OBJECTIVETo investigate the characteristic of colonic transmission in functional constipation (FC) and the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Sini Powder (SP) on it.

METHODSThe colonic transmission time (CTT) of 36 patients with FC (the FC group) and 22 healthy subjects (control group) was measured through colonic transmission test, and CTT of entire colon and that of various subsections was calculated with Hinton method and Arhan method respectively. After then, the FC group was treated with SP for 7 days, and CTT was detected again after treatment.

RESULTSBefore treatment, body mass index (BMI) was higher, CTT of entire colon, left half colonic section, and sigmoid-rectal section were longer in the FC group than those in the control group (P < 0.05), no statistical difference in CTT of right half colon was found between the two groups (P > 0.05). After FC patients being treated with SP, their CTT of whole colon, left half colonic section and sigmoid-rectal section were significantly shortened (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONFC patients were characterized by increased BMI and CTT prolonged and unevenly distributed in subsections, especially in the left half colon, sigmoid and rectum; SP could shorten the CTT in FC patients.

Adult ; Body Mass Index ; Colon ; drug effects ; physiopathology ; Colon, Sigmoid ; drug effects ; physiopathology ; Constipation ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Transit ; drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To evaluate the value of ventilation and perfusion scintigraphy for predicting the postoperative pulmonary function in patients with lung cancer. Methods Twenty-six patients with lung cancer, male 21 and female 5, aged from 44 to 86 ys, were recruited into the study. Before surgery, 21 patients underwent 99Tcm-DTPA aerosol ventilation and 99Tcm-macroaggregated albumin ( MAA ) perfusion scintigraphic imaging. The other five patients were studied with perfusion imaging only. Pulmonary function was measured as forced expiratory volume in the first second ( FEV1 ) at about one week before surgery for all patients, and at two months after surgery. The predicted postoperative FEV1 ( ppoFEVt ) was calculated by Neuhaus' formula based on the ventilation or perfusion function obtained from scintigraphy studies, and compared with the measured post surgery FEV1. Eighteen patients underwent the surgical resection successfully. The t-test and correlation analysis were used. Results The ppoFEV1 values of ventilation and perfusion were (1.347±0.539) Land (1.410±0.543) L, respectively (n=21, t =0.062, P＞0. 05). Both the ppoFEV1 values of ventilation and perfusion showed no significant difference with the respective post-surgeryFEV1(n=13, (1.545 ±0.588) Lvs (1.45 ±0.521) L, t=0.092, P＞0.05; n=18, (1.697±0. 546) L vs ( 1.457±0.488) L, t =0. 017, P ＞0.05, respectively). Both the ventilation ppoFEV1 (n =13) and perfusion ppoFEV1 (n = 13, n = 18) correlated well with the post-surgery FEV1 respectively (r =0. 950, 0. 937, 0. 922, all P ＜ 0. 01 ). Conclusion Ventilation and perfusion imaging can predict the postoperative pulmonary function for patients with lung cancer, especially for those with borderline pulmonary function, thus useful for selection of suitable candidates for surgical resection.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Chinese drugs for Pi strengthening Shen benefiting (CDPSSB) on the immunity function of HIV/AIDS patients' specific T cells.

METHODSTotally 20 patients were randomly recruited from the treated group [treated by CDPSSB combined highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART)] and 23 patients were randomly recruited from the control group (treated by HAART alone). All patients were follow-up infected persons form You'an Hospital between from June 2010 to June 2012. CD4+ T absolute counts and HIV viral load were detected. Meanwhile, HIV whole gene overlapping peptides were used as stimulating antigen. The response intensity of HIV specific T cells was detected in the two groups.

RESULTSThere was no statistical difference in CD4 T absolute counts or HIV viral load between the two groups (P > 0.05). The response intensity of HIV specific T cells was significantly enhanced in the treated group, when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Along with elongation of treatment time (6, 12, 18, and 24 months) in the treated group, the response intensity of HIV specific T cells showed enhancing tendency, but there was no statistical difference among these time points (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCDPSSB could enhance improve the immunity function of HIV specific T cells, which might be one of its mechanisms.

Adult ; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ; CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; HIV Infections ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; T-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; immunology ; Viral Load

Objective To study the expression of MCP-1 and its correlation with SSc.Methods Twenty-seven patients with SSe and 21 healthy control subjects were examined for MCP-1 expressions by ELISA.mRNA and protein of MCP-1 in fibroblast cells from 5 SSc patients and 3 healthy subjects were also measured by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.At the same time,the correlation between the expression levels of MCP-1 and SSc was analyzed.Results The plasma level of MCP-1 was significantly higher in pa- tients with SSc than in healthy control subjects(787?393)pg/ml versus(426?266)pg/ml,P

Objective To investigate the protective effect of dexamethasone on stress response induced by intraute-rine balloon aortic valvuloplasty (IUBAV) in a fetal lamb model. Methods Twenty-four near term twin pregnant goats were randomly assigned to control group (n=12) and dexamethasone group (intracardiac injection of dexamethasone) (n=12). Ultrasound guided IUBAV model was established. According to the combination of treatment and operation, 48 fetal lambs were divided into four groups. The following parameters were dynamically monitored by ultrasound, which were fetal and neonatal heart rate (HR), cardiac rhythm, aortic resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI). On established IUBAV model, blood samples and liver tissue specimens were taken from fetal/neonatal goats for detection of blood glucose (Glu), lactate acid (LA), plasma epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), cortisol (Cort), hepatic glycogen staining. Results IUBAV resulted in increased values of Glu, LA, E, NE and Cort levels, and decreased pH value, there were significant differences between pre-and 3h-post procedure (P<0.05), and significant differences were also existed in these values between pre-and 3d-post procedure (P<0.05). After administrating dexamethasone, the changes of Glu, LA, E, NE, Cort and pH levels were suppressed effectively. Fetal hepatic glycogen was consumed in large amounts due to IUBAV while recovered 3 days after IUBAV by glycogen staining. After administrating dexamethasone, hepatic glycogen consumption related to IUBAV was obviously inhibited. After IUBAV, fetal aortic RI was increased, and there was significant differences compared with pre-procedure (P<0.05). Up to 3d-post procedure, the values of RI recovered to some extent, but statistical difference was exist-ed compared with pre-procedure (P<0.05). After administrating of dexamethasone, increased aortic RI was effectively sup-pressed. Conclusions IUBAV could lead to reversible stress response and increased aortic RI in a fetal lamb model which could be alleviated by dexamethasone.

Objective To explore the expression and distribution of calcineurin(CaN)in normal and failing human myocardium.Methods Left and right ventricles were obtained from end-staged heart failure patients(n=12)undergoing heart transplantation and donor hearts(n=5)taken from victims of vehicle accidents.Immunohistochemistry and SDS-PAGE technique were used to demonstrate expression and distribution of CaN. Results Positive immunoreactive staining for CaN was detected in human cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts and epicardial mesothelial cells,but not detected in cardiac vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells.There was no difference in CaN protein levels between failing hearts and donor hearts (Band intensity of right ventricle in failing hearts and donor hearts was 130.20±8.66 and 139.87±6.21, P=0.33.Band intensity of left ventricle in failing hearts and donor hearts was 106.45 and 126.34 ±12.09)and between left ventricular and right ventricular myocardium(Band intensity of left and right ventricles in failing hearts was 96.99±10.67 and 104.58±13.18, P=0.63.Band intensity of left and right ventricles in failing hearts was 132.12 and 120.74).Conclusions CaN is expressed in human cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts and epicardial mesothelial cells and the protein level and distribution of CaN are similar in failing and donor hearts.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the polymorphism of serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region(5-HTTLPR) and slow transit constipation(STC).

METHODSPolymerase chain reaction was used to assess 5-HTTLPR polymorphism of SERT gene in 54 patients with STC and 100 healthy controls.

RESULTSThe frequencies of serotonin transporter short/short(S/S) and allele S genotypes were significantly higher in STC patients than those in controls(72.2% vs 50.0%; 83.3% vs 72.5%; both P< 0.05). There were no significant differences in 5-HTTLPR polymorphism respectively between the two groups according to gender and age(less than 45 and more than 45 years old). The frequency of S/S genotype was higher in the patients with less than 40% of the ingested markers evacuated within 72 h than those with more than 40% evacuated(71.7% vs 42.6%, P< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe presence of 5-HTTLPR allele S may contribute to the pathogenesis of STC.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Alleles ; Chronic Disease ; Constipation ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins ; genetics ; Young Adult

Objective: The current study was designed to explore the relationship between the epithelial cadherin (E-cd) expression and clinical appearances of salivary tumor. Method: The paraffin embedded tissue specimens were studied immunohistochemically using the ployclone antibody against E-cd and ABC method. The E-cd expression level was determined semiquantatively. The semi-quantitative parameters of E-cd expression were analyzed retrospectively with the clinical information. Result: The E-cd positive expressions were normal (＋ ＋ ) in two cases of normal salivary tissue, 5 cases of benign mixed tumor and paracancerous salivary tissue, 39 cases of of 47 malignant salivary malignancies it was decreased even to no E-cd expression. There was a significant correlation between decreased E-cd expression and preoperative clinical appearances, postoperative survival, recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion: The E-cd expression level may be a useful prognostic parameter for salivary malignancies.

BACKGROUNDCorneal neovascular leakage can lead to edema and secondary scarring. Previous studies have shown that pericytes play a key role in maturation of angiogenesis. The present studies investigate the relationship between vascular permeability and pericyte coverage of endothelial cells in rat corneal neovascular induced by alkali burns.

METHODSCorneal neovascular vessels induced by alkali burns was performed in Sprague-Dawley rats. Corneas were excised on 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after cauterization. The vascular permeability rate was measured by the Evans blue method. The microvessel pericyte coverage index (MPI) was applied to quantify the pericyte coverage through double immunofluorescent staining of frozen sections of corneas with CD31 as the endothelial and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) as the pericyte markers. The correlation between permeability rate and MPI was analyzed. Pericyte coverage was confirmed ultrastructually using transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTSThe vascular permeability rate was (1.14 +/- 0.17), (0.24 +/- 0.08), (0.29 +/- 0.16), (0.14 +/- 0.10), (0.09 +/- 0.06) and (0.05 +/- 0.04) microg x ml(-1) x mm(-2) respectively on 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after cauterization. The MPI was 0, 16.07%, 11.95%, 43.84%, 73.97% and 86.21% respectively at the above mentioned time points. The correlation coefficient between MPI and the permeability rate was -0.943 (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONSPericyte recruitment was significantly correlated with the permeability of corneal neovascularization induced by alkali burns in rats. Therapeutic strategies aiming at anti-leakage should be most effective if they promote pericytes proliferation in the course of corneal neovascularization.

Alkalies ; Animals ; Burns, Chemical ; physiopathology ; Capillary Permeability ; Cell Movement ; Cornea ; blood supply ; ultrastructure ; Corneal Neovascularization ; physiopathology ; Eye Burns ; chemically induced ; physiopathology ; Female ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Pericytes ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo assess the HER-2 status in Chinese advanced gastric cancer patients and explore its correlation with clinical features, treatment response and prognosis.

METHODSA total of 107 patients with advanced gastric cancer treated in our hospital from December 2005 to November 2008 were included in this retrospective analysis. HER-2 status was determined by immunohistochemisty (IHC) and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The correlations of HER-2 status with tumor location, pathology, treatment response and prognosis were analyzed and the efficacy of different chemottherapy regimens was compared.

RESULTSThe overall positive rate of HER-2 expression was 14.7% (15/102). The HER-2 status was detected by both methods in 102 patients, and the concordance of the two methods was 66.5%. The tumor site distribution was gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) 28.0%, proximal stomach 19.4%, gastric corpus 16.1%, antrum 26.9% and whole stomach 9.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference of HER-2 status among different tumor sites (P = 0.726), and no significant correlation between HER-2 expression and differentiation (P = 0.110). Among the evaluable 51 patients treated by first-line chemotherapy, the total objective effective rate was 23.5%. The median time-to-progression was 7.47 months, and median overall survival time was 11.07 months. The effective rate was 43.8% in patients who received XP regimen chemotherapy (cisplatin + capecitabine), significantly higher than the 14.3% in patients treated with other regimens (P = 0.033). Their overall survival was 14.17 months and 9.53 months, respectively (P = 0.059). The TTP was 6.63 months in HER-2 positive patients and 7.47 months in HER-2 negative patients, with a non-significant difference (P = 0.510). However, there was a improving tendency in the efficacy and OS, showing a effective rate of 45.5% and 17.5% (P = 0.102) and OS of 14.17 months and 10.63 months, respectively (P = 0.205).

CONCLUSIONSHER-2-positivity rate in Chinese patients with advanced gastric cancer is similar to those reported in the literature. Along with the increasing use of targeted therapy and targeted agents, the efficacy and survival of gastric cancer patients is improving. HER-2-positive patients may benefit from it.

Adenocarcinoma ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Capecitabine ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Deoxycytidine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Disease Progression ; Esophagogastric Junction ; pathology ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; metabolism ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach ; pathology ; Stomach Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Survival Rate