Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen ; biosynthesis ; Cricetinae ; Cricetulus ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Macrophages ; drug effects ; Nanostructures ; Silicon Dioxide ; pharmacology

Objective:To construct a esophageal cancer module with Chinese characteristics based on MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) public scale, develop the Perioperative Esophageal Cancer Symptoms Assessment Scale combining above two parts.Methods:The original item pool was formulated through literature review, clinical interviews, and reference of existing symptoms assessment tools. After two rounds of expert evaluation and pilot survey, the preliminary Perioperative Esophageal Cancer Symptoms Assessmment Scale was developed combining Chinese MDASI (MDASI-C). A total of 150 perioperative esophageal cancer patients was assessed using the new scale, the included items were analyzed one by one, the reliability, validity and sensitivity of scale were checked.Results:Feasibility: the scale recovery was 100%, the completion rate of scale was 93.75%, the average completion time was 10 min. Reliability: the value of Cronbach α of the esophageal cancer module, MDASI-C, the combined scale were 0.747, 0.894, 0.883, respectively. Validity: the range of content validity index of items was 0.83-1.00, the scale-level content validity index average value was 0.93. Two common factors, which explained for 67.994% of variance, were extracted by exploratory factor analysis, the validity of criterion had statistical significance ( P<0.05). Sensitivity: the scores of the esophageal cancer module were significantly different among perioperative esophageal cancer patients with different Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ( H value was 9.264, P<0.05). Conclusions:The Perioperative Esophageal Cancer Symptoms Assessment Scale has good feasibility, reliability, validity and sensitivity, it is suitable for symptoms assessment of Chinese perioperative esophageal cancer patients.

Crocetin, a naturally occurring carotenoid, possesses antioxidant and antiatherosclerotic properties, of which the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we examined the effects of crocetin (0.1, 1, 10 μmol·L(-1)) on angiotensin II (Ang II, 0.1 μmol·L(-1)) induced expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion. The effects of crocetin on the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also observed. The results demonstrated that crocetin notably suppressed Ang II induced NF-κB activation (P<0.01) and VCAM-1 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01) in HUVECs, accompanied by a markedly reduced monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, preincubation with crocetin resulted in a significant enhancement of cellular antioxidant capacity (P<0.05, P<0.01), while Ang II induced intracellular ROS decreased markedly (P<0.05, P<0.01). These results indicated that crocetin was capable of suppressing Ang II induced VCAM-1 expression and monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion by suppression of NF-κB activation, which might be derived from the enhancement of antioxidant capacity and subsequent reduction of intracellular ROS.
Angiotensin II ; metabolism ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Carotenoids ; pharmacology ; Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Monocytes ; cytology ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effect of acupuncture on acute heart failure (AHF) patients.

METHODSTotally 60 patients who were diagnosed as AHF were assigned to the acupuncture group and the control group, 30 in each group. Those in the control group received inotropic agents, preload and afterload reducing therapy, anti-infection and so on. Besides, those in the acupuncture group received needling at relative points, once daily for 5 consecutive days. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume index (SI), left ventricle working index (LCWI) were monitored by thermodilution pulse-indicated continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) technique. Changes of the aforesaid data were compared between before and after treatment. The ICU length of stay, readmission rate,and the 28-day mortality were also compared between the two groups.

RESULTSAfter 5 days of the treatment, CI, SI, and LCWI increased more obviously (P < 0.01), HR and MAP decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Of them, CI, SI, and LCWI increased more obviously in the acupuncture group (P < 0.05).There was no obvious difference in HR or MAP between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the first day of admission in the same group, CI, SI, and LCWI obviously increased in the acupuncture group from the second day (P < 0.05). HR started to decrease since the fourth day (P < 0.05), and MAP began to decrease until the fifth day (P < 0.05). CI, SI, and LCWI started to increase in the control group from the third day (P < 0.05); HR and MAP both began to decrease since the fifth day (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the ICU length of stay was obviously shortened in the acupuncture group (P < 0.05). The readmission rate and the 28-day mortality rate were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe combination of acupuncture and Western medical therapy might strengthen acute heart failure patients' heart functions, elevate the therapeutic effect, and improve the prognosis.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Heart Failure ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stroke Volume

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of acupuncture on the immune function of sepsis patients.

METHODSNinety sepsis patients were assigned to the control group, the thymosin a1 group, and the acupuncture treatment group according to random digit table, 30 patients in each group. Patients in the control group were treated according to the guideline of Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC). Patients in the control group received routine treatment. Those in the thymosin alpha1 group additionally received subdermal injection of thymosin alpha1 (1.6 mg), once per day for 6 successive days. Needling at related points such as Zusanli (ST36), Yanglingquan (GB34), Neiguan (PC6), Guanyuan (RN4), and so on, was performed in patients of the acupuncture treatment group, once per day for 6 successive days. T cell subgroups (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+ /CD8+) and immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM) were detected. The length of ICU hospital stay, hospital readmission rate, and 28-day mortality were compared among the three groups.

RESULTSAfter six days of treatment, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, IgG, IgA, IgM, and CD4+ /CD8+ ratio of three groups were all significantly increased (P < 0.01). Of them, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, IgG, IgA, and IgM increased more significantly in the thymosin alpha1 group and the acupuncture treatment group (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the ICU hospitalization length was significantly shortened, the hospital readmission rate and the 28-day mortality were lower in the thymosin alpha1 group and the acupuncture treatment group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in each index between the thymosin alpha1 group and the acupuncture treatment group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture could adjust the immune function of sepsis patients, improve their immunological indicators and prognoses.

Acupuncture Therapy ; CD4-CD8 Ratio ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Prognosis ; Sepsis ; diagnosis ; immunology ; therapy ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets ; Thymosin ; analogs & derivatives

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of anti-inflammatory combined with cedilanid and diuretic therapy for treatment of patients with senile pneumonia and lung cancer accompanied by pleural effusion and to investigate the changes of concentrations in plasma levels of B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP)and C-reactive protein(CRP),procalcitonin(PCT)before and after treatment. Methods From July 2012 to January 2013, a prospective study was carried out to investigate 57 emergently hospitalized patients with pleural effusion,and according to the etiology,they were divided into two groups:a senile pneumonia group(30 cases)and a lung cancer group(27 cases). The same therapeutic measures were taken in the two groups,such as anti-infection,enhancement of cardiac function,diuresis,and limitation of the amount of liquid intake. Respectively,all the patients took the CT scan of the chest before treatment and on the 7th day after treatment,and at the same time,plasma concentrations of BNP,CRP and PCT were detected. Results ①According to the gradation of the New York Heart Association (NYHA),before treatment most of the cardiac function of patients in pneumonia group was at the Ⅲ grade,while that in the lung cancer group was at theⅠgrade,and the incidence of congestive heart failure(CHF)in pneumonia group was significantly higher than that in lung cancer group(86.7% vs. 14.8%,P<0.01). Before treatment,the plasma BNP level in pneumonia group was obviously higher than that in lung cancer group(ng/L:582.67±126.53 vs. 146.27±43.77,P<0.01);compared with that before treatment,BNP was significantly decreased in the pneumonia group(ng/L:225.59±131.33,P<0.05)after treatment,but no such obvious change in the lung cancer group(ng/L:149.34±51.05)was seen. The therapeutic effect of pleural effusion in the pneumonia group was markedly better than that in lung cancer group〔cure:70.0%(21 cases)vs. 0(0),P<0.01〕. ②Before treatment,the plasma levels of CRP and PCT in pneumonia group were remarkably lower than those in lung cancer group(both P<0.05);after treatment,CRP and PCT levels were decreased or decreased to close to the normal physiological range in patients of the two groups,but the comparisons between the two groups there were no statistically significant differences〔CRP(mg/L):20.21±16.32 vs. 22.76±18.53,PCT(ng/L):0.46±0.13 vs. 0.55±0.17,both P>0.05〕. Anti-inflammatory effect in pneumonia group was much superior to that in lung cancer group〔basically cured:86.7%(26 cases)vs. 0(0),P<0.05〕. In pneumonia group,the decrease of the above two indexes after treatment was consistent with the pneumonia shadow dissipation,while in the lung cancer group,no such consistency was found,apparently,the latter phenomenon was associated with the tumor invasive occupation. Conclusion To detect the concentration changes of plasma BNP, CRP and PCT has important clinical significance in screening the cardiac insufficiency and evaluating the curative effect of anti-inflammatory combined with cedilanid and diuretic therapy in patients of lung diseases complicated by pleural effusion.

OBJECTIVE:To systematically review the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone in the treatment of idiopathic pulmo-nary fibrosis (IPF),and provide evidence-based reference for clinical treatment. METHODS:Retrieved from Cochrane Library, PubMed,EMBase,CJFD,CBM,VIP Database and Wanfang Database,randomized controlled trials (RCT) about the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone (test group) versus placebo (control group) in the treatment of IPF were collected,and Meta-analysis was performed by using Rev Man 5.1.7 software after data extracting and quality evaluating by modified Jadad. RESULTS:Totally 4 RCTs were enrolled,involving 1 153 patients. Results of Meta-analysis showed the decrease value of lung capacity [WMD=0.39,95%CI(0.16,0.61), P<0.001] and decrease value of the percentage of forced vital capacity to expected value [RR=0.68, 95%CI(0.53,0.87),P=0.002] in test group were lower than control group,there was significant difference between 2 groups;there was no significant difference in the lowest oxygen saturation [WMD=0.53,95%CI(-0.78,1.84),P=0.43] between 2 groups,however,the results of subgroup analysis showed the remission degree of 1 200 mg/d PFD for the decrease of lowest oxy-gen saturation was superior to placebo group,there was significant difference between 2 groups [WMD=1.72,95%CI(1.33,2.10), P<0.001],but therewas no significant difference between the remission degree of 1800 mg/d and placebo;and there was no signifi-cant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between 2 groups [RR=1.70,95%CI(0.46,6.31),P=0.43],but the incidence of photosensitivity veactions in test group was significantly higher than that of control group,there was significant difference [RR=9.35,95%CI(4.23,20.67),P<0.001]. CONCLUSIONS:The efficacy of pirfenidone in the treatment of IPF is good,but the inci-dence of photosensitivity reactions should be noticed.

OBJECTIVETo clarify drug properties of components in Euodiae Fructus.

METHODThe rat cold syndrome model was induced by cold water stress method. The content of neurotransmitters sand hormones such as DA, 5-HT, NE, AChE and 17-OHCS in serum of model rats were taken as the indexes to evaluate drug properties of components in Euodiae Fructus.

RESULTEuodiae Fructus and its components could correct or relief the content of energy metabolism and substance metabolism-related neurotransmitters sand hormones in serum of model rats with water-stressed cold syndrome.

CONCLUSIONEuodiae Fructus and its components are proved to show hot property.

Animals ; Cold Temperature ; adverse effects ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Gastric Mucosa ; drug effects ; pathology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; blood ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Stomach Ulcer ; blood ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Stress, Physiological

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of growth suppression and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) on osteosarcoma cell line OS732 transduced with the exogenous N-terminal truncated retinoblastoma (Rb) gene.

METHODSRecombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid harbouring 1.65 kb Rb gene was constructed and transduced into OS732 cells. Rb mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR and Northern blot. The cell count, cell cycle analysis and soft agar colony formation test were used to observe growth features. RT-PCR and Lucifer yellow dye transfer were carried out to measure GJIC.

RESULTSBoth exogenous and endogenous Rb gene could be detected in OS732 cell transduced with the N-terminal truncated Rb gene. Compared with the parental cells, change in morphology of Rb-transduced cells were found; growth rate decreased; amount of colony formation reduced; cell cycle arrested at G(0)/G(1) checkpoint; Connexin43 expression and GJIC enhanced.

CONCLUSIONSThe malignant phenotype of OS732 is inhibited and GJIC is increased by transduction of N-terminal truncated Rb gene.

Bone Neoplasms ; Cell Communication ; Cell Line ; Genes, Retinoblastoma ; Humans ; Osteosarcoma ; Tumor Cells, Cultured