Objective To study helper T lymphocyte cell(Th)1/Th2 imbalance in rats′ model of asthma and the modulation of lentinan(LNT) on the airway inflammation and Th1/Th2 imbalance.Methods Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into control,asthma and LNT groups.In the experiment,the rat model of asthma was established by the ovalbumin(OVA) challenge methods.Eosinophils(Eos) number and differentiated cell number in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) were counted by different count fluids.The levels of IL-4 and IFN-? in BALF were measured by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results 1.The Eos count in BALF and the ratio of eosinophils to the total cell number(Eos%) of asthma group were significantly higher than those of the control group(t=21.94,12.81 Pa

Background:Fanconi anemia( FA ),an autosomal or x-linked recessive inherited disease,is caused by gene mutation related to FA pathway of DNA damage and with the clinical features of congenital malformation,bone marrow failure and susceptibility to cancer. Aims:To investigate the expression of Fanconi anemia complementation group D2 (FANCD2)in colorectal cancer and its correlation with prognosis. Methods:Fifty-six surgical resected specimens of colorectal cancer tissue and para-cancer noncancerous tissue from May 2012 to September 2013 at Guangzhou First People’s Hospital were obtained. Ninety-three patients with colorectal cancer from January 2008 to April 2009 at Guangzhou First People ’s Hospital were enrolled and the specimens of colorectal cancer tissue were obtained. The expression of FANCD2 mRNA in 56 specimens of colorectal cancer tissue and para-cancer noncancerous tissue was determined by qPCR. The expression of FANCD2 protein in 49 of 56 specimens of colorectal cancer tissue and para-cancer noncancerous tissue and 93 specimens of colorectal cancer tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. Follow up was conducted in 93 patients and the correlation between the expression of FANCD2 and prognosis was analyzed. Results:Expression of FANCD2 mRNA was significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissue than that in para-cancer noncancerous tissue [0.102(0.047,0. 163)vs. 0. 051(0. 025,0. 095)](P =0. 007). Expression of FANCD2 mRNA was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and Dukes stage( P <0. 05 ). Positivity rates of FANCD2 protein expression in colorectal cancer tissue and para-cancer noncancerous tissue were 77. 6%(38/49)and 22. 4%(11/49),respectively. Expression of FANCD2 protein was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and Dukes stage(P<0. 05). The overall 5-year survival rate was significantly lower in patients with positive expression of FANCD2 protein than that in patients with negative expression of FANCD2 protein(35. 5% vs. 71. 0%)(P<0. 01). Conclusions:FANCD2 is associated with malignant potential of colorectal cancer and could be a potential marker for prognosis.

Objective To establish and compare HPLC fingerprint chromatograms of Dipsaci Radix decoction pieces, aqueous decoction and formula granules.Methods The HPLC analysis was carried out in Wondasil C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid by gradient elution. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min; the detection wavelength was set at 212 nm; the column temperature was kept at 30℃. Results The fingerprint chromatograms from 12 batches of Dipsaci Radix decoction pieces, aqueous decoction and formula granules were established respectively. 14 common peaks in the fingerprint chromatogram in the formula granules could be tracked in the aqueous decoction, and 13 common peaks in the fingerprint chromatogram could be tracked in the decoction pieces. 2 chemical compounds were identified, such as asperosaponinⅥ and chlorogenic acid.ConclusionThe method of HPLC fingerprint chromatograms is stable and with good repeatability. Dipsaci Radix decoction pieces, aqueous decoction and formula granules are basically the same chemical composition.

Objective To observe the clinical curative effet and survival condition of sorafenib for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods Sixty-six patients with hepatocellular carcinoma during January 2013 to January 2015 in Chang'an Hospital were included.All patients were randomly divided into transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) group (n =33) and sorafenib + TACE group (n =33) according to the random digital table method.Followed up for 2 years,we observed the clinical curative effect,including 6-months survival rate,1-year survival rate,the changes of serum alpha fetoprotein level before and after the treatment,survival time and related adverse reactions.Results The disease control rate of sora-fenib + TACE group was 84.85％ (28/33),which was significantly higher than that of TACE group (60.61％,20/33),and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =4.889,P =0.027).The median survival time of patients with sorafenib +TACE group was 20.30 months,which was longer than that of TACE group (12.50 months),and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =29.570,P =0.000).The 6-months and 1-year survival rates in patients with sorafenib + TACE group were 93.93％ and 75.76％,respectively,which were significantly higher than those of TACE group (84.85％,51.52％).The rate of 1-year recurrence and metastasis of sorafenib + TACE group was 21.21％,which was lower than that of TACE group (39.39％),and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =2.908,P =0.041).After 6 months treatment,the serum level of alpha fetoprotein in patients with sorafenib + TACE group was (1 911.53 ± 457.86)ng/ml,which was signi-ficantly lower than that of TACE group [(2 979.83± 842.71)ng/ml],and the difference was statistically significant (t =11.996,P =0.001).The median survival time of patients with Child-Pugh A was significantly longer than that of patients with Child-Pugh B (20.50 months vs.13.95 months),with a significant difference (x2 =3.973,P =0.046).Patients in sorafenib + TACE group and TACE group had adverse reactions including nausea,vomiting and abnormal liver function,and there was significant difference in the incidence of untoward effects (87.88％ vs.60.61％;x2 =6.418,P =0.011).Conclusion The application of sorafenib the-rapy in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma based on TACE can effectively improve the disease control rate,prolong the survival time of patients and improve the survival rate of patients.

Objective To study the relationship between environmental chemical elements,vires infection and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods In 2008,233 patients with DCM(case group)and 150 patient with stable angina(control group)were chosen in Liaocheng People's Hospital and Yanggu People's Hospital,Shandong province.Population distribution and disease history were surveyed in the two groups.Human myocardial antibody IgG(AMA-IgG),Coxsackie B virus IgG(CBV-IgG),Adenofirus antibody IgG(ADV-IgG)were detected by ELISA in both the case group and the control group.Serum trace elements were detected in the two groups.The general chemical and toxicological indicators in drinking water of the high-and the low-incidence aireas of the disease were control group[60.00%(90/150),χ2=13.80,P<0.01)].Per capita annual income(Yuan,RMB)in the case group (3207.82±618.51)was lower than that of the control group[(5086.61±886.12),t=24.40,P<0.01].Personal alcohol consumption in the case group[(175.00±160.50)g/d]was higher than that of the control group[(110.22±100.03)g/d,t=4.40,P<0.01)].The rate of myocarditis in the case group[5.15%(12/233)]was higher than ADV-IgG in the cage group were 7.78%(7/90),6.67%(6/90)and 6.67%(6/90),respectively.Compared with those in the control group[3.33%(2/60),5.00%(3/60)and 5.00%(3/60),χ2=1.26,0.18,0.18,all P>0.05],no mg/L]in drinking water of the high-incidence areas were significantly higher than that of iron[(0.39±0.67)mg/L,t=2.11,P<0.05]and that of manganese[(0.15±0.14)mg/L,t=3.01,P<0.01]in the low-incidence arefas.The content of semm iron[(69.1±57.8)μmol/L]in the case group evidently exceeded the normal range(15.6-35.9 μmol/L)and obviously higher than that in the control group[(20.0±17.5)μmol/L,t=5.04,P<0.01].Conclusions Theso data do not support that DCM is related with persistent virus infection and autoimmunization.DCM is probably related with low incomes,high alcohol consumption,myocarditis,high iron and manganese contents in drinking water and high content of serum iron.

INTRODUCTIONBicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common form of adult congenital heart disease. When compared to patients with a normal trileaflet aortic valve, dilatation of the aortic root and the ascending aorta (Asc Ao) are the common findings in patients with BAV, with consequent higher risk of developing aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection and rupture. We aim to determine the site of the Asc Ao where maximum dilatation occurs in Asian adult patients with BAV.

MATERIALS AND METHODSAll subjects underwent full echocardiography examination. The diameter of the Asc Ao was measured at 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm and 7 cm from the level of aortic annulus to the Asc Ao in 2D from the parasternal long-axis view.

RESULTSA total of 80 patients (male/female: 45/35; mean age: 45.3 ± 16.2 years) with congenital BAV and 30 normal control group (male/female: 16/14; mean age: 45.9 ± 15.1 years) were enrolled. The indexed diameters of the Asc Ao were significantly larger than the control group. In patients with BAV, maximum dilatation of Asc Ao occurred around 6 cm distal to the aortic annulus.

CONCLUSIONIn patients with BAV, dilatation of Asc Ao is maximal at the mid Asc Ao region around 6 cm distal to the aorta annulus.

Adult ; Aneurysm, Dissecting ; epidemiology ; Aorta ; diagnostic imaging ; Aortic Aneurysm ; epidemiology ; Aortic Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; epidemiology ; Aortic Rupture ; epidemiology ; Aortic Valve ; abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; Case-Control Studies ; Comorbidity ; Dilatation, Pathologic ; diagnostic imaging ; epidemiology ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Heart Valve Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Singapore ; epidemiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence of viral pathogen in children with severe pneumonia in Hunan.

METHODBronchoalveolar lavage fluid [BALF] were collected from 122 hospitalized children with severe pneumonia in People's Hospital of Hunan province from January 2011 to December 2011. Nested- or reverse transcription Polymerase chain reaction (PCR or RT-PCR) was used to screen Adenovirus (ADV), Human Bocavirus (HBoV), Parainfluenzaviruses1-4 (PIV1-4), Human Respiratory Syneytial virus (RSV), Influenza virus A (IFVA), Influenza virus B (IFVB), Human Rhinovirus(HRV), Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), human coronaviruses NL63 and HKU1 (HCoV-NL63, HCoV- HKU1).

RESULTSAmong the 122 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, viral agents were detected in 60 samples(49.1%), among which ADV (40.98%) was the most common virus, followed by RSV (7.37%) and HBoV (7.37%). Two viruses were detected in 21 individual (35%) samples, of which 20 were dual positive for ADV (40%).

CONCLUSIONADV is the most frequently detected viral etiology of severe pneumonia in children in Hunan during this year. And its Coinfection with other respiratory viruses was common.

Adenoviruses, Human ; isolation & purification ; Adolescent ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; virology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Pneumonia ; virology ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Seasons ; Viruses ; isolation & purification

AIMTo investigate the roles of serotonergic neurons in dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN) in sleep.

METHODSStereotaxic, microinjection and polysomnography (PSG) were used in the experiment.

RESULTSMicroinjection of L-glutanate (L-Glu) into the DRN decreased slow wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS), and increased wake (W). Microinjection of kainic acid (KA) and p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) respectively into the DRN, SWS and PS were promoted, and W was reduced.

CONCLUSIONSerotonergic neurons in dorsal raphe nuclei involved in the regulation of sleep. Sleep was reduced when the serotonergic neurons were excited, and when the neurons were inhibited. sleep was increased

Action Potentials ; Animals ; Male ; Neurons ; physiology ; Polysomnography ; Raphe Nuclei ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Serotonin ; physiology ; Sleep ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo explore the functional brain localization with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after acupuncturing the Yuan-Source and He-Sea acupoints of Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming (ST).

METHODSThe study was performed in 30 healthy volunteers who underwent acupuncture at Yuan-Source acupoint (Chongyang, ST42) and He-Sea acupoint (Zusanli, ST36) (ST group). Ten of these were also underwent acupuncture at the non-acupoints as the control group. Blood oxygenation level dependent functional MRI was performed.

RESULTSIn the ST group, signal increasing areas were demonstrated in bilateral superior temporal gyri (Broadmann 22), bilateral supramarginal gyri (Broadmann 40), bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, bilateral cingulate gyri and isthmus of cingulate gyri (Broadmann 32, 30), bilateral superior parietal lobules (Broadmann 7); signal decreasing areas were shown in bilateral orbital gyri (Broadmann 11), bilateral temporal pole (Broadmann 38), right inferior frontal gyrus (Broadmann 47) and right medial occipitotemporal gyrus (Broadmann 36). In the control group, signal increases areas were demonstrated in superior temporal gyri, precentral gyri, cingulate gyri, thalamus, insula and cerebellum. The size, signal intensity and number of increasing areas in control group are less than in ST group.

CONCLUSIONCombined acupuncture of Yuan-Source and He-Sea acupoints of ST can activate and decrease the multiple brain regions of "splanchnic brain" and thus reach a new functional balance to relieve pain.

Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Brain ; physiology ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Meridians ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study erythrocyte oxidative stress status and its association with left to right shunt congenital heart disease (CHD) in children.

METHODSA total of 31 children with left to right shunt CHD were enrolled, including 7 cases of atrial septal defect (ASD), 12 ventricular septal defect (VSD), 4 patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), 6 patent foramen ovale (PFO), and 2 complete endocardial cushion defect. Twenty healthy age-matched (1 month to 3 years old) children severed as the control group. The contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonaldehyde (MDA) in erythrocytes were determined using ELISA. ESR was measured by Westergen. PaO(2) and PaCO(2) were measured by Blood Gas Analyzer (GEM Premier 3000).

RESULTSThe MDA content in erythrocytes in the CHD group was significantly higher, in contrast, SOD content was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The CHD children with heart failure had more decreased SOD and more increased MDA contents compared with the control group (P<0.01). The SOD level was the highest in the PFO group and was the lowest in the complete endocardial cushion defect group. The SOD level in the PFO group was significantly higher than that in the ASD, VSD and complete endocardial cushion defect groups (P<0.05). The MDA level was the highest in the VSD group and was the lowest in the complete endocardial cushion defect group. There were significant differences in the MDA level among CHD subgroups (P<0.05). The ESR was negatively correlated to the SOD level (r=-0.191, P<0.05), while positively correlated to PaO(2) level in CHD children (r=0.216, P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between SOD and MDA levels (r=-0.312, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSOxidative stress exists in children with left to right shunt CHD. The SOD and MDA contents in erythrocytes can be used as markers for the assessment of severity of the disease.

Blood Gas Analysis ; Blood Sedimentation ; Child, Preschool ; Erythrocytes ; metabolism ; Female ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; metabolism ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Oxidative Stress ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood