OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of compound Danshen Dripping Pill (DSP) on carotid arterial intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODSOne hundred and thirty T2DM patients were assigned to four groups, 32 in the Group A, the control group treated with blood glucose (BG) and blood pressure (BP) controlling; 32 in the Group B, with BG, BP and blood lipid (BL) controlling, 32 in Group C with BG, BP, BL controlling and vitamin E administration, and 34 in Group D with BG, BP, BL controlling and DSP administration. Patients in Group D were subdivided by Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation into four types, 8 of Yin-deficiency with flourishing heat type (YDFH), 5 of both qi-yin deficient type (BQYD), 8 of both yin-yang deficient type (BYYD) and 13 of blood-stasis and qi-stagnant type (BSQS). Fasting blood glucose (FBG), BP and BL in patients were observed periodically, and IMT in them were measured by ultrasonography before treatment, as well as at the end of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th year of treatment to dynamically observe the changes of IMT and condition of plaque formation, and analyze the relation between them with FBG, BP and BL.

RESULTSThe 5-year follow-up was performed in 105 patients. In the observation period, level of total cholesterol (TC) showed a decreasing trend and level of high density cholesterol (HDL-C) showed an increasing trend in all the 4 groups, the improvements in Group C and D were slightly better than those in Group B, while significantly superior to those in Group A; the changes of FBG and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc) were insignificant in the 4 groups. IMT and numbers of atheroma plaque increased gradually in all groups in the observation period, however, the changes in Group D were lesser than those in other groups, showing significant difference (P < 0.01). It was showed that the increasing of cervical carotid IMT in T2DM patients was correlated with levels of HbAlc, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglyceride and TC, especially in Group D.

CONCLUSIONDSP might delay the occurrence and development of diabetic macro-vascular disease.

Carotid Arteries ; pathology ; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Diabetic Angiopathies ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; chemistry ; Tunica Intima ; pathology ; Tunica Media ; pathology

AIMTo investigate the pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin alginate microspheres (DOX-AM) in vivo after hepatic arterial embolization.

METHODSChina miniature pigs were chosen as the experimental animals. Transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with DOX-AM (experimental group), lipiodol and DOX (DOX-lipiodol, control group 1), and infusion with DOX (control group 2) were performed after angiography and superselection of an intrahepatic branch of hepatic artery. After chemoembolization or infusion, the blood was collected at different time intervals. Drug concentration in plasma was measured by HLPC and the parameters of pharmacokinetics were calculated.

RESULTSThe values of T1/2, AUC, Cmax, and MRT of the DOX-AM were significantly different from those of control group 1 and control group 2. After embolization, the DOX-AM embolized in the vessel and still retained there at 8 weeks. The digital subtraction arteriography (DSA) and computerized tomography (CT) showed the reliable embolization results. The histological examination indicated that the liver damnifications were changed transitorily in all groups (P < 0.05) and were recovered within two weeks. The liver damnifications increased in following order: DOX < DOX-AM < DOX-lipiodol.

CONCLUSIONDOX-AM showed definite property of delayed release of drug in liver, and increased the retention time and concentration of DOX after embolization in vivo.

Alginates ; chemistry ; Angiography, Digital Subtraction ; Animals ; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Area Under Curve ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; Doxorubicin ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Drug Carriers ; Female ; Hepatic Artery ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; Iodized Oil ; chemistry ; Liver ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; Male ; Microspheres ; Particle Size ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanism of action of Zilongjin (ZLJ) in antagonizing multi-drug resistance (MDR) of tumor cells.

METHODSMDR tumor cells, including human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and MCF-7/DOX, and human oral epithelial cancer cells KB and KBV200, were treated with ZLJ. The inhibition of ZLJ on cell proliferation was determined with MTT assay; cell cycle and fluorescence dye Rhodamine 123 intensity were detected by flow cytometry; and the expression of related proteins was examined by Western blot.

RESULTSIC50 values in MDR cells after ZLJ treatment were similar to those in sensitive cells; MDR cells showed no cross resistance to ZLJ. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the cell cycles of either sensitive or MDR cells were arrested at S phase after exposure to ZLJ. Using ZLJ singly showed a weak inhibition on MDR of MCF-7/ DOX and KBV200 cells, but when used in combining with doxorubicin or vincistine, it evidently increased their cytotoxicity. Expression of P-glycoprotein in MCF-7/DOX cells decreased after ZLJ treatment in a time-dependent manner. Western blot showed that ZLJ could cause the apoptosis marker protein PARP cleavage to initiate the apoptotic pathway.

CONCLUSIONSThe proliferation of tumor cells with MDR could be inhibited by ZLJ and they show no cross resistance to ZLJ. The inhibitory effect is related to the activation of apoptotic pathway and the decrease of P-glycoprotein expression.

ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; metabolism ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Breast Neoplasms ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; drug effects ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; MCF-7 Cells ; Mouth Neoplasms ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo compare the pharmacokinetics of cisatracurium between normal weight patients and morbidly obese patients.

METHODSTwelve obese ASA I-II patients (BMI≥35 kg/m) undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 12 normal weight ASA I-II patients (BMI of 18.5-24 kg/m) undergoing laparoscopic surgery were enrolled. The obese patients were given a cisatracurium dose of 0.15 mg/kg according to the fat-free mass (FFM), and the non-obese patients received a dose of 0.15 mg/kg according to the total body weight. Plasma concentrations of cisatracurium was monitored in the patients with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) before anesthetic induction and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, and 20 min after cisatracurium administration and the pharmacokinetic parameters were computed. SBP, DBP, HR, MAP, SpOand PetCOwere recorded before anesthetic induction (T) and at 1 min (T), 2 min (T), 4 min (T) after cisatracurium administration.

RESULTSCompared with those measured at T, SBP, DBP and MAP in the 2 groups were significantly decreased at the time points of T(P<0.05). Compared with the non-obese patients, the obese patients showed significantly increased Hct level (P<0.05). The total clearance, apparent volume of distribution, and distribution and elimination half-life of the drug were similar between the 2 groups (P>0.05). The plasma concentration of cisatracurium at Twas significantly decreased in the obese patients compared with that in the non-obese patients (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONCisatracurium doses according to fat-free mass is clinically reasonable for inducing anesthesia in morbidly obese patients, but due to a prolonged muscle relax onset time, the timing of tracheal intubation should be delayed by 1-2 min.

Anesthesia ; Atracurium ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacokinetics ; Gastric Bypass ; Half-Life ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Obesity, Morbid ; blood ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical value of imaging diagnosis of the vertebral injury in earthquake.

METHODSTwenty-two cases of the vertebral injury in earthquake with clinical and imaging data were analyzed retrospectively. All of the cases were performed X-ray plain film examination, CT in 20 cases and MRI in 15 cases.

RESULTSImaging examination can establish definitive diagnosis in all cases. In the 22 cases, the vertebral compression fracture was found in 20 cases, and vertebral bursting fracture in 2 cases,single-level vertebral fracture in 12 case,and multiple-level vertebral fracture in 10 case. Among the 31 vertebral bodies of fracture, the fracture of cervical vertebra, thoracic vertebra, lumbar vertebra and sacral vertebra was found in 3, 12, 14, 2 vertebral bodies, respectively.

CONCLUSIONImaging examination is the most valuable examination method in diagnosis of the vertebral injury in earthquake. It can not only make definitive diagnosis, but also play an important role in selection of therapeutic method.

Adult ; Aged ; Earthquakes ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Injuries ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the application of bronchoscopic interventional intervention in children with severe refractory pneumonia.Methods The study was based on case analysis of subjects diagnosed with severe refractory pneumonia and hence receiving bronchoscopic interventional therapy.The standards of clinical efficacy were set against clinical symptoms,microscopic manifestations and chest CT.Thirty-three children in Guiyang Children's Hospital were selected as subjects during a time span from January 2015 to March 2017.Results Mucous hyperemia,swelling and secretion were observed in all the 33 subjects,among whom 100.0％ (33/33 cases) were observed with tmucosal atrophy and longitudinal plica,63.6％ (21/33 cases) with mucosalerosion,36.4％ (12/33 cases) with proliferation of granulation tissue,27.2％ (9/33 cases) with plastic secretion plug,18.2％ (6/33 cases) with spiny change of fish bone,18.2％ (6/33 cases) with tracheobronchia stenosis,15.2％ (5/35 cases) with tracheobronchial malacia,15.2％ (5/35 cases) with tracheobronchial atresia and 9.1％ (3/33 cases) with subglottic stenosis.All the 33 cases received different bronchoscopic pulmonary interventional therapy strategies accordingly.Nine subjects with plastic bronchitis secretion plug were treated with bronchoalveolar lavage and repeated clamping by tracheal foing;5 subjects with occult foreign body were treated with argon plasma coagulation,basket-shaped foreign body forceps,cryotherapy or laser cutting;1 case with subglottic stenosis,5 cases with tracheobronchial malacia and 6 cases with tracheobronchial stenosis were treated with balloon dilatation;2 cases with subglottic stenosis and 5 cases with tracheobronchial atresia received the combined therapy.As a result,27 cases out of the 33 subjects were evaluated as complete resgonse and the rest were evaluated as partial response.In some cases,transient complications were observed during or after operation,which were well-handled and displeased.No serious complications were observed.Conclusion Based on a comprehensive understanding of the indications,contraindications and operation points of different bronchoscopic intervention modes,the strictly application of bronchoscopic interventional therapy accordingly in children with severe refractory pneumonia was proved to be effective and highly safe.

OBJECTIVETo study the changes in serum cytokines levels in children with newly diagnosed active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) and to explore the role of cytokines in the development and progression of SJIA.

METHODSSeventy-four pediatric patients with active SJIA between January 2010 and December 2013 were included in the study. Serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukine-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were measured by flow cytometry in these patients. The levels of cytokines were also determined in 202 healthy children as the control group. Routine laboratory parameters including white blood cell (WBC) count, percentage of neutrophils, hemoglobin level, platelet count, hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were monitored in the patient group.

RESULTSThe WBC count, percentage of neutrophils, hs-CRP, and ESR in 74 cases of SJIA were significantly above the normal range, their platelet counts were within the normal range, whereas hemoglobin levels were below the normal range. Compared with the control group, the patient group showed a significantly increased level of IL-6 (P<0.01) and significantly reduced levels of IL-4, IL-10, and TNF (P<0.01). However, there were no significant changes in serum levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in the patient group (P>0.05). In SJIA children, IL-6 level, which was significantly elevated, was negatively correlated with hemoglobin level, which was significantly reduced (r=-0.244, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSSerum level of IL-6 is significantly increased in children with SJIA, and it has a negative correlation with anemia.

Adolescent ; Arthritis, Juvenile ; immunology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cytokines ; blood ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Infant ; Interleukin-10 ; blood ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male

OBJECTIVESTo investigate total drinking water intake of adults in the four cities of China in summer.

METHODSA total of 1483 adults aged 18 - 60 yrs from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou were selected using multiple-stage random sampling method. The information of amounts and types of daily drinking water was recorded by subjects for seven consecutive days using a quantitative measurement. The amounts and types of daily drinking water among different cities and between men and women or urban and rural was analyzed.

RESULTSThe median of daily total drinking water of subjects was 1488 ml, with significant difference among the four cities (1579, 1793, 1150, 1467 ml in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou city, respectively, χ(2) = 154.31, P = 0.000). The median of daily drinking water was significantly higher in men (1679 ml) than women (1370 ml) (Z = 8.34, P = 0.000), but no significant difference was found between urban (1514 ml) and rural (1466 ml) daily drinking water median (Z = -0.81, P = 0.420). The median of daily consumption of plain water, tea and beverages were 786, 109, 186 ml, respectively. Among four cities, the highest consumption of plain water was in subjects of Guangzhou (917 ml), while the highest tea consumption in Shanghai (257 ml) and the highest beverages consumption in Shanghai (323 ml) and Beijing (264 ml). Consumption of tea in men (229 ml) was significantly higher than that in women (57 ml) (Z = 7.52, P = 0.000). Subjects in urban (693 ml) had lower consumption of plain water than those in rural (914 ml). The proportion was 32.4% (480/1483) for subjects with water drinking less than 1200 ml per day.

CONCLUSIONThe daily consumption of total drinking water, including plain water, tea and beverages is different in adults among different cities and is different in gender and regions. It is nearly 1/3 of subjects with daily total drinking water less than current Chinese recommended water intake (1200 ml).

Adolescent ; Adult ; Beverages ; China ; Drinking ; physiology ; Drinking Water ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Seasons ; Urban Population ; Young Adult

The phyA(m) gene encoding acid phytase and optimized neutral phytase phyCs gene were inserted into expression vector pPIC9K in correct orientation and transformed into Pichia pastoris in order to expand the pH profile of phytase and decrease the cost of production. The fusion phytase phyA(m)-phyCs gene was successfully overexpressed in P. pastoris as an active and extracellular phytase. The yield of total extracellular fusion phytase activity is (25.4+/-0.53) U/ml at the flask scale and (159.1+/-2.92) U/ml for high cell-density fermentation, respectively. Purified fusion phytase exhibits an optimal temperature at 55 degrees C and an optimal pH at 5.5~6.0 and its relative activity remains at a relatively high level of above 70% in the range of pH 2.0 to 7.0. About 51% to 63% of its original activity remains after incubation at 75 degrees C to 95 degrees C for 10 min. Due to heavy glycosylation, the expressed fusion phytase shows a broad and diffuse band in SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). After deglycosylation by endoglycosidase H (EndoH(f)), the enzyme has an apparent molecular size of 95 kDa. The characterization of the fusion phytase was compared with those of phyCs and phyA(m).
6-Phytase ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Fermentation ; Genetic Vectors ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Pichia ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; isolation & purification

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is a receptor of tyrosine kinase that is constitutively activated in most of acute myeloid leukemia patients and seems to give an adverse prognosis. In order to explore the silencing effect of FLT3 targeted short hairpin RNA (FLT3-shRNA) on acute leukaemia cell line THP-1, three FLT3-shRNAs (shRNA1, shRNA2, shRNA3) were designed and synthesized by transcription system in vitro and then transfected into THP-1 cells. FLT3 mRNA was analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, FLT3 protein was detected by Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. The results indicated that FLT3 expression was downregulated by shRNA1 and shRNA3, and shRNA1 showed stronger inhibitory effect. At 48 hours following transfection, the inhibitory rate of 25 nmol/L shRNA1 was 72.95 +/- 2.07%, lasting 72 hours. The 5 nmol/L and more concentration of FLT3 shRNA1 could downregulate FLT3 mRNA level, which displayed a quantity-effect relation; the inhibitory rate of 15 nmol/L shRNA1 was 67.53 +/- 0.66%. FLT3 protein was located on THP-1 cell membrance, its expression was downregulated obviously by shRNA1, at 72 hours following transfection the inhibitory rate of shRNA1 was 79.67 +/- 0.66%. shRNA1 showed the best inhibitory effect on FLT3 protein, the optimal time of which was 72 hours with an inhibitory rate of 79.67%. It is concluded that FLT3-shRNA1 shows a desireable FLT3-targeted inhibitory effect, which can be used for further investigation of FLT3 mechanism or FLT3 targeting treatment.
Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transcription, Genetic ; Tumor Cells, Cultured ; fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3 ; genetics