Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture plus oral taking Chinese medicine compared with that of oral taking Chinese medicine only for the treatment of insomnia.Methods Totally 64 patients were randomized into treatment group(33 cases)and control group(31 cases).The treatment group was treated by acupuncture with filiform needle[Baihui(GV 20),Sishen- cong(EX-HN1),Shenting(GV 24),Neiguan(PC 6),Shenmai(BL 62)and Zhaohai(KI 6)being the main points] plus oral taking Chinese medicine.The control group was treated by oral taking Chinese medicine only.All 64 cases were examined by SPIEGEL scale. Results The treatment group was better than the control group in general therapeutic effect and improvement of quality of sleep(P

Aged ; Giant Cells ; pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology

OBJECTIVE:In recent years, chitosan has been widely used as tissue engineering scaffolds. In this paper we reviewed the research progress in chitosan biocompatibility and gave a hypothesison possible mechanism of interactions between cells and chitosan. A model system to test this hypothesis was also discussed. DATA SOURCES: Literatures about chitosan biocompatibility were retrieved with computer in Medline, Pubmed and Elsevier from January 1998 to December 2006 with the key words of."chitosan, biocompatibility, surface charge, cell adhesion" in English.STUDY SELECTION: Literatures about chitosan biocompatibility and interactions between chitosan and cells, especially the influence of chitosan charges on cell attachment, were included, whereas repeated experiments were excluded.DATA EXTRACTION: Totally 374 literatures were collected. Among which, 30 were admitted and reviewed.DATA SYNTHESIS: Many mammalian cells can adhere, spread and proliferate on chitosan materials. It is widely accepted that the biocompatibility of chitosan is due to the electrostatic attractive force between positively charged amino groups on chitosan chains and negatively charged cell membranes. However, the pKa value of chitosan amino groups is 6.2-6.8 and the positive charge of chitosan chains is largely decreased under physiological condition as a result of amino groups unprotonation. Thus whether the chitosan's biocompatibility is due to its positive charge remains doubtful and needs further study.CONCLUSION: Based on prior studies, we hypothesize that the positive charge of amino groups on chitosan chains might not be the major factor in biocompatibility of chitosan material. Agarose/chitosan blending hydrogels is supposed to be an appropriate model system to test this hypothesis.

Objective To screen thyroid function among planned pregnant women in Chongqing, to guide prenatal and postnatal care. Methods Proportional multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was adopted to enroll 11 953 planned pregnant women for questionnaire, physical examination, and serum samples collection. Results The median TSH was 2. 04 mIU/ L, P25 = 1. 36 mIU/ L,P75 = 2. 99 mIU/ L. TSH levels being normal, higher, and lower than the reference were 91. 47% , 6. 20% , and 2. 33% , respectively. In Northeast Chongqing, the proportions of median TSH level and TSH level above the upper limit were higher than those in other regions(P<0. 05). With improved education, proportions of TSH above the upper limit and below the lower limit declined(P<0. 05). With the increase in body mass index, the proportion of those whose TSH was above the upper limit showed elevated trend(P<0. 05). In women with history of adverse pregnancy outcomes, their median TSH was higher than that in the control group, and those, whose TSH level exceeded the upper limit, yield higher results than those in the control group(P<0. 05). In women with higher fasting blood glucose The median TSH level was lower than that in normal blood glucose group( P<0. 05), with the fasting plasma glucose concentration and TSH negatively correlated(P<0. 05). Conclusion The abnormal rate of TSH level in planned pregnant women was 8. 53% in Chongqing. The abnormal rate varies by different regions, education levels, body mass indexes, and blood glucose levels. Previous history of adverse pregnancy outcomes was related to elevated TSH levels. It is necessary to take pre-pregnancy thyroid function screening investigation.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of melatonin(Mel) on the proliferation, apoptosis and expression of bcl-2 in oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)-induced endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) from human umbilical cord blood in vitro. METHODS: Total mononuclear cells were isolated from human umbilical cord blood in vitro by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and the cells were plated on fibronectin-coated culture dishes. After 7 days, the attached cells were divided into 7 groups: a control group (normal cells), 3 ox-LDL groups[the attached cells were incubated with different concentrations of ox-LDL(5,10,and 20mg/L) for 24 hours], and 3 Mel groups[the attached cells were incubated with different concentrations of Mel (0.5,1.0, and 2.0 mmol/L) respectively for 24 hours before incubation with 10 mg/L ox-LDL]. EPC was identified by examining the expression of CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2(VEGFR-2) and CD133 under a laser scanning confocal microscope. We used 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to detect the effect of Mel and ox-LDL on the multiplication ability of EPC. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis. The expressions of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein were detected respectively by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry technology. RESULTS: After being exposed to the ox-LDL, the proliferation of EPC in the 3 ox-LDL groups was lower, and the apoptosis rate was higher than that in the control group in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01); Mel was added at different concentrations before the ox-LDL incubation, and the cells in the 3 Mel groups showed higher proliferation and lower apoptosis rate than those of the 3 ox-LDL groups (P<0.01). Expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein of EPC in the 3 Mel groups was higher than that in the 3 ox-LDL groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Ox-LDL can inhibit the proliferation of EPC and promote the apoptosis of the cells by down-regulating the bcl-2 expression. Mel can inhibit these effects of ox-LDL.
Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Humans ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; adverse effects ; Melatonin ; pharmacology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the culture of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from peripheral blood in patients with coronary heart diseases (CHD) before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and to observe the cells shape and determine the cell number and proliferation activity. METHODS: Ninety-five patients were divided into a CHD group(n=65) and a control group (n=30). The mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood of patients with CHD before, right after and 4 days after PCI by Ficoll-density centrifugation. The isolated cells were cultured in RPMI1640 medium supplemented with VEGF165 and bFGF.EPCs were characterized as adherent cells of double positive for DiL-acLDL uptake and FITC-UEA-I binding by direct fluorescent staining under a fluorescence microscope. The EPCs specific surface mark CD34 and KDR were assessed by fluorescence activated cell sorter analysis. The cell shapes were analysed and the number of colony-forming units(CFU) was counted by phase-contrast microscope. RESULTS: The number of EPCs reduced in patients with CHD before the PCI, but the cell number was significantly increased in patients with CHD after the PCI, and the number reduced in patients with CHD 4 days after the PCI. How-ever, the number of CFUs did not change in patients before and after the PCI. CONCLUSION PCI can increase endothelial progenitor cells in patients after the PCI; but 4 days after the PCI, this increase will not exist.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Cell Adhesion ; Cell Count ; Cell Movement ; Cells, Cultured ; Coronary Disease ; blood ; therapy ; Endothelial Cells ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stem Cells ; pathology

Objective To study the intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid combined with drainage effectiveness and safety of clamping 6 hour program of perioperative blood loss of primary total knee replacement patients. Methods 76 cases of unilateral total knee replacement in our hospital for the study. In the control group, Sodium Chloride Solution was injected into the joint cavity to keep the drainage tube open. The experimental group underwent intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid combined with drainage clamping 6 hour treatment. The total blood loss and complications of the experimental group and the control group were compared and analyzed. Results There were no serious adverse reactions in the experimental group and the control group, the incidence rate was 5.26% and 7.89% respectively, and there was no significant difference (P<0.05). The total blood loss in the experimental group was (526.78 ± 229.09) mL, significantly less than that in the control group, and the total blood loss was (879.03 ± 246.80) mL, with statistical difference (P<0.05). The postoperative blood loss in the control group was (489.08 ± 267.80) mL, and the postoperative blood loss in the experimental group was (287.90 ± 245.78) mL, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). On the 7 day after operation, the patients in the experimental group and the control group received venous color Doppler ultrasonography, but no venous thrombosis was found. Conclusion The intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid combined with drainage clamping 6 hour scheme in reducing the initial application of patients with single knee arthroplasty, the clinical effect is ideal, can significantly reduce blood loss, high safety, has clinical significance.

BackgroundChoriodal neovascularization is an important ocular manifestation of angiogenesis in eyes,which derives from the choroid capillaries.Recent studies have found that complement activation is playing a key role in the laser-induced CNV.Because of the key position of CFB in the alternative pathway,bytargeting CFB and blocking the alternative pathway may provide an approach to observe the role of this alternative pathway in the generation of CNV.Objective This study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of reconstructed complement factor B (CFB)-small interfering ribonucleicacid(siRNA)on choroidal neovascularization (CNV)and its mechanism. Methods Experimental CNV was induced by laser photocoagulation in 96 eyes of 48 clean Brown Norway rats.The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups.25,50 and 75 μg B factor siRNA were injected via caudal vein on 1 day,3,5 days after photocoagulation in different dose groups,and normal saline solution was injected at the same way in experimental control group.Other 12 normal rats were used as blank control group.Fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA) was performed on 3,7,14,21,28 days after injection of CFB-siRNA and CNV was scored.The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and factor Ⅷ in choroid were detected by immunochemistry.The expressions of CFB-siRNA,VEGF,transforming growth factor β2( TGF-β2 )proteins in choroid were determined using immunochemistry in 7,14,21,28 days,and the expressions of mRNA of CFB-siRNA,VEGF,TGF-β2 were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). ResultsFFA revealed that the CNV rates in various doses of CFB-siRNA groups were significant lower than those of experimental control group in various time points(P＜0.05),and those in 75 μg B factor siRNA were decreased in comparison with 25 μg B factor siRNA (P＜0.05).Immunochemistry showed that the intensities of the VEGF and factor Ⅶ expression in various doses of CFB-siRNA groups were weaker than the blank control group ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Compared with the control group,the expression of CFB reduced in 7 days,and then approached to the level near the control group.Fourteen to twenty-one days after injection of CFB-siRNA,VEGF and TGF-β2 depressions in different doses of CFB-siRNA groups were lower than blank control group( P＜0.05 ).CFB expression in choroid showed the lower levels in CFB-siRNA injection group compared with blank control group in from 7 through 21 days (P＜0.05).RT-PCR displayed the gradual increase of CFB mRNA and curve-like changes of VEGF and TGF-β2 with time prolong. Conclusions Recombinated CFB-siRNA can effectively inhibit laser-induced CNV by down-regulating the expression of VEGF and factor Ⅷ.Alternative pathway of complement plays an important role in the production of CNV.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of adjuvant chemotherapy plus in-tensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) after breast-conserving surgery for stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ breast cancer.Methods After breast-conserving surgery, 108 patients received six cycles of chemotherapy followed by IM-RT. The irradiation dose of the whole breast was 50 Gy given by 25 fractions, followed by 10 Gy boost to the tumor bed given by 5 fractions with electron beams. Patients with positive estrone receptor or progesterone re-ceptor were given endocrine treatment, mostly with tamoxifen. Results The follow-up rate was 100% by December 2007. The number of patients followed-up at 1-, 2- and 3-year was 108,88 and 58. The 1-, 2- and 3-year over survival rates were 100% ,100% and 98%. Three patients had local recurrence. Different degree of dermatitis occurred with good long-term cosmetic results. No severe side effects occurred such as radiation-induced pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis and heart injury. Conclusions Breast cancer patients treated by adjuvant chemotherapy plus IMRT after breast-conserving surgery have high survival rate and low side-effect rate. The survival quality and local control can be improved.

The partition behaviors of beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase, alpha-amylase and neutral proteases from clarified and whole fermentation broths of Bacillus subtilis ZJF-1A5 were investigated. An aqueous two-phase system (polyethylene glycol (PEG)/MgSO(4)) was examined with regard to the effects of PEG molecular weight (MW) and concentration, MgSO(4) concentration, pH and NaCl concentration on enzyme partition and extraction. The MW and concentration of PEG were found to have significant effects on enzyme partition and extraction with low MW PEG showing the greatest benefit in the partition and extraction of beta-glucanase with the PEG/MgSO(4) system. MgSO(4) concentration influenced the partition and extraction of beta-glucanase significantly. pH had little effect on beta-glucanase or proteases partition but affected alpha-amylase partition when pH was over 7.0. The addition of NaCl had little effect on the partition behavior of beta-glucanase but had very significant effects on the partitioning of alpha-amylase and on the neutral proteases. The partition behaviors of beta-glucanase, alpha-amylase and proteases in whole broth were also investigated and results were similar to those obtained with clarified fermentation broth. A two-step process for purifying beta-glucanase was developed, which achieved beta-glucanase recovery of 65.3% and specific activity of 14027 U/mg, 6.6 times improvement over the whole broth.
Bacillus subtilis ; enzymology ; Chemical Fractionation ; methods ; Endo-1,3(4)-beta-Glucanase ; biosynthesis ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Extracellular Fluid ; chemistry ; Phase Transition ; Water ; chemistry