OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Yiqi Huoxue Qingre Huashi Recipe (YHQHR, a recipe capable of supplementing qi, activating blood, clearing heat, and dissipating dampness) on ulcer healing and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication rate in Hp positive peptic ulcer patients, and to explore coccoid Hp occurrence in the eradication.

METHODSTotally 80 Hp positive peptic ulcer patients were assigned to the treatment group and the control groups by random digit table, 40 in each group. All patients received standard triple therapy of Western medicine for 2 successive weeks. Those in the control group additionally took omeprazole enteric coated tablet, 20 mg each time, once per day for 4 successive weeks. Those in the treatment group additionally took YHQHR, twice per day for 6 successive weeks. The ulcer healing was observed and recorded by gastroscope after discontinued medication of 14 days. The effective rate of ulcer healing under endoscope was statistically calculated. Rapid urease test (RUT) was performed in one small piece of tissue from corpora ventriculi and sinuses ventriculi using 14C breathe test (UBT). Gastric juice was collected from the stomach. Hp urease gene amplification test (urea A-PCR) was performed in living tissue from gastric antrum. Results obtained from the above three test methods were recorded and assessed to decide the final eradiation rate. Gastric mucosa tissue was observed under electron microscope,attempting to find non-eradicated Hp, which was further observed.

RESULTSThe total curative effect under gastroscope was 97.5% (39/40 cases) in the treatment group, obviously higher than that in the control group (80.0%, 32/40 cases) (P < 0.05). The eradication rate of Hp was 75.0% (30/40 cases), obviously better than that of the control group (52.5%, 21/40 cases) (P < 0.05). The total positive Hp numbers after treatment was 14C UBT (12), RUT (8), and urea A-PCR (27), respectively. The Hp positive rate detected by 14C UBT and RUT was lower than the Hp positive rate detected by urea A-PCR (P < 0.05). Rod-like and coccoid Hp bacteria could be observed under electron microscope.

CONCLUSIONYHQHR combined standard triple therapy was more effective than standard triple therapy alone in promoting ulcer healing and elevating the eradication rate of Hp.

Breath Tests ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Gastric Mucosa ; Helicobacter Infections ; drug therapy ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Omeprazole ; Peptic Ulcer ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Urea

OBJECTIVETo observe the intervention of Qisheng Mixture (QM) on the chemotherapy induced myelosuppression in patients with colorectal cancer.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty patients with colorectal cancer at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine were randomly assigned to the pure chemotherapy group (as the control group) and the QM + chemotherapy group (as the treatment group), 60 in each group. All patients received FOLFOX4 or XELOX regimen for totally 6 cycles. Patients in the treatment group took QM 150 mL at the end of chemotherapy, once in the morning and once in the evening for 7 successive days, totally 6 therapeutic courses. The total and average dosages of using granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) were observed in all patients. The changes of white blood cell (WBC) counts were determined before chemotherapy and after the 6th chemotherapy. The hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), and platelet (PLT) counts were observed before chemotherapy, before the 4th chemotheray, and after the 6th chemotherapy. The clinical symptoms integrals (fatigue, liability to catch cold, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngalgia, pale complexion, poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and so on) and the safety indicators (the functions of the liver and kidney, urine routines) were observed. The grading toxic and adverse reactions, KPS scoring, body weight, and the efficacy of the symptoms integrals were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSDuring the treatment period the total and average dosages of G-CSF used were larger in the control group than in the treatment group (P<0.01). After treatment the WBC count of the two groups were reduced with statistical difference (P<0.01). The WBC counts were higher in the treatment group than in the control group in the whole therapeutic process except the first chemotherapy (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with before treatment in the same group, RBC and PLT were reduced in the two groups before the 4th chemotherapy, RBC, Hb, and PLT were reduced after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). Better effects on body weight were obtained in the treatment group than in the control group with statistical difference (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the clinical symptoms integrals such as fatigue, liability to catch cold, pharyngalgia, pale complexion, poor appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea were reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the toxic and adverse reactions were reduced in the treatment group before the 4th chemotherapy (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSQM could effectively intervene chemotherapy induced myelosuppression in patients with colorectal cancer. It was a safe Chinese medicine compound with lower toxicity.

Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Deoxycytidine ; adverse effects ; analogs & derivatives ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Erythrocyte Count ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; adverse effects ; analogs & derivatives ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Hemoglobins ; analysis ; Humans ; Leucovorin ; adverse effects ; Leukocyte Count ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Organoplatinum Compounds ; adverse effects ; Platelet Count

Objective To evaluate the physiological and anatomic basis,indications,surgical skills, prevention of ureter injury and clinic outcomes of using high uterosacral ligament suspension(HUS)for correction of advanced uterine prolapse by the vaginal route.Methods Fifty women with advanced uterine prolapse underwent transvaginal HUS after vaginal hysterectomy with reconstruction of pubocervical and rectovaginal fascia to correct their uterine prolapse between June 2003 and September 2007.The average age of the women was 60.1 years.The mean follow-up period was 24 months(range 4-51 months).The degree of pelvic organ prolapse preoperatively and anatomic outcomes postoperatively were assessed with pelvic organ prolapse quantification system(POP-Q).Results The remnants of the uterosacral ligaments were clearly identified and palpated posterior and medial to the ischial spines by traction with a 24 cm long Allis clamp and used for successful vaginal vault suspension and reconstruction in all 50 consecutive advanced uterine prolapse patients.The ureter injury was avoided by complete knowledge of the ureter's course from the cervix/apex toward its insertion in the sacral region and how far outside of the uterosacral ligament,by uteri palpation and by suturing purposefully placed"deep"dorsally and posteriorly toward the sacrum,as well as by cystoscopy examination of the spillage of urine from both ureters.Mean POP-Q point C improved from 1.5 to-7.5 cm with a median follow-up of 24 months.If the successful HUS was defined as point C≤stage I prolapse,both the objective and subjective cure rates were as high as 100% with a maximum follow-up of 51 months.None of the 50 patients had repeat operation for recurrence of prolapse.There was no major intra-or postoperative complications,such as ureter and other pelvic organ injury.Conclusion HUS with fascial reconstruction seems to be a safe,minimal traumatic,tolerable and highly successful procedure for vaginal repair of advanced uterine prolapse.Because of the use of native tissue as suspension site HUS is more physiologic and cost effective.

OBJECTIVETo establish the method for cotransferring human A20 gene and human heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene into the isolated rat islets using lentiviral transfection system, and to study the protective effect of A20 and HO-1 protein against the apoptosis induced by cycloheximide (CHX) and TNF-α, and finally to explore the underlying mechanism.

METHODThe A20 gene and HO-1 gene were cloned and inserted into the lentiviral transfection system. The efficacy of gene transfer was measured by the intensity of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fluorescence-positive islets. Western blot was applied to verify the expression of the A20 and HO-1 genes. To induce apoptosis in vitro, the isolated islets were treated with CHX+TNF-α, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and the fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) methods were used to evaluate the apoptosis of the islet cells and Western blot was used to detect caspase-3 activation.

RESULT(1) A20 and HO-1 genes were introduced into the isolated islets by lentiviral transfection, both of the genes were highly expressed in the islets after 96 hours culture detected by Western blot method. (2) The insulin levels in the cell culture medium from A20 and/or HO-1 transgenic islets were significantly higher than that in non-transgenic controls (P < 0.01). (3)After CHX + TNF-alpha treatment, the cell culture medium insulin concentration in the A20 gene transfected group [(93.58 ± 4.12)µg/ml], HO-1 gene transfected group [(88.98 ± 4.77) µg/ml ] and A20/HO-1 co-transfected group [(103.33 ± 3.16) µg/ml] were significantly higher than that in the EGFP group [(9.03 ± 0.65) µg/ml ] and the control group [(8.86 ± 0.38) µg/ml] (P < 0.001). Minimum expression level of the activated caspase-3 was found in the A20/HO-1 co-transfected group.

CONCLUSIONThe lentiviral gene transfer system was an efficient and stable gene transfer vector, the over-expressed A20 and HO-1 protein delivered via lentivirus could preserve rats' islets function and act against the apoptosis induced by CHX and TNF-α.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Line ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Genetic Vectors ; Heme Oxygenase-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Insulin ; metabolism ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Islets of Langerhans ; drug effects ; enzymology ; physiology ; Lentivirus ; genetics ; Male ; Nuclear Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transfection ; methods ; Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha-Induced Protein 3 ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology

BACKGROUNDThe peripheral enhancement of small hepatocellular carcinoma (SHCC) is a rare appearance in dual phase images by helical computed tomography (CT). This study discusses this phenomenon and its correlative histopathology.

METHODSThe helical CT dual phase appearance of peripheral enhancement in SHCC was analyzed in 21 cases (22 lesions). All lesions were confirmed as SHCC by histopathological examination.

RESULTSIn these 22 lesions, enhanced peripheral ring in 20 lesions was incomplete, the thickness of enhanced peripheral ring varied and mural node could be found in hepatic arterial phase; only 2 lesions had complete peripheral ring enhancement and ring of uniform thickness in hepatic arterial phase. The enhancement of some peripheral rings and mural nodes dropped to very low density in portal venous phase. The tumour cells were grade I in 3 lesions, II in 16, III in 2 and IV in 1. The vascular supply was more abundant at the border than in the centre of 15 lesions and the vascular supply was deficient in both centre and border of the remaining 7 lesions. In 3 lesions, the pseudocapsule showed in the border of the lesion. In 12 lesions, flecks of necrosis were found in the border and/or centre of the lesion.

CONCLUSIONSThe characteristic peripheral enhancement in helical CT dual phase images of small hepatocellular carcinoma correlates with different vascular supplies, fibrous capsule and necrosis of the lesion.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, Spiral Computed

OBJECTIVETo develop a simple, rapid and reliable method of purifying Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat islets by sequential filtration through two cell strainers of different sizes and to evaluate the efficacy of the method.

METHODSIslets were isolated from 8 to 12-week-old clean grade Sprague-Dawley rat pancreases using the standard collagenase digestion procedure and purified with either the generally used Ficoll density gradient method or the innovative two-step sequential filtration method. The purity and vitality of the isolated islets were visualized and assessed with DTZ and AO/PI staining. Glucose stimulating tests were performed to assay cell activity, and immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate the synthesis function of islet cells.

RESULTSThe yield of islets in the two-step filtration method group was 782±115 IEQ per rat, which was significantly higher than in the conventional Ficoll density gradient method group (598 ± 135 IEQ per rat, P < 0.01). Purity of the isolated islets in the two-step filtration method group was 90%-100% and vitality was over 95%. In the conventional Ficoll density gradient method group, islet purity was 65%-85% and vitality was 85%-95%. With regard to the high-sugar stimulation test in the two-step filtration method group, insulin concentrations in islets cultured for 24 hours were significantly higher than in those that were freshly purified (76.9 ± 6.1 μg/L vs 49.4 ± 3.9 μg/L; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSA two-step sequential filtration method for rat islet purification was developed and the method was simple and reliable, with high islet vitality, purity and yield.

Animals ; Cell Separation ; methods ; Female ; Filtration ; Immunohistochemistry ; Insulin ; biosynthesis ; Islets of Langerhans ; cytology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between the helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and the genetic instability of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in human gastric adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (AGS).

METHODSAfter treated with extracts of HP11638 (CagA+, VacA+) or Hp11638 mutant strain (CagA+, VacA-), AGS cells were collected, and mitochondrial DNA was extracted and Cox-I, Cox-II, Cox-III, ATPase6, ATPase8 and Cytb genes and the D-Loop region were amplified by PCR and then sequenced.

RESULTSThe mutation rates of the mtDNA in AGS cells were correlated with the extracts of the two HP strains in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. But the mtDNA mutation rate in AGS cells treated with the HP11638 extract was higher than that treated with the Hp11638 mutant extract. Total of 616 mutations in D-Loop region were detected, including 489 point mutations, 81 insertions and 46 deletions. Among them, 70.9% (437/616) belonged to GC to AT and AT to GC transition. Seventeen out of 20 (85%) AGS cells treated with extract of HP had mutations in 303PolyC, 16184PolyC and 514CA regions of mtDNA D-Loop. No mutation was detected in Cox-I, Cox-II, Cox-III, ATPase6 and ATPase8 genes, three point mutations were found in the Cytb gene.

CONCLUSIONHP can cause the accumulation of mutations in mtDNA, in particular, in the D-Loop region, and the VacA participated in the process.

Antigens, Bacterial ; pharmacology ; Base Sequence ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; drug effects ; genetics ; Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; pathology ; Helicobacter Infections ; complications ; Helicobacter pylori ; chemistry ; Humans ; Mutation ; Stomach ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo study the apoptosis inducing effects of bufalin on various human osteosarcoma cells and the concerning molecular mechanisms.

METHODMTT assay was used to detect the growth inhibition rates of osteosarcoma cells U-20S, U-20S/MTX300, SaOS-2, IOR/OS9 treated with bufalin in different concentrations and times. The apoptosis of cells was observed flow cytometry 48 h following bufalin treatment. The proteomic techniques were used to separate and compare the treated and control groups 48 h after bufalin-incubation. Then, the proteomic results were validated by western blot.

RESULTBufalin inhibited the growth of human osteosarcoma cells U20S, U20S/MTX300 (methotrexate resistant cells), SAOS2, IOR/OS9 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The 72 h IC50 were (37.43 +/- 4.1), (32.24 +/- 5.3) nmol x L(-1) in U20S,U20S/MTX300 cells,respectivly. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis cells were increased following bufalin treatment. The protein expression profile showed 24 differentiated expression proteins. Among these proteins, the level of an anti-apoptotic protein, heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) decreased significantly and the result was then validated by western blot. Ectopic expression of Hsp27 could reduce the bufalin-induced apoptosis remarkably in U20S and U20S/MTX300 cells.

CONCLUSIONBufalin could inhibit the cell growth and induce apoptosis on human osteosarcoma cells. The effect of bufalin may be related to the joint intervention with multiple protein targets. Among them, downregulation of Hsp27 plays a critical role in the bufalin-induced apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells.

Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Bufanolides ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; Humans ; Osteosarcoma ; pathology ; Proteomics

OBJECTIVEMultilocular brain abscess in children is a serious neurosurgical emergency and remains a serious, life-threatening disease. This study evaluated the role of neuroendoscopy in treating multilocular brain abscess in children.

METHODSBetween January 2002 and June 2007, 16 children with multilocular brain abscess underwent an operation using a pure endoscopic procedure.

RESULTSIncreased intracranial pressure was relieved after operation in the 16 patients. CT/MRI after operation showed the abscess cavities disappeared and only the residual abscess walls existed in the 16 patients. Fourteen patients were followed up for 6 months to 5 years after surgery. Abscess walls disappeared in 13 patients and abscess recurred only in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONSNeuroendoscopy for treatment of multilocular brain abscess is safe and effective in children.

Adolescent ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Brain Abscess ; surgery ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Neuroendoscopy ; methods

OBJECTIVETo observe effects of xuefu zhuyu Oral Liquid (XZOL) on the brain behavior and monoamine neurotransmitter 5-HT, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) content on depression model rats.

METHODSMale SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, the XZOL group, and the Deanxit Tablet group, 12 in each group. The depressive rat model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress method. XZOL was administered to rats in the XZOL group by gastro-gavage, while Deanxit Tablet was given to those in the Deanxit Tablet group by gastrogavage. The intervention lasted for two weeks. The behavioral changes were observed by sucrose water consumption test and open-field test. The 5-HT and BDNF contents were detected using ELISA.

RESULTSAfter chronic stress stimulus, experimental rats in the model group might have abnormal behavioral changes and lowered 5-HT content, showing statistical difference when compared with the control group (P <0.01). No obvious change in stimulated rats' behavior after intervention of XZOL and Deanxit Tablet. 5-HT content was not obviously reduced (P>0.05). Besides, XZOL was superior to Deanxit Tablet in increasing the 5-HT content (P<0.05). But the brain BDNF level of rats in the model group was not statistically different from that of rats in the model group (P >0.05), while the brain BDNF level of rats in the XZOL group and the Deanxit Tablet group was lower than that of rats in the model group (P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONSStress can lead to behavioral changes and lowered 5-HT content of rats. The intervention of XZOL could fight against depression-induced behavioral changes and increase 5-HT content. But it did not significantly affect the brain BDNF level. We inferred that it might not effect through the BDNF pathway.

Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Brain ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; metabolism ; Depression ; drug therapy ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Serotonin ; metabolism ; Stress, Psychological ; metabolism