OBJECTIVETo explore the efficacy and safety of Jieyu Anshen Decoction (JAD) combined with aripiprazole in treating chronic schizophrenia.

METHODSAll 100 patients with chronic schizophrenia diagnosed according to CCMD-3 criteria were equally randomly assigned to the study group (treated with JAD combined with aripiprazole) and the control group (treated with aripiprazole alone) for 12 weeks. The efficacy and safety were evaluated by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Treatment Emergent Side Effect Scale (TESS).

RESULTSAfter 12 weeks of treatment, the clinical efficacy in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group, the PANSS score in the study group was significantly decreased with a higher speed and range of decreasing, becoming lower than that in the control group at the same period. But the difference between the two groups in scores of TESS at corresponding times showed no significance.

CONCLUSIONJAD combined with aripiprazole has definite effect in treating chronic schizophrenia, shows advantages of quickly initiating effect, high safety and with no harm for increasing adverse reactions, so it is better than using aripiprazole alone.

Adult ; Antipsychotic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Aripiprazole ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Piperazines ; therapeutic use ; Quinolones ; therapeutic use ; Schizophrenia ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To establish the normal parameters of psychometric measures such as the number connection tests A(NCT-A)and digit symbol tests(DST)in assessment of minimal hepatic en- cephalopathy(MHE).Methods One hundred and sixty healthy volunteers(aged 25 to 64 years;educa- tional level＞9 years)were divided into＜35 ys,35～44 ys,45～54 ys and 55～64 ys groups.All of the healthy volunteers were assessed with NCT-A and DST to establish the normal value of age-related parameters,which can be used for diagnosis of MHE in patients with liver cirrhosis.Two standard devi- ation of the normal mean was used as a diagnostic criterion for MHE.One hundred and six cirrhotic patients were assessed with these parameters.Results The parameters of NCT-A were(25.1?4.6) sec in＜35 ys group,(32.1?6.8) sec in 35～44 ys group,(38.6?7.1)sec in 45～54 ys group or (49.3?6.3)sec in 55～64 ys group.The scores of DST were 49.9?4.7 in＜35 ys group,44.6?4.8 in 35～44 ys group,38.5?5.0 in 45～54 ys group or 35.4?4.7 in 55～64 ys group.Thirty one out of 106 cirrhotic patients were diagnosed as MHE based on these parameters.Conclusion The NCT- A and DST are psychometric assessments for diagnosis of MHE.Age-based normal paramerters of NCT- A and DST are needed to be established.

The complex field cure instrument is a new medical instrument with which an experiment was carried out. Rats were continuously irradiated by the complex field for 90 days, with a day's total dose of 285.9 M.T.G. while other rats weren't irradiated for control group. The animals were respectively killed at 7d, 14d, 30d, 60d and 90d, and their blood samples were taken for cell and humoral immune analysis. The results show that values of lymphocyte transform rate, soluble receptor (SIL-2R), total hemolytic complement levels (CH50) and immunoglobulin (A.G.) after irradiation are more than those of the control group having proved that the instrument may improve immune function of rats.
Animals ; Female ; Immunoglobulin A ; blood ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Immunoglobulins ; blood ; Lymphocyte Activation ; Lymphocyte Count ; Male ; Physical Therapy Modalities ; instrumentation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Interleukin-2 ; blood ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo study the correlation of polymorphisms of CYP1A1 MSPI and glutathiones S-transferase (GST-M1) independently and in combination with the risk of lung cancer.

METHODSA case control study which included 91 cases of lung cancer and 138 controls collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Tumor Hospital and The Red Cross Hospital of Guangzhou or conmunity area. All subjects were investigated with a uniform questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from all cases and controls for detecting CYP1A1 MSPI and GST-M1 polymorphisms which were analyzed by PCR and RFLP.

RESULTSIt showed that there was no significant difference in frequencies of this genotypes of CYP1A1 MSPI between the two groups. The frequency of GST-M1 null (0/0) genotype was higher in the case group than in the control group, with an OR of 1.38 (95% CI 0.81 - 2.38), but there was no statistical significance. However, combination of several genotypes was strongly associated with lung cancer. There was a synergistic interaction between the m2m2 genotype of CYP1A1 MSPI and GST-M1 (0/0) genotype, with an OR of 2.47 (95% CI 1.03 - 5.90).

CONCLUSIONThe combination of two genetic polymorphisms significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Case-Control Studies ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1 ; genetics ; Female ; Genotype ; Glutathione Transferase ; genetics ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; etiology ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Risk ; Smoking ; adverse effects

OBJECTIVETo understand the rate of viral carrying status among rodents as well as genotypes and distribution of Hantaviruses (HV) isolated in Hunan province.

METHODSWith DFA, the HV antigen in lung tissues of rodents was detected. The total viral RNA was extracted from the lung tissues of the HV infected rats and amplified with reverse transcrition-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), using the HV genotype specific primers. The amplified genes were then sequenced and subjected to genotyping and homologic analysis.

RESULTSThe average density of rodents was 3.15% and the virus carrying rate among rodents was 1.31%. Data from genotype analysis showed that the HV isolated from seven lung specimens taken from Rattus norvgicus, Apodemus agraius, Mus musculus, Rattus flavipectus among indoor rodents in Shaodong and Liuyang belonged to HV type II (SEOV), and one isolated from Apodemus agraius in Shaungfen belonged to HV type I (HTNV) among outdoor rodents. Six strains were sequenced successfully and the homology between six srains was 88.3%-100%. The homology of HN1, HN2, HN4, HN6 came from Liuyang and the HN7 and HN8 from Shaodong were both 100% while the homology between L99 and the strains from Liuyang and Shaodong were 94.4% and 88.3% respectively.

CONCLUSIONHV type II (SEOV) and the HV type I (HTNV) were all existed in Hunan province while SEOV was the main genotype.

Animals ; Genotype ; Hantavirus ; classification ; genetics ; Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome ; virology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Viral ; genetics ; Rats ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo study the formulation and preparation of ampelopsin liposomes and evaluate their quality.

METHODThe liposomes were prepared by a film-ultrasonic dispersion technique. Served as quota with the entrapment ratio and appearance and diameter of the liposomes, the optimal formulation and preparation were selected by means of an uniform design test. The appearance of liposomes was observed by micrography. The diameter and electric charge of surface were determined by granularity mensuration instrument. The entrapment ratio and the leakage rate of ampelopsin liposome were determined by means of dialyze. The content of ampelopsin was determined by UV.

RESULTThe result of electron micrography and the size distribution showed that the liposomes were similar to spherical small unilamellar vesicles. The mean diameter was (258.2 +/- 51.2) nm and the electric charge of surface is 19.0 mV. The entrapment ratio of ampelopsin liposomes was 62. 3% and the lecithoid oxidative rate was 0.83% (n = 3).

CONCLUSIONThe selected formulation and preparation of ampelopsin liposomes is efficient and practicable.

Flavonoids ; chemistry ; Liposomes ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Microscopy, Electron

Objective To investigate the clinical method of closing defect and regain the sensory on forefoot injury.Methods Lateral tarsal artery,flap was designed as a reverse flow flap to close forefoot de- fect in dorsal lateral foot while perforating branche of lateral tarsal artery as turning point.Lateral cutaneous nerve was inosculated to lateral plantar fascia.Donor site was covered by skin-grafting.Results seventeen cases survived satisfactorily with good shape and regaining sensory.Conclusion Lateral tarsal artery flap can be used in coveraged of forefoot defect.Lateral tarsal artery flap was thin flap with good shape and to regain the sensory of forefoot.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological characteristics of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from the umbilical cord blood (UCB), and to evaluate their oncogenicity after long-term culture in vitro. METHODS: The mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from the UCB and cultured in MCDB131 medium supplemented with 20% FBS, VEGF and other growth factors. Morphology of the EPCs was observed, and the growth curve of the EPCs was investigated. Surface antigens of the EPCs were analyzed by the flow-cytometer. The capability of intaking the acetylated low-density lipoprotein (acLDL) of the EPCs was detected using fluoresencent chemical method. The vasoformative capability and genetic stability of EPCs were cultured in matrigel, and examined by karyotype analysis. The oncogenicity of EPCs was verified by the tumorigenesis test in athymic mouse and soft agar. RESULTS: EPCs were successfully derived from the UCB, and could be passaged to at least 42(nd) generation and had strong abilities of proliferation, acLDL intake and vasoformation, but there was not oncogenicity. They expressed endothelial cell-surface antigens and maintained normal karyotype. CONCLUSION The EPCs with proliferative potential can be isolated from the UCB. They can be passaged in long-term cultures without oncogenicity, and can maintain normal karyotype. The EPCs can be served as a new type of cells in cell and gene therapy.
Animals ; Antigens, Surface ; analysis ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Flow Cytometry ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; pharmacology ; Karyotyping ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasms, Experimental ; pathology ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVEThe Medical Outcome Study of 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) is a well-validated generic questionnaire widely used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) is a specific HRQOL assessment designed for patients with liver diseases. The aim of our study is to evaluate the HRQOL based on SF-36 and CLDQ (Chinese version) in patients with chronic hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis, especially in the status of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE).

METHODSThe SF-36 and CLDQ were answered by 160 healthy volunteers, 20 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 106 patients with cirrhosis. HRQOL scores of the groups with different liver disease severities and with or without MHE were compared. The SF-36 includes one multi-item scale that assesses eight health categories: physical functioning, role-physical, body pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotion, and mental health. CLDQ assesses 6 categories: abdominal symptoms, fatigue, systemic symptoms, activity, emotional function and worry.

RESULTSCompared with the healthy controls, patients with chronic hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis at baseline had a lower HRQOL on all scales of the SF-36 and CLDQ (P < 0.01 for all). Increased severity of liver cirrhosis (based on the Child-Pugh score but with MHE or without) was associated with a decrease in most components, both in SF-36 and in CLDQ. However, patients with Child-Pugh B and C disease had similar HRQOL scores on both the SF-36 and CLDQ (P > 0.05), except role-physical and vitality on SF-36. There was a significant difference between patients with and without MHE on the SF-36 score (P < 0.01), and no significant difference (P > 0.05) on CLDQ scores except in abdominal symptoms.

CONCLUSIONThe Chinese version of SF-36 along with CLDQ are valid and reliable methods for testing MHE in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Hepatic Encephalopathy ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Quality of Life ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

Purpose To observe the clinical characteristics, expression of C4d and the morphology of podocyte lesions in steroid-sensitive minimal change disease (SS-MCD) ,steroidresistant minimal change disease (SR-MCD) and early focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (E-FSGS) ,as well as to analyze their differences among the three groups,and provide a novel method for effective evaluation the therapeutic effects of steroid and diagnosis of SR-MCD. Methods To study the clinical data from 24 cases of SS-MCD,30 cases of SR-MCD and 25 cases of E-FSGS as control,and all the biopsies were examined by light microscopy,immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Meanwhile,the clinical characteristics,the morphology of podocyte lesion and the expression of C4d were observed. Results The average score of podocyte lesion of SR-MCD was higher than that of SS-MCD,but lower than that of E-FSGS (P< 0. 05) . C4d positive average score of SS-MCD was lower than that of both SR-MCD and E-FSGS (P < 0. 05) ,but there was no significant difference between SR-MCD and E-FSGS (P > 0. 05) . The sum of the average score of podocyte lesion and C4d positive average score of SS-MCD was lower than that of SRMCD and E-FSGS (P < 0. 01) ,however,there was also no significant difference between SR-MCD and E-FSGS(P > 0. 05) . The scores of IgM,C3d and C1q were not significantly different among the three groups. The area under the receiver operating curve (ROC) of the C4d positive score,podocyte lesion score and the sum of the two were 0. 753,0. 658 and 0. 803,respectively, and there was no significant difference between them and the optimal cutoff values were 3,1. 5,and 4. 5 points,respectively. Conclusions The C4d positive score,podocyte lesion score and the sum of the two scores of MCD (the last one is named for MCD nephropathy score in our study) can be used for evaluating the therapeutic effects of steroid and identification of SR-MCD,most especially MCD nephropathy score. The optimal cut-off values of the three kinds of scores are 3,1. 5,and 4. 5 points,respectively. When the values are exceeded,the clinicians should be reminded to follow-up and take appropriate treatment measures to patients.