This study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG) combined with cyclosporine A (CsA) and to analyse the efficacy-related factors in children with aplastic anemia (AA). Twenty five AA children treated with r-ATG [3.5 mg/(kg·d)×5 days] combined with CsA were analyzed retrospectively. The lymphocyte subgroups, CD4(+)/CD8 ratio and expression of CD55, CD59 on surface of neutrophils and erythrocytes in peripheral blood were detected by direct immunofluorescence method and flow cytometry; the responsive time, effective rate, adverse effects and infections after immunosuppressive therapy (IST) were analyzed; the distribution of T-lymphocyte subgroups in IST-effective and IST-uneffective groups was compared, and therapeutic efficacy-related factors were evaluated. The results showed that the response to treatments was found in 21 out of 25 cases, the total responsive rate was 84.0%; the response time was 3 - 6 months, average of 4 months; the effective rates in month 3, 6, 9, 12 after treatment were 56.0%, 72.0%, 80.0% and 84.0% respectively. The AA children with age ≥ 5 years old, course of disease < 6 months and absolute neutrophil value ≥ 1.5 ×10(9)/L on 30 days after IST had good curative effect; the effective rate in AA children with age ≥ 5 years old, course of disease < 6 months, high or reverse ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) and absolute neutrophil value ≥ 1.5×10(9)/L after IST was higher than that in AA children with age < 5 years old, course of disease ≥ 6 months, normal ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) and absolute neutrophil value after IST < 1.5×10(9)/L (94.4% vs 57.1%, 90.4% vs 50.0%, 94.1% vs 62.5%, 94.1% vs 62.5%) (P < 0.05). The high effective rate was observed in AA children with decrease of CD55 and CD59 expression, but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) as compared with normal expression of CD55, CD59. It is concluded that the treatment using r-ATG (3.5 mg/kg·d × 5 d) combined with CsA is a safe and effective for children with AA. Age, course of disease and absolute neutrophil value on 30 days after IST are the main factors affecting curative affect.
Adolescent ; Anemia, Aplastic ; drug therapy ; Antilymphocyte Serum ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cyclosporine ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphocyte Count ; Lymphocyte Subsets ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate expression features and correlation of genes expression on MyD88-dependent signaling pathway in synovial membrane (SM) of progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODSSixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, including blank group (N), false surgical group, model groups[2 weeks (2W), 4 weeks (4W), 8 weeks (8W) and 12 weeks (12W)], with 10 rats in each group. The models were established by using Hulth method. Control group was experienced no surgery, while false surgical group was only opened joint cavity and sutured. The SM samples was collected according to the time designed above. The relative expression quantity of MyD88, TLR4 and NF-κB was detected by Real-time PCR after the extraction of the total RNA and reverse transcription. The correlation analysis was obtained by SPSS.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference in each gene mRNA expression between false surgical and blank group(> 0.05), while enhanced expression was found in the model groups(<0.05). The correlation index among MyD88, TLR4 and NF-κB was 0.91 and 0.86 respectively, and had significant difference among them.

CONCLUSIONSPositively relative among MyD88, TLR4 and NF-κB played main role in TLR4/NF-κB signal passway, and could predicate the expression of other genes in the passway. It also could further provide the basis for clarify the pathologic mechanism of knee OA.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), is acquired by dietary intake or the in vivo conversion of α-linolenic acid. Many enzymes participating in LCPUFA synthesis are regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). Therefore, it was hypothesized that the tissue accretion of endogenously synthesized DHA could be modified by PPARα. MATERIALS/METHODS: The tissue DHA concentrations and mRNA levels of genes participating in DHA biosynthesis were compared among PPARα homozygous (KO), heterozygous (HZ), and wild type (WT) mice (Exp I), and between WT mice treated with clofibrate (PPARα agonist) or those not treated (Exp II). In ExpII, the expression levels of the proteins associated with DHA function in the brain cortex and retina were also measured. An n3-PUFA depleted/replenished regimen was applied to mitigate the confounding effects of maternal DHA. RESULTS: PPARα ablation reduced the hepatic Acox, Fads1, and Fads2 mRNA levels, as well as the DHA concentration in the liver, but not in the brain cortex. In contrast, PPARα activation increased hepatic Acox, Fads1, Fads2 and Elovl5 mRNA levels, but reduced the DHA concentrations in the liver, retina, and phospholipid of brain cortex, and decreased mRNA and protein levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in brain cortex. CONCLUSIONS: LCPUFA enzyme expression was altered by PPARα. Either PPARα deficiency or activation-decreased tissue DHA concentration is a stimulus for further studies to determine the functional significance.
Animals ; Brain ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; Clofibrate ; Docosahexaenoic Acids ; Fatty Acid Desaturases ; Liver ; Mice ; Peroxisomes ; PPAR alpha ; Retina ; RNA, Messenger

Objective:To investigate the HBV infection and analyze the related risk factors among Li minority in Baisha county,Hainan Province. Methods: A total of 1 595 individuals of Li minority in Baisha county,were enrolled by random sampling method from July 2014 to October 2015. Epidemiological data including baseline characteristics and risk factors were obtained. HBcAb was detected by chemiluminescence method. The difference in age between HBcAb positive and negative group was analyzed by t test. The effects of age,gender and related risk factors on HBcAb were analyzed by univariate chi-square test and multivariate Logistic regression. Results: The positive rate of HBcAb was 71. 8% (1 145/1 595) and no significant difference between male and female was observed(x2=0. 134,P=0. 715). The difference of HBV infection among age groups was statistically significant (F=540. 769,P＜0. 001). The HBV infection rate was 11. 9% in the 12-17 year group,which was significantly lower than the others. The rate in the 18-23 year group (28. 0% ) was significantly higher than that in the 12-17 year group,but significantly lower than the other groups (＞85% ). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that alcohol consumption and tattoo were independent risk factors associated with HBV infection (x2=169. 833,P＜0. 001;x2=11. 354,P=0. 001). Conclusion: The rate of HBV infection of Li minority in Baisha county,Hainan Province is high. The age,alcohol consumption and tattoo are the independent risk factors for infection.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the correlation between musculoskeletal ultrasound features, dysfunction and X-ray findings in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and to analyze the pathological mechanism of soft tissue inflammation in knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Cross-sectional method was performed in this research (Evidence level: III). The patients with knee osteoarthritis were collected according to the screening criteria from September 2016 to January 2017 in Orthopedic clinic in our hospital. Musculoskeletal ultrasound and X-ray images were obtained and measured, knee function was measured by Lysholm scale. Pearson coefficient, t test and Wilcoxon were applied to analyze the correlation between soft tissue inflammation, knee dysfunction and X-ray features. RESULTS: Total 123 patients with knee osteoarthritis were recruited in this research. Soft tissue inflammation around knee had a high incidence in patients with knee osteoarthritis (infrapatellar fat pad inflammation 81%), and the synovial membrane thickness, joint effusion depth and meniscus bulging were beyond the normal range. Correlation analysis showed that the about Lysholm score and joint effusion depth had negative correlations with "Squat" score(=-0.21, =0.02). and Medial meniscus bulging had negative correlations with "Sustain" score(=-0.26, <0.01) and Lysholm total score (=-0.19, =0.04). Lateral meniscus bulging had a negative correlation with "Unstable" score (=-0.22, =0.02). The X-ray features, and medial joint space narrow had negative correlations with joint effusion depth(=-0.27, <0.01) and synovial membrane thickness(=-0.17, =0.007), and had a positive correlation with medial meniscus bulging. Medial joint space narrow was significantly correlated with patellar ligament inflammation and fat pad inflammation(<0.05). Lateral joint space narrow was significantly correlated with patellar ligament inflammation(=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Soft tissue inflammation around the knee-a major pathological manifestation of knee osteoarthritis, has significant correlations with knee dysfunction and bony structure lesions, and affects the progression of knee osteoarthritis by damaging knee joint function and promoting the destruction of articular cartilage.
Cartilage, Articular ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; Menisci, Tibial ; Osteoarthritis, Knee

BACKGROUNDRapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, little is known regarding the relation between the severity of RBD and the different domains of cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was: (1) to investigate the domains of cognitive impairment in patients with PD and RBD, and (2) to explore risk factors for PD-mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) and the relationship between RBD severity and impairment in different cognitive domains in PD.

METHODSThe participants were grouped as follows: PD without RBD (PD-RBD; n = 42), PD with RBD (PD + RBD; n = 32), idiopathic RBD (iRBD; n = 15), and healthy controls (HCs; n = 36). All participants completed a battery of neuropsychological assessment of attention and working memory, executive function, language, memory, and visuospatial function. The information of basic demographics, diseases and medication history, and motor and nonmotor manifestations was obtained and compared between PD-RBD and PD + RBD groups. Particular attention was paid to the severity of RBD assessed by the RBD Questionnaire-Hong Kong (RBDQ-HK) and the RBD Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ), then we further examined associations between the severity of RBD symptoms and cognitive levels via correlation analysis.

RESULTSCompared to PD-RBD subjects, PD + RBD patients were more likely to have olfactory dysfunction and their Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores were higher (P < 0.05). During neuropsychological testing, PD + RBD patients performed worse than PD-RBD patients, including delayed memory function, especially. The MCI rates were 33%, 63%, 33%, and 8% for PD-RBD, PD + RBD, iRBD, and HC groups, respectively. RBD was an important factor for the PD-MCI variance (odds ratio = 5.204, P = 0.018). During correlation analysis, higher RBDSQ and RBDQ-HK scores were significantly associated with poorer performance on the Trail Making Test-B (errors) and Auditory Verbal Learning Test (delayed recall) and higher RBD-HK scores were also associated with Rey-Osterrieth complex figure (copy) results.

CONCLUSIONSWhen PD-RBD and PD + RBD patients have equivalent motor symptoms, PD + RBD patients still have more olfactory dysfunction and worse daytime somnolence. RBD is an important risk factor for MCI, including delayed memory. Deficits in executive function, verbal delayed memory, and visuospatial function were consistently associated with more severe RBD symptoms.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cognitive Dysfunction ; etiology ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Middle Aged ; Parkinson Disease ; complications ; REM Sleep Behavior Disorder ; complications

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and possible action mechanism of Qianlie Beixi Capsule in the treatment of unliquefiable semen.

METHODSA total of 240 patients with unliquefiable semen were randomly divided into a treatment group (n = 180), treated with Qianlie Beixi Capsule, and a control group (n = 60), given compound tablets of zinc and protein. The treatment lasted two courses of 45 days each, and the seminal changes were observed and recorded.

RESULTSOf the patients in the treatment group, 144 were cured, 12 responded and 24 failed to respond to the medication after the first course; and 158 were cured, 7 responded and 15 failed to after the second course, with the effectiveness rate of 91.67%. Meanwhile, sperm motility was obviously improved, with statistically significant difference from that of the controls (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONQianlie Beixi Capsule is effective for unliquefiable semen by improving the function of the prostate and shortening the time of seminal liquefaction.

Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Sperm Motility

OBJECTIVETo explore the treatment options for younger than 60 years old adults with Ph /BCR-ABL positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph⁺ ALL).

METHODSFrom January 2001 to June 2012, 42 adult patients were enrolled in the study. All patients received standard VDCP±L ±imatinb (IM) as induction therapy followed by intensive consolidation of modified Hyper-CVAD/MA±IM. At complete remission 1 (CR1), patients with appropriate donor received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), the others sequentially received intensive consolidation ±IM and autologous HSCT (ASCT) at molecular CR (MCR), then MM±VP±IM as maintenance therapy. Overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS) and relapse rate (RR) were analyzed.

RESULTSCR rate after 1 cycle of induction chemotherapy was 83.3%. 39(92.9%) patients achieved CR. The median DFS and OS were (22.0±3.5) and (37.0±5.3) months respectively, with cumulative RR of (43.7±9.7)% during a median follow-up of 26.5(8-75) months. All 7 patients in CT group relapsed. Two patients received IM pre- and post-ASCT maintained MCR for 35 and 12 months after ASCT. But the other 3 ASCT recipients without IM died of relapse within 1 year. The transplant-related mortality rate in allo-HSCT group was 12.5%. The estimated 3-year OS in allo-HSCT (n=16), ASCT (n=5) and CT (n=7) groups were (66.7±12.2)%, (25.0±21.7)% and (16.7±15.2)%, respectively (P=0.014); meanwhile, the estimated 3-year DFS in those groups were of (56.3±12.4)%, (26.7±22.6)% and 0, respectively (P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONIM combined with intensive chemotherapy significantly increased the CR rate with the improved quality of CR, which highlighted the feasibility of SCT. Allo-HSCT could decrease relapse to produce favorable OS and DFS in CR1 of young adults with Ph⁺ ALL. ASCT combined IM might be the treatment of choice for those achieved MCR but without donors.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; therapy ; Prospective Studies ; Recurrence ; Remission Induction ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective:To study the changes in total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant enzyme activity of Polygala tenuifolia callus in MS medium with different concentrations of H₂O₂,in order to explore the physiological mechanism of Polygala tenuifolia callus in adapting to H₂O₂ environmental stress at the cellular level. Method:Five gradients of 0,5,10,15,20 mmol·L^-1 were set for H₂O₂ concentration and added to MS medium, with P. tenuifolia callus as the experimental material. Total phenols,total flavonoids and antioxidant enzyme activities of callus were determined after 5,10,15,20,25 d of culture,respectively. Result:The contents of total phenols and flavonoids were the highest when the concentration of H₂O₂ was 5 mmol·L^-1 for 15 d. The SOD activity was the highest when the callus was cultured for 5 d and the exogenous H₂O₂ concentration was 5 mmol·L^-1. POD activity was the highest at 25 d and 5 mmol·L^-1 concentration of exogenous H₂O₂.CAT activity was the highest at 25 d and 15 mmol·L^-1 concentration of exogenous H₂O₂. Conclusion:P. tenuifolia callus has the ability to adapt to the environmental stress of H₂O₂ at a certain concentration. When it is subjected to the environmental stress of H₂O₂,P. tenuifolia callus can alleviate the damage by regulating its secondary metabolites and protecting enzyme system. It can significantly promote the content of total phenols and flavonoids in secondary metabolites at 5-10 mmol·L^-1. SOD activity was significantly increased at 5 d and the concentration of exogenous H₂O₂ of 5 mmol·L^-1. POD activity was significantly increased at 25 d and the concentration of exogenous H₂O₂ of 5 mmol·L^-1. CAT activity was significantly increased at 25 d and concentration of exogenous H₂O₂ of 15 mmol·L^-1.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a novel method to isolate endothelial progenitor cells（EPC） from cryopreserved umbilical cord blood (cryoUCB), to investigate the biological characteristics of EPC and to improve the rate of EPC obtained from cryoUCB. METHODS: Twelve cryoUCB samples during 2000 to 2001 years were collected from allogeneic cord blood bank, cryoUCB was thawed rapidly in a water bath at 37 ℃, total nucleated cells (TNCs) were washed by phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). TNCs were seeded onto fibronectin-coated dishes to isolate EPC. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to identify EPC. The function of EPC was identified in vitro, such as the incorporation of Dil-Ac-LDL and FITC-UEA-I, the formation of capillary-like structure in matrigel, and the release of VEGF by ELISA. RESULTS: One to five cluster of cobble stone-like cells appeared at 2-3 weeks after seeding. Flow cytometric analysis showed that positive rates of CD31, CD34, CD144, and VEGFR (CD309) were（92.91±5.20）%, （30.0±23.27）%, （88.55±3.83）% and （67.21±12.12）% in passage 1 to passage 3 of EPC. EPC could uptake Dil-Ac-LDL and FITC-UEA-I, form capillary-like network on Matriget and release VEGF. CONCLUSION EPC had been successfully isolated from cryopreserved umbilical cord blood by this method with high stability and reproducibility. EPC can be obtained in 85% frozen umbilical cord blood. This method may lay a foundation to supply abundant EPC for clinical application.
Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Endothelial Progenitor Cells ; Fetal Blood ; Reproducibility of Results ; Stem Cells