The macroscopic characteristics, tissue, caterpillar body wall and powder of Ophiocordyceps xuefengensis in different batch numbers were observed and researched by the macroscopic and microscopic identification methods. The result shows that the morphology, size, abdominal annulations of caterpillar, etc. of 0. xuefengensis are the macroscopic identification characteristics, the caterpillar body surface mycelium, body wall sculpture and crochets on abdominal legs are the microscopic identification characteristics. These characters are stable and regular discriminant features, which are proved to be the identification basis of O. xuefengensis. In addition, The characters such as crochets on abdominal legs arrange in two parallel ellipse rings, the inner crochets are long strip, and the external toes are unciform, are specific.
Animals ; Hypocreales ; cytology ; Moths ; anatomy & histology ; cytology ; microbiology

BackgroundDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is the result of the cytokine network disorders,the imbalance of angiogenic factor and vascular inhibitory factor is the start factor.ObjectiveTo analyze the levels of CXC chemotatic factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients,evaluate the clinical application value of them in different clinical types of DR using receiver operating characteristic (ROC)analysis and to approach the new way of individualized treatment.Methods This was a prospective research.The gold standard was ophthalmolscope and fundus fluorescein angiography.The levels of CXC chemotatic factors and multiplicaiton factors were measured in 96 cases with type 2 diabetes mellitus (66 cases with retinopathy and 30 cases without retinopathy as control).The assessment tasks were performed for these index and courses of DR with ROC curve.Results The expression of age,course of disease has significant difference in different courses of DR ( F =8.507,P =0.001 ; F =28.143,P =0.000).Compared with the control group,the expression of growth-related oncogene-α ( GROα ) ( t =- 2.172,P =0.035,AUC =0.625 ),whole blood viscosity 200 ( t =- 3.724,P =0.001,AUC =0.904 ) and neutrophilic leukocyte (t=-2.562,P =0.013,AUC =0.577 ) has significant difference in the group of mild NPDR.Compared with the control group,the expression of interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 ( IP-10 ) ( t =-3.591,P =0.001,AUC =0.592 ),platelet derivation growth factor-BB ( PDGF-BB ) ( t =- 3.233,P =0.003,AUC =0.735 ),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) ( t =- 3.617,P =0.001,AUC =0.776 ),C peptide ( t =- 3.366,P =0.002,AUC =0.962 ),leukocyte ( t=-3.201,P =0.003,AUC =0.852) and neutrophilic leukocyte(t =-4.201,P=0.000,AUC =0.852) has significant difference in the group of moderate and severe NPDR.ConclusionsCXC chemotatic factors may act as reactivator in the pathogenesis of DR,GROα and IP-10 may be useful for clinical monitoring of the severity of DR,and evaluating the imbalance state of chemotatic factors maybe a new approach to clinical monitoring and prognosis of DR.

Objective To analyze the gene expression profiles in relation to the migration ability of adult human bone marrow-derived neural stem cells (Md-NSCs), and identify the genetic basis of the high migration potential of Md-NSCs in the central nervous system (CNS). Methods Adult human bone marrow stromal celIs(BMSCs) obtained from adult healthy volunteers were induced to differentiate into Md-NSCs in vitro, and the expressions of the genes related to cell invasiveness and metastasis were investigated by microarray analysis. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was used to verify the microarray results. Results The results of microarray analysis revealed significant overexpressions of the genes MMP1, MMP2, MMP17, ITGA3, RhoB, RhoC and RhoD in the Md-NSCs as compared with the expressions in fresh normal human adult bone marrow cells depleted of red blood cells. Quantitative RT-PCR verified the overexpression ofMMP2 gene by 2.84×100 folds, ITGA3 gene by 2.22×102folds, and RhoC gene by 4.92×100 folds. Conclusion The high migration potential of the Md-NSCs in the CNS is probably associated with the overexpression of the genes that promote cell invasiveness and metastasis. These overexpressed genes are also important oncogenes, and therefore the tumorigenicity of the Md-NSCs warrants further investigation.

BACKGROUND:Hand-foot-mouth disease has become a major public health issue in children in China. In the present prospective study we investigated the clinical characteristics and emergency management of children with severe encephalitis associated with NPE caused by enterovirus 71. METHODS:The study was conducted in 2 pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) over a 2-month period. Clinical records were reviewed of critically ill children with severe encephalitis associated with NPE caused by EV71 who were admitted to PICUs during the period of May to June 2008 in Fuyang. RESULTS:We reviewed the complete records of 36 children, of whom 23 (63.9％) were male and 13 (36.1％) female. Their age ranged from 4 to 48 months, with an average of 15.8 months. Al children except one were under 3 years of age. The overal mortality in these children was 19.4％. The average duration of critical life threatening signs and symptoms was 2.1 days (12 hours-5 days). Nervous system diseases included brainstem encephalitis in 27 children (75％), brainstem encephalitis associated with myelitis in 6 children (16.7％), and general encephalitis in 3 chidren (8.3％), respectively. In 12 patients of NPE (33.3％) pink or bloody bubble sputum and asymmetric pulmonary edema or hemorrhage was the primary manifestation but no typical exanthema was observed. Five children died of acute onset of NPE and / or pulmonary hemorrhage with rapid progression of cardiopulmonary failure within hours after admission. Therapeutic management consisted of mechanical ventilation and administration of mannitol, methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and vasoactive drugs, associated with the need of fluid volume resuscitation in 9 (25％) of the 36 children. CONCLUSIONS:In children less than 3 years of age found to be affected by severe EV71 encephalitis associated with NPE, one fifth may die. The major organ systems infected by severe EV71 include the central nervous system, the respiratory system, and the cardiovascular system. Early diagnosis and evaluation, respiratory support, treatment of intracranial hypertension, and mainttenance of function of the cardiovascular system are the most important therapeutic measures.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Prostate in combination with an antibiotic for the treatment of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.

METHODSA double-blind, parallel contrasted, multi-central method was applied in the study. After the Stamey test and expressed prostate secretion (EPS) examination, 160 patients with prostatitis were recruited and randomized into a trial group (80 cases with 1 case missing) and a control group (80 cases). In the trial group, the patients used the levofloxacin and Prostate during the first 4 weeks and Prostate only during the following 4 weeks. In the control group, the patients used the levofloxacin and placebo during the first 4 weeks, and placebo only during the following 4 weeks. Before and 4 and 8 weeks after the treatment, the patients were visited and evaluated by the national institute health-chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI), EPS, and asked about the side.

RESULTSAfter 4-week and 8-week treatment, the pain index dropped by 3.34 +/- 2.45 and 4.06 +/- 3.03 in the trial group, and effects. 2.28 +/- 2.42 and 3.30 +/- 3.29 in the control; the voiding index dropped by 2.22 +/- 1.79 and 2.77 +/- 2.04 in the trial group, and 1.24 +/- 1.67 and 1.83 +/- 2.25 in the control respectively. There was significant difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment in both the two groups (P < 0.01), while the difference was not significant between 4-week and 8-week post-treatment (P > 0.05). And there was significant difference between the two groups in the pain index and voiding index (P < 0.01), but not in the white blood cell count and lipid in the EPS (P > 0.05). No serious side effects were recorded, and the tolerance to Prostate and placebo showed no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONProstate in combination with an antibiotic can effectively relieve the pain and voiding symptoms and improve the life quality of the patients with nonbacterial prostatitis and well deserves to be recommended in clinical practice.

Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Chronic Disease ; Double-Blind Method ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Humans ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; therapeutic use ; Pollen ; Prostatitis ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections ; diagnostic imaging ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Adult ; Bone Marrow Examination ; CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mycoses ; diagnostic imaging ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Penicillium ; isolation & purification ; Prognosis ; Radiography

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of irinotecan (CPT-11) combined with cisplatin (DDP) in the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODSOf 36 NSCLC patients consisting of 23 males and 13 females with a medium age of 52 years included, there were 26 adenocarcinomas, 7 squamous cell carcinomas, 1 adeno-squamous cell carcinoma and 2 unclassified types; 13 stage III B and 23 stage IV; 24 chemonaive and 12 previously treated by chemotherapy with a medium Karnofsky status of 90. All patients had measurable or evaluable parameters. The regimen was administered as following: CPT-11 60 mg/m2, IV, D1, 8 and 15; DDP 80 mg/m2, IV, D1; every 28 days as a cycle.

RESULTSTotally, 97 cycles were carried out in these 36 patients with a medium cycles of 3. Of 35 evaluable patients, 22.9% (8/35) achieved partial response, 60.0% (21/35) had stable disease and 17.1% (6/35) progressive disease. The response rate was 29.2% (7/24) for chemonaive patients and 9.1% (1/11) for these previously treated. The 1-year survival rate was 45.4% with a medium time to tumor progression (TTP) of 199 days for the responders. The incidence rate of grade III/IV adverse events were: 16.7% for neutropenia, 13.9% alopecia, 5.6% diarrhea, 2.8% nausea and vomiting, respectively.

CONCLUSIONIrinotecan plus cisplatin is effective with tolerable adverse events in treating patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, but further investigation trials are needed.

Adult ; Aged ; Alopecia ; chemically induced ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Camptothecin ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; analogs & derivatives ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; mortality ; pathology ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Diarrhea ; chemically induced ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; mortality ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Neutropenia ; chemically induced ; Remission Induction ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Yangxueqingnao particles on rat vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation induced by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA).

METHODSThe amount of (3)H-TdR ((3)H-thymidine) admixed in cultured rat VSMC was measured and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity and lipid peroxidation end product malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the VSMC were assayed.

RESULTS1x10(-9), 1x10(-8), 1x10(-7) mol/L LPA in a concentration dependent manner, induced the amount of (3)H-TdR admixed, MAP kinase activity, and MDA content of the cultured rat VSMC to increase. However, 5%, 10%, and 15% Yangxueqingnao serum preincubation resulted in a decrease of 23.0%, 42.0%, and 52.0% (P<0.01) respectively in the amount of (3)H-TdR admixed, a decline in VSMC MAP kinase activity of 13.9% (P<0.05), 29.6% (P<0.01), and 48.9% (P<0.01) respectively, and also, a decrease in MDA content of VSMC of 19.4%, 24.7%, and 43.2% (P<0.01) respectively, in the 1x10(-7) mol/L LPA-treated VSMC.

CONCLUSIONSLPA activates the proliferation and lipid peroxidation of VSMC in a concentration dependent manner. The LPA-induced VSMC proliferation is related to the activity of MAP kinases, enzymes involved in an intracellular signalling pathway. The results of the present study showed that Yangxueqingnao particles can effectively inhibit LPA-induced VSMC proliferation, MAP kinase activation, and reduce lipid peroxidative lesion.

Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; metabolism ; Lysophospholipids ; pharmacology ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and feasibility of duodenojejunal bypass(DJB)on non-severe obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).

METHODSThe body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose(FPG), 2h-postprandial plasma glucose(2hPG), fasting insulin(F-ins), fasting c-peptide(F-CP), glycated hemoglobin and hypoglycemic agents dose changes were tested in 7 patients with non-severe obese T2DM undergoing DJB, preoperatively and within 24 weeks after surgery during the follow-up. Data were collected and the clinical outcomes of T2DM were analyzed.

RESULTSIn 7 cases of non-obese T2DM who underwent DJB, one patient was weaned off hypoglycemic agents with normal FPG, 2hPG and HbA1c postoperatively. Five required significantly lower dosage. No significant improvement in 1 case. Complete remission rate of hyperglycemia was 1/7, effective rate was 6/7, and effective rate of HbA1c was 5/7. No significant changes in BMI were observed between the preoperative and postoperative phases.

CONCLUSIONPlasma glucose level can be markedly reduced by duodenojejunal bypass in non-obese T2DM, independent of weight loss, and the mechanism remains unclear.

Adult ; Aged ; Bariatric Surgery ; methods ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; surgery ; Duodenum ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Jejunum ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Obesity ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDLipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG), once recognized as a rare glomerular disease, has been reported around the world in recent years. In this study, we reported 8 patients of LPG and aimed to explore the clinical features and pathological characteristics of LPG under light microscope, immunofluorescence staining, and electron microscope.

METHODSClinical manifestations were recorded on the day of renal biopsy. Biochemical patterns of lipids and lipoproteins were detected by routine examination. Plasma concentrations of apo B and apo E were determined by radial immunodiffusion assays. Biopsy specimens were then processed for light microscopy, immunohistochemical staining for immunoglobulins and complement components, and electron microscopy. Glomerular deposition of apo A, B, and E were detected using monoclonal antibodies on cryostatic sections.

RESULTSAll of the eight patients presented with edema, microscopic hematuria, severe proteinuria, anemia, and enlarged kidney size. Biochemical profiles revealed high levels of triglycerides, apo B, and apo E. We noted increments of glomerular size and lipoprotein thrombi occupying capillary lumina in the glomeruli of all patients. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the thrombi were strongly positive for apo A, B, and E. Granules and various sizes of vacuoles were observed in the thrombi under electron microscope.

CONCLUSIONCompared with previous reports on LPG in other countries, unique clinical and pathological features were found in this group of Chinese LPG patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney Diseases ; pathology ; Kidney Glomerulus ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Lipoproteins ; metabolism ; Male ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Middle Aged