Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 198 RA patients with or without IPF. Characteristics of RA-IPF in clinical and lab data were analyzed. Age, duration of disease,clinical and laboratory parameters, history of smoking and medicine were compared between the patients with and without IPF. Results: (1) Among the 198 RA patients, 15.2% (30/198) were found with IPF. 100% RA-IPF patients had HRCT findings. However, 63.3% (19/30) had positive findings in chest X-ray, and only 46. 7% ( 14/30) had the complaints of cough and short breath. Velcro rales were found in 50.0% (15/30) patients with IPF and no acropachy occurred. Only one patient suffered from hypoxemia. IPF presented after the joint symptoms in most patients. (2 ) RA-IPF patients were older than those without IPF [(65.50±9.71) vs (55.22±12.98) years, P＜0.01]; Higher positivity of anti-keratin antibodies ( AKA) were found in RA-IPF compared to patients without IPF (61. 5% vs 35.9% , P =0.014). Furthermore, the levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody were significantly higher in RA-IPF [(4.38±2.08) vs (3.20±2. 12) , P =0.01]. No differentiation of duration of disease, history of smoking and medicine, IgM rheumatoid factor, IgG rheumatoid factor, anti-nuclear antibody, anti-SSA antibody and levels of immunoglobins and complements were found between the two groups of RA patients with and without IPF. Conclusion: The clinical symptoms of IPF in RA patients are mild and more common in older patients. AKA and anti-CCP antibody might be important antibodies associated with RA-IPF.

Molecular biology experiment is an important course for postgraduates in medical university.Through updating and optimizing what to teach(emphasizing study design,setting up comprehensive experiment and updating practical techniques),improving teaching mode(paying attention to experimental preparation,teacher qualification and postgraduates' capability training) and perfecting evaluation approaches(combining the experiment report with experimental summary and regular grades with experimental practice),good results have been obtained.

Under the influence of Chinese medicine scientization, Chengjiang Acupuncture School, which was originated in the Republic of China (1912 - 1949), has also undergone a series of scientific practice. The Chengjiang School established scientific research, education and medical organizations such as the Research Society of China Acupuncture-Moxibustion, China Acupuncture-Moxibustion School, Training School of China Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Sanatorium of Acupuncture-Moxibustion. Zhenjiu Zazhi (Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion) was established, and monographs and textbooks such as Zhongguo Zhenjiu Zhiliaoxue (Therapeutics of Chinese Acupuncture-Moxibustion) and Zhongguo Zhenjiuxue Jiangyi (Lectures on Chinese Acupuncture-Moxibustion) were published. Meanwhile, based on clinical practice, large members of acupuncture personnel with scientific literacy emerged. Therefore, it is held that the scientization of Chengjiang School has performed a profound influence on the development of modern acupuncture-moxibustion.
Acupuncture ; education ; history ; Acupuncture Therapy ; history ; China ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Moxibustion ; history ; Schools ; history

Objective To detect v raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1 (BRAF) in the synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to investigate its clinical significance in RA.Methods Synovial fluid samples were obtained from patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA).Serum samples were obtained from patients with RA,OA and heathy controls.The presence of BRAF in the synovial fluid and sera were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Western blotting was used to detect the expression of BRAF protein in the synovial tissue of RA and OA.The associations between the BRAF and the clinical features and laboratory parameters of RA were evaluated.Data analysis were performed using t test and Spearman's association analysis.Results ① The level of BRAF in the synovial fluid of RA [(84±59) ng/ml] was significantly higher than OA [(38±41) ng/ml] (t=3.290,P=0.002).② The level of BRAF in the sera of RA patients [(22.0±12.5) ng/ml] was also higher than OA [(6.8±7.5) ng/ml,t=3.882,P＜0.01] and healthy controls [(4.8±2.2) ng/ml,t=6.766,P＜0.01].③ In RA patients,the BRAF protein level in the synovial fluid [(102±52) ng/ml] was significantly higher than that in the serum [(21±12) ng/ml] (t=-4.316,P=0.003).④The expression level of BRAF in the synovial tissue of RA (0.284±0.045) was higher than that in OA patients (0.191±0.013,t=3.169,P=0.034).⑤ The level of BRAF in the synovial fluid had a negative correlation with disease duration (r=-0.40,P=0.019) and a positive correlation with rheumatoid factor (RF) levels (r=0.37,P=0.03).Conclusion The presence of BRAF in the synovial fluid and synovium of RA indicates that BRAF may play a role in the pathogenesis of RA,especially in the early stage.

To explore the action target of praziquantel (PZQ) and its underlying mechanism of action, adult male worms of Schistosoma japonicum were collected from the hepatic vein of Kunming mice infected at least 6 or more weeks previously with single-sex cercariae of S.japonicum by perfusion method. These worms were subjected to the action of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) or actin depolymerizing/stabilizing agents interfering with function of the calcium channel. The adult male worms in DMEM culture medium were co-cultivated with near-lethal dose of PZQ(14 μmol/L) overnight(16 hours).Then, the parasites were washed 3 times with sterile physiologic saline next morning after cultivation, re-suspended in new and drug-free medium and then observed under stereo-microscopy during the following 5 days. The experimental results showed that majority of adult male worms of S.japonicum were killed by the action of PZQ in a dose of 14 μmol/L in vitro under normal condition; while the worms pre-incubated with the actin depolymerizing agent cyto chalasin D (CyD) were able to survive in the condition containing 14 μmol/L of PZQ with a survival rate of 100%, and the worms pre-incubted with CCBs, such as nitrendipine and nifedipineu showed a survival rate of about 50% under the same condition. The results of this study suggest that the calcium channel of Schistosomes may be involved in the action target of PZQ and its underlying mechanism.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Shen warming Pi strengthening method on expressions of serum T cell subsets (C045+%, C03+%, and C04 +/COB+) in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-0) rats. Methods An IBS-0 rat model was established referring to AL-Chaer's modeling method combined with tail clamp and intragastric administration of sanna leaf. After modeling 30 SO rats were randomly divided into 6 groups according to random digit table, i.e., the model group, the high, middle, low dose Wenshen Jianpi Recipe (WJR) groups, and the Sishen Pill control group, 6 in each group. A normal control group consisting of 6 SO rats were also set up. Rats in high, middle, low dose WJ R groups were administered by gastrogavage with boil-free WJ R at the daily dose of 3. 100, 1. 550, 0. 775 g/kg, respectively. Rats in the Sis hen Pill control group were administered by gastrogavage with boil-free Sis hen Pill at the daily dose of 0. 736 g/kg. Equal volume of normal saline was given by gastrogavage to rats in the model group and the normal control group. All medication lasted for 2 successive weeks. Rats' general state, expressions of T cell subsets (CD45+%, CD3+%, and CD4+ /CDB+) changes were observed.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, expressions of CD45+% and CD3+% increased, but CD4+ /CDB+ decreased with statistical difference (P < 0. 05). Compared with the model group, expressions of CD45+% and CD3+% decreased, but CD4+ ICDB+ increased with statistical difference in high, middle, low dose WJR groups, and the Sis hen Pill control group (P <0. 05). Compared with the Sis hen Pill control group, there was statistical difference in all indices except CD45+ value in the low dose SWPSM group (P <0. 05). Compared with the low dose WJ R group, the expression of CD3+% decreased in high and middle dose WJR groups, and the Sis hen Pill control group; CD4+ /CD8+ increased in the Sishen Pill control group and the high dose SWPSM group (all P < 0. 05).

CONCLUSIONSWJR showed better treatment effect. The mechanism of Shen warming Pi strengthening method might be achieved by regulating expressions of CD45+% and CD3+%, and CD4+ /CD8+ ratios.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Female ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; therapy ; Leukocyte Common Antigens ; metabolism ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Rats ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the related risk factors in patients with atrial fibrillation in order to prevent and delay the occurrence of atrial fibrillation.Methods Five hundred and fifty-eight inpatients with atrial fibrillation were retrospectively analyzed from June 2005 to June 2008.They were divided into several groups according to the age and the characteristics of the elder patients with atrial fibrillation were analyzed.Results In the 558 cases with atrial fibrillation, there were 298 males (53.4%) and 260 females (46.6%) aged from 21 to 97 years.The average age was (72.8 ±10.1) years.There were 57 cases aged 21-59 years(10.2 %)and 501 cases aged 60-97 years(89.8 %).The total number of inpatients in our hospital was 11 869, and there were 4049 cases aged<60 years, 2527 cases aged 60-69 years, 3971 cases aged 70-79 years, 1244 cases aged 80-89 years and 78 cases aged>90 years.The proportions of the inpatients with atrial fibrillation in the above five age groups of inpatients were 1.4%(57 cases), 4.2%(107 cases), 6.6% (262 cases), 9.5%(118 cases)and 17.9% (14 cases), respectively.In 558 cases with atrial fibrillation, there were 230 cases (41.2%) with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, 44 cases (7.9%) with persistent atrial fibrillation and 284 cases (50.9%) with permanent atrial fibrillation.The most common underlying disease was hypertension in the 558 cases, followed by coronary heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, rheumatic heart disease and so on.Conclusions The prevalence of atrial fibrillation is increased with aging.Hypertension, coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, heart failure, hyperthyroidism,diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease and renal failure are all the risk factors for atrial fibrillation.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been the focus and highlight of the ancient Silk Road trade activities since ancient times. Since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed for the first time in China in 2013, the internationalized development of TCM has made positive progress. Based on the theory of international mobility of production factors, this paper qualitatively analyzes the "five mechanisms" of international cooperation between China and the countries along the routes in the background of the Belt and Road Initiative: The intergovernmental exchange and cooperation mechanism; cooperation mechanism of TCM inheritance and innovation; TCM service trade cooperation mechanism; TCM resources sharing cooperation mechanism; cooperation mechanism of TCM culture and humanities exchanges. A qualitative and quantitative analysis combined with partial equilibrium analysis were used to analyze the welfare effects before and after the production factors of TCM transnational movement, and make a further investigation on the difficulties and challenges faced by the current international cooperation of TCM in China, and put forward the corresponding countermeasures and suggestions.

Background and purpose:Lung cancer is thought to be caused by multiple-step carcinogenesis. Identification of the genetic alterations that occur in tumors is an important approach to understanding carcinogenesis. We identified chromosomal abnormality in lung cancer by the molecular cytogenetic techniques of comparative genomic hybridisation(CGH),the technology could help to comprehend the relationship between chromosome abnormality, different patho-types,and clinical features of lung cancer.Methods:CGH was used to detect the global genomic aberration in the fresh cancer tissue cells from 30 patients with lung cancer.Results:Chromosomal abnormality were detected in all of 30 cases with lung cancer,the altofrequent gains in 1p11-p22,5p11-p14,16p 11-P12,19q13, 19p 13,20p12,21q21 and the altofrequent losses in 5q,6p24-pter,9p31-qter,13q21-qter,14q21-qter were found in all three types of lung cancer,the marked differences of chromosomal abnormalities in three types of lung cancer were also found.Conclusions:The cytogenetic aberration exists generally in lung cancer cells,the cytogenetic aberration is the base of the initiation and progression of the lung cancer.There are some different chromosomal abnormalities between different types of lung cancer,which may serve as a marker to differential diagnosos of the three types of lung cancer.As to the progression of malignant neoplastic disease,the complexity of chromosomal abnormality is obviously elevated.Different carcinogenic agents(smoking for example)may induce different chromosomal abnormalities.

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy and safety of docetaxol, pemetrexed and EGFR-TKIs in the second-line treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODSThe clinical data of 170 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who failed standard first-line chemotherapy were reviewed. Those who received docetaxol as second-line therapy were designated as group A (n = 60), those who received pemetrexed as second-line therapy were designated as group B (n = 49), and those who received EGFR-TKIs as second-line therapy were designated as group C (n = 61). PFS and MST were estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and the differences between groups were compared by log-rank test.

RESULTSThe response rate in the groups A, B and C group was 15.0% (9/60), 24.5% (12/49) and 36.1% (22/61), respectively. The PFS after second-line therapy in the groups A, B and C was 5.49 months (95%CI: 4.03 - 6.95 months), 5.42 months (95%CI: 4.23 - 6.60 months) and 9.31 months (95%CI: 6.88 - 11.73 months), respectively (P = 0.045). The MST after second-line therapy in the groups A, B and C was 14.89 months (95%CI: 11.23 - 18.55 months), 15.81 months (95%CI: 12.11 - 19.52 months) and 17.47 months (95%CI: 13.38 - 21.56 months), respectively (P = 0.574). Regression analysis showed that the performance status score (PS) and response for second-line treatment are independent prognostic factors in each sub-group, and pathological type is an independent prognostic factor in the group C (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONSThe safety of the three drugs used as second-line treatment for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, who failed standard first-line chemotherapy, is comparable, but the EGFR-TKIs group has the highest response rate, and the EGFR-TKIs group has the longest PFS with a statistically significant difference, while there is no significant difference in MST among the three groups. When patients receive second-line treatment, the performance status < 2 and the response rate for second-line treatment are independent prognostic factors. Furthermore, pathological type (adenocarcinoma) is also an independent prognostic factor for EGFR-TKIs as second-line treatment.

Adenocarcinoma ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Aged ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Disease-Free Survival ; Erlotinib Hydrochloride ; Female ; Glutamates ; therapeutic use ; Guanine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Male ; Neoplasm Staging ; Pemetrexed ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Quinazolines ; therapeutic use ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; antagonists & inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Survival Rate ; Taxoids ; therapeutic use