OBJECTIVETo study the influence of different drying methods on the quality of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus and thus provide useful reference for its proper drying methods.

METHODSchisandrae Chinensis Fructus was processed by eight drying methods including vacuum freeze drying, natural drying in the shade, drying in the sun, oven drying and vacuum drying under different temperature. The contents of the functional ingredients includes chisandrin, gomisin D, gomisin J, schisandrol B, angeloylgomisin H, angeloylgomisin Q, gomisin G, schisantherin A, deoxyschisandrin, schisandrin B, schisandrin C, 5-HMF, total aids and total sugars. The main components change after drying were analyzed by HPLC, ultraviolet spectrophotometry and potentiometric titration. Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out by SPSS software to evaluate the quality of different processed products from Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus.

RESULTAll these results are in accordance with the requirements of Chinese Pharmacopoeia published in 2010, the contents of schisandrin and total eleven lignans were the highest using vacuum drying, and 5-HMF were the lower, oven drying made little difference but with lower schisandrin and higher 5-HMF as the heat increased.

CONCLUSIONDifferent drying methods have significant influence on the quality of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus. Oven drying under 5°C should be adopted to substitute drying in the sun according to the China Pharmacopoeia published in 2010 for Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus by comprehensive analysis of the cost, content and practicality.

Desiccation ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Schisandra ; chemistry ; Temperature

OBJECTIVETo establish a multiplex RT-PCR-based reverse dot blot hybridization technique to detect influenza viruses.

METHODSObtain the HA nucleotide sequences of seasonal influenza H1N1, seasonal influenza H3N2, influenza H1N1 and human avian influenza H5N1 from GenBank. Design primers in conservative district and probes t in high variable region respectively, after analyzing the HA nucleotide sequences of influenza virus through the Vector NTI 9.0. Establish and optimize multiple RT-PCR system by comparing amplification efficiency and specificity at different primer concentrations. Establish the reverse dot hybridization system after optimizing the concentration of probes. To compare the sensitivity and specificity of this technique and the general RT-PCR Method through extracting the viral RNA of the mentioned influenza virus which are to be the reference substance.

RESULTSSuccessfully establish a multiplex RT-PCR-based reverse dot blot hybridization technique for detecting influenza viruses. This technique is 100-1000 times more sensitive than gel electrophoresis method, and it has a good specificity.

CONCLUSIONSuccessfully established multiplex RT-PCR-based reverse dot blot hybridization technique for detecting influenza viruses.

Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza, Human ; diagnosis ; virology ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization ; methods ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo summarize the clinical data in preventing HBV recurrence after liver transplantation and explore a optimal individual protocol in prophylaxis of HBV recurrence.

METHODSWe retrospected outcomes in 195 recipients who underwent a liver transplantation for HBV-related liver disease between June 2004 and July 2008. According to the anti-virus protocol these recipients are divided into two groups as following: group A received a protocol of combination treatment of lamivudine with HBIG, and group B with combination treatment of adefovir with HBIG. With mean follow-up of 23.7 months, HBV recurrent rate was observed in overall and each group separately.

RESULTSA total of 195 liver transplant recipients were identified that met the study criteria. At the sixth and eleventh month after operation, HBV recurrence appeared in 2 recipients, each in two groups, which were due to LAM cessation and HBV mutation respectively. Recurrent rate was 0.6% in group A, 3.7% in group B and 1% in total. There was no significant difference in HBV recurrent rate between group A and B.

CONCLUSIONLamivudine combined with HBIg should be considered as a reliable method in preventing HBV recurrence after liver transplantation. Better outcomes can be achieved by individual anti-virus protocol and HBIg administration according to HBV status in recipient.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antibiotic Prophylaxis ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Hepatitis B ; prevention & control ; surgery ; Hepatitis B virus ; drug effects ; physiology ; Humans ; Lamivudine ; therapeutic use ; Liver Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the variation of pelvic radius and related parameters in low-grade isthmic lumbar spondylolisthesis. METHODS: Seventy-four patients with isthmic lumbar spondylolisthesis and 47 controls were included in this study. There were 17 males and 57 females between 30 and 66 years of age, including 30 with grade I slippages and 44 grade II slippages; diseased levels included 34 cases on L4 and 40 cases on L5. Thoracic kyphosis (TK), the pelvic radius (PR), the pelvic angle (PA), pelvic morphology (PR-S1), and total lumbopelvic lordosis (PR-T12) were assessed from radiographs. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found for the PA, PR-T12, and PR-S1 (24.5±6.6°, 83.7±9.8°, and 25.4±11.2°, respectively) of the patients with spondylolisthesis and the healthy volunteers (13.7±7.8°, 92.9±9.2°, and 40.7±8.9°, respectively). The TK/PR-T12 ratios were between 0.15 and 0.75. However, there were no differences in all the parameters between the L4 and L5 spondylolysis subgroups (p>0.05). The TK and PR-S1 of grade II were less than grade I, but the PA was greater. The PR-T12 of female patients were less than male patients, but the PA was greater (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Pelvic morphology differed in patients with low-grade isthmic lumbar spondylolisthesis compared to controls. Gender and the grade of slippage impacted the sagittal configuration of the pelvis, but the segment of the vertebral slip did not. Overall, the spine of those with spondylolisthesis remains able to maintain sagittal balance despite abnormal pelvic morphology.
Animals ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Female ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; Lordosis ; Male ; Pelvis ; Radius* ; Spine ; Spondylolisthesis* ; Spondylolysis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical value of glycosylated G-CSF combined with middle-high dose cyclophosphamide (Cy) or conventional chemotherapy with increased dose of Cy for mobilizing peripheral blood progenitor cells in patients with tumor.

METHODSThirty patients from four hospitals in Beijing region were enrolled in this clinical study. Diagnoses of the patients were non-Hodgkin' lymphoma (n = 21), Hodgkin disease (n = 1), breast cancer (n = 7) and ovary cancer (n = 1). Autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells (APBPC) were mobilized by middle-high dose Cy or conventional chemotherapy with increased dose of Cy combined with G-CSF. G-CSF was given subcutaneously from the nadir of the white blood cell (WBC) count to the end of PBPC collection. The dosage of G-CSF was 250 microg/d in 29 patients and 500 microg/d in 1 patient. When WBC count was > 5 x 10(9)/L, APBPC were harvested with CS 3000 plus/COBE Spectra.

RESULTSThe average dosage of Cy was 3.95 g (2.3 g/m(2)). The doses of G-CSF were 3.1 approximately 6.4 microg x kg(-1) x d(-1). Thirteen patients (43%) were collected twice, 14 patients (47%) three times and 3 patients (10%) four times. All of the patients could tolerate the treatment regimens. Seven patients had bone pain after G-CSF injection and one was severe, one patient had headache and one had nausea and vomiting.

CONCLUSION250 microg glycosylated G-CSF combined with middle-high Cy or conventional chemotherapy with increased dose of Cy combined G-CSF is an optimal method for APBPC mobilization in tumor patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Antigens, CD34 ; analysis ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Colony-Forming Units Assay ; Cyclophosphamide ; administration & dosage ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; administration & dosage ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization ; Humans ; Leukocyte Count ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; cytology ; drug effects ; immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms ; blood ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Platelet Count ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo analyze the prognostic factors in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODSFifty-eight patients with stage I NSCLC treated from 1991 to 1995 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical features, histopathology and prognostic factors were analyzed by SPSS10.0 statistic software. The expression of c-myc, MDM2, c-erbB-2, EGFR, p53, p14(ARF), p16(INK4), p21(WAF1) and nm23 was detected by immunohistochemical assay. The overall survival rate, local-regional control rate and distant metastasis rate were observed.

RESULTSThe overall survival rate, local-regional recurrent rate and distant metastasis rate were 71.1%, 11.1% and 33.5%, respectively. In univariate analysis, tumor cell differentiation was an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.028); overexpression of c-myc or c-erbB-2 had significantly poor overall survival and high distant metastasis rate (P < 0.05). The total oncogene immunoreactive score (IRS) and comprehensive IRS were associated with poor overall survival. In multivariate analysis, tumor cell differentiation and comprehensive IRS were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Among the high-risk group of patients, those who had received chemotherapy seemed to have a higher overall survival rate and a lower distant metastasis rate in this study, but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONFor stage I NSCLC patients, tumor cell differentiation and comprehensive IRS are independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Adjuvant chemotherapy might somehow improve the survival for the patients with high-risk factors.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; Cell Differentiation ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Oncogenes ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of GST-pi and Topo II-alpha, and their relationships with clinicopathological parameters in colorectal carcinoma.

METHODSThe expression of GST-pi and Topo II-alpha were detected by avidin-biotin-peroxide complex (ABC) method in tumor specimens, matched paratumor tissues from 60 cases with colorectal carcinoma and normal colonic tissues from 15 cases.

RESULTSThe expression rates of GST-pi and Topo II-alpha were 90.0% and 86.7% respectively in tumor tissues, significantly higher than those in matched paratumor tissues and normal tissues (P< 0.01). The expressions of GST-pi and Topo II-alpha were associated with cellular differentiation, Dukes stage and lymph node metastasis (all P< 0.01), but not with tumor size and histological type (all P > 0.05). The expression level of GST-pi was significantly higher in poorly differentiated tumors than that in well differentiated tumors. The expression level of Topo II-alpha in well-differentiated tumors were stronger than that in poorly differentiated tumors.

CONCLUSIONSThe detection of GST-pi and Topo II-alpha expressions may be helpful to judge the malignant behavior, metastasis and prognosis in human colorectal carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antigens, Neoplasm ; metabolism ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; DNA Topoisomerases, Type II ; metabolism ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Female ; Glutathione S-Transferase pi ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging

The effects of acute cooling/rewarming on cardiac K(+) currents and membrane potential were investigated. Membrane potential and current were assessed with whole-cell patch-clamp technique in current- and voltage-clamp modes. When the temperature of bath solution was decreased from 25 °C; to 4 °C, the transient outward current (I(to)) was completely abolished, the sustained outward K(+) current (I(ss)) at +60 mV and the inward rectifier K(+) current (I(K1)) at -120 mV were depressed by (48.5±14.1)% and (35.7±18.2)%, respectively, and the membrane potential became more positive. After the temperature of bath solution was raised from 4 °C; to 36 °C;, the membrane potential exhibited a transient hyperpolarization and then was maintained at a stable level. In some myocytes (36 out of 58), activation of the ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels after rewarming was observed. The rewarming-induced change in the membrane potential was inhibited by the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibitor ouabain (100 μmol/L), and the rewarming-elicited activation of K(ATP) channels was inhibited by the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 (100 μmol/L). Moreover, decrease of the temperature from 25 °C; to 4 °C; did not induce any significant change in cell volume when the cell membrane potential was clamped at 0 mV. However, significant cell shrinkage with spots was observed soon after rewarming-induced activation of K(ATP) channels. These data demonstrate that acute cooling/rewarming has a profound influence on the membrane potential and K(+) currents of ventricular myocytes, and suggest that activation of K(ATP) channels may play a role in cardiac cooling/rewarming injury.
Animals ; Cold Temperature ; Isoquinolines ; pharmacology ; KATP Channels ; metabolism ; Membrane Potentials ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; physiology ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Rats ; Rewarming ; Sulfonamides ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of long-term exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) from automobile exhaust on the reproductive function of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats.

METHODSForty-five male SD rats, weighing 80 - 94 g and aged 28 days, were randomly assigned to receive intra-tracheal administration of 0.9% normal saline (control group, n = 15), PM2. 5 at 2 μg per 100 g body weight per day (low-dose PM2.5 group, n = 15), and PM2.5 at 16 μg per 100 g body weight per day (high-dose PM2.5 group, n = 15), qd, for 60 successive days. After the last 24-hour exposure, 10 rats were taken from each group for copulation with normal female ones, while the others were sacrificed, their testes removed for sperm count and deformity, pathological examination, and determination of the Connexin43 expression.

RESULTSThe conception rate was significantly decreased in the low- and high-dose PM2.5 groups as compared with that of the control (70% and 50% vs 100%), and so were the sperm count and quality. The rats in the PM2.5-exposed groups showed significantly disordered histological structure of the seminiferous tubules, reduced sperm count in the testicular lumen, some exfoliated secondary spermatocytes, downregulated Connexin43 expression in the testis, and damaged blood-testis barrier.

CONCLUSIONLong-term exposure to PM2.5 from automobile exhaust damages the reproductive function of male SD rats.

Animals ; Blood-Testis Barrier ; Body Weight ; Connexin 43 ; metabolism ; Down-Regulation ; Fertilization ; Male ; Particulate Matter ; toxicity ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reproduction ; Seminiferous Tubules ; Sperm Count ; Spermatocytes ; Testis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Vehicle Emissions ; toxicity

Objective To evaluate the long-term efficacy of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) and the durability of the home-made self-expanding pulmonary valve (Venus-P).Methods From May,2013 to Nov.,2015,14 patients who underwent percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation at Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University and received at least 1 year follow-up were enrolled,including 3 males and 11 females,with an average age of (35.8 ± 7.8) years.All patients with tetralogy of Fallot received radical resection and developed severe pulmonary regurgitation.The longterm mortality,the operation related complications,the short term and long-term effect of PPVI,as well as the durability and effect of the self-expanding pulmonary valve were evaluated in the 14 patients.Results Over an average follow-up period of (2.3 ± 0.8) years (1.0-3.5 years),only 1 patient died (6.7 ％).During the follow-up,no deterioration,infective endocarditis,malignant arrhythmia and other serious complications was observed,and nobody needed reoperation.There was no valve displacement,valve stent fracture,obvious circumferential leakage and pulmonary regurgitation.After PPVI,an acute improvement in pulmonary artery diastolic pressure was observed [(4.93 ± 3.37) mmHg vs.(11.47 ± 4.61) mmHg,P＜0.05].Six month postoperatively,right ventricular end diastolic volume measured by cardiac nuclear magnetic resonance was significantly reduced [(139.29± 18.21)mL/m2 vs.(83.03 ± 20.0) mL/m2,P＜0.05].At 1 year follow up,the across valve pressure difference were (20.85 ± 4.45) mmHg calculated by the echocardiography,and the NYHA cardiac function (Ⅰ-Ⅲ:4 cases;Ⅰ-Ⅱ:10 cases) was improved 1-2 degree and the distance of 6-minute walk test were significantly increased [(475.00 ± 55.06) m vs.(594.23 ± 194.51) m,P＜0.05].Meanwhile,the QRS duration decreased was also observed.The changes of the QRS duration have statistical significance after 1 and 3 months of the PPVI when compared with the baseline [(169.93 ± 21.34) ms vs.(159.87 ± 24.4) ms or (160.00 ± 27.0 ms,P＜0.05].Conclusions PPVI using home-made self-expanding pulmonary valve (Venus-P) for chronic pulmonary regurgitation has good long-term efficacy and low complication rate,and the valve is durable.