The paper is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shenmai injection for chronic heart failure, retrieving the Pubmed, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang database and VIP database to comprehensively collect all types research report of Shenmai injection for chronic heart failure (CHF). Particularly wishing to point out, randomized controlled trials are include for the evaluation of effectiveness, which are statistically analyzed and evaluated by Rev-Man 5. 2. The current studies show that the improvement rate of NYHA classification of cardiac function of CHF patients and their related indexes figure such as LVEF, SV, CO, BNP, 6 min walking test value are all improved by the combination of Shenmai injection and foundation treatment. However, HR is almost no improvement. Meanwhile, serious ADR/AE of Shenmai injection for CHF isn't appear.
Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Heart Failure ; drug therapy ; Humans

Humanin(HN,its analogue [Gly14]-Humanin,HNG)was originally identified as an endogenous peptide that protects neuronal cells from apoptosis induced by various types of Alzheimer's disease-related insults.But the relative low content of this peptide in its natural sources limits its further characterization.An expression vector pET32a/HNG was corstructed and transformed it into E.coli BL21 trxB(DE3).HNG was expressed as a fusion protein in the soluble fraction and was purified by nickel affinity chromatography.Subsequently,the purified fusion protein was cleaved by enterokinase and was further purified by reverse-phase HPLC.A 23 mg recombinant HNG(rHNG)from 1 L bacterial culture was purified.The molecular weight of rHNG determined by ESI-MS was 2876.5 Da which was the expected size for correctly processed peptide.The N-terminal amino acid sequence of rHNG determined by Edman degradation method is identical to the theoretical sequence.Neuroprotective bioassay studies of rHNG exhibited its potential neuroprotective effect comparable to that of the natural HNG peptide.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the image quality and effective radiation dose of prospectively electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated high-pitch spiral acquisition mode (flash mode) of dual-source CT (DSCT) coronary angiography (CTCA) in patients with high heart rates (HRs) as compared with retrospectively ECG-gated spiral acquisition mode. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-eight consecutive patients (132 female, mean age: 55 +/- 11 years) with mean HR > 65 beats per minute (bpm) were prospectively included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups. Collection was performed in group A CTCA using flash mode setting at 20-30% of the R-R interval, and retrospectively ECG-gated spiral acquisition mode in group B. The image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), image quality scores, effective radiation dose and influencing factors on image quality between the two groups were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in image quality scores and proportions of non-diagnostic coronary artery segments between two groups (image quality scores: 1.064 +/- 0.306 [group A] vs. 1.084 +/- 0.327 [group B], p = 0.063; proportion of non-diagnostic coronary artery segments: segment-based analysis 1.52% (group A) vs. 1.74% (group B), p = 0.345; patient-based analysis 7.5% (group A) vs. 6.7% (group B), p = 0.812). The estimated radiation dose was 1.0 +/- 0.16 mSv in group A and 7.1 +/- 1.05 mSv in group B (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in patients with HRs > 65 bpm without cardiac arrhythmia, the prospectively high-pitch spiral-acquisition mode with image-acquired timing set at 20-30% of the R-R interval provides a similar image quality and low rate of non-diagnostic coronary segments to the retrospectively ECG-gated low-pitch spiral acquisition mode, with significant reduction of radiation exposure.
Arrhythmias, Cardiac/*diagnosis ; Artifacts ; *Cardiac-Gated Imaging Techniques ; *Coronary Angiography ; *Electrocardiography ; Female ; *Heart Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Tomography, Spiral Computed

OBJECTIVETo explore internal fixation whether can improve the clinical outcomes of decompression and posterolateral fusion in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.

METHODSFrom December 1998 to December 2005, 49 patients who had degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis underwent decompression and posterolateral fusion without (group A, 21 cases) or with (group B, 28 cases) internal fixation (CD HORIZON M8 system). There were 12 males and 37 females with a mean age of 58.5 years (range, from 49 to 68 years). Among them,32 cases were grade I and 17 were grade II according to Meyerding grade system. All patients were followed up with an average of 58 months (range from 12 to 90 months). The pain of low back and leg (VAS scoring), spinal active function and neurologic function were evaluated according the assessment system of Yuan.

RESULTSThe VAS score of low back in group A and B were respectively 41.9 +/- 7.5 and 32.8 +/- 6.2 at follow-up; and VAS score of leg in group A and B were respectively 33.9 +/- 7.3 and 30.8 +/- 6.2. Spinal active function of patients, 15 cases obtained improvement, 6 cases aggravation or no improvement in group A; 25 cases obtained improvement, 3 cases aggravation or no improvement in group B. Neurologic function of patients, 15 cases obtained improvement, 6 cases aggravation or no improvement in group A; 26 cases obtained improvement, 2 cases aggravation or no improvement in group B. The group B was better than group A in the aspect of low back pain, spine active function and neurologic function (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in improvement of leg pain between two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONUsing internal fixation in decompression and posterolateral fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis can improve low back pain and clinical function. Decompression is necessary for the surgical treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis, which is major effect on the improvement of leg pain.

Aged ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; pathology ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recovery of Function ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Spondylolisthesis ; physiopathology ; surgery ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of continuous blood purification (CBP) for treatment of multiple organ failure (MOF) with acute renal failure (ARF).

METHODSForty-seven patients with MOF underwent CBP for an average of 3.1-/+0.5 days averagely. Continuous veno-venous hemofiltration was performed at daytime, and the substitute fluids were infused with pre-dilution at the rate of 2000-4000 ml/h. The general conditions, clinical symptoms, and serum biochemical indexes of the patients were observed and MODS score was calculated.

RESULTSAfter CBP, the MODS score of the patients decreased significantly from 9.1-/+3.5 to 5.4-/+2.7 (P<0.01) and serum creatinine decreased from 451.3-/+134.5 to 223.7-/+100.2 micromol/L (P<0.05). Twenty-nine patients survived with the survival rate of 61.7%.

CONCLUSIONCBP is effective for treatment of MOF and may help reduce the mortality rate of MOF complicated by ARF.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Hemofiltration ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Organ Failure ; etiology ; therapy ; Pancreatitis ; complications ; Renal Insufficiency ; etiology ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Wounds and Injuries ; complications ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the incidence of the temporary and permanent sensory disturbance of the inferorbital nerve (ION) after Le Fort I osteotomy.

METHODSThirty patients with 60 inferorbital nerves were examined preoperatively, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6-months after the operation of the Le Fort I osteotomy by using sharp-blunt testing, 2-point discrimination, electric pain response test (ZGK-1 electrometer).

RESULTSThe incidence of the temporary nerve impairment was 75% (45 of 60) and the obvious recovery was found after 1 to 3 months after the operation. No permanent sensory disturbance was found in the patients.

CONCLUSIONSThe inferorbital nerve injury after Le Fort I osteotomy is usually temporary and the sensory recovery was in 1 to 3 months after the operation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cranial Nerve Injuries ; etiology ; rehabilitation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Osteotomy, Le Fort ; adverse effects ; methods ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; rehabilitation ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the cellular effects of Pien Tze Huang (PZH) in the HT-29 human colon carcinoma cell line.

METHODSThe viability of HT-29 cells was determined by MTT assay. A fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis with annexin-V/propidium iodide (PI) and JC-1 staining were performed to determine cell apoptosis and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, respectively. Activation of caspase 3 was evaluated by a colorimetric assay. The mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSPZH, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, reduced viability and induced apoptosis of HT-29 cells. Moreover, PZH treatment resulted in the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase 3, and an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.

CONCLUSIONPZH inhibits the growth of HT-29 cells by inducing cancer cell apoptosis via regulation of the Bcl-2 family and activation of caspase 3, which may, in part, explain its anticancer activity.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Colonic Neoplasms ; enzymology ; pathology ; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Enzyme Activation ; drug effects ; HT29 Cells ; Humans ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial ; drug effects ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

Humanin (HN, its analogue [Gly14]-Humanin, HNG) was originally identified as an endogenous peptide that protects neuronal cells from apoptosis induced by various types of Alzheimer's disease-related insults. But the relative low content of this peptide in its natural sources limits its further characterization. An expression vector pET32a/HNG was corstructed and transformed it into E. coli BL21 trxB (DE3). HNG was expressed as a fusion protein in the soluble fraction and was purified by nickel affinity chromatography. Subsequently, the purified fusion protein was cleaved by enterokinase and was further purified by reverse-phase HPLC. A 23 mg recombinant HNG (rHNG) from 1 L bacterial culture was purified. The molecular weight of rHNG determined by ESI-MS was 2876.5 Da which was the expected size for correctly processed peptide. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of rHNG determined by Edman degradation method is identical to the theoretical sequence. Neuroprotective bioassay studies of rHNG exhibited its potential neuroprotective effect comparable to that of the natural HNG peptide.

OBJECTIVETo study the influence and mechanism of HBV core region mutation on HLA-I expression.

METHODSEukaryotic expression vectors of HBV core region mutations L97, G87 and V60 were constructed and transfected into HepG2 cells. Then the expressions of HLA-I were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. The mRNA of antigen-presentation-associated genes, including LMP2, TAP1 and tapasin, were measured using RT-PCR.

RESULTSDifferent levels of HBsAg in the supernatants of transfected cells were detected by ELISA. The HBsAg of the mutated groups was markedly higher than that of the wild ones. All the transfected cells expressed HLA-I molecules, especially the L97 group. It was also found that the mRNA of TAP1 gene was up-regulated, while the mRNA of LMP and tapasin genes had no changes.

CONCLUSIONThe core region mutation of HBV can lower the expression of HBsAg; mutated groups and wild ones both can increase the expression of HLA-I molecules. The up-regulation of TAP1 gene expression might be the cause of these changes.

ATP-Binding Cassette Sub-Family B Member 2 ; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Viral ; Hep G2 Cells ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; metabolism ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Mutation

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of 9Tc(m)-HL91 imaging in prediction of 34 radiotherapy sensitivity of naqsopharyngeal cancer( NPC) and its relationship with prognosis.

METHODSpatients with NPC confirmed by pathology, staging from II-IVa, underwent 99Tc(m)-HL91 SPECT imaging one week before radiotherapy. 18 of them received adjuvant chemotherapy. The hypoxia in primary nasopharyngeal lesions and cervical lymph node metastases were calculated semi-quantitatively, and compared with clinical findings in medium-term therapy at 4 months and 1 year post therapy.

RESULTS(1) There was no significant relationship between the total preliminary curative effect of adjuvant chemotherapy and the degree of nasopharyngeal lesion hypoxia (T/Mu, gamma = -0.394, P = 0.145; T/ Ce gamma = -0.510, P = 0.052). But there was a significant difference between the partial curative effect group and significant curative effect group. (2) The degree of NPC regression in the medium-term radiotherapy group was negatively correlated with the degree of hypoxia (T/Mu, gamma = -0.602; T/Ce, gamma = -0.643, P < 0.01). (3) 23 patients had good local control except one case with lung and bone metastasis 4 months post-therapy. The lesions disappeared or not developed in 6 patients (T/Mu 1.30 +/- 0.23, T/Ce 3.61 +/- 0.84). Two patients at stage III and IVa relapsed (T/Mu were 1.40 and 1.27, respectively; T/Ce were 4.10 and 3.85, respectively), there was no significant difference. (4) The degree of lymph node hypoxia had no correlation with the curative effect on medium-term radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION99 Tc(m)-HL91 hypoxia imaging may predict sensitivity to radiotherapy in patients with NPC, with a potential help to carry out individual therapy. However, further investigation is needed to ascertain whether it could predict the long-time curative effect on NPC radiotherapy.

Adult ; Aged ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypoxia ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Organotechnetium Compounds ; Oximes ; Particle Accelerators ; Preoperative Care ; methods ; Prognosis ; Radiotherapy, High-Energy ; Remission Induction ; Reproducibility of Results ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon