network model. This study used the Entity Grammar Systems (EGS) as the theoretical framework, integrated the data of formulae, herbs, chemical components, targets of component, biological reactions, signaling pathways and disease related proteins, established the formal models, wrote the reasoning engine, constructed the auxiliary elucidation system for the TCM mechanism elucidation. The platform provides an automatic modeling method for biological network model of TCM mechanism. It would be benefit to perform the in-depth research on TCM theory of natures and combination and provides the scientific references for R&D of TCM.
Animals ; Automation ; instrumentation ; methods ; Databases, Factual ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry

Abdominal Pain ; etiology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch ; complications ; pathology

Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of serum levels of pro calcitonin (PCT), β2 defensins (HBD-2), C-reactive protein (CRP) and the positive rate of group B streptococci (GBS) in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) with amniotic infection.Methods:This study was a retrospective study. 156 pregnant women with preterm PROM who were diagnosed by the Obstetrics Department of the Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology from January 2017 to January 2022 were selected as the study subjects. According to whether there was amniotic infection, they were divided into 57 infected women and 99 non infected women. The levels of serum PCT, HBD-2 and CRP before delivery were compared between the two groups, and the positive rate of GBS in vaginal discharge was detected, and the receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to analyze the value of various indicators in diagnosing amniotic cavity infection in preterm PROM mothers.Results:The serum levels of PCT, HBD-2, CRP, and GBS positivity in the infected group were significantly higher than those in the non infected group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.01); The area under the curve (AUC) value, sensitivity, and specificity of serum PCT for diagnosing preterm PROM with amniotic cavity infection were 0.894, 82.56%, and 80.74%, respectively; The AUC value of HBD-2 for diagnosing preterm PROM with amniotic cavity infection was 0.792, the sensitivity was 70.78%, and the specificity was 77.59%; The AUC value, sensitivity, and specificity of CRP in diagnosing preterm PROM with amniotic cavity infection were 0.756, 68.94%, and 72.78%, respectively; The positive rate of GBS in vaginal discharge was 0.733, the sensitivity was 64.91%, and the specificity was 81.82%. Conclusions:The serum levels of PCT, HBD-2, CRP and the positive rate of GBS in vaginal discharge of pregnant women with preterm PROM complicated with amniotic infection will increase significantly. All indicators have high practical value for the diagnosis of preterm PROM complicated with amniotic infection.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Hepatitis ; therapy ; Humans ; Liver, Artificial ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Plasma Exchange

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Xinglong Pingchuan recipe (XLPCR) on interleukin-5 (IL-5), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in mouse asthma models, and to explore its mechanism in treating asthma. METHODS: The mouse asthma models were established by sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin (OVA). The asthma model was treated with XLPCR. At last, the number of white blood cells and eosinophil was counted, and the concentrations of inflammation factors such as IL-5, SOD, GPx, and MDA in the serum or the lung tissue of each mouse were detected. RESULTS: Compared with the asthmatic group, the number of eosinophil in the XLPCR group decreased significantly (P < 0.01); the concentration of IL-5 in the XLPCR group significantly decreased in the serum or the lung tissue (all P < 0.01); and the concentrations of SOD and GPx in the XLPCR group increased (P < 0.01 and P > 0.05, respectively). On the other hand, the concentration of MDA in the XLPCR group was significantly lower than that of the asthmatic group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION XLPCR might inhibit the airway inflammation by decreasing the IL-5 level and adjusting the balance of oxidants/antioxidants.
Animals ; Asthma ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; metabolism ; Interleukin-5 ; metabolism ; Lung ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Phytotherapy ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

Objective To observe the effect of changing grain and selenium supplementation for 1-year on control of children's Kaschin-Beck disease in Qinghai province. Methods Epidemiology, clinical and right-hand X-ray examination were carried out on children aged 7 - 12 years in 2008. Patients were diagnosed and divided into 3 groups by village, control group from Xinjianping village in Guide county, changing grain group from Xiemalang village in Guide county and supplying salt with selenium and iodine group from Shanglujuan and Xialujuan villages in Xinghai county. One year before and after the treatment, right-hand X-ray photograph (including carpal bones)was taken and child hair samples were collected, selenium was detected by 2,3-diaminonaphthalene fluorescence spectrophotometry. Results After 1 year prevention and control, the detectable rate of X-ray in control group was raised from 4.88%(2/41) to 12.20%(5/41) , the detection rate in changing grain group was declined from 17.54%(10/57) to 5.26%(3/57), and from 13.51%(10/74) to 5.41%(4/74) in supplying salt with selenium and iodine group. In changing grain group, there were 10 patients, 7 cases were cured, 2 patients stable, 1 case progressed,no new case;in supplying salt with selenium and iodine group of 10 patients, 7 were cured, 3 patients stable, 1 new diagnosed case;in control group, 2 patients stable, 2 new diagnosed metaphysis cases, 1 new diagnosed metaphyseal case. Compared with control group, the difference was statistically significant between changing grain group and supplying salt with selenium and iodine group(x2 = 5.49,4.14, all P ＜ 0.05). After 1 year control and prevention,hair selenium contents in control group and changing grain group were increased from (107.15 ± 42.30), (125.30 ±40.30)μg/kg to (108.32 ± 35.67), (135.38 ± 65.24)μg/kg, the difference was statistically insignificant(t = 0.01,0.68, all P ＞ 0.05), and selenium contents in supplying salt with selenium and iodine group were obviously increased from (95.62 ± 43.42)μg/kg to (197.64 ± 97.08)μg/kg (t = 5.41, P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion Changing grain and supplying selenium can prevent and control children's Kaschin-Beck disease.

ObjectiveTo observe the morphological changes of bone in the progress of chronic fluorosis.MethodsWistar rats were randomly divided into three groups,30 rats in each group:normal control group,experimental group Ⅰ and experimental group Ⅱ according to body weight.Rats in normal control group drank distilled water freely.Experimental group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ drunk distilled water with sodium fluoride preparation of fluorine containing ion 100,150 mg/L solution for six months,respectively.Bone mineral density was detected by X-ray,bone morphological changes were observed under light microscope and bone histomorphometric parameters were calculated using image analysis software.ResultsThe bone mineral density values were different statistically between the three groups after feeding for 2 and 4 months(F =19.79,3.28,all P ＜ 0.05).However no significant difference was found after feeding for 6 months(F =1.80,P ＞ 0.05).The bone mineral density of experimental group Ⅰ (0.20 ± 0.03,0.21 ± 0.03) was significantly higher than that of the normal control group(0.17 ± 0.03,0.20 ± 0.04) after feeding for 2 and 4 months.The bone mineral density of experimental group Ⅱ (0.21 ± 0.02) was lower than that of normal control group(0.22 ± 0.03) after feeding for 6 months.The bone lamella in experimental group Ⅰ was arranged disorderly,the number of osteocytes increased with their nucleus atrophy and the osteoblasts were more than that of control grouo which arranged in layers observed under light microscooy.In exoerimental group Ⅱ,the bone lamella was bent deformation,the number of osteocytes had decreased with their nucleus shrinking or even disappeared and the number of osteoclasts had increased significantly observed under light microscopy.In experimental group Ⅰ,the mean trabecular density [(0.33 ± 0.03)％] increased and the mean trabecular separation,thickness [( 163.57 ± 1.99),(59.26 ± 7.18 ) μm] decreased compared with that of normal control group [(0.31 ± 0.02)％,(186.60 ± 2.90)μm,(86.42 ± 1.48)μm,all P ＜ 0.05].In experimental group Ⅱ,the mean trabecular density[(0.26 ± 0.02)％] decreased,the mean trabecular thickness[(71.42 ± 10.77)μm] reduced compared with that of normal control group[(0.31 ± 0.02)％,(86.42 ± 1.48)μm].ConclusionsExcess fluoride can damage bone tissue.Low doses of fluoride can stimulate osteoblast activity and enhance osteogenesis.The activity of osteoblasts is great than that of osteoclasts.High doses of fluoride can stimulate both osteoblasts and osteoclasts activity,but mainly the activity of osteoclasts,and bone resorption increases.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells in patients with ITP.

METHODSFlow cytometry was used to examine the number of CD4+ CD25+, CD4+ CD25 high, CD4+ Foxp3+ and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells. The level of Foxp3 mRNA expression was analyzed by realtime quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) . CD4+ CD25 high T cells was cocultured with CD4+ CD25 - T cells from patients or controls for assessing the regulatory properties of CD4+ CD25 Treg cells.

RESULTSThe proportion of CD4+ CD25+ T cells in the peripheral blood of patients with ITP [(15.64 +/- 5.82) %] was significantly higher than that in normal control group [(9.30 +/- 3.95)%] (P <0.01). There was no significant difference in the percentages of CD4+ CD25 high T cells between ITP patients and controls [(1.53 +/- 0.66)% versus (1.36 +/- 0.55)% (P = 0.317)]. But the number of CD4 Foxp 3+ T cells and CD4 + CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells in patients were significantly lower than that in control group (P <0.01). The expression of Foxp3 mRNA reduced (P < 0.01) and the suppressive activity of CD4+ CD25 high T cells is lower than that of healthy controls (P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONIn patients with ITP, both the number and immuno-regulative function of CD4+ CD25+ Treg cells are reduced.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Forkhead Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Humans ; Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; immunology ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the histological criteria of breast cancer response to neoadjuvant therapy.

METHODSOne hundred and fifty-four cases of breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant therapy were collected from June, 2005 to June, 2007 and the clinical data were analyzed. All patients were operated on within 4 weeks after neoadjuvant therapy. All specimens were assessed by the standard method of Miller and Payne (MP) grading system. The response to neoadjuvant therapy were assessed by two pathologists independently, using MP grading system and common grading system separately.

RESULTSThe response rate using the MP grading system were grade 1 in 12 cases (7.8%), grade 2 in 33 cases (21.4%), grade 3 in 64 cases (41.6%), grade 4 in 31 cases (20.1%) and grade 5 in 14 cases (9.1%). Using the common grading system, the response were mild in 51 cases (33.1%), moderate in 71 cases (46.1%) and severe in 32 cases (20.8%). MP grading system may be related to common grading system (chi2 = 186.660, P < 0.01). Follow up information were available in 147 cases, with 14 cases showing recurrence, metastasis or death from the disease. The MP grading system may be related to the outcome (chi2 = 11.612, P = 0.020), but not the common grading system (chi2 = 0.881, P = 0.644).

CONCLUSIONMP grading system may be one of the prognostic factors in the neoadjuvant therapy of breast cancer.

Biopsy, Needle ; Breast ; pathology ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; drug therapy ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Mastectomy, Modified Radical ; Mastectomy, Radical ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Preoperative Period