OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Jiawei Yupingfeng Powder (JYP) on T-lymphocyte subsets in patients with senile chronic bronchitis in acute onset stage (SCB-AOS).

METHODSPatients were divided, according to the randomized controlled principle, into two groups, the 44 patients in the treated group and the 40 in the control group. The conventional western medicinal therapy was given to both groups, but to the treated group, JYP was administered additionally. The therapeutic course to them was 14 days. Changes of CD3, CD4, CD8 and the ratio of them were observed.

RESULTSIncrease of CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 (P < 0.05) and decrease of CD8 (P < 0.01) were significantly shown in the treated group after treatment, but no change in the control group. Besides, comparison of the total effective rate in the two groups also showed significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCellular immune function disturbance exists in patients with SCB-AOS, JYP could enhance the efficacy by way of modulating cellular immune function.

Adjuvants, Immunologic ; therapeutic use ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bronchitis, Chronic ; drug therapy ; immunology ; CD3 Complex ; blood ; CD4-CD8 Ratio ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Powders ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets ; immunology

Animals ; Cell Cycle ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; Hypoxia ; enzymology ; genetics ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; enzymology ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Telomerase ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo analyze the genetic relations of Shigella isolated from Shenzhen in 2001-2006 and develop primary molecular subtyping surveillance network of Shigella.

METHODSChromosomal DNAs from 55 isolated in agarose were digested with the restriction enzyme Xba I, and then were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns were clustered using BioNumerics software.

RESULTSAll 41 distinctive PFGE patterns were identified among 55 strains. 32 strains belonged to one cluster. Differences were observed in other strains.

CONCLUSIONBoth genetic-related clones and non-related clones of Shigella existed in Shenzhen. The development of PFGE molecular subtyping surveillance network would contribute to the active surveillance, outbreak investigation and source tracking for Shigellosis.

Bacterial Typing Techniques ; China ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field ; methods ; Feces ; microbiology ; Humans ; Shigella ; classification ; isolation & purification

BACKGROUNDPemetrexed is a novel folic acid antagonist with multiple targets, which has been widely used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The objective of this study was to compare the effects and toxicities in NSCLC patients treated with pemetrexed monotherapy versus pemetrexed plus a platinum combination agent, so as to provide a basis for standard second-line chemotherapy.

METHODSThe clinical data of 52 patients with NSCLC who were admitted to Shanghai Chest Hospital from August 2006 to October 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Ten of the 52 patients received pemetrexed monotherapy, and the other 42 patients received the pemetrexed plus platinum regimen. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). The progression-free survival time (PFS) was analyzed and the effects and toxicities were assessed. Survival analysis was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method. Single factor analysis and the COX regression model were done to analyze the relationship between the influential factors and the prognosis of disease. The elderly patients (> or = 60 years old) were analyzed separately as a subgroup.

RESULTSNo statistically significant increase in OS (chi(2) = 0.09, P = 0.76), PFS (chi(2) = 0.15, P = 0.70), disease control rate (DCR) (chi(2) = 0.06, P = 0.81) or 1-year survival rate (chi(2) = 0.33, P = 0.57) was found between the two regimens. Single factor analysis showed that the factors including surgery history, PS score before treatment, clinical stage, and response to second-line treatment influenced the prognosis of NSCLC (all P < 0.05). COX regression analysis demonstrated that surgery history (P = 0.041) and performance status (PS) score before treatment (P = 0.043) may be associated with survival. The toxicity of the two regimens was similar. In the subgroup of elderly patients, no significant difference in OS (chi(2) = 0.01, P = 0.94), PFS (chi(2) = 0.14, P = 0.70), DCR (chi(2) = 0.004, P = 0.95), or 1-year survival rate (chi(2) = 0.03, P = 0.87) was found between the two regimens. The toxicity of combination therapy was significantly higher in terms of hematologic (chi(2) = 9.95, P = 0.01) and gastrointestinal adverse events (chi(2) = 7.66, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONSThere is no significant difference in survival or side effects between these two regimens. For elderly patients (> or = 60), pemetrexed monotherapy shows similar efficacy and a better safety profile when compared with pemetrexed combination therapy.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; Female ; Glutamates ; therapeutic use ; Guanine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pemetrexed ; Platinum ; therapeutic use ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of the decoction of Rhizoma Dioscorea septemlobae (RD) on the bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats.

METHODThirty female, 3-month-old Wistar rats without pregnancy and deliver were randomly divided into 6 groups: sham (sham-operation), ovariectomy (OVX), OVX + diethylstilbestrol, OVX + high dose RD (4 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)), OVX + middle dose RD (2 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and OVX + low dose RD (1 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) (n = 5 in every group). After 12-week period of continuous treatment, the urinary samples and blood samples were collected for the determination of serum estrodiol (E2), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), bone glaprotein (BGP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urinary calcium/creatinine (Ca/Cr), phosphorus/ creatinine (P/Cr) and deoxypyridioline/creatinine (DPD/Cr). The uteri were removed and weighed. The bone mineral density (BMD) and the biomechanical parameters of the femur of the rats in every group were determined, respectively.

RESULTThe coefficient of uteri in every dose group of OVX + RD was significantly higher than that in the OVX group (P < 0.01). The concentration of serum ALP, BGP and urinary DPD/Cr, Ca/Cr in the OVX group was significantly higher than that in the sham group (P < 0.05), respectively, However, that in the every dose of OVX + RD was lower than that in the OVX group, respectively. There was no significan difference in the concentration of serum Ca, P and urinary P/Cr in every group, respectively. The bone mineral density (BMD) in the OVX group was (0.032 +/- 0.007) g x cm(-2) and was significantly lower than that in the sham group (P < 0.01). However, the value in the group of every dose OVX + RD was significantly higher than that in the OVX group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), respectively. The maximum loading, deflection and the maximum strain of the femur in the OVX group were (125.78 +/- 15.48) N, (1.87 +/- 0.22) mm, (9.34 +/- 1.10) % and were significantly lower than those in the sham group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), respectively. The maximum loading and maximum stress were increased in different extent in the every dose group of OVX + RD, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe decoction of RD can inhibit bone absorption, decline bone turnover and improve the loss of bone in ovariectomized rats.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; blood ; Animals ; Bone Density ; drug effects ; Bone Remodeling ; drug effects ; Bone Resorption ; blood ; physiopathology ; urine ; Calcium ; urine ; Creatinine ; urine ; Dioscorea ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Estradiol ; blood ; Female ; Femur ; drug effects ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Osteocalcin ; blood ; Osteoporosis ; blood ; physiopathology ; urine ; Ovariectomy ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Weight-Bearing

OBJECTIVE To investigate the characteristics of hypopharyngeal carcinoma detected by narrow band imaging(NBI)endoscopy and evaluate the value of NBI in the early diagnosis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS Between December 2008 and July 2009,a total of 46 consecutive patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled in this study. High performance endoscopic system equipped with the white light mode and NBI mode was introduced in the examination of pharynx and larynx. The quality of visualization of morphologies of epithelial capillary and demarcation line of each lesion under NBI view was evaluated in comparison with conventional white light endoscopy. RESULTS Among the 46 patients,a total of 86 lesions were detected. The notable characteristic of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is the well demarcated brownish area and scattered brown dots. The NBI laryngoscope could provide better visualization of morphologies of epithelial capillary and demarcation line in superficial carcinoma of hypopharynx than the white light mode(P

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxiracetam in the treatment of neurological deficits resulting from brain injury through the comparison of oxiracetam for injection and piracetam for injection in clinical trials. Methods A multiple-center, randomized, double-blind,parallel study was performed on 239 patients; these patients were divided into experimental group (oxiracetam for injection, n=120) and control group (piracetam, n=119). National institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS), Glasgow coma scale (GCS), myodynamia grading, mini-metal state examination (MMSE) were employed to evaluate the therapeutic effects; electrocardiogram and laboratory examination were performed, and the side effects were also observed. Results The scores of NIHSS,GCS and myodynamia grading after treatment in the 2 groups were all significantly higher than those before treatment (P＜0.05); however, no significant differences on these scores were noted between the experimental group and control group (P＞0.05). No serious adverse events were noted in both groups.Conclusion Oxiracetam, the same as piracetam, is safe and effective in the treatment of neurological deficits secondary to brain injury.

OBJECTIVEDual detection of Salmonella and Shigella using modified molecular beacons and real-time PCR was developed. The established method was applied to rapid diagnosis of Salmonella and Shigella' food poisoning, and for routine monitoring programs.

METHODSTwo sets of primers were designed based on the core sequence of invA gene and ssaR gene published on GenBank to detect Salmonella, and ipaH gene were selected to detect Shigella. Three corresponding modified molecular beacons labeled with different fluorophors were designed. The molecular beacons and primer sets were tested against numerous strains from 55 different bacterial species. Then the two assays were combined to establish the dual real-time PCR assay, and were applied to the food poisoning diagnosis and surveillance.

RESULTSFor the modified molecular beacons-based dual real-time PCR assay, the sensitivity achieved was 69-93 fg/microl, 32-64 CFU/ml or 1-2 CFU/PCR reaction. There was no cross-reaction with other bacteria served as control. The dual real-time PCR assay was used to detect 134 Salmonella strains and 67 Shigella strains but no false signals were observed. 1100 food poisoning samples were tested with 569 Salmonella and 42 were Shigella identified by real time PCR. Among the positive samples, 551 were detected Salmonella and 41 were Shigella by traditional culture method. The overall test could be finished within 2 hours to one day starting from sample preparation.

CONCLUSIONThe modified molecular beacons-based dual real-time PCR assay was rapid, sensitive, and specific. It could be applied to the rapid diagnosis of Salmonella and Shigella' food poisoning.

DNA Primers ; Dysentery, Bacillary ; diagnosis ; Genes, Bacterial ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Salmonella ; genetics ; Salmonella Food Poisoning ; diagnosis ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Shigella ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo determine the genetic relationships between different Vibrio cholerae isolates in Shenzhen from 1993 to 2002.

METHODSChromosomal DNA from 60 isolates was digested in seakem gold agrose with restriction enzyme Not I and plugs were then analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns of V. cholerae isolates were clustered using BioNumerics software.

RESULTS39 distinctive PFGE patterns were identified with each pattern having 20 to 30 bands. Most PFGE patterns were divided into cluster A or cluster B.

CONCLUSIONThe closely related pandemic clone clusters of V. cholerae strains did exist in Shenzhen. PFGE of V. cholerae could be used for active surveillance and tracking for cholerae.

China ; epidemiology ; Cholera ; epidemiology ; microbiology ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field ; methods ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; Vibrio cholerae ; classification ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE).

METHODSFrom MEDLINE (Jan, 1950-Mar, 2008), EMBASE (Jan, 1980-Mar, 2008), The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2008) and CNKI (Jan, 1979-Mar, 2008), we retrieved and screened the randomized controlled trials (RCT) and randomized crossover trials (RT) as well as various related data, published and unpublished, on the treatment of PE with SSRIs. The methodological quality of the included trials was evaluated by 2 reviewers. Meta-analyses were conducted with RevMan 5.0 on the homogeneous studies.

RESULTSTotally 22 studies on 4 291 patients were included. Meta-analyses showed that after treated with sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram, dapoxetine and fluvoxamine, the WMD (95% CI) values of the changes in intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) were 2.63 (1.80, 3.46), 2.21 (1.50, 2.92), 4.31 (2.71, 5.91), 3.82 (3.39, 4.25), 1.57 (1.31, 1.84) and 0.01 (0.71, 0.73) respectively; the RR (95% CI) values of the sexual satisfaction rate of the patients were 1.65 (1.12, 2.43), 2.93 (0.50, 17.31), 3.08 (2.27, 4.17), 2.48 (1.99, 3.09) and 2.93 (2.36, 3.65), and those of their partners were 1.47 (0.98, 2.21), 2.88 (0.38, 21.77), 4.81 (3.15, 7.36), 5.38 (3.75, 7.72) and 2.91 (1.09, 7.78) respectively for sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram and dapoxetine.

CONCLUSIONAll the known SSRIs but fluvoxamine could prolong IELT, and some could improve the sexual satisfaction of both the patients and their partners, but their adverse effects should be noted. The moderate possibility of selection bias and publication bias in the included studies might have a negative impact on the evidence intensity of our results. We expect more reliable evidence from more randomized controlled trials.

Humans ; MEDLINE ; Male ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome