In order to provide a scientific basis for the establishment of a Daphnes Cortex medicinal material fungus library and the screening of endophytic fungi that promote the growth of Daphnes Cortex and increase the content of daphnetin, we used Illumina high-throughput testing technology to analyze 9 Daphnes Cortex samples from Gansu and Shanxi provinces. A total of 632 766 valid sequences were obtained, including 348 OTUs, 4 phyla, 20 classes, 48 orders, 108 families, 154 genera, and 208 species. The sum of the first 3 fungal genera account for more than 65% of the total abundance, with the highest reaching 98.4%. Alternaria and Phoma are the main genuses of Daphne giraldii Nitsche, and Altemaria is the dominant genus. The endophytic fungi community of Daphnes Cortex is rich in diversity, and the order of fungal diversity in different producing areas is: Gangu County > Wutai County > Tanchang County.

Objective To summarize the management of scrotal gangrene.Methods Totally,14 male patients (mean age,48 years;age range,27-74 years) with scrotal gangrene were treated from August 2003 to June 2005.Among these patients,scrotal gangrene was complicated by perianal and penile gangrene in 2 cases;by perianal,penile and inguinal gangrene in 10 cases;by perianal,penile,inguinal gangrene and abdominal subcutaneous gangrene in 2 cases.Three cases had concomitantly necrosis of the penis;and 5 ca- ses,orchitis.Bacterial cultures were performed in all 14 cases with the positive results.All patients underwent surgical treatment,including PhaseⅠincisions,aggressive debridement,drainage,irrigation,and scrotoplas- ty.After operation they received antibiotic therapy and supporting treatment.Three cases of penile necrosis underwent complete penis amputation and transplanting the urethra before the anus.Five cases of orchitis un- derwent unilateral orchiectomy.Two cases of abdominal gangrene underwent surgical subcutaneous treatment, including incision,aggressive debridement,drainage,and irrigation.Results Twelve cases undergoing scrotoplasty achieved PhaseⅠhealing.Two cases undergoing urethral fistulation recovered well.Ten cases of penile skin gangrene received penile dermatoplasty 1 month later,and then recovered.Two cases who had al- ready had AIDS died 2 or 3 d after operation.Conclusions The management of scrotal gangrene primarily consists of early and aggressive debridement,antibiotic therapy and supporting treatment.The PhaseⅠde- bridement and scrotoplasty as well as drainage are effective for the treatment of scrotal gangrene.

OBJECTIVETo study the changes and significance of Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) on platelets, CD86 on lymphocytes and concentrations of IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 in serum in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

METHODSPeripheral blood samples were collected from 24 children with acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP), 21 children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (CITP) and 20 normal children (control group). Expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on platelets and CD86 on lymphocytes were detected by flow cytometry. Serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma were measured using ABC-ELISA.

RESULTSThe expression of CD41+TLR2+ and CD61+TLR4+ in the AITP and the CITP groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.01). The AITP group had lower expression of CD41+TLR2+ and CD61+TLR4+ than the CITP group (p<0.01). The expression of CD86+ in the AITP and the CITP groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.01). The serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma in the AITP and the CITP groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between CD41+TLR2+ and CD61+TLR4+ expression. CD41+TLR2+ and CD61+TLR4+ expression were negatively correlated with CD86+ expression and serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10.

CONCLUSIONSThe detections of TLR2 and TLR4 on platelets, CD86 on lymphocytes and serum concentrations of IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 are of great value in understanding the pathogenesis and predicting types of ITP in children.

Adolescent ; B7-2 Antigen ; blood ; Blood Platelets ; chemistry ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cytokines ; blood ; Humans ; Infant ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; immunology ; Toll-Like Receptor 2 ; blood ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; blood

OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy and safety of recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) on chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia in patients with solid tumor.

METHODSIn this randomized crossover self-controlled multi-center clinical trial, 154 patients with solid tumor were randomly divided into two groups (group A 77 cases and group B 77 cases). All patients were given the same two cycles of chemotherapy. In group A, the first cycle was treated cycle, in which patients were given rhTPO, while the second cycle was non-treated cycle as a control. In group B, the first cycle was non-treated cycle as a control, while the second cycle was treated cycle. RhTPO 1.0 microg/(kg x d) was administered subcutaneously 6-24 hours after chemotherapy for the longest 14 days. Laboratory tests included complete blood counts, urinalysis, serum chemistry, coagulant test, chest radiography, and electrocardiogram. Serum samples were screened for anti-rhTPO antibodies.

RESULTSIn both group A and group B, platelet decrease and duration had no significant difference between the treated cycle and non-treated cycle. Platelet count was higher in the treated cycle, than in the non-treated cycle: [minimal mean platelet count (64.4 +/- 45.4) x 10(9) cells/L and (52.4 +/- 30.9) x 10(9) cells/L (P=0.000), maximal mean platelet count (263.9 +/- 142.5) x 10(9) cells/L and (148.9 +/- 67.7) x 10(9) cells/L (P=0.000)]. Duration of thrombocytopenia was shorter in the treated cycle than in the non-treated cycle [days with platelet count < 50 x 10(9) cells/L, (2.5 +/- 3.9) and (3.7 +/- 5.7) (P=0.04); days with platelet count recovered > or = 75 x 10(9) cells/L, (10.3 +/- 8.7) and (14.0 +/- 8.9) (P=0.000), and days with platelet count recovered > or = 100 x 10(9) cells/L, (15.9 +/- 10.5) and (21.1 +/- 9.5) (P=0.000)]. The need for platelet transfusion was not significantly reduced in treated cycle. The effects of rhTPO on WBC, Hb, hepatic function, renal function, and coagulant function were not found. Transient low-titer non-neutralizing antibody was developed in one patient. Therapy with rhTPO was tolerated by all patients. Mild side effects were observed in individual patients, including fever, dizziness, and chill. Conclusion Administration of rhTPO after chemotherapy can significantly reduce the degree and duration of thrombocytopenia and promote platelet recovery. Therapy with rhTPO seems to be safe.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents ; adverse effects ; Cross-Over Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; blood ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms ; blood ; drug therapy ; Platelet Count ; Recombinant Proteins ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Thrombocytopenia ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; prevention & control ; Thrombopoietin ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of L.F04, the active fraction of Lycopus lucidus, on erythrocytes rheological property so as to investigate its mechanism in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.

METHODThe effects of L.F04 (used for treatment for 10 days in different dosages) on deformability, aggregation and membrane liquidity of erythrocytes (MLE) as well as whole blood apparent viscosity (eta(b)) were examined on the basis of rat model of blood-stasis syndrome induced by venous injection of high molecular weight dextran.

RESULTAs compared with the normal control group, the model group's RBC deformability and MLE were lower, and the aggregation of erythrocytes and eta(b) were higher. Compared with the model group, both L.F04 0.612 g/kg and 0.306 g/kg showed significant effect in improving deformability and inhibiting aggregation of red blood cells (RBC) and reducing blood viscosity. The trend of improving MLE was also shown.

CONCLUSIONL.F04 could significantly improve the abnormal rheological property of erythrocytes.

Animals ; Blood Viscosity ; drug effects ; Dextrans ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Erythrocyte Aggregation ; drug effects ; Erythrocyte Deformability ; drug effects ; Hemorheology ; Hemostasis ; drug effects ; Lycopus ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Space Flight

OBJECTIVETo study the mechanism involved in the control of glioma cell proliferation with transfection of connexin (Cx) 43 gene.

METHODSC6 rat glioma and TJ905 human glioblastoma cell lines without Cx43 gene expression were transfected with Cx43cDNA mediated by lipofectamine. Northern blot, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical technology were used to detect the expression of Cx43mRNA and its protein with MTT assay and silver colloid stain for the detection of cell proliferation, TUNEL method for determination of cell apoptosis, scrape loading dye transfer (SLDT) for GJIC, Western blot and immunohistochemical technology for bFGF, PDGF, EGFR, IGF-I and IGFBP3 expression.

RESULTSCx 43 gene transfected glioma cells showed decreased proliferation, restored GJIC and decreased bFGF, PDGF, IGFBP3, except EGFR expression and cell apoptosis which showed no change.

CONCLUSIONThe mechanism of Cx 43 gene inhibiting gliomas cell proliferation is the restoration of GJIC and decreased autocrine growth factors.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Division ; physiology ; Connexin 43 ; genetics ; physiology ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Glioma ; pathology ; Rats ; Transfection ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

OBJECTIVETo investigate the mechanism of anticoagulation protein defect in the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent miscarriage.

METHODSFifty-seven patients with a history of unexplained abortion were enrolled as the investigation group for tests of protein C, protein S, antithrombin III (AT-III), as well as activated protein C resistance (APC-R). The control group consisted of fifty healthy women with a history of normal pregnancy and delivery. Blood samples were obtained for, measuring serum activity of protein C, protein S, AT-III, and APC-R. Patients with positive APC-R were tested for factor V (FV) Leiden gene mutation by PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTSOf the 57 patients, 12 (21.1%), 1 (1.8%), and 5 (8.8%) cases were found with protein S, protein C, and AT-III deficiency respectively, and 13 (22.8%) cases with positive results of APC-R. Of the control group, no protein C or AT-III deficiency was ever found, whereas 2 (4.0%) volunteers were presented with protein S deficiency and 3 (6.0%) with positive results of APC-R. No FV Leiden gene mutation was identified in all the patients with positive APC-R results. Late spontaneous abortion cases had higher incidence of anticoagulation protein defect than the early cases.

CONCLUSIONAnticoagulation protein defect may play a role in the pathogenesis of fetal loss, especially for those occurring in late stage of pregnancy.

Abortion, Habitual ; blood ; etiology ; Activated Protein C Resistance ; blood ; complications ; genetics ; Adult ; Antithrombin III ; metabolism ; Antithrombin III Deficiency ; blood ; complications ; Factor V ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Point Mutation ; Protein C ; metabolism ; Protein C Deficiency ; blood ; complications ; Protein S ; metabolism ; Protein S Deficiency ; blood ; complications

Fibrosis is the common end stage of most liver diseases. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment available currently. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Flk1+ mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from murine bone marrow (Flk1 + MSC) on fibrosis formation induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). In this study Flk1+ MSC were isolated from bone marrow of male BALB/c mice. A CCl4 induced hepatic fibrosis model was used. Flk1+ MSC were systemically infused immediately or one week after the female mice were challenged with CCl4. Fibrosis index and donor cell engraftment were assessed two or five weeks after CCl4 challenge. We found that Flk1+ MSC transplantation immediately, but not one week after exposure to CCl4, significantly reduced CCl4-induced liver damage and collagen deposition. In addition, levels of hepatic hydroxyproline and serum fibrosis markers (HA, P-III-P) in mice receiving immediate Flk1+ MSC transplantation after CCl4 challenge were significantly lower compared to those of control mice. More importantly, histological examination suggested that hepatic damage recovery was much better in these immediately Flk1+ MSC-treated mice. Immunofluorescence, PCR, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis revealed that donor cells engrafted into host liver, had epithelium-like morphology and expressed albumin (ALB), although at low frequency. In conclusion Flk1+ MSC might initiate endogenous hepatic tissue regeneration, engraft into host liver in response to CCl4 injury, and ameliorate its fibrogenic effects.
Animals ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; Female ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; chemically induced ; therapy ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; physiology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore clinical characteristics, radiographic findings and diagnostic methods of patients with congenital malformations of respiratory system for enhancing the diagnosis of congenital malformations of respiratory system in children.

METHODTotally 234 patients with congenital malformations of respiratory system were chosen from the inpatient department of Yuying Children's Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical College from July 2003 to June 2008. The clinical presentations and radiographic findings of these children were analyzed.

RESULTOf the 234 patients with congenital malformations of respiratory system, the age at diagnosis was between the first day and 14 years of age, mean age was 1.12 years. The main symptoms were persistent laryngeal stridor, recurrent wheezing, recurrent respiratory tract infections and dyspnea. Through the use of chest X-ray, spiral CT 3D reconstructions, fiberoptic bronchoscopy and other laboratory techniques, 213 cases were diagnosed as having single malformation and 21 cases were found to have multiple malformations. Of the 213 cases with single malformation, 97 cases had laryngeal malformation (congenital laryngeal stridor in 90 cases, congenital laryngeal webs in 5 cases and congenital laryngeal cyst in 2 cases), 35 cases had tracheal-bronchial malformation (congenital tracheobronchial stenosis in 17 cases, congenital abnormal bronchial origin in 7 cases, tracheobronchomalacia in 10 cases and tracheoesophageal fistula in 1 case), 43 cases had lung malformation (pulmonary sequestration in 5 cases, congenital lung cysts in 22 cases, congenital lobar emphysema in 1 case, agenesis of lung and hypoplasia of lung in 8 cases and congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation in 7 cases), 38 cases had diaphragm malformation, 28 cases had congenital tracheal-bronchial stenosis as confirmed by spiral CT 3D reconstructions and fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Ten cases with congenital abnormal bronchial origin were diagnosed with spiral CT 3D reconstructions. Laryngeal stridor and tracheobronchomalacia were diagnosed by fiberoptic laryngoscope and fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The accuracy rates of preoperative diagnosis through clinical and radiographic examinations of 37 cases with lung malformation and 36 cases with diaphragm malformation were 83.78% and 91.67%.

CONCLUSIONCongenital malformations of respiratory system are a group of diseases that are important for pediatric respiratory clinicians. Congenital malformations of respiratory system should be considered in children with persistent laryngeal stridor, recurrent wheezing, recurrent respiratory tract infections and dyspnea. The radiographic examination and respiratory endoscope play important roles in the diagnosis of congenital malformations of respiratory system.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Respiratory System Abnormalities ; diagnosis ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo explore the expression and changes of protooncogene c-myc in early restenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

METHODSUsing New Zealand Rabbits, carotid atherosclerotic stenosis (CASS) model were created. The expression of c-myc in early restenosis after CEA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTSIn this experiment protooncogene c-myc was analysed at pre-operation, 4 hours and 1 d after CEA by qRT-PCR, and the level of mRNA of c-myc was reached maximum at 4 hours, and decreased following significantly, but still higher than pre-operation.

CONCLUSIONSThe activation of protooncogene c-myc may be generator factor of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Animals ; Carotid Arteries ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Carotid Artery Diseases ; surgery ; Carotid Stenosis ; etiology ; genetics ; physiopathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Endarterectomy, Carotid ; adverse effects ; methods ; Gene Expression ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction