OBJECTIVETo observe the prevention and clinical efficacy of combination of Liuwei Dihuang Pill (LDP) and Ginkgo Leaf Tablet (GLT) for early diabetic retinopathy (DR).

METHODSUsing randomized, double-blind, double simulation, parallel controlled clinical trial, 140 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) outpatients were recruited and assigned to the treatment group and the control group, 70 in each group. All patients received basic Western medicine treatment (such as blood glucose and pressure control). Patients in the treatment group took LDP (8 pills each time, 3 times per day) and GLT (19.2 mg each time, 3 times per day), while those in the control group took LDP placebos and GLT placebos. All treatment lasted for 24 consecutive months. All subjects were followed-up every month. The general clinical data as sex, age, and metabolic data such as blood glucose, blood pressure, blood lipid, and DR prevalence rate were collected and statistically analyzed.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference in levels of blood glucose, blood pressure, or blood lipid between the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment the DR incidence rate was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group [3.1% (2/64) vs 18.6% (11/59), P < 0.05)]. Meanwhile, the DR prevalence rate of the treatment group was also significantly lower than that of the control group [6.3% (4/64) vs 20.0% (13/59), P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONCombination of LDP and GLT could effectively prevent and treat the development of DR in T2DM patients.

Blood Glucose ; analysis ; Blood Pressure ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; complications ; Diabetic Retinopathy ; drug therapy ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Ginkgo biloba ; chemistry ; Humans ; Phytotherapy ; Tablets

AIM: To construct subtractive libraries in association with heat adaptation differential expressed genes. METHODS: The experiment was carried out with heat adapted rat model and normal temperature control. mRNA was extracted from liver tissue and reverse-transcripted into cDNA. After cut and ligation, suppression subtractive hybridization was executed with each group of cDNA as tester and the other one as driver to construct subtractive libraries. Specificity of the libraries was evaluated by approach of comparing G3PDH gene PCR products with template from the library and unsubtractive sample. Reliability of the libraries was evaluated by primarily isolation and screening. RESULTS: PCR results confirmed that G3PDH concentration was greatly reduced compared with control group, which suggested that specificity of the libraries was high. 300 target segments were isolated from the library, 27 of them were verified to be differential expressed genes, which suggested that the libraries were reliable and efficient. CONCLUSION: This study founded the basis of further investigation on heat adaptation mechanism by approach of constructing subtractive libraries in association with heat adaptation differential expressed genes.

Stress urinary incontinence is one of the most common diseases in urinary system.At present,the major methods for treating stress urinary incontinence include medication,physico-behavior therapy and operation.However,for various reasons,the current methods do not yield satisfactory results.As a newly emerging technique,tissue engineering provides a new concept and method to treat stress urinary incontinence.The application of tissue engineering in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence is reviewed in this article.

Objective To explore the method of culture of rat adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs) and differentiation induction into myoblasts. Methods Adipose tissues were obtained from SD rats,and were isolated by enzyme digestion and cultured into ADSCs.The expression of surface antigen CD90,CD105 and CD34 was detected by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry.ADSCs of the second passage with logarithmic growth were obtained,and culture media containing 5-azacytidine(5-aza) and basic culture media were employed for cells in induction group and control group,respectively.The induction lasted for 7 d,14 d,21 d,28 d and 35 d,respectively.Cell growth and cell morphology were observed by inverted phase contrast microscope,and immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were utilized to detect the expression of myoblast specific antigens desmin and myosin. Results ADSCs were successfully isolated and cultured,and were identified to be stem cells.On the 28th day of induction,cells in induction group displayed "swirl" morpholgy,and multinucleation was observed.It was revealed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry that the highest expression rates of desmin and myosin were 52.57% and 50.04%,respectively on the 28th day of induction,while there was no expression before induction and in control group. Conclusion ADSCs can be isolated and cultured from rat adipose tissues,and can further differentiate into myoblasts after induction by culture media with 5-aza.The expression of myoblast specific antigen is the highest on the 28th day of induction.

This study aims to construct a eukaryotic expression system for envelope gene of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus, observes its localization in 293T cells, and investigates the potential in inducing malignant transformation of NIH3T3 cells. By RT-PCR, the full-length cDNA of envelope gene of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (exJSRV-env) was amplified from the extract of naturally infected sheep lung. The clone of target gene was sub-cloned into eukaryotic expression system pEGFP-C1, and validated by PCR, restriction endonuclease, and sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis concerning biological function and cellular localiza tion of exJSRV-env was also performed. The recombinant clone of exJSRV-env was transfected into 293T cells and NIH3T3 cells by Lipofectamine LTX. The expression and celluar localization in 293T cells were validated by confocal microscopy. Soft agar colony formation assay was employed to test the anchorage-independent growth of NIH3T3. DNA sequencing and restriction enzyme digestion with Kpn I and Hind III indicated the correct construction of the recombinant plasmid, which was named pEGFP-C1/exJSRV-env. Amino acid sequence alignment of exJSRV-env with reference sequences found 85%-100% homogeneity. A YRNM motif was discovered at the cytoplasmic tail of envelope gene, which is exclusively found in exogenous viruses. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that our clone of exJSRV-env clustered closely with pathogenic exogenous Jaagsiekte sheep retroviruses. Fluorescence microscopy indicated typical membrane localization of exJSRV-env protein. NIH3T3 cells transfected with exJSRV-env lost contact inhibition, and acquired colony forming ability in soft agar. This study indicated that envelope protein of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus can induce malignant transformation of mouse fibroblast cell NIH3T3. Discoveries of this study provide a basis for further structural and functional research on Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus envelope protein.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Betaretrovirus ; chemistry ; classification ; genetics ; physiology ; Cell Transformation, Viral ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; Molecular Sequence Data ; NIH 3T3 Cells ; Phylogeny ; Retroviridae Infections ; veterinary ; virology ; Sequence Alignment ; Sheep ; Sheep Diseases ; virology ; Transformation, Genetic ; Tumor Virus Infections ; veterinary ; virology ; Viral Envelope Proteins ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism

The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) modified liposome as a vehicle for ophthalmic administration. Liposome loaded with 5-carboxyfluorescein (FAM) was prepared by lipid film hydration method. WGA was thiolated and then conjugated to the surface of the liposome via polyethylene glycol linker to constitute the WGA-modified and FAM-loaded liposome (WGA-LS/FAM). The amount of thiol groups on each WGA molecule was determined, and the bioactivity of WGA was estimated after it was modified to the surface of liposome. The physical and chemical features of the WGA-modified liposome were characterized and the ocular bioadhesive performance was evaluated in rats. The result showed that each thiolated WGA molecule was conjugated with 1.32 thiol groups. WGA-LS/FAM had a mean size of (97.40 +/- 1.39) nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.23 +/- 0.01. The entrapment efficacy of FAM was about (2.95 +/- 0.21)%, and only 4% of FAM leaked out of the liposome in 24 h. Erythrocyte agglutination test indicated that after modification WGA preserved the binding activity to glycoprotein. The in vivo ocular elimination of WGA-LS/FAM fitted first-order kinetics, and the elimination rate was significantly slower than that of the unmodified liposome, demonstrating WGA-modified liposome is bioadhesive and suitable for ophthalmic administration.
Absorption, Physicochemical ; Adhesiveness ; Administration, Ophthalmic ; Animals ; Drug Carriers ; Eye ; metabolism ; Fluoresceins ; chemistry ; Liposomes ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Male ; Particle Size ; Polyethylene Glycols ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Wheat Germ Agglutinins ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical effects of circumcision and the foreskin-deglove plus shaft-fix (FDSF) procedure in the treatment of phimosis or redundant prepuce in obese adult males (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 28 kg/m²).

METHODSForty-four obese adult men with phimosis or redundant prepuce underwent circumcision (n = 24) or FDSF (n = 20) according to their own wishes. The patients in the circumcision and FDSF groups were aged (26.38 ± 4.24) and (26.90 ± 3.14) years, with BMIs of (27.77 ± 0.77) and (28.07 ± 2.28) kg/m² and penis lengths of (3.51 ± 0.46) and (3.50 ± 0.59) cm, respectively. The operations were performed under local anesthesia with lidocaine plus ropivacaine mesylate.

RESULTSThe operation time of circumcision was (28.04 ± 2.65) min and that of FDSF was (45.45 ± 3.49) min. At 6 months after surgery, normal penile erection was found in all the patients, the penis length was significantly longer in the FDSF than in the circumcision group ([5.01 ± 0.73] vs [3.70 ± 0.47] cm) , and the rate of satisfaction with penile appearance was markedly higher in the former than in the latter group (3.25 ± 0.71 vs 2.83 ± 0.56).

CONCLUSIONThe foreskin-deglove plus shaft-fix procedure under local anesthesia with lidocaine and ropivacaine mesylate may achieve desirable penile erection and appearance in the treatment of phimosis or redundant prepuce in obese adult patients.

Adult ; Amides ; Anesthetics, Local ; Body Mass Index ; Circumcision, Male ; methods ; Foreskin ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Humans ; Lidocaine ; Male ; Mesylates ; Obesity ; complications ; Operative Time ; Penile Erection ; Penis ; abnormalities ; Phimosis ; surgery

Objective: To understand the survival status and influencing factors of HIV/AIDS patients with highly active antiretroviral therapy ( HAART ) among drug users in Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang from 2005 to 2019, so as to provide references for reducing AIDS mortality. Methods : The demographic information, clinical stage, baseline CD4+T lymphocyte ( CD4 ) level and treatment status of HIV/AIDS patients with HAART in Yili Prefecture from 2005 to 2019 were collected through AIDS Antiretroviral Therapy Information System. The survival rate was calculated by the life table method. The influencing factors for survival time were analyzed by Cox proportional hazard regression model. Results: Totally 1 935 patients were recruited, the median age receiving HAART was 37 years old and the median CD4 counts was 293/μL. The cumulative survival rates at 1, 5, 7 and 10 years were 97%, 78%, 73%, and 66%, respectively. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that the patients with body mass index of 18.5-<28.0 kg/m2 ( HR: 0.391-0.656, 95%CI: 0.234-0.958 ), baseline CD4>200/μL ( HR: 0.354-0.667, 95%CI: 0.232-0.841 ) , or missed medication in the last 7 days ( HR=0.009, 95%CI: 0.001-0.061 ) had lower risk of death; the patients with WHO clinical stage of Ⅱ-Ⅳ ( HR: 1.479-2.311, 95%CI: 1.004-3.288 ) or treatment delay ≥1 years ( HR: 1.287-1.388, 95%CI: 1.029-1.826 ) had higher risk of death. Conclusions The 5-year cumulative survival rate of HIV/AIDS patients with HAART in Yili Prefecture is 78%. Body mass index, baseline CD4 level, WHO clinical stage, treatment delay and missed medication in last 7 days were the influencing factors for survival time.

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of serum immunoglobulin and complement levels in centenarians in Hainan.Methods:Fasting venous blood samples from 969 centenarians in Hainan province were collected and from 364 seniors serving as the control group.Levels of serum immunoglobulin A, G, M and E, immunoglobulin light chain κ and λ, and complement C3 and C4 were measured.Serum immunoglobulin and complement levels were analyzed in subjects based on age, sex, ethnicity, diet and smoking.Results:Serum levels of immunoglobulin G and E, and immunoglobulin light chain κ were higher in the centenarian group than in the control group[15.9(13.8, 18.3)g/L vs.14.9(13.1, 16.9)g/L; 270.0(85.5, 851.0) vs.180.5 kU/L(58.0, 556.2)kU/L, 4.1(3.5, 4.9)g/L vs.4.0(3.1, 4.6)g/L, P<0.05]. Serum levels of immunoglobulin M, and complement C3 and C4 were lower in the centenarian group than in the control group[1.0(0.7, 1.4)g/L vs.1.1(0.8, 1.5)g/L, 1.0(0.9, 1.2) vs.1.1(1.0, 1.3), 0.2(0.2, 0.3) vs.0.3(0.2, 0.3), P<0.05]. Serum levels of immunoglobulin M and complement C3 were higher in female centenarians than in male centenarians[1.1(0.7, 1.4) vs.1.0(0.7, 1.3), 1.0(0.9, 1.1) vs.1.0(0.8, 1.1), P<0.05]. There were significant differences in immunoglobulin A, G and E, and immunoglobulin light chain κ and λ between centenarians of different ethnicities( P<0.01). Serum immunoglobulin M levels were higher in centenarians with a long history of milk-drinking than in those without the history[1.2(0.8, 1.5) vs.1.0(0.7, 1.4), P<0.01]. Conclusions:Serum levels of immunoglobulins and complements are different among centenarians of different ages, genders, ethnicities and diet habits.Factors such as advanced age, female gender, ethnic minority and milk drinking tend to promote the expression of immunoglobulins and complements.

It was estimated that about 428 species of genus Corydalis are distributed all worldwide, with about 298, especially 10 groups and 219 species being uniquely spread in China. The genus Corydalis have been widely employed as folk medicines in China, especially as traditional Tibetan medicines, for treatment of fever, hepatitis, edema, gastritis, cholecystitis, hypertension and other diseases. The phytochemical studies revealed that isoquinoline alkaloids are its major bioactive ingredients. The extensive biological researches suggested its pharmacological activities and clinic applications against cardiovascular diseases and central nervous system, antibacterial activities, analgesic effects, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and anti-injury for hepatocyte, and so on. As an effort in promoting the research of pharmacodynamic ingredients, this article presents an overview focusing on the distribution, phytochemical and pharmacological results of Corydalis species that have been applied in traditional Tibetan medicinal, hopefully to provide a reference for the new Tibetan medicine development from Corydalis plant resource.
Alkaloids ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Anti-Infective Agents ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Corydalis ; chemistry ; classification ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Mice ; Molecular Structure ; Phytotherapy