Objective To evaluate the efficacy of itraconazole oral solution for prevention of invasive fungal infection ( IFI ) in neutropenic patients with acute leukemia after chemotherapy.Methods Clinical data of 136 neutropenic patients with acute leukemia after chemotherapy at the Department of Hematology,Nanfang Hospital from January 2008 to December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were divided into itraconazole group ( n =67 ) and control group ( n =69).There were 36 patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia ( ANLL),31 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in itraconazole group;while in control group,there were 30 patients with ANLL,38 with ALL and 1 with biphenotypic acute leukaemia (BAL).Patients in itraconazole group received intraconazole after chemotherapy until the neutrophil count was increased to 0.5 × 109/L or the body temperature returned to normal and without any imaging evidence of IFI.The incidence of IFI and clinical features were compared between the groups using SPSS 13.0 software.Pearson x2 test was used for nominal variables,for measurement data,t (normal distribution) or Mann-Whitney U (skewed distribution) test were used.Results There were 12 cases ( 17.9％ ) suffering from IFI in itraconazole group and 32 cases (46.4％) in the control group (x2 =12.59,P ＜ 0.01 ).For ANLL patients,the incidence of IFI in itraconazole group was significantly lower than that in control group ( 16.7％ vs.56.7％,x2 =11.53,P ＜0.01 ).In itraconazole group,the incidence of IFI in female patients was significantly lower than that in male patients ( 8.6％ vs.28.1％,x2 =4.35,P ＜0.05 ).And for the female patients,the incidence of IFI in itraconazole group was significantly lower than thatin the control group (8.6％ vs.44.7％,x2 =11.98,P＜0.01).Conclusion Itranconzole oral solution can effectively prevent IFI in neutropenic patients with acute leukemia after chemotherapy,especially for the female patients with ANLL.

Objective To assess the clinical significance of fetal pyelectasis and its changing in utero. Methods One hundred and ninty-seven isolated pyelectasis cases were retrospective reviewed from Jan 2012 to Jul 2014.Isolated pyelectasis was defined as a renal pelvis anteroposterior diameter (RPAPD)of ≥5 mm without other fetal anomaly in second trimester.Persistent or progressive pyelectasis was defined as a RPAPD of ≥10 mm before delivery.They were divided into two groups according to the size of renal pelvis in second trimester:group A (RPAPD 5 - 10 mm)and group B (RPAPD ≥ 10 mm).As the same,there were two groups after 32 weeks of gestation:group C (RPAPD < 10 mm)and group D (RPAPD ≥ 10 mm).Results Totally 1 54 cases were followed up.There were 1 88 cases (95.4%)in group A,with 41 cases lost,141 cases (95.9%)RPAPD <10 mm,6 cases (4.1 %)RPAPD ≥10 mm before delivery.There were 9 cases (4.6%)in group B,with 2 cases lost,remained 7 cases RPAPD ≥ 10 mm before delivery. Conclusions Although most of the fetuses with RPAPD 5 - 10 mm in second trimester will remain the same or resolved before delivery,those with RPAPD ≥ 10 mm may persistent or progress.Prenatal assessment of fetal renal pelvis may provide properly consultation.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DZP) on the content of amino acids in hippocampal tissue of model rats of ischemic cerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

METHODSCollagenase and heparin were injected into caudate nucleus to establish ICH rat model. The content of glutamic acid (Glu), aspartic acid (Asp) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in hippocampal tissue was detected by anti-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic fluorimetry to observe the effect of DZP on the content of amino acids in brain tissue.

RESULTSThree days after modeling, the content of Glu, Asp and GABA was significantly higher in the model group than those in the sham-operation and the normal control group (P < 0.05), for Glu 15.2926 +/- 4.2429 micromol/g vs 8.0057 +/- 1.1227 micromol/g and 8.5040 +/- 1.7794 micromol/g, for Asp 3.6384 +/- 3.1021 micromol/g vs 1.4986 +/- 0.4174 micromol/g and 1.2669 +/- 0.4695 micromol/g, and for GABA 0.3859 +/- 0.1846 micromol/g vs 0.1829 +/- 0.04665 micromol/g and 0.1770 +/- 0.0472 micromol/g. The content of Glu (9.0550 +/- 1.7195 micromol/g), Asp (1.8085 +/- 0.6862 micromol/g) and GABA (0.1993 +/- 0.0424 micromol/g) in hippocampal tissue in the DZP group was reduced significantly, as compared with that in the model group (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONDZP could reduce the release of excitatory amino acids (EAA-Glu, ASP) to balance EAA/inhibitory amino acid (IAA), so as to relieve ICH-induced brain injury.

Amino Acids ; metabolism ; Animals ; Aspartic Acid ; metabolism ; Cerebral Hemorrhage ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Glutamic Acid ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo provide new model of thinking and management for Chinese Meteria Medica GAP fulfilling.

METHODAfter analyzing the problems of GAP fulfilling, and considering GAP a complex system, we had some initial discussions about the systematic structure, characteristics and the methods for fulfilling it.

RESULTThe GAP was a complex system which consisted of biological system, environment system and management system with its own characteristics and methods.

CONCLUSIONThe GAP fulfilling still has some problems and needs the direction of systematic opinion of complex system.

Delphi Technique ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; economics ; Ecology ; Fertilizers ; Plants, Medicinal ; growth & development ; Quality Control ; Total Quality Management

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), including the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2), the phosphorylated protein p38 (p-p38), the phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), on phosgene inhalation-induced lung injury and its relationship with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9).

METHODSAccording to the random number table, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into air control group (C), phosgene inhalation group (P), PD98059 (specific inhibitor of ERK1/2) group, SB203580 (specific inhibitor of p38) group, and SP600125 (specific inhibitor of JNK) group, with 6 rats in each group. The number of neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was counted and the lung wet-dry ratio (W/D) was examined. The serum levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were determined with ELISA. The protein expressions of p-ERK1/2, p-p38, p-JNK, and MMP-9 in lung tissue were detected with Western blotting. The mRNA level of MMP-9 in lung tissue was detected with real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance (among groups) and SNK method (paired comparison).

RESULTSCompared with those of group C [respectively (2.0 ± 0.7)×10(4) /mL and 3.7 ± 0.6], the number of neutrophils and W/D of group P [respectively (10.7 ± 1.4)×10(4) /mL and 7.6 ± 0.4] were increased. The number of neutrophils in group SB203580 and group SP600125 was respectively (8.3 ± 1.1)×10(4), (7.9 ± 1.3)×10(4)/mL, with W/D respectively 6.1 ± 1.4, 6.1 ± 0.9, all of which decreased as compared with those of group P (with P values all below 0.01). Compared with those of group C, the levels of TNF-a, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 of group P were increased, but decreased in group SB203580 and group SP600125 compared with that of group P, though still higher than those of group C, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05 or P<0.01). Protein quantities of p-p38 and p-JNK were higher in group P (respectively 1.19 ± 0.22 and 1.43 ± 0.14) than in group C (respectively 0.76 ± 0.06 and 0.74 ± 0.05). Compared with those of group P, the protein levels of p-ERK1/2 (0.47 ± 0.05) in group PD98059, p-p38 (0.88 ± 0.07) in group SB203580, and p-JNK (0.91 ± 0.07) in group SP600125 were significantly reduced (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The protein and mRNA levels of MMP-9 were higher in group P (respectively 2.23 ± 0.18 and 4.93 ± 0.12) than in group C (respectively 1.26 ± 0.14 and 1.80 ± 0.03). The protein and mRNA levels of MMP-9 in group SB203580 (respectively 1.58 ± 0.14 and 2.96 ± 0.09) and group SP600125 (respectively 1.55 ± 0.30 and 3.00 ± 0.13) were lower than those in group P (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe phosgene inhalation can activate the MAPK signaling protein pathway by increasing expressions of p-p38 and p-JNK, which lead to an up-regulation of MMP-9, and this may contribute to the phosgene inhalation-induced lung injury.

Animals ; Burns, Inhalation ; enzymology ; Cytokines ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Imidazoles ; pharmacology ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Phosgene ; Phosphorylation ; Pyridines ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVEThis study was designed to examine the in vitro effects of fenvalerate on steroid production and steroidogenic enzymes mRNA expression level in rat granulosa cells.

METHODSUsing primary cultured rat granulosa cells (rGCs) as model, fenvalerate of various concentrations (0, 1, 5, 25, 125, 625 micromol/L) was added to the medium for 24 h. In some cases, optimal concentrations of 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol (25 micromol/L), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH, 2 mg/L), or 8-Bromo-cAMP (1 mmol/L) were provided. Concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol(E2) and progesterone (P4) in the medium from the same culture wells were measured by RIA and the steroidogenic enzyme mRNA level was quantified by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSFenvalerate decreased both P4 and E2 production in a dose-dependent manner while it could significantly stimulate rGCs proliferation. This inhibition was stronger in the presence of FSH. Furthermore, it could not be reversed by 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol or 8-Bromo-cAMP. RT-PCR revealed that fenvalerate had no significant effect on 3 beta-HSD, but could increase the P450scc mRNA level. In addition, 17 beta-HSD mRNA level was dramatically reduced with the increase of fenvalerate dose after 24 h treatment.

CONCLUSIONFenvalerate inhibits both P4 and E2 production in rGCs. These results support the view that fenvalerate is considered as a kind of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The mechanism of its disruption may involve the effects on steroidogenesis signaling cascades and/or steroidogenic enzyme's activity.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases ; analysis ; metabolism ; 8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Cells, Cultured ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Estradiol ; analysis ; metabolism ; Female ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; pharmacology ; Granulosa Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Hydroxycholesterols ; pharmacology ; Nitriles ; pharmacology ; Progesterone ; analysis ; metabolism ; Pyrethrins ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; metabolism ; Rats ; Steroids ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo provide more information for rational evaluation of potential risks of terephthalic acid (TPA), we studied the effects of TPA on rats' bladders in 90 days after TPA exposure.

METHODSSprague Dawley rats were subdivided into five groups, ingesting 0%, 0.04%, 0.2%, 1%, and 5% TPA respectively for a sub-chronic feeding study lasting for 90 days. Urine, serum and samples of brain, liver, lung, kidney, bladder, etc. were collected and analyzed.

RESULTSTPA ingesting decreased the value of urinary pH, and increased the contents of Ca2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+ in urine. The volume of 24 h urine was significantly increased in male rats in the 1% and 5% TPA groups. Urinary white sediment was found in both sexes, and its formation in male rats seemed more susceptible than that in female rats. Alpha 2u-globulin (AUG) in serum and urine of male rats was markedly increased in a dose-dependent manner. Fifteen cases of hyperplasia (simple or atypical) were determined in the 5% TPA ingesting group, 14/52 in male rats and 1/23 in female rats. Among them 3 male rats had no stone or calculus. Those with either bladder stones or hyperplasia were accompanied with urinary white sediments.

CONCLUSIONWhite sediment accompanied with elevated urine AUG is the basis of TPA induced urolith formation, and is also associated with TPA induced bladder epithelial cell proliferation. It can act as an early biomarker for the potential toxic effect of TPA.

Alpha-Globulins ; urine ; Animals ; Biomarkers ; urine ; Female ; Hyperplasia ; chemically induced ; Male ; Phthalic Acids ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Urinary Bladder ; drug effects ; pathology ; Urinary Bladder Calculi ; chemically induced

BACKGROUNDThere is a paucity of studies investigating the clinical and biochemical characteristics of pain in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. This study aimed to determine the clinical and biochemical characteristics and outcomes in Chinese patients with CHF and symptoms of pain.

METHODSSociodemographics, serum levels of creatinine, NT-proBNP, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10, and two-dimensional echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were determined in 305 patients with CHF. A questionnaire packet including the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) was used to assess the degree of pain rated on a 0 - 10 scale and the quality of life (QOL). A six-minute walking test was performed during routine clinic visits. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were recorded; including all-cause or cardiac mortality and rehospitalization because of myocardial infarction, worsening heart failure or stroke at follow-up.

RESULTSPain occurred in 25.6% of CHF patients, and was more common when the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was worse. More patients with pain were female in gender, and had more co-morbidities, lower LVEF, and shorter distance during the 6-minute walking test. Despite similar serum levels of creatinine, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), IL-6 and IL-10, the TNF-α levels were higher and MLHFQ scores were greater in CHF patients with pain. At follow-up, CHF patients with moderate to severe pain (≥ 4 scale) had higher rates of all-cause and cardiac mortality and rehospitalization because of myocardial infarction, worsening heart failure or stroke. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the presence of pain was an independent risk factor for MACE and reduced QOL in CHF patients.

CONCLUSIONSPain occurs in all stages of the CHF trajectory, and its incidence increases as clinical functional status is worsened. The presence of pain exerts a negative impact on clinical outcome and QOL in patients with CHF.

C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Heart Failure ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; blood ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male ; Pain ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

OBJECTIVETo analyze the characteristics and the number of organs involved in acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) among different donors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).

METHODSClinical data were retrospectively analyzed in 289 patients received allo-HSCT in our hospital, between November 2007 and December 2008. Clinical features of the involved organs between different donors were compared.

RESULTSThe cumulative incidence of aGVHD was 57.4% (166/289), grades I-II and grades III-IV were 52.1% and 11.0%, respectively. Skin was involved in 116 (69.9%) of the total 166 cases, gut 97 (47.6%), and liver 25(15.1%). Organs involved in HLA-identical sibling transplantation and in haplo-identical ones were skin 19 (42.2%), gut 25 (55.6%), and liver 12 (26.7%), and 79 (80.2%), 54 (44.6%) and 13 (10.7%) respectively. More aGVHD involvements of skin were found in HLA haplo-identical HSCT than in HLA identical sibling HSCT (P = 0.000). The involvement of skin grade II was 8(17.8%) and 38.8% (P = 0.01), gut grade II was 22 (48.9%) and 36 (29.8%) (P = 0.028) in HLA identical sibling transplantation and in haploidentical HSCT, repectively. The incidences of aGVHD grades I to II and grade III to IV were 103 (62.0%) versus 12 (7.2%) in the single organ involved group, 37 (22.3%) versus 11 (6.6%) in the double organs involved group, and 0% versus 3 (1.8%) in the triple organs involved group.

CONCLUSIONThe percentage of aGVHD with skin involvement in haploidentical HSCT is significantly higher than that in HLA identical HSCT. There is a significant difference in mild skin or GI aGVHD between HLA matched and mismatched HSCT, but no difference in severe skin or GI aGVHD between the two groups. The percentage of severe aGVHD was higher if three organs were involved.

Graft vs Host Disease ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Siblings ; Tissue Donors ; Transplantation, Homologous