Objective: To observe the therapeutic efficacy of acupoint application at different groups of acupoints in treating bronchial asthma in remission stage. Methods:A total of 120 patients with bronchial asthma in remission stage were recruited and divided by the random number table method into acupoint application group 1, acupoint application group 2 and acupoint application group 3, with 40 cases in each group. In all the three groups, Tiantu (CV 22), Dazhui (GV 14) and Feishu (BL 13) were selected, with Dingchuan (EX-B 1) added in acupoint application group 1, Shenshu (BL 23) added in acupoint application group 2, and Gaohuang (BL 43) added in acupoint application group 3. Before intervention, one month and 3 months after intervention, clinical symptoms, peak expiratory flow (PEF) andforced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage of predicted value (FEV1％) of the three groups were observed, and their clinical efficacies were evaluated. Results: Comparing the therapeutic efficacy regarding traditional Chinese medicine symptoms and signs, after 1-month treatment, the total effective rate was 87.5％ in acupoint application group 1, versus 62.5％ in acupoint application group 2 and 55.0％ in acupoint application group 3, and the between-group differences were statistically significant. After 3-month treatment, the total effective rate was 95.0％ in acupoint application group 1, versus 70.0％ in acupoint application group 2 and 65.0％ in acupoint application group 3, and the between-group differences were statistically significant. After intervention, the three groups all showed significant improvements in pulmonary function with statistical significance; among the three groups, the improvement in acupoint application group 1 was more significant than that in the other two groups. Conclusion: Tiantu (CV 22), Dazhui (GV 14) and Feishu (BL 13) as basic prescription plus Dingchuan (EX-B 1) can improve symptoms of bronchial asthma in remission stage, and it works better in improving pulmonary function than the basic prescription plus Shenshu (BL 23) or Gaohuang (BL 43).

Objective:To investigate the expression of chemokine receptor CXCR4 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues,hepatocellular carcinoma cell line-MHCC97,human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)and the ascites level of CXCL12,ligand of CXCR4,so as to lay a foundation for studying the role of CXCR4 in the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods:The expression of CXCR4 mRNA and protein was examined by RT-PCR and Western blotting in 21 specimens of hepatocellular carcinoma tissues,MHCC97 cells,HUVECs,and 17 specimens of normal hepatic tissues.Meanwhile,the levels of CXCL12 in ascitic fluids were assayed by ELISA in 18 hepatic cancer patients.Results:The relative expression values of CXCR4 mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues,MHCC97 cells,and HVECs were 2.21?1.09,2.14?1.15 and 1.72?1.20,respectively;and those of CXCR4 protein were 1.51?0.12,1.76?0.25,and 1.89?0.24,respectively;and those of CXCR4 protein were 1.51?0.12,1.76?0.25,and 1.89?0.24,respectively.CXCR4 mRNA and protein were not detected in normal hepatic tissues.ELISA results showed that the 18 hepatocellular carcinoma samples had a CXCL12 concentration range of 783-8 364 pg/ml(median value 6 871 pg/ml)in ascitic fluids.Conclusion:CXCR4 is highly expressed in the hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cells,which is not associated with the clinical staging of the cancer.The elevated CXCL12 level in the ascitic fluid of cancer patients indicate that CXCR4 may play an important role in the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

The perinatal period is the key period for the development of brain and central nervous system, and different events in this period will have a profound influence on brain development. Glucocorticoids, antibiotics, magnesium sulfate, caffeine, pulmonary surfactant, and mild hypothermia treatment are commonly used drugs or treatment methods in the perinatal period and are closely associated with the prognosis of neonatal neurodevelopment. This article reviews the latest research on the effect of perinatal treatments on neonatal neurodevelopment, so as to provide a reference for clinical decision making.
Brain ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Pregnancy

Objective To compare the effects of hepatic vein occlusion with tourniquet and Satinsky clamp in reseeting liver tumor involving the second hepatic portal.Methods From Jan 2003 to Jun 2006,180 patients underwent major liver resection with the selective hepatic vascular exclusion (SHVE).According to methods of hepatic vein occlusion,they were divided into two groups:Occlusion with tourniquet(tourniquet group,n=95)and occlusion with Satinsky clamp(Satinsky clamp group,n= 85).In tourniquet group,the hepatic veins were encircled and occluded with tourniquet,and in Satinsky clamp group,the hepatic veins were not encircled and clamped directly with Satinsky clamp.Data regarding the intraoperative and postoperative courses of the patients were analyzed.Results There was no difference between the two groups regarding the operating time,ischemia time,intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications rate.The dissecting time of hepatic veins was significantly shorter in Satinsky group(6.2?2.4 min vs 18.3?6.2 min).lu the tourniquet group,five hepatic veins(one fight hepatic vein and four common trunk of left-middle hepatic veins)could not be dissected and encircled because of the tumors involving the cava hepatic junction.Another patient's common trunk of left-middle hepatic vein was inadvertently lacerated during the dissection.Hepatic veins in these 6 patients were occluded with Satinsky clamp successfully.Conclusion Occlusion with Satinsky clamping is safer and easier procedure than tourniquets in the resection of liver tumor involving the second porta hepatis.

OBJECTIVETo examine whether acupuncture treatment would improve outcome in chronic Achilles tendinopathy.

METHODSA randomized, controlled trial at two centers of 64 randomized patients aged 18 to 70 years with chronic Achilles tendinopathy was conducted from July 2007 to April 2010, with follow-up until October, 2010. These patients were randomly allocated into an acupuncture treatment group (acupuncture group) and an eccentric exercises group (control group). The validated Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire was completed at baseline and 8, 16, and 24 weeks. The pain at rest and after activity was accessed at baseline and 8 weeks with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

RESULTSAfter randomization into the acupuncture group or control group, one patient was loss of follow-up. The mean VISA-A score improved signifificantly after 8 weeks in the acupuncture group to 67.1 points [95% confifidence interval (CI), 64.1-70.2] and in the control group to 48.5 points (95% CI, 45.5-51.6) with an additional 18.6 points increase in acupuncture treatment patients (P=0.0000). Acupuncture treatment resulted in a significant increase from baseline in VISA-A of 25.8 after 16 weeks and 28.4 after 24 weeks. Whereas, in the control group the increase from baseline in VISA-A were 10.0 and 16.6 after 16 and 24 weeks, respectively (P=0.0000). The VAS diminished by 2.0 cm after activity, and by 1.5 cm at rest after 8 weeks in the control group. In the acupuncture group, the pain scores diminished significantly more than in the control group, with pain reduction of 3.7 cm after activity (P=0.0000) and 3.2 cm at rest (P =0.0000).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture intervention could improve pain and activity in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy compared with eccentric exercises.

Achilles Tendon ; pathology ; Acupuncture ; Chronic Disease ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tendinopathy ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Visual Analog Scale

OBJECTIVETo explore the biological mechanisms underlying Angelica sindsis polysaccharide (ASP) -induced aging of human-derived leukemia stem cells (LSCs) in vitro.

METHODAcute myelogenous leukemia stem cells were isolated by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). The ability of LSC proliferation treated by various concentration of ASP(20-80 mg · L(-1)) in vitro for 48 hours were tested using cell counting Kit-8 ( CCK8) , colony forming were evaluated by methylcellulose CFU assay. The ultra structure changes of AML CD34+ CD38- cells were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The aging cells were detected with senescence-β-galactosidase Kit staining. Expression of aging-related p53, p21, p16, Rb mRNA and P16, Rb, CDK4 and Cyclin E protein were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction( qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTThe purity of the CD34 + CD38 - cells is (91.15 ± 2.41)% after sorted and showed good morphology. The proliferation of LSC was exhibited significantly concentration-dependent inhibited after exposure to various concentration of ASP. Treated by 40 mg · L(-1) ASP for 48 hours, the percentage of positive cells stained by SA-β-Gal was dramatically increased (P < 0.01) and the colony-formed ability has been weakened (P < 0.01). The observation of ultrastructure showed that cell heterochromatin condensation and fragmentation, mitochondrial swelling, lysosomes increased in number. Aging-related p53, p21, p16, Rb and P16, Rb were up-regulated, protein regulatory cell-cycle CDK4 and Cyclin E were down-regulated. ASP may induce the senescence of LSCs effectively in vitro, P16-Rb cell signaling pathway play a significant role in this process.

CONCLUSIONASP can induce human leukemia stem cell senescence in vitro, the mechanism involved may be related to ASP regulation P16-Rb signaling pathways.

Angelica sinensis ; chemistry ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Cycle Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Cellular Senescence ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic ; drug effects ; Humans ; Leukemia ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Neoplastic Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Polysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

The paper is to report the development of a high-performance liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method for the determination of icaritin (ICT) in rat plasma. After precipitated with acetonitrile from the plasma, ICT was isolated chromatographically on a Dikma C18 column. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-water-acetic acid (72 : 28 : 1.5, v/v/v). Electrospray ionization (ESI) source was applied and operated in the positive ion mode. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with the transitions of m/z 387 --> m/z 313 and m/z 331 --> m/z 315 were used to quantify ICT and the internal standard, respectively. The linear calibration curve was obtained in the concentration range of 2.5-1,000 ng x mL(-1). The lower limit of quantification was 2.5 ng x mL(-1). The inter- and intra-day precision (RSD) were less than 9.63%, and the accuracy (relative error) was within +/-7.42%. The method was proved to be suitable for the pharmacokinetics of ICT, which offers advantages of high sensitivity and selectivity.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Epimedium ; chemistry ; Female ; Flavonoids ; administration & dosage ; blood ; isolation & purification ; pharmacokinetics ; Male ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization ; methods ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; methods

OBJECTIVETo observe the pathological and clinical characters of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

METHODSLiver biopsy tissues taken from 97 patients negative for common viral detection with serological test and immunohistochemistry as well as in situ hybridization, were observed by routine light microscopic examination. And the clinical data of patients with NASH was analyzed.

RESULTSAmong the chronic hepatitis patients with unknown etiology, the detection rate of NASH was 15.5% (15/97). The characteristic lesions in NASH patients included macrovesicular steatosis in zone 3 of lobules, hepatocytes ballooning degeneration, lobules diffused with acute and chronic inflammation, and perisinusoidal fibrosis. Grading and staging according to Brunt's method, histological lesions could be accounted for G1S1 in 7 patients, G2S2 in 3 patients, G3S1 in 4 patients and G3S2 in 1 patient. There were 14 patients with mild to moderate elevation of transaminase, 10 with hyperlipemia, 8 with diabetes and 9 with fatty liver by ultrasonography.

CONCLUSIONNonalcoholic steatohepatitis is a common form of unknown etiology chronic liver disease with certain clinic-pathological features.

Adult ; Biopsy ; Fatty Liver ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Liver ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUNDFor muscle invasive bladder cancer, radical cystectomy is the most effective treatment now and urinary diversion is often necessary. The use of intestinal tissue for urinary diversion is frequently associated with complications. In this study, we aimed to make a tissue-engineered conduit (TEC) using bladder epithelial cells and bladder acellular matrix (BAM) for urinary diversion in rabbits.

METHODSBladder epithelial cells of rabbit were cultivated and expanded in vitro, then seeded on BAM, and cultured for 7 days. Then cell-seeded graft was used to make TEC. In the experimental group, most of bladder of the rabbit was removed while bladder trigone was retained. The proximal end of TEC was anastomosed with bladder trigone and the distal end was anastomosed with the abdominal stoma. In the control group, TEC was made using unseeded BAM. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted, respectively, at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively. Immunohistochemistry was performed 8 weeks postoperatively. Intravenous urography, retrograde pyelography, and cystoscopy of TEC were made at 12 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTSAll animals were alive in the experimental group. Haematoxylin and eosin staining showed epithelial coverage in TEC. Immunohistochemistry showed anti-cytokeratin AE(1)/AE(3) antibody and anti-ZO1 antibody positive, confirming there were mature and functional epithelial cells on the lumen of TEC. Retrograde pyelography and intravenous urography showed that TEC developed well and that there was no obstruction. In the control group, four rabbits were dead within 2 weeks and scar formation, atresia, and severe hydronephrosis were found.

CONCLUSIONSWe successfully made TEC using BAM and bladder epithelial cells for urinary diversion in rabbits. The lumen of this new TEC covered mature epithelial cells and could prevent urinary extravasation.

Animals ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; Male ; Rabbits ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Urinary Bladder ; cytology ; Urinary Diversion ; methods