AlM: To examine the retinal nerve fiber layer ( RNFL ) changes in early primary open angle glaucoma ( POAG ) by comparing the superior half of the optic disc with the inferior disc half.METHODS: lt was a clinical observational study. The study included 30 patients ( 39 eyes ) with POAG and 20 normal subjects ( 40 eyes ) . Visual field was tested by Zeiss Humphrey750 and the optic disc topographic parameters and RNFL thickness were measured by Zeiss Cirru HD-OCT. Collecting information included visual field mean defect ( MD ) , glaucoma hemifield test ( GHT ) , intraocular pressure ( lOP ) , C/D ratio and RNFL thickness. Data were analyzed by statistic software SPSS18. 0. The differences between two groups were assessed using t test.RESULTS: The differences of superior RNFL minus inferior RNFL thichness on the corresponding clock-hour locations were caculated in two groups. There was a significant difference in superonasal- inferonasal RNFL thickness between two groups (t=2. 526, P=0. 014), and there were no significant differences in the others ( all P>0. 05).CONCLUSlON: The asymmetry of optic disc hemifield RNFL is found in early primary open angle glaucoma patients. The superonasal RNFL ( 1 o’clock for right eye, and 11 o’clock for left eye ) is more fragile to loss than inferonasal RNFL (5 o’clock for right eye, and 7 o’clock for left eye) .

Objective To study the impact of autophagy inhibition on functions of dendritic cells (DCs) and mouse model of allergic asthma. Methods (1)BALB/c mice were divided into three groups using the random number table: asthma model group, asthma treated with autophagy inhibitor (chloroquine) group (asthma+CQ group) and control group. Mouse models in asthma group and asthma+CQ group were induced with ovalbumin (OVA); meanwhile, mice of asthma+CQ group were also treated with autophagy inhibitor CQ. Hematoxylin-Eosin (H-E) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in lung tissues of mice. ELISA, Western blotting analysis and flow cytometery were used to detect the serum OVA-specific IgE, autophagy level, and expression of surface co-stimulatory molecules and major histocompatibility complex class H (MHC H ) on lung DCs, respectively. (2)Bone marrow-derived DCs were treated with autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3MA) in vitro and the surface expression of co-stimulatory molecules and MHC H was detected. (3) We sorted CD4+ T cells from spleens of OT2 mice, then co-cultured with lung DCs from mice of different groups (T cells: DCs=1: 10), and detected the activation and proliferation of T cells with flow cytometery. Results (1) The level of OVA-specific IgE (P < 0. 05), extent of inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissues, autophagy level in lung DCs (P<0. 05), and expression of CD86 and MHCH (P<0. 05)on lung DCs in asthma + CQ group were significantly lower than those in the asthma group. (2) 3MA treatment decreased the surface expression of CD86 and MHC" on bone marrow-derived DCs (P<0. 05). And (3) lung DCs from asthma+CQ group had lower ability for activating T cells and promoting T cell proliferation than those from the asthma group (P<0. 05). Conclusion Autophagy inhibitors can improve the pathologic condition of allergic asthma through inhibiting autophagy in DCs, down-regulating surface expression of co stimulatory molecules and MHC" on DCs, and further inhibiting the DCs-induced proliferation of T cells.

OBJECTIVETo establish the mathematical kinetic model of the components extracted from the FTMC (formulae of the traditional Chinese medicine) and analyze parameters of the astragaloside IV extracted from the BYHWD (Buyang Huanwu decoction).

METHODThe model, including algebra and differential groups, have been set up according to the FICK discipline and Noyes-whitney soluted theories, as well as two transfer diffusive processes ((1) from protoplasate to apoplasmic, also from material compartment interior cell membrane to outside compartment; (2) apoplasmic to solution, also from outside compartment to solvent compartment) on components extraction from the FTMC. The equation groups, according to laplace transform, have been given a expression as solutions, which indicate the quantitative changes of the component concentration in solvent vs. time. The model kinetic parameters have been analyzed, meanwhile the parameters of the astragaloside IV in the BYHWD under 100 degrees C, extracted by water, have been analyzed by way of this model:

RESULTIt has been established a mathematical model that consists of three parts of e exponent. The kinetic parameters: M, alpha, N, beta, L, pi, K, k1', k2', rho1, rho2, tmax, Cmax, AUC, w0, P, D of the BYHWD were respectivelly 0.061 27% , 0.280 2 min(-1), - 1.027% , 0.008 965 min(-1), 1.077%, 0.002 665 min(-1), 3.451 x 10(-3) min(-1), 3.188 x 10(-3) min(-1), 0.375 9 min(-1), 1.420 min, 0.754 7 min, 184.9 min, 0. 0572 1 mg x mL(-1), 289.9 min, 0.070 11%, 46.24%, 22. 35%.

CONCLUSIONThe kinetic model, applied to isolated system, can have been of the rule of multiplex linear. Each parameters can be analyzed completely.

Algorithms ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Kinetics ; Mathematics ; Models, Biological ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Saponins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Triterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo investigate the antimicrobial resistance and penicillin resistance-associated genes (TEM and pbp2B) of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) isolated from sputum specimens of Guangzhou children with respiratory tract infection.

METHODSE-test and Kirby-Bauer methods were applied to detect the antibiotic susceptibility of 44 strains of S. pneumoniae. PCR was used to detect resistance genes pbp2B and TEM, followed by DNA sequence analysis of pbp2B gene. The sequence results were compared to those of penicillin-susceptible S. pneumoniae R6.

RESULTSOf the 44 isolates of S. pneumoniae, only 5 (11.4%) were susceptible to penicillin. All strains were resistant to erythromycin but susceptible to ofloxacin and vancomycin. The resistance rate of the isolates to clindamycin and trimoxazole was more than 90%. The S. pneumoniae isolates showed a high susceptibility to amoxicillin, imipenem and ceftriaxone, with a resistance rate of 0, 2.6% and 3.9%, respectively. The sequence analysis showed that more than 99% nucleotide sequence of pbp2B gene of five penicillin-susceptible isolates was the same as penicillin-susceptible S. pneumoniae R6, without any amino acid replacement. Site mutation was found in the remaining 39 penicillin-nonsusceptible isolates with a nucleotide mutation rate ranging from 13.2% to 23.1% and amino acid replacement rate from 6.5% to 10.9%. The 39 penicillin-nonsusceptible isolates were classified into 4 types according to the mutation site between Ser391 and Thr492 of pbp2B: type I (n=30), type II (n=7), type III (n=1) and type IV (n=1). No TEM gene was detected in all the 44 S. pneumoniae isolates.

CONCLUSIONSThe S.pneumoniae isolates from Guangzhou children with respiratory tract infection are resistant to penicillin and erythromycin. Amoxicillin and the third generation cephalosporin may be recommended for treating S. pneumoniae infection. The mutation of pbp2B gene plays an important role in the development of S. pneumoniae resistance to penicillin.

Aminoacyltransferases ; genetics ; Child, Preschool ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Penicillin Resistance ; genetics ; Penicillin-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; microbiology ; Streptococcus pneumoniae ; drug effects ; genetics ; beta-Lactamases ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides (TASA) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice.

METHODSChronic experimental colitis was induced by administration of 4 cycles of 4% DSS. Fifty mice were randomly distributed into 4 groups (normal, DSS, DSS/high-dose TASA, and DSS/low-dose TASA groups) by a random number table with body weight stratification. Mice in the normal group (n=11) and DSS-induced colitis control group (n=15) received control treatment of 20 mL/kg distilled water; DSS plus TASA high- and low-dose groups (n=12 each) were treated with TASA solution (20 mL/kg) at the doses of 60 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg, respectively. The severity of colitis was assessed on the basis of clinical signs, colon length, and histology scores. Moreover, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and haptoglobin (HP) were analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and macrophage-migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene expressions were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase realtime polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) using SYBA green I; and nuclear factor κ B (NF-κ B) expression and activation and p65 interaction with the promoter of ICAM-1 gene were assessed by Western blotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.

RESULTSTASA administration significantly attenuated the damage and substantially reduced HP elevation and maintained the level of cecum sIgA. TASA inhibited the ICAM-1 gene expression and had no effect on MIF gene expression. Also, TASA was able to reduce phospho-I κ B α (p-I κ B α) protein expression; however, it had no effect on the activation of I κ B kinase α (IKK α) and inhibitor of NF-κ B α (I κ B α). Moreover, TASA inhibited the p65 recruitment to the ICAM-1 gene promoter.

CONCLUSIONSTASA had a protective effect on DSS-induced colitis. Such effect may be associated with its inhibition of NF-κ B activation and blockade of NF-κ B-regulated transcription activation of proinflammatory mediator gene.

Alkaloids ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Cecum ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Colitis ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Colon ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Dextran Sulfate ; Down-Regulation ; drug effects ; Female ; Haptoglobins ; metabolism ; I-kappa B Proteins ; metabolism ; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory ; metabolism ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Intestinal Mucosa ; drug effects ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha ; Phosphorylation ; drug effects ; Phytotherapy ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Protein Binding ; drug effects ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Sophora ; chemistry ; Transcription Factor RelA ; metabolism

Adult ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Chorioamnionitis ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture ; blood ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; blood ; Pregnancy

OBJECTIVETo discuss the pathological characteristics of cervical spinal fracture complicating ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the effect of combined anterior and posterior operation.

METHODSEighteen AS patients with traumatic cervical fracture-dislocation were treated operatively from January 2000 to January 2006. The symptom duration of AS was 14.5 years on average. Three cases had undergone osteotomy in lumbar spine. There were 4 cases of Grade A, 3 cases of Grade B, 9 cases of Grade C and 2 cases of Grade D according to Frankel's score. There were 15 cases of Grade III dislocation and 3 cases of Grade II. All patients underwent surgical procedures by combined anterior and posterior approach.

RESULTSThere were 4 anterior-posterior procedures, 8 anterior-posterior-anterior procedures and 6 posterior-anterior procedures. Seven patients had one stage operation and 11 cases underwent two stage surgeries. There was certain extent of neurological improvement in 14 incomplete paraplegic patients, but no improvement in 4 complete paraplegic patients. The follow-up period was 21.2 months on average and the time for bone fusion was 3.6 months. There were 4 complications during operation and a long-term complication in follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSThe study suggests that anterior combined with posterior approach makes the spine stable and relieves the pressure immediately. It is a reasonable surgical strategy for treatment of cervical spinal fracture-dislocation with AS.

Adult ; Cervical Vertebrae ; injuries ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures ; surgery ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing ; complications

OBJECTIVETo prepare colon-targetting tablets of total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides and evaluate the effect of pectins of different degree of esterification (DE) on sophoridine release profiles in-vitro.

METHODWet granulation technique was employed to prepare petin-based matrix tablets, then tablets were coated the optimal formulation with Kollicoat MAE 30 DP based on the optimal formulation and analysed their release.

RESULTCoated formulation E could target total alkaloids of S. alopecuroides to colon and various DE of pectin exerted different effects on sophoridine release. The release of low DE pectin-based matrix tablets coating with Kollicoat MAE 30 DP approximatedly fitted zere-order eqution, which was erosion depended.

CONCLUSIONLow DE pectin-based matrix tablet coating with Kollicoat MAE 30 DP can deliver sophoridine to colon, hence improve the effectiveness of sophoridine.

Alkaloids ; chemistry ; Animals ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Colon ; chemistry ; Esterification ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Pectins ; chemistry ; Quinolizines ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sophora ; chemistry ; Tablets ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo explore the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in the treatment of colorectal polyps.

METHODEMR was applied in the treatment of colorectal polyps.

RESULTSA total of 3578 polyps in 2609 patients were all completely resected except 2 cases and the integrated rate of samples was 99.6%. Intra- and post-operation complications occurred in 22 cases(0.8%), including 7 intraoperative bleeding, 5 postoperative bleeding, and 10 thermal burn, which were cured by symptomatic treatment. A total of 1530 (58.6%) cases were followed-up with 3-12 months and no relapse was found in former place of excision.

CONCLUSIONEMR can be applied in resection of colorectal polyps effectively and safely.

Aged ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Humans ; Intestinal Mucosa ; surgery ; Intestinal Polyps ; surgery ; Postoperative Hemorrhage ; Recurrence

From the perspective of standardization development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) information,the paper puts forward the categorizing and coding scheme of clinical TCM information,builds a frame of basic clinical TCM information classification,which consists of 6 Grade 1 categories,30 subcategories and a few detailed categories,to provide standardized support for informatization and standardization study in the area of TCM.