To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Qinghouyan lozenge in the treatment of acute pharyngitis due to Lung-heat and Yin-deficiency, and compare with Qinghouyan oral Liquid. Totally 144 subjects were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups (72 in the test group and 72 in the control group). The participants in the test group were given Qinghouyan lozenge for 5 days, and those in the control group were given Qinghouyan oral Liquid for 5 days. The effectiveness evaluation indexes were pharyngalgia/odynophagia disappearance rate, overall efficacy of TCM syndromes, TCM syndrome scores, and single syndrome and sign disappearance rate. During the test, the safety was evaluated by vital sign, lab examination indexes and adverse events. The results for the full analysis set showed that the couth disappearance rate, the incidence rate of TCM syndromes, and the throat/uvula congestion disappearance rate of the test group were higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05), with significant differences in the changes in syndrome scores between the two groups (P < 0.05). Altogether 3 adverse events were observed in the test group while 6 adverse events in the control group, without significant differences in the adverse event rate between the two groups (P < 0.05), serious abnormal laboratory examinations and vital signs. In conclusion, Qinghouyan lozenge has better efficacy in treatment of acute pharyngitis due to Lung-heat and Yin-deficiency than Qinghouyan oral liquid, with good safety.
Acute Disease ; Double-Blind Method ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Pharyngitis ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of cytokines induced by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide (Aa-LPS) in monocytes/macrophages from different organs of rabbits.

METHODSThe peripheral mononuclear cells (Mo), alveolar macrophages (AM), peritoneal macrophages (PM) and Kupffer cells (KC) from five New Zealand rabbits were isolated respectively. Then the cells from different organs were stimulated with Escherichia coli (Ec)-LPS or Aa-LPS at the dose of 1 mg/L. After culture for 24 hours, the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)6, IL-1β, IL-8 mRNA and protein were determined by real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay respectively.

RESULTSThe monocytes/macrophages challenged by Ec-LPS or Aa-LPS expressed more cytokines both in mRNA and protein levels compared with the controls (P < 0.05). Among them, AM displayed the highest respond when encount with Aa-LPS, with the TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8 mRNA relative levels were (0.4719 ± 0.0171), (2.7895 ± 0.0669), (5.1527 ± 0.1190), (3.6785 ± 0.1836) and the proteins concentrations were (82.2 ± 5.4), (40.2 ± 2.0), (50 308.3 ± 445.0), (35 305.3 ± 1480.9) ng/L respectively. And the inducibility of Aa-LPS was stronger than that of Ec-LPS (P < 0.05). Meanwhile the cells from different organs showed discrepant response when exposed to Aa-LPS (P < 0.05). The results showed their abilities to secrete cytokines were in the sequence of AM > Mo > KC > PM.

CONCLUSIONSAa-LPS influenced the expression of cytokines in monocytes/macrophages from different organs of rabbits.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans ; Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Interleukin-1beta ; metabolism ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-8 ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; adverse effects ; Macrophages ; metabolism ; Macrophages, Alveolar ; metabolism ; Macrophages, Peritoneal ; metabolism ; Monocytes ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rabbits ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

To optimize indices of molecular identification for authentication of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Panacis Quinquefolii Radix, four indices, including sequence similarity, specific positions, genetic distance and phylogenetic tree, were compared based on trnL-trnF sequences. Total DNA was extracted from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Panacis Quinquefolii Radix, and trL-trnF sequences were amplified and sequenced. Sequence similarity was calculated by BLAST analysis. Specific positions were compared by DNAman software. Genetic distance and phylogenetic tree were analyzed by Mega software. The results showed that the inter-specific and intra-specific similarity of P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius respectively was 100% and 99. 6%. There were four specific positions at G153A, T463A, C732G and T818C. The inter-specific genetic distance (0) of trL-trnF sequences was lower than intra-specific genetic distance (0. 004). P. ginseng can be distinguished from P. quinquefolius based on the phylogenetic tree. It is concluded that Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Panacis Quinquefolii Radix can be authenticated by identification indices of sequence similarity, specific positions, genetic distance and phylogenetic tree. Index of specific positions based on trnL-trnF sequences is the most efficient index to authenticate Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Panacis Quinquefolii Radix.
Chloroplasts ; genetics ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; methods ; Panax ; classification ; genetics ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; Rhizome ; classification ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) on apoptotic genes in foam cells.

METHODSMacrophages from THP-1 monocytes and foam cells from macrophages by oxLDL inducement were treated with oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) or oxLDL+ Pg-LPS. Cell apoptosis was detected by acridine orange-ethidium bromide (AO-EB) staining. Eleven atherosclerotic related apoptotic genes were examined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array, and apoptotic gene p53, c-Myc and caspase-3 were evaluated with real-time PCR.

RESULTSPg-LPS enhanced cell apoptosis rate during and after foam cells formation [(5.47+/-0.93)% vs. (7.50+/-0.54)%]. PCR array demonstrated that it increased B-cell CLL-lymphoma 2 (BCL2) related protein A1 (BCL2A1) transcription during foam cells formation (>2 fold), and promoted BCL2 and BCL2A1 transcription after foam cells formation (>2 fold). It promoted p53 and caspase-3 transcription level (4.50x10(-3)+/-4.02x10(-4) vs. 5.30x10(-2)+/-4.58x10(-3)), whereas inhibited c-Myc transcription level (1.53x10(-2)+/-5.77x10(-4)) during foam cells formation. It promoted caspase-3 transcription (6.00x10(-2)+/-6.08x10(-3)), and inhibited p53 transcription (4.23x10(-3)+/-5.85x10(-4)) after foam cells formation.

CONCLUSIONSPg-LPS affected apoptotic gene transcription during and after foam cells formation and enhanced cell apoptosis.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Foam Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Lipopolysaccharides ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; pharmacology ; Macrophages ; physiology ; Minor Histocompatibility Antigens ; Porphyromonas gingivalis ; chemistry ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; metabolism ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo construct a replication-defective recombinant adenovirus expressing the fusion gene of neuraminidase (NA) gene in influenza virus A/FM/1/47 and C3d and to evaluate the induced immune efficacy.

METHODSNA-C3d was cloned into shutter vector pAdTrack-CMV, which was cotransformated with adenovirus DNA into E. coli BJ5183. The recombinant adenovirus genomic DNA was generated through homological recombination. The recombinant adenovirus was produced by transfecting 293 cell line with the genomic DNA and the induced immune efficacy in mice were analyzed.

RESULTSThe integration of NA-C3d in the adenovirus genomic DNA and its expression were confirmed by PCR and Western-Blot assays respectively. After intranasal immunization, the serum IgG was induced at a titer of 1: 1000 and 1:100 000 in BALB/c mice at primary and secondary immunization respectively. The vaccinated mice were completely survived when challenged with wide influenza virus.

CONCLUSIONrecombinant adenovirus expressing NA-C3d was successfully constructed and it could induce desired immune efficacy.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Animals ; Cloning, Molecular ; Complement C3d ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Immunoglobulin G ; immunology ; Influenzavirus A ; enzymology ; genetics ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Neuraminidase ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection ; methods ; Virus Replication

To confirm the mechanism of exosomes as tumor vaccines inducing immunity response, dendritic cells (DCs) were induced from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, while exosomes were isolated from DC loaded tumor antigen. The effect of exosomes on priming T cell proliferation was analysed under conditions with or without DCs, or DCs at different mature stages. The function of exosomes in immunity was detected through block test after blocking some molecules (CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, CD54, MFG-E8 and CD83). The effect of DCs on embedded exosomes was observed by confocal microscopy, the effect of blocking surface molecules on exosomes on DC-embedding exosomes was assayed by flow cytometry. The results indicated that both exosomes derived from imDC (imDex) and exosomes derived from mDC (mDex) could not prime T cells without DC or with imDC. The exosomes derived from mDC induced with different cytokines (LPS, TNF-alpha, CpG, CD40L) were no significant difference in concentrations but were different in effect. The immunity function of exosomes depended on CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, CD54, MFG-E8 and CD83 molecules, the effect of priming T cells is reduced when these molecules were blocked. Confocal microscopy and FACS assay showed that blocking CD11a and CD54 could inhibit exosome-targeted DC and DC-embedded exosomes. It is concluded that the exosomes target DCs through their surface molecules, therefore results in immune response of T cells.
Antigens, Neoplasm ; immunology ; Cells, Cultured ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; immunology ; secretion ; Exosomes ; immunology ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Lymphocyte Activation ; drug effects ; T-Lymphocytes ; cytology ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the significance of sonic hedgehog (Shh), indian hedgehog (Ihh), smoothened (Smo) and patched (Ptch) expressions in uterine cervical lesions and their relationships with HPV type 16 infection.

METHODSTotally 183 cases of cervical lesions, including 32 non-neoplastic cervix, 71 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (28 CINI, 18 CINII, and 25 CINIII) and 80 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) were selected from the Department of Pathology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanbian Women Hospital, and Yanbian Tumor Hospital. Shh, Ihh, Ptch and Smo proteins expression were investigated by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarry platform, and the presence of HPV type 16 was detected by PCR method.

RESULTSImmunohistochemical staining showed that the frequencies of Shh, Ihh, Ptch and Smo expression were rare in normal cervical epithelium, but were strongly expressed in cervical cancer and its precursor lesions (CINII/III) (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, respectively). In cervical cancer, the expression rate of Shh (95%) was higher than that of CIN (CINI to CINIII) (46.4%, 61.1%, 80.0%, respectively, P < 0.05). HPV16 was positive in 77.5% of SCC. In cervical cancer, the expression of Shh was related with HPV16 infection (P < 0.05), and the expression of Smo was correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSShh, Ihh, Ptch, and Smo genes may play important roles in the development of cervical cancer. Detection of Hedgehog signaling pathway molecules seems helpful for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions, and are potentially therapeutic targets as well.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; virology ; Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia ; metabolism ; pathology ; virology ; Female ; Hedgehog Proteins ; metabolism ; Human papillomavirus 16 ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Papillomavirus Infections ; Patched Receptors ; Patched-1 Receptor ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; metabolism ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Smoothened Receptor ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; virology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of telaprevir combined with peginterferon alfa (Peg-IFNa) plus ribavirin (RBV) (collectively, TPR therapy) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) using a meta-analysis approach.

METHODSThe Pubmed literature database was searched for randomized controlled trials of TRP therapy in CHC patients published between 2009 and 2011. The following outcome data was extracted for meta-analysis of efficacy: sustained virological response (SVR), defined as serum HCV RNA of less than 1000 copies/ml at end-of-treatment (week 24); rapid virological response (RVR), defined as serum HCV RNA of less than 1000 copies/ml at treatment week 4; recurrence, defined as serum HCV RNA of less than 1000 copies/mL at end-of-treatment and more than 1000 copies/ml at follow-up (week 24 after treatment completion). The pooled odds ratio (OR) or relative risk (RR) were calculated, with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed by the Chi-squared test based on the Q statistic.

RESULTSSix studies of TPR triple therapy, representing a total of 2677 CHC patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Among the 1850 patients who received TPR, 56.3% (n = 1041) achieved RVR, 66.8% (n = 1235) achieved SVR, and 12.1% (n = 176/1460) experienced recurrence. Among the 827 patients who received PR double-therapy, 7.0% (n = 58) achieved RVR, 35.8% (n = 296) achieved SVR, and 32.3% (n = 145/449) experienced recurrence. The TRP group had significantly higher rates of RVR (OR = 29.83, 95% CI: 16.16 to 55.05) and SVR (OR = 3.97, 95% CI: 2.58 to 6.11) than the PR group (both P less than 0.01), and significantly lower rate of recurrence (RR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.56, P less than 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe therapeutic effect of research group is better than that of control group, suggesting that ornithine aspartate combined with naloxone treatment in hepatic encephalopathy is worthy of promoting.

Drug Therapy, Combination ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Oligopeptides ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Ribavirin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

The fruit of Lycium ruthenicum is a common folk medicine in China. Now it is popular for its antioxidative effect and other medical functions. The adulterants of the herb confuse consumers. In order to identify a new adulterant of L. ruthenicum, a research was performed based on NCBI Nucleotide Database ITS Sequence, combined analysis of the origin and morphology of the adulterant to traceable varieties. Total genomic DNA was isolated from the materials, and nuclear DNA ITS sequences were amplified and sequenced; DNA fragments were collated and matched by using ContingExpress. Similarity identification of BLAST analysis was performed. Besides, the distribution of plant origin and morphology were considered to further identification and verification. Families and genera were identified by molecular identification method. The adulterant was identified as plant belonging to Berberis. Origin analysis narrowed the range of sample identification. Seven different kinds of plants in Berberis were potential sources of the sample. Adulterants variety was traced by morphological analysis. The united molecular identification-origin-morphology research proves to be a preceding way to medical herbs traceability with time-saving and economic advantages and the results showed the new adulterant of L. ruthenicum was B. kaschgarica. The main differences between B. kaschgarica and L. ruthenicum are as follows: in terms of the traits, the surface of B. kaschgarica is smooth and crispy, and that of L. ruthenicum is shrinkage, solid and hard. In microscopic characteristics, epicarp cells of B. aschgarica thickening like a string of beads, stone cells as the rectangle, and the stone cell walls of L. ruthenicum is wavy, obvious grain layer. In molecular sequences, the length of ITS sequence of B. kaschgarica is 606 bp, L. ruthenicum is 654 bp, the similarity of the two sequences is 53.32%.
Berberis ; classification ; cytology ; genetics ; China ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; methods ; DNA, Plant ; chemistry ; genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer ; chemistry ; genetics ; Drug Contamination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; standards ; Lycium ; classification ; cytology ; genetics ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Species Specificity

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of low-level lead exposure on infant's neurobehavioral development and evaluate the effects of early intervention.

METHODSThe study population consisted of 276 infants whose blood lead, cadmium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and calcium concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy and developmental status were assessed using the Gesell developmental Diagnosis scales (GDDS) at 6 months of age. All study subjects was divided into three groups: 58 infants in control group, 162 infants in low lead group and 56 infants in high lead group. On the basis infants of both the low and high lead groups were provided with interventional measures for 3 months, and tests for the blood lead, cadmium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, calcium and GDDS were repeated for all infants both 12 and 18 months of ages.

RESULTSInfant' s developmental outcome revealed the developmental quotient was the lowest in the high lead group (86.74 +/- 9. 35), the lesser low in the low lead group (91.52 +/- 10.12) and the highest in control group (100.71 +/- 6.92). Changes in developmental quotient were detected in both the low and high lead groups with statistical significance (P < 0.05) after intervention measures adopted. However, the changes of developmental quotient were more remarkable in the low lead group and after the 18th month there was no statistical significance than control group (t = 1.721, P > 0.05) while the significant difference was found in between the high lead group and the control group (t = 23.495, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONLow-level lead exposure interfered infant's neurobehavioral development and early intervention might improve infant's developmental quotient.

Child Development ; drug effects ; Early Intervention (Education) ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Behavior ; drug effects ; Lead ; adverse effects ; blood ; Lead Poisoning ; complications ; prevention & control