OBJECTIVE: To observe the early interventions of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on the conversion time of nucleic acid in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and find possible underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 300 confirmed COVID-19 patients who were treated with TCM, at a designated hospital in China. The patients were categorized into three groups: TCM1, TCM2 and TCM3, who respectively received TCM interventions within 7, 8-14, and greater than 15 days of hospitalization. Different indicators such as the conversion time of pharyngeal swab nucleic acid, the conversion time of fecal nucleic acid, length of hospital stay, and inflammatory markers (leukocyte count, and lymphocyte count and percentage) were analyzed to observe the impact of early TCM interventions on these groups. RESULTS: The median conversion times of pharyngeal swab nucleic acid in the three groups were 5.5, 7 and 16 d (P < 0.001), with TCM1 and TCM2 being statistically different from TCM3 (P < 0.01). TCM1 (P < 0.05) and TCM3 (P < 0.01) were statistically different from TCM2. The median conversion times of fecal nucleic acid in the three groups were 7, 9 and 17 d (P < 0.001). Conversion times of fecal nucleic acid in TCM1 were statistically different from TCM3 and TCM2 (P < 0.01). The median lengths of hospital stay in the three groups were 13, 16 and 21 d (P < 0.001). TCM1 and TCM2 were statistically different from TCM3 (P < 0.01); TCM1 and TCM3 were statistically different from TCM2 (P < 0.01). Both leucocyte and lymphocyte counts increased gradually with an increase in the length of hospital stay in TCM1 group patients, with a statistically significant difference observed at each time point in the group (P < 0.001). Statistically significant differences in lymphocyte count and percentage in TCM2 (P < 0.001), and in leucocyte count (P = 0.043) and lymphocyte count (P = 0.038) in TCM3 were observed. The comparison among the three groups showed a statistically significant difference in lymphocyte percentage on the third day of admission (P = 0.044). CONCLUSION In this study, it was observed that in COVID-19 patients treated with a combination of Chinese and Western medicines, TCM intervention earlier in the hospital stay correlated with faster conversion time of pharyngeal swab and fecal nucleic acid, as well as shorter length of hospital stay, thus helping promote faster recovery of the patient. The underlying mechanism of action may be related to improving inflammation in patients with COVID-19.
Adult ; Aged ; COVID-19/drug therapy* ; Female ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; SARS-CoV-2

Objective To investigate whether continuous mild high temperature (increased temperature without causing significant damage to host cells) can inhibit the biofilm formation of Aspergillus niger (A.niger) and its vitality.Methods A.niger biofilms were formed on a coverslip in 24-well tissue culture plate and were checked at the time points 4,8,10,16,24,48 and 72 hours.Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to image and quantify A.niger biofilm formation under three different continuous mild high temperatures at 37℃,39℃,and 41℃.Furthermore,2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay was used to quantify the dynamic growth of A.niger biofilm under the above conditions.Results Compared with the culture condition 37℃,CLSM analysis at 39℃ or 41℃ showed that higher temperature induced later germination at 4 hours (t=8.603,P=0.047;t=14.550,P=0.008),poorer hyphal elongation at 8 hours(t=35.118,P=0.039;t=63.450,P=0.006),poorer polar growth,and reduced biofilm thickness from 10 to 24 hours.The XTT assay showed that higher temperature (39℃ or 41℃) lead to lower vitality at 10 hours,higher vitality at 16 hours,but finally lower vitality from 24 to 72 hours (t=24.262,P=0.038;t=7.556,P=0.031).Conclusion Continuous mild high temperature may have a negative regulatory effect on biofilm formation of A.niger and its vitality.

Objective To study the effects of environmental factors,including high temperature,high humidity and low temprtature,on the quality of whole blood.Methods Fresh blood was collected from 9 blood donors and divided into 40 parts.One group that comprised 20 samples was used to assess the effects of storage at high temperature and high humidity (0,3,6,12 and 24 h),and the other group(20 samples)was used to determine the effects of low temprtature(0,1,2 and 3 h).The serum free hemoglobin(FHb)concentration, plasma prothrombin time(PT), activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),thrombin time(TT)and fibrinogen(FIB)were measured and analyzed.Results The high temperature(27-37℃)and humidity(60%-90%RH)had no effect on FHb, PT, APTT, TT or FIB of whole blood. The low temperature(0-13℃and -18--20℃)had some effect on the quality of whole blood.The FHb of test group was higher than that of control group.There was no significant difference in PT, APTT, TT and FIB between the two groups.Conclusion Under high temperature and humidity conditions, 24 hours of whole blood placement is feasible. Under low temperature or cold conditions,short-term whole blood placement is feasible in a tent with heating facilities.

BACKGROUNDDetrusor overactivity (DO) is a known cause of lower urinary tract symptoms and occurs in 50% - 75% of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients. We sought to investigate the clinical and urodynamic factors that are associated with the presence of DO in Chinese BPH patients.

METHODSTwo hundred and eighty-seven consecutive patients with clinical BPH were retrospectively evaluated in this study. Each patient underwent urodynamic evaluation and completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire. Patients with neurological symptoms or other diseases likely to affect detrusor functions were strictly excluded. The 184 BPH patients included in the study were divided into groups according to the presence of DO as shown in urodynamic tests. Univariate analysis of factors associated with the presence of DO were performed using Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney test; multivariate analysis used stepwise Logistic regressions. The relationship between degree of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and DO was also investigated using a linear-by-linear association test.

RESULTSOf 184 BPH patients, DO was present in 76 (41.3%). On univariate analysis, patients with DO were older (P = 0.000), and showed smaller maximal bladder capacity (MBC, P = 0.000) and voided volume (P = 0.000), higher maximal detrusor pressure (P = 0.000) and projected isovolumetric pressure (PIP) (P = 0.005), higher Abrams-Griffiths number (P = 0.000) and degree of bladder outlet obstruction (P = 0.000), higher IPSS (P = 0.000) and irritative IPSS subscores (P = 0.000). Stepwise Logistic regression analysis showed that PIP (OR = 1.012, 95% CI 1.002 - 1.023, P = 0.019), age (OR = 1.030, 95%CI 1.005 - 1.067, P = 0.059), and MBC (OR = 0.993, 95%CI 0.990 - 0.996, P = 0.000) were independent risk factors for DO in BPH patients. Linear-by-linear association tests indicated a positive linear association between DO and severity of BOO, with incidence of DO increasing with BOO grade (P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONSIn Chinese BPH patients, PIP, MBC, and age were independent factors affecting the presence of DO. DO incidence continuously increases with the degree of BOO.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; complications ; physiopathology ; Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction ; complications ; Urinary Bladder, Overactive ; etiology

OBJECTIVETo compare the short-term outcomes of surgical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open thoracotomy (OT).

METHODSData of 737 consecutive NSCLC patients who underwent surgical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and 630 patients who underwent pulmonary resection via open thoracotomy (as controls) in Cancer Institute & Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 2009 and August 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The risk factors after lobectomy were also analyzed.

RESULTSIn the 506 NSCLC patients who received VATS lobectomy, postoperative complications occurred in 13 patients (2.6%) and one patient died of acute respiratory distress syndrome (0.2%). In the 521 patients who received open thoracotomy (OT) lobectomy, postoperative complications occurred in 21 patients (4.0%) and one patient died of pulmonary infection (0.2%). There was no significant difference in the morbidity rate (P > 0.05) and mortality rate (P > 0.05) between the VATS group and OT group. In the 190 patients who received VATS wedge resections, postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients (1.6%). One hundred and nine patients received OT wedge resections. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (3.7%). There were no significant differences for morbidity rate (P = 0.262) between these two groups, and there was no perioperative death in these two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that age (OR = 1.047, 95%CI: 1.004 - 1.091), history of smoking (OR = 6.374, 95%CI: 2.588 - 15.695) and operation time (OR = 1.418, 95%CI: 1.075 - 1.871) were independent risk factors of postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONSTo compare with the NSCLC patients who should undergo lobectomy or wedge resection via open thoracotomy, a similar short-term outcome can be achieved via VATS approach.

Age Factors ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Lung Neoplasms ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Operative Time ; Pneumonectomy ; adverse effects ; classification ; methods ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult ; etiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Smoking ; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted ; adverse effects ; Thoracotomy ; adverse effects ; methods

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Exercise Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tennis Elbow ; therapy ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo establish a murine model of sensitization, and investigate the effect and mechanism of sensitization on allogeneic donor bone marrow cells (BMCs).

METHODSSensitized BALB/c mice were established by transfusions of allogeneic splenocytes. The donor reactive antibodies were detected by binding and complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays. After irradiation, 1 × 10(7) BMCs of C57BL/6 donor mice were injected into non-sensitized or sensitized BALB/c recipient mice. The distribution pattern of donor BMCs in peripheral blood, spleen and bone marrow of recipient mice were analyzed at different time points (2 h, 12 h and 48 h) post transplantation. Hematopoietic recovery post transplantation was assessed, and survival was monitored. Moreover, sera and splenocytes derived from non-sensitized or sensitized recipients were incubated with allogeneic BMCs in vitro, and the cytotoxic indexes were calculated in the immune experiments.

RESULTSThe binding and complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays showed that a high level of donor reactive antibodies was presented in sensitized sera. Compared with the non-sensitized recipients, the homing assay showed significantly decreased distributions of allogeneic donor BMCs in peripheral blood, spleen and femur of sensitized recipients. Non-sensitized recipients survived long term after irradiation, while all the sensitized recipients died within 12-15 days. Fourteen days post transplantation, the white blood cells and BMCs of non-sensitized recipients were (3240 ± 300) × 10(6)/L and (396 ± 27) × 10(6)/femur, respectively; while the white blood cells and BMCs of sensitized recipients were (320 ± 80) × 10(6)/L and (6 ± 2) × 10(6)/femur, respectively; the differences were statistically significant between this two groups (P < 0.05). Seven days post transplantation, the percentage of donor cells in bone marrow of non-sensitized and sensitized recipients was (48.07 ± 4.70)% and (0.77 ± 0.11)%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the white blood cells and BMCs following transplantation decreased along with time in sensitized recipients. The immune experiments of complement-dependent cytotoxicity reaction, cytotoxic T lymphocytes reaction and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity showed the cytotoxic indexes were higher in sensitized group than the non-sensitized group.

CONCLUSIONA sensitized model was established by transfusions of allogeneic spleen cells. Allogeneic donor BMCs were rejected in sensitized recipients, and its mechanism might be through immune impairment pathways.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; Disease Models, Animal ; Graft Rejection ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Tissue Donors ; Transplantation, Homologous

Study on features of acupoints with resistance test in the past half century is reviewed in this article. Mechanism and technology of the method are introduced as well as its shortcomings. The determination method of signal transmission along meridians with the combination of electrical network theories and practice is advanced. And the result of a series experiments on one meridian at the superficial part of the body are given as well. Thus, it is concluded that the signals of the point-in/point-out and the signals along a non-meridian path with the same distance are significantly different, which gives a verification of the feasibility of the method by using electrical network theories to set out characteristics of signal transmission along meridians dynamically.
Acupuncture Points ; Electrophysiological Phenomena ; Electrophysiology ; instrumentation ; methods ; Humans ; Meridians ; Signal Transduction

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) gene silence on leukemia cell growth, leukemogenesis and efficacy of chemotherapy drug. Vector containing lentiviral-FAK-shRNA was constructed and transfected into BCR/ABL-BaF3 leukemic cells, the cell growth and apoptosis were detected in vitro. The effect of FAK shRNA on leukemogenesis was studied in a murine model with leukemia. The apoptosis of leukemia cells and survival of leukemic mice treated by FAK shRNA combined with drug STI571 were monitored. The results showed that FAK gene expression was knocked down by lentiviral-FAK-shRNA. FAK gene silencing inhibited leukemia cell growth in vitro. The apoptosis test results showed that the percentages of Annexin V(+) cells in vector control group and FAK shRNA group were (3.46 ± 0.56)% and (7.3 ± 0.79)%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mice in vector control group died at day 21 to 27, while the mice in FAK shRNA group died between day 52 and 60, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, FAK gene silence combined with drug STI571 could enhance the apoptosis of leukemia cells and prolong survival time of leukemic mice. It is concluded that FAK gene silence inhibits leukemogenesis and promotes efficacy of chemotherapy drug on leukemia cells, indicating FAK gene silence may be considered as a new therapeutic strategy for leukemia.
Animals ; Focal Adhesion Kinase 1 ; genetics ; Gene Silencing ; Genetic Vectors ; Leukemia, Experimental ; genetics ; therapy ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo explore demographic characteristics, current diagnosis and treatment patterns of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients in China.

METHODSData of hospitalized CML patients in 2005 whole year and outpatient information (July 1 through September 30, 2006) from 15 hospitals throughout China were analyzed.

RESULTSA total of 1824 CML cases were analyzed, including 722 inpatients and 1102 outpatients. The male/female ratio was 1.78:1. The median age at diagnosis was 40.02 (2.45 - 83.29) years old, 90.41% of the patients were diagnosed at chronic phase. Proportion of accelerated phase or blast crisis patients increased to 21.66% during study period. 93.20% of the patients received blood routine and bone marrow morphologic examination at diagnosis and in monitoring; 70.29% were performed cytogenetic analysis and 51.54% performed molecular measurement in addition. The most common therapy for CML treatment was hydroxycarbamide. The proportion of patients treated with imatinib and interferon was 37.45% and 25.55%, respectively. Of 722 inpatients, 164 (22.72%) received hemotopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The proportions of accelerated phase and blast crisis patients treated with imatinib were 48.28% and 48.42%, respectively, being significantly higher than that of chronic phase patients (35.9%) (P < 0.05). The mean imatinib dosage administered in the three phases patients did not differ significantly. Imatinib resistance rates were 6.87% and 16.28% for outpatient and inpatient, respectively. In the outpatient group, the primary resistance to imatinib occurred comparably to the secondary resistance (68.75%), while primary resistance was predominant in inpatient group (65.71%). The intolerance rates of imatinib for outpatient and inpatient were 3.21%, 11.63%, respectively. The majority of patients treated with imatinb were not monitored in time: 63.38% patients evaluated hematologic response after 3 months of treatment, proportions of patients received cytogenetic examination after 6 months and 12 months of treatment were 41.41% and 27.35%, respectively. Mean cost for HSCT was 213 092 +/- 125 890 RMB.

CONCLUSIONSCML in China tends to afflict younger population than in Western countries. Most patients were diagnosed in the chronic phase. Due to restriction of financial support, only one third of CML patients were treated with imatinib, and the majority of the treated were not monitored in time. Clinicians should pay attention to resistance and intolerance to imatinib treatment in accelerated phase or blast crisis patients.

Benzamides ; therapeutic use ; China ; Humans ; Imatinib Mesylate ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; drug therapy ; Piperazines ; therapeutic use ; Pyrimidines ; therapeutic use