OBJECTIVETo assess the methodological quality of clinical research on Chinese medicine (CM) applied by intra-arterial infusion in treating primary liver cancer (PLC).

METHODSCochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, and three Chinese databases, including Chinese BioMedical Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and China Academic Journal (VIP) were searched. Chinese articles were also searched manually in 16 journals. Two reviewers independently selected studies, the quality of literatures were assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration method of quality assessment.

RESULTSA total of 14 articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. Only three of these articles described the randomization method used. None of the studies was blinded. All of the articles didn't report the calculation of the sample size. Only six studies mentioned adverse reactions. All of the studies were of grade C according to the Cochrane Collaboration method. Six studies reported results of survival, and only two of these reported better efficacy in the treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe quality of studies concerned intra-arterial infusion of CM in treating with PLC was poor and the exact effect of these medicines still need evaluation. Well designed RCTs with large sample sizes, adequate follow-up data and reliable methods of assessment are needed to better appraise the real effect of CMs in the treatment of PLC patients.

Biomedical Research ; standards ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; Humans ; Infusions, Intra-Arterial ; Liver Neoplasms ; therapy ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Research Design

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) was one of the most important crops in the world next to wheat, rice, maize, soybean and barley. Using the callus derived from immature inflorescence as the recipients, we efficiently transformed sorghum varieties 115, ICS21B and 5-27 with the insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cry1Ab gene carried in the T-DNA of binary vectors which contained hygromycin resistance gene and gus gene via Agrobacterium tumefaciens. After gradient selection with hygromycin, a total of 21 independent transgenic plant lines, 52 transgenic plants were regenerated, and the average stably transformation efficiency was 1.9%. The integration and transcription of cry1Ab gene in transgenic sorghum was confirmed by PCR analysis, Southern blotting and RT-PCR analysis. The Bt proteins were expressed in most transgenic plants with different level from plant to plant by Western blotting and ELISA assay. According to insect bioassay in laboratory, the transgenic plants with a relatively high level of Bt gene expression displayed insect-resistance to pink rice borer (Sesamina inferens).
Agrobacterium tumefaciens ; genetics ; metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Endotoxins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hemolysin Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Pest Control, Biological ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; genetics ; Sorghum ; genetics ; Transformation, Genetic

Lactobacillus casei 393 was selected as a bacterial carrier for the expression of Porcine Parvovirus (PPV) protective antigen VP2 protein. The gene encoding PPV VP2 protein was cloned into the Lactobacillus casei surface expression vector pPG, and then the constructed recombinant vector pPG-VP2 was electrotransformed into Lactobacillus casei 393 generating the recombinant system pPG-VP2/L. casei393 expressing PPV VP2 protein. The recombinant strain was induced by 2% Lactose in MRS and about 74kD protein was detected with SDS-PAGE. The result of Western-blot indicated that the expressed protein possessed the antigenic specificity which could be recognized by mouse anti-PPV serum. The indirect immunofluorescent test showed that the expressed protein was secreted on the cell surface Lactobacillus casei.
Animals ; Antigens, Viral ; genetics ; metabolism ; Blotting, Western ; Capsid Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Membrane ; metabolism ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Lactobacillus casei ; genetics ; metabolism ; Parvovirus, Porcine ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; metabolism ; Swine ; virology ; Transformation, Genetic ; Viral Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

AIM To observe the drug pair Baizhu-Fuzi's protection on the breast cancer nude mice with bony metastasis and to explore the mechanism of bone metastasis.METHODS Nude mouse models of breast cancer with bone metastasis were developed through injection of breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231BO into the left ventricle.Nude mice were randomly divided into group A and group B.Group A were subdivided into model group,zoledronic acid group and the drug pair of Baizhu-Fuzi group;and Group B were subdivided into sham-operation group,model group,zoledronic acid group and Baizhu-Fuzi group were subsequently administered with the intervention accordingly.The nude mice in group A had their surviving time and the weight changes observed;and those in group B had the degree of bone metastasis examined.Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) method for quantitative determination of osteoclast in bone metastasis,and ELISA method were employed to check the content of TGF-β1 and PTHrP in serum.RESULTS Compared to the model group,Baizhu-Fuzi group displayed distinctly longer survival time (P ＜ 0.05),reduced rate of weight loss 6 weeks after modeling (P ＜ 0.05),significantly declined degree of bone metastasis (P ＜ 0.01),and significantly decreased quantity of TRAP (+) cell (P ＜ 0.05) and serum TGF-β1 and PTHrP (P ＜ 0.05).CONCLUSION The drug pair,Baizhu-Fuzi's influence in TGFβ signal path control and PTHrP expression reduction may contribute to the weight loss management,prolonged survival time,osteolytic bone defect rectification in mouse models of breast cancer with bone metastasis.

OBJECTIVETo observe the short term effect of argon plasma coagulation (APC) combined with cryotherapy via bronchoscopy for treatment of severe post-intubation tracheal stenosis in a child.

METHODA 3-year old boy was admitted for cephalothorax abdominal compound trauma and dyspnea, who had severe post-incubation tracheal stenosis. The agreement about the operation risk was signed by the parents. Endotracheal APC procedure was performed with a bronchoscope under general anesthesia. The APC probe was put into the working channel of the bronchoscope. The stenotic lesion was endoscopically visualized and then coagulated by argon plasma. Such coagulation was carried out several times at the stenotic site until it gradually became dilated. The devitalized tissue was mechanically removed with grasping forceps. Thereafter, bronchoscopic cryosurgery was repeatedly performed at the stenotic site. Clinical symptoms, signs and bronchoscopic manifestations were observed right after operation, after 1 day, 10 days, 1 month and 6 months separately.

RESULTTracheal tissue hyperplasia and cyanosis disappeared, laryngeal stridor and dyspnea improved obviously right after the operation. General condition of the patient was well, there was no laryngeal stridor and dyspnea 10 days after operation. The mucosa of the surgical site was smooth and no tracheostenosis was seen under bronchoscope at 1 month and 6 months after the operation.

CONCLUSIONArgon plasma coagulation combined with cryotherapy via bronchoscope is an effective method to treat tracheal stenosis of children, which needs further exploration for the application.

Argon Plasma Coagulation ; methods ; Bronchoscopy ; Child, Preschool ; Cryotherapy ; Humans ; Intubation, Intratracheal ; adverse effects ; Laryngeal Diseases ; etiology ; surgery ; Male ; Trachea ; surgery ; Tracheal Stenosis ; etiology ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Wounds and Injuries ; surgery

Objectives: This study aimed to observe the change of arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation rate (AA-Ag) and short-term adverse reactions after taking 50 or 100 mg/d aspirin(enteric-coated sustained-release formulation) or 100 mg/d aspirin (enteric-coated aspirin tablet)in the elderly Chinese population (aged 60 years or older). Methods: A total of 1 194 participants aged 60 or older, who should be recommended to take aspirin therapy due to medical reasons, were recruited and randomly assigned into three groups to receive enteric-coated sustained-release aspirin tablet (50 mg, once daily, group A), or 100 mg, once daily (group B) or enteric-coated aspirin tablet 100 mg once daily (group C), respectively. AA-Ag was measured after (14±3)days of aspirin treatment. Adverse events and bleeding events were recorded during the (28±3)days of follow-up. Results: The AA-Ag in group A (n=347), B (n=338) and C (n=332) post 14-day aspirin therapy were 6.65 (4.03,10.84)%, 5.89(3.22,10.03) % and 6.00(3.68,10.09) %, respectively (P>0.05). During the 28 days follow-up, the adverse events rate of group A (n=388), B (n=387) and C (n=385) was 3.87%,3.36%, and 7.95%, and the mild bleeding events rate was 3.09%, 2.33%, and 6.23%, respectively. Adverse events rate and mild bleeding events rate were significantly higher in group C than in group A and B (P<0.05). Conclusions: Compared with 100 mg-dose aspirin, 50 mg-dose aspirin achieves similar anti-platelet aggregation effect in this elderly Chinese population. The short-term adverse events and mild bleeding risk of aspirin with enteric-coated sustained-release formulation were fewer than that of enteric-coated formulation.

OBJECTIVETo establish a MDS mouse model with iron overload and to study the effect of iron overload on MDS.

METHODSThe exogenous mutant gene RUNX1-S291fs was inserted into the mice bone marrow mononuclear cell's genome in mice by retrovirus and transplanted into C57BL/6 mice irradiated by Co γ-ray. After 8 weeks,intraperitoneal injection of iron was performed to establish an MDS mouse model with iron overload. After 24 weeks of transplantation, the peripheral blood, bone marrow, femur, liver and spleen of mice were taken, then the morphological characteristics of peripheral blood and bone marrow cells were observed by Wright's staining; the liver, spleen and bone marrow were stained with Prussian blue to observe the iron deposition. The surface antigens of bone marrow cells were detected by flow cytometry. Bone marrow mononuclear cells and spleen tissue proteins were detected by Western blot to confirm the transfection of RUNX1-S291fs gene and expression of protein. The blood routine and transplanted cell chimeric rate of mice were monitored periodically.

RESULTSCompared with the empty plasmid control mice, levels of leukocyte and hemoglobin as well as platelet were decreased in RUNX1-S291fs mutant mice; the peripheral blood cells and bone marrow cells showed pathological hematopoiesis; the liver and spleen enlarged significantly; the tissue structure of femur, liver and spleen was abnormal; the expression of bone marrow cell surface antigens was abnormal. Bone marrow cells and spleen tissue expressed the RUNX1-S291fs protein. Compared with the controlled mice injected with normal saline, iron deposition occurred in the bone marrow, liver and spleen stained with Prussian blue in the mice injected with iron agent.

CONCLUSIONMice engineered to carry exogenous mutant gene RUNX1-S291fs and injected with iron showed pathologic features of MDS and iron overload, resulting in establishing MDS iron overloaded mouse model successfully, which lays a foundation for studying the effect of iron overload on MDS.

Animals ; Bone Marrow ; Disease Models, Animal ; Iron Overload ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Spleen

Objective: To explore the influencing factors of pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) with organ or system impairment in pregnant women, and to analyze and compare the differences of HDP subtypes in different regions of China. Methods: A total of 27 680 pregnant women with HDP with complete data from 161 hospitals in 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities were retrospectively collected from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. According to their clinical manifestations, they were divided into hypertension group [a total of 10 308 cases, including 8 250 cases of gestational hypertension (GH), 2 058 cases of chronic hypertension during pregnancy] and hypertension with organ or system impairment group [17 372 cases, including 14 590 cases of pre-eclampsia (PE), 137 cases of eclampsia, 2 645 cases of chronic hypertension with PE]. The subtype distribution of HDP in East China (6 136 cases), North China (4 821 cases), Central China (3 502 cases), South China (8 371 cases), Northeast China (1 456 cases), Southwest China (2 158 cases) and Northwest China (1 236 cases) were analyzed. By comparing the differences of HDP subtypes and related risk factors in different regions, regional analysis of the risk factors of HDP pregnant women with organ or system impairment was conducted. Results: (1) The proportions of HDP pregnant women with organ or system impairment in Northeast China (79.05%, 1 151/1 456), Central China (68.42%, 2 396/3 502) and Northwest China (69.34%, 857/1 236) were higher than the national average (62.76%, 17 372/27 680); the proportions in North China (59.18%, 2 853/4 821), East China (60.85%, 3 734/6 136) and South China (59.56%, 4 986/8 371) were lower than the national average, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). (2) Univariate analysis showed that the proportions of primiparas, non-Han, non-urban household registration, irregular prenatal examination and PE history in the hypertension with organ or system impairment group were higher than those in the hypertension group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that primiparas, non-Han, non-urban household registration, irregular prenatal examination and PE history were independent risk factors for HDP pregnant women with organ or system impairment (all P<0.05). (3) Primipara: the rates of primipara in Northeast China, North China and Southwest China were higher than the national average level, while those in South China, Central China and Northwest China were lower than the national average level. Non-Han nationality: the rates of non-Han nationality in Northeast China, North China and Northwest China were higher than the national average, while those in East China, South China and Central China were lower than the national average. Non-urban household registration: the rates of non-urban household registration in Northeast China, North China, and Southwest China were lower than the national average, while those in East China, Central China were higher than the national average. Irregular prenatal examination: the rates of irregular prenatal examination in North China, South China and Southwest regions were lower than the national average level, while those in Northeast China, Central China and Northwest China were higher than the national average level. History of PE: the incidence rates of PE in Northeast China, North China, South China and Southwest China were lower than the national average level, while those in Central China and Northwest China were higher than the national average level. Conclusions: Primiparas, non-Han, non-urban household registration, irregular prenatal examination, and PE history are risk factors for HDP pregnant women with organ or system impairment. Patients in Northeast, Central and Northwest China have more risk factors, and are more likely to be accompanied by organ or system function damage. It is important to strengthen the management of pregnant women and reduce the occurrence of HDP.
Humans ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced/diagnosis* ; Retrospective Studies ; Pre-Eclampsia/epidemiology* ; Risk Factors ; Incidence

Objective: To explore the heterogeneity and correlation of clinical phenotypes and genotypes in children with disorders of sex development (DSD). Methods: A retrospective study of 1 235 patients with clinically proposed DSD in 36 pediatric medical institutions across the country from January 2017 to May 2021. After capturing 277 DSD-related candidate genes, second-generation sequencing was performed to analyzed the heterogeneity and correlation combined with clinical phenotypes. Results: Among 1 235 children with clinically proposed DSD, 980 were males and 255 were females of social gender at the time of initial diagnosis with the age ranged from 1 day of age to 17.92 years. A total of 443 children with pathogenic variants were detected through molecular genetic studies, with a positive detection rate of 35.9%. The most common clinical phenotypes were micropenis (455 cases), hypospadias (321 cases), and cryptorchidism (172 cases) and common mutations detected were in SRD5A2 gene (80 cases), AR gene (53 cases) and CYP21A2 gene (44 cases). Among them, the SRD5A2 mutation is the most common in children with simple micropenis and simple hypospadias, while the AMH mutation is the most common in children with simple cryptorchidism. Conclusions: The SRD5A2 mutation is the most common genetic variant in Chinese children with DSD, and micropenis, cryptorchidism, and hypospadias are the most common clinical phenotypes. Molecular diagnosis can provide clues about the biological basis of DSD, and can also guide clinicians to perform specific clinical examinations. Target sequence capture probes and next-generation sequencing technology can provide effective and economical genetic diagnosis for children with DSD.
3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase/genetics* ; Child ; China/epidemiology* ; Cryptorchidism/genetics* ; Disorders of Sex Development/genetics* ; Female ; Genital Diseases, Male ; Genotype ; Humans ; Hypospadias/genetics* ; Male ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Penis/abnormalities* ; Phenotype ; Retrospective Studies ; Steroid 21-Hydroxylase/genetics*