OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy in children with appendix-related chronic abdominal pain. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 30 children with the chief complaint of chronic abdominal pain who were admitted from August 2019 to May 2021. All the children were found to have inflammation of the appendix or intracavitary stool and fecalith by ultrasound and underwent ultrasound-guided endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy. The medical data for analysis included clinical manifestations, endoscopic findings, white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, length of hospital stay, and cure rate. RESULTS: Among the 30 children with chronic abdominal pain, there were 13 boys (43%) and 17 girls (57%), with a mean age of (9±3) years (range 3-15 years) at diagnosis. The median duration of the disease was 12 months, and the median length of hospital stay was 3 days. The children had a median white blood cell count of 6.7×10⁹/L and a neutrophil percentage of 50%±13%. Fecalith and a large amount of feces were flushed out of the appendix cavity for 21 children (70%) during surgery. The follow-up rate was 97% (29/30), and the median follow-up time was 11 months (range 5-26 months). Of the 29 children, abdominal pain completely disappeared in 27 children (93%). CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound-guided endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy is effective in children with chronic abdominal pain caused by feces or fecalith in the appendix cavity.
Abdominal Pain/etiology* ; Adolescent ; Appendicitis/surgery* ; Appendix/surgery* ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Fecal Impaction ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography, Interventional

Objective: To investigate the distribution of HIV-1 genetic subtypes and pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) among men who have sex with men (MSM) from 19 cities of 6 provinces in China. Methods: From April to November 2019, 574 plasma samples of ART-naive HIV-1 infected MSM were collected from 19 cities in Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong provinces, total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted and amplified the HIV-1 pol gene region by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after reverse transcription. Then sequences were used to construct a phylogenetic tree to determine genetic subtypes and submitted to the Stanford drug resistance database for drug resistance analysis. Results: A total of 479 samples were successfully amplified by PCR. The HIV-1 genetic subtypes included CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, B, CRF55_01B, CRF59_01B, CRF65_cpx, CRF103_01B, CRF67_01B, CRF68_01B and unrecognized subtype, which accounted for 43.4%, 36.3%, 6.3%, 5.9%, 0.8%, 0.8%, 0.4%, 0.4%, 0.2% and 5.5%, respectively. The distribution of genetic subtypes among provinces is statistically different (χ²=44.141, P<0.001). The overall PDR rate was 4.6% (22/479), the drug resistance rate of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and protease inhibitors were 3.5% (17/479), 0.8% (4/479) and 0.2% (1/479), respectively. The PDR rate of recent infections was significantly higher than that of long-term infections (χ²=4.634, P=0.031). Conclusions: The HIV-1 genetic subtypes among MSM infected with HIV-1 from 19 cities of 6 provinces in China are diverse, and the distribution of subtypes is different among provinces. The overall PDR rate is low, while the PDR rate of recent infections was significantly higher than that of long-term infections, suggesting the surveillance of PDR in recent infections should be strengthened.
China/epidemiology* ; Cities ; Drug Resistance ; Drug Resistance, Viral/genetics* ; Female ; Genotype ; HIV Infections/epidemiology* ; HIV Seropositivity/drug therapy* ; HIV-1/genetics* ; Homosexuality, Male ; Humans ; Male ; Phylogeny ; Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Sexual and Gender Minorities

Objective To investigate clinical efficacy of Xiaotan Tongluo Gel combined with mecobalamin tablets in treating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Methods Totally 67 cases of CIPN were divided into the treatment group (36 cases) and the control group (31 cases). Both groups were given mecobalamin tablets, 0.5 mg each time, three times a day, orally. Patients in the treatment group were treated with Xiaotan Tongluo Gel for external use at the same time. The patients in control group were treated with placebo gel for external use, 1 mL/cm2, rubbed on the skin 1 cm more than sensory obstruction in diameter. The treatment for both groups lasted for 14 d as a treatment course, and the treatment lasted for 2 courses. The changes of peripheral nerve toxicity, TCM syndrome scores and the nerve conduction velocity were observed in the two groups. Results On the 14th and 28th days of treatment, the total effective rates of peripheral nerve toxicity were 75.00% and 91.67% in the treatment group, and 38.71% and 67.74% in the control group, and the treatment group was significantly better than those of the control group (P=0.002, P=0.005); On the 14th and 28th days of treatment, the total effective rate of TCM efficacy in the treatment group was 75.00% and 94.44% respectively, and that in the control group was 45.16% and 64.52% respectively, and the treatment group was significantly better than the control group (P=0.018, P=0.005). Compared with before treatment, the TCM syndrome scores in both groups were significantly reduced on the 14th and 28th days (P＜0.01); The TCM syndrome scores in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group at the same time points after treatment (P＜0.01). Compared with before treatment, the sensory and motor nerve conduction speeds of the peroneal and median nerves in the two groups at 14th and 28th days were significantly increased (P＜0.01); Comparing the two groups at the same time point after treatment, the sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity of the peroneal and median nerves in the treatment group was significantly better than that in the control group (P＜0.05, P＜0.01). Conclusion Xiaotan Tongluo Gel combined with mecobalamin tablets can effectively improve the peripheral neurotoxicity induced by chemotherapy, TCM syndrome scores, and the nerve conduction velocity.

OBJECTIVE Paeoniflorin (PF) and albiflorin (AF) are the major active components of total peony glucosides(TPG)from Paeonia lactiflora Pal,which have many biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidation and anti-hypertension effects. The drug-drug pharmacokinetic interaction among PF,AF and TPG,the pharmacokinetic comparisons of AF between hypoxia and normoxia,the transport of AF cross the blood-brain barrier cell model and the transport of AF/PF/TPG cross Caco-2 cell model were investigated.METHODS A highly sensitive and rapid UPLC-MS method with multiple-reaction monitoring(MRM)scanning via electrospray ionization(ESI)source operating both in the positive and negative ionization mode was successfully developed and validated for simultaneous quantitation of PF and AF in rat plasma after an oral administration of PF,AF and TPG. RESULTS The validated and developed UPLC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to simultaneously determine the AF and PF concentration in rat plasma and investigate pharmacokinetic interactions after a single intragastrical ad-ministration of PF,AF,co-administration of PF with AF and TPG,respectively.The elimination of both PF co-administered with AF and PF in TPG were slower than those for PF alone and the distribution in the tissues was wider.The combination of PF with AF or TPG could significantly increase the values of the AUC, MRT and t1/2of the drug PF, and reduce the values of CL of PF. From a comparison of the main pharmacokinetic parameters among AF alone, AF combined with PF and AF in TPG, the values of the MRT and t1/2of AF in TPG were greater than that of AF alone,and there were statistically signifi-cant differences in these parameters(P<0.05,P<0.01).It was also noticed that AUC and Cmaxof PF in hypoxia rats were significantly decreased compared with that of normaxia rats, suggesting that there was a decreased exposure of PF in rats under hypoxia. The multiple active components in TPG may lead to DDIs between some P-gp substrates. CONCLUSION The clinical performance of total peony glucosides would be better than that of single constitute. The outcomes of the study are expected to serve as a basis for development of clinical guidelines on total peony glucosides usage.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the impact of Jinlongshe Granule (, JLSG) on quality of life (QOL) of stage IV gastric cancer patients.

METHODSThis randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial included 50 patients with advanced gastric cancer. They were equally randomized into a JLSG group and a placebo group. Patients in both groups received routine Chinese herbal decoctions according to Chinese medicine (CM) treatment based on syndrome differentiation. Patients in JLSG group received additional JLSG, and those in the placebo group received an additional placebo. In the JLSG group, 19 patients who completed the study were used for analysis. In the placebo group, finally the data of 20 patients who completed the study were used for analysis. The treatment course was at least 3 months, and the follow-up duration was at least 6 months in 5 interviews. Repeated measurements of the subscale items and individual items in European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) obtained at the 5 interviews were compared using different patient groups, changes over time and changes within one group over time independently to observe the tendency of changes in the scores.

RESULTSUsing time as the variant, there was signifificant difference in 4 functional scales (physical, role, emotional and social, P<0.05), 3 symptom scales (fatigue, nausea and vomiting and pain,P<0.05) and a global health status/QOL scale (P<0.05) and 6 single symptoms dyspnoea (P>0.05), insomnia (P<0.05), appetite loss (P<0.05), constipation (P<0.05), diarrhea (P>0.05) and financial difficulties (P<0.05). There was also signifificant difference in these items between the two groups when the placebo group and group over time were used as variants (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONAdditional use of JLSG on the basis of routine CM treatment could improve the somatic function, role function, emotional function, social function, cognitive function and general QOL of patients with advanced gastric cancer, and relieve the symptoms of fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, loss of appetite and constipation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Placebos ; Quality of Life ; Stomach Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) by ethanol on the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the kidney of diabetic rats.

METHODSEightheen healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6): normal control group, diabetes group and ethanol + diabetes group. After 8 weeks, 24 h urine samples from rats were collected to detect urinary protein content. The kidney was isolated and the ratio of kidney weight/body weight (index of kidney weight) was detected. The levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin serum urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were measured. Morphological changes of renal tissue were observed by optical microscope. The protein expressions of ALDH2 and JNK in renal tissue were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control rats, the levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and the index of kidney weight were increased markedly in diabetic rats. The expression of ALDH2 protein was decreased, while p-JNK, JNK protein expressions and the ratio of p-JNK/JNK were increased. The morphological observation was shown that the amount of glomerular mesangial matrix were increased, basement membrane were thickened and capillary lumen were narrowed. However,in ethanol + diabetes group, renal function was improved and the damage of renal structure was attenuated. The expression of ALDH2 protein was increased, while p-JNK, JNK and the ratio of p-JNK/JNK were decreased.

CONCLUSIONEnhanced ALDH2 expression can protect kidney in diabetic rats, which may be relevant with inhibitting the activity of JNK pathway.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; physiology ; Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial ; Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; enzymology ; Ethanol ; pharmacology ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Kidney ; enzymology ; Male ; Mitochondrial Proteins ; metabolism ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo study the inhibitory effect of Xiaotan Sanjie Recipe (XSR) on the microsatellite instability of orthotopic transplantation tumor in MKN-45 human gastric cancer nude mice.

METHODSThe 3rd passage subcutaneous transplantation tumor was taken as the origin of the model by using MKN-45 human gastric cancer cell lines. MKN-45 human gastric cancer nude mouse model was established using OB glue adhesive method. Then 30 nude mice were divided into the model group, the XSR group, and the chemotherapy group. Mice in the XSR group were intragastrically given XSR at the daily dose of 0.4 mL. Mice in the chemotherapy group were intragastrically given Fluorouracil at the daily dose of 0.4 mL. No intervention was given to mice in the model group. After 6 weeks of medication, the tumor weight was measured, and the tumor inhibition rate calculated. The size, the peak height, and the peak area of 5 microsatellite instability sites were detected.

RESULTSThe tumor inhibition rate was 40. 84% in the XSR group. The tumor weight was significantly lower in the XSR group than in the model group (P < 0.01), showing no statistical difference when compared with the chemotherapy group (P >0.05). The incidence of high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) in the model group was 70%, and the incidence of low microsatellite instability (MSI-L) was 30%. Microsatellite stable site tended be stable after 6 weeks of XSR treatment.

CONCLUSIONXSR showed inhibition on microsatellite instable orthotopic transplantation tumor in MKN-45 human gastric cancer nude mice.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Microsatellite Instability ; drug effects ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Stomach Neoplasms

OBJECTIVETo extract tumor interstitial fluid (TIF) from MKN-45 gastric cancer which is similar to "muddy phlegm" in Chinese medicine and observe influences of MKN-45 tumor interstitial fluid (MKN-45 TIF) intervention on metastasis of gastric cancer and on the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), kinase insert domain containing receptor (KDR), epithelial-cadherin (E-cad), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and telomerase genes and proteins in primary tumor tissue.

METHODSAn MKN-45 tumor-bearing model was established in 50 nude mice. The modeled animals were equally randomized to 5 groups: the simple tumor-bearing group (model group), the normal saline (NS) via tail vein injection (i.v.) group (NS i.v. group), MKN-45 TIF i.v. group (TIF i.v. group), NS intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) group (NS i.p. group), and MKN-45 TIF i.p. group (TIF i.p. group). The TIF and NS intervention groups received injection (i.p. or i.v.) of MKN-45 TIF or NS twice a week, 0.2 mL at a time. After 8 weeks, the primary tumors were removed, weighed and HE stained to observe tumor metastasis. The primary tumor tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR to detect expressions of VEGF, KDR, E-cad, COX-2, ICAM-1, and telomerase genes and proteins in different groups.

RESULTSThere were significant differences in tumor weight between TIF intervention groups and the model and NS intervention groups. Tumor metastasis was observed in all 5 groups, but the tumor metastasis rate in TIF intervention groups was significantly higher than those in the model and NS intervention groups. The gene and protein expressions of gastric cancer-related factors VEGF, KDR, COX-2, ICAM-1 and telomerase were unregulated while the gene and protein expressions of E-cad were downregulated in TIF intervention groups.

CONCLUSIONSTIF promotes tumor growth, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer. These findings provide preliminary experimental clues for verifying the hypothesis of "tumor-phlegm microenvironment".

Animals ; Cadherins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Extracellular Fluid ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; secondary ; Telomerase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tumor Microenvironment ; physiology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo summarize the herbal medication by Professor WEI Pin-kang's prescriptions in treating chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

METHODSOn the basis of outpatient and inpatients' medical records concerning CINV from case-database (keywords: chemotherapy and vomiting), data of 143 patients and 143 effective prescriptions were collected. The herbs and those category, nature, flavor and meridian distribution were summarized by frequency method using SPSS 13.0 Software. The couple herbs were analyzed by hierarchical cluster analysis.

RESULTSA total of 144 herbs were used (2 353 frequencies). Six groups of herbs [ frequency >5%, cumulative relative frequency (CRF) 58.89%] were used frequently as follow: the herbs for regulating qi (17.81%), resolving phlegm (13.51%), invigorating qi (8.07%), relieving food retention (7.44%), calming Gan to stop endogenous wind (7.05%), and warming the interior (5.01%). The most frequently used herbs ( >20 frequencies, CRF 77.31%) had 31 species as follow: the herbs for regulating qi (6 species), calming Gan to stop endogenous wind (4 species), resolving phlegm (3 species), external application (2 species), invigorating qi (2 species), warming the interior (2 species), activating blood and removing blood stasis (2 species), promoting diuresis and resolving dampness (1 species), purgation (1 species), invigorating blood (1 species), relieving exterior syndrome with pungent-warm property (1 species), relieving exterior syndrome with pungent-cool property (1 species), astringent (1 species), resolving dampness with aromatic property (1 species), calming the mind (1 species), eliminating heat and dampness (1 species), relieving food retention (1 species). Frequency of Rhizoma Pinelliae was 127 including Rhizoma Pinelliae (processed with ginger) 83 (65.35%). Frequency of prepared Radix et Rhizoma Rhei was 85 (95.51% of Prea- praed Rhizoma Rhei). These herbs were mostly of warm nature (43.99%). The total frequency of herb-nature was 3 677 and the pungent (34.76%), bitter (32.06%) and sweet herbs (18.22%) were most frequently used (CRF 85.04%). The total frequency of meridian distribution was 6 627 and these herbs were mostly attributed to Pi, Wei, Gan, and Fei meridians (CRF 71.34%). The most frequently used couple-herbs included Rhizoma Pinelliae and Rhizoma Atisaematis, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus and Submature Bitter Orange, Flos Caryophylli and Calyx Kaki, Rhizoma Coptidis and Os Sepiae, Rumulus Ginnamomi and Radix Paeoniae, Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis and Fructus Citri, aloeswood and toad skin, scorpion and centipede, earth worm and Gekko Swinhoana, bupleurum root and curcumae, fossilia ossis mastodi and oyster, large head atractylodes and poria, and so on.

CONCLUSIONSProfessor WEI Pin-kang regarded the therapy of dissolving phlegm and regulating Wei as the fundamental treatment of CINV. He emphasized gastrointestinal metabolic disorders induced by phlegm and stagnation related to chemotherapeutics. He laid equal emphasis on regulating qi, dissolving phlegm, and removing stagnation.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Nausea ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; Phytotherapy ; methods ; Vomiting ; chemically induced ; drug therapy