OBJECTIVETo study on the original meanings of "reinforcement can be achieved by slow-yet-rapid needling, and rapid-yet-slow needling weakens evil-qi", one of important bases of reinforcing-reducing in acupuncture.

METHODSUsing the principle of knowledge archaeology and through structure an d through structure analysis on the subjects described by "slow" and "rapid" and the papers appearing the words, the meanings of this sentence are re-discriminated.

CONCLUSION"Slow-rapid" prescribed in the reinforcing-reducing needling method in Huangdi's Internal Classic includes 3 subjects: pulse condition, needle-retained time, and velocity of withdrawing the needle. The "slow-rapid" in "reinforcement can be achieved by slow-yet-rapid needling, and rapid-yet-slow needling weakens evil-qi" should be pulse condition, but was not needling method, which means that the pulse changes from slow to rapid, marked by transformation of channels from deficiency to excess; the transform of the pulse from rapid to slow means that the channel transforms from excess to deficiency.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; genetics ; Female ; Genes, erbB-1 ; genetics ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques ; methods ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of ginsenoside R(g1) on the transdifferentiation of rat renal tubular epethelial cells induced by transforming growth factor-beta1, (TGF-beta1).

METHODCultured normal rat renal tubular epethelial cells (NRK-52E) were divided into control group, TGF-beta1-induced group and treated with ginsenoside R(g1) at different concentration (10, 20, 40 mg x L(-1)) group. The morphology of tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation induced by TGF-beta1 was observed through light microscope. alpha-SMA and E-cadherin protein expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses. alpha-SMA, collagen I and and fibronectin gene expression were assessed by real-time quantitative chain reaction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantitatively detect collagen I and fibronectin in the supernatant.

RESULT10 mg x L(-1) TGF-beta1 could induce the transdifferentiation of tubular epithelial myofibroblast, showing fibroblast-like in morphology, with significantly enhanced expression of alpha-SMA, depressed expression of E-cadherin and increased secretion of fibronectin and collagen I (P < 0.05). Compared to TGF-beta1-induced group, ginsenoside R(g1) partly abrogated the alpha-SMA expression and E-cadherin depression triggered by TGF-beta1 in tubular epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Meanhile, ginsenoside R(g1) blocked morphologic transformation of tubular epithelial cells and decreased levels of collagen I and fibronectin (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONGinsenoside R(g1) could inhibit TGF-beta1 induced the tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and decreased levels of collagen I and fibronectin in NRK52E.

Animals ; Cadherins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line ; Cell Transdifferentiation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Ginsenosides ; pharmacology ; Kidney Tubules ; cytology ; drug effects ; Panax ; chemistry ; Rats ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; pharmacology

Objective To evaluate the effect of PTH gene polymorphisms on bone mineral density (BMD) at multiple skeletal sites in normal females.Methods PTH gene phenotype was determined by PCR-RFLP of restriction enzyme Bst BⅠin 596 females aged (46.3?13.7) years (20-80 years),and PCR products with or without enzymolytic site were considered as genotype B or genotype b respectively.BMDs of the anteropesterior spine (AP) and supine lateral spine (Lat) of lumbar vertebrae (L_1-L_4),femoral neck (FN),total hip (T-hip), Ward's triangle (Ward),Trochanter (Troch),forearm [radius+ulna ultradistal (RUUD) and total area of radius + ulna (RUT) ] were measured by DEXA (QDR4500A).Results (1) Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was evident for PTH polymorphisms.The frequencies of genotype were BB 0.784,Bb 0.208,bb 0.008 and frequencies of alleles B,b were 0.888 and 0.112 respectively in 596 normal females.Frequencies of BB,Bb,bb genotypes were 0.781,0.210,and 0.009 respectively in 347 postmenopausal women and their frequencies of alleles B,b were 0.886,0.114.No significant difference was found between post- and premenopausal women in genotype frequen- cy.(2) Comparing their BMDs of AP,Lat,FN,T-hip,Ward,Troch,RUUD and RUT,there was no significant difference between BB and Bb genotypes of pre- and postmenopansal women groups.(3) Logistic regression analysis failed to show any statistical difference between normal and osteoporosis women with regard to PTH phenotype.Conclusion PTH gene polymorphism has little effect on BMD in normal females.

Objective:To investigate the effect of recombinant lipoproteins of Brucella outer membrane protein 16, 19 (L16 and L19) on the expression of immune regulatory factors in human monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1 cells). Methods:THP-1 cells activated with phorbol ester (PMA) were used as an in vitro experimental cell model, and a group design was used to co-culture L16, L19 and THP-1 cells (L16 stimulated group, L19 stimulated group), respectively. THP-1 cells activated with PMA were used as the control group. When co-cultured for 4 hours, immunofluorescence staining (IFS) and Western blotting were used to detect whether L16 and L19 entered the cells, respectively; when co-cultured for 12, 24 hours, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) and trans activator protein of major histocompatibility complex class Ⅱ (CⅡTA); Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of T cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3) and γ interferon receptor 1 (IFNGR1). Results:When co-cultured for 4 hours, L16 and L19 were observed entering THP-1 cells in the L16 stimulated group and L19 stimulated group, respectively. When co-cultured for 12 hours, the expression level of IRF-1 mRNA in the L16 stimulated group (0.16 ± 0.15) was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.00 ± 0.00, P < 0.05). When co-cultured for 24 hours, the expression level of CⅡTA mRNA in the L16 stimulated group (0.17 ± 0.10) was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.00 ± 0.00, P < 0.05). When co-cultured for 12 and 24 hours, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression levels of IRF-1 and CⅡTA mRNA between the L19 stimulated group and the control group ( P > 0.05). Western blotting results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the expression levels of INFGR1 and Tim-3 protein among the control group, L16 stimulated group, and L19 stimulated group after co-cultured for 12 and 24 hours ( F = 50.92, 6.80, 148.73, 156.57, P < 0.05). Among them, when co-cultured for 12 hours, the expression level of INFGR1 protein in the L16 and L19 stimulated groups were significantly lower than that in the control group, and the L19 stimulated group was higher than the L16 stimulated group ( P < 0.05), and the expression level of Tim-3 protein in the L19 stimulation group was higher than that in the control group ( P < 0.05). When co-cultured for 24 hours, the expression level of INFGR1 protein in the L16 and L19 stimulated groups were lower than that in the control group, and the L19 stimulated group was higher than that in the L16 stimulated group ( P < 0.05); and the expression level of Tim-3 protein in the L16 stimulated group was higher than that in the control group and L19 stimulated group ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:Brucella L16 can downregulate the expression levels of IRF-1 and CⅡTA mRNA in THP-1 cells. Both L16 and L19 can downregulate IFNGR1 and upregulate Tim-3 protein expression levels.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the results of video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy for myasthenia gravis.

METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed data from 107 patients received thoracoscopic extended thymectomy from June 1995 to June 2004. All patients had confirmed diagnosis of myasthenia gravis by clinical manifestation and electromyogram. Thoracoscopic extended thymectomy as well as dissection of all fatty tissue anterior to the pericardium was performed.

RESULTSDuring a follow-up of 1-98 months, symptom was significantly improved in 83% of patients, including 34 patients experienced complete remission. There was no postoperative mortality.

CONCLUSIONFavorable results of video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy can be achieved in patients with myasthenia gravis. The technique is safe and minimally invasive.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myasthenia Gravis ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted ; Thymectomy ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the major cause of chronic liver injury. Intestinal barrier plays an important role in the pathogenis of NAFLD. The aim of this article was to assess intestinal immune barrier function during the development of NAFLD.

METHODSTotally 60 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 2 groups: normal diet (ND) group and high-fat diet (HFD) group. NAFLD rat model was established in the HFD rat group. Portal blood endotoxin level was assessed by limulus test. The percentage of CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and lymphocytes in Peyer's patches (PP) were analysed by flow cytometry. Intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) level was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Paired Student's t test was used for the statistic analysis.

RESULTSHFD rats presented with simple steatosis at the 4th and 8th week and progressed to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis at the 12th week. Elevated lipopolysaccharides (LPS) level in HFD rats was observed at the 8th week ((1.54 ± 0.30) times of ND group, P < 0.01). CD4/CD8 ratios in PBMC and PP of HFD rats were increased at the 4th week ((1.50 ± 0.47) and (1.63 ± 0.34) times of ND group, P < 0.05) and decreased at the 8th week ((0.50 ± 0.16) and (0.61 ± 0.26) times of ND group, P < 0.05). At the 12th week, CD4/CD8 ratio ((1.47 ± 0.46) times, P < 0.05) in PP increased to levels observed in the 4th week. Intestinal SIgA expression of HFD rats was remarkably up-regulated at 12th week ((2.70 ± 1.65) times, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONLiver-gut axis in rats with NAFLD may mediate and improve intestinal immune function by increased CD4/CD8 ratio in PP and increased production of SIgA.

Animals ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; immunology ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; immunology ; Diet, High-Fat ; adverse effects ; Disease Models, Animal ; Fatty Liver ; chemically induced ; etiology ; immunology ; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory ; immunology ; Intestines ; immunology ; Male ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in multiple myeloma (MM) bone marrow (BM) microenrivonment and their effect on myeloma cells survival and bortezomib induced apoptosis.

METHODSBMSCs were derived from BM of untreated myeloma patients (MM-BMSCs) and healthy donors (HD-BMSCs), respectively. The phenotype, proliferation time and cytokine secretion of MM-BMSCs were detected and compared with HD-BMSCs. Then BMSCs were co-cultured with myeloma cell line NCI-H929 and bortezomib in vitro. The NCI-H929 cells proliferation and bortezomib induced cell apoptosis were investigated.

RESULTSMM-BMSCs and HD-BMSCs were isolated successfully. The phenotype of MM-BMSCs was similar to that of HD-BMSCs. Expressions of CD73, CD105, CD44 and CD29 were positive, but those of CD31, CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR (< 1%) negative. The proliferation time of MM-BMSCs was longer than that of HD-BMSCs (82 h vs 62 h, P < 0.05). Moreover, over-expressions of IL-6 and VEGF in MM-BMSCs culture supernatant were detected as compared with that in HD-BMSCs [(188.8 ± 9.4) pg/ml vs (115.0 ± 15.1) pg/ml and (1497.2 ± 39.7) pg/ml vs (1329.0 ± 21.1) pg/ml, respectively]. MM- BMSCs supported survival of the myeloma cells NCI-H929 and protected them from bortezomib induced cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONSMM-BMSCs is benefit for myeloma cells proliferation and against cell apoptosis induced by bortezomib. Over-expression of IL-6 and VEGF maybe play a critical role in these effects.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Bortezomib ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; Multiple Myeloma ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the clinical features of children with early-onset benign occipital epilepsy (EBOS) and children with late-onset benign occipital epilepsy (LOS) and their EEG changes,treatments and prognoses.Methods Sixty children with benign occipital epilepsy,admitted to our hospital from June 2007 to June 2012,were chosen in our study; their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.According to the recommendations of the 2001 International League against Epilepsy (ILAE),these patients were divided into EBOS group (n=28) and LOS group (n=32); the clinical manifestations,electroencephalogram (EEG) characteristics,medication effectiveness in the two groups of children were compared.Results No significant difference on gender distribution,febrile convulsion histories and family history of epilepsy was noted between the two groups (P＞0.05); however,average ages of onset in the EBOS group were significantly younger than those in the LOS group (P＜ 0.05),and the onset time,seizure frequency,attack mode,seizures associated symptoms and seizure EEG waveforms in the EBOS group were obviously different as compared with those in the LOS group.Single-drug AED treatment could have control effect in 23 of children in the EBOS group and 12 of children in the LOS group; statistical difference was noted between the two groups (P＜0.05).Conclusion The onset time,seizure frequency,attack mode and seizures associated symptoms are obvious different between children with EBOS and LOS,and combined with seizure EEG waveforms,these differences can be used to identify the two.

OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin-28B (IL-28B) gene and the susceptibility to primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSA total of 300 histologically confirmed HCC cases (from November 2001 to April 2010) and 310 healthy controls with no history of chronic hepatitis B or hepatocellular carcinoma (2009-2010) were selected from a hospital in Guilin and a hospital in Beijing for this case-control study.139 HCC patients in the case group had complete clinical tracking data. All the subjects were Han Chinese, with no age or gender restrictions.2 ml peripheral blood samples were drawn from each subject with informed consent. SNP of rs12972991, rs4803223, rs8099917 and rs12979860 four loci in IL-28B gene were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF).

RESULTSThe frequencies of C allele at rs12972991, G allele at rs8099917 and G allele at rs4803223 were 6.7% (40/598), 7.9% (47/598) and 10.0% (59/588) respectively in case group; all higher than the corresponding frequencies in control group, separately 2.9% (18/618), 4.1% (25/616) and 3.6% (21/608). The differences were statistically significant (χ2=9.542, 7.858, 20.736, P values all<0.05). The above alleles could increase the risk of HCC, and the OR (95%CI) values were separately 1.67 (1.13-2.46), 1.49 (1.08-2.06) and 2.91 (1.79-4.72). The genotype frequencies of AC+CC at rs12972991, GT+GG at rs8099917, GA+GG at rs4803223 were 13.0% (39/299), 14.7% (44/299) and 19.0% (56/296) respectively in case group; while the frequencies were lower in control group, separately 5.8% (18/309), 8.1% (25/308) and 6.6% (20/304). The differences were statistically significant (χ2=9.319, 6.557, 20.948, P values all<0.05). These genotypes may increase the risk of HCC, and the adjusted OR (95%CI) values were 2.24 (1.31-3.83), 1.81 (1.14-2.88) and 2.90 (1.78-4.70), respectively. The stratified analysis of the clinical data indicated that the frequency of genotype GA+GG at rs4803223 was 50.0% (13/26) in patients of tumor thrombosis in portal vein (TTPV), higher than the frequency of genotype AA (21.1%, 23/109). The difference was statistically significant (χ2=8.965, P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONThe results suggested that IL-28B gene polymorphisms was correlated to the susceptibility to HCC in Chinese Han ethnic population. Among them, GA + GG genotype at rs4803223 could increase the risk of TTPV in HCC patients.

Alleles ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Interleukins ; genetics ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide