OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Shugan Jiangu Recipe (SJR) on bone mineral density (BMD) and serum bone metabolic biochemical markers in postmenopausal breast cancer patients with osteopenia.

METHODSTotally 38 patients of postmenopausal women with breast cancer, who received aromatase inhibitors (AIs), were assigned to the treatment group (21 cases) and the control group (17 cases) by using random digit table. All patients took Caltrate D Tablet (containing Ca 600 mg and Vit D3 125 IU), one tablet daily. Patients in the treatment group took SJR, 6 g each time, twice daily for 6 successive months. The bone mineral density (BMD) level was detected before treatment and at months 6 after treatment. Levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), bone gla protein (BGP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and C-terminal telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The drug safety was also assessed.

RESULTSCompared with before treatment, BMD of L2-4 and femur neck obviously increased in the treatment group at month 6 after treatment (P < 0.01), serum BALP and TRAP decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with before treatment, BMD of L2-4 and femur neck obviously decreased in the control group at month 6 after treatment (P < 0.05), serum BALP and TRAP increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, lumbar and femur neck BMD obviously increased, serum levels of BGP and BALP obviously decreased, and serum levels of CTX-II and TRAP obviously increased in the treatment group at month 6 after treatment (P < 0.01). No serious adverse event occurred during the treatment period. Bone fracture occurred in one case of the control group (5.8%).

CONCLUSIONSJR could attenuate bone loss of postmenopausal women with breast cancer who received AIs, increase BMD and improve abnormal bone metabolism.

Acid Phosphatase ; blood ; Aged ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; blood ; Aromatase Inhibitors ; adverse effects ; Bone Density ; drug effects ; Bone and Bones ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Collagen Type II ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Isoenzymes ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Osteocalcin ; blood ; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal ; chemically induced ; prevention & control ; Peptide Fragments ; blood ; Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase

Aim Study the interaction between metho-trexate and levetiracetam after oral administration and hepatorenal toxicity in rats, to provide theoretical basis for the clinical rational use of two drugs. Methods Male SD rats ( 250 ± 20 ) g were selected as experi-mental animals. Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups ( 1 mg·kg-1methotrexate group, 180 mg· kg-1 levetiracetam group, combined group), 5 rats in each group. The following experiment was carried out:(1) pharmacokinetic parameters study; (2) renal ex-cretion study; (3) liver and kidney toxicity study. All samples were determined by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry ( UPLC/MS/MS) . Results After the combination of two drugs, the Cmax, AUC0-t and Tmax of methotrexate in-creased, T1/2, Cl and MRT of methotrexate decreased, the differences was statistically significant. The Tmax, T1/2, Cl, MRT of levetiracetam had a certain upward trend, AUC0-t had a certain downward trend, the differences has no statistically significant. After combi-nation of two drugs, the renal excretion of methotrexate increased significantly, the renal excretion of levetirac-etam decreased significantly and hepatorenal toxicity increased significantly. Conclusion After combina-tion of two drugs by oral administration, Levetiracetam significantly increased methotrexate absorption in rats. Levetiracetam increased the plasma concentration and renal excretion of methotrexate and caused hepatorenal toxicity significantly. It is suggested that dose adjust-ment is necessary for combination of two drugs.

Objective Apoptosis was induced by oxidative stress in nerve cells after cerebral ischemia. It further breaks the dy-namic balance of mitochondrial division of fusion. This study aimed to investigate the effect of butylphthalide combined with edaravone treat-ment on the dynamic change of Drp1 and Mfn2 in rats with focal cere-bral ischemia cells and its protection mechanism. Methods 96 rats were divided into 4 groups according to random number table. The 4 groups were ischemia group,butylphthalide group,edaravone group and butylphthalide combined with edaravone groups(combine group),each group divided into three subgroups(3 d,7 d,14 d). Longa-Zea suppository method is adopted to establish the middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)model.Butylphthalide group,edar-avone group and combine group were injected butylphthalide(0.4 g/kg)and/or edaravone(10 mL/kg)peritoneally 2 hours before surgery and 1 day after surgery. The same volume of isotonic saline was given at the same time of the other 3 groups in ischemia group. The cerebral cortex of the left ischemic region was obtained at the day 3,7,14. The evaluation of the curative effect was evaluated with neurological function score.HE staining was used to observe the cerebral cortex neuron morphological structure,protein and mRNA lev-el of Drp1 and Mfn2 was measured by western blot and RT-PCR. Results At the day 3,7,and 14,the neurological function score was higher in ischemia group than the other 3 groups(P<0.05). Compared with the combine group at day 3,7,and 14[(1.06± 0.18),(0.82±0.13),(0.57±0.10)],the neurological function score was elevated in butylphthalide group[(2.02±0.18),(1.23± 0.13),(0.86±0.10)]and edaravone group[(2.08±0.17),(1.23±0.13),(0.85±0.12)](P<0.05). At the same time point,com-pared with the ischemia group,Drp1 protein and mRNA levels were lower in the other 3 groups(P < 0.05)while Mfn2 protein and mRNA levels were elevated(P<0.05). Compared with the butylphthalide group and edaravone group,Drp1 protein and mRNA levels were lower in combine group(P<0.05)while Mfn2 protein and mRNA levels were elevated(P<0.05). Conclusion The protective effect of edaravone combined with butylphthalide is better than single use. Its mechanism may be related to the removing of oxygen free radicals and reducing oxidative stress by edaravone,and the protection of the mitochondria by butylphthalide.

Objective:To evaluate the application value of three-dimensional shear wave elastography(3D-SWE) with quantitative parameters and qualitative analysis of stiff rim sign in differentiating benign and malignant breast masses.Methods:One hundred and seventeen female patients (121 breast masses) admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2020 to February 2021 were examined by conventional ultrasound, two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) and 3D-SWE. Surgical or puncture pathology were used as the gold standard, the ROC curves of 2D-SWE and 3D-SWE were drawn to obtain the optimal qualitative and quantitative indicators. Afterwards, BI-RADS category was adjusted according to the optimal indicators, which could be used to evaluate the diagnostic value in differentiating benign and malignant breast masses.Results:The area under ROC curve (AUC) of BI-RADS category was 0.846, the sensitivity and specificity were 89.6% and 79.6%, respectively. The AUC value of mass-to-fat elasticity ratio(Eratio) of coronal plane was 0.869, which was the highest among all quantitative parameters and was significantly higher than that of 2D-SWE ( P<0.05). In addition, the AUC value of stiff rim sign of coronal plane was significantly higher than those of 2D-SWE, sagittal plane and transverse plane (All P<0.05). The AUC of combination of stiff rim sign of coronal plane and conventional US was 0.901, which was significantly higher than that using conventional ultrasound alone( P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared with 2D-SWE, Eratio and stiff rim sign of coronal plane of 3D-SWE yield better diagnostic efficiency.Adjusting stiff rim sign coronal plane to BI-RADS category can effectively improve the diagnostic efficiency.

Objective To approach the postoperative care method of replantation of amputated finger soaked in fluid.Methods Observation and care of patients' condition were applied to the 25 cases of totally 41 replantation of amputated fingers soaked in fluid from may 2005 to may 2008 after operation.Results Achievement ration was 90% in 25 cases of 41 replantation of amputated fingers.Conclusions Close observation and proper nursing intervention on the operative fingers are the important guarantee to the replantation of amputated fingers.

OBJECTIVETo detect serve acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-like-CoV in fruit bats captured in Guangzhou and its vicinity.

METHODSTotally 927 bats of 9 species (Cynopterus sphinx, Rousettus leschenaulti, Miniopterus schreibersi, Hipposideros pratti, Rhinolophusasinicus, Scotophilusakuhlii, Hipposideros Pomona, Rhinolophus affinis, and Rhinolophus pusillus) captured in Guangzhou and its vicinity from September 2004 to November 2005 were available for this investigation, from which 3,043 samples (813 throat swasb, 524 sera, 853 lung tissues and 853 colorectal tissue specimens) were obtained. SARS-Cov and SARS-like-CoV were detected in these specimens using diagnostic kit for novel coronavirus N protein (ELISA), SARS-CoV Virus RNA detection kit, fluorescence PCR, Genchip, RT-PCR and cell isolation culture methods.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONNo SARS-CoV and SARS-like-CoV were detected in the 3043 samples, indicating the current absence of SARS-CoV and SARS-like-CoV in the bats captured in Guangzhou and its vicinity.

Animals ; China ; epidemiology ; Chiroptera ; virology ; Disease Vectors ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Nucleocapsid Proteins ; metabolism ; RNA, Viral ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; SARS Virus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; epidemiology ; transmission ; virology

Objective To investigate the efficacy of a Chinese Medicine formula on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).Methods From April,2013 to December,2014,56 patients were randomized blindly to receive granulas of Chinese Medicine of modified Huangqi-Guizhi Wuwu and Shentong-Zhuyu(treatment group,n=28)or placebo(control group,n=28),for a month.They were as-sessed with Number Rating Scale (NRS) of symptoms of CIPN, National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) version 4.0, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30)before,and four weeks,eight weeks and twelve weeks after treatment.Results The score of NRS(F>9.518,P<0.01) and grade of NCI-CTCAE(Z>3.887,P<0.05)improved in the treatment group compared with those in the control group eight weeks and twelve weeks after treatment.The scores of EORTC QLQ-C30 also improved twelve weeks after treatment, but only significantly in the symptom of fatigue(t=-2.971,P<0.01).Conclusion The Chinese Medicine can release the symptoms of CIPN,decrease the grade of neuro-toxicity,and may improve the quality of life somewhat.

Objective To study the genetic characterization of enterovirus 71 (EV71) strains isolated from specimens of patients with hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Ningxia province in 2008. Methods All the stool, throat swab and vesicle samples that collected from patients with HFMD were cultured. The positive isolates were identified by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) with specific primers of EV71. Complete VP1 gene sequences (891 nucleotides) of 29 strains (part of 93 EV71 strains) were determined and compared with A, B and C genotype reference EV71 strains while EV71 China isolates by homogeneity and phylogenetic tree analyses. Results 215 strains of EV were isolated from 439 specimens. Results from RT-PCR indicated that 93 strains belong to EV71. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the selected 29 stains were clustered with reference strains of C4 subgenotype. The nucleotide identity with C4 reference strains was 91.7%-99.4%. The amino acid homogeneity was 96.6%-100.0%. Conclusion The recently identified EV71 strains in Ningxia province belonged to subgenotype C4 which resembled to most of the isolates in China.

OBJECTIVETo study large-scale expansion of SD (Sprague-Dawley) rat's osteoblasts in suspension culture in a rotating wall vessel bioreactor (RWVB).

METHODSThe bioreactor rotation speeds were adjusted in the range of 0 to 20 rpm, which could provide low shear on the microcarriers around 1 dyn/cm2. The cells were isolated via sequential digestions of neonatal (less than 3 days old) SD rat calvaria. After the primary culture and several passages, the cells were seeded onto the microcarriers and cultivated in T-flask, spinner flask and RWVB respectively. During the culture period, the cells were counted and observed under the inverted microscope for morphology every 12 h. After 7 days, the cells were evaluated with scanning electron microscope (SEM) for histological examination of the aggregates. Also, the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining were performed. Moreover, von-Kossa staining and Alizarin Red S staining were carried out for mineralized nodule formation.

RESULTSThe results showed that in RWVB, the cells could be expanded by more than ten times and they presented better morphology and vitality and stronger ability to form bones.

CONCLUSIONSThe developed RWVB can provide the culture environment with a relatively low shear force and necessary three-dimensional (3D) interactions among cells and is suitable for osteopath expansion in vitro.

Animals ; Bioreactors ; Cell Culture Techniques ; instrumentation ; Cell Enlargement ; Culture Media ; Glucose ; metabolism ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Lactic Acid ; metabolism ; Osmolar Concentration ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; metabolism ; ultrastructure ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) on edaravone (EDA)-triggered protection against myocardial toxicity induced by isoprenaline (ISO) in H9c2 myocardial cells (H9c2 cells).

METHODSH9c2 cells were exposed to ISO at different concentrations to establish a cardiac toxicity model induced by persistent excitation of β1 receptor. EDA was added before ISO as a pretreatment. PD-98059, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, was administered 1 h prior to EDA to inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Cell viability was measured using cell counter kit (CCK-8). The expressions of p-ERK1/2 and t-ERK1/2 were tested by Western blotting. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was detected by Rhodamine123 (Rh123) staining and photofluorography.

RESULTSExposure of H9c2 cells to 80 µmol/L ISO for 24 h down-regulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation and repressed MMP. Pretreatment with 10-40 µmol/L EDA for 1 h inhibited ISO-induced myocardial toxicity and pretreatment of 40 µmol/L EDA partially rescued ERK1/2 phosphorylation and MMP level. PD-98059 abolished cardiac protection of EDA, leading to myocardial toxicity and MMP loss.

CONCLUSIONEDA can protect H9c2 cells against myocardial injury induced by ISO by suppressing ISO-triggered inhibition of ERK1/2 activation.

Animals ; Antipyrine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Cell Line ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Isoproterenol ; toxicity ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 ; metabolism ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Phosphorylation ; Rats