In this study, OVA-induced asthma mice was taken as the model, and orally administered with different concentration of ethanol extracts of crude and processed Stemona tuberosa, in order to determine the cytokine level released from Th1 and Th2 in splenocytes. RT-PCR was carried out to determine the genetic expression of T-bet/GATA-3 in lung, and compare the differentiation between ethanol extracts of crude and processed S. tuberosa in therapeutic effect on asthma in mice. According to the results, compared with the crude samples, processed samples significantly increased the levels of inflammatory factor INF-gamma (P < 0.05) and decreased IL-5 (P < 0.05) in splenocytes. According to the RT-PCR results, the administration of processed samples could increase the ratio of T-bet/GATA-3 (P < 0.05). The experiment showed that ethanol extracts of both crude and processed S. tuberosa could treat asthma by regulating Th1/Th2 ratio, but processed samples showed more notable effect. This indicated that crude and processed S. tuberosa had significant pharmacological difference. Therefore, it was more rational to apply processed S. tuberosa in clinical treatment of asthma and chronic cough, which layed a foundation for further revealing the processing mechanism of S. tuberosa.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Asthma ; drug therapy ; immunology ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; GATA3 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Stemonaceae ; chemistry ; T-Box Domain Proteins ; metabolism ; Th1 Cells ; drug effects ; secretion ; Th2 Cells ; drug effects ; secretion

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Yiqi Huoxue Qingre Huashi Recipe (YHQHR, a recipe capable of supplementing qi, activating blood, clearing heat, and dissipating dampness) on ulcer healing and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication rate in Hp positive peptic ulcer patients, and to explore coccoid Hp occurrence in the eradication.

METHODSTotally 80 Hp positive peptic ulcer patients were assigned to the treatment group and the control groups by random digit table, 40 in each group. All patients received standard triple therapy of Western medicine for 2 successive weeks. Those in the control group additionally took omeprazole enteric coated tablet, 20 mg each time, once per day for 4 successive weeks. Those in the treatment group additionally took YHQHR, twice per day for 6 successive weeks. The ulcer healing was observed and recorded by gastroscope after discontinued medication of 14 days. The effective rate of ulcer healing under endoscope was statistically calculated. Rapid urease test (RUT) was performed in one small piece of tissue from corpora ventriculi and sinuses ventriculi using 14C breathe test (UBT). Gastric juice was collected from the stomach. Hp urease gene amplification test (urea A-PCR) was performed in living tissue from gastric antrum. Results obtained from the above three test methods were recorded and assessed to decide the final eradiation rate. Gastric mucosa tissue was observed under electron microscope,attempting to find non-eradicated Hp, which was further observed.

RESULTSThe total curative effect under gastroscope was 97.5% (39/40 cases) in the treatment group, obviously higher than that in the control group (80.0%, 32/40 cases) (P < 0.05). The eradication rate of Hp was 75.0% (30/40 cases), obviously better than that of the control group (52.5%, 21/40 cases) (P < 0.05). The total positive Hp numbers after treatment was 14C UBT (12), RUT (8), and urea A-PCR (27), respectively. The Hp positive rate detected by 14C UBT and RUT was lower than the Hp positive rate detected by urea A-PCR (P < 0.05). Rod-like and coccoid Hp bacteria could be observed under electron microscope.

CONCLUSIONYHQHR combined standard triple therapy was more effective than standard triple therapy alone in promoting ulcer healing and elevating the eradication rate of Hp.

Breath Tests ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Gastric Mucosa ; Helicobacter Infections ; drug therapy ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Omeprazole ; Peptic Ulcer ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Urea

The ancients highlight taking off the needle slowly. From aspects of proper timing of withdrawing the needle, the safe treatment, treating and keeping the spirit, dealing with the acupuncture accidents, reinforcing and reducing manipulation and strengthening the post-needling sensation, etc. advantages of taking off the needle slowly are described in this paper. So the taking off the needle slowly is worthwhile in clinic.
Acupuncture Therapy ; instrumentation ; methods ; psychology ; Humans ; Needles ; Sensation

OBJECTIVETo analyze retrospectively the postoperative complications of acromioclavicular joint dislocation (Tossy III) and explore the preventative methods for the complications.

METHODSForty-eight cases of acromioclavicular joint dislocation (Tossy III) were reviewed, 14 cases treated with open reduction and Kirschner wire combined with steel wire fixation (group A), 11 cases treated with open reduction and lag screw or steel wires fixation (group B), 23 cases treated with open reduction and AO clavicular hook plate fixation (group C). The acromioclavicular ligament, articular capsule, coracoclavicular ligament and coracoacromial ligament were repaired in all patients. The reasons of postoperative complications were analyzed.

RESULTSForty-eight patients got average follow-up of 18 months. In group A, 8 patients obtained excellent results, 4 good and 2 poor; in group B, 7, 3 and 1, respectively; in group C, 21, 1 and 1, respectively. The excellence rate showed statistical difference between group A and C (P < 0.05). In group A, 4 cases with postoperative pain, 3 cases with periarthritis of shoulder, 3 cases with arthritides of acromioclavicular joint, 4 cases with internal fixation failure and 2 cases with recurrence of joint dislocation; in group B, 3, 2, 1, 3 and 1, respectively; in group C, 22, 2, 1, 2 and 1, respectively. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications in three groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSelection of the suitable internal fixation and reconstruction of coracoclavicular and coracoacromia ligaments is the basic operation. Acromioclavicular space debridement, ligamentous reconstruction, rigid internal fixation are effective methods to reduce postoperative complications for the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

Acromioclavicular Joint ; injuries ; surgery ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Plates ; Bone Screws ; Bone Wires ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Retrospective Studies ; Shoulder Dislocation ; complications ; surgery ; Young Adult

This study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) on NAFLD in MSG-IR mice and to provide mechanism insights into its therapeutic effect. The MSG-IR mice with insulin resistance were treated with high dose (0.1 micromol.kg-1d-1) and low dose (0.025 micromol.kg-1d-1) of FGF21 once a day for 5 weeks. Body weight was measured weekly. At the end of the experiment, serum lipids, insulin and aminotransferases were measured. Hepatic steatosis was observed. The expression of key genes regulating energy metabolism were detected by real-time PCR. The results showed that after 5 weeks treatment, both doses of FGF21 reduced body weight (P<0.01), corrected dyslipidemia (P<0.01), reversed steatosis and restored the liver morphology in the MSG model mice and significantly ameliorated insulin resistance. Additionally, real-time PCR showed that FGF21 significantly reduced transcription levels of fat synthetic genes, decreased fat synthesis and promoted lipolysis and energy metabolism by up-regulating key genes of lipolysis, thereby liver fat accumulation was reduced and liver function was restored to normal levels. In conclusion, FGF21 significantly reduces body weight of the MSG-IR mice, ameliorates insulin resistance, reverses hepatic steatosis. These findings provide a theoretical support for clinical application of FGF21 as a novel therapeutics for treatment of NAFLD.
Animals ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Dyslipidemias ; metabolism ; Energy Metabolism ; drug effects ; Fatty Liver ; chemically induced ; complications ; Female ; Fibroblast Growth Factors ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Insulin Resistance ; Lipolysis ; drug effects ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; drug therapy ; Sodium Glutamate

Objective Complete S and M segments of two Seoul virus (SEOV) strains were obtained to determine their genetic types and characteristics. Methods The complete S and M segments from the isolate Li and lung tissue (sample LF18) were amplified by RT-PCR. Genetic analyses were performed by using DNAStar and PHYLIP program package. Results Their sequences consisted of 1772 nucleotides, and had an open reading frame (ORF, 43 to 1332 nt)encoding a nucleoprotein of 429 amino acids for both two strains. The complete M segment sequences consisted of 3653 nucleotides and had an ORF encoding a GnGc precursor of 1133 amino acids. The GnGc precursor of the two strains had 62 cysteine and 6 N-glycosylation sites. Both two strains shared a high degree of homology with other known SEOV strains including strains L99, Gou3, and vaccine strain Z37, with 87.6% to 99.2% and 83.6% to 97.3% nucleotide identities, respectively. On the S-and M- trees, the two strains LF18 and Li were grouped into the third cluster of SEOV. Conclusion Both LF18 and Li strains belonged to SEOV and shared the congruent genetic characteristics with the vaccine strains Z37. Thus, the bivalent vaccine including the strain Z37 could effectively prevent HFRS which was caused by SEOV in Hebei province.

OBJECTIVETo report our primary experience with immediate breast reconstruction using laparoscopically harvested omental flap after breast-conserving surgery. The safety, feasibility, and clinical effect are also evaluated.

METHODSFrom Jun. 2010 to Jan. 2011, 5 cases who underwent immediate breast reconstruction using laparoscopically harvested omental flap after breast-conserving surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The operative duration, postoperative days in hospital, complication and therapeutic effect were reviewed.

RESULTSAll the patients were treated successfully without laparotomy. The average operative duration was 310 min, including 60 min for harvesting the omental flap. The median postoperative days in hospital was 8 days (ranged, 5-9 days). One case complained of slight pulled feeling in upper abdomen. No other complication happened. The cosmetic result of reconstructed breasts was satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONSThe immediate breast reconstruction using laparoscopically harvested omental flap is safe and feasible with less morbidity in donor sites and good cosmetic effect. It is one of the ideal methods for immediate breast reconstruction.

Adult ; Breast Neoplasms ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Mammaplasty ; methods ; Mastectomy, Segmental ; Middle Aged ; Omentum ; transplantation ; Postoperative Period ; Retrospective Studies ; Surgical Flaps ; Treatment Outcome

This study was purposed to investigate the molecular basis of a para-Bombay phenotype for screening and identification of rare blood group. ABO and H phenotypes of the proband were identified by serological techniques. The exon 6 to exon 7 of ABO gene and full coding region of α-1,2-fucosyltransferase (fut1) gene of the proband were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing of the amplified fragments. The haplotype of compound heterozygote of fut1 was also identified by cloning sequencing. The results indicated that a rare para-Bombay phenotype was confirmed by serological techniques. Two deletion or insertion variant sites near nucleotide 547 and 880 were detected in fut1 gene. The results of cloning sequence showed that one haplotype of fut1 gene was two bases deletion at 547-552 (AGAGAG→AGAG), and another one was two bases deletion at position 880-882 (TTT→T). Both two variants caused a reading frame shift and a premature stop codon. It is concluded that a rare para-Bombay phenotype is found and confirmed in blood donor population. The molecular basis of this individual is compound heterozygote of two bases deletion on fut1 gene which weaken the activity of α-1, 2-fucosyltransferase.
ABO Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Alleles ; Base Pairing ; Female ; Fucosyltransferases ; genetics ; Genotype ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; Sequence Deletion

Shigella flexneri is an infectious pathogen that causes dysentery to human, which remains a serious threat to public health, particularly in developing countries. In this study, the global protein expression patterns of S. flexneri during transition from exponential growth to stationary phase in vitro were analyzed by using 2-D PAGE combined with MALDI-TOF MS. In a time-course experiment with five time points, the relative abundance of 49 protein spots varied significantly. Interestingly, a putative outer membrane protein YciD (OmpW) was almost not detected in the exponential growth phase but became one of the most abundant proteins in the whole stationary-phase proteome. Some proteins regulated by the global regulator FNR were also significantly induced (such as AnsB, AspA, FrdAB, and KatG) or repressed (such as AceEF, OmpX, SodA, and SucAB) during the growth phase transition. These proteins may be the key effectors of the bacterial cell cycle or play important roles in the cellular maintenance and stress responses. Our expression profile data provide valuable information for the study of bacterial physiology and form the basis for future proteomic analyses of this pathogen.
Bacterial Proteins ; analysis ; Computational Biology ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional ; Gene Expression Profiling ; methods ; Kinetics ; Peptide Mapping ; Proteome ; analysis ; Proteomics ; methods ; Shigella flexneri ; growth & development ; metabolism ; pathogenicity ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; Temperature ; Trypsin ; pharmacology ; Virulence

OBJECTIVETo analyze the molecular genetic basis for a new B112 allele of ABO blood group and the pedigree of the proband.

METHODSThe ABO group antigens on red cells of the proband were identified by monoclonal antibodies. The ABO antibody in serum was detected by using standard A, B and O cells. The exons 5-7 of ABO gene for the proband was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and the amplified products were digested with double enzymes and sequenced for exons 6 and 7. A magnetic bead-based, haplotype specific extraction was used to separate the diploid sample of the proband into its haploid components. The exons 6 and 7 of the two single ABO haplotypes were then amplified and sequenced separately. The samples of the parents of the proband were collected, and the blood group serological test and sequence analysis for exons 6 and 7 of ABO gene were performed.

RESULTSThe serum characteristic of the proband was consisted with the normal B phenotype. The DNA sequencing of exons 6 and 7 showed 261G/del, 297A/G, 526C/G, 559C/T, 657C/T, 703G/A, 796C/A, 803G/C and 930G/A heterozygotes and was assigned for B/O genotype. After separation of the two single strands of the proband with haplotype specific extraction, a B112 and an O01 allele were identified after sequencing. The B112 allele had one nucleotide change (C to T) at position 559 compared with B101, which resulted in an amino acid change at position 187 (Arg to Cys). The B112 in the proband was identified to inherit from his mother after pedigree analysis, the ABO blood group serological characteristics and sequences of exons 6 and 7 of the mother were identical to that of the proband.

CONCLUSIONA novel B112 allele of ABO group system with 559C>T was identified. It had normal B antigen expression, suggesting that Arg118Cys of alpha-1, 3 galactosyltransferase did not affect its enzyme activity.

ABO Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Exons ; genetics ; immunology ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation, Missense ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Phenotype