OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibiting effect of salianic-acid B (SA-B) on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Signaling in activated rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).

METHODSHSCs were isolated from normal rat by in situ perfusion and Nycodenz density-gradient centrifugation method. HSCs were primarily cultured on uncoated plastic for 7 days. Then cells were stimulated with 10ng/ml transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) after incubated with 10-6 M/L SA-B. The effects of SA-B on Extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) expression and its phosphorylation. Transforming growth factor beta1 receptor I (TbetaR I) and transforming growth factor beta1 receptor II (TbetaR II) on HSCs, type I collagen expression in HSC Induced by TGF-beta1 were detected with western blot assay. Quantity of Type I collagen in the medium of HSCs was detected by ELISA. Matrix metalloproteinase 2, 9, 13 (MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-13) in the medium of HSCs was tested by Zymography.

RESULTSThe phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in HSCs with or without TGF-beta1 was inhibited by SA-B. The expression of TbetaR I and TbetaR II on HSCs can not be affected by SA-B. The synthesization of Type I collagen in HSCs was decreased by SA-B; The synthesization and secretion of type I collagen in HSCs with TGF-beta1 were reduced by SA-B too. SA-B had no effect on the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-13, but induced the activity of MMP-13.

CONCLUSIONSA-B inhibits ERK signaling induced by TGF-b1 in HSC. This inhibition has no association with the expression of TbetaR I and TbetaR II on HSCs. SA-B reduces the synthesization and secretion of Type I collagen in HSC by means of inhibiting TGF-beta1 signaling, which might be not related to the degrading activities of MMPs.

Animals ; Benzofurans ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; metabolism ; Liver ; cytology ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Male ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; pharmacology

Establishment of quality management system (QMS) plays a critical role in the clinical data management (CDM). The objectives of CDM are to ensure the quality and integrity of the trial data. Thus, every stage or element that may impact the quality outcomes of clinical studies should be in the controlled manner, which is referred to the full life cycle of CDM associated with the data collection, handling and statistical analysis of trial data. Based on the QMS, this paper provides consensus on how to develop a compliant clinical data management plan (CDMP). According to the essential requirements of the CDM, the CDMP should encompass each process of data collection, data capture and cleaning, medical coding, data verification and reconciliation, database monitoring and management, external data transmission and integration, data documentation and data quality assurance and so on. Creating and following up data management plan in each designed data management steps, dynamically record systems used, actions taken, parties involved will build and confirm regulated data management processes, standard operational procedures and effective quality metrics in all data management activities. CDMP is one of most important data management documents that is the solid foundation for clinical data quality.
Clinical Trials as Topic ; Data Collection ; standards ; Database Management Systems ; standards ; Information Storage and Retrieval ; standards

OBJECTIVETo explore the anti-hepatic fibrosis mechanisms of salvianolic acid B (SA-B).

METHODSHepatic stellate cells (HSCs) isolated from rats were primarily cultured in uncoated plastic culture dish for 7 days, then were incubated with 10(-6) mmol/L SA-B and stimulated with 10 ng/ml transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) or platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). Expressions of extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) and its phosphorylation in HSC, and expressions of TGF beta1, receptor I (TbetaR I) and II (TbetaR II) and PDGF receptor beta (PDGFR-beta) on the surface of HSC induced by TGF-beta1 or PDGF-BB were detected with Western blot assay.

RESULTSSA-B inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in HSC primary normally cultivated for 9 days stimulated or un-stimulated by TGF-beta1, but could not affect the expressions of TbetaR I and TbetaR II on the HSC surface; it down-regulated the expression of PDGFR-beta, but had no obvious effect on the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in those HSC stimulated or un-stimulated by PDGF-BB.

CONCLUSIONSA-B inhibits the ERK signal transduction induced by TGF-beta1 in HSC, which is independent of the expressions of TbetaR on HSC surface and also free from the ERK signal transduction stimulated by PDGF-BB. And its inhibition on PDGF-BB signal transduction in HSC is by way of restraining the expression of PDGFR in HSC.

Animals ; Benzofurans ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; metabolism ; Male ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ; metabolism ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 ; metabolism ; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; biosynthesis ; genetics

Animals ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; Gastroenterology ; trends ; Humans ; Liver Diseases ; therapy ; Medicine ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Preparations ; therapeutic use ; Research ; trends ; Western World

OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility of using a nonreactive, permanent endoskeletal scaffold to create the prothesis in special shape which is covered with tissue-engineered cartilage.

METHODSPorcine BMSCs and articular chondrocytes were isolated and expanded respectively in vitro. Porcine BMSC of passage 1 in the concentration of 10 x 10(7)/ml were seeded onto a cylinder-shaped PGA (1 mm in thickness)/Medpor (3mm in diameter and 5mm in highness) scaffold as the experimental group. After the cell-scaffold constructs were cultured for 5 days, the primary medium, high-glucose DMEM medium with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), was replaced by chondrogenically inductive medium for 4 weeks. BMSCs and chondrocytes of the same concentration were seeded respectively onto the scaffold as the negative control group and the positive control group. After cultured in vitro for 4 weeks, the cell-scaffolds construct were implanted into subcutaneous pockets on the back of nude mice. Four and eight weeks later, the formed cartilage prosthesis were harvested and then evaluated by gross view, histology, immunohistochemistry and glycosamino-glycan (GAG) content.

RESULTSCells in all groups had fine adhesion to the scaffold and could secrete extracellular matrix. All specimens in experimental group and positive control group formed mature cartilage with collagen II expression.The mature catrtilage wraped HDPE compactly and grown into the gap of HDPE. Mature lacuna structures and metachromatic matrices were also observed in these specimens. GAG contents in experimental group were (5.13 +/- 0.32) mg/g (4 weeks), (5.37 +/- 0.12) mg/g (8 weeks). In contrast, specimens in BMSC group showed mainly fibrous tissue.

CONCLUSIONIt indicates that it is feasible to create special shaped tissue-engineering cartilage with the permanent internal support using BMSCs as seed cell.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cartilage ; cytology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Stromal Cells ; cytology ; Swine ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Tissue Scaffolds

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of early enteral nutrition (EEN) supplemented with glutamine on postoperative intestinal mucosal barrier function of patients with gastric carcinoma.

METHODSEighty patients with gastric carcinoma who underwent intraoperative peritoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy(IPHC) were randomized into two groups: EEN+glutamine (EEN+Gln) group(n=40) and EEN group(n=40). Intestinal mucosal barrier function was evaluated by serum diamine oxidase (DAO), ratio of lactulose to mannitol(L/M), endotoxin lipopolysaccharides(LPS), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) at 1 day before operation, 1 day, 7 days, 12 days after operation. Time to first flatus and tolerance to EEN were recorded as well.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in the two groups in demographics(all P>0.05). Two cases(5%) in the EEN+Gln group and 1 case (2.5%) in the EEN group could not tolerate well(P>0.05). On postoperative day 1, there were no differences in serum DAO, L/M ratio, LPS, TNF-α between the two groups (P>0.05). On postoperative day 7, all the parameters for mucosal barrier function were significantly lower in the EEN+Gln group. On postoperative day 12, the urinary L/M and DAO, LPS, and TNF-α were still significantly lower in the EEN+Gln group, however, urinary L/M was comparable between the two groups. There were no differences between the two groups in the time to first flatus (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe immunologic tolerance of enteral nutrition supplemented with glutamine is favorable, which provides protective effect on intestinal mucosal barrier in patients with gastric carcinoma undergoing IPHC.

Aged ; Enteral Nutrition ; methods ; Female ; Glutamine ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Intestinal Mucosa ; drug effects ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Care ; Prospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; physiopathology ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Ningbo.

METHODSA descriptive analysis was conducted through the surveillance data of HFMD in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, from 2008 to 2011. Genes on EV71 and Cox A16 were amplified with RT-PCT from the stool samples of HFMD patients. Sequences were analyzed by bioinformatics software.

RESULTS37 524 cases of HFMD were reported from 2008 to 2011, including 196 severe cases and 12 deaths. The reported incidence was 145.26 per 100 000 and the case fatality was 0.03%. Cases in children aged 5 or younger accounted for 95.89%, and the scattered cases accounted for 64.10%. Xiangshan and Ninghai counties had the highest incidence rates in Ningbo. The peak of incidence was from April to July. The number of male patients was obviously higher than females. 2394 cases of HFMD were laboratory confirmed and EV71 with the predominant epidemic strain. Data from phylogenetic analysis revealed that EV71 isolated from HFMD patients in Ningbo belonged to C4a evolution branch of C4 sub-genotype, with several transmission chains. Cox A16 belonged to B1 evolution branch. 53.48% of the healthy children in Ningbo showed EV71 antibody positive. The geometric mean of the antibody titer (GMT) was 11.23 (8.33 - 14.98) in healthy children. Cox A16 antibody was detected at 63.18% of the healthy children in Ningbo. GMT in healthy children was 12.61 (6.70 - 16.52).

CONCLUSIONHFMD was highly endemic in Ningbo, with children under 5 years old were at high-risk. The major etiologic agent was EV71 which belonged to C4a in the C4 sub-genotypes. Cox A16 belonged to the B1 evolution branch, which were in line with the predominant virus circulating in the mainland of China.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Coxsackievirus Infections ; epidemiology ; Enterovirus ; isolation & purification ; Female ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease ; epidemiology ; virology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype, serum viral load and ALT levels, and the factors associated with the viral relapse after IFN treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

METHODSThe HCV RNA levels were determined with Cobas Amplicor Monitor Test, version 2.0, and HCV genotypes were examined by means of PCR products of 5' NTR digested with restriction endonucleases. The patients with chronic hepatitis C were treated with PEG-IFN alpha -2a and Roferon-A for 24 weeks. Those with a viral response after 24 week treatment were followed for an additional 24 weeks. The association of clinical characteristics, such as sex, age, the way of the HCV infection, IFN treatment history and platelet counts, and the HCV genotype, virus load and medicine used for the viral relapse after IFN treatment were analyzed.

RESULTSOf the 208 chronic hepatitis C patients, the ALT levels were not related to HCV RNA levels (r = 0.093, P > 0.05). No difference of ALT levels between HCV genotypes was found, and the HCV RNA load was also of no difference between HCV genotype 1 patients and non 1 patients. Of the 119 patients with viral response after 24 week treatment, 58 cases (48.7%) relapsed after another 24 week's follow-up. Relapse was not significantly related to the clinical characteristics, such as sex, age, mode of the infection, treatment history of IFN, AST/ALT ratio, platelet counts and the baseline viral load. Among patients with genotype 1 virus, the relapse rate was significantly higher than those patients with non-genotype 1 virus (54.5% vs 32.1%, P=0.039). The relapse rate after PEG-IFN alpha -2a treatment was lower than that of Roferon-A treatment (47.0% vs. 52.8%), but not significantly.

CONCLUSIONThe viral relapse of chronic hepatitis C patients after IFN treatment was significantly associated with the genotypes of the HCV.

Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Genotype ; Hepacivirus ; genetics ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; drug therapy ; virology ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Viral ; blood ; Recombinant Proteins ; Recurrence ; Treatment Outcome ; Viral Load

OBJECTIVETo investigate angiogenesis of collagen-chitosan porous scaffold, and to study survive of skin grafts on the scaffold after bilayer dermal equivalent (BDE) was transplanted on wounds with full thickness skin defects.

METHODSThe full thickness skin defects were made on 10 Bama miniature pigs and the BDE composed of collagen-chitosan porous scaffold and silicone membrane was transplanted on wound. Angiogenesis in dermal equivalent, wound healing, and healing and survive of skin grafts on dermal equivalent were observed in 1, 2, and 3 weeks after the BDE transplantation. At the same time, CD34 positive signals (neo-forming micro-vessels) were detected by immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTSInflammatory cells and fibroblasts infiltrated into dermal equivalent and a few new micro-vessels had been formed in 1 week after the BDE transplantation; neo-forming micro-vessels perpendicular to wound bed had increased significantly in 2 weeks after the BDE transplantation; neo-forming micro-vessels could be observed in almost all dermal equivalents in 3 weeks after the BDE transplantation. CD34 positive signals (neo-forming micro-vessels) in 3 weeks after the BDE transplantation was much more than those in 2 weeks after the BDE transplantation, and CD34 positive signals in 2 weeks after the BDE transplantation was much more than those in 1 week after the BDE transplantation. Survival rate of intermediate split thickness skin graft were 10%, 70% and 100% respectively after the skin grafts had been grafted for 2 weeks on surface of the scaffold which had been transplanted for 1, 2 and 3 weeks. Epidermis which had been grafted on surface of the scaffold for 1 or 2 weeks could perfectly survive after BDE had been transplanted for 1 or 2 weeks.

CONCLUSIONSCollagen-chitosan porous scaffold plays a very important role in wound healing of full thickness skin defect and can induce fibroblast infiltration and new micro-vessel formation. Epidermis grafted on surface of collagen-chitosan porous scaffold can perfectly repair wounds, and it has brilliant applied prospects in repairing skin defect.

Animals ; Chitosan ; Collagen ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Graft Survival ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; Silicones ; Skin ; injuries ; Skin Transplantation ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature ; Tissue Scaffolds ; Wound Healing

OBJECTIVETo compare differences of angiogenesis among collagen- chitosan, collagen-sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan porous scaffolds and acellular dermal matrix after these three different scaffolds with silicone membrane were transplanted on the wounds of full thickness burn, and the wound repair of different scaffolds with epidermis grafting on.

METHODSAngiogenesis in different dermal scaffolds, the wound surface and epidermis survival were observed in 1, 2, and 3 weeks after the three different scaffolds were respectively transplanted on wounds of full thickness burn with debridement in 6 Bama miniature pigs (total 18 pigs in 3 groups). At the same time, CD34 positive signals (neo-forming microvessels) were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The wounds without any scaffold transplantation were studied as the control.

RESULTSAngiogenesis had been fundamentally finished in 2 weeks after implantation of collagen- sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan porous scaffold. And fundamental angiogenesis in collagen- chitosan porous scaffolds and acellular dermal matrix needed at least 3 weeks. Neo-forming micro-vessels perpendicular to wound beds with these three different scaffolds were more than those in the control wounds without scaffold. CD34 positive signals (neo-forming micro-vessels) were significantly higher in wounds at the second week than those in wounds at the first week. And those in wounds at the third week were significantly higher than those in wounds at the second week in all wounds with different scaffold transplantations and the control wounds. CD34 positive signals in the group of sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan porous scaffold on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week after the scaffold transplantation were significantly higher than those corresponding signals in the other three groups. Epidermis on the sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan porous scaffold which had been transplanted on burn wound for 1 week could survive perfectly, however, epidermis on the collagen- chitosan porous scaffold or acellular dermal matrix could not survive until these two scaffolds had been transplanted on the burn wounds for at least 2 weeks.

CONCLUSIONSThese three different scaffolds could repair the full thickness skin defects caused by burn, and angiogenesis of sulfonated carboxymethyl chitosan porous scaffold is the best.

Animals ; Burns ; surgery ; Chitosan ; analogs & derivatives ; Collagen ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Silicones ; Skin Transplantation ; Skin, Artificial ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature ; Tissue Scaffolds