Objective:To observe the effects of moxibustion on serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and to explore the effects of moxibustion on inflammatory damaging factors in experimental rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model rats; the relationship between the therapeutic effect of moxibustion on RA and the change in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway was analyzed using Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antagonists and agonists. Methods:Fifty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group, a moxibustion plus TLR4 agonist group (agonist group) and a moxibustion plus TLR4 antagonist group (antagonist group) according to the random number table, with 10 rats in each group. Except the normal group, rats in the other four groups were subjected to model preparation with the wind, cold and wet environmental factors plus Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Rats in the normal and model groups were not treated; rats in the moxibustion, agonist and antagonist groups started to be treated with the moxibustion (cigarette-type moxa) at bilateral Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) from the 4th day after the successful modeling, for 20 min each time with a total of 10 d. Rats in the agonist and the antagonist groups were injected with TLR4 agonist or antagonist [0.1 mg/(kg·bw)] via the tail vein 30 min before moxibustion. The concentrations of serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results:Compared with the normal group, in the model group, the rat's right hind paw swelling was significantly obvious (P<0.01), there was a lot of inflammatory infiltration in the synovial tissues, the surface of the synovial membrane was unsmooth, the synovial membrane was hyperplasia and thicker, and the serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the paw swelling degrees of the rats in the moxibustion, the agonist and the antagonist groups reduced significantly (allP<0.01); the swelling degree in the antagonist group was milder than that in the agonist group, but the between-group difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05); inflammatory infiltration and synovial membrane hyperplasia in the synovial tissues of the moxibustion group and the antagonist group were all relieved differently; the decrease of synovial layer number in the moxibustion group was more obvious, and there were no obvious improvements in inflammatory infiltration and synovial thickness in the agonist group; the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in the moxibustion group were decreased, and the differences in the IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were statistically significant (allP<0.01); there was no significant between-group difference in the IL-8 concentration (P>0.05); the concentrations of serum IL-8 and TNF-α in the agonist group increased significantly (both P<0.01), while the IL-6 concentration decreased without significant difference (P>0.05); the concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 in the antagonist group decreased but the between-group differences were statistically insignificant (bothP>0.05), and the TNF-α concentration significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the moxibustion group, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations increased in the agonist group, and the differences in the IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations were statistically significant (both P<0.01); the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α increased in the antagonist group, and the differences in the IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were statistically significant (bothP<0.01); there was no significant difference in the IL-8 concentration between the groups (P>0.05). The serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in the antagonist group were lower than those in the agonist group (allP<0.05). Conclusion:Moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) can reduce the joint swelling degree and inflammation in synovial tissue of RA model rats, decrease the serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in RA model rats; the decreases of IL-6 and TNF-α are more significant than the decrease of IL-8; TLR4 agonist and antagonist can significantly attenuate the effect of moxibustion in inhibiting releases of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α, so that the change in TLR signaling pathway affects the effect of moxibustion in inhibiting the releases of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α.

The chemical constituents of Taxus chinensis var. mairei cell cultures were investigated by chromatographic methods, including silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 and preparative HPLC. Thirteen compounds were isolated from the 80% ethanol extract of cultured cells and their structures were elucidated by spectral data and physicochemical properties, which were identified as 2α,4α,7β,9α,10β-pentaacetoxy-14β-hydroxytax-11-ene (1), 2α,4α,7β,9α,10β-pentaacetoxytax-11-ene (2), 1β-deoxybaccatin VI (3), 2α-acetoxytaxusin (4), taxuyunnanine C (5), yunnanxane (6), 2α,5α,10β-triacetoxy-14β-propionyloxy-4 (20), 11-taxadiene (7), 2α,5α,10β-triacetoxy-14β-isobutyryloxy-4 (20), 11-taxadiene (8), 2α,5α,10β-triacetoxy-14β-(2'-methyl)butyryloxy-4 (20), 11-taxadiene (9), 13-dehydroxylbaccatin III (10), 13-dehydroxy-10-deacetylbaccatin III (11), paclitaxel (12) and (13) β-sitosterol. Among them, compound 1 is a new compound, and compounds 2, 4, 10 and 11 are isolated from the cell culture of Taxus chinensis var. mairei for the first time.
Alkenes ; analysis ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cells, Cultured ; Diterpenes ; analysis ; Molecular Structure ; Paclitaxel ; analysis ; Sitosterols ; analysis ; Taxoids ; analysis ; Taxus ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo investigate effects of short-term sulfur dioxide inhalation to the liver.

METHODSHaematoxylin and eosin staining (HE) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the pathologic changes in mice liver after sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) inhalation.

RESULTSExposure to 56 mg/m(3), 112 mg/m(3) 168 mg/m(3) SO(2) caused increasingly severe liver injuries, as detected by HE staining and TEM. The morphologic changes included spotty necrosis with lymphocyte, monocyte, and neutrophil infiltration, fatty degeneration of hepatocytes with dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and dissociation of ribosomes, as well as degeneration of mitochondria and karyorrhexis.

CONCLUSIONSO(2) inhalation can cause marked liver injury in experimental settings.

Administration, Inhalation ; Animals ; Hepatocytes ; drug effects ; pathology ; Liver ; drug effects ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Male ; Mice ; Microscopy, Electron ; Sulfur Dioxide ; administration & dosage ; toxicity

OBJECTIVETo characterize DNA-PKcs and Ku70 expressions in hepato- and cholangio-neoplastic tissues and the association with the degree of malignancy and invasiveness of the tumors.

METHODSThe expression of DNA-PKcs and Ku70 was examined in 47 cases of hepato- or cholangio-neoplasm by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSKu70 was expressed in all of the neoplastic tissues examined and with a little variation in levels. The highest expression was observed in adenocarcinomas and adenomas. There was no statistically significant association between Ku70 expression level and the degree of their malignancy extent or invasiveness. In contrast to Ku 70, a wide variation in expression levels of DNA-Pkcs was observed among different types of neoplastic tissues. The highest ratio of positive expressing cells was detected in hepatocellular carcinomas (92.1%), which was significantly higher than that in cholangioadeno carcinomas (65.3%) and biliary cystadenocarcinomas (51.9%). Low or no expression level was detected in papillary adenoma cases. DNA-PKcs expression of invasive adenomas and adeno-carcinomas (61.2%) was significantly higher than that of non-invasive adenomas and adeno-carcinomas (30.4%). There was no expression observed in the normal tissues adjacent to the tumors.

CONCLUSIONDNA-PKcs is expressed in hepato- and cholangio-neoplasms and its variable level of expression is associated with the types of the tumor and their degree of malignancy and invasiveness. DNA-PKcs could be recognized as a new biomarker for liver neoplasm.

Adenocarcinoma ; enzymology ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antigens, Nuclear ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Bile Duct Neoplasms ; enzymology ; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic ; enzymology ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; enzymology ; DNA-Activated Protein Kinase ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Ku Autoantigen ; Liver Neoplasms ; enzymology ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo investigate the proper anticoagulation intensity in patients after mechanical heart valve replacement in china.

METHODSThe anticoagulation therapy intensity and the complications in 480 patients after mechanical heart valve replacement were studied.

RESULTSThe follow-up rate was 89.17%, the total patient-years (Pty) was 2,110.04 years, the mean oral import warfarin dosage was (2.81 +/- 0.95) mg/day, and native warfarin dosage (2.38 +/- 0.46) mg/day. The mean PTR value of 2 116 samples was 1.43 +/- 0.26, and the INR value of 1 195 samples was 1.63 +/- 0.49. The total hemorrhage rate was 4.60% Pty, and the hemorrhage death rate was 0.38% Pty. The PTR and INR values were higher in the hemorrhage group than in the no-hemorrhage group. (t = 1.816, P < 0.05; t = 2.407, P < 0.01). The thromboembolism rate was 0.66% Pty, and the thromboembolism death rate was 0.05% Pty. There were 15 pregnancies in 14 women patients and no malformed newborns were found.

CONCLUSIONSThe most important complication of anticoagulation therapy after mechanical heart valve replacement is hemorrhage in china; The proper anticoagulation intensities of this group are INR 1.5-2.0 and PTR 1.3-1.5. It is beneficial to adopt the low intensity anticoagulation therapy for decreasing the death rate from hemorrhage, protecting pregnant women and newborns from hemorrhage and malformation, and improving the life qualities of the patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Anticoagulants ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; adverse effects ; methods ; Hemorrhage ; chemically induced ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Care ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Pregnancy ; Thromboembolism ; chemically induced ; prevention & control ; Warfarin ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo determine the serotype and genotype of a sample with ABO blood group discrepancies.

METHODSSerotype was determined with serological method. Sequence specific primer polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) was carried out based on the serotype. Sequences of exons 6 and 7 of ABO gene was analyzed by sequence-based testing (SBT).

RESULTSCompletely agglutinated A antigen, half agglutinated B antigen and weak agglutinated anti-B antibody were detected in both erythrocytes and serum, which suggested presence of a ABw serotype. An A/Bw12 genotype was revealed by B subgroup detection. Sequences of exons 6 and 7 were 278CT, 297GA and 467CT, 526CG, 657CT, 703GA, 796CA, 803GC, 930GA, respectively. The genotype fit with A102/B101 except for a nt278 C>T mutation. Blood group antigen gene mutation database (BGMUT) search has confirmed the mutant allele to be Bw12.

CONCLUSIONAn A102/Bw12 genotype has been found in the Chinese population.

ABO Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Blood Group Antigens ; genetics ; Blood Grouping and Crossmatching ; methods ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation

OBJECTIVETo study the chemical constituents from the roots of Cudrania cochinchinensis.

METHODThe chemical constituents of C. cochinchinensis were isolated and purified by silica gel, polyamide column chromatography, Their structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic data.

RESULTSix compounds were isolated and identified. Their structures were established as 3, 5, 7, 4"-tetrahydroxyflavanone-7-O-(6"-acetyl)-glucoside (1), 3, 5, 7, 4'-tetra hydroxyflavanone-7-O-glucoside (2), 2', 4', 5, 7-tetrahydroxy-6-prenyldihydroflavanone (3), 5, 7, 4'-trihysdroxy-6-prenylisoflavanone (4), 1, 3, 5, 6-tetrahydroxyxanthone (5), stilbene-2, 4, 3', 5'-tetraol (6).

CONCLUSIONCompound 1 was isolated from this genus, while compounds 4 and 5 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Flavanones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Glucosides ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Moraceae ; chemistry ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Xanthones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of electromagnetic radiation on the physiological indices and immune function of operators.

METHODSThe general conditions and electromagnetic radiation awareness rate of 205 operators under electromagnetic radiation were evaluated using a self-designed questionnaire. Physical examination, electrocardiography, and routine urine test were performed in these operators. Peripheral blood was collected from the operators under electromagnetic radiation for blood cell counting and biochemical testing, and their peripheral blood lymphocytes were cultured for determination of chromosomal aberrant frequency and micronucleus frequency. The data from these operators (exposure group) were compared with those of 95 ordinary individuals (control group).

RESULTSThe chief complaint of giddiness, tiredness, dizziness, and amnesia showed significant differences between the exposure group and control group (P < 0.01), and the difference in headache became larger with an increase in working years. The awareness rate of electromagnetic radiation damage was significantly higher in the exposure group than in the control group. The difference in bradycardia was significant between the two groups (P <0.01), and the incidence was higher with longer working years. Significant differences between the two groups were also found in the numbers of individuals with elevated alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin (P < 0.01), populations with increased lymphocyte ratio and decreased neutrophil ratio (P < 0.01), populations with positive occult blood, urobilinogen, and bilirubin tests, and the number of individuals with increased micronucleus frequency of cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes (P < 0.01). In addition, the exposure group had significantly increased complement C3 and C4 (P < 0.01), significantly increased IgG (P < 0.05), and significantly decreased IgM (P < 0.01), as compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONElectromagnetic radiation may lead to the changes in physiological indices, genetic effects, and immune function and affect the health and immune function in operators. The adverse effects are increased as the working years increase. So it is important to strengthen occupational protection of operators under electromagnetic radiation.

Adult ; Chromosome Aberrations ; radiation effects ; Electromagnetic Radiation ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; radiation effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the internal fixation of sternum with titanium plate for the treatment of sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery.

METHODSA retrospective study of 26 patients from Jan 2009 to Dec 2011 was carried out. All the 26 cases with sternal wounds infection after cardiac surgery, were treated by internal fixation with titanium plates.

RESULTSAll the patients had chronic infection, lasting for more than 3 months. 3 patients received vacuum-assisted closure treatment after complete debridement. All the wounds were covered with pectoral major muscle flap. All the wounds healed completely with no recurrence of infection.

CONCLUSIONSInternal fixation of sternum with titanium plate can increase the stability. It helps to improve the treatment efficacy of sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Plates ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Surgical Wound Infection ; surgery ; Thoracic Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; Thoracic Wall ; surgery ; Titanium

OBJECTIVETo explore the characteristics of morphology, immunophenotype and cytogenetics (MIC) of myeloid surface antigen-expressing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (My+ ALL).

METHODSOne hundred and twenty untreated acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients were diagnosed by standard bone marrow smear morphologic analysis and peroxidase staining. Flow cytometry and myeloid monoclonal antibodies (McAb) were used to analyze immunophenotype. Chromosome karyotypes were analyzed by R-band technique.

RESULTSOf 120 cases, 66 (55%) were My+ ALL, including 50 cases of My+ B-ALL (56.8% of B-ALL ), 14 cases of My T-ALL (50% of T-ALL) and 2 cases of My+ T and B-ALL (50% of T and BALL). Of 66 My+ ALL, 10 cases (15.1%) were misdiagnosed as acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL), the other 54 My- ALL cases were correctly diagnosed. The inconsistent rate between morphological and immunophenotype classifications was higher in My+ ALL than in My- ALL , and there were more atypical morphology cases in My+ ALL than in My- ALL (P < 0.01). In My+ ALL cases 95.5% expressed CD13, 81.8% CD33, 77.3% CD13 and CD33 simultaneously, and 1.5% CD117, but none CD14, CD15 and MPO. CD34 expression rate in My+ ALL cases was significantly higher than that in My- ALL (P < 0.01 ). Cytogenetic abnormalities rates in My+ ALL and My- ALL were 72.3% and 66.7% (P > 0.05) respectively. t(9;22) and t(9;22) plus other cytogenetic abnormalities were detected more frequently in My+ LL cases than in My- B-ALL (P < 0. 01), and not in My+ T-ALL and My- T-ALL cases. The complete remission (CR) rates was 83.9% in My+ ALL and 79% in My- ALL(P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMy+ ALL had a specific characteristics in morphology, immunophenotype and cytogenetics. Some cases have a myeloid morphologic appearance and might be misdiagnosed as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). My+ ALL have a higher CD34 expression rate than My- ALL. t(9;22) abnormality was more frequently observed in My B-ALL than in My- B-ALL. There was no significant difference in CR rate between My+ ALL and My- ALL.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Immunophenotyping ; Karyotyping ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; classification ; genetics ; immunology