Objective To analyze the factors affecting prognosis of children with non-Hodgkin′s lymphomas(NHL).Methods Thirty patients of childhood NHL histologically proven in Shanghai children′s medical center from Jan.1996 to Dec.2000 were analyzed.The patients were divided into groups according to some clinical factors that may have predictive significance including age,gender,immunologic phenotype,general system symptom,the size of tumor bulk,bone marrow involvement,mediastinal involvement,hepatomegaly or liver involvement,splenomegaly or spleen involvement and early response to chemotherapy,then the difference of survival rate were compared between groups.Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method,and difference between groups were campared using the Log-rank test.Results The 3-year survival rate was better in patients without giant tumor bulk than that with giant tumor bulk(P0.05).Conclusions Bone marrow involvement and the size of tumor bulk have very significant influence on prognosis of childhood NHL,and splenomegaly or spleen involvement have significant influence on disease-free survival.It can′t be proven in childhood NHL in this study.

Objective To improve the recognition of treatment of adult T lymphoblastic lymphoma (TLL) with Hyper-CVAD regime.Methods The turnovers of 7 cases treated with Hyper-CVAD regime were summarized.Results Among the 7 cases,1 case died after the first unfinished chemotherapy,1 case gained complete remission before autologous stem cell transplantation but relapsed after transplantation,3 cases gained complete remission until now,2 cases without transplantation relapsed and then gave up following treatments after treating with ICE regime or the virgin regime,but the therapeutic effects were poor.Conclusions Adult TLL should get early chemotherapy treatments,and some special characteristics should be noted,the treatment does not relate to the stage,the chemotherapy treatment should be carried out regularly and enough,radiation of mediastinum mass can be applied after 4 cycles of Hyper-CVAD regime,choose suitable transplantation method.

Objective: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on uterine prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in rats with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and to discuss the possible mechanism in EA intervening PD. Methods: Forty Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, an EA group and an ibuprofen group, with 10 rats in each group. The PD model was established using estradiol benzoate combined with oxytocin in the model group, EA group and ibuprofen group. At the same time of modeling, rats in the EA group were given EA at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) once a day for 20 min each time for 10 consecutive days. Ibuprofen was intragastrically administered once a day for 10 consecutive days in the ibuprofen group. The same amount of normal saline was intragastrically administered once a day for 10 consecutive days in the blank group and model group. The number of writhing of rats in each group within 30 min was compared on the 11th day just after the interventions. The uterine homogenate supernatant was separated and the PGF2α level was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was applied for the detection of the expression levels of COX-2, phospho-NF-κB p65 and NF-κB p65 proteins in uterine tissues. Results: Compared with the blank group, the number of writhing in the model group increased significantly (P<0.01), and the expression levels of PGF2α, COX-2, phospho-NF-κB p65 and NF-κB p65 proteins in uterine tissues were significantly increased (all P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the number of writhing in the EA group and ibuprofen group were significantly reduced (both P<0.01), and the expression levels of PGF2α and COX-2 protein in uterine tissues were significantly reduced (both P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the phospho-NF-κB p65 level in uterine tissues in the EA group was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the ibuprofen group, the phospho-NF-κB p65 level in the EA group was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Conclusion: The mechanism of EA for PD rats may be related to inhibiting the phosphorylation of NF-κB and reducing the levels of COX-2 and PGF2α in uterine tissues.

Background Clinical studies indicated that the pathogenesis of most corneal dystrophy is associated with the mutation of the transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI) gene.However,the molecular mechanism of mutated TGFBI gene in corneal dystrophy is unclear. Objective The present study was to investigate the expression of the TGFBI gene in human corneal tissue and cells in vitro.MethodsHuman corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes were cultured and passaged,and donor corneal tissue was obtained for the section preparation.RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of TGFBI mRNA in human corneal tissue and cells.Immunofluorescence was used to test the expression of the TGFBI protein in the human corneal tissue,and immunohistochemistry was used to test the expression of the TGFBI protein in human corneal epithelial cells and corneal stromal cells.ResultsRT-PCR analysis showed that TGFBI mRNA could be detected as a 1274 bp band in human corneal tissue and corneal stromal cells,but no TGFBI mRNA was observed in corneal epithelial cells.Immunofluorescence assay revealed that corneal stromal cells were positive ly expressed for the TGFBI protein,but the corneal epithelial cells did not express the TGFBI protein.Immunohistochemistry indicated that the expression of TGFBI was detected the red fluoressence in the cytoplasm of corneal stromal cells;however,no positive response was found in corneal epithelial cells.ConclusionsThe expression of the TGFBI gene occurs in human corneal stromal cells but not in the corneal epithelial cells.This result might be of helpful for studying the function and role of TGFBI gene in pathogenesis of corneal dystrophy.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effectiveness of Yiqi Huoxue Tongyang Xiezhuo Recipe (YHTXR, capable of supplementing qi, activating blood, warming yang, and discharge turbidity) in treating coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAHD). and chronic heart failure (CHF) with carotid plaque patients, and to explore new ways of Chinese medicine (CM).

METHODSTotally 69 CAHD-CHF patients of qi deficiency phlegm stasis syndrome (QDPSS) with carotid plaque were recruited in this study using parallel cohort method. They were assigned to the treatment group (35 cases) and the control group (34 cases). Patients in the control group received routine treatment of Western medicine, while those in the treatment group were additionally treated with YHTXR (twice daily). The therapeutic course for all was three months. Cardiac function levels, echocardiography, carotid plaque, blood lipids and safety indicators were observed before and after treatment.

RESULTSAfter treatment the improvement of cardiac function levels was better in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Decreased LDL-C levels were higher in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.01). There was statistical difference in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), LDL-C, TC, TG in the treatment group between before and after treatment (P < 0.05). LDL-C and TG also decreased in the control group after treatment (P <0.05). There was no significant difference in the left ventricular ejection fraction, carotid IMT, or TC in the control group between before and after treatment (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in stroke volume, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, the area of carotid artery plaque, or HDL-C in the two groups between before and after treatment (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSYHTXR could effectively improve cardiac functions of CAHD-CHF patients of QDPSS with carotid plaque, reduce blood lipids and IMT. It had no significant adverse reactions for elderly patients in short term.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness ; Coronary Disease ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Heart ; Heart Failure ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Lipids ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; drug therapy ; Qi ; Ventricular Function, Left

Objective To assess the effect and feasibility of group reminiscence therapy on depression in the elderly.Methods We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (-2013),Medline (1982-2013),Embase (1974 2013),AMED (-2013),CINAHL(-2013),CMB (1994-2013),VIP,CNKI and Wanfang to collect the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which the group reminiscence therapy was used to treat depression in elderly patients.The studies were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria by two reviewers,and the quality of included studies was evaluated according to Cochrane Handbook and performed meta analyses by using the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.2 software.Results A total of 10 RCTs involving 944 patients were included.The results of meta-analysis showed that as compared with conventional treatment,group reminiscence therapy on the basis of conventional treatment was more effective in decreasing depression score [MD=-4.86,95 ％ C I(-5.10,-4.65)].Compared with psychological counseling,group reminiscence therapy had more effect on decreasing depression score [MD=-9.34,95％ CI (-10.77,-7.91)].There was no significant difference in the dropout rate between group reminiscence therapy and other control treatments [RR=1.22,95％ CI (0.79-1.88)].The descriptive analysis showed that group reminiscence therapy was effective in alleviating the symptoms of depression.Conclusions Group reminiscence therapy can improve the symptoms of depression in elderly patients and conforms to the principle of economic benefit.However,the results should be interpreted with caution because of the low quality of the included studies.

Background The human transforming growth factor beta-induced gene (TGFBI) is the first determined pathogenic gene to corneal dystrophy.But the molecular genetic mechanism is completely unknown.The study of concerning role of TGFBI is very important for us understand the physiological function of cornea,and the pathogenesis of corneal dystrophy.Objective The vector of human transforming growth factor beta-induced gene (TGFBI) in eukaryotic expression was constructed and transfected into the human corneal epithelial cells in order to explore its influence on the growth of human corneal epithelial cells.Methods Total RNA was extracted from normal donor cornea tissue and cDNA was obtained by reverse transcription.TGFBI cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription-PCR and cloned into pCMV-N-HA vector and identified by sequencing with PCR and EcoRV,XhoI double restriction endonuclease.The cells were grouped into recombinant pCMV-N-HA-TGFBI plasmid group,pCMVN-HA plasmid group,non-transfected group and pGFP-C2 transfected group.The recombinant pCMV-N-HA-TGFBI plasmid was transfected to human corneal epithelial cells and identified by observing the expression of enhanced green fluorescence protein(EGFP) in the cells.The TGFBI mRNA and proteins were harvested from the cells for real-time PCR analysis and Western blot assay respectively in 58 hours after transfection.The growth of the transfected cells was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8.The expressions of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) proteins and their mRNA in transfected cells were detected using SYBR fluorescence realtime PCR analysis and Western blot assay.Results The sequencing result of pCMV-N-HA-TGFBI positive clone plasmid showed that amplified TGFBI eDNA inserted into the vector at the correct sequence.EGFP was expressed in transfected cells in 48 hours after transfer of pGFP-C2 with the transfer efficacy 70％.The expression intensity of TGFBI mRNA was significantly higher in recombinant pCMV-N-HA-TGFBI plasmid group compared with pCMV-N-HA plasmid group and non-transfected group,and TGFBI protein was expressed in recombinant pCMV-N-HA-TGFBI plasmid group.No significant difference was found in the A450value among recombinant pCMV-N-HA-TGFBI plasmid group,pCMV-N-HA plasmid group and non-transfected group ( F=3.34,P＞0.05 ).The mRNA level of MMP1,MMP3in the transfected cells was significant elevated but that of TIMP1 was declined in the recombinant pCMV-N-HA-TGFBI plasmid group compared with pCMV-N-HA plasmid group and non-transfected group (all P ＜ 0.05 ).Meanwhile,the expressions of MMP1,MMP3 and TIMP1 proteins appeared the same tendency( all P＜0.05).Conclusions Eukaryotic expression vector harboring human TGFBI eDNA can be successfully constructed and efficiently overexpressed in human corneal epithelial cells.TGFBI gene is involved in the physical and pathological conditions of human corneal epithelial cells by regulating the activity of MMP1,MMP3 and TIMP1.The results offer a new approach for the study of the role of TGFBI in pathogenesis of corneal transparency.

OBJECTIVETo observe the vasodilating effect of adrenomedullin 2 (ADM2) by antagonizing angiotensin 1 (Ang II), and to explore its mechanism.

METHODSEighteen male, 180-200 g SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6): control group, Ang II (150 ng/(kg x min)) group and Ang II (150 ng/(kg x min)) + ADM2(500 ng/(kg x h)) group. Mini-osmotic pumps filled with peptide were implanted in the back of rats subcutaneously. After two weeks, the blood pressure was measured by the way of carotid intubation. The plasma was collected for the detection of nitric oxide (NO) content and the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The in situ oxidation of fluorescent dye dihydroethidium (DHE) was used for detecting superoxide in rat arteries. The rat isolated arterial rings were made for studying the vasodilating effect of ADM2. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell line EA. hy 926 cells were cultured and their intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated by probe DCFH-DA.

RESULTSADM2 dramatically decreased the blood pressure in angiotensin II-induced hypertension rat model, enhanced plasma NO content and the activity of eNOS and reduced superoxide formation in vessel walls. ADM2 also induced relaxation of the vascular rings preconstricted by Ang II in a concentration-dependent and endothelium-dependent manner. In cultured vascular endothelium, ADM2 ameliorated the ROS generation induced by Ang II.

CONCLUSIONAdrenomedullin 2 relaxed blood vessels by antagonizing angiotensin II-induced oxidative stress and improving the vascular endothelial function.

Adrenomedullin ; pharmacology ; Angiotensin II ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Antihypertensive Agents ; pharmacology ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Drug Antagonism ; Endothelium, Vascular ; drug effects ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; blood ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; blood ; Oxidative Stress ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Vasodilation ; drug effects

Adolescent ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Anti-Ulcer Agents ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Penicillin G Procaine ; therapeutic use ; Stomach Ulcer ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; pathology ; Syphilis ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; pathology ; Syphilis Serodiagnosis ; methods ; Treponema pallidum ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo observe the expression levels of hippocampal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (flt-1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor receptor (bFGF-r) in vascular dementia (VD) rats, thus studying the angiogenesis mechanism of moxibustion in VD.

METHODSSixty male elderly Wistar rats were selected. The VD rat model was prepared by bilateral carotid artery occlusion and reperfusion of sodium nitroprusside injection. The model rats were divided into 3 groups by the random digit table, i. e., the moxibustion group, the Western medicine group, and the model group. A sham-operation control group was also set up. In the moxibustion group rats was acupunctured at Baihui (GV20), Shenting (GV14), and Dazhui (GV24). Aniracetam was given to rats in the Western medicine group by gastrogavage for 2 therapeutic courses, 15 days as one course. The learning and memory results were observed by the neuroethological score in combination of step-down avoidance test before treatment and by the end of the 2nd course respectively. The expression levels of hippocampal VEGF, flt-1, bFGF, and bFGF-r of all rats were detected using immunohistochemical assay.

RESULTSAfter 2 courses of treatment, statistical difference existed in the latent period, the error times, and the neuroethological score in the moxibustion group and the Western medicine group when compared with the model group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Statistical difference existed in the latent period and the neuroethological score between the moxibustion group and the Western medicine group (P < 0.05), which indicated that moxibustion and Western medicine showed significant effects in improving the latent period, decreasing the error times and the neuroethological score. Better results were obtained in the moxibustion group than in the Western medicine group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Statistical difference of the average grey level (AGL) of hippocampal VEGF, flt-1, and bFGF existed in the moxibustion group and the Western medicine group when compared with the model group. Statistical difference of the bFGF-r expression existed only between the moxibustion group and the model group. Statistical difference of the VEGF and flt-1 expressions existed between the moxibustion group and the Western medicine group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSMoxibustion showed confirmative effects in improving the behavioral score and memory performance in VD rats. Its mechanisms might lie in that moxibustion regulated and controlled the expression levels of hippocampal VEGF, flt-1, bFGF, and bFGF-r in VD rats. Particularly it up-regulated the expression levels of key factors VEGF and flt-1, promoted the angiogenesis in the vital parts, and ultimately stimulated the repairing mechanisms of cerebral nerve injury.

Animals ; Dementia, Vascular ; metabolism ; therapy ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; Male ; Moxibustion ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2 ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 ; metabolism