Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Humans ; Infant ; Inpatients ; Insecticides ; poisoning ; Middle Aged ; Organophosphorus Compounds ; Pesticides ; poisoning ; Poisoning ; etiology ; mortality ; therapy ; Risk Factors ; Survival Rate

Epmedii Folium is a commonly used traditional Chinese drug, and is beneficial for the "liver" and "kidney" s function in Chinese medicine. Recently, the origin of this drug is more complex. Most of the identification studies are emphasized on the species certified by the pharmacopoeia and other related species from the same genus of Epimedium, but few was emphasized on the counterfeit. In this paper, one counterfeit of Epmedii Folium, identified as the dried leaf of Quercus variabilis (Fam. Fagaceae), has been reported based on field investigation, comparing specimen of Epmedii Folium and Q. variabilis,using the macroscopic, microscopic and TmC methods. It is resulted that they could be identified clearly not only by the macroscopic features, such as the vein character and the tooth apex, but also by the microscopic features, such as the vascular bundles of the midrib, the non-glandular hair, the anticlinal wall of the epidermis cell and the calcium oxalate crystal. Furthermore their TLC chromatograms showed also difference. This study will give reference for the identification of Epmedii Folium and the related supervision and inspection work.
China ; Discriminant Analysis ; Epimedium ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; Plant Leaves ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; Quercus ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of intensive insulin therapy in critically ill elderly patients.MethodsElderly patients ( ≥ 65 years) admitted to the ICU of Beijing Tongren Hospital from June 2005 to December 2007 were divided into Group A ( glucose control target was 4.4-6.1mmol/L) and Group B ( glucose control target was 7.3-8.3mmol/L).Blood glucose level was controlled with a computer-assisted glucose control protocoL ResultsA total of 639 patients were enrolled,of which 280 were in Group A and 359 in Group B.The mean blood glucose level of the 2 groups was (6.07 ± 0.56) mmol/L and (7.52 ± 0.87 ) mmol/L respectively,both within the target ranges.The hyperglycemic index was (0.69±0.44) mmol/L in Group A and ( 1.60 ±0.73) mmol/L in Group B (P =0.000).No hypoglycemia adverse events occurred in either group.No significant differences were observed in the length of stay in ICU,duration of mechanical ventilation,hospitalization expenses,ICU mortality,and hospital mortality of the 2 groups.ConclusionMaintaining the blood glucose level of critically ill elderly patients at ≤8.3 mmol/L is safe and practical.

Objective To observe the changes of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) expression in left ventricular myocardium of the dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) rats induced by adriamycin and its correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).Methods One hundred and twenty SPF Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups as follows:control group (n =15),model group(n =105).Adriamycin was administered in the model group by intraperitoneal injection for 3 times in a week and repeated with a two-week interval for 6 times,while 9 g/L saline were administered in the control group in the same pattern,thus DCM rats model were constructed by the end of the 8th week.Both the model group and control group rats were drawn out and their LVEF were tested by the end of the 8th week and 12th week.Apoptosis index (AI) and the ASK1 in myocardium were tested respectively by apoptotic cells situ labeling,semi-quantitative analysis and Western blot.Results The AI of the control group,the 8th weekend model group and the 12th weekend model group were 0.53 ±0.27,16.13 ± 1.72,19.54 ±2.24.The AI of the 8th and the 12th weekend model groups were obviously higher than that in the control group.Comparing the differences among the 3 groups were statistically significant (F =18.98,P ＜ 0.05).The relative ASK1 expressions in ventricular myocardium of the control group,the 8th weekend model group and the 12th weekend model group were 0.169 ± 0.010,0.649 ± 0.071,0.781 ±0.077.Comparing the differences among the 3 groups were statistically significant (F =27.72,P ＜ 0.01).The LVEF (％) results of the control group,the 8th weekend model group and the 12th weekend model group were 75.41 ± 2.02,53.25 ±3.74,39.21 ±6.13.Comparing the differences among the 3 groups were statistically significant(F =154.87,P ＜0.01).There was a negative correlation between the ASK1 expression and LVFE in model group at the end of 12weeks(r =-0.86,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions The ASK1 expression in myocardium of the DCM group increases obviously,thus apoptosis signal-regulating probably participates in the pathological process of DCM induced by ASK1.

Objective To investigate the effects of bradykinin (BK) on the proliferation of rabbit corneal endothehal ceils (RCECs) and the expression of tight junction-related proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and zonula occludens-1-associated nucleic-acid-binding protein (ZONAB),and to explore the underlying mechanisms of BK on cell proliferation in corneal endothelium.Methods RCECs at logarithmic growth phase were treated with different concentrations of BK (0.01,0.1,1,10 μmol · L-1) BK group,with the controls left untreated.Morphological changes of cells in each group were examined under phase-contrast microscope,and MTT assays were used to detect cell proliferation at 24 h,48 h,72 h,96 h after BK treatment.And,at 72 h,the expression levels of ZO-1 and ZONAB protein were determined by Western blot.Results After 72 h of treatment,the cells in each group were fused into pieces and closely linked into a monolayer;but after 96 h,the growth of the cells was restricted,with the intercellular space become larger and the cells exfoliated.Compared with the control group,BK induced a significant increase of absorbance value and cell viability,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.001),and the promoting effects showed a concentration-dependent manner,and 1 μmol · L-1 BK demonstrated the strongest regulative effect (P ＜ 0.001).Western blot results showed that BK upregulated the expression of ZO-1 and ZONAB protein in a concentration-dependent manner.Conclusion BK can stimulate the proliferation of RCECs in a time-and concentration-dependent manner,and the mechanisms are probably associated with ZO-1/ZONAB-mediated signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVETo discuss the method for repairing the circular scar in the forearm.

METHODSLarge expander (400-600 ml) were implanted subcutaneously at the rear flank of bottom-waist in the way of overlapping or continued expansion. After expansion was completed, the horizontal opened omega-shaped flap was formed by advancement of expanded skin with the two pedicles at the two sides. Then the forearm was tunneled under flap with the wound covered by flap. The pedicles were cut off at the third stage.

RESULTSFrom April 1998 to June 2009, 8 cases were treated with no flap necrosis. The patients were followed up for 1 to 3 years with good flap color and thickness. Flap sensory was partially recovered. Linear atrophic scar was left in the donor sites.

CONCLUSIONSIt is feasible to repair forearm circular scar by expanded double-pedicle omega-shaped flap at the rear flank of bottom-waist.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cicatrix ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Forearm ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Surgical Flaps ; Tissue Expansion ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Purpose To investigate the difference of expression of autophagy-related gene (Beclin1,LC3,mTOR) in the development of esophageal squamous cell cancer.Methods Immunohistochemical EnVision method was adopted to detect the expression of autophagy-related gene Beclinl,LC3 and mTOR in 30 cases of normal esophageal mucosa,32 cases of low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN),34 cases of highgrade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN),35 cases of early carcinoma and 126 cases of advanced esophageal carcinoma,respectively.The correlation between their expression with clinicopathologic factors was also analysed.Results The expression of Beclin1 in advanced esophageal carcinoma was obviously higher than that in another four groups (P ＜ 0.005).LC3 expression in advanced esophageal carcinoma was significantly higher than that in normal esophageal mucosa,LGIN and early carcinoma (P ＜ 0.005).The expression of mTOR in advanced esophageal carcinoma was significantly higher than that in normal esophageal mucosa,LGIN and HGIN (P ＜ 0.005).In advanced esophageal carcinoma group,the expression of Beclin1,LC3 and mTOR was related to tumor TNM stage and lymph node metastasis (P ＜ 0.05).Beclin1 expression was positively associated with LC3 and mTOR expression in advanced squamous cell carcinoma (P ＜ 0.05).Positive correlation was also observed between the expression of mTOR and LC3 in advanced esophageal carcinoma and HGIN (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion In the carcinogenesis and development of esophageal cancer,Beclin1,as a tumor suppressor gene,activates autophagy and leads to excessive self consumption and death of tumor cells.mTOR promotes tumor growth by inhibiting autophagy and promoting angiogenesis.The combined detection of Beclinl,LC3 and mTOR may be beneficial to evaluate the progression and prognosis of esophageal squamous cell cancer.

OBJECTIVESTo explore the feasibility of DC being in vitro induced from AML cells with cytokine cocktails and their biological properties.

METHODSAML cells were cultured in either presence or absence of cytokine cocktails. DC were studied for morphology, and cytochemical and immunofluorescent staining. Functions of DC were examined by MLC, FITC-conjugated dextran uptake test, and LDH release assay. RT-PCR and FISH were used to analyze the specific fusion genes of culture-derived DC.

RESULTSClassical DC morphological changes occurred in all 15 cultured AML cells. DC-associated surface molecules such as CD(1a), CD(80), CD(86), CD(106), CD(83) and HLA-DR were upregulated (P < 0.05). The allostimulatory abilities of culture-derived DC were significantly higher than those of AML cells uncultured or cultured in the absence of cytokines (P < 0.05). Culture-derived DC only in the presence of GM-CSF + IL-4 have phagocytotic activities. CTL assay was performed in 5 of the 15 samples. At effector/target ratio of 20:1, auto-T lymphocytes primed with the culture-derived DC exhibited no more killing activity to auto-AML cells than those stimulated by IL-2 or uncultured AML cells. Culture-derived DC presenced the native AML-specific aberrant karyotype and related fusion gene.

CONCLUSIONSCytokine cocktails could in vitro induce AML cells into DC with classical morphology, immunophenotype and function. DC maturity induced by different cytokine cocktails could be variable. Culture-derived DC were originated from the native AML cells. AML cells could make the auto-T lymphocyte anergy.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cytokines ; pharmacology ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; Drug Synergism ; Female ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; pharmacology ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Interleukin-4 ; pharmacology ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; immunology ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Monocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVEThe acute toxic effects of Aristolochia manshuriensis (GMT) and the total aristolochic acids (TA) were compared in mice with aristolochic acid A (AA) as the dose standard. The dose relationship of the renal toxicity induced by Aristolochia manshuriensis was determined.

METHODA single dose of GMT extract or TA was given intragastrically to mice at different doses. LD50 values, the blood levels of BUN, Cr and ALT were measured. A histomorphological study was also performed in livers and kidneys of mice.

RESULTLD50 value of GMT extract was 4.4 g x kg(-1) which was equivalent to 40 mg x kg(-1) as calculated by the content of AA in GMT extract, and this value was comparable with LD50 obtained from TA given intragastrically in mice (equivalent to 33 mg x kg(-1) of AA for male and 37 mg x kg(-1) for female). GMT extract caused a significant increase in blood BUN and Cr and an obvious morphological change in kidney in a dose-dependent manner at doses of AA 4.5 mg x kg(-1) and above. Liver damage, characterized by both an increase in blood level of AST and histomorphological change, was observed at doses of AA 25 mg x kg(-1) and above. All changes were in proportion to the doses of AA.

CONCLUSIONGMT causes both renal and liver toxicity. The dose leading to nephrotoxicity is much lower than that inducing hepatatoxicity. Aristolochic acids existed in GMT are the main toxic components to cause renal toxicity which is a crucial cause to result in death. The lethality and nephrotoxicity of GMT is in proportion to the doses of AA.

Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Animals ; Aristolochia ; chemistry ; Aristolochic Acids ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; blood ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Creatinine ; blood ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Female ; Kidney ; pathology ; Lethal Dose 50 ; Liver ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Random Allocation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and pathological features of 94 children suffering from IgA nephropathy (IgAN) while estimating the prevalent situation in Hunan province. METHODS: To summarize the annual number of hospitalized children, those with kidney diseases, those accepted biopsy, and those confirmed as IgAN in both Xiangya Hospital and Second Xiangya Hospital undertaking kidney biopsy in Hunan province during 1995 and 2004. RESULTS: In the past 10 years, as the hospitalized population in both hospitals accrued to 9.98% each year. The rate of 7.5% was seen in those with kidney diseases. Among whom 56.3% accepted kidney biopsy and 94 of them were confirmed as IgAN. Hematuria was the main clinical presentation, seen in 71 cases, accounting to 76%, and even to 98% after excluding those with nephrotic syndrome and isolating proteinuria type of IgAN. Inflammation infiltration (91%), renal tubule degeneration (81%), and renal interstitial fibrosis (31%) were the major pathological features of 94 children, especially in nephrotic syndrome IgAN. CONCLUSION The number of children with IgAN synchronously accrues as hospitalized population, those with kidney diseases, and those by kidney biopsy. Hematuria is the major symptom. To routinely perform urine analysis and kidney biopsy in asymptomatic hematuria may improve the diagnosis. Inflammation infiltration, renal tubule degeneration, and renal interstitial fibrosis are the major pathological features in IgAN children, especially in nephrotic syndrome IgAN, probably relating to continuous proteinuria. Early control of proteinuria may delay or decrease renal tubule fibrosis.
Adolescent ; Biopsy, Needle ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; complications ; epidemiology ; pathology ; Hematuria ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Hospitalization ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Kidney ; pathology ; Male