Objective To study the cellular immune function in children with kawasaki disease(KD).Methods T lymphocyte subcytes,levels of serum interleukin 2(IL-2) and soluble interleukin 2 receptor(sIL-2R) were determined by APAAP,ELISA met-hods,and a double-antibody “sandwich” enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay respectively in 60 cases.Results During the acute stage of KD,the percentage of CD4 +,the ratio of CD4 +/CD8 +,levels of IL-2 and sIL-2R increased markedly,while the percentage of CD3 + and CD8 + decreased significantly compared with the controls.These changes were more remarkable in patients subsequently developed coronary artery aneurysms than in those with normal appearing coronary artery.Conclusion Marked activation of cellular immune function and immune regulation disorders develop in acute stage of KD patients.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of magnesium sulfate, Nifedipine Tablet (NT) combined Salvia Injection (SI) on endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), thromboxane A2(TXA2), prostacyclin I2(PG2), and hemorheology of preeclampsia patients.

METHODSTotally 704 preeclampsia patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group and the control group, 352 cases in each group. All patients were treated with magnesium sulfate combined NT (on the first day: slow intravenous injection of magnesium sulfate 5 g + intravenous dripping of magnesium sulfate injection 10 g + oral administration of NT 30 mg; on the second and third day, intravenous dripping of magnesium sulfate injection 10 g + oral administration of NT 30 mg), while those in the treatment group were dripped with SI additionally at 20 mL per day for 3 consecutive days. Before and after treatment plasma levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), TXA2, PGi2, and hemorheology indicators [such as high blood viscosity (HBV), low blood viscosity (LBV), plasma viscosity (PV), erythrocyte rigidity index (ERI), fibrinogen (FIB)] of two groups were detected.

RESULTSCompared with the same group before treatment, serum levels of ET-1, TXA2, HBV, LBV, PV, ERI, and FIB decreased in the two groups after treatment (P <0. 05), but levels of NO and PG2 increased (P <0. 05). Compared with the control group in the same period, levels of ET-1, TXA2, HBV, LBV, PV, ERI, and FIB decreased in the treatment group after treatment (P <0. 05), but levels of NO and PGI2 increased (P <0. 05).

CONCLUSIONMagnesium sulfate, NT combined SI could effectively regulate the balance of ET-1/NO and TXA2/PGI2, and improve hemorheology of preeclampsia patients.

Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Endothelin-1 ; metabolism ; Epoprostenol ; metabolism ; Female ; Hemorheology ; Humans ; Injections ; Magnesium Sulfate ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Nifedipine ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Pre-Eclampsia ; drug therapy ; Pregnancy ; Salvia ; Tablets ; Thromboxane A2 ; metabolism

AIMTo study the effect of bupleurum root on epileptic seizure.

METHODSThe rabbits and rats were injected by pilocarpine as epileptic models, and observed the effect of bupleurum on the electroencephalogram (EEG) and hippocampal slice by electroencephalograph and glass microelectrode extracellularly.

RESULTSThe seizure time and duration of each major seizure of epilepsy were significantly shortened and the interval of seizure significantly prolonged (P < 0.05) after intraabdominal injection of bupleurum root. After instilling the injection of bupleurum root onto the slices could reduce the amplitude of evoked field potential in epileptic hippocampal slices remarkably, the average of fall is 20.41%, and restore in 6.86 minutes on average (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONBupleurum root can inhibit the brain electrical activities in epileptic model, it is suggest that bupleurum has the distinct effect of antiepilepsy.

Animals ; Brain ; physiopathology ; Bupleurum ; Disease Models, Animal ; Electroencephalography ; Epilepsy ; physiopathology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Rabbits ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Objective To investigate the effect of muscle pump exercise on elderly patients with esophageal carcinoma postoperative deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity.Methods 460 cases of elderly patients with esophageal cancer in admission sequence were randomly divided into the study group (230 cases)and control group (230 cases),the study group patients in routine care while taking the muscle pump motor measures,the control group only received routine care.Postoperative observation records include lower limb swelling,pain situation and postoperative deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity in the two groups.Results In the study group,lower limb swelling,pain occurs at a rate of 10.43％ was lower than 20.87％ in control group ( x2 =9.48,P ＜ 0.01 ).Deep venous thrombosis in lower extremities accounted for 2.17％ in study group and also lower than 8.26％ in the control group (x2 =8.61,P＜0.01 ).Conclusions The muscle pump motor measures is easy to master,and has opened up a new way to prevent postoperative deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity morbidity of the elderly patients with esophageal carcinoma,reduce postoperative complications,promote the postoperative rehabilitation of patients,and also has very important practical significance,is worth the clinical further promotion.

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1, T1 and susceptibility to mountain sickness.

METHODSForty-three soldiers with acute mountain sickness and 80 healthy soldiers matching with sex/age and training under the same condition were divided into case group and control group. A multiple polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes in genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood cells from both cases and controls.

RESULTSThe frequency of the GSTT1 positive genotype was significantly higher in cases (69.8%) than in controls (42.5%) (P = 0.004, OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.42 approximately 6.86). The frequency of GSTM1 negative genotype was also higher in cases (72.1%) than in controls (52.5%) (P = 0.03, OR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.05 approximately 5.02). Persons with both GSTM1 and GSTT1 negative genotypes had 5-fold more risk than those with GSTT1 negative and GSTM1 positive genotypes in developing mountain sickness (OR = 5.04, 95% CI: 1.00 approximately 25.3).

CONCLUSIONGenetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase M1, T1 may be the risk factors in the development of mountain sickness.

Acute Disease ; Adult ; Altitude Sickness ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Glutathione Transferase ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Risk Factors

Objective To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of sevelamer hydrochloride in treating maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients with hyperphosphemia.Methods A multicenter,open-labeled,self-control study was performed.Phosphate binders were discontinued during a two-week washout period.Patients with more than 1.78 mmol/L serum phosphorus after two-week washout period were eligible for the trial.The dose was adjusted every two weeks as necessary to achieve serum phosphorus control. Sevelamer hydrochloride was administered to 138 MHD patients for 10 weeks and a second two-week washout period followed.Results A total of 111 from 138 patients fulfilled the whole 14-week study. Mean serum phosphorus and calcium-phosphate products starte to decline after two-week sevelamer hydrochloride treatment. By the end of 10-week sevelamer hydrochloride treatment, mean serum level of phosphorus [(1.85±0.50) vs (2.57±0.54) mmol/L,P＜0.01],calcium-phosphate product [(4.16± 1.72) vs (5.79 ± 1.50) mmol2/L2,P＜0.01 ] and low density lipoprotein [(1.64±0.76) vs (2.31 ±0.87) mmol/L,P＜0.01] were significantly decreased,while the adjusted serum level of calcium and serum intact parathyroid hormone kept steady.Both serum phosphorus and calcium-phosphrus product increased after the second washout period, but the levels were still lower as compared to pre-treatment [(2.26±0.71) vs (2.57±0.54) mmol/L; (5.12±1.63) vs (5.79±1.50) mmol2/L2,P＜0.01].Of the 138 patients involved,214 episodes in 106 patients and 121 episodes in 89 patients were reported as adverse events and adverse drug reaction respectively. Gastrointestinal symptoms,of which most were mild or moderate,happened to 68.1％ (94/138) patients. Conclusions Sevelamer hydrochloride can control serum phosphorus and reduce the levels of calcium-phosphorus product and cholesterol.Slight gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation are common during the treatment.

OBJECTIVETo identify the optimal combination of serum tumor markers with bioinformatics in diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

METHODSThe serum levels of CEA, AFP, NSE, CA199, CA242, CA724, CA211 and TPA were detected in 128 patients with colorectal carcinoma and 113 health subjects. The serum tumor markers were evaluated with the area under curves. The optimal combination of serum tumor markers was selected and the diagnostic model with artificial neural network was established.

RESULTSCEA, CA199, CA242, CA211, CA724 were selected for the optimal combination and the artificial neural network was built. The model was evaluated by a 5-cross validation approach. The model had a specificity of 95%, sensitivity of 83% and positive predictive value of 95% in diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONThe combination of optimal serum tumor markers has a high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate ; blood ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; blood ; CA-19-9 Antigen ; blood ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; blood ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neural Networks (Computer) ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo establish a protocol for the targeting gene therapy against cancer with rich epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

METHODSA recombinant pcDNA3.1-PE III mut was constructed and combined with a non-viral vector, a fusion protein histone H1, epidermal growth factor C-loop previously expressed by us, to be a protein-DNA complex in vitro. Using the complex to treat BT-325 and Hela cancer cells with EGFR and JK cells without EGFR. The killing rates of the cells was calculated after 48 h of incubation at 37 degrees C.

RESULTSTo BT-325 and Hela cells, the killing rates were 46.03% and 48.12% respectively. To JK cells, the complex had no killing function.

CONCLUSIONThe protocol for targeting gene therapy against cancer with EGFR has been established successfully.

ADP Ribose Transferases ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Bacterial Toxins ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Base Sequence ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cells ; DNA ; genetics ; Exotoxins ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Gene Targeting ; Genetic Therapy ; Genetic Vectors ; Histones ; genetics ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Transfection ; Virulence Factors ; genetics ; pharmacology

BACKGROUNDHepatocellular carcinoma tends to present at a late clinical stage with poor prognosis. Therefore, it is urgent to explore and develop a simple, rapid diagnostic method, which has high sensitivity and specificity for hepatocellular carcinoma at an early stage. In this study, the serum proteins in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cirrhosis and in normal controls were analysed. Surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass (SELDI-TOF-MS) spectrometry was used to fingerprint serum protein using the protein chip technique and explore the value of the fingerprint, coupled with artificial neural network, to diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODSOf the 106 serum samples obtained, 52 were from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 22 from patients with liver cirrhosis and 32 from healthy volunteers. The samples were randomly assigned into a training group (n = 70, 35 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 14 with liver cirrhosis, and 21 normal controls) and a testing group (n = 36, 17 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 8 with liver cirrhosis, and 11 normal controls). An artificial neural network was trained on data from 70 individuals in the training group to develop an artificial neural network diagnostic model and this model was tested. The 36 sera in the testing group were analysed with blind prediction by using the same flowchart and procedure of data collection. The 36 serum protein spectra were clustered with the preset clustering method and the same mass/charge (M/Z) peak values as those in the training group. Matrix transfer was performed after data were output. Then the data were input into the previously built artificial neural network model to get the prediction value. The M/Z peaks of the samples with more than 2000 M/Z were normalized with biomarker wizard of ProteinChip Software version 3.1 for noise filtering. The first threshold for noise filtering was set at 5, and the second was set at 2. The 10% was the minimum threshold for clustering. The statistical analysis of the data of serum protein mass spectrum was performed in the groups (normal vs. hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver cirrhosis vs. hepatocellular carcinoma) with the t test.

RESULTSComparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and normal control: The mass spectra from 56 samples (hepatocellular carcinoma and normal controls) in the training group were analysed and 241 peaks were obtained. In addition, 21 peaks from them were used for comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and normal controls (P < 0.01). Only 2 peaks at 3015 M/Z and 5900 M/Z were selected with significant difference (P < 10 (-9)). A model was developed based on these two proteins with different M/Z. It was confirmed that this artificial neural network model can be used for comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and normal controls. The sensitivity was 100% (17/17), and the specificity was 100% (11/11). Comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis: The mass spectra from 49 samples in the training group (including patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis) were analysed and 208 peaks were obtained. In addition, 21 peaks from them were used for comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis (P < 0.01). Only 2 peaks at 7759 M/Z, 13134 M/Z were selected with significant difference (P < 10 (-9)). A model was developed based on these two proteins with different M/Z. It was confirmed that this artificial neural network model can be used for comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis. The sensitivity was 88.2% (15/17), and the specificity was 100% (8/8).

CONCLUSIONSThe specific biomarkers selected with the SELDI technology could be used for early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blood Proteins ; analysis ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; blood ; diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; blood ; Liver Neoplasms ; blood ; diagnosis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neural Networks (Computer) ; Peptide Mapping ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo observe the impact on lower limbs balance function in treatment of yin-yang meridians acupuncture with respiratory reinforcing and reducing manipulation involved in the patients of stroke by applying B-PHY balance function test training system so as to provide the objective evidence in treatment of stroke; with acupuncture.

METHODSOne hundred patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 50 cases in each one. In the control group, the basic treatment was applied, without other relevant rehabilitation therapies associated. In the observation group, with the basic treatment as the control group's, the therapy of the yin-yang meridians acupuncutre with respiratory reinforcing and reducing manipulation was adopted. On the yin meridians, Zuwuli (LR 10), Xuehai (SP 10), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and the others were selected and stimulated with reducing manipulation achieved by the coordination of patient's respiration. On the yang meridians, Biguan (ST 31), Liangqiu (ST 34), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and the others were selected and stimulated with reinforcing manipulation achieved by the coordination of patient's respiration. The treatment was given once a day and for 28 days totally. Before treatment and in 28 days of treatment, B-PHY balance function test training system was used to determine the weight shift track parameters (track length, peripheral square, track length of per unit square, left-right offset and rectangle square), the weight shift track distance parameters [mean of X axle weight shift distance (Mean-X), mean of Y axle weight shift distance (Mean-Y), maximum of X axle weight shift distance (Max-X), maximum of Y axle weight shift distance (Max-Y), weight shift distance (LSKG), weight shift square (SSKG), square ratio of weight shift (LFS)], stability coefficient (SI) and weight distribution coefficient (WDI).

RESULTSAfter treatment, the differences in the weight shift track parameters, SI and WDI were significant as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P<0.01); while the differences in the weight shift distance parameters in the observation group were improved obviously after treatment as compared with those before treatment (all P<0.01), the differences of Mean-X, Max-Y and LFS in the control group were improved after treatment as compared with those before treatment (all P<0.01). Except SSKG, the improvements after treatment in the rest indices in the observation group were better than those in the control group (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe yin-yang meridians acupuncture with respiratry reinforcing and re- ducing manipulation effectively improves the lower limbs balance function in the patients of stroke.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; physiopathology ; Male ; Meridians ; Middle Aged ; Postural Balance ; Respiratory System ; physiopathology ; Stroke ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Yin-Yang