OBJECTIVETo verify the therapeutic effect of acupuncture with Ling gui Ba fa (method for picking eight points linked with extraordinary meridians according to time) for treatment of chronic superficial gastritis (CSG) of liver-stomach disharmony type.

METHODSSixty cases were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with Ling gui Ba fa and acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) and Taichong (LR 3); the control group was treated with routine acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36), Zhongwan (CV 12), Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC 6), Ganshu (BL 18) and Weishu (BL 21), 3 times a week, 10 times constituted one course. After two courses of treatment, the clinical and gastroscopy effects were evaluated.

RESULTSThe clinical curative rate of 66.7% (20/30) in observation group was superior to that of 26.7% (8/30) in control group (P < 0.01); the gastroscopy curative rate of 66.7% (20/30) in observation group was superior to that of 23.3% (7/30) in control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe clinical effect and gastroscopy examination of the acupuncture with Ling gui Ba fa are superior to those of routine point selection for treatment of CSG of liver-stomach disharmony type.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Chronic Disease ; therapy ; Female ; Gastritis ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Humans ; Liver ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stomach ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the biological effects of phenytoin (PHT) on cultured human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLF), and explore the possibility of its accelerating periodontal regeneration.

METHODSIncreasing concentrations of PHT (1, 5, 20, 100, 500, 2 500 mg/L) were added into the medium of the fourth passage of cultured hPDLF, respectively. After co-incubated for 3 days, cell proliferation activity, the total amount of protein and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were detected. Mineralized sodium and PHT (20, 100, 500 mg/L) were added into the medium of the fourth passage hPDLF. After co-incubated, the mineralized nodules formation were detected by Von Kossa staining. The third passage hPDLF were stimulated by PHT (20, 100 mg/L), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) concentration was analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent sandwich assay (ELISA).

RESULTSAt the concentration of 20 or 100 mg/L, PHT significantly enhanced the proliferating activity and ALP activity of hPDLF (P<0.01). PHT at 100 mg/L could increase protein synthesis of hPDLF (P<0.05). The capability of mineralization and BMP-2 expression of hPDLF were increased significantly (P<0.01) in 100 mg/L group when compared with that in the control group. However, higher concentration (2 500 mg/L) not only changed cell morphology, but also significantly inhibited cell activity.

CONCLUSIONThe results suggested that proper doses of PHT could promote proliferation and biosynthesis and also enhance osteogenesis by increasing the differentiation, mineralization and BMP-2 expression of hPDLF while higher concentrations of PHT had cytotoxic effect.

Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Fibroblasts ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Osteogenesis ; Periodontal Ligament ; Phenytoin

OBJECTIVETo observe the risk factor stratification and prevalence of target organ damage in hypertensive patients before therapy and blood pressure control rate after 4 or 12 weeks antihypertensive drug therapy.

METHODSIn this prospective survey, data on cardiovascular risk factors, target organ damage and concomitant disease were collected in 26 655 hypertensive patients. Among them 26 325 and 3457 patients were recruited for antihypertensive drug therapy for 4 and 12 weeks, respectively and blood pressure control rate was determined.

RESULTSThe sedentary lifestyle, smoking, high body mass index, dyslipidemia were found in 52.5%, 34.4%, 31.8%, 24.5%, and microproteinuria, left ventricular hypertrophy, coronary artery disease and diabetes in 21.0%, 23.6%, 20.1%, 26.7% hypertensive patients, respectively. The average systolic and diastolic pressures were 158 +/- 14 mm Hg and 94 +/- 11 mm Hg and 3.2%, 22.2%, 21.1% and 53.3% patients were defined as low, medium, high and very high risk patients in risk stratification to quantify prognosis. There were 77.2%, 20.4% and 2.4% systolic and diastolic, isolated systolic and isolated diastolic hypertensive patients respectively. The goal blood pressure control rate was 50.2% and 56.7% respectively after 4 and 12 weeks antihypertensive drug therapy. The control rate in patients complicated with diabetes and renal disease was significantly lower than patients without them and systolic pressure control rate was remarkably lower than diastolic pressure control rate. Majority patients required 2 or more antihypertensive drugs for effective pressure control (1.5 drug per patients in average in both 4 or 12 weeks groups).

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of risk factors, target organ damage and concomitant disease were high in Chinese patients with hypertension and comprehensive interventions were indicated. To reach goal blood pressure control in patients with hypertension, follow up intensifying and drug therapy guidance are required within the context of usual medical care.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; prevention & control ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To assess the effective length of jejunal graft when the 3~(rd) intestinal artery is u- tilized as vascular pedicle and afford a reliable theoretic base for clinical esophageal reconstruction.Methods In 32 formalin preserved and 21 fresh cadaver specimens,the diameter of 1st to 5th intestinal arteries and diameter of arterial arches are measured with linear calibre.Measure the length of jejunum that can be harves- ted as graft when the arches are extended.In the 21 fresh specimens,the 1st,2nd,4th and 5th intestinal ar- teries are ligated,acetic ester stained with red dye were injected into the lumen of 3rd intestinal artery via catheter.Extent of distribution of the arteries to the jejunum was observed.And then red ABS solution was in- jected into the 3rd intestinal artery to make into cast specimen.The blood supply distribution of jejunum through 3rd intestinal artery-arterial arch and communicating system were observed again.Results The di- ameter of the 3rd intestinal artery was the largest among the 1st to 5th intestinal arteries.The length of jejunum vascularized by 3rd intestinal artery can be as long as (142.2?62.3) (69.0～206.60cm) in acetic ester in- filtrated specimens.While in ABS east specimen,the average available extent of donor jejunum was(30.8?7.3) (23.0～37.3cm).Conclusion As observed by this applied anatomy study,the jejunum graft vascu- larized by 3rd intestinal artery alone has sufficient length to meet the need of esophageal reeonstrution.

Objective To establish a economic and stable method to induce and culture dendritic cells (DCs) from peripheral blood of human being, and compare with the magnetic activated cell sorting. Methods Monocytes were isolated from health donors peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC) by density gradient separation,cultured and compared with that of cells isolated by the magnetic activated cell sorting or adherent culture,respectively. PBMC were cultured with recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) and recombinant human interleukin-4(rhIL-4) for 6 days to induce the growth of DCs. Morphological changes was observed under inverted microscope. Meanwhile, cell viability was tested at the 3rd, 5th, 6th day,respectively. The phenotypes, like CD14, CDla, HLA-DR were analyzed with flow cytometry after PBMC were adherent cultured for 1, 2, 5 h. After adding human recombinant cytokines, the phenotypes of acquired cells surface markers, CD14, CD1a, CD86, CD83 and HLA-DR would be detected and compared with flow cytometry. T cells proliferating activity was determined by allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction in vitro. Results After adherent culture for 2 h, the acquired DCs showed typical morphology. Cell viability was decreased at days 5th, 6th[(53.333 ±5.774)%,(38.333 ± 7.638)%] than that at day of 3rd[(68.667 ± 3.215)%, all P ＜ 0.05] with the magnetic activated cell sorting, but with adherent culture method, the difference was not statistically significant (F = 0.737,P＞ 0.05) at days of 3rd, 5th, 6th[(92.667 ± 3.055)%,(94.000 ± 1.000)%,(94.667 ± 1.528)%]. Moreover,compared with the magnetic activated cell sorting, there were differences in cell viability of adherent culture method at days of 3rd, 5th, 6th(t = 9.374, 12.021,12.527, all P ＜ 0.05). Before and after using the magnetic activated cell sorting, the expression of CD14 were (32.457 ± 12.351) %, (41.914 ± 14.858)%, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant(t = 1.295, P ＞ 0.05). After culturing for 2 h, the expression of CD14[(35.267 ± 4.658)%]was higher than those of culturing for 1, 5 h[(15.033 ± 6.189)%, (21.233 ± 4.895)%, all P ＜ 0.05]. Compared with the 1st day[(32.328 ± 14.517)%], the CD14 expression level[(2.200 ± 1.356)%] on surface of DCs was significantly reduced(t = 5.467, P ＜ 0.05) at the 6th day of culturing, the CD1a expression level[(43.371 ±16.250)%] was remarkablely increased than that of the 1st day[(12.300 ± 6.223)%, t = 2.545, P ＜ 0.05];while the expressions of CD86, CD83, HLA-DR[(16.857 ± 5.686)%,(9.343 ± 5.230)%,(72.800 ± 17.881)%] were similar(t = 0.652,1.137,0.907, all P ＞ 0.05) compared with that of the 1st day[(12.550 ± 16.758)%, (6.250 ±1.323)%, (64.671 ± 15.588)%]. In mixed lymphocytes reactions, with increasing of lymphocytes, T lymphocytes proliferating activities were reduced. In the magnetic activated cell sorting, when the ratio of DCs and lymphocytes were 1: 50, 1: 100, cells proliferation ability(1.502 ± 0.055,1.507 ± 0.029) were lower than that of ratio of 1: 10(1.859 ± 0.049, all P ＜ 0.05);in adherent culture method, the ratio of DCs and lymphocytes was 1: 100, the cells proliferation ability(1.545 ± 0.066) was decreased than that of ratio 1: 10(2.015 ± 0.301, P ＜ 0.05). When the proportion of DCs and lymphocytes remained the same, the capacity to stimulate T lymphocyte was similar of the two methods(P ＞ 0.05). Conclusions Comparied with the magnetic activated cell sorting, after culture of PBMC for 2 h the induction of DCs can produce better formed and functional cells, and this method is stable, simple,economic, and is a suitable method for basic and clinical research of DCs in vitro.

Polysialic acid(PSA)is a homopolymer consisting of N-acetylneuraminic monomers linked by α-2,8 and(or)α-2,9 glucoside bonds.As an endogenous polysaccharide,PSA has good biocompatibility,biodegradability,high hydrophilicity,non-immunogenicity,long-term circulation,easy modification and specific targeting to selectins.In the field of drug delivery research,PSA not only can be connected with small molecule drugs,active peptides or proteins,but also can be grafted or electrostatic cross-linked with polymers to build a variety of drug delivery systems,such as nanogels,polymer micelles,liposomes,etc.It has shown great potential value in the treatment of various disease models such as tumors,inflammatory diseases and neurological diseases.In this paper,the biological functions of PSA,the classification of drug delivery systems based on PSA and its application progress were reviewed,in order to provide reference for further application and research of PSA.

OBJECTIVETo explore and compare the clinical effect and safety of liposomal albendazole (L-ABZ) and tablet-albendazole (T-ABZ) in the treatment of cystic echinococcosis (CE1, CE2, and CE3).

METHODSA total of 269 cases treated with cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Xinjiang Medical University the First Affiliated Hospital from 1998 to 2008 were reviewed. 51 cases were excluded and 218 cases were enrolled in this research by retrospective case-control method. Among 110 cases were treated with L-ABZ and 108 cases were treated with T-ABZ for short-term (3 months) and long-term courses (6 months) respectively. The effects and safety of the two medicines were compared by analyzing the clinical symptoms, imaging check and serologic test results.

RESULTSIn short-term effect evaluation, the total effective rates and curative rates of L-ABZ group and T-ABZ group were 77.9% and 49.1% vs 28.4% and 13.9%, respectively. The effects of L-ABZ group was better than that of T-ABZ group, with remarkable difference in total effective rates and curative rates (x2 value was 19.581, 6.877, respectively, P is less than 0.05). In long-term effect evaluation, the total effective rates and curative rates of L-ABZ and T-ABZ group were 81.7% and 49.0% vs 47.6% and 20.6%, respectively. There was significant difference between L-ABZ group and T-ABZ group in total effective rates and curative rates (x2 value was 20.977, 15.049, respectively, P is less than 0.05). In T-ABZ group the short-term curative rates were 50.0% (15/30), 8.8% (8/91) and 33.3% (7/21) respectively in CE1, CE2, and CE3, the short-term total effective rates were 56.7% (17/30), 35.2% (32/91) and 61.9% (13/21) respectively in CE1, CE2, and CE3. The long-term curative rates were 58.3% (7/12), 28.6% (12/42) and 70.0% (7/10) respectively in CE1, CE2 and CE3, the long-term total effective rates were 75.0% (9/12), 69.0% (29/42) and 100.0% (10/10) respectively in CE1, CE2, and CE3. When compared with CE2, differences existed in CE1 (x2 = 24.887, 4.329; P is less than 0.05) and CE3 groups (x2 = 8.860, 5.076; P is less than 0.05) in terms of short-term effects. In L-ABZ group, the short-term curative rates were 47.4% (18/38), 12.2% (12/98) and 61.5% (8/13) respectively in CE1, CE2 and CE3, the short-term total effective rates were 92.1% (35/38), 65.3% (64/98) and 92.3% (12/13) respectively in CE1, CE2 and CE3, the long-term curative rates were 79.3% (23/29), 35.9% (23/64) and 50.0% (3/6) respectively in CE1, CE2 and CE3, the long-term total effective rates were 96.6% (28/29), 84.4% (54/64) and 100% (6/6) respectively in CE1, CE2 and CE3. When compared with CE2, there were significant differences in CE1 (x2 = 19.648, 9.930; P is less than 0.05) and CE3 groups (x2 = 18.880, 3.876; P is less than 0.05) in terms of short-term effect. In L-ABZ and T-ABZ groups, the drug-related adverse effects were 11.1% (12/108) and 12.7% (14/110) respectively without significant difference (x2 = 0.155, P is more than 0.05).

CONCLUSIONL-ABZ and T-ABZ were both effective anti-echinococcosis drugs without dominant side-effects. The clinical effect of L-ABZ was better than that of T-ABZ.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Albendazole ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Echinococcosis ; drug therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Liposomes ; administration & dosage ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Tablets ; administration & dosage ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo constitute the animal model of high frequency hearing loss and observer the temporal processing abilities of low frequency regions using prepulse inhibition of auditory startle response (gap-PPI).

METHODSTen guinea pigs were randomly grouped into two groups: the high frequency hearing loss group with six guinea pigs and the control group with four guinea pigs. The former group was exposed to 12 kHz tone at 110 dB SPL for 30 hours to establish the high frequency hearing loss above 8 kHz and the latter group received no stimulations. Before and two, four, six and eight weeks after noise exposure, gap-PPI and auditory brainstem response (ABR) were recorded in both groups. In the gap-PPI experiment, three different background noises as 0.5 - 2 kHz, 0.5 - 4 kHz and 0.5 - 8 kHz were applied to test the temporal gap.

RESULTSHigh frequency hearing loss above 8 kHz was shown two weeks after noise exposure. The averaged ABR thresholds of 16 kHz, 32 kHz and 48 kHz were elevated about 55 dB and shown statistical significance compared to those before exposure (P < 0.05). No significant difference of ABR thresholds were shown between 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz and 8kHz before and after noise exposure (P > 0.05). In the control group, the ABR thresholds remained stable during experiment. In the gap-PPI test, two weeks after noise exposure of 8 kHz, the experiment group showed attenuated inhibition ability and recovered gradually four weeks after noise exposure. No statistical differences of inhibition ability at time points of two, four, six and eight weeks after noise exposure of 4 kHz were detected when compared with that of pre-exposure. Under the background noise of 2 kHz, the inhibition ability attenuated and reached statistical significance at 6 - 8 weeks after noise exposure.

CONCLUSIONThe high frequency hearing loss might induce an impairment of the temporal processing in the low frequency region.

Animals ; Auditory Threshold ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem ; Female ; Guinea Pigs ; Hearing Loss, High-Frequency ; physiopathology ; Male ; Noise ; Reflex, Startle

OBJECTIVETo explore the influence of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) point on aging and its mechanism.

METHODSForty-eight health rabbits were randomly divided into 8 groups, ie., group I (normal control group), group II (model group), group III (prevention with moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) group), group lY (prevention with moxibustion both at Shenque (CV 8) and Zusanli (ST 36) group), group V (prevention with moxibustion both at Shenque (CV 8) and Mingmen (GV 4) group), group VI (treatment with moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) group), group XII (treatment with moxibustion both at Shenque (CV 8) and Zusanli (ST 36) group), and group VIII (treatment with moxibustion both at Shenque (CV 8) and Mingmen (GV 4) group). The rabbit models of kidney-yang deficiency were created by pouring Hydroxyurea. The serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was detected and the effect of the moxibustion from both prevention and treatment aspects were compared. And then the effect of different compatibility of acupoints was observed.

RESULTSAfter modeling, obvious symptoms of kidney-yang deficiency and decrease of SOD activity (all P < 0.01) were found in groups II, VI, VII and VIII. After the moxibustion treatment, the syndromes of kidney-yang deficiency were significantly improved (all P < 0.01) and SOD activities were increased obviously in groups VI, VII and VIII (all P < 0.01); a few syndromes of kidney-yang deficiency were found in groups III, IV and V after modeling, but with no significant changes of SOD activity (all P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in three moxibustion treatment groups (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThree acupoints compatibilities of moxibustion treatment can all regulate serum SOD activity in rabbits with kidney-yang deficiency effectively and have the significant effect both at prevention and treatment aspects and there is close relationship between their mechanisms on aging and regulating serum SOD activity.

Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney ; physiopathology ; Male ; Moxibustion ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood ; Yang Deficiency ; enzymology ; physiopathology ; therapy

UNLABELLEDOBJECTIVE To compare anti-oxidative effects of acupuncture at different Shichen (traditional twelve two-hour periods) accordin-17:00), You (17:00-19:00), Xu (19:00-21:00), Hui (21:00-23:00) periods according to the eight methods of the intelligent turtle, once each day, for 7 consecutive days. Changes of malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity after treatment were observed.

RESULTSSOD activities and MDA contents at the 12 periods were different in the healthy guinea pigs, SOD activity at Wu period was the highest and the lowest at Zi period; MDA content was the highest at Zi period and the lowest at Wu period. The needling method according to eight methods of the intelligent turtle could increase SOD activity in the guinea pigs. The increasing amplitude of SOD activity was the largest at Mao period and the smallest at the Wu period; it also could decreased MDA content, the decreasing amplitude of MDA was the largest at Wu period and the smallest at Hai period.

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture at different periods according to eight methods of intelligent turtle has different effects on serum SOD and MDA, which can increase SOD activity and decrease MDA content in the healthy guinea pig.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Animals ; Female ; Guinea Pigs ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood ; Time Factors