Objective: To investigate the growth inhibition effect of caffeic acid and DDP (cisplatin) on human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells in vitro, and to explore the possible mechanism. Methods: A549 cells were cultured in vitro. The effect of caffeic acid alone or in combination with DDP on proliferation of A549 cells was detected by MTT assay. The effect of caffeic acid alone or in combination with DDP on apoptosis of A549 cells was detected by Hoechst33258 immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. The expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results: Caffeic acid or DDP alone or in combination could significantly inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of A549 cells, and the combination of these two drugs had a synergistic effect. Western blotting result showed that the combination of caffeic acid and DDP synergistically inhibited the expression of Bcl-2 protein and enhanced the expression of Bax protein and the activation of caspase-3. Conclusion: Both caffeic acid and cisplatin may improve the growth-inhibitory and apoptotic activities of human lung cancer A549 cells in vitro. These effects are enhanced with the combination of caffeic acid and DDP in a synergistic manner. Copyright © 2012 by TUMOR.

[Abstract ] Objective Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is closely related to pulmonary hypertension .This study was to investigate the correlation of the expression of high mobility group protein B 1 ( HMGB1) with its synthesis and secretion of interferon-γ( IFN-γ) in the distal pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells ( PASMCs ) of COPD rats and its clinical significance . Methods We established COPD models in rats , primarily cultured and identified PASMCs , and detected the synthesis and secretion of cytokine in the PASMCs induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS).The PASMCs in the control, CSE, LPS, and CSE+LPS groups were cultured with anti-HMGB1 antibodies at 0.2 mL 1∶1000.At 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of inter-vention, the expression of HMGB1 in the PASMCs was detected by Western blot and the concentrations of HMGB 1 and IFN-γin the cell culture supernatant were measured by ELISA , followed by a correlation analysis . Results Light microscopy manifested a peak -valley growth pattern or fusiform shape of the cells , which were identified as PASMCs by α-actin immunohistochemistry and immuno-fluorescence .Western blot and ELISA showed statistically significant differences in the expression of HMGB 1 and concentrations of cell supernatant HMGB1 and IFN-γat 12 hours between any two of the four groups (P<0.05).The HMGB1 expression level was positive-ly correlated with the concentration of IFN-γ(r=0.91), obviously decreased after 12 hours of intervention with anti-HMGB1 antibod-ies as compared with the corresponding experimental groups ( P <0.05).Western blot and ELISA showed no significant differences within the same group at 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours (P>0.05). Conclusion The expression level of HMGB1 was positively correla-ted with the synthesis and secretion of IFN-γin the distal PASMCs of the COPD model rats , and anti-HMGB1 antibodies provide a new in-tervention target for the clinical treatment of COPD and inhibition of its systemic inflammatory response .

Objective To develop a new type of muhifunctional inflatable medicine chest to execute medical service at special conditions.Methods The chest was made of Hypalon rubber,and composed of multi facets of air cells.Each air cell was divided into several independent columns to enhance the stability and anti-leakage performance of the chest.Results The chest realized the function of medicine storage,and the air cell could be used for rescue when applied separately and used as floating stretcher when collectively.The problems of the original medicine chest were solved in withdrawal,volume,transportation and etc.Conclusion The chest gains advantages in compactness,closure,moisture resistance,floating,stability,reliability,practicability,safety,anti shock and multi function,and thus is worthy promoting in emergency rescue and field training.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of using guided bone regeneration (GBR) technique with an bioresorbable collagen membrane for repairing bone defects around dental implants.

METHODSIn 12 mongrel dogs, pure titanium implants were immediately implanted in mandibles after extraction of the mandibular third and fourth premolars of both sides, in which standard bone defects of 3 mm x 3 mm x 5 mm were created at mesial side of the implants. The defects on right side were covered with Co membrane, the left side was uncovered as control. The dogs were sacrificed 1, 2, 4, 6 months postoperatively. The specimens were removed and studied by gross observation, X-ray radiograph, histological examination, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and pull-out test.

RESULTSThe quantity and quality of new bone formation in experimental side which bone defects covered with Co membrane were much better than that in the control side.

CONCLUSIONWith the biodegradable property and excellent biocompatibility, Co membrane can be used for guided bone regeneration to promote the bone repair progress, and the promotion acts mainly at early stage of bone healing.

Animals ; Bone Regeneration ; Collagen ; Dental Implantation, Endosseous ; Dental Implants ; Dogs ; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal ; Mandible ; Membranes, Artificial ; Titanium

BACKGROUNDDue to the quick rhythm of life and work pressure, more and more people suffer from sleep quality problems. In this study, we investigated the effect of electroacupuncture on sleep quality of chronic insomniacs and the safety of electroacupuncture therapy.

METHODSFour courses of electroacupuncture treatment were applied to 47 patients. With pre-treatment and post-treatment self-control statistical method, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scores were used for evaluating sleep quality. Polysomnogram was used for detecting insomniacs' changes in sleep architecture. The safety of electroacupuncture was evaluated by monitoring the self-designed adverse events and side effects during treatment and post-treatment.

RESULTSElectroacupuncture considerably improved insomniacs' sleep quality and social function during the daytime. Electroacupuncture had certain repairing effect on the disruption in sleep architecture. At the same time, electroacupuncture prolonged slow wave sleep (SWS) time and relatively rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep) time. There was no hangover, addiction or decrements in vigilance during the daytime (incidence rate was 0). However, insomnia rebound rate was about 23% within one month.

CONCLUSIONSThese results suggest that electroacupuncture has beneficial effect on sleep quality improvement in the patients with chronic insomnia, which may be associated with repairing sleep architecture, reconstructing sleep continuity, as well as prolonging SWS time and REM sleep time. Electroacupuncture treatment for chronic insomnia is safe. Therefore, electroacupuncture therapy could be a promising avenue of treatment for chronic insomnia.

Adult ; Aged ; Electroacupuncture ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Sleep, REM

OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of improvement in antibiotic use strategy on the short-term clinical outcome of preterm infants with a gestational age of <35 weeks. METHODS: The medical data were retrospectively collected from 865 preterm infants with a gestational age of <35 weeks who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016. The improved antibiotic use strategy was implemented since January 1, 2015. According to the time of implementation, the infants were divided into three groups: pre-adjustment (January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014; n=303), post-adjustment Ⅰ (January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015; n=293), and post-adjustment Ⅱ (January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016; n=269). The medical data of the three groups were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the three groups in gestational age, proportion of small-for-gestational-age infants, sex, and method of birth (P>0.05). Compared with the pre-adjustment group, the post-adjustment I and post-adjustment Ⅱ groups had a significant reduction in the rate of use of antibiotics and the duration of antibiotic use in the early postnatal period and during hospitalization (P<0.05), with a significant increase in the proportion of infants with a duration of antibiotic use of ≤3 days or 4-7 days and a significant reduction in the proportion of infants with a duration of antibiotic use of >7 days in the early postnatal period (P<0.05). Compared with the post-adjustment Ⅰ group, the post-adjustment Ⅱ group had a significant reduction in the duration of antibiotic use in the early postnatal period and during hospitalization (P<0.05), with a significant increase in the proportion of infants with a duration of antibiotic use of ≤3 days and a significant reduction in the proportion of infants with a duration of antibiotic use of 4-7 days or >7 days (P<0.05). Compared with the pre-adjustment group, the post-adjustment I and post-adjustment Ⅱ groups had significantly shorter duration of parenteral nutrition and length of hospital stay (P<0.05). There were gradual reductions in the incidence rates of grade ≥Ⅲ intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and late-onset sepsis (LOS) after the adjustment of antibiotic use strategy. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the adjustment of antibiotic use strategy had no effect on short-term adverse clinical outcomes, and antibiotic use for >7 days significantly increased the risk of adverse clinical outcomes (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS It is feasible to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use by the improvement in antibiotic use strategy in preterm infants with a gestational age of <35 weeks, which can also shorten the duration of parenteral nutrition and the length of hospital stay and reduce the incidence rates of grade ≥Ⅲ IVH and LOS.
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use* ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Newborn, Diseases ; Infant, Premature ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Retrospective Studies ; Sepsis/epidemiology*

To efficiently remove all recurrent lymph nodes (rLNs) and minimize complications, we developed a combination approach that consisted of ⁶⁸Gallium prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and integrated indocyanine green (ICG)-guided salvage lymph node dissection (sLND) for rLNs after radical prostatectomy (RP). Nineteen patients were enrolled to receive such treatment. ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA ligand PET/CT was used to identify rLNs, and 5 mg of ICG was injected into the space between the rectum and bladder before surgery. Fluorescent laparoscopy was used to perform sLND. While extensive LN dissection was performed at level I, another 5 mg of ICG was injected via the intravenous route to intensify the fluorescent signal, and laparoscopy was introduced to intensively target stained LNs along levels I and II, specifically around suspicious LNs, with ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA ligand PET/CT. Next, both lateral peritonea were exposed longitudinally to facilitate the removal of fluorescently stained LNs at levels III and IV. In total, pathological analysis confirmed that 42 nodes were rLNs. Among 145 positive LNs stained with ICG, 24 suspicious LNs identified with ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA ligand PET/CT were included. The sensitivity and specificity of ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA ligand PET/CT for detecting rLNs were 42.9% and 96.6%, respectively. For ICG, the sensitivity was 92.8% and the specificity was 39.1%. At a median follow-up of 15 (interquartile range [IQR]: 6-31) months, 15 patients experienced complete biochemical remission (BR, prostate-specific antigen [PSA] <0.2 ng ml^-1), and 4 patients had a decline in the PSA level, but it remained >0.2 ng ml^-1. Therefore, ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA ligand PET/CT integrating ICG-guided sLND provides efficient sLND with few complications for patients with rLNs after RP.
Gallium Isotopes ; Gallium Radioisotopes ; Humans ; Indocyanine Green ; Ligands ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymphatic Metastasis/diagnostic imaging* ; Male ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgery* ; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography ; Prostate ; Prostatectomy ; Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery* ; Salvage Therapy

Aim To develop an LC-MS/MS method for the determination of prucalopride(PCP)in human plasma.Methods Prucalopride -13CD3(dPCP)was used as the internal standard.The analytes were extracted from human plasma through liquid-liquid extraction method using ethyl acetate, followed by being dried, and then the reconstitution was injected into LC-MS/MS systems.Agilent ZORBAX SB C18(3.0×100 mm, 3.5 μm)column and isocratic elution system composing of methanol and 1 mmol·L-1 ammonium acetate(80:20, V/V)provided chromatographic separation of PCP and dPCP.AB Sciex API4000 mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source in positive ion mode was employed for mass detection, and data acquisition was carried out in multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)mode.The mass transition ion-pair was followed as m/z 368.4/196.0 for PCP and m/z 374.4/198.0 for dPCP.Results PCP and dPCP were eluted at 3.6 min, with no interference in human blank plasma.PCP in human plasma showed good linearity over the concentration range of 0.058 96-7.547 μg·L-1 with the correlation coefficient of 0.996 3-0.999 6.The lower limit of quantitation of this method was 0.058 96 μg·L-1.The intra-batch and inter-batch accuracy ranged from 98.29% to 108.2%, with good precision(CV<5.2%).The average matrix factors of normal, haemolysed and lipaemic matrix human samples all ranged from 96.48% to 106.3% with CV less than 8.39%.The average extraction recoveries of PCP at low, medium and high concentrations were 89.88%, 95.27% and 94.52% respectively, with CV less than 7.21%.PCP was stable in human samples after 6 h at room temperature, 60 h at -20 ℃, 56 days or three freeze-thaw cycles at -80 ℃; meanwhile, the processed plasma samples remained stable after being stored for 24 hours in autosampler at 8 ℃.Furthermore, PCP in human blood samples was proved to be stable after 4 h at room temperature.Conclusions The present LC-MS/MS method for the determination of PCP in human plasma was convenient, accurate, sensitive, stable, specific and reproducible and was proved to be suitable for the clinical pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence studies of PCP preparations.

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Shenbei Guchang capsules in treatment of diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome (yang deficiency of spleen and kidney) under widely used conditions, an open, multicenter, controlled, phase Ⅳ clinical trial was conducted in the drug clinical trial centers of 16 domestic hospitals. 2 123 patients from June 10, 2011 to November 29, 2012 were enrolled in the trial. Drug clinical trial was approved by Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital Ethics Committee before implementation. Before the start of trial, subjects were selected according to the research scheme and inclusion criteria, then they would step into the 14 d study after signing Informed Consent Form. All subjects were treated according to the research scheme, evaluated the conditions and filled in CFR sheet, to provide the evaluation data and information on safety and efficacy of Shenbei Guchang capsules. Shenbei Guchang capsules were used to treat diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome in widely used conditions (2 123 cases), and 2 029 cases of them entered FAS set, cure+markedly effective in 1 921 cases, with a comprehensive curative effect rate of 94.68%; 2 010 cases of them entered PPS set, cure+markedly effective in 1 906 cases, with a comprehensive curative effect rate of 94.83%. The primary symptoms of IBS were abdominal pain and diarrhea. After treatment, both abdominal pain and diarrhea were improved, with significant differences (P<0.000 1). There were significant differences in traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores on both post-treatment day 7 and day 14 as compared with the conditions before treatment (P<0.000 1). 35 cases of adverse events occurred during the trial with an incidence of 1.65%, including 12 cases of drug-related adverse events (adverse reaction) with an incidence of 0.57%, mainly manifested as nausea, abdominal distension and dry mouth, most of which would be spontaneously relieved without any measures. No serious adverse events occurred. The commercially available Shenbei Guchang capsules are proved safe and effective for the treatment of diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome (yang deficiency of spleen and kidney) under widely used conditions (2 123 cases), and can be continued for clinical promotion and application.

Objective To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis infections among primary school students in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among students sampled from a primary school in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City on April, 2018, and their stool samples were collected for microscopic examinations, in vitro culture and PCR assays to analyze the prevalence of Blastocystis infections and subtype of the parasite. In addition, the risk factors of Blastocystis infections among primary school students were identified using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 466 primary students were surveyed, and the subjects had a mean age of (9.81±1.66) years and included 236 males (50.64%) and 230 females (49.36%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infections was 15.24% (71/466) among the study students, and there was no significance difference in the prevalence between male and fe- male students (16.52% vs. 13.91%; χ2 = 0.616, P = 0.433). In addition, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of Blastocystis infections among grade 1 (6.35%, 4/63), grade 2 (5.17%, 3/58), grade 3 (21.74%, 15/69), grade 4 (25.30%, 21/83), grade 5 (10.19%, 11/108) and grade 6 students (20.00%, 17/85) (χ2 = 15.410, P = 0.009). There were four Blastocystis subtypes characterized (ST1, ST3, ST6 and ST7), in which ST6 was the most common subtype (45.07%, 32/71), followed by ST3 (25.35%, 18/71). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that minority ethnicity [odds ratio (OR) = 4.259, 95% confidential inter- val (CI) : (1.161, 15.621)] and low maternal education level (primary school and below) [OR = 9.038, 95% CI: (1.125, 72.642)] were identified as risk factors of Blastocystis infection among primary school students in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of Blastocystis infections detected among primary school students in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City, and ST6 and ST3 are predominant subtypes. Minority ethnicity and low maternal education level (primary school and below) are risk factors for Blastocystis infections in primary school students.