Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Xuanfeitongfu method in treatment of severe pneumonia and to explore its clinical value in the management of severe pneumonia. Methods Totally,62 patients with severe pneumonia were randomly divided into the control group (n = 30) and the treatment group (n = 32). The control group was given cluster treatment,including oxygen cure,anti-infection and nutrition support and maintaining a stable internal environment and etc. The treatment group was treated with Tongfu decoction orally(one dose a day,a total of 5 days)on a basis of cluster treatment. The comparison was conducted in the 2 groups in the levels of C reaction protein,calcitonin,the change of blood gas analysis,the time of mechanical ventilation and the mortality of severe pneumonia in ICU at baseline and 3,5 days after treatment. Results The level of C-reactive protein,calcitonin,the change of blood gas analysis were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The time of mechanical ventilation and the mortality were better in the treatment group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Xuanfeitongfu method can effectively improve oxygenation ,assist the anti-infection effect ,reduce the time of mechanical ventilation and ICU retention time ,ultimately improve the outcome of severe pneumonia.

To investigate the effect of compound Chinese traditional medicine PC-SPES II I in inhibiting proliferation of human prostate cancer cell LNCaP based on the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway. The effect of PC-SPES II on LNCaP cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay. According to the findings, at the mass concentration of 180-1 440 mg x L(-1), PC-SPES II significantly inhibited the proliferation of LNCaP cells; the IC50 of PC-SPES II at 24 h and 48 h were 311.48, 199.01 mg x L(-1), respectively. The flow Cytometry detection showed 240 mg x L(-1) PC-SPES II arrested cells in G2/M phase, and an obvious apoptotic peak appeared before G0/G1 peak and rose over time. Meanwhile, Hoechst 33258 staining revealed apoptotic cellular morphology. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining manifested an increase in apoptotic cell ratio at the PC-SPES II concentration of 480 mg x L(-1) in a dose dependent manner. The prostate specific antigen (PSA) secretion of LNCaP cells was tested by PSA ELISA kit. Besides, compared with 25 mg x L(-1) Bic, 480 mg x L(-1) PC-SPES II significantly reduced the cell secretion of PSA. The AR and PSA mRNA and protein expressions were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. According to the results, after the induction of LNCaP cells with synthetic androgen 25 μg x L(-1) R1881, 240-480 mg x L(-1) PC-SPES II notably down-regulated the AR and PSA mRNA and protein expressions and inhibited the translocation of AR from cytoplasm to nucleus. In summary, PC-SPES II significantly can inhibit the in vitro proliferation of LNCaP cells and arrest cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase. Its mechanism may be associated with the down-regulation of the AR and PSA expressions and the inhibition of AR nuclear translocation.
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Male ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; genetics ; metabolism ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Receptors, Androgen ; genetics ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

Objective To observe effects of problem-based learning(PBL) combined with case-based study (CBS)teaching mode in clinical teaching in intensive care unit(ICU). Methods Students from ICU of Fangcun Branch of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2011 to February 2012 were divided into treatment group (31 cases, with PBL combined with CBS teaching mode) and control group (34 cases, with the traditional teaching mode). Scores of two groups were compared and analyzed and questionnaire survey was conducted in treatment group. Data were processed by SPSS 13.0 statistical software. Measurement data were compared by t-test and data of heterogeneous variance were compared by rank-sum test. Results Treatment group achieved better scores ((85.26 ±5.96) in theory examination and (80.59 ±7.33) in case-analyzing examination) compared with those of control group ((79.17 ±7.31) in theory examination and (76.02 ±9.27) in case-analyzing examination)(P<0.05). PBL combined with CBS teaching mode can stimulate learning interests but it was lack of systematization; most students did not volunteer to speak. Conclusion PBL combined with CBS teaching mode has certain advantages in ICU clinical teaching.

Objective To explore the influence of 30 day feeding test of health food containing caffeine on the physiological state of SD rat.Methods SD rats were randomly divided into five groups according weight :three health food containing caffeine(1.64,3.28,6.57 g/kg),one health food containing reduced caffeine (6.48 g/kg)and the control group. Haematological and biochemical parameters were measured at the end of experiment,and main organ tissue analysis was also performed.Results Weight at the end of 4 week,weight after absolute diet,total weight increased,and total food consumption and food consumption at the end of 4 week in 6.57 g/kg groups of male rats were decreased compared with the control group (P <0.05 ).Conclusion In comparison with 6.48 g/kg group,all those changes may be caused by overhigh caffeine in 6.48 g/kg group.

The purpose of this study was to explore the significance of abnormal karyotype in diagnosis and prognosis estimation of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Chromosome analysis were performed in 306 cases of MDS using the short-term culture of bone marrow cell and G-banding technique, and in partial cases FISH technique was used for this analysis. 93 out of 306 cases were followed up. The results showed that 144 cases (47.1%) had clonal chromosome aberrations. The most common chromosomal aberrations included +8, translocation, complex or high complex karyotype, -7/7q-, 20q-/-20, trisomy 1 or partial trisomy 1, +11/+11q-, -9/9q-, +9/9q+, -Y, dup(1q), +21. The rate of abnormal karyotype in refractory anemia with erythroblasts (RAEB) and refractory anemia with erythroblasts-transformation (RAEBT) were much higher than in refractory anemia (RA) and refractory anemia with sideroblasts (RAS) (P < 0.05). The rate of abnormal karyotype among those cases with mutagen contact history were higher than those in cases without mutagen contact history. The patients with abnormal karyotype had a mean survival time much shorter than patients with normal karyotype (P < 0.005) and had a higher risk transforming into acute leukemia (P < 0.05). The worst outcome was observed in those patients with a complex or high complex karyotype, -7/7q- and trisomy 11. In conclusion, MDS is highly heterogeneous disorders and karyotype analysis is helpful for its diagnosis, treatment selection and prognosis estimation.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Female ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes ; genetics ; mortality ; Prognosis

ABSTRACT:OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of connexin proteins (Cx), which form gap junctions (GJ), in progression and chemotherapeutic sensitivity of cervical cancer (CaCx). METHODS We analyze the expression of Cx26, Cx30, Cx32 and Cx43 in human specimens consisting of: Normal cervix (n=78), CaCx FIGO stage Ⅰ (n=148), CaCx FIGO stage Ⅱ (n=165). InCaCx cell lines, Hela- Cx32 (induced expression by doxycycline), C- 33A (endogenously express Cx32) and siHa (transiently transfected plasmid with Cx32), we detected the role of Cx32 against tostreptonigrin/cisplatin-induced apopotosisin presence or absence of functional GJ through using GJ inhibitors or low density cultural.Furtherly, we observed the relativity of Cx32 and EGFR expression in human specimens. Also, we detected the role of EGFR signaling pathway in the process of Cx32 anti-apoptosis through suppressed EGFR expression by inhibitors or siRNA sequences in cell lines. RESULTS We firstly demonstrated the expression of Cx32 was highly upregulated and accumulated in cytoplasm in the CaCx specimens, and the degree of upregulation correlated with advanced FIGO stages. Thus,in three human cervical cell lines, Cx32 was shown to suppress apoptosis when GJ formation is inhibited. No matter in cases of CaCx or cell lines, Cx32 expression was highly correlated with expression of EGFR and the EGFR pathway is an essential component of the Cx32-induced anti-apoptotic effect. CONCLUSION Cx32, traditionally tumor suppressive protein, was shown to be tumor protective against chemotherapy through EGFR pathway in a GJ-independent way.

Objective:To evaluate 1,8-cineol as vaccine adjuvants to enhance influenza vaccine immune efficacy.Methods:80 BALB/c mice were divided into blank control group,1,8-cineol group,HA group and HA+ 1,8-cineol group,each group of 20.Blank control group normal breeding,HA group accepted HA protein 0.2 μg,the HA+1,8-cineol group was given 0.2 μg HA+ 100 mg/kg 1,8-cineol,1,8-cineol group was given 100 mg/kg 1,8-cineol.Except the blank group,other groups of mice intranasal immunized for three times interval of one week.At the fourth weeks each mice was infected with 10LD50 influenza virus FM1.On the 6 days after the infected,10 mice in each group were collected serum,using enzyme-linked immunoassay(ELISA)to detect serum IgG,IgG1b,IgG2a, IgG2b in 450 nm absorbance values(OD).Removed the lung tissue and measured the lung index and pathological.Remaining mice continue to observe 15 days and record the deaths,calculating the infected mice survival rate.Results:Compared with the HA group, HA + 1,8-cineol group can reduce the lung index,alleviate the pulmonary lesions,improve the serum IgG,IgG1b,IgG2a,and increases the survival rate of infected mice.Conclusion:1,8-cineol as vaccine adjuvants,can strengthen the immune effect of influenza vaccine.

Objective To investigate the correlation between the CT perfusion and microvessel density (MVD),expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in neoplasm of head and neck.Methods Eighty-eight lesions of head and neck were scanned by spiral CT.The largest axial surface of the mass was searched on unenhanced imaging,and at this level the dynamic contrast enhanced scan series was acquired.Time-density curves (TDC)were created from circular or oval regions of the interest drawn over the mass,target artery by Toshiba Xpress/SX spiral CT with perfusion functional software.The parameters were measured including:peak height (PH ),peak time (PT ),mean transit time (MTT), contrast enhancement ratio(RPH),and perfusion flow (PF).Histopathological slides of 35 masses were carefully prepared for the anti-CD34 and VEGF immunohistochemical staining and tumor microvessel density and calculation of VEGF expression scores.The parameters of CT perfusion were correlatively study with MVD and VEGF.Results(1)The TDC of CT perfusion imaging could be classified into 3 types.The TDC of 53/77 (68.9% )malignant tumors presented the type with rapid ascending and rapid descending after injecting contrast.The TDC of 6/9 malignant lymphomas showed low platform curve。(2)The PF median of thyroid carcinoma was 82.2(41.0,183.4)ml?min~(-1)?100 g~(-1).There was significantly difference in the parameters of CT perfusion among thyroid carcinoma and squamaous cell cancer (Median 23.8 (7.0, 108.4)ml?min~(-1)?100 g~(-1))and lymphomas (Median 24.5(13.2,78.6)ml?min~(-1)?100 g~(-1)).(3) MVD in benign tumors was (44.7?3.4),and in malignant tumors,it is (49.6?14.8 ).There was no significantly difference in MVD between benign and malignant tumors.High VEGF expression was found in 15 malignant tumors and 1 benign tumors,low VEGF expression was found in 9 malignant tumors and 10 benign tumors.(4)There were no significantly difference in VEGF expression and MVD.There was good correlation between MVD (M 40.0 )and PH (M 26.9 ),RPH (M 14.5 ),PF (M 46.8 )(r = 0.35,45.49, 0.41 ).There was correlation between VEGF(M 4.0)and MTT(M 16.7 )(r = -0.41 ).Conclusion The TDC and CT perfusion could be helpful to differentiate benign from malignant tumors. CT peffusion in neoplasm of head and neck is correlated with MVD and VEGF,and may reflect MVD and expression of VEGF.

Ph chromosome occurs in nearly all patients with CML, and eliminating Ph-positive clone is a major target in the treatment of CML. IFN-alpha is a well-known effective treatment in chronic phase CML. The cytogenetic response and the prognostic factors in 128 CML patients treated with IFN-alpha were retrospectively studied. IFN-alpha administered singly at a dose of 3 million U/day for 2 - 3 times a week or in combination with either hydroxyurea (Hu), busulfan (Bu), low dose Ara-C or harringtonine. Karyotyping was examined by G-banding before and after IFN-alpha-based treatment. The results showed that all patients achieved complete hematological remission. Cytogenetic response occurred in 36 of 118 patients with standard t (9;22) translocation; 3 of these 36 patients had a complete cytogenetic response (Ph = 0), 13 had major cytogenetic responses (Ph < 35%) and 20 had minimal response (Ph > 35%). The total cytogenetic effectiveness was 13.6% (16/118). Four of seven patients with complicated variant translocation also achieved cytogenetic response, 2 of them had a major cytogenetic response and 2 had minimal response. Factors influenced the prognosis associated with cytogenetic response included sex, patient status at diagnosis and IFN-alpha administered singly or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. IFN-alpha could not prevent the progression of CML. It is concluded that Ph(+)CML patients with both standard and variant translocation had major cytogenetic response to IFN-alpha treatment at a dose of 6 - 9 million U/week in single or combination with Hu/Bu, however, IFN-alpha treatment could not prevent disease progression. Long term survival was also observed in patients with variant translocation treated with IFN-alpha. Regular cytogenesis examination in CML patients is necessary during IFN-alpha therapy, which is useful to reflect curative effect and progression of the disease.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22 ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9 ; genetics ; Cytogenetic Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Karyotyping ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; drug therapy ; genetics ; pathology ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic-Phase ; drug therapy ; genetics ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Translocation, Genetic ; Treatment Outcome

AIMTo determine the effect of soman on stress induced hyperthermia and the influence of central and peripheral cholinergic antagonists.

METHODSEffects of subcutaneous injection of soman, scopolamine, methylscopolamine and pyridostigmine on stress-induced hyperthermia were observed in rats by radio telemetry in an open-field environment. Plasma cholinesterase (ChE) activity was measured by a spectrophotometry.

RESULTS(1) Core temperature of the control group increased by 0.96 degrees C when exposed to open-field, whereas core temperature only increased by 0.55 degrees C in soman treated animals. Scopolamine, a central cholinergic antagonist, nearly abolished inhibitory effects of soman on core temperature when exposed to open-field. Methylscopolamine, a peripheral cholinergic antagonist, coadministered with soman reduced significantly the hyperthermic response to open-field exposure compared with rats dosed with soman. (2) Pyridostigmine, a peripheral anti-ChE agent that caused a 52% decrease in plasma ChE activity led to a significant enhancement of the hyperthermic response to open-field exposure. Methyl scopolamine nearly abolished the effects of pyridostigmine on stress-induced hyperthermia response.

CONCLUSIONInhibitory effect of soman on the open field hyperthermia suggested that soman treatment hampered the ability of the rat to develop a normal hyperthermic response when placed in the open-field environment. Its inhibitory effects were mediated primarily through a central muscarinic pathway. In addition, peripheral cholinergic nerve was involved in the control of stress hyperthermic response.

Animals ; Cholinergic Antagonists ; pharmacology ; Cholinesterases ; blood ; Female ; Fever ; drug therapy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Soman ; antagonists & inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Stress, Physiological