OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of Fu'an Liquid (FAL) for retention enema in treating gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction of children with critical illness.

METHODSEighty-nine patients were randomly divided into two groups, 52 in the treated group and 37 in the control group. Conventional therapy of western medicine was given to both groups and to the treated group FAL was given additionally. Plasma endothelin (ET) level was measured during admission, GI dysfunction occurrence and after treatment, and the therapeutic effect as well as the recovery of GI condition were observed.

RESULTSThe total effective rate of FAL in treating GI dysfunction was 84.62%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (62.17%) (P < 0.05). In the treated group, 34 cases were treated successfully, 16 died and the other 2 abandoned, the mortality rate being 30.77%, while in the control group, the corresponding numbers were 16, 18, 3 and 48.65%. The mortality rate in the treated group was lower than that in the control group (chi 2 = 4.64, P < 0.05). Level of ET in both groups was higher than normal range during admission (P < 0.01), it further increased when GI dysfunction occurred (P < 0.01), and decreased when successfully treated, the decrease was quicker in the treated group than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIn children with critical illness, ET level would increase when the patient was complicated with GI dysfunction. FAL for retention enema could reduce the ET level effectively, promote the recovery of patients from GI dysfunction, so as to play a definite role in enhancing the successful rate of rescue.

Administration, Rectal ; Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Critical Care ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Multiple Organ Failure ; complications ; drug therapy ; Phytotherapy ; Pneumonia ; complications ; Rheum ; Shock, Septic ; complications

Objective To establish a RP-HPLC method for determining indigo and indirubin in Baphicacanthus cusia from different producing areas and medicinal parts. Methods The separation was achieved by an Agilent TC-C18 Column (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm) at 25 ℃ using methanol-water (75??25) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL??min-1.The detection wavelength was 290 nm. Results Indigo had a good linear relationship with peak area at range of 0. 051 3-0.820 8 μg (r=0.999 3).The recovery rate was 99.00% and RSD was 1.30% (n=6).Indirubin had a good linear relationship with peak area at range of 0.049 5-0.792 0 μg (r=0.999 9).The recovery rate was 98.88% and RSD was 1.51% (n=6). Conclusion The contents of the two components are obviously different in Baphicacanthus cusia because of different places or medicinal parts. The proposed method is simple, rapid and reliable. This method for determination of indigo and indirubin in Baphicacanthus cusia by RP-HPLC provides a basis for quality control of Baphicacanthus cusia.

Objective: To study common problems in BRAF gene mutation detection, and conditions for repetition testing using thyroid fine needle aspiration specimens. Methods: A total of 8 644 cases of thyroid fine-needle aspiration specimens at China-Japan Friendship Hospital were collected between February, 2012 and July, 2018. BRAF gene mutation was detected by real-time PCR. Repeat testing was performed in 237 cases when the results were inconsistent with clinical or cytological diagnosis or when uncertain results were obtained. Results: The final positive rates of BRAF mutation was 22.0% (1 897/8 625). Nineteen cases were excluded due to inadequate DNA samples. The average Ct value of internal quality control was 16.061, and the average Ct value of the positive samples was 19.147. Among 237 repeat tests, 51.4% (19/37) continued to have poor DNA quality and 48.6% (18/37) had adequate DNA resulting in 1 positive case and 17 negative cases. In 40 repetition of initial negative cases, results were unchanged. In initial positive cases, 40.4% (40/99) with a difference of Ct value (between BRAF gene and internal quality control) between 8 to 12 turned negative after repetition, 69.8% (37/53) of these cases with a difference of more than 12 turned negative after repetition. The sensitivity and specificity of BRAF mutation were 83.97% and 96.94%, respectively. Conclusions Difference between BRAF gene Ct value and internal quality control Ct value is recommended as a reliability index for the test result. Cases with a difference greater than 8 should be subjected to repeat testing.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical effects and prevent the complications of posterior and anterior decompression and internal fixation in the revision of cervical anterior internal fixation failure.

METHODSFrom 2008 January to 2011 December, 17 patients with cervical anterior internal fixation failure were treated with posterior and anterior decompression and internal fixation. There were 12 males and 5 females, aged from 26 to 68 years old with an average of 44.1 years. The lower screw loosening was found in 6 cases, the upper screw loosening in 5 cases, titanium mesh caving in 3 cases, the upper screw breakage in 2 cases, the lower screw breakage in 1 case. Informations of bone fusion were observed by X-ray, CT, MRI. Clinical effects were evaluated by modified JOA score.

RESULTSAll the revision operations were successfully completed. One case with poor blood coagulation function before operation resulted in postoperative hematoma and occurred neurological symptoms; after hematoma removal and fresh frozen plasma infusion later, neurological symptoms of the patient disappeared. All patients were followed up from 6 to 38 months with an average of (22.4±10.0) months. Postoperative at 2 weeks, 3 months, and final follow-up, JOA score had obviously improved and respectively was 13.1±1.6, 13.4±1.6, 14.2±1.5. All internal fixation locations were good after revision,and obtained bone fusion at 10 months after operation, with an average fusion time of 6 months.

CONCLUSIONThe combined posterior and anterior decompression and internal fixation in the revision of cervical anterior internal fixation failure is safe, can achieve thoroughly decompression, maintain the cervical curvature, reconstruct the three column stability, and it may be used for the patients of cervical anterior fixation failure.

Adult ; Aged ; Cervical Vertebrae ; surgery ; Decompression, Surgical ; methods ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

Objective To construct a new conditionally replicative adenovirus (CRAds) targeting carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) positive colorectal cancer cells. Methods The DNA fragment of the CEA gene promoter was amplified through PCR and cloned into the vector carrying fusion reporter gene EGFP-Luc to construct expression plasmid pCEA-EGFPLuc. The constructed plasmid pCEA-EGFPLuc was transfected into CEA positive and negative cells by liposome. The activity of CEA gene promoter was evaluated by detecting the expression of EGFP and luciferase activity. The conditionally replicative adenovirus Ad.CEA-E1A/CMV-TK carrying suicide gene HSVtk was constructed, in which the E1A gene was controlled under CEA promoter. CEA positive(Lovo and SW620)and negative tumor cells(HeLa) were infected with Ad.CEA-E1A/ CMV-TK. The selective cytotoxicity of Ad.CEA-E1A/CMV-TK and the synergistic effect of the virus with GCV in CEA positive tumor cells were evaluated by the expression of E1A, cytopathic effect and cell survival rate. Results CEA promoter possesses a good specificity as well as high activity. The expression of E1A only presented in CEA positive tumor cells. After infection with Ad. CEA-E1A/CMV-TK, the cell survival rates of Lovo and SW620 were (36.72±2.49)% and (39.82±4.76)%, respectively, significantly lower than that of Hela[(87.44±2.76)%1 (P<0.01). When combined with GCV, Ad.CEA-E1A/CMV-TK had better oncolytic effect on Lovo and SW620 cells, with cell survival rates of (17.26±3.65) % and (23.93±5.40) %, respectively, significantly lower than those without GCV[(36.72±2.49) % and (39.82±4.76) %, respectively] (P<0.01). Conclusion Ad. CEA-E1A/CMV-TK under the control of CEA promoter has selective cytotoxic effect on CEA positive colorectal cancer cells, and the effect can be enhanced when combined with GCV.

Objective To investigate the factors associated with the occurrence of pulmonary complication in patients with cervical spine fiactures and concurrent cervical cord injury in Wenchuan earthquake. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted among the 9 patients with cervical spine fractures and cervical cord injuries treated in our department between May 12 to August 6, 2008. Results All the patients received surgical treatment for cervical spine fractures and cervical cord injuries. Six of the patients developed pulmonary complications 5 days after the injury, including 3 patients with pneumonia, 2 with ventilation disorder, and 1 with lung edema and hemopnenmothorax. Aggressive respiratory management was administered in these patients, and the pulmonary complications were effectively controlled. Conclusion Patients with cervical spine fractures and concurrent cervical cord injury often experience severe pulmonary complications during the acute phase (<5 days), which can be more likely in patients with high level injury, chest trauma, old age, preexisting pulmonary illnesses or smoking history. Early detection of the complications results in better therapeutic effect with conservative therapy.

The output and agronomic characters of 3-year-old Panax notoginseng cultured under stereo structure (upper, middle and down layers) were investigated, and the annual change of N, P and K of its planting soil were also studied. Results showed that, compared with field cultured Panax notoginseng, growth vigour and output of stereo-cultivation were significantly lower. But the total production of the 3 layers was 1.6 times of field. The growth vigor and production of P. notoginseng was in the order of upper layer > middle layer > down layer. The content of ginsenoside in rhizome, root tuber and hair root of P. notoginseng was in the order of upper layer > field > middle layer > down layer. Organic matter content and pH of stereo-cultivation soil decreased with the prolonging of planting time, which with the same trend of yield. Organic matter content of stereo-cultivation soil was significantly higher than field, but the pH was significantly lower. Contents of total and available N, P and K in stereo-cultivation soil and field decreased with the prolonging of planting time. The content of N and P were in the order of upper layer > middle layer > yield > down layer, the content of K was in the order of upper layer > middle layer > down layer > yield. Compared with field, the proportion of N and P in the organ of underground (rhizome, root tuber and hair root) of upper layer were increased, while decreased in middle and down layers. Proportion of K in underground decreased significantly of the 3 layers. In conclusion, the agronomic characters and production of stereo-cultivation were significantly lower than that of yield. But the total production of the 3 layers were significantly higher than field of unit area. And the aim of improving land utilization efficiency was achieved. Nutritions in the soil of stereo-cultivation were enough to support the development of P. notoginseng, which was not the cause of weak growth and low production. The absorbing ability of P. notoginseng to N, P and K nutrients was decreased by stereo-cultivation mode. So, improve the growth vigour of P. notoginseng from the perspective of adjusting the stereo-cultivation mode so as to improve the nutrient absorption capacity is the future direction.
Food ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Nitrogen ; analysis ; Panax notoginseng ; growth & development ; Phosphorus ; analysis ; Potassium ; analysis ; Soil ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of emodin on apoptosis induction and proliferation inhibition in human apoptosis and on c-myc protein and mRNA expression in human myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60 cells.

METHODSHL-60 cells were exposed to emodin at different dosages. Growth inhibition was detected by MTT assay and colony formation assay, and cell apoptosis by flow cytometry, TUNEL labeling method, DNA fragmentation and MitoCapture apoptosis detection. The expression of c-myc was detected by RT-PCR and Western-blot.

RESULTSEmodin remarkably inhibited the cell proliferation, with an IC(50) value of 20 micromol/L. HL-60 cells apoptosis could be efficiently induced by emodin in a dose dependent manner. The c-myc protein and mRNA expressions on HL-60 cells were decreased after emodin treatment.

CONCLUSIONEmodin could efficiently induce growth inhibition and apoptosis in HL-60 cells. c-myc may be involved in this process.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Emodin ; pharmacology ; HL-60 Cells ; drug effects ; Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo establish a RP-HPLC method for the determination of swertiamarin, sweroside, gentiopicrin and oleanolic acid in different parts of Swertia pseudochinesis.

METHODA Zorbax SB-C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) column was used with acetonitrile-water (10:90) and methnol-water(86:14) at detection wavelengths of 238 nm, 246 nm, 274 nm and 207 nm for swertiamarin, sweroside, gentiopicrin and oleanolic acid respectively. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1) and the column temperature was 25 degrees C.

RESULTAll of the compounds were based--isolated. The linear ranges of swertiamarin, sweroside, gentiopicrin and oleanolic acid were 0.068 9-0.344 4(r = 0.999 2) , 0.001 1-0.014 0 (r2 = 0. 999 8), 0.001 1-0.013 4 (r2 = 0.999 9) and 0.001 1-0.008 8 mg x mL(-1) (r2 = 0. 999 6), respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe method is simple and accurate, which can be used for quality control of S. pseudochinesis.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Flowers ; chemistry ; Glucosides ; analysis ; Iridoid Glucosides ; Iridoids ; analysis ; Oleanolic Acid ; analysis ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Pyrones ; analysis ; Reproducibility of Results ; Swertia ; chemistry ; Triterpenes ; analysis

Objective To establish a real time PCR assay with a novel fluorescence quencher for identification of mutation of clarithromycin -resistance gene of Helicobacter pylori.Methods Two mutations of 23S rDNA gene in Helicobacter pylori,No.2142 and 2143,were chosen as targets for detection,and then the primers and the probe with a novel fluorescence quencher were designed.The genome DNA of Helicobacter pylori was extracted,and then detected by real time PCR reported here.Meanwhile,the specificity,reproducibility and sensitivity of the assay were evaluated.Finally,the real time PCR described here,the real time PCR based on TaqMan,and a sequencing assay were applied to detect 55 Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from clinical specimens,respectively.The results from three assays were compared with each other in order to further evaluate the applicability of this assay in clinic.Results It indicated that the mutation points related to clarithromycin -resistance,A2142G and A2143G,were identified by real time PCR with a novel fluorescence quencher rapidly and accurately.Moreover the coefficient of variation was less than 5%.The limit of detection was 100 copies/reaction.While this assay was applied directly to detect 55 Helicobacter pylori strains,the results were in accordance with those obtained from a TaqMan real time PCR and a sequencing assay,respectively.Conclusion The real time PCR described here was a simple,reliable and accurate approach and substituted for the TaqMan real time PCR for identification of two mutation points of clarithromycin -resistance,A2142G and A2143G in Helicobacter pylori.Thus,a novel tool for diagnosis of gene mutation was provided and the results might be regarded as a substantial evidence for clinical individual therapy.