Objective To investigate the clinical features,the radiological characteristics,and the pathological changes of cerebral sparganosis.Methods We retrospectively collectted and summarized the clinical data of 42 patients with cerebral sparganosis from the Iinstitute of Anti-parasitic Diseases of Jiangxi Province and the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University during January 2000 to January 2014.The follow-up period of the 42 patients ranged from 4 to 96 months.Results Forty-two cases (30 males and 12 females) with cerebral sparganosis were enrolled in the study.Among the 42 patients,34 cases suffered from seizures,16 cases experienced headaches,and 14 cases had limb weakness.The brain CT scan showed the small and punctuate calcifications scattering around the lesions in 18 cases.The features of enhanced MRI included aggregating ring-like enhancement in 38 cases,tunnel lesions in 14 cases,and lesion migration in 13 cases.Twenty-four of the 42 patients were performed surgery.The brain tissues revealed multiple inflammatory tunnels,in which live or degenerated larvae were identified in 20 cases,but only eosinophilia tunnels were observed in the other 4 cases.The serum and cerebro-spiral fluid specimens from 18 patients without surgery were positive to spirometra mansoni antigen.Their cerebral lesions disappeared and got a favorable prognosis after administration of praziquantel in long term follow-ups.Conclusions There is a high incidence of cerebral sparganosis in Poyang lake basin.The clinical features of cerebral sparganosis mainly include seizure,headache and hemiparesis.The enhanced lesions show knot or tunnel signs on multi-planar MRI which are associated with the multiple inflammatory tunnels of larvae migration.A longterm administration of high dose opraziquantel can also get a good treatment prognosis without the classical surgical therapy for cerebral sparganosis.

Panax ginseng is one of the most important traditional Chinese herbal medicine, soil borne diseases influenced the yield and quality severely. In our previous work, endophytic Bacillus subtilis ge25 strain was isolated from ginseng root, and which showed significant antagonistic activity against several most destructive ginseng phytopathogens. In the present work, crude protein and lipopeptid extracts were prepared from LB and Landy supernate by salting out, acid precipitation methods respectively. The antagonistic activity of crude extracts and stability to temperature and protease digestion were examined by ginseng phytopathogen Alternaria panax. Results showed that, the antagonistic activity of crude protein extracts from LB culture was complete and partially lost when treated by high temperature and proteinase K. However, crude lipopeptid from Landy culture showed significant stabile antagonistic activity to them. Acid-hydrolyzation and TLC-bioautography analysis showed, that the crude lipopeptide contained at least one cyclic lipopeptide. In consideration of the stability and perfect antagonistic activity of ge25, further researches will promote the biocontrol of ginseng diseases in the field.
Alternaria ; drug effects ; physiology ; Bacillus subtilis ; metabolism ; physiology ; Bacterial Proteins ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Endopeptidase K ; metabolism ; Endophytes ; metabolism ; physiology ; Fermentation ; Lipopeptides ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Panax ; microbiology ; Plant Roots ; microbiology ; Temperature

Objective To investigate the value of whole-liver MR perfusion imaging(MRPI)for early detection of coagulative necrosis after percutaneous ethanol injection(PEI)in rabbit liver VX_2 tumors. Methods VX_2 tumor cell suspension was inoculated into rabbit liver and liver VX_2 tumors[diameter of (2.6?0.6)cm]were induced in 10 male rabbits.MR T_1 WI and T_2 WI were performed to monitor the development of the liver tumor on the 2~(nd)and 3~(rd)week after inoculation.Whole-liver MRPI was performed in the 10 rabbits with liver VX_2 tumors before and 6 days after PEI therapy(1.0 ml ethanol was injected into the most enhanced tumor region under CT guiding).Signal intensity(SI)values of untreated tumor parts and treated areas 6 days after PEI were recorded respectively.The steepest slope(SS)and bolus arrival time (TO)of SI-time curves were measured.The t-Student test was used in statistical analysis of the data.Results There was significant difference in MRPI data between untreated tumor parts[TO:(16.0?1.2)s and SS: 38.9?2.2]and treated areas[TO:(50.8?5.9)s and SS:6.0?1.2]6 days after PEI(t was 15.8 and -39.6 respectively,P

To explore new agents of quinolone derivatives with high antibacterial activity, 7-(4-alkoxyimino-3-methyl-3-methylaminopiperidin-1-yl)quinolones were designed and synthesized, and their activity against gram-positive and gram-negative strains was tested in vitro. Sixteen target compounds were obtained. Their structures were established by 1H NMR, HRMS and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compounds 14k and 14m-14o show good antibacterial activity against the tested five gram-positive strains and five gram-negative strains (MIC: 0.25-16 micromg x mL(-1)), of which the most active compound 14o is 8-fold more potent than levofloxacin against S. pneumoniae (MIC: 4 microg x mL(-1)), and comparable to levofloxacin against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. faecalis and E. coli (MIC: 0.25-1 microg x mL(-1)), but generally less potent than gemifloxacin.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Gram-Negative Bacteria ; drug effects ; Gram-Positive Bacteria ; drug effects ; Molecular Structure ; Quinolones ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the alteration of thymus matrix lymphocyte generator (TSLP) and change of the Th factor in the course of disease development, and to analyze the curative effect of inhalation of Vitamin A (VA) with corticosteroid for the treatment of asthmatic pneumonia.

METHODSAsthmatic pneumonia models were prepared by challenging rats with inhalation of ovalbumin for 4 weeks, and rested for 1 week. The treatment with VA and corticosteroid inhalation for 1 week was followed. The rat thymus and lung specimen were examen by histochemical and immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTSAfter 4 - 5 weeks of stimulation, there were more TSLP-positive cells and alveolar macrophages (AM) found in thymus and lung tissue of asthmatic group, the cell proliferation in spleen and thymus was obvious, and blood Th factors elevated. The inflammation within the lung tissue aggravated gradually. In VA group, the expression of TSLP and Th2 factors were all lowered at the 4th week. The TSLP expression slightly increased at the 5th week, and the cell proliferation within T-cell zone of spleen and thymus was strong at first and weakened later. Alveolar microphages (AM) increased significantly and the inflammation in the lung subsided gradually at the 5th week. In the hormone group, TSLP and Th2 factors expression in both thymus and lung were decreased at the 5th week, while the cell proliferation in thymus and lung was gradually increased. The quantity of AM was decreased, whereas the inflammation of the lung was increased gradually at the 5th week.

CONCLUSIONDuring asthmatic period elevated TSLP expression was accompanied by Th2 type responses while VA and corticosteroid both suppressed TSLP and Th2 factors expression. VA alone promoted T lymphocyte proliferation as well as the antigen elimination function by AM, after ceasing the usage, the lung inflammation abated gradually. In contrast, after ceasing the use of corticosteroid, inflammation aggravated.

Administration, Inhalation ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Asthma ; complications ; Beclomethasone ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Cytokines ; metabolism ; Pneumonia ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vitamin A ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use

To study the variation of six ester-type alkaloids and characteristic fingerprints in the process from Radix Aconite Lateralis to Heishunpian and lay a foundation for the study of the processing principle of Heishunpian, HPLC. analysis was performed on a Phenomenex Gemini C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) with acetonitrile and 40 mmol x L(-1) ammonium acetate (adjusted to pH 10 with concentrated ammonia water) as mobile phase. The detection wavelength was set at 235 nm. The flow rate was set at 0.8 mL x min(-1) and the injection volume was 10-20 microL. Six ester-type alkaloids were determined and characteristic fingerprints of the process were established. As the process continues, the contents of diester diterpene alkaloids were decreased step by step, while the contents varia tion of monoester diterpene alkaloids were not obvious. Each sample showed significant difference in characteristic fingerprints. With the exception of 6 known monoester diterpene alkaloids and diester diterpene alkaloids, 13 peaks were marked in the characteristic fingerprints, of which the total change rule of the other 7 unknown peaks were similar with 3 diester diterpene alkaloids. The established method is accurate, reliable and repeatable, and can provide reference for revealing change rule of index components and illuminating processing principle in the process of Heishunpian.
Aconitine ; chemistry ; Aconitum ; chemistry ; Alkaloids ; chemistry ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Esters ; chemistry ; Molecular Structure

OBJECTIVEUltrasound scanning can provide the information of acoustic impedance through the ultrasonic reflection theory. This study tries to introduce the application of the ultrasonic technique in predicting biomechanical properties of cancellous bone.

METHODSThe rat femoral head embedded in plexiglass was used as the bone specimens for ultrasound scanning and the gray scale images scanned by ultrasound microscope were collected and analyzed.

RESULTSThe value of acoustic impedance was calculated by analyzing the gray scale image.

CONCLUSIONThe application of ultrasonic microscopy can show more value about the microstructure of biomechanical properties of bone tissue.

Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Density ; Femur Head ; diagnostic imaging ; physiology ; Microscopy, Acoustic ; methods ; Osteoporosis ; physiopathology ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of Qufengtongluo Recipe (QFTLR) on the expression of podocin mRNA and podocyte morphology in rats with adriamycin-induced nephropathy (AN), and explore the possible mechanism mediating the therapeutic effect of QFTLR on nephropathic proteinuria.

METHODSSD rats were randomized into normal control group, AN model group (established by a single injection of adriamycin via the tail vein), and 3 intervention groups with QFTLR, prednisone, or benazepril treatment. After the corresponding treatments, the expression of podocin mRNA in the renal tissues was detected by RT-PCR methods, and the morphological changes of the podocytes were examined by electron microscope.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the AN model group showed significantly lowered expressions of podocin mRNA (P<0.01) with reduced podocytes and widening, fusion or even absence of the foot processes (FP). Intervention with QFTLR significantly increased the expression of podocin mRNA (P<0.01) and the number of podocytes, and obviously lessened the structural changes of the FP.

CONCLUSIONQFTLR can produce therapeutic effect against nephropathic proteinuria possibly by up-regulating the expression of podocin mRNA and improving the morphological changes of the podocytes.

Animals ; Doxorubicin ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Nephrosis ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; pathology ; Podocytes ; pathology ; Proteinuria ; etiology ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of Yanshu injection (a compound Chinese traditional medicine from Sophora flauescens Ait) combined with concomitant radiochemotherapy in patients with stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODSSixty patients with stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma were randomized into Yanshu group and control group (n = 30, each). Patients in the Yanshu group received Yanshu injection in addition to intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and concomitant chemotherapy, and those in the control group were treated with IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy.

RESULTSThe 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 4-year overall survival rates were 100%, 93.3%, 86.7%, 80.0% for Yanshu group, and 96.7%, 90.0%, 83.3%, 76.7% for the control group, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.565). The 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 4-year progression-free survival rates were 96.7%, 90.0%, 83.3%, 70.0% for Yanshu group, and 90.0%, 86.7%, 76.7%, 66.7% for control group, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.554). However, the reaction of mucosa of oral cavity, myelosuppression and thrombocytopenia in the Yanshu group were significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The quality of life of the patients in the Yanshu group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSYanshu injection combined with radiochemotherapy in patients with stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma show a good efficacy and can reduce the side effects of radiochemotherapy of nasopharygeal carcinoma, and improve the quality of life of the patients.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; drug therapy ; pathology ; therapy ; Chemoradiotherapy ; methods ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Disease-Free Survival ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; isolation & purification ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leukopenia ; chemically induced ; etiology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Mucositis ; chemically induced ; etiology ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; therapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Paclitaxel ; administration & dosage ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality of Life ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated ; adverse effects ; Sophora ; chemistry ; Survival Rate ; Thrombocytopenia ; chemically induced ; etiology

BACKGROUNDGemcitabine plus cisplatin is a standard treatment for stages IIIB and IV nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This randomized phase II study evaluated a 3-week versus a 4-week schedule of gemcitabine-cisplatin as first line treatment for Chinese patients with advanced NSCLC.

METHODSPatients were randomized to receive cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) on day 1 plus either gemcitabine 1250 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle (3-week group) or gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28-day cycle (4-week group).

RESULTSOne hundred patients were enrolled in this study. The response rate was 24% (12/51 patients) in the 3-week group and 27% (13/49 patients) in the 4-week group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups in survival (hazard ratio: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.68 - 2.09) with a median survival of 12.1 months and 13.8 months in the 3-week group and the 4-week group respectively. The rate of grade 3/4 toxicity in the 3-week group was 55% compared with 86% in the 4-week group (P = 0.001). The difference in the incidence of grade 3/4 haematological toxicities did not reach statistical significance (3-week: 37%, 4-week: 57%), however grade 3/4 drug related neutropenia (3-week: 27%, 4-week: 51%) and thrombocytopenia (3-week: 8%, 4-week: 31%) were significantly lower in the 3-week group. Grade 3/4 nonhaematological toxicities were less in the 3-week group (33% cf 63%; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONSThe differences in the efficacy endpoints were all in favour of the 4-week schedule of gemcitabine plus cisplatin, however these differences did not reach statistical significance. Fewer grade 3/4 toxicities were observed in the 3-week group compared with the 4-week group.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; statistics & numerical data ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; ethnology ; China ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Deoxycytidine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; ethnology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome