OBJECTIVETo observe the short-term and long-term efficacies on primary dysmenorrhea treated with staging acupoint embedment therapy.

METHODSSeventy cases of primary dysmenorrhea were randomized into an embedment therapy group and a fenbid group, 35 cases in each one. In the embedment therapy group, the embedment therapy was applied twice during the menstrual cycle, one treatment 3 days before menstruation and one treatment during the 12th-14th days of menstruation, respectively. Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Diji (SP 8) and Ciliao (BL 32) were the main acupoints in the treatment 3 days before menstruation. Shenshu (BL 23), Ganshu (BL 18) and Pishu (BL 20) were the main acupoints in the treatment during menstruation. In the fenbid group, fenbid was prescribed for oral administration, 0.3 g each time, twice a day, starting 3 days before menstruation till pain was relieved. The treatment of one menstrual cycle was one session. The continuous treatment of 3 menstrual cycles was required. The short-term and long-term efficacies were evaluated at the end of the 3rd cycle and in 3 months after the treatment terminal. The dysmenorrhea score was used to evaluate the efficacy. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and SF-36 were for the assessment of pain degree and life quality.

RESULTS(1) The total effective rate was 91.4% (32/35) in the embedment therapy group after the 3 menstrual cycles, which was better than 74.3% (26/35) in the fenbid group (P < 0.01). In the follow-up stage, the total effective rate was 91.4% (32/35) in the embedment therapy group, which was better than 40.0% (14/35) in the fenbid group (P < 0.01). (2) The differences were not significant in dysmenorrhea score and VAS score after the 1st and 2nd menstrual cycle treatments between the two groups (all P > 0.05). In the 3rd menstrual cycle and the follow-up stage, the dysmenorrhea score and VAS score were reduced obviously in the embedment therapy group as compared with those in the fenbid group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The rebound effect occurred in the follow-up stage in the fenbid group. (3) In the 3rd menstrual cycle and the follow-up stage, the improvement in the total score of life quality of the embedment therapy group was superior apparently to the fenbid group (P < 0.05, P < 0. 01).

CONCLUSIONThe staging acupoint embedment therapy achieves the superior short-term and long-term efficacies as compared with the oral administration of fenbid in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. As the symptoms of dysmenorrhea and pain are relieved, the life quality is improved.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; instrumentation ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Catgut ; utilization ; Dysmenorrhea ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Pain Measurement ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate ultrasonographic features of primary and metastatic ovarian yolk sac tumors.Methods Ultrasonographic features of 19 primary lesions and 33 metastatic lesions in 35 patients were retrospectively analyzed.Results Primary tumors were sized (14.6±3.6)cm in maximum diameter,manifesting as cysti-solid masses.Solid components of primary tumors were mainly hypoechoic or isoechoic(16/19)with rich blood supplies.Thirty-three metastatic lesions were located in pelvoceliac cavity(26/33) and liver parenchyma(7/33),sized (9.4±4.5)cm,(9.2±4.9)cm and (5.6±1.6)cm in maximum diameter respectively.Metastatic lesions in pelvoceliac lesions mainly demonstrated as hypoechoic masses(21/26), however lesions in the liver were mainly hyperechoic(5/7).Anechoic regions could be found in 9/26 of the pelvoceliac lesions.Blood supply was found less rich in metastatic masses than that in primary ones.Elevated serum level of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) was observed in all patients; ranging from 217 to 211 682 μg/L.Conclusions Primary and metastatic lesions of ovarian yolk sac tumor have obvious ultrasonographic characteristics.Combined with serum AFP level,the accuracy of diagnosis could be improved.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Zhibai Dihuang Decoction (ZDD) on mRNA and protein expressions of transient receptor potential family vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential family vanilloid subtype 5 (TRPV5) in Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU)-infected rat semens and spermatogenic cells, and to explore the pathomechanism of UU-infected infertility and the intervention of ZDD.

METHODSTotally 45 were randomly selected from 60 4-5 months old SD rats. UU testicular infected animal models were set up after bladder inoculation of UU suspension. The remaining 15 rats were simultaneously injected with normal saline as a normal control group. After a successful modeling, UU infected model rats were randomly divided into the model group, the azithromycin group, and the ZDD group, 15 in each group. Rats in the ZDD group were administered with ZDD at the daily dose of 1 g/kg by gastrogavage. Rats in the azithromycin group were administered with azithromycin suspension at the daily dose of 0. 105 mg/kg by gastrogavage. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to rats in the normal control group and the model group. All medication was performed once daily for 21 successive days. Testes and epididymis were extracted after rats were killed and UU positive rates were compared among all groups. Sperm cells were separated using a mechanical separation technique. Sperm motility parameters were detected using color sperm motion detection system. mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 in spermatogenic cells were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot.

RESULTSThe UU positive rate was obviously higher in the model group than in the normal control group [(86.7% (13/15 cases) vs. 0] P < 0.05). It was lower in the ZDD group [33.3% (5/15 cases)] and the azithromycin group [26.7% (4/15 cases)] than in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, class A and B sperms were reduced, the linear velocity and the average velocity were significantly lowered, mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 in spermated genic cells significantly decreased in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, class A and B sperms were increased, linear and curve velocities and the average velocity were significantly elevated, mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 significantly increased in the ZDD group and the azithromycin group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with azithromycin group, class A and B sperms were increased, the linear velocity and the average velocity were significantly elevated, mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 significantly increased in the ZDD group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONZDD could fight against UU infection and elevate semen quality, which might be associated with up-regulating mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 in spermatogenic cells.

Animals ; Calcium Channels ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Infertility ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa ; TRPV Cation Channels ; metabolism ; Testis ; Ureaplasma Infections ; Ureaplasma urealyticum

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of herbal ion application and penetration therapy applied in the dog days, or in both of the dog days and coldest days for the treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) in children. Methods This intervention was designed as a multi-center, randomized, single-blind, repeated-measurement design. A total of 240 RRTI children were randomly divided into Sanfu group (N=120, herbal ion application and penetration therapy applied in the dog days) and Fujiu group (N=120, herbal ion application and penetration therapy applied in both of the dog days and coldest days). Each group was treated for one year and then was followed up for one year. Before and after the treatment, we observed the frequency of respiratory tract infection, the period of onset, signs and symptoms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and detected the salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) at different time points. Results (1) The therapeutic effect of Fujiu group was better than that of Sanfu group, and the difference was significant (P<0.05). (2) The frequency of respiratory tract infection was reduced, the period of onset was shortened, and TCM signs and symptoms were improved in both groups, and the effect of Fujiu group was superior to that of Sanfu group (P<0.05). (3) Salivary sIgA showed a continuous upward trend in Fujiu group while a mild downward trend in Sanfu group at different time points (P<0.05). Conclusion Herbal ion application and penetration therapy applied in both of the dog days and coldest days shows better effect for the treatment of children RRTI than that applied only in the dog days.

Objective To evaluate the significance of standardized ultrasound examination of fetal structures in the ifrst trimester (11-13+6 weeks). Methods The ultrasound data of 29 858 fetuses who underwent the ifrst trimester screening were analyzed retrospectively in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2010 to December 2012 and followed up the cases with structural abnormalities and increased nuchal translucency (NT). Results Among 29 858 fetuses, 328 structural defects were detected in 284 fetuses (0.95%) by ultrasound in the first trimester, including fetal hydrops (124 cases), choroid plexus cysts (36 cases), exencephaly (32 cases), gastroschisis (24 cases), exomphalos (22 cases), cardiac defects (19 cases), megacystis (14 cases), spine abnormalities (10 cases), meningoceles/encephaloceles (9 cases), alobar holoprosencephaly (8 cases), hydrocephaly (7 cases), abnormalities of extremities (7 cases), acrania (6 cases), amniotic band syndrome (4 cases), abdominal cyst (3 cases) and conjoined twins (3 cases). Pregnancy was terminated in all cases (115) with exencephaly, gastroschisis, exomphalos, meningoceles/encephaloceles, alobar holoprosencephaly, hydrocephaly,abnormalities of extremities, acrania, amniotic band syndrome and conjoined twins, and the defects were verified by the gross appearance of fetuses. Two cases of megacystis were turned out to be normal during follow-up while 1 case was proved to be aneuploid and 1 other case progressed to multiple abnormalities during the second trimester. Most choroid plexus cysts, except 1 case of aneuploid, were normal during the second and the third trimester follow-ups by ultrasound. Thirteen cases of fetal hydrops were found to be aneuploids and 4 hydrops cases were proved to be complicated with other structural defects during the second and the third trimester. NT was increased in 422 cases (1.41%), among which 122 cases (28.91%) were complicated with structural defects and/or fetal hydrops. Ninty-nine cases with increased NT underwent chromosomal examination and 38 cases were found to be aneuploides. During the follow-up of 298 cases with increased NT who continued pregnancy, 21 structural abnormalities were found, including cardiac defects (14 cases), neural abnormalities (4 cases) and diaphragmatic hernia (3 cases). Conclusion The standardized fetal ultrasound in the first trimester is a effective tool for the screening of aneupolides and major structural abnormalities.

Over the past three decades, more and more antisense drugs have been approved for marketing or clinical trails. Antisense technology has become the focus of pharmaceutical research due to its unique advantages in treating diseases and strong clinical development potential. There is a big difference from traditional small molecule chemical drugs, and macromolecular protein biological drugs. Antisense drugs are a very independent drug form. Antisense drugs were initially used to treat diseases with single gene mutations, but recently they have gradually begun to be used for the treatment of common diseases. Rational antisense drug design is crucial for disease treatment based on genetics. This paper reviews the latest progress in the field of action mechanism, chemical modification and delivery strategy of antisense drugs, and analyzes the current intractable problems. It is believed that with the resolution of these problems, the research of antisense drugs can reach a new level.

Objective To investigate the effects of different standard cross sections and angles on the measurement accuracy of induced postnatal fetal long bones. Methods Fetal long bones (femori and humeri) in 30 cases with induced abortion were measured utilizing ultrasound from different angles and /or at different directions. The values measured from different sections and angles with vernier calipers were compared prenatally and postnatally. Results There was no apparent difference between the pre-induced abortion and those of the post-induced abortion. The results in the 30 cases showed that: (1) the values measured from anterior 90 degree, the long bone length would best match with the bare long bone length up to 96.7%, the match rate of other angles and/or directions was up to 80%; (2) no apparent statistical difference was between the length of left and right bone and no difference was found using 4 different directions and 3 different angles; (3)there was no difference between the left and right femuri and humeri.Conclusions Though the measured value from anterior 90 degree direction was the most accurate one, the statistical analtical results showed no difference among 12 values measured from 3 different angles and/or 4 different directions.

Aim To design and synthesize of a new rhein derivative 1 , 8-diacetyl rhein ( 2-bromo )-ethyl ester ( rhein derivatives B ) and explore its effect on os-teosarcoma MG-63 cells and the related mechanism . Methods 1 , 8-diacetyl rhein ( 2-bromo )-ethyl ester was synthesized from rhein and its structure was identi-fied by UV, IR and NMR spectra .The purity of the synthetic product was determined by HPLC .The in vitro anti-proliferative activity of rhein and the synthetic product on osteosarcoma MG-63 cells were determined by MTT assay .Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were detected by flow cytometry .Results The molec-ular structure of 1 , 8-diacetyl rhein ( 2-bromo )-ethyl ester was confirmed by UV , IR, 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR, and the purity was higher than 98％.The IC50 values of rhein and rhein derivatives B on osteosarcoma MG-63 cells were 110.60μmol· L-1 and 25.78μmol · L-1 , respectively .The Results of flow cytometry showed that the apoptotic rates of rhein and rhein de-rivatives B at the concentration of 80 μmol· L-1 were (6.87 ±0.53)％and (48.84 ±2.20)％, respective-ly, and the cell cycle was mainly arrested in S phase on MG-63 cells.Conclusions The anti-tumor activity of 1,8-diacetyl rhein-(2-bromo)-ethyl ester is superior to that of rhein in vitro, and the mechanisms may be associated with blocking the process of cell cycle of os-teosarcoma MG-63 cells and initiating apoptosis .

Objective To diagnose Kennedy's disease (KD) via molecular analysis of the androgen receptor gene with suspected KD.Methods Two patients with suspected KD were reported.We analyzed their clinical features and investigated the number of CAG repeats in the androgen receptor genes. Results Both of the patients were characterized by slow progression of predominant proximal and bulbar muscle weakness.Patient 2 had oligospermatism.Serum creatine kinase and triglyceride levels were found markedly increased.The exact number of CAG was 52 in patient 1 and 48 in patient 2,respectively.These 2 patients were finally diagnosed as Kennedy's disease through the analysis of androgen receptor gene by PCR and direct sequencing.Conclusions The method of molecular analysis for KD had been copied in China.The clinical and molecular biological features of 2 Chinese patients with KD had been discussed.KD is a neurodegenerative disorder by proximal limb muscular atrophy and weakness with lower motor neuron signs,bulbar involvement.Dyscrinism and metabolic abnormalities may also be observed.Gene analysis is the unique and reliable methods to diagnose KD.

OBJECTIVETo study the correlation between hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) expression as well as fibrosis staging in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pericarcinomatous tissues.

METHODSThe patterns of HBsAg and HCV in 100 cases of HCC and their surrounding liver tissues were studied on paraffin-embeded sections with immunohistochemistry technique, and liver tissues were also staged.

RESULTSHBV, HCV virus infection were positively correlated with the fibrotic staging (r(s) = 0.32, P = 0.001). HBsAg and HCV were detected both in HCC and pericarcinomatous tissues. The positive rate of HBsAg in Pericarcinomatous Tissues (79%) was higher than that of in HCC tissues (23%). HCV expressions in HCC (15%) and pericarcinomatous tissues (23%) showed no significant differences.

CONCLUSIONThe fibrotic degree in the tissues of liver cancer with previous virus infection was obviously higher than that without virus infection. Viral infection seemed to be one of the reasons causing liver cancer while perennial virusemia would aggravate pathological changes of the liver tissue.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; pathology ; virology ; Hepacivirus ; isolation & purification ; Hepatitis B ; complications ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; isolation & purification ; Hepatitis B virus ; isolation & purification ; Hepatitis C ; complications ; Hepatitis C Antigens ; genetics ; Humans ; Liver ; pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis ; pathology ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; virology ; Precancerous Conditions ; pathology ; virology ; Risk Factors