Objective To analyze MSCT characteristics of septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) caused by intravenous drug and to improve diagnosis. Methods The MSCT findings of 16 patients of SPE induced by intravenous drug were analyzed retrospectively from March, 2001 to September, 2008. Results Peripheral or sub-pleural zones were commonly affected mainly within upper lung. Patchy, nodular and cavity shadows were detected respectively in 9 (56.25%), 12 (75.00%) and 8 patients (50.00%), while pulmonary cysts in 14 patients (87.50%). Six patients underwent CTPA, and pulmonary arteries filling defect was found in 2 patients. Pleural effusion and pneumothorax were also found in 10 and 3 patients, respectively, whereas miscellaneously shaped lesions were deteced in all 16 patients. Conclusion MSCT is an important method for diagnosing SPE caused by intravenous drug abuse. Pulmonary arteries filling defect is the direct sign and the cysts and nodular shadow with or without cavity in peripheral or sub-pleural pulmonary zones are characteristic findings.

Objective To evaluate the in vitro antiviral activity of HB-13,a compound derivant from berberine and its prodrug berberine,against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Methods Vero cells were cultured in vitro and infected with HSV.Then,various concentrations of HB-13, berberine,and aciclovir were used to treat these infected cells.The cytopathic effect was observed to deter- mine the antiviral effects and cytotoxicity of HB-13 and berberine.Results For HB-13,berberine and acy- clovir,the half toxicity concentration (TC_(50)) to Vero cells was 31.99,380 and more than 800?g/mL, respectively;the average half inhibitory concentration (IC_(50)) against HSV-1 was 1.328,more than 100,and 0.443?g/mL,respectively,the treatment index (TI) against HSV-1 was 24.09,less than 3.80,and more than 1805.87,respectively;the IC_(50) against HSV-2 was 1.344,more than 100,and 0.679?g/mL,respectively,the TI against HSV-2 was 23.80,less than 3.80 and more than 1178.20,respectively.Conclusion HB-13 possesses marked antiviral activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in vitro,while berberine does not.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of ligustrazine on the migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and-9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in vitro.

METHODSBMSCs were in vitro isolated and cultured using whole bone marrow adherent method, and phenotypes [surface positive antigens (CD29 and CD90) and negative antigens (CD34 and CD45)] identified using flow cytometry. BMSCs were divided into the blank control group, 25, 50, 100 µmol/L ligustrazine group, and the GM6001 group (100 µmol/L ligustrazine +MMPs inhibitor GM6001 ). The migration of BMSCs was tested by Transwell chamber test and wound healing assay after treated with ligustrazine for 24 h. The protein expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSThe third passage BMSCs grew well in uniform morphology. The expression rate of CD29, CD90, CD34, and CD45 was 96.9%, 97.3%, 0.2%, and 3.0%, respectively. Compared with the blank control group, the number of migrated cells and relative distance of cell invasion increased, and the protein expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were elevated in each ligustrazine group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with 100 µmol/L ligustrazine group, the number of migrated cells and relative distance of cell invasion decreased in 25 and 50 µmol/L ligustrazine groups and the GM6001 group (P < 0.01). Protein expression of MMP-2 decreased in 25 and 50 µmol/L ligustrazine groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONLigustrazine could promote the migration of BMSCs in vitro, and its mechanism might be related to up-regulating expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein.

Cell Movement ; Cells, Cultured ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) inducing angiogenesis on the neuroblast migration from the subventricular zone and its mechanisms after focal cerebral ischemia.

METHODThe middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed to mice for 30 minutes to establish the model. The rats were divided into sham group, model group, BYHWD group and endostatin group. BYHWD (20 g x kg(-1), ig) and endostatin (10 μg, sc) were administered 24 h after ischemia once a day for consecutively 14 days. At 14 d after ischemia, the density of micro-vessel and the number of neuroblasts in the ischemia border zone were determined by immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA and protein expression of cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and brain-derived neurotrophic (BDNF) were examined by real-time PCR and Western blot.

RESULTCompared with the model group, BYHWD significantly increased the density of micro-vessel and the number of DCX positive cells in the ischemia border zone (P < 0.01), and significantly increased the SDF-1 and BDNF mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.01). Compared with BYHWD group, endostatin significantly reduced the density of micro-vessel and the number of DCX positive cells in the ischemia border zone (P < 0.01), as well as the SDF-1, BDNF mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONBYHWD could promote the neuroblast migration from the subventricular zone via inducing angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia, the mechanism may be correlated with up-regulating the expression of SDF-1 and BDNF.

Angiogenesis Inducing Agents ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; analysis ; genetics ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Cerebral Ventricles ; pathology ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; analysis ; genetics ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Neurons ; drug effects ; physiology

BACKGROUND:Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimal y invasive treatment for spinal metastasis tumor, but the mechanism of the injected polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement in the treatment of tumor is not ful y understood. OBJECTIVE:To explore the cytotoxicity of PMMA bone cement and its monomers on tumor cel s. METHODS:PMMA extracts in the wire drawing and curing periods and different mass concentrations of monomer dilutions were co-cultured with human lung cancer cel s spc-A1. The cel morphology was observed using inverted microscope, the absorbance (A) values were detected by cel counting kit-8 assay, the relative growth rate was calculated, and the toxicity of PMAA bone cement and its monomers was evaluated at 1 and 3 days of culture, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:At 1 day of culture, the absorbance values in the 1 and 10 g/L groups were significantly lower than that in the negative control group (P<0.01). The absorbance values in the 1 g/L, 10 g/L, 100 mg/L and wire drawing extract groups were significantly lower than those in the negative control group at 3 days of culture (P<0.05). The relative growth rate in the 1 and 10 g/L groups was 26%-29%, and the level of toxicity was grade 4 after 1-day culture;at 3 days, the relative growth rate was decreased to 12%-16%, and the level of toxicity was grades 4-5. After 3-day culture, the level of toxicity reached to grade 2 in the 100 mg/L and wire drawing extract groups. These results indicate that PMMA bone cement in wiredrawing period and its monomers exert toxic effects on tumor cels.

Objective:There are limited data describing the clinical characteristics and prognosis of culture negative pyogenic spondylitis.The aim of this study was to investigate the treatment,prognosis and clinical characteristics of culture negative pyogenic spondylitis.Methods: A retrospective study reviewed 74 patients who were diagnosed with spondylitis in Peking University First Hospital from January 2010 to December 2015.A total of 27 patients suffered from pyogenic spondylitis.According to the pa-thogenic culture results,the patients were divided into two groups: culture negative group and culture positive group.The clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes between the two groups were compared.Results: The elder were more vulnerable to pyogenic spondylitis,and of the 27 patients,12 patients were female and 15 male.All patients had no history of administration of antibiotics prior to obtaining culture samples.A causative germ was identified in 14/27 patients (51.9％) with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common pathogen.There was no significant difference between the two groups in the patient's age,gender,visual analogue score (VAS),predisposing factor,clinical symptom,sign and spinal segment (P>0.05).Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (P=0.056) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (P=0.040) of culture negative group were lower in contrast to culture positive group.The incidence of vertebral abscess in culture negative group was higher than in culture positive group (P=0.046).After treatment,ESR dropped almost equally in both groups,and CRP dropped faster in the culture positive group (P=0.192).At last,there was no significant difference between the two groups in hospital stay,pain relief,open debridement operation rate,and recurrence rate of infection.Conclusion: ESR and CRP of the culture negative patient were lower than those of the culture positive patient,and the incidence rate of paravertebral abscess was higher than that of the culture positive patient.After administration of antibiotics,there was no significant difference between the two groups in duration of antibiotics,open debridement operation rate and recurrence rate of infection.So,culture negative may not necessarily be a negative prognostic factor for pyogenic spondylitis.However,we should watch out for the drug resistant bacteria or double infection,due to the long term use of wide-spectrum antibiotic in culture negative patients.

Objective To investigate the radiation level around Jiangzha hot spring,and to analyze the sources of pollution.Methods The radon and its progeny concentration,γ dose rate in hot spring living district and surrounding area were measured with ATD monitors,radon and WL continuous measurement devices,γ dose rate meter.Results The radon concentration in water was 23 -764 Bq/L.Radon concentration indoors,outdoor and in bathing place were 254 -876 799,688 -709 and 3590-15 299 Bq/m3,respectively.γ dose rate were 205 -28718 nGy/h indoor,4104- 18254 n Gy/h outdoors.Conclusions Jiangzha hot spring is an area with rare high radon and high nature radiation.Its radiation level and health effects are worthy for further attention.

Objective:To confirm the safety and feasibility of totally thoracoscopic repair with leaflet folding, multiple artificial chordae implantation and ring annuloplasty for mitral regurgitation(MR) in Barlow disease.Methods:From June 2018 to December 2019, 10 consecutive Barlow’s disease patients underwent totally thoracoscopic repair with leaflet folding, multiple artificial chordae implantation and ring annuloplasty. The safety and feasibility of this technique was evaluated by its early clinical outcomes.Results:8 males and 2 females. The mean age was(33.5±11.0) years.There was no operative death and related complications. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) time was(142±26)(112-194)min, and the aortic clamping time was(96±18)(78-128) min. The average number of artificial chordae implantation was(3.4±0.7)(2-4) pairs/case. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) showed the mean mitral valve coaptation length and transvalvular pressure gradient was(1.2±0.2)(0.8-1.5) cm and(1.2±0.4) mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), respectively, without MR or systolic anterior motion(SAM). During a follow-up of 1-18 months, there were 7 cases with no MR and 3 with trace MR, with a mean transvalvular pressure gradient of( 1.5±0.6 )mmHg.Conclusion:Totally thoracoscopic repair with leaflet folding, multiple artificial chordae implantation and ring annuloplasty was a safe and effective procedure with satisfied early clinical outcomes for MR in Barlow’s disease. However, further randomized and long-term follow-up studies were warranted to determine its clinical effects.

ObjectiveThe trial was to examining the effectiveness and cost effects of family intervention for rehabilitating chronic outpatients with schizophrenia in the country.Methods90 subjects were randomly assigned to the family intervention group and the control group. Both groups received the same treatments, but the family intervention courses mainly containing mental health education were given to the family intervention group for one year. During the time, all subjects were evaluated with standard rating scales and self made criteria. ResultsThe family intervention group demonstrated clinical results significantly superior to those of the control group on overall improvement according to the scores on the SDSS, the SAPS, the SANS and the MRSS. Substantially, the direct and indirect average cost in the family intervention group was significantly lower than those of the control group. Conclusions Family intervention is effective not only in making the schizophrenics recover from illness but also in both increasing their social functions and reducing their medical cost.

UNLABELLEDOBJECTIVE : To study the anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of bear bile powder (BBP) in Shexiang Tongxin Dripping Pill (STDP) , and to provide scientific evidence for treating atherosclerosis (AS) by its therapeutic characteristics of cool resuscitation.

METHODSAS model was duplicated using ApoE-/- gene knocked mice fed with high-fat diet. Thirty ApoE-/- deficient male mice were divided into four groups according to body weight using random digit table, i.e., the model group (A, n =9), the STDP group (B, n=E7), the STDP without BBP group (C, n =7), and the BBP group (D, n =9). Besides, another 9 C57BL/6J male mice of the same age were recruited as a normal control group (E). All mice in Group B, C, and D were respectively administered with corresponding drugs (30, 30, and 0. 33 mg/kg) by gastrogavage. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to mice in Group A and E. All medication lasted for 8 successive weeks. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-α), interferon y (IFNγ), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were measured by ELISA. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), activities of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined using biochemical assay. Contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the aortic root was detected by dihydroethidum (DHE) fluorescent probe. Expression levels of microRNAs (such as miR-20, miR-21, miR-126, and miR-155) were detected by real-time PCR.

RESULTSThe fluorescence intensity of the aorta was obviously enhanced in Group A. But it was obviously attenuated in Group B, C, and D, and the attenuation was the most in Group B. Compared with Group E, serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, oxLDL, and MDA all increased (P <0. 01), GSH contents and SOD activities decreased (P <0. 01), expression levels of miR-126, miR-21, and miR-155 in aorta increased (P <0. 01), and the expression level of miR-20 decreased in Group A (P<0. 01). Compared with Group A, serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, oxLDL, and MDA were all down-regulated (P <0. 01), GSH contents and SOD activities were up-regulated (P <0. 01), expression levels of miR-126, miR-21, and miR-155 in aorta were down-regulated in Group B, C, and D (P <0. 01). The expression level of miR20 was up-regulated in Group B and D (P <0. 01). Compared with Group B, serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ increased (P <0.01); GSH contents and SOD activities decreased, levels of MDA and oxLDL increased (P <0. 01) in Group C and D. Expression levels of miR-20 and miR-155 were down-regulated in Group C and D (P <0. 01).

CONCLUSIONSSTDP played roles in significantly regulating inflammatory factors and oxidative stress factors. Its mechanism might be possibly associated with regulating expressions of miR-126, miR-21, miR-155, and miR-20 in aorta. BBP played significant roles in STDP.

Animals ; Aorta ; Apolipoproteins E ; metabolism ; Atherosclerosis ; Bile ; Cytokines ; Diet, High-Fat ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Oxidative Stress ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; drug therapy ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism ; Ursidae