To investigate the mechanism of agarwood formation in Aquilaria sinensis induced by Lasiodiplodia theobromae, the fermentation liquor of L. theobromae was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). JAs were detected in the fermentation liquor. The effect of the fermentation liquor on the abundance of sesquiterpenes in the callus of A. sinensis was analyzed by solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). And the fermentation liquor stimulated alpha-guaiene, alpha-humulene and delta-guaiene biosynthesis in calli. It was inferred that L. theobromae produced JAs, which resulted in a significant increase of sesquiterpenes in A. sinensis.
Ascomycota ; physiology ; Fermentation ; Sesquiterpenes ; metabolism ; Thymelaeaceae ; metabolism ; microbiology

Objective To investigate the changes of T-lymphocyte subsets, NK cells and clinical signification in patients with intestinal tu-berculosis after the treatment of thymosin-al. Methods Sixty-six ca-ses of intestinal tuberculosis patients were treated by thymosin-α1 fol-lowed the basis of conventional anti-TB treatment, while 62 cases as a control group. The frequencies of peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets and NK cells were determined by flow cytometry. Results After the end of 12 and 16 weeks, the values of CD3~+ , CD4~+ , CD8~+ , and CD4~+/CD8~+ in trial group exhibited significantly higher than that before treat-ment (P<0.05). NK cells in the end of 8, 12, and 16 weeks showed an ascension too (P < 0. 05). There was no significant difference in the control group after treatment (P > 0. 05). The better clinical efficacy was found in the trial group (P < 0. 05). Conclusion Thymosin-α1 can significantly improve the intestinal immunolologic function in the patient with tuberculosis infection.

Objective To determine the expression of membrane-bound B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) protein and its mRNA in vitro of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),and to investigate the role of interferon-?(IFN-?) on the expression of BLyS.Methods PBMCs were obtained from 25 SLE patients (mean age of 31+14) and 20 healthy volunteers (mean age of 28?10).They were randomized into IFN-?(5 ng/ml) group and control group.PBMCs were col- lected at 0,6,12 and 24 h for BLyS mRNA assessment using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR).PBMCs were also collected at 72 h for membrane-bound BLyS protein detection using flow cy- tometry (FACS) and direct immunofluorescence.Results①The expression of BLyS mRNA and membrane- bound protein in PBMCs was significantly higher in individuals with SLE compared with healthy controls (P＜0.05);②IFN-?enhanced BLyS mRNA expression in PBMCs in both healthy controls and SLE patients,with the greatest effect at 6 h (stimulated vs unstimulated,0.42?0.19 vs 0.25?0.14,P＜0.01;0.59?0.28 vs 0.44?0.21,P＜0.01 );③IFN-?also increased the expression of membrane-bound BLyS protein in both healthy con- trols and individuals with SLE (FACs,mean fluorescence intensity,4.5+3.0 vs 3.7~2.6,P

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of the intrauterine environment on pancreas ghrelin and L-type calcium channels of islet like cell clusters (ICCs) in neonatal rats.

METHODSDifferent birth weight neonatal rat models were established. The samples of entire pancreas or ICCs were collected at the first day after birth. Ghrelin, Cav1.2, Cav1.3 mRNAs and proteins were determined using real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively.

RESULTThe real-time RT-PCR revealed that ghrelin mRNA in SGA group were significantly higher than that of the AGA group (P <0.05). Cav1.2 mRNA of SGA group and LGA group was significantly lower than that of the AGA group; Cav1.3 mRNA of SGA group was significantly lower than that of the AGA group (P <0.05). The results of integral OD value of immunohistochemistry were consistent with those of real-time RT-PCR.

CONCLUSIONIntrauterine nutritional status may affect pancreatic endocrine cells differentiation and maturity, resulting in the difference of expression ghrelin and calcium channels in ICCs.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Birth Weight ; physiology ; Calcium Channels, L-Type ; metabolism ; Fetal Development ; Ghrelin ; metabolism ; Insulin-Secreting Cells ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To investigate the potential clinical factors associated with the prognosis and relapse of adult onset Still's disease(AOSD).Methods The factors possibly influencing the prognosis and relapse of AOSD were analyzed by logistic regression and COX regression in the cohort study.Ninety-six con- secutive inpatients of AOSD diagnosed based on Yamaguchi criteria in the hospital from March 1996 to September 2004 were included in the study.Results Nine cases(9.4%)were lost during the follow-up. Eleven patients(12.6%)were diagnosed as other diseases(5 with other rheumatic diseases,4 with tumor and 2 with infections)in the 87 follow-up cases.In 76 cases,3 patients(3.9%)died and 33 patients(43.4%) got remission over one year after treatment.Splenomegaly(OR=3.14,95%CI=1.01～9.74)and treated with methotrexate(OR=0.22,95%CI=0.07～0.67)were associated with the prognosis from the logistic regression analysis of the 76 cases.The serum ferritin(RR=I.05,95%CI=1.01～1.08)and treated with methotrexate (RR=0.13,95%CI=0.02～0.76)were associated with relapse from the COX regression analysis of the 61 remis- sion cases.Conclusion We need to be very cautious in the follow-up of AOSD patients because some of them may change to other diseases.Methotrexate may be an importent therapy of AOSD not only in improve- ment the prognosis but also in reduction of relapse.

Objective To explore the effect of potato chips soaking in brine external application to protect arteriovenous fistula.Methods A total of 60 cases with oozing and swelling patients after intravenous fistula puncturing were randomly divided into group A (50％ magnesium sulfate wet,n =20),group B (potato chips soaked in brine external application,n =20) and group C (Hirudinous external rub,n =20).Observed three groups of patients with arteriovenous fistula exudation markedly time,exudative healing time,pain relief time and improved the situation of patients blood flow by Doppler ultrasound detected.Results In Group B,exudative effectual time (3.95 ± 1.00)h,oozing healing time(13.05 ±2.11)h,pain relief time in advance (4.65 ± 0.67)h,comparing with group A and group C,the difference were statistically significant (F =89.345,162.116,144.510,respectively;P ＜ 0.01).And the improving blood flow of Group B was significantly better than that in group A and group C (x2 =7.800,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Potato chips soaked in brine external application can protect the arteriovenous fistula,with low price,simple operation,rapid onset,which is worthy of clinical application.

Objective To explore the efficacy of application of clinical pathway for hemodialysis patients with indwelling dialysis catheter via deep vein. Methods A total of 80 hemodialysis patients with indwelling dialysis catheter via deep vein were divided into observation and control group. All of patients were treated with indwelling dialysis catheter via deep vein. Patients in observation group were managed by clinical pathway, while those in control group were managed by routine mode. Then, the time for indwelling dialysis catheter, the complication and satisfaction rate of patients were compared between the two groups. Results The complication rate in the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0. 01). The time for indwelling dialysis catheter, the satisfaction rate of patients were significantly superiory than those of the control group (P <0. 05). Conclusions Clinical pathway can improve clinical efficacy of hemodialysis patients with indwelling dialysis catheter via deep vein, which should be worth widespread.

ObjectiveTo systematically review the evidences of impact of exercise rehabilitation and adapted physical activity on psychomotor skills, motor abilities, and motor development in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). MethodsRelevant literature was retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CNKI, from January, 2010 to June, 2023. The contents were coded using International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision, and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; and evidences were analyzed with theoretical framework and code of ICD-11 and ICF. ResultsA total of nine articles were included, from Denmark, South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, India and Japan, published from 2015 to 2022. The intervention programs primarily involved exercise rehabilitation (including physical therapy) and adapted physical activity. Exercise rehabilitation included upper limb strength training, lower limb strength training, balance and coordination training, gait training, functional aerobic exercise, stretching and flexibility exercises, flexibility training, muscle relaxation techniques; ten to 50 minutes a time, two to six times a week,with the intensity of low to high, for six to 20 weeks. Adapted physical activities mainly involved adapted running training, virtual games; 60 minutes a time, two to four times a week, with the intensity of medium to high, for six to twelve weeks. Interventions primarily took place in medical and rehabilitation institutions, schools, and home-based communities, with professionals including occupational physical therapists, university researchers, community health personnel and teachers. The outcomes were mainly reflected in four aspects: psychomotor skills, motor abilities, motor development, and quality of life and well-being. In terms of psychomotor skills, adolescents with CP mastered running techniques and knowledge, and enhanced their response to balance threats. In terms of motor abilities, adolescents with CP showed an increase in muscle strength, enhanced muscle endurance, and an expansion of muscle tone; improvements in gait functionality, walking ability, and gait symmetry; increases in walking endurance; improvements in standing function; and improvements in dynamic balance; as well as enhanced control over balance posture. In terms of motor development, there was a significant improvement in activities of daily living, participation levels in school and leisure activities during free time, and an expanded range of motion. In terms of quality of life and well-being, adolescents with CP showed significant enhancements in self-confidence and self-esteem, significant relief from (spastic) pain, and improvements in social well-being and acceptance. ConclusionThis systematic review has synthesized the evidences of benefits of exercise rehabilitation and adapted physical activity on the psychomotor skills, motor abilities and motor development of children and adolescents with spastic CP. In terms of psychomotor skills, exercise rehabilitation and adapted physical activity help to improve the cognitive and motor skills of adolescents with spastic CP. In terms of motor abilities, exercise rehabilitation and adapted physical activity can improve muscle-related functions, gait and walking abilities, as well as balance and coordination. In terms of motor development, exercise rehabilitation and adapted physical activity significantly enhance activities of daily living and the level of participation in leisure physical activities. Finally, exercise rehabilitation and adapted physical activity can increase energy and motivation, alleviate pain, and enhance social well-being and acceptance.

OBJECTIVETo study the applied anatomy of the vascular and muscular innervations related to vascularized fibular grafts.

METHODSThirty-four cadaveric lower extremities were dissected for this study. The observations included fibular length, fibular nutrient artery, arcuate arteries, and innervation of fibular muscles. The fibulas were averagely divided into four segments and the locations of relevant vessels and nerves were ascertained.

RESULTSAll specimens had 1 fibular nutrient artery and 4-9 arcuate arteries except 1 specimen which had only 1 arcuate artery. The fibular nutrient artery and the first three arcuate arteries were constantly located between the distal half of the 1/4 segment and 2/4 segment of the fibula. The muscular branch of the superficial peroneal nerve passed through the surface of the periosteum in the 2/4 segment of the fibula.

CONCLUSIONSThe most proximal osteotomy point locates at the midpoint of the 1/4 segment by which it ensure the maximal potential for preserving the nutrient vessels. The muscular branch of the superficial peroneal nerve is fragile to injury at the 2/4 segment of the fibula.

Cadaver ; Female ; Fibula ; blood supply ; innervation ; Humans ; Male

BACKGROUNDFungal keratitis is a rare but serious corneal disease that may result in loss of vision. The poor prognosis might be due to limited treatment option. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of 0.25% terbinafine eye drops comparing with 5% natamycin suspension on fungal keratitis.

METHODSA retrospective clinical trial was performed on 90 patients presenting with direct smear and/or culture positive fungal keratitis at Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, China from January 2006 to May 2008. Corneal ulcers were categorized as mild or severe. Forty-five patients were treated with topical terbinafine and the next 45 cases received topical natamycin hourly.

RESULTSFilamentous fungi were found in corneal scrapings among all 90 cases. Fungal cultures were positive in 64 patients (71%). Species of Fusarium and Aspergillus were the principal isolates. Forty (89%) patients showed favorable response to terbinafine, while forty-two (93%) patients exhibited favorable response to natamycin (P > 0.05). The mean course of treatment was significantly showed in the terbinafine treatment group than natamycin group ((26.5 +/- 11.2) days versus (19.3 +/- 6.4) days; P < 0.05). In terbinafine group, twenty patients with ulcers smaller than 4 mm had favorable outcome, while 20 of 25 patients with ulcers more than 4 mm in diameter had favorable response (P < 0.05). Twenty-seven patients with depth of infiltration less than half of stroma thickness had favorable response to terbinafine, while 13 of 18 patients with depth of infiltration more than half of stroma responded to terbinafine. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSOur findings suggest that topical terbinafine is an effective antifungal drug for the management of filamentous mycotic keratitis, particularly in cases with smaller and shallower ulcers. Its mean duration of treatment was longer than natamycin.

Antifungal Agents ; therapeutic use ; Aspergillus ; isolation & purification ; physiology ; Fusarium ; isolation & purification ; physiology ; Humans ; Keratitis ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Naphthalenes ; therapeutic use ; Natamycin ; therapeutic use ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome