OBJECTIVETo study the effects of extracts from Panax notoginseng (EPN) and Panax ginseng fruit (EPGF) on the proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro.

METHODSCell proliferation was determined using an MTT method with a cultured HUVECs model cell cycle analyzed by cytometry. The effect on endothelial cell migration was investigated using an agarose scraping method. The content of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the supernate was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The VEGF mRNA expression of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) with different concentrations of EPN and EPGF was examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSEPN and EPGF can promote the proliferation of VECs and the secretion of VEGF from HUVECs. It can increase the cell population significantly in the S phase to (15.22+/-1.33) % in the 50 mg/L dose group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). They can promote the VEC migration in the 200 mg/L dose group and the migration rate was 93.75% (P<0.01). They could also increase VEGF mRNA expression in VEC and the effects in the 100 mg/L and 50 mg/L dose groups were significant with the proportion of VEGF mRNA expression of 0.1812+/-0.0413 and 0.2037+/-0.0399 respectively (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSEPN and EPGF can promote VEC proliferation, migration, DNA synthesis and VEGF mRNA expression. The results suggest that they have a certain effect on the genesis and development of new vessels in the ischemic myocardium.

Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; physiology ; Fruit ; Humans ; Panax ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; secretion

In Taiwan, the first human-infecting H6N1 avian influenza virus was isolated in 2013. To better understand the origin, evolutionary relationship and pathogenesis of the H6N1 virus, we studied the adaptive evolution and evolutionary dynamics of the hemagglutinin (HA) genes of the H6N1 virus in Taiwan. We felt that such studies woud contribute to the further study and control of the virus. Datasets were gained from the Flu and Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) databases. Then, phylogenetic trees and evolutionary dynamics were reconstructed. The evolutionary rate and characterization of adaptive evolution were analyzed by bioinformatic methods. Results indicated that the HA genes of H6N1 in Taiwan were divided into at least five types, and that the new types that the infected human H6N1 belonged to could be local advantage type at present. Evolutionary dynamics revealed the viral population expanded first at the end of 1971, reduced sharply in 2008, and then increased slightly. Three sites were identified under positive selection, suggesting that various sites might increase the adaptive ability of the virus. Eighty-nine sites were under negative selection, revealing that these sites might play an important role in the replication and epidemiology of the virus. Interestingly, site 329 upstream from the cleavage site was also under negative selection, suggesting that this site might be associated with the virulence of H6N1. These data suggest that the HA genes of the Taiwanese H6N1 virus have been undergoing adaptive evolution, and that an outbreak may occur again. Hence, more attention should be paid to the identified sites, to enable timely monitoring and control of a future epidemic.
Animals ; Birds ; Evolution, Molecular ; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus ; genetics ; Influenza A virus ; genetics ; Influenza in Birds ; virology ; Taiwan

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 investigate the dynamic changes in serum levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and their relation to hepatic parenchyma cell volume (hepatic cell quantity) at different grades of liver inflammation and stages of hepatic fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B.

METHODSSerum HBsAg levels were detected by electrochemilumineseence. Serum HBsAg levels were apportioned according to the hepatic parenchyma cell volume and compared among liver histological inflammation grade (1, 2, 3 and 4) and hepatic fibrosis stage ( I, II, III and IV), respectively.

RESULTSThe levels of serum HBsAg among the four liver histological inflammation grades were:1:6,036.4+/-2,729.4 COI/ml; 2:6,704.6+/-2,457.5 COI/ml; 3:6,332.2+/-2,409.0 COI/ml; 4:6,226.2+/-2,716.0 COI/ml. There were no differences among the groups before apportion (Fbefore apportion=0.564, P=0.640).Serum HBsAg levels apportioned by the hepatic parenchyma cell volume among liver histological inflammation grades were:1:9,174.8+/-4,142.0 COI/ml; 2:10,743.1+/-3,950.3 COI/ml; 3:11,078.0+/-4 230.0COI/ml; 4:11,540.5+/-5,058.8 COI/ml. There were significant differences among the groups after apportion (Fafter apportion =27.354, P<0.001). Serum HBsAg levels among hepatic fibrosis stages were: I: 6,222.1+/-2,665.4 COI/mL; II: 6,706.8+/-2,623.8 COI/ml; III:6 004.5+/-2,625.5 COI/ml; IV:6,455.6+/-2,344.4 COI/ml. There were no differences among groups before apportion (Fbefore apportion=0.768, P=0.513).Serum HBsAg levels apportioned by the hepatic parenchyma cell volume (hepatic cell quantity) among hepatic fibrosis stages were: I :9 417.5+/-4,034.2 COI/ml; II :10,093.3+/-4,183.4 COI/ml; III:10,177.1+/-4,445.0 COI/ml; IV:12,166.6+/-4,418.5 COI/ml. There were significant differences among the groups after apportion (Fafter apportion=57.077, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONSerum HBsAg levels apportioned by the same hepatic parenchyma cell volume (hepatic cell quantity), rather than serum HBsAg levels, increased with hepatic pathological progress.

Hepatitis B ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B virus ; Hepatocytes ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Liver Cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE[corrected] To assess the specificity and applicability of direct PCR sequencing in the detection of point mutations in hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated with drug resistance.

METHODSSerum samples were obtained from 120 patients with hepatitis B treated with nucleoside analogus for at least 2 years to detect the point mutations in HBV genome in association with drug resistance using nested PCR and direct DNA sequencing.

RESULTSForty out of the 120 patients were found to have one or two point mutations associated with drug resistance, including 17 with L180M and M204V/I mutations (42.5%), 10 with M204V/I mutation (25%), 8 with N236T mutation (20%), 3 with L180M mutation (7.5%), and 1 with both A181V/T and N236T mutations (2.5%), and 1 with A181V/T mutation(2.5%).

CONCLUSIONDNA sequencing is a good method to detect all known point mutations associated with HBV drug resistance.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Drug Resistance, Viral ; genetics ; Female ; Hepatitis B virus ; drug effects ; genetics ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; virology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nucleosides ; therapeutic use ; Point Mutation ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Young Adult

Objective To compare the safety of laparoscopic live donor nephreetomy(LDN) and open live donor nephrectomy(ODN), evaluate the kidney function and blood pressure of living donors during 1 year follow-up. Methods Thirty cases of LDN and 30 eases of ODN were retrospectively reviewed. The operation time, warm ischemia time, operative blood loss, time to post-operative intake and time to ambulation of the 2 grouups were compared. According to the modified Clavien classifica-tion system procedure-related complications were described and compared. Serum creatinine(SCr) le-vels, blood pressure and 24-h urine protein excretion were measured before nephreetomy and 1 d, 7 d, 3 months, 6 and 12 months after nephrectomy. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured preo-pratively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. These data were statistically analyzed. Results The operation time was (98. 6+13. 6)rain and (96.3+19. 5)rain in the LDN and ODN groups, re- spectively. Warm ischemia time in the LDN group was (90.6±15.1)s, in the ODN group was (86.4±12.3)s. Operative blood loss was (105.2±634.8)ml and (206.3±126.4)ml in the LDN and ODN groups(P<0.01). For the time to post-operative intake and time to ambulation, LDN group was (28.5±2.9)h and (25.8±63.8)h, ODN group was (38.6±63.3)h and (36.5±65.3)h(P<0.01). Perioperative complications rates were 6.6%(2/30) and 23.3%(7/30) for LDN and ODN, respective-ly. SCr was (109.1±7.5), (105.4±69.5), (96.6±10.7), (89.4±11.5), (91.6±69.3)/zmol/L in the LDN group and (107.3±69.6), (103.3±68.4), (95.4±69.1), (90.5±13.6), (90.3±11.7)μmol/L in the ODN group 1 day, 7 days, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after nephrectomy. The mean GFR of LDN and ODN was 64.7 and 65.8 ml/min at 6 months after nephrectomy, 65.9 and 67.5 ml/min at 12 months postoperatively, which were significantly different comparing with preoperative mean GFR in each group(P<0.05) but no significant difference was found between 6 months and 12 months after nephrectomy and between the 2 groups at the same time point respectively(P>0.05). Mean 24 h protein excretion was elevated after either LDN or ODN during 1 year followup, but was not significantly different either between predonation and 1 year after nephrectomy or between the 2 groups at the same period. Blood pressure increased or decreased slightly with the duration of follow-up,no significant blood presure changes were found before and after nephrectomy or between the two groups at the same period postoperatively. Conclusions LDN has the advantages of minimal trauma, less operative blood loss and quicker convalescence. It is safe and and has no adverse effects regarding kidney function and blood pressure during the first year after living kidney donation comparing to ODN.

ObjectiveTo study the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)of the elderly and explore its clinical characteristics. MethodsThe clinical manifestation,laboratory examination and treatment of two cases of EBV positive DLBCL of elderly were lescribed.Results EBV positive DLBCL of elderly onset was often between 70-79 years,usually presented with lymphadenopathy and may be extranodal,may present with massive splenomegaly,secondary immune hemolytic anemia and often had B symptom.Pathologically,this disease was characterized by a proliferation of atypical large B cells with rich reactive cells,especially T cell.ConclusionImmunohistochemically,the tumor cells of EBV positive DLBCL of elderly present with CD20 or CD79a,EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) positive.This disease has aggressive clinical course,a poor response to standard treatment.Rituximab may be effective in a short periods,but the long effect is limited.Overall survival is short.The cause of death is mainly respiratory failure due to factor infection.

Pulmonary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (PIMT) is a rare lung tumor that is poorly understood by clinicians. Based on the data of patients with PIMT in our center, a comprehensive search and a brief summary analysis of previous reports of the disease were carried out in this article. PIMTs were more likely to be present in male patients and in the right lung, and their clinical and radiographic findings were heterogeneous. Surgery is the most important treatment method, and complete resection is of great significance to the prognosis of patients. Targeted therapy represented by crizotinib may be helpful for patients with positive ALK mutations.

OBJECTIVETo establish HPLC fingerprints of Liuwei Dihuang condensed pills.

METHODDikma Diamonsil C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) was adopted, with acetonitrile (containing 0.05% phosphoric) -water (containing 0.05% phosphoric) as the mobile phase. The column temperature was set at 40 degrees C, and the flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1). The detection wavelength was 276 nm (0-10 min), 236 nm (10-40 min) and 276 nm (40-60 min). The sample size was 20 microL. Chromatographic peaks were identified by Q-TOF-MS-IDA-MS/MS method.

RESULTGood precision, stability and repeatability were proved. Q-TOF-MS-IDA-MS/ MS method was adopted for qualitative determination of eighteen chromatographic peaks. Ten batches of Liuwei Dihuang condensed pills were determined with the method, and their similarities were above 0. 96.

CONCLUSIONThe study lays a foundation for the overall quality evaluation of Liuwei Dihuang condensed pills.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; standards ; Quality Control ; Tablets ; analysis

Objective To analyze miR-10b expression level and the gene upstream methylation level in schwannomas so as to explore and identify the potential target genes for miR-10b in schwannomas .Methods The miR-10b with its potential target genes including HOXB 3 ,HOXD10 ,PTEN ,PIK3CA ,MAPRE1 and HADC4 were quantitatively analyzed by PCR in 13 cases of schwannomas and 6 cases of human vestibulocochlear nerves . We studied the correlation between the differentially expressed genes and the clinical characteristics of schwannomas . Finally ,the differences in miR-10b gene upstream methylation levels were measured and analyzed by pyrosequencing between schwannomas and normal vestibulocochlear nerves .Results Compared with that of normal nerves ,the expression level of miR-10b was significantly higher (P=0 .0003) while the level of PTEN was lower (P=0 .0047) in schwannomas .Negative correlation existed between the levels of miR-10b and PTEN (P=0 .001 , r= -0 .689) . Moreover ,the methylation level of the miR-10b gene promoter was downregulated in schwannomas ;it had negative correlation with the expression level of miR-10b (P= 0 .011 , r= -0 .571) .There was a significant difference in tumor mass diameter between miR-10b higher expression group and lower group (P=0 .016);however ,there was no difference in age or recurrence rate (P>0 .05) .Conclusion The downregulation of methylation level of the promoter leads to higher expression of miR-10b gene ,and it may targetedly inhibit the expression of PTEN .