AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of the rifamycin sodium injection (SV) in treatment of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. METHODS: 44 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were randomly allocated to two groups: rifamycin sodium group and routine treatment group. Chemotherapy regimens: in the rifamycin sodium group, 21 cases were treated with the regimen of 2HZE+SV/7HR; and in the routine treatment group, 23 cases were treated with the regimen of 2HRZE/7HR. RESULTS: The sputum negative conversion rate of the rifamycin sodium group was 85.7 %, and the foci vanishing rate was 90.5 %, while the both rates in the routine treatment group were 60.9 % and 60.9 %, respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups (P

OBJECTIVETo discuss the changes in Wnt pathway inhibiting factors in esophageal precancerosis lesions induced by methyl benzyl nitrosamine (MBNA) and the effect of Gexia Zhuyu decoction.

METHODWistar rats were subcutaneously injected with MBNA (3.5 mg x kg(-1) for twice per week to establish the model. Since the 1st day after the model establishment, they were orally administered with Gexia Zhuyu decoction (16, 8 mg x kg(-1)). At the 10th week, esophageal tissues were collected to observe the pathological changes of esophageal mucosa, detect SFRP1, sFRP4, Axin1, Axin2 and GSK-3β mRNA levels.by fluorescent quantitation PCR analysis and β-catenin protein level by Western blotting.

RESULTBeing induced by MBNA, rats in the model group showed slight atypical hyperplasia in the histopathological examination. Compared with the normal group, Gexia Zhuyu decoction dose high and low groups showed no significant pathomorphological and histological changes. The model group showed lower gene transcription levels of esophageal tissues sFRP1, sFRP4, Axin1 and Axin2 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and higher β-catenin protein expression level (P < 0.01) than the normal control group. The Gexia Zhuyu decoction low dose group showed higher gene transcription levels of esophageal tissues sFRP1, sFRP4, Axin1 and Axin2 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and lower β-catenin protein expression level (P < 0.01) than the normal control group.

CONCLUSIONUp-regulated β-catenin protein level and down-regulated Wnt pathway could enhance Wnt pathway activity of MBNA-induced esophageal precancerous lesions. Gexia Zhuyu decoction could down-regulate the β-catenin protein level and up-regulate the transcription level of Wnt pathway inhibiting factors, but could not block MBNA-induced esophageal precancerosis lesions.

Animals ; Axin Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Esophageal Diseases ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta ; Humans ; Male ; Necrosis ; Nitrosamines ; adverse effects ; Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Wnt Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; drug effects

BACKGROUND:There is no effective drug for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), because of a lack of the animal model imitating the complete pathogenesis of human IPF. Therefore, it is critical to establish an ideal animal IPF model used for investigating the underlying pathogenesis and developing a kind of effective drug. OBJECTIVE:To establish an animal model that can mimic more characters of human IPF. METHODS:Seventy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups, fol owed by subjected to the intraperitoneal injection of bleomycin (35 mg/kg) on days 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, and 25, twice (group A) or once (group B) a week. Mice were sacrificed at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks after the eighth injection, and the lung tissues were moved used for hematoxylin-eosin, Masson and immunohistochemical stainings. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There were various degrees of alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis in the two groups at different time points after the last injection. The scores of alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis in the group A began to gradual y increase from the 2nd week and reached the highest level at the 6th-8th weeks until the 10th week. In contrast, the scores of alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis in the group B peaked at the 2nd week, then fluctuately decreased, and were significantly lower than those in the group A at the 6th week (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that type I col agen deposition was mainly distributed in the subpleural region, peri-vascular region and alveolar septa, which was consistent with Masson staining findings. The expression levels of transforming growth factorβ1 (TGF-β1) andα-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the regions developing alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis were significantly increased. In the group A, the expression levels of type I col agen, TGF-β1,α-SMA, and the hydroxyproline content in the lung tissues reached the peak level at 6-8 weeks. However, in the group B, al above indicators reached the highest level at the 2nd week, but gradual y decreased thereafter. At the 4th week, the expression Levels of TGF-β1 andα-SMA in the group B were significantly lower than those in the group A (P<0.05). At the 6th week, the hydroxyproline and type I col agen levels in the group B were significantly lower than those in the group A (P<0.05). In conclusion, the mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis induced by intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg/kg bleomycin twice weekly can be used to mimic the repetitive wound healing process, pathological morphology and cytokine changes of human IPF, which is prone to administration, with better stability and repeatability. This model is of great significance for the study on IPF. Subject headings:Disease Models, Animal;Pulmonary Fibrosis;Bleomycin

Objective To study the expressions of programmed death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in liver injury of acute liver failure (ALF) in rats and the role of PD-1/ PD-L1 in liver inflammatory injury. Methods SD rats were divided into two groups: 6 in normal group and 30 in ALF model group. The ALF models in rats were induced by D-galactosamine (D-Gal). The sera and hepatic tissue samples were collected at 12, 24, 48, 72 and 120 hours after D-Gal injection. Expressions of PD-1 mRNA and PD-L1 mRNA in hepatic tissue samples were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Comparison of measurement data between groups was done by t test. Correlation test was performed using Pearson linear correlation analysis. Results The levels of alanine animotransferase (ALT) and aspartate animotransferase (AST) at 12 h of D-Gal injection were (217. 3±33. 7) U/L and (397. 2± 101.3) U/L, respectively,which were both significantly higher than those in normal group [(30. 5 ±3. 1) U/L and (78. 6±4.2) U/L, respectively; t=-8. 921 and -6. 121, respectively; both P＜0.01] and peaked at 48 h.The expression of PD-1 mRNA in model group at 12 h (0. 385±0. 074) was significantly higher than that in normal group (0. 097±0.009) (t= -7. 725, P＜0.01) , and peaked at 48 h (0. 927±0. 132),then decreased obviously at 72 h. The expression of PD-L1 mRNA in the liver tissue of normal rats was very little, while that in model group was increased gradually over time, then peaked at 48 h (0. 593±0. 105; t =- 10. 076, P＜0. 01). The expressions of PD-1 and PD-L1 were positively correlated with ALT level (r=0. 807 and 0. 792, respectively; both P＜0. 01). Conclusion The expressions of PD-1/PD-L1 may play an important role in liver inflammatory injury in rat model of acute liver failure.

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effect of hemiplegic muscle spasticity treated with acupuncture on different acupoints in combination with rehabilitation.

METHODSNinety cases of post-stroke muscle spasticity were randomized into a corresponding and central axis acupuncture group (group A), a conventional acupuncture group (group B) and a rehabilitation group (group C), 30 cases in each one. In group A, the acupoints on the Governor Vessel were mainly selected, as well as those on Hand-Shaoyang meridian and Foot-Taiyang meridian. In group B, the conventional needling and rehabilitation training were applied in combination, of which, the acupoints were mainly from Hand and Foot-Yangming meridians, associated with the acupoints of Shaoyang meridian. In group C, only rehabilitation training was applied. The assessments according to modified Ashworth scale and CSS score were performed before treatment, after 2 weeks and 4 weeks treatment respectively.

RESULTSThe level of modified Ashworth scale of the flexor of elbow and wrist was reduced apparently after treatment in group A as compared with that before treatment (P < 0.01). The level of modified Ashworth scale of the flexor of elbow was reduced apparently after treatment in group C as compared with that before treatment (P < 0.05). There was significant difference on the level change in modified Ashworth scale for the flexor of elbow between group A and group C after 4 weeks treatment (P < 0.05). CSS score decreased significantly in group A as compared with that before treatment (P < 0.01), the improvement after treatment in group A was apparent as compared with the other two groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe corresponding and central axis acupuncture can improve muscle tone of hemiplegic limb, which is superior to the effect achieved by the conventional acupuncture in combination with rehabilitation training and the simple rehabilitation training.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Hemiplegia ; rehabilitation ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Spasticity ; rehabilitation ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Fascia Lata ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Synovial Cyst ; surgery

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Cements ; Bone Screws ; Calcium Phosphates ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Femoral Fractures ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Osteoporosis ; complications

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical efficacy of posterior short-segment pedicle screw fixation combined reduction of central end-plate by end-plate expand clamp and vertebroplasty with calcium phosphate cement for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures.

METHODSThirty patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures were treated with posterior pedicle screw fixation combined reduction of central end-plate by end-plate expand clamp and vertebroplasty with calcium phosphate cement. There were 22 males and 8 females with an average of 47 years (range from 25 to 71 years). Segment of fracture had 1 case in T11, 5 in T12, 14 in L1, 8 in L2, 2 in L3, 1 in L4, 1 in L5. According to Denis typing, 4 cases were type A, 25 type B, 1 type C, 1 type D, 1 type E. The relative anterior height of vertebral body and the vertebral angle were measured before and after operation and during the follow-up period (8 months after operation) through X-ray, the failure of internal fixation and recurrent kyphosis were evaluated during the follow-up period. Vertebral intracorporeal gap was measured by CT images after operation and the central end-plate fracture and reduction were observed by the reconstructed CT images (sagittal and coronary) before and after operation.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 8 to 15 months with an average of 12 months. Relative anterior height of vertebral body and vertebral angle were well restored after operation, and there was no significant change between after operation and 8 months after operation. Preoperative,postoperative and 8 months after operation, relative anterior height of vertebral body respectively was 40.1%, 98.2%, 97.8%, vertebral angle respectively was 18.30, 2.70, 3.20. No failure of internal fixation and recurrent kyphosis were found during the follow-up period. The vertebral intracorporeal gap was about 3.1% and reduction of central endplate fracture was satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONPosterior short-segment pedicle screw fixation combined with vertebroplasty with calcium phosphate cement can provide excellent reduction of post-traumatic segmental kyphosis and restore vertebral body height in the fracture level, prevent the failure of internal fixation which is an ideal method for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Cements ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Fractures ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; injuries ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Vertebroplasty ; methods

OBJECTIVETo explore a better approach to resect the advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODSFrom 1995 to 2005, 17 patients underwent mandibular swing procedure for excision of advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma including: 13 tonsillar cancers, 2 soft palate carcinomas and 2 lingual root cancers. Surgical procedure was selected according to the lesion. All tumors were resected through the mandibular swing approach or its combined approaches. Immediate reconstruction of the surgical defect was done using tongue flap, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, sternohyoid myofascial flap, temporalis myofascial flap and forehead flap, respectively. After surgical resection of the tumors, all patients received postoperative radiotherapy.

RESULTSAll patients' advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma were successfully resected as planned through the mandibular swing procedure or its combined procedures without severe complications. Functions of deglutition, respiration and speech were well restored. The 3- and 5-year survival rate was 54. 5% and 40%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe mandibular swing procedure and its combined approach is safe and effective in the surgical resection of the advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma, which can provide a good exposure for the oropharynx, supraglottic region, hypopharynx, the parapharyngeal space and the base of the skull.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mandible ; radiation effects ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Postoperative Period ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Survival Analysis ; Tonsillar Neoplasms ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo compare differences of angiogenesis among collagen- chitosan, collagen-sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan porous scaffolds and acellular dermal matrix after these three different scaffolds with silicone membrane were transplanted on the wounds of full thickness burn, and the wound repair of different scaffolds with epidermis grafting on.

METHODSAngiogenesis in different dermal scaffolds, the wound surface and epidermis survival were observed in 1, 2, and 3 weeks after the three different scaffolds were respectively transplanted on wounds of full thickness burn with debridement in 6 Bama miniature pigs (total 18 pigs in 3 groups). At the same time, CD34 positive signals (neo-forming microvessels) were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The wounds without any scaffold transplantation were studied as the control.

RESULTSAngiogenesis had been fundamentally finished in 2 weeks after implantation of collagen- sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan porous scaffold. And fundamental angiogenesis in collagen- chitosan porous scaffolds and acellular dermal matrix needed at least 3 weeks. Neo-forming micro-vessels perpendicular to wound beds with these three different scaffolds were more than those in the control wounds without scaffold. CD34 positive signals (neo-forming micro-vessels) were significantly higher in wounds at the second week than those in wounds at the first week. And those in wounds at the third week were significantly higher than those in wounds at the second week in all wounds with different scaffold transplantations and the control wounds. CD34 positive signals in the group of sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan porous scaffold on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week after the scaffold transplantation were significantly higher than those corresponding signals in the other three groups. Epidermis on the sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan porous scaffold which had been transplanted on burn wound for 1 week could survive perfectly, however, epidermis on the collagen- chitosan porous scaffold or acellular dermal matrix could not survive until these two scaffolds had been transplanted on the burn wounds for at least 2 weeks.

CONCLUSIONSThese three different scaffolds could repair the full thickness skin defects caused by burn, and angiogenesis of sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan porous scaffold is the best.

Animals ; Burns ; surgery ; Chitosan ; analogs & derivatives ; Collagen ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Silicones ; Skin Transplantation ; Skin, Artificial ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature ; Tissue Scaffolds