OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanism of natural moxibustion on regulating immune imbalance in asthma rats.

METHODSSeventy SD male rats were divided into a normal group, a placebo group, a dexamethasone group, a big-cake for long-course moxibustion group, a big-cake for short-course moxibustion group, a small-cake for long-course moxibustion group and a small-cake for short-course moxibustion group, ten rats in each one. The rat model of asthma was established by egg albumen sensitization and stimulation in all the groups except the normal group. The natural moxibustion was used in all moxibustion groups, in which big cake of 1 cmX 1 cm size was used in the big-cake groups and small cake of 0.5 cmX 0. 5 cm size was used in the small cake groups. According to relevant acupoints, the natural moxibustion was performed, 5 h per time, once a day. Four times of treatment was considered one course, and three courses were required in the long-course groups and one course was required in the short-course groups. Intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone was applied in the dexamethasone group, which had the same course as long-course moxibustion group. After the treatment, changes of EOS in peripheral blood of asthma rats were observed; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to test the contents of IgE, IL-4 and IFN-gamma in the lung tissue; real-time Q-PCR method was adopted to measure the expression level of transcription factor T-bet and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3) in the lung tissue.

RESULTSCompared with the normal group, the EOS in whole blood as well as IL-4 and IgE in plasma were all increased in the placebo group (all P< 0. 01), IFN-gamma in plasma was obviously decreased (P<0. 01); while the levels of EOS, IgE and IL-4 were significantly reduced (all P<0. 01), the content of IFN-gamma was increased (P<0. 01) in all moxibustion groups and dexametnasone group. Compared with the normal group, the expression of T-bet mRNA in the placebo group was significantly reduced (P<0. 01). Each treatment group could significantly increase the expression of T-bet mRNA and reduce that of GATA-3 mRNA (P<0. 01). Compared with the short-course moxibustion groups, the expression of T-bet mRNA was obviously increased in the long-course moxibustion group and dexamethasone group (both P<0.01), and that of GATA-3 mRNA was reduced (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between long-course moxibustion group and dexamethasone group (P> 0. 05), and also no significant difference could be seen between big-cake moxibustion group and small-cake moxibustion group (P>0. 05).

CONCLUSIONThe natural moxibustion could obviously reduce airway inflammation in asthma rats. With time passing, the efficacy is enhanced, indicating evident timeliness, which has no apparent relationship with the size of moxibustion cake.

Animals ; Asthma ; genetics ; metabolism ; therapy ; Cytokines ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Moxibustion ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To explore the value of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy(SRS) in evaluating the immune activity of orbital inflammatory pseudotumor associated with systemic vasculitis.Methods Twenty-five patients with orbital inflammatory pseudotumor associated with systemic vasculitis (10 males,15 females,average age:(51.2± 14.2) years) underwent SRS.The uptake ratio (UR) of orbital inflammatory pseudotumor was obtained.(1) Patients were divided into group A (with immune activity) and group B (without immune activity) according to Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS).The difference of UR between the 2 groups was compared by two-sample t test.The difference of UR before and after treatment in 12 patients was also compared.(2) Based on the results by BVAS,ROC curve was used to obtain the cut-off value of UR,as well as the diagnostic efficiency and Youden index.The consistency between SRS and BVAS was calculated.(3)Patients were divided into two groups according to the cut-off value of UR and the prognosis difference between them was compared by Fisher exact test.(4)The expression of SSTR2 and SSTR5 was observed by immunohistochemistry.Results (1) UR in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (2.09±0.44 vs 1.32±0.46,t =5.94,P＜0.01).After glucocorticoids treatment,the UR in group A reduced significantly (t=4.07,P＜0.01),but not in group B (t=1.76,P＞0.05).(2)ROC curve analysis identified UR cut-off value as 1.66,with the sensitivity of 87.5％,specificity of 95.7％,positive predictive value of 95.2％,negative predictive value of 88.0％,accuracy of 91.3％ and Youden index of 83.2％.The consistency between SRS and BVAS was strong (Kappa =0.840).(3) The prognosis was significantly different between patients with UR≥ 1.66 and UR＜1.66 (P＜0.05).(4) The immunohistochemical results revealed high expression of SSTR2 and SSTR5 in inflammatory cells in patients with immune activity.Conclusion SRS has potential value in evaluating the immune activity of orbital inflammatory pseudotumor associated with systemic vasculitis.

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of terminating biochemical pregnancy (the stage in which intrauterine or ectopic pregnancy cannot be confirmed) with mifepristone and misoprostol. Methods Mifepristone (150 mg) combined with misoprostol (600 ?g) 3 days later were given to 500 biochemical pregnancies (G_1),500 early clinical pregnancies (G_2) and 500 clinical pregnancies (G_3) which were classified according to amenorrhea days,serum human chorionic gonadotropin-beta subunit (?- hCG) and vaginal B-ultrasonic examinations.All were observed for 6 hours after taking misoprostol and returned for assessment per week.Results Expulsion of conceptus was G_1 123 (24.6%,123/500),G_2 438 (87.6%,438/500) and G_3 467 (93.4%,467/500).Failure rate was G_1 6 (1.2%,6/500),G_2 24 (4.8%,24/500) and G_3 79 (15.8%,79/500) for ongoing pregnancies,hospitalizations for suspected ectopic pregnancies and surgical intervention for heavy or long-time bleeding.Bleeding cases during the administration of mifepristone were G_1 272 (54.4%,272/500),G_2 141 (28.2%,141/500) and G_3 87 (17.4%,87/500);the mean bleeding days were G_1 (5.8?1.5),G_2 (9.0?2.9) and G_3 (14.3?5.9) days.Other side effects including abdominal pain,nausea,vomiting and diarrhea were low and light in each group,increasing with advancing gestational age.Menses recovery was 486 (97.2%,486/500),452 (90.4%,452/500) and 433 (86.6%,433/500) for each group on scheduled time.Satisfaction was 499 (99.8%,499/500),485 (97.0%,485/500) and 369 (73.8%,369/500) respectively.Conclusion Mifepristone and misoprostol in combination is as safe,and effective for termination of biochemical pregnancies as ordinary medical abortion.It does not need to wait till ectopie pregnancy is excluded.

Objective To discuss the effective measures for skin allergy caused by hyaline mem-brane after deep venous catheterization. Methods Patients (102 eases) were divided into the control group(50 cases) and the test group(52 cases).3M hyaline membrane was patched on the skin directly to fix the catheter after successful puncture in the control group.While in the test group 3M hyaline membrane was patched on the skin after 3M painless protective membrane was sprayed on the skin. Results The incidence of skin allergy in the test group was lower than that of the control group. Conclusions Spray of 3M painless protective membrane before usage of hyaline membrane to fix the catheter could prevent the incidence of skin allergy after deep venous catheterization.

Objective To learn the applications and patient experience of mobile payment technology as used in the hospital outpatient service.Methods 342 outpatients using mobile technology (APP)were chosen from the hospital information system for survey,and 300 outpatients registering in the conventional process were chosen as a control.Data of the doctor-seeing experiences of the two groups were analyzed statistically.Results Waiting queue reminder function is found with the highest patient usage among the three officially launched APPs,accounting for 83.6%.The appointment and cellphone payment functions exert the greatest impact on patient experience,boasting a patient satisfaction of 90%. All these functions can save totally one hour for an outpatient.Conclusions The mobile payment technology can significantly reduce outpatient waiting time,and improve outpatient experiences.Such technology therefore needs more promotions and connection with medical insurance system for the sake of outpatients.

Objective To explore the role of parecoxib in protection of learning and memory ablility in rats with global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a sham group (S group), a ischemia/reperfusion group (I/R group), and a ischemia/reperfusion with parecoxib group (I/R+PA group). Global cerebral ischemia was induced by Pulsinelli 4-vessel occlusion. 72 h after reperfusion, Morris water maze was used to assess spatial learning and memory ability for consecutive five days. The histological changes in the hippocampus were detected by Nissl staining. Results As compared with the I/R group, rats in S guoup and I/R+PA group had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.05), and had significantly longer dwelling time in the former platform quadrant and more frequent cross-platform movement in the Morris water maze test. Conclusions Parecoxib plays a role in protection of learning and memory ability in rats with global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of aqueous extract of Taxus chinensis var. mairei (AETC) combined Erlotnib on the growth of A549 xenograft in nude mice and its mechanism.

METHODSThe xenograft model in nude mice was established by inoculating A549 cells subcutaneously. BALB/c nude mice bearing A549 xenograft were randomly divided into six groups, i.e., the low dose Erlotinib group (A) , the standard dose Erlotnib group (B) , the low dose Erlotinib combined AETC group (C), the standard dose Erlotnib combined AETC group (D), the AETC group (E), the control group (F), 12 in each group. Different medication was performed for 7 successive weeks after 24 h. One mL blood was withdrawn and tumor tissues taken. The tumor inhibition rate was calculated. The combined effect was analyzed by Jin's Formula [Q = Ea + b/(Ea + Eb-Ea x Eb) ]. mRNA and protein expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in xenografts were detected using real-time RT-PCR and ELISA.

RESULTSCompared with Group F, the xenograft weight was obviously lowered in Group B-E (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The q value was 0.92 in Group C and 0.96 in Group D, which was obtained by simple adding of the two drugs. Compared with Group F, EG- FR mRNA expression in Group D and E, COX-2 mRNA expression in Group A-E; Bcl-2 mRNA expression in Group B-D; COX-2 protein expression in Group B-E; Bcl-2 protein expression in Group C and D were obviously lowered with statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSAETC combined low dose and standard dose Erlotinib had synergistic effect on tumor inhibition. Its mechanism might be associated with down-regulating mRNA and protein expression levels of COX-2 and Bcl-2.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Erlotinib Hydrochloride ; pharmacology ; Heterografts ; Lung Neoplasms ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Taxus ; Transplantation, Heterologous

Objectives To evaluate the influence of cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB) to the endothelial function and lipid oxidative status of the Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) patients. Methods Thirty-five coronary patients (female 5 cases, male 30 cases, mean age 59.5±8. 6 years) who needed CABG operation therapy were included. The control group consisted of 20 health volunteers (female 5 cases, male 15 cases, mean age 49. 5 ± 7.3 years).Blood samples were taken at preoperative, 3 and 7 days postoperative. Serum von Willebrand factor (vWF) level, one of the endothelial dysfunction markers,and oxidized low density lipid (OxLDL) level, one of the lipid oxidization status markers were detected with ELISA kits. Results The levels of vWF and OxLDL in CABG patients' serum were elevated significantly compared with those of control group ( 139.60% ± 34. 39% vs 82. 79% ±13. 89% and 63. 7 ±18. 9U/ml vs 25.4± 15.2U/ml respectively). Three and 7 days after CABG significant increases in the vWF level (194. 30% ±37. 74%; 181.07% ±31.05%vs 139.60% ±34.39% at baseline, P＜0. 0001, respectively) and OxLDL level (79. 3±26. 7U/ml; 72.4±23.1U/ml vs 63.7±18. 9U/ml at baseline, P＜0. 01, respectively) were detected. Conclusion Compared with normal people, the endothelial system of CABG patients is impaired, and their lipids are in a more oxidative status. CABG procedure with CPB can further deteriorate the conditions, which may imply that the patients are predisposed to acute coronary accident shortly are the procedure.

AIMTo study the protective effect of sodium oxybate (SO) against focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats, and the relationship between the effects of SO and ?-aminobutyric acid (GABA). METHODSThe reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)model in rats was established to investigate the role of SO. The scores of neurological deficits was detected by Longa EZ method in MCAO rats. The extracellular levels of glutamate (Glu) and GABA in CSF were measured by high performance liquid chromatography-fluorometer (HPLC-FR) method, and the weight of cerebral infraction was detected. RESULTSThe scores of neurological deficits and the weight of cerebral infraction markedly decreased by SO while the ratio of GABA/Glu obviously increased administered SO in MCAO rats. CONCLUSIONSSO could prevent MCAO rats from ischemia-reperfusion injury, the protective effect is related to SO keeping dynamic balance of excition-inhibition, and persisting inhibition-depended effect.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between the protective effect of sodium oxybate on neuronal damage induced by hypoxia reoxygenation and GABA A receptor in primary cultured rat cortical neurons. METHODS: The primary cultured rat cortical neurons were used to make the hypoxia reoxygenation damage model. The morphology of cell was observed. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) effluxed into the media as an indicator of neuronal injury was detected after 6 h of the reoxygenation injuries. The malonyldialdehyde (MDA) contents, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities were determined at the same time. RESULTS: The hypoxia reoxygenation caused neuronal swelling and widespread neuronal degeneration, increased LDH efflux and MDA contents, and decreased SOD and GPX activities. Sodium oxybate assuaged neuron damage, decreased LDH efflux and MDA contents (P