Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on allergic rhinitis and its influence on the patients' quality of life. Method Seventy-two patients with allergic rhinitis were allocated, according to different protocols, to control and observation groups, 36 cases each. The control group received conventional Western drug treatment and the observation group, acupuncture and moxibustion. Both groups were treated for three consecutive months. The effects were evaluated after the completion of treatment. VCAM-1, interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF. The clinical therapeutic effects and the influences on the patients' quality of life were compared between the two groups. Result The total efficacy rate was 97.2％ in the observation group, which was higher than 86.1％ in the control group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant pre-treatment differences in VCAM-1, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 levels between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, VCAM-1, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 levels decreased in both observation and control groups compared with before (P<0.05) and were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the physical health, psychological health, social relationships, environment and independent ability scores increased in both observation and control groups compared with before (P<0.05) and were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture and moxibustion has a definite therapeutic effect on allergic rhinitis. It can reduce the levels of inflammatory factors and improve the patients' quality of life.

A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of butoconazole in human plasma. Human plasma samples of 0.2 μL were pretreated by a single step protein precipitation procedure and analyzed using a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) electrospray tandem mass spectrometer system. The compounds were eluted isocratically on an Inertsil ODS-SP column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 3 μm), ionized using a positive ion atmospheric pressure electrospray ionization source and analyzed using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The ion transitions monitored were m/z 412.8→165.1 for butoconazole and m/z 453.4→230.3 for the internal standard. The chromatographic run time was 3.5 min per injection, with retention time of 2.47 min and 2.15 min for butoconazole and repaglinide, respectively. The method was validated to be linear over the range of 20 to 8000 pg/mL (r>0.999) by using a weighted (1/x(2)) quadratic regression. The mean recovery rate was more than 86.7%, and the intra- and inter-day precision of the quality control samples (QCs) was less than 8.3% and the accuracy ranged from 96.0% to 110.2%, which indicated that the quantitative method was reliable and accurate. The method is simple, rapid, and has been applied successfully to a pharmacokinetics study of butoconazole nitrate suppositories in healthy Chinese females.

As one of the most serious types of psoriasis, pathogenesis of erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is unclear so far. In this study, we aimed to detect the levels of Th1/Th2 cytokine-associated transcription factors and T-lymphocyte clone in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from EP patients, and gene expression level of T-bet/GATA-3 in skin lesion. The potential role of Th1/Th2 reaction pattern played in the pathogenesis of EP was also discussed. Serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 were quantified by ELISA among 16 EP patients, 20 psoriasis vulgaris (PV) patients and 15 healthy controls. The expression levels of T-bet/GATA-3 in the skin lesion and PBMCs were examined by real-time qPCR. The ratio of Th1/Th2 was measured by flow cytometry. The levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 were higher in EP patients than in the healthy controls. The levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were 69.44±11.45 and 12.62±4.57 pg/mL, respectively, in EP patients, significantly higher than those in PV patients and healthy controls (P<0.05). Flow cytometry revealed the levels of both Th1 and Th2 in PBMCs from EP patients were higher than those in healthy controls, and the Th1/Th2 ratio was dramatically lower than in PV patients (P<0.01). The ratios of IFN-γ/IL-4 and T-bet/GATA-3 in EP patients were both less than 1.0, suggesting a reversal when compared with the other two groups. Our study indicated that the EP patients exerted a Th1/Th2 bidirectional response pattern, and the balance of Th cell subsets inclines to Th2, which might be one of the important mechanisms of EP pathogenesis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether the cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells could acquire multidrug resistance and maintain the original cytotoxic activity after multidrug resistance (mdr1) genes transfection.

METHODSCIK cells were generated from peripheral blood cultured with IFN-gamma, CD(3) monoclonal antibody, IL-2, IL-1 and transfected with a plasmid (pHamdr) containing human mdr1 gene via electroporation. RT-PCR method was used to assay mRNA expression of mdr1 gene in transfected CIK cells, flow cytometry with anti-P-gp monoclonal antibody to detect P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression on CIK cells membrane, and MTT assay to compare both the multidrug resistance to doxorubicin and colchicines and cytotoxic activity to human mammary cancer cell line MCF7 between transfected and non-transfected CIK cells.

RESULTSmdr1 expression was detected in the transfected CIK cells. There was a strong expression of P-gp on the transfected CIK cells and the percentages of P-gp positive cells were 21% - 37% (average 27%). The IC(50) of transfected CIK cells to doxorubicin was 22.3 - 45.8 times and 6.7 - 11.35 times to colchicines of those of non-transfected CIK cells. The cytotoxic activity to MCF7 remained unchanged (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIt demonstrated that CIK cells transfected with mdr1 gene via electroporation could express multidrug resistance successfully without changes of cytotoxic activity.

ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; pharmacology ; CD3 Complex ; immunology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; immunology ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Colchicine ; pharmacology ; Cytokines ; pharmacology ; Cytotoxicity, Immunologic ; immunology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Doxorubicin ; pharmacology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Interferon-gamma ; pharmacology ; Interleukin-1 ; pharmacology ; Interleukin-2 ; pharmacology ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; drug effects ; immunology ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical results between minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar(mini-TLIF) and posterior open surgery in treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis.MethodsFrom March 2008 to August 2010,a total of 49 cases with lumbar spondylolisthesis underwent surgical intervention were retrospectively analyzed,including 23 cases with mini-TLIF and 26 with open surgery.Operation time,intra-operative bleeding,and radiation exposure times were recorded.Pre- and postoperative back pain was assessed by visual analogue scale(VAS),and lumbar function was evaluated by Oswestry disability index (ODI).The clinical results were assessed by Macnab criterion,and the pre and postoperative radiologic parameters were compared.ResultsThe mean follow-up time was 11 months(ranged,9-22).Both groups got good clinical results and satisfactory radiologic parameters.The group of mini-TLIF was superior to the group of open surgery in intra-operative bleeding,VAS of the second day postoperatively and the willingness of reoperation(P＜0.05).The ODI in the patients with open surgery were decreased from 31.2％±8.2％ to 16.1％±6.8％ corresponding to the pre-oporation and the final follow-up.The ODI in the patients with mini-TLIF were decreased from 34.4％±11.7％ to 15.3％±4.3％ corresponding to the pre-operation and the final follow-up.There is no significant difference of the change of ODI between two groups (t=0.673,P=0.412).The group of mini-TLIF need more operation time and were exposed to more X-ray when compared to the open surgery group(P＜0.05).ConclusionMini-TLIF and open surgery can both get satisfactory clinical outcomes in treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis.Mini-TLIF was superior to open surgery in intra-operative bleeding and VAS of the second day postoperatively,but it needs more operation time and radiation exposure.

OBJECTIVETo estimate the current prevalence, awareness and treatment status of hypercholesterolemia among inpatients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in China.

METHODSSixty-four hospitals across China, including 32 secondary hospitals and 32 tertiary hospitals were selected for baseline survey. Fifty inpatients diagnosed with ACS were recruited consecutively in each participated hospitals. Retrospective information for 2751 patients were collected, and the prevalence, awareness, and treatment status of hypercholesterolemia among the patients were analyzed.

RESULTS(1) Mean age of the patients was 65 +/- 11. Sixty-nine percent of the patients were males and 31.2% were females. Among them, 39.4% were diagnosed as ST-segment elevation MI, 8.8% as non-ST-segment elevation MI and 51.8% as unstable angina. Twenty-seven percent of them had previous ACS history. (2) Hypercholesterolemia was found in 19.6% ACS patients. Among 7 geographic districts (north China, east China, south China, middle China, northeast, northwest and southwest), the prevalence rate of hypercholesterolemia was highest (24.7%) in east China and lowest (10.0%) in middle China. Significant difference was observed among these areas. (3) Awareness rate of hypercholesterolemia was 12.2% among patients with hypercholesterolemia, with significant difference among various areas. Treatment rate was 66.7% among patients with known hypercholesterolemia, with the highest (83.3%) seen in south China and lowest (0%) in southwest area. (4) The prevalence, awareness rate and treatment rate of hypercholesterolemia were higher in recurrent ACS patients than in those without ACS history.

CONCLUSIONSNearly 20% ACS inpatients have hypercholesterolemia.It is essential to pay more attention on the treatment of hypercholesterolemia for the purpose of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Acute Coronary Syndrome ; complications ; epidemiology ; Aged ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Hypercholesterolemia ; complications ; epidemiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence

OBJECTIVETo establish and evaluate a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associated with depression for further elaborating the disease.

METHODSTwenty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal group (group N), T2DM group (group T) and T2DM with depression group (group T + D), with 8 rats in each group. The T2DM rat model was induced by high fat diet and low dose of Streptozotocin (STZ) injection, and in addition, the T2DM rats were made restraint stress for 21 days. After the model was established, the insulin tolerance test (ITT) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed. Then the rat depression level was analyzed by open field test, and the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA)was determined by ELISA to confirm the model identity.

RESULTSThe blood glucose level in group T and group T + D didn't return to the normal level at 180 minutes in the ITT and OGTT test; Compared with the group N, the max movement distance, retaining time in the central zone and the retaining frequency within 5 minutes in the group T + D decreased; 5-HT and DA level in the serum of rats in. group T + D was reduced.

CONCLUSIONA rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with depression has been successfully established by high fat diet and injection of low dose streptozotocin in combination with restraint stress for 21 days. This rat model is useful for further relevant studies.

Animals ; Depression ; complications ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; complications ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Diet, High-Fat ; Glucose Tolerance Test ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Restraint, Physical ; Serotonin ; Streptozocin ; Stress, Psychological

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Puerarin Injection on the hemorheology in acute blood-stasis model rats.

METHODThe acute blood-stasis model rats were made by being soaked in ice water afer being injected adrenaline hydrochloride injection in a major dose. The changes of viscosity of whole blood and plasma, blood yield stress, erythrocyte aggregation and the maximum rate of platelet aggregation in the acute blood-stasis model rats were measured with Auto-Viscometer, and then the influence of Puerarin Injection on the hemorheology in the model rats was investigated.

RESULTThe viscosity of whole blood and plasma, and blood yield stress in the acute blood-stasis model rats were significantly higher than those in the normal control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Both the high dose and the low dose of Puerarin Injection could reduce the viscosity of whole blood and plasma, blood yield stress and the maximum rate of platelet aggregation in the acute blood-stasis model rats (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The high dose could also reduce the erythrocyte aggregation and the deformed Index of red blood cell (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPuerarin Injection can ameliorate the hemorheology in acute blood-stasis model rats, and it has a dose-response relationship.

Animals ; Blood Coagulation Disorders ; blood ; Blood Viscosity ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Erythrocyte Aggregation ; drug effects ; Erythrocyte Deformability ; drug effects ; Female ; Hemorheology ; drug effects ; Injections ; Isoflavones ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Male ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Platelet Aggregation ; drug effects ; Pueraria ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo study the multi-row detector CT angiography (MDCTA) for preoperative evaluation of nourished vessels of flaps.

METHODSPreoperative MDCTA was performed to obtain the anatomic information about the nourished vessels of flaps, including ceassel course, localization, diameter and number of perforator artery. Then the flaps were designed according to the MDCTA results. The postoperative results were observed.

RESULTSFrom Aug 2006 to Aug 2007, 24 flaps (in 16 cases) were performed, including 10 flaps with deep inferior epigastric artery, 4 flaps with descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, and 10 flaps with thoracodorsal artery. The primary preoperative flap design was chaged according to the MDCTA results in 3 flaps. The distribution of the nourished vessels of flaps were exactly the same as the results of MDCTA. All the flaps were survived with satisfactory results.

CONCLUSIONSMDCTA is a convenient and reliable technique for preoperative detection of nourished vessels of flaps. The MDCTA results can provide right and direct anatomic information for preoperative flap design to make sure the safety and good results of surgery.

Adult ; Angiography ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of mild hypothermia on cerebral oxygen partial pressure, carbon dioxide partial pressure, pH and body temperature (PbrO2, PbrCO2, pHbr and BT) in patients with acute severe head injury.

METHODSThirty-eight patients with acute severe head injury were treated with mild hypothermia, meantime PbrO2, PbrCO2, pHbr and BT were monitored in order to study the changes of PbrO2, PbrCO2, pHbr and BT.

RESULTSIn patients with acute head injury, mild hypothermia obviously increased PbrO2, decreased PbrCO2 and CO2 accumulation and acidosis in brain tissue. BT was 1-1.5 deg. higher than rectal temperature (RT) after injury. The BT and RT were decreased when the patients were treated with mild hypothermia, but at the same time the difference between BT and RT was increased.

CONCLUSIONSIn patients with acute severe head injury the direct monitoring of PbrO2, PbrCO2, pHbr and BT was safe and reliable, and is helpful in estimating prognosis and mild hypothermia therapy.

Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Body Temperature ; physiology ; Brain Injuries ; diagnosis ; mortality ; therapy ; Carbon Dioxide ; blood ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Hypothermia, Induced ; Injury Severity Score ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Monitoring, Physiologic ; methods ; Oxygen ; blood ; Probability ; Risk Assessment ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome