Adult ; Aged ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leeches ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Materia Medica ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Phytotherapy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalent area where the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) initially would develop most frequently in the nasopharynx.

METHODSFrom March, 1994 to June, 2003, the data of original micro-focus of 32 pathologically confirmed NPC were retrospectively reviewed, All cases were shown by CT to have stages T(0) or T(1) lesions.

RESULTSOn clinical examination, only 3 cases (9.4%) were found to have original micro-tumor in the recess, the other 29 cases (90.6%) had developed from the other regions including 20 (69.0%) from the roof and 9 cases (31.0%) from the posterior wall, all with the mucosa in the recess smooth and symmetrical. However, CT images showed that membrane of all the nasopharyngeal walls, including the recess, were normal in 24 cases (75.0%); except the micro-foci were observed on one side of the posterior wall in 5 cases (15.6%) but still with the recess normal, One lateral wall and/or the recess were involved with abnormal appearance in 3 cases (9.4%) who were clinically found to have NPC focus originated from the recess.

CONCLUSIONOur data suggest that the roof of nasopharyngeal cavity may be the area likely to develop the original NPC micro-focus, followed in frequency by the posterior wall, with the recess the least likely. The recess involvement observed in advanced lesions may be the extension of the NPC focus from the original site on the roof or the posterior wall of nasopharynx.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Nasopharynx ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo establish a predictive scoring system which may serve for the prediction of sustained response to conventional interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment on chronic hepatitis B.

METHODSA total of 474 IFN-alpha treated hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients were enrolled in the present study. The patients' baseline characteristics, such as age, gender, aminotransferases, activity grading (G) of intrahepatic inflammation, score (S) of liver fibrosis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and genotype were evaluated; therapy duration and response of each patient at the 24th wk after cessation of IFN-alpha treatment were also recorded. A predictive scoring system for a sustained complete response (CR) to IFN-alpha therapy was established based on genetic algorithm. About 10% of the patients were randomly drawn out as the test set. Responses to IFN-alpha therapy were divided into CR, partial response (PR) and non-response (NR). The mixed set of PR and NR was recorded as PR + NR.

RESULTSFor the scoring system, the sensitivity and specificity were 78.8% and 80.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThis SCR scoring system has satisfying prediction efficiency and is easily employed in clinical practice. With this scoring system, practitioners can propose individualized decisions that have an integrated foundation on both evidence-based medicine and personal characteristics.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prognosis ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVECoronary arterial plaque rupture and secondary thrombosis are the major pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Metalloprotease (MMPs) secreted by monocyte/macrophage was the main predisposing factor of the plaque rupture and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) is involved in a variety of inflammatory cytokine gene transcriptional regulations. We explored the possible role of PPAR-gamma in the regulation of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expressed by peripheral monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from patients with ACS.

METHODSPeripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 48 patients with ACS and 28 healthy controls and stimulated by macrophage colony-stimulating factor (0.1 microg/ml for 24 hours) to form MDMs. MDMs were then incubated under various concentrations of rosiglitazone (0, 1, 10, 20 micromol/L) for 48 hours. The concentrations of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the supernatant were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and the mRNA expression of PPAR-gamma, MMP-9 by RT-PCR and nuclear factor-kappaB P65 (NF-kappaB P65) expression by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSPPAR-gamma mRNA expression was significantly lower while NF-kappaB P65 and MMP-9 expression as well as MMP-9 and TIMP-1 concentrations in supernatant were significantly higher in ACS group than those in control group (all P < 0.05). After rosiglitazone intervention, PPAR-gamma mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in both ACS and control groups in a dose-dependent manner. Both the MMP-9 concentration in the supernatant and MMP-9 mRNA expression were reduced post intervention with rosiglitazone in both groups. The TIMP-1 mRNA expression and concentration in supernatant were not affected by rosiglitazone in both groups. Rosiglitazone induced significant downregulation of NF-kappaB P65 expression in both groups.

CONCLUSIONRosiglitazone intervention may downregulate MMP-9 expression by upregulating PPAR-gamma expression, and by downregulating NF-kappaB expression in MDMs isolated from patients with ACS.

Acute Coronary Syndrome ; blood ; Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Humans ; Macrophages ; metabolism ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; PPAR gamma ; agonists ; Thiazolidinediones ; pharmacology ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; metabolism ; Transcription Factor RelA ; metabolism ; Vasodilator Agents ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the oxidative damage and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52e cell line) induced by ethylbenzene.

METHODSNRK-52e cells were exposed to 30, 60, 90, 120 μmol/L ethylbenzene for 24 hours. Cell viability were measured using MTT, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were detected respectively. PI fluorescent staining assay was applied to detect percentage of apoptosis in ethylbenzene-treated groups.

RESULTSCompared with control group, cell outline became clear, cell diopter increased, cell became smaller and shrinkage, some cells broke in 60 μmol/L ethylbenzene-treated group. Plenty of cells died, suspension cells increased significantly in 90 μmol/L ethylbenzene-treated group. Compared with control group, cell viability the activities of SOD and CAT and the content of GSH were significantly decreased in 60 and 90 μmol/L ethylbenzene-treated groups (P<0.05). The MDA content were remarkably elevated in 90 μmol/L ethylbenzene-treated groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONEthylbenzene can induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in NRK-52e cells (P<0.05).

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Benzene Derivatives ; toxicity ; Cell Line ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Kidney Tubules ; cytology ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Rats ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism

Objective To explore the anti-inflammatory action of Heshi Yangshen Recipe on rat model of nephrotic syndrome induced by adriamycin. Methods Rat model of nephrotic syndrome was established by tail venous injection of one-dose of adriamycin. SD rats were divided into normal group(N = 10),model group(N =11), positive control group (N = 12), and high-, middle- , low-dose Chinese medicine groups (N = 12, respectively). Two weeks after modeling,rats in the normal group and model group were given gastric gavage of same volume of normal saline, rats in positive control group were given gastric gavage of benazepril aqueous solution at a dose of 10 mg·kg-1·d-1 in the former period of 15 days and at 10 mg·kg-1·d-1 in the later period of 20 days, and rats in high-,middle- ,low-dose groups were given gastric gavage of Heshi Yangshen Recipe at a dosage of 33.26, 16.63, 8.32 g·kg-1·d-1 respectively, for 30 continuous groups. During the treatment period, the general situation of rats was observed. After the completion of medication, the levels of 24-hour urinary protein, urine total proteins, urine creatinine were measured by biochemical analyzer, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) level was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and the expression levels of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1)and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)in rat renal tissue of various groups were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results The increase of body mass in all of the modeled rats was significantly slowed down (P < 0.01 as compared with the normal group). Compared with the normal group, the levels of 24-hour urinary protein, serum hs-CRP, and the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in rat renal tissue were increased in the model group (P < 0.05 or P <0.01). Compared with the model group, the level of 24-hour urinary protein in the positive control group and high-dose Chinese medicine group was decreased (P < 0.05), and the levels of serum Hs-CRP, and the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in rat renal tissue of the positive control group and high-,middle-,low-dose Chinese medicine groups were decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conclusion Heshi Yangshen Recipe exerts certain anti-inflammatory action, and its mechanism may be related with the decrease of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. High dosage of Heshi Yangshen Recipe has the strongest therapeutic effect.

OBJECTIVETo explore the mucosal protective effect on the quality of gastric ulcer healing.

METHODSGastric ulcers were induced in male rats by serosal application of acetic acid. Rats were gavaged for 14 days with saline, omeprazole (OME), teprenone (TEP) and TEP plus OME starting 3 days after ulcer induction. Then the tissues and blood samples were obtained and measured.

RESULTThe lower ulcer index (UI) and increased ulcer inhibition rate were observed in OME and OME+TEP groups. In TEP and OME+TEP groups, restored mucosa thickness increased, cystically dilated glands decreased, microvessels in connective tissue increased, the secretion of mucus, hexosamine, PGE(2), bFGF were enhanced, the expression of EGFR was increased.

CONCLUSIONTEP can improve the quality of gastric ulcer healing, when combined with OME,the effect is more marked.

Acetic Acid ; Animals ; Anti-Ulcer Agents ; therapeutic use ; Diterpenes ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Gastric Mucosa ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Omeprazole ; therapeutic use ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; biosynthesis ; Secondary Prevention ; Stomach Ulcer ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Wound Healing ; drug effects

To analyze the effectiveness and safety of intermittent lung inflation combined with rigid ureteroscopy in the treatment of upper ureteral stones that were not fully visible. The clinical and imaging data of 56 patients with upper ureteral stone undergoing rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy combined with intermittent lung inflation in Zhejiang Quhua Hospital from March 2016 to October 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.Intermittentt lung inflation was used to change and stabilize the position of ureteral calculi during the operation,so as to ensure the visual field of ureteroscopy.Holmium laser lithotripsy was performed to remove the stones.Urinary tract abdominal plain X-ray or CT urography was performed 1 and 3 months after the operation to evaluate the residual stones and the clinical efficacy. Stones were successfully removed after a single attempt in 48 patients.In 5 patients,stones escaped into the kidney during ureteroscopic lithotripsy,and thus flexible ureteroscopy were performed.In 3 patients,a second session of auxiliary procedure was required,among whom 2 patients received extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and 1 patient underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy+ureteroscopic lithotripsy.The stone-free rates 1 and 3 months after surgery were 94.6%(53/56)and 100%(56/56),respectively.No severe complication such as ureter perforation,gross hematuria,septic shock,or pneumothorax occurred during and after surgery. Intermittent lung inflation in tracheal intubation under general anesthesia in patients with proximal ureteral stones that can not be fully visible during rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy was feasible and reliable.It can effectively change the location of stones and thus enable safe and effective lithotripy.It expands the indications of rigid ureteroscopy for treating upper ureteral stones.
Humans ; Lithotripsy, Laser ; Retrospective Studies ; Ureteral Calculi ; diagnostic imaging ; Ureteroscopes ; Ureteroscopy

ObjectiveTo provide references for the selection of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens on the research of famous classical formulas and the reasonable uses for medicines and foods through herbal textural research and quality analysis of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens from main producing areas in China. MethodBy consulting the ancient and modern literature， the name， origin， producing areas， harvest time， processing methods of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens were summarized. According to the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia， the contents of 6-gingerol， 8-gingerol， 10-gingerol， and volatile oil in Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens samples were determined. ResultHerbal textural research indicated that medicinal Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens originated from the fresh rhizome of Zingiber officinale. Before Tang dynasty， Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens produced in Sichuan was the best. In the Song dynasty， Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens produced in Sichuan， Zhejiang， and Anhui was of excellent quality. The cultivation of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens in Shandong developed during the Ming and Qing dynasties. From ancient times to the present， the harvest period extended from the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice. Quality evaluation standards of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens were essentially the same in ancient and present documents， as those with little gluten or gluten-free and strong pungency were preferred. After determination， the contents of 6-gingerol， 8-gingerol， and 10-gingerol in 44 samples were qualified in 27 samples， with a qualified rate of 61.4%. Among them， 17 samples were unqualified in the total contents of 8-gingerol and 10-gingerol. Among these qualified samples， the content of 6-gingerol ranged from 0.067% to 0.255%， and the total contents of 8-gingerol and 10-gingerol ranged from 0.040% to 0.131%. The content of volatile oil in 36 samples were qualified in 33 samples， with a qualified rate of 91.7%. Among the qualified samples， the content of volatile oil ranged from 0.175% to 0.410%. ConclusionZingiberis Rhizoma Recens has been used as medicines and foods since ancient times， and the genuine producing areas are consistent in ancient and present times， while the quality of the products， especially the medicinal Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens， should be monitored. Medicinal Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens planted in Leshan city of Sichuan province contains high contents of effective components， followed by Qujing and Wenshan cities of Yunnan province. Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens planted in Shandong and other places is mostly edible.