Functional constipation (FC) is a common functional bowel disorder disease that affects life quality of a large number of people. This study aimed to explore the impact of different intensities of electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment for FC patients. Totally, 111 patients with FC meeting the Rome III criteria were randomly assigned to different intensities of EA groups (low and high intensity of EA groups) and medicine-controlled (MC) group. In EA groups, patients were treated with EA at quchi (LI11) and shangjuxu (ST37) bilaterally for 4 weeks, 5 times/week in the first 2 weeks, and 3 times/week in the last 2 weeks. In MC group, 5 mg mosapride citrate was administered orally 3 times/day for 4 weeks. Spontaneous bowel movement frequency each day was recorded using a constipation diary. Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were used to assess the patients' psychological state. Cortisol (CORT), substance P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were evaluated at baseline and at the end of 4 weeks after treatment. As compared with the baseline, there was statistically significant increase in stool frequency every week (P<0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference among the three groups. As compared with the baseline, after 4 weeks of EA therapy, the scores of SDS and serum levels of CORT were decreased significantly in low intensity of EA group (P<0.01), and the serum levels of SP and VIP were increased significantly (P<0.05); the scores of SAS and SDS and serum levels of CORT were decreased significantly in high intensity of EA group (P<0.05), and the serum levels of SP and VIP were increased significantly (P<0.05); the serum levels of CORT and VIP were increased significantly in MC group (P<0.05). As compared with MC group, after 4 weeks of treatment, the serum levels of SP were signifcicantly increased in low intensity of EA group (P<0.01). Low and high intensities of EA could increase the stool frequency, improve the FC patient's anxiety and depression, reduce the serum levels of CORT, and increase the serum levels of SP and VIP effectively. It is concluded that both low and high intensities of EA are effective for FC patients, but there is no significant difference between the low and high intensities of EA.

Polydatin is a monocrystaline compound isolated from Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. (Polygonaceae) with biological properties, such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative and nephroprotective effects. Increasing number of studies have demonstrated the protective effect of polydatin on renal ischemia reperfusion injury. However, the possible mechanisms of this protection are not fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of polydatin on ischemia-reperfusion induced expression of toll-like receptor4 (TLR4) in rat renal tubular epithelia cells (NRK-52E), and analyze the mechanism of polydatin on TLR4 signal pathway. The cultured NRK-52E cells were incubated in three gas incubators for a period of 6 h at hypoxia and 24h at reoxygenation to simulate the ischemia-reperfusion injury in vitro. TLR4 mRNA level was analyzed by real-time-PCR, and the protein expression of TLR4 and NF-κB by Western blotting, while TNF-α and IL-1β proteins expressions were detected by ELISA. Polydatin downregulated I/R induced mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, and decreased the protein expression of NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β. The TLR4 blocker partially antagonized the effect of I/R on NF-κB signaling, and such inhibitory effect was markedly enhanced by polydatin. In the present study, polydatin protects NRK-52E cells from I/R injury possibly by relieving the inflammatory response through regulation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Animals ; Cell Line ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Glucosides ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Rats ; Reperfusion Injury ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Stilbenes ; pharmacology ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the correlation of pretreatment serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen(SCCAg)with the clinico-pathological features of squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix and its significance as a prognostic factor.Methods One hundred and fourteen patients of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix(Ⅰbl-Ⅱa),who underwent pretreatment serum SCCAg evaluation and long-term follow-up after treatment were selected for this study.Clinical data were used to investigate the correlation between SCCAg and clinico-pathological features and factors that influence prognosis through univariate and multivariate analysis.Results Univariate analysis showed elevation of SCCAg(using≤1.5 mg/L as the cut-off value)was correlated with tumor size,deep stromal invasion and pelvic node metastasis (P0.05).However,between no pelvic node metastasis+elevated SCCAg cases and no pelvic node metastasis+normal SCCAg cases,there was a significant difference in DFS (71.8% vs 98.0%,P=0.003),recurrence rate(33.3% vs 9.8%,P=0.006)and local recurrence (26.5% vs 2.1%,P=0.001).Conelusions The independent prognostic factors for Ⅰ bl-Ⅱa squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix include elevated pretreatment SCCAg and pelvic node metastasis. Patients with elevated pretreatment serum SCCAg and no metastasis to pelvic lymph node(s)are at significantly elevated risk of local recurrence,and therefore need individualized treatment to improve local control and long-term survival.

OBJECTIVE:To improve the electronic prescription prior-review mode and increase the rate of qualified prescrip-tions. METHODS:The electronic prescription prior-review mode of our hospital was established by setting up outpatient and emer-gency electronic prescription review team,review evidence and enforcement measures. Aimed at these problems as low review effi-ciency at initial stage,non-unified standards and untimely feedback,quality control circle and internet tools WeChat were used to improve the mode and evaluate its effects. RESULTS:The electronic prescription prior-review mode of our hospital was improved by optimizing system settings,unifying review standard,one-to-one feedback and communication with WeChat public platform, etc. Average time of prescription prior-review had reduced from 50 s to 30.58 s;the rate of qualified prescriptions had increased from 86.77% to 95.30%;prescription review efficiency and the rate of qualified prescriptions had been improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS:The implementation and continuous improvement of electronic prescription prior-review mode can reduce the rate of unqualified prescriptions and promote rational drug use in outpatient and emergency department.

0bjective To investigate the pattern of disease relapse and prognostic risk factor of patients with cervical carcinoma and pelvic lymph node metastasis.Methotis A total of 124 cases of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetricfi(FIG0)I bl-Ⅱ a cervical carcinoma with pelvic node metastasis who were treated at the Cancer Center of Sun Yat-sen University during January 1994 to December 2001 were selected for this study.Prognosis and recurrence were retrospectively analyzed using the clinico.pathological data.Results The overall 5 year flun,ival and 5 year disease-free survival were 63.3% and 61.4%.respectively.Overall recurrence rate was 39.5%(49/124),among which intra-pelvic relapse (61.0%,25/41)was significantly more common than extra-pelvic relapse(31.7%,13/41;P=0.008).Multivariate analysis identified involvement of common iliac node as an independent prognostic factor(P=O.035).According to this factor,node-positive patients could be divided into low risk group(without common iliac node involvement,104 cases)and hiSh risk group(with common iliac node involvement,20 cases).The 5 year disease-free survival were 69.4%and 24.5%respectively,with a significant difference(P=0.003).Intra.pelvic relapse was observed in 22.1%(23/104)of low risk and 25.0% (5/20)of high risk group respectively,with no significant difference(P>0.05).However extra-pelvicrelapse wag seen in 7.7%(8/104)of low risk and 40.0%(8/20)of hish risk group,with a significant difference(P<0.01).Conclusions Common iliac node involvement is a significant factor influencing the prognosis of patients with cervical carcinoma and pelvic lymph node metastasis.Patients with positive common iliae nodes have significantly decreased 5 year disease.free survival and hishcr extra-pelvic disease recurrence rates compared with those whose common iliac nodes are negative.These findings provide impo.rtant data for design of individualized treatment mode.

Objective To investigate the potential application of targeting at vascular endothelial growh factor (VEGF) induced apoptosis in leukemic cell lines by combined use of Bevacizumab and chemotherapeutic drug. Methods Leukemic cells were treated with several drugs at different concentrations in culture. The effect of VEGF, Bevacizumab and co-treated with Ara-C on leukemic cells proliferation were evaluated by CCK-8 and apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). Results VEGF could enhance the proliferation of leukemic cells and caused a dose-dependent manner on U937 cell. It also increased the percentage of cells in S phase, tested by, and Bevacizumab group was decreased. Apoptotic rate of cells treated with Bevacizumab or co-treated with Bevacizumab and Ara-C for 48 h were significantly higher when compared with control or Ara-C group, respectively (P<0.05), but the apoptotic rate of VEGF group or VEGF and Ara-C group was lower (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in apoptotic rate between control and combined use of VEGF, Bevacizumab and Ara-C group(P>0.05). Conclusion VEGF could enhance the proliferation of some leukemic cells, and may contribute to leukemic cells survival and a resultant resistance to chemotherapy-triggered cell death. The study also showed that leukemic cells growth was significantly inhibited by Bevacizumab through directly against VEGF, and the sensitivity of leukemic cells for chemotherapeutic drug was increased.

ObjectiveTo search for the optimal treatment of hydronephrosis after spinal cord injury .Methods46 cases were treated by indwelling catheter, intermittent catheterization and drug therapy, and comprehensive therapy respectively. The course of treatment and the recurrence rate were observed after hydronephrosis remitted. Results There were no differences in the course of treatment among the three different kinds of therapy. The recurrence rate of the detrusor sphincter dyssynergia(85.7%) was higher than that of the detrusor hyperreflexia (35%) and the detrusor hyporeflexia(25%).ConclusionsThe optimal therapy on slight and moderate hydronephrosis should be intermittent catheterization and drug therapy to avoid the complications of long term indwelling catheter. SCI hydronephrosis is indistinct and recurrent easily. B ultrasound for kidneys is helpful in discovering SCI hydronephrosis on early stage. The earlier the treatment, the better the prognosis. Urodynamics plays an important role in the management of SCI hydronephrosis.

AIMBy genechip cDNA microarray, the genes expressions of Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (Scd-2) and brain fatty acid-binding protein (B-FABP) were studied in the central nervous system (CNS) of the mice to discuss the mechanism of exercise-induced fatigue.

METHODSBuilding the model of fatigued animal and using the genechip cDNA microarray, the genes expressions were analyzed between the control group and fatigue group mice.

RESULTSThe genes expression of Scd-2 and B-FABP were obvious different in the brain of fatigued group mice than of control group.

CONCLUSIONExercise-induced nerve center fatigue is correlated with genes expressions of lipid metabolism.

Animals ; Base Sequence ; Brain ; metabolism ; Fatigue ; genetics ; metabolism ; Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 7 ; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase ; genetics ; metabolism

To evaluate the immunogenicity of inactivated SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV), three groups of rabbits were immunized three times at 2-week intervals with inactivated vaccine + adjuvant, adjuvant,and normal saline respectively. Eight batchs of serum were sampled from the auricular vein at day 7 to day 51, and specific IgG antibody titers and neutralizing antibody titers were detected by indirect ELISA and micro-cytopathic effect neutralizing test. Antibody specificity was identified by proteinchip assay.Histopathological changes were detected by H&E staining. The results showed that, rabbits in the experimental group immunized with inactivated SARS-CoV all generated specific IgG antibodies with neutralizing activity, which suggested the inactivated SARS-CoV could preserve its antigenicity well and elicit an effective humoral immune responses. The peak titer value of specific IgG antibody and neutralizing antibody reached 1:40960 and 1:2560 respectively. In the experimental group, no obvious histopathological changes was detected in the H&E stained slides of heart, spleen, kidney and testis samples, but the livers had slight histopathological changes, and the lungs presented remarkable histopathological changes. These findings are of importance for SARS-CoV inactivated vaccine development.

Objective To analyze the local control rate and the desimetric patterns of local recurrence in nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)patients having been treated with standardized conventional radiotherapy and to evaluate the delineation of rational target volume.Methods From Jan.2000 to Dec.2000,476 patients with untreated NPC were treated by standardized conventional radiotherapy alone at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center.The radiation ports were designed on a X-ray simulator.The nasopharyngeal lesion demonstrated by CT scan and the subclinical spread regions adjacent to the nasopharynx were defined as the target volume.Kaplan- Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative local recurrence rate.For patients with locad recurrence,the primary and recurrent local tumor volumes(V_(nx),V_(recur))were delineated with three-dimensional treatment planning system(3DTPS),and the dataset of radiation ports and delivered prescription dose to the 3DTPS were transferred according to the first treatment.The dose of radiation received by V_(recur)was calculated and analyzed with dose- volume histogram(DVH).Local recurrence was classified as:1.“in-port”with 95% or mere of the recurrence volume((recur)_V_(95))was within the 95% isedase;2.“marginal”with 20% to95% of _(recur)V_(95)within the 95% isedese; 3.“outside”with only less than 20% of _(recur)_V_(95)within the 95% isodose curve.Results With the median follow- up of 42.5 months(range 8～54 months),52 patients developed local recurrence.The 1-,2-,3 and 4-year cumulative local failure rate was 0.6%,3.9%,8.7% and 11.5%,respectively.Among the 42 local recurrent patients who could be analyzed by 3DTPS,52% were in-port,40% were marginal and 7% were outside.For most of the marginal recurrence and all the outside recurrence patients,the main reason of recurrence were related to the unreasonable design of the radiation port and inaccuracy in the interpretation image findings.Conclusions The outcome of better local control rate and the dosimetric pattern of local recurrence show that the target volume is reasonable for NPC in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center.Enhancing the capability of correct interpretation of images,accurate design of the radiation pouts and making most useful molecular or functional imaging techniques to escalate the local radiation dose are promising ways to improve the local control further and better.