Abstract:Objective To analyze the genome sequence characteristics of Zika virus and to develop nucleic acid detection methods for Zika virus. Methods The phylogenetic tree of 81 kinds of Flavivirus was constructed. The differences of nucleotide and amino acid sequence among Zika virus, type 4 dengue and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) were analyzed and compared. The gene mutated sites of Asian and African Zika virus, especially four Zika virus strains from China, were analyzed. A set of primers and probes of real-time quantitative PCR for Zika virus were designed after comparing the genome sequences of Asian and African Zika virus. Results Spondweni and Kedougou viruses were the closest homologously to Zika virus among 81 kinds of Flavivirus. Comparison of full genomic nucleic acid sequence showed that Zika virus was closer to type 4 dengue virus than JEV, whereas comparison of amino acid yielded an opposite result. Compared with traditional Asian type Zika virus, Guangdong GD01 strains had 5 amino acid mutated sites, Zhejiang ZJ03 strains had 6 mutated sites, and VE Ganxian strains had 33 mutated sites. Detection of designed PCR primers and probes for plasmid RNA was positive, with the lower limit of detection being 100 copies/mL and Zika virus RNA was detected to be positive, type 1-4 dengue virus and Japanese encephalitis virus being negative. Conclusion Zika virus and Spondweni virus are the closest homologously. The high mutation character of VE Ganxian strains indicates that Zika might evolve fast. PCR primers and probes designed in this paper can be used for Asian and African type Zika virus detection, with relatively higher sensitivity and specificity.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the programming effects of glucocorticoids (GCs) exposure during rat pregnancy on the cardiac functions of adult offspring, so as to explore the cardiac protective effect of GCs and the underlying mechanisms. Methods Advanced pregnancy GCs exposure model was established with rats. The infarction degrees of myocardium of offspring rats were evaluated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The mRNA levels of cardio-protective factors serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated protein kinase 1(Sgk1), corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 (Crhr2), urocortin (Ucn), and Ucn2 were determined by real-time PCR. The protein level of SGK1 was detected using Western blotting analysis. Bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) was employed to determine the methylation level of Sgk1 promoter. Results The body mass of the offsprings of GCs-exposed pregnant rats were significantly lower than that of the normal saline-injected pregnant rats (P<0.01). The ratio between infarction area and risk area of hearts after ischemia-reperfusion in the male adult offspring from GCs-exposed group was significantly larger than that from the vehicle group(P<0.01). The mRNA and protein levels of SGK1 were significantly decreased in male adult offspring hearts exposed to GCs prenatally (P<0.01, P<0.05), whereas Ucn and Ucn2 mRNA expressions were significantly decreased in the hearts of female adult offspring exposed to GCs prenatally (P<0.05). There were multiple CpG islands in Sgk1 promoter, with the proximal CpG island in the Sgk1 promoter being significantly hypermethylated in the heart of adult male offspring exposed to GCs during late pregnancy (P<0.01). Conclusion GCs exposure during pregnancy can cause programming effects on cardiac functions of male adult offspring in rats, probably via the down-regulation of SGK1 expression in the heart, which is largely due to the hypermethylation on Sgk1 promoter.

Abstract:Objective To explore the effect of cyclopamine (Cyc) on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Methods Sixty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=20): sham operation group, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion group (Con group) and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion+Cyc group (Cyc group). Cyc (10 mg/kg) or absolute ethyl alcohol was intraperitoneally injected in animals 3 h after cerebral ischemia for 7 d. Neurological deficit was assessed by Longa scale on day 1 and 14 after cerebral ischemia. At 24 h after cerebral ischemia, the cerebral water content, cerebral infaction area, pathological changes and cell apoptosis were evaluated by dry-wet method, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium (TTC) staining, H-E staining and TUNEL method, respectively. Immunochemical method was used to examine the protein expression of NeuN and caspase-3 at 24 h after ischemia and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression on day 14 after ischemia. Results Neurological deficit score, cerebral water content, cerebral infaction area, TUNEL positive cell counting, protein levels of caspase-3 and GFAP in Cyc and Con groups were significantly higher than those in sham operation group (P<0.05), and the above parameters in Cyc group were also significantly higher than those in Con group (P<0.05). NeuN protein expressions in Cyc and Con groups were significantly lower than those in sham operation group (P<0.05), and NeuN protein in Cyc group was also significantly lower than that in Con group (P<0.05). Cellular and interstitial edema, neurocyte deformation, pyknosis and necrocytosis were more severe in Cyc group than in Con group. Conclusion Cyclopamine can aggravate rat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Abstract:Objective To explore the influences of platelet and platelet-derived 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on liver function, post-operative recurrence and long-term survival of patients with early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following curative resection. Methods Prospective cohort study was employed in this research. A total of 297 consecutive patients who met the Milan criteria and received HCC curative resection from January 2009 to December 2009 in our hospital were selected, and their clinical data were collected. Patients' serum samples were stored at -80℃. Serum 5-HT concentration was detected by ELISA kits. Patients were regularly followed-up to observe their health condition after operation. The influences of PLT and 5-HT on liver dysfunction (LD), overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients with early stage HCC resection were analyzed via Cox' proportional hazard regression model. Results It was found that the pre- and post-operation PLT counts of patients with post-operation LD were significantly lower than those with normal post-operation liver function (P<0.001). Serum 5-HT concentration was positively correlated with PLT count(r=0.712, P<0.001). Low pre-operative PLT (OR=2.952, 95%CI:1.206-7.229, P=0.018)and low preoperative serum 5-HT concentration (OR=4.989, 95%CI: 2.004-12.422, P=0.001) were the independent risk factors of LD after early stage HCC resection. Low pre-operative PLT (OR=1.782, 95%CI:1.086-2.924, P=0.022) and low pre-operative serum 5-HT concentration (OR=1.754, 95%CI:1.014-3.034, P=0.045) were also the independent risk factors of OS; however, the pre-operative PLT and 5-HT were not the independent risk factors of RFS. Conclusion Early stage HCC patients with low pre-operative 5-HT and PLT tend to have poorer perioperative and long-term outcomes after curative hepatic-resection.

Abstract:Objective To study the pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of asparaginase (Asp) hyaluronic acid-graft-poly (ethylene glycol)/dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin (DCD) nanocapsules (AHDPs) in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods AHDPs were observed under the transmission electron microscope. The size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency of AHDPs were examined. Asp activities were assayed after intravenous injection of AHDPs or free Asp in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by software DAS 2.1.1. Then the bioequivalence of AHDPs and free Asp were evaluated. Results The average particle size of AHDPs was (439.63±8.49) nm, zeta potential was (-20.43±2.20) mV, and entrapment efficiency was (55.75±4.11)% (n=3). AUC_{(0-48 h)} of AHDPs and free Asp were (138.93±0.89) U·mL^-1·h and (46.38±1.98) U·mL^-1·h, the AUC_0-∞ were (175.22±13.59) U·mL^-1·h and (51.44±3.01) U·mL^-1·h, and t_1/2 was (4.46±1.04) h and (1.86±0.38) h, respectively. Compared with free Asp, the AUC_{0-48 h}, AUC_0-∞ and t_1/2 of AHDPs were increased by 3.00, 3.40 and 2.40 times, respectively. The 90% confidential intervals of AUC_{0-48 h}, AUC_0-∞ and C_max were 76.9%-78.3%, 76.9%-78.3% and 92.8%-94.4%, respectively. Conclusion AHDPs can prolong the biological half-life and improve the bioavailability of Asp in rats. AHDPs and free Asp are not bioequivalent.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the mechanism by which follicular fluid from endometriosis (EM) patients blocks mouse oocyte maturation and the effect of Neiyi Recipe-medicated serum on the effect of the follicular fluid. Methods A total of 20 follicular fluid samples from infertility patients due to EM (n=10) or fallopian tube factors (control group, n=10) were clinically obtained. Neiyi Recipe-medicated serum was obtained by treating mice with intragastric administration, and were divided into 4 medium groups: Group A (control), group B (control follicular fluid), group C (EM-follicular fluid) and group D (EM-follicular fluid + Neiyi Recipe-medicated serum). The mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes were cultured in the above 4 types of media for in vitro maturation. And the maturity rates of oocytes in different groups were calculated and the concentrations of reactive oxygen species in the cells were analyzed by fluorescence staining and laser scanning confocal microscope. Results The maturity rate of oocytes in group C (42.5%) was significantly lower than those in group A (81.7%), group B (56.3%) and group D (51.0%) (P<0.05). The average fluorescence intensity of group C (0.056 8±0.025 1) was significantly higher than those of group A (0.005 1±0.014 8, P<0.01) and group B (0.037 1±0.010 2, P<0.05), but with no significant difference found when compared with that of group D (0.050 4±0.007 0). Conclusion EM-follicular fluid can block the maturation of mouse oocytes, which may be due to the enhanced oxidative stress in oocytes caused by EM-follicular fluid. Neiyi Recipe-medicated serum can improve the blocking effect of EM-follicular fluid on mouse oocyte development.

Abstract:Objective To explore the inhibitory effect of down-regulating Bloom helicase gene using RNA interference (RNAi) vectors on prostate cancer PC3 cells. Methods The BLM-RNAi vectors constructed previously in our lab were transfected into prostate cancer PC3 cells, and the proliferation ability of PC3 cells was detected with MTT at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after transfection of recombinant vectors. At 48 h, the invasion and migration ability was detected with Transwell chamber assay, migration distance was examined with cell scratch test, and cell apoptosis was detected with Hoechst/PI. Results The proliferation ability of cells after transfection was significantly weaker than that in the blank control group (P<0.05), the number of cells across Transwell membrane after transfection was significantly less than that in the blank control group (invasion ability: 119±24, 118±30 vs 227±38, P<0.05; migration ability: 122±13, 121±47 vs 277±32, P<0.05), cell scratch test also showed that the wound healig rate and cell migration distance in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the blank control group (P<0.05), and cell apoptosis in the experimental group was more notable compared with the blank control group. Conclusion RNAi vectors targeting Bloom helicase gene can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of prostate cancer PC3 cells, and increase the cell apoptosis, which may cast new lights on the gene therapy of prostate cancer.

Abstract:Objective To observe the changes of CD4⁺, CD8⁺T cell proportions and the level of cell surface programmed death-1 (PD-1) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), and to explore their roles in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of TAO. Methods The clinical data of 21 TAO patients, 21 Graves disease (GD) patients without ophthalmopathy and 20 healthy volunteers were collected. The proportions of CD4⁺, CD8⁺T cells in PBMCs and cell surface PD-1 expressions were tested by flow cytometry and were compared between different groups; and their correlation with disease course, thyroid functions, thyroid associated antibodies and severity of TAO were analyzed. Results (1)The proportions of CD4⁺, CD8⁺T cells in PBMCs of TAO patients ([35.9±14.5]% and [22.2±8.4]%, respectively) and GD patients ([33.1±13.0]% and [18.6±9.2]%, respectively) were both significantly higher than those in the healthy volunteers ([17.4±7.4]% and [7.7±4.8]% respectively, both P<0.01). (2) The expression of PD-1 on CD4⁺T cells in TAO and GD patients were (8.3±6.4)% and (28.0±26.6)%, respectively, with both being significantly lower than those in the healthy volunteers ([52.2±28.6]%, P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively), and that in TAO patients was significantly lower than that in GD patients (P<0.05). The expression of PD-1 in CD8⁺T cells was significantly lower in TAO patients than that in the healthy volunteers ([12.7±13.4]% vs [38.2±24.2]%, P<0.01). (3) Correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between disease course and CD8⁺T cell proportion in PBMCs of TAO patients (r=0.478, P<0.05). (4) There was no significant difference in CD4⁺,CD8⁺T cells proportions or their PD-1 expressions between active and inactive, mild and moderate-to-severe TAO patients (P>0.05). Conclusion The aberrant proportions of CD4⁺, CD8⁺T cells in PBMCs and cell surface PD-1 expression may participate in the autoimmune process of TAO.

Abstract:Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and β-receptor blockers (βB) administration for prophylaxis of primary esophageal variceal bleeding. Methods EMBASE, PubMed, CENTRAL, Wan-fang Database, CNKI database and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched in May 2015 for eligible full-text randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Endpoints of interest were first variceal bleeding, all-cause mortality, bleeding-related mortality and main adverse events. A fixed-effect model was firstly utilized to calculate the pooled odds risk (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Fourteen studies involving 1 280 patients were identified fulfilled the inclusion criteria in this analysis. Compared with βB, EVL significantly reduced the incidence rate of first variceal bleeding (OR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.49-0.91,P=0.010, I²=21%). All-cause and bleeding-related mortality had no significant difference in the two groups (all-cause mortality [OR=1.14, 95%CI: 0.87-1.50, P=0.35, I²=0%] and bleeding-related mortality [OR=0.72, 95%CI: 0.44-1.17, P=0.19, I²=0%]). EVL had lower incidence rate of main adverse events than non-selective βB (OR=0.43, 95%CI: 0.29-0.64, P<0.000 1, I²=40%). However, compared with EVL, the incidence rate of main adverse events in Carvedilol was significantly lower (OR=10.59, 95%CI: 2.37-47.27, P=0.002). Conclusion EVL is more effective in preventing the primary esophageal variceal bleeding compared with βB, but the two methods have no differences in all-cause mortality or bleeding-related mortality.

Abstract:Objective To explore the effects of continuous low frequency noise on the emotion and behavior of rats. Methods Forty rats were randomly divided into normal control (NC) group and noise exposure(NE) group, with 20 rats in each group. Rats in NE group were exposed to 100 Hz, 70 dB noise for 1 hour at early, middle and late time of the day in a daily manner for 8 weeks. Rats in NC group were raised in normal background noise in an environment with a noise less than 40 dB. The body mass measurement, sucrose preference test, handling test and open field test were done to evaluate the emotion and behavior of rats at the beginning and 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks of experiment. Results (1)The body mass change trends were significant between the two groups at different time points(P<0.05). The body mass gain of rats in NE group was greatly less than that of the NC rats. (2)Regardless of the impact of time, the main effects in sucrose preference test were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.01). The change trends of sucrose preference were significantly different between the two groups at different time points(P<0.05), with the percentage of sucrose preference of NE rats greatly decreased with time. (3) The tension stimulation score and pain score of handling test in NE rats were significantly higher than those in NC rats(P<0.05 or P<0.01). (4) The horizontal and vertical movement abilities in NE rats were significantly decreased with the noise exposure period compared with the control group; the effects of time, groups and interaction were all significantly different (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion Continuous low frequency noise can lead to decrease of body weight and movement ability of rats, accompanied by emotional reactions such as anxiety and depression, and the severities of the changes are closely related to exposure time.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the antitumor effect of PRDM5 gene in prostate cancer cells. Methods PRDM5 gene was cloned and inserted into lentiviral vector using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction endonuclease and T4 DNA ligase connected method. The lentiviral plasmids carrying PRDM5 gene (LV-PRDM5) or control lentivirus (LV-Luc) were co-transfected with lentiviral packaging plasmid mix into 293T cells by liposome method. The viral supernatants were collected and transduced into human prostate cancer cells 22Rv1. The expression of PRDM5 was verified by Western blotting analysis. The cell proliferation and clone formation ability were detected by cell multiplication and cell cloning experiments. The anchorage independent growth rate of prostate cancer cells was assessed by soft agar colony formation assay. Results The lentivirus vector expressing PRDM5 gene was constructed successfully, and the viral supernatants were obtained. The prostate cancer cell line 22Rv1 stably expressing exogenous PRDM5 was screened and verified by Western blotting analysis. Compared with control cells, the prostate cancer cell line 22Rv1 expressing PRDM5 showed a lower growth rate (multiplication time: [52.5±1.4] vs [44.0±1.3] h), clone formation rate ([1 114±98] vs [1 361±123] colonies per dish) and anchorage independent growth rate ([94.6±8.7] vs [154.0±3.5] colonies per cell, P<0.05). Conclusion Overexpression of PRDM5 has inhibitory effect against proliferation, clone formation and anchorage independent growth of prostate cancer cells in vitro.

Abstract:Transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) has become an important therapeutic strategy for central nervous system (CNS) injury; however, the potential immune rejection and ethical concerns limit the transplantation-based cell therapy in clinic. Alternatively, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may overcome these major hurdles and cast new lights on cell therapy. Recent studies have shown that a variety of somatic cells from mouse or human can be reprogrammed into NSCs or neurons, suggesting that reprogramming of cell fate may represent a promising strategy for CNS repair. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge of cell lineage reprogramming, reprogramming-mediated induction of NSCs or neurons and their application in CNS repair.

Abstract:Choline kinase α (CHOKα), a member of the choline kinase family, is a key enzyme in the CDP-pathway. CHOKα has been reported overexpressed in a wide variety of human tumors including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. The interaction between CHOKα and cancer related pathways has been revealed. Due to its overexpression and aberrant activation in cancers, CHOKα is expected to be a potential biomarker and has been demonstrated to be a promising cancer therapeutic target. In this paper we reviewed the role of CHOKα in the tumorigenesis process, biological function, diagnosis and prognosis evaluation and tumor targeting therapy.

Abstract:Helicobacter pylori is a microaerophilic bacterium which parasitizes in the digestive tract and is closely related to the occurrence of various gastrointestinal diseases, such as chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers and so on. Recently, studies have shown that majority of patients with liver disease also suffer from Helicobacter pylori infection, but the correlation between them and the specific mechanism remain unclear. Through reviewing the related literatures, this review summarized the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and the development and progression of liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis, fatty liver, liver cancer and hepatic encephalopathy, etc.

Abstract:Objective To explore the safety and efficacy of the renal sympathetic denervation under the guidance of EnSite-NavX three-dimensional mapping system. Methods A three-dimensional model of abdominal aorta and renal artery was constructed under the guidance of EnSite-NavX three-dimensional mapping in 6 healthy Guangxi Bama mini-pigs. Then a radiofrequency ablation catheter was put into the bilateral main trunks of renal artery and six points were marked within each trunk from far to near the heart. One side of the renal artery was ablated and the other received no ablation serving as control. The mini-pigs were followed up for 6 months after the procedure. The norepinephrine (NE) content in the renal tissues was detected by ELISA. Sympathetic nerve damage in the renal tissue of the ablation side was observed by Haematoxylin-Eosin staining. Results Modeling and unilateral renal sympathetic denervation were successfully performed in the six mini-pigs. Subcutaneous hematoma was formed after operation in one pig. None of the pigs had the complications such as renal artery stenosis, thrombopoiesis, or dissection. The NE content of ablation side was significantly lower than that of the opposite side ([170.13±52.60] ng/g vs [429.86±131.43] ng/g, P<0.05). Haematoxylin-Eosin staining showed broken epineurium and loss of axons in the renal sympathetic nerve of the ablation side. Conclusion A three-dimensional model of abdominal aorta and renal artery can be clearly constructed under the guidance of EnSite-NavX three-dimensional mapping. Renal sympathetic denervation can be achieved safely and effectively without fluoroscopy or renal arteriography under the navigation of NavX.

Abstract:Due to the extremely challenging climate of the Gulf of Aden and the complicated hygiene conditions of the surrounding countries, the soldiers of PLA Navy escort fleets are easily vulnerable to various regional infectious diseases. It is quite onerous to implement the plague controlling mission. This report described a case of hepatitis A virus infection during an operation of PLA Navy escort fleet on the sea in the Gulf of Aden area, introducing the basic symptoms, main management methods, and putting forward the countermeasures and recommendations from the perspective of infectious disease control and prevention on the sea.

Abstract:Objective To analyze the present situation of health promotion lifestyle and its influencing factors of candidates for 300-m saturation diving on the sea, so as to lay a foundation for daily and sustainable health promotion for saturation diving candidates. Methods The health-promoting lifestyle scale and perceived social support scale were adopted for 37 candidate divers participating in the PLA Navy 300-m saturation diving; the relationship between the present situation of health promotion lifestyle and its influencing factors was analyzed. Results The average health promotion lifestyle score of 37 divers was 142.87±22.05, with 10 (27.03%) being general, 22 (59.46%) being good, and 5 (13.51%) being excellent. The results showed that the self-actualization score was the highest (3.03±0.42), and the health duty score was the lowest (2.67±0.46). The age of the divers was negatively correlated with athletics (r=-0.516, P<0.05) and pressure managment (r=-0.517, P<0.05); the length of military service was negatively correlated with athletics (r=-0.554, P<0.05) and pressure management (r=-0.570, P<0.05). Social support was positively correlated with interpersonal relationship (r=0.831, P<0.01), health duties (r=0.802, P<0.01), nutrition (r=0.831, P<0.01), and the total score of the health promotion lifestyle (r=0.785, P<0.01). Conclusion The health promotion lifestyle of candidates for 300-m saturation diving on the sea needs to be improved and stressed. Correct lifestyle should be urged and established for divers to ensure the final completion of the mission.

Abstract:Objective To discuss the clinical efficacy of early surgical intervention of acute incomplete cervical spinal cord injury and the selection of operative modes. Methods The clinical data of 462 patients incomplete cervical spinal cord injury, who were treated in our hospital from January 2003 to May 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 387 cases in the operation group (283 received anterior cervical decompression and bone graft fusion and internal fixation, 26 received anterior and posterior decompression, and 78 received simple posterior decompression) and 75 cases in non-operative group. The neurological function recovery of cervical spinal cord injury was evaluated by Frankel classification and ASIA scoring criteria. Results The patients were followed up for 12-27 months. The results showed that the Frankel classification was improved to different degrees in 432 cases, with an improvement rate of 93.51%. The improvement rate of operative treatment group was 98.45%, which was higher than that of the non-operative group (68.00%). The ASIA scores of both groups were increased after treatment (P<0.05), and the increase in the operation group was greater than the non-operation group (P<0.05). In addition, the ASIA improvement of the anterior and anterior plus posterior approach surgery was greater than that of the simple posterior approach surgery (P<0.05). Conclusion Early surgical intervention should be given to acute incomplete cervical spinal cord injury so as to promote the neuronal function recovery.

Abstract:Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure of renal artery with a newly-developed double waist occluder in dogs. Methods A newly-developed double waist occluder was implanted in the right renal arteries of 12 healthy dogs. The location of devices was observed by angiography immediately, and 1, 3 and 6 months after occlusion. Renal specimens and occluders was observed after the animals were sacrificed and pathological examination was conducted. Also the endothelialization on the surface of the occluders was observed. Results Transcatheter closure of unilateral renal artery was successfully performed in all the 12 dogs. One dog died due to overdose of narcotic drugs, and the other 11 dogs survived well. Complete occlusion of the renal artery was achieved in 6 dogs immediately after the occluder was implanted, and complete occlusion was seen in all the dogs within 12 min after occlusion, with all the devices in good position and without translocation. Repeated angiography showed in all animals that the occluders were in good position and without residual shunt. The occluded kidneys became smaller than the opposite ones, with the surface of occluded kidney turning lumpy and hard. Endocardial cells started to cover the surface of occluder 1 month after closure and complete coverage was seen 3 months later. Conclusion The newly-developed double waist occluder is safe, feasible and effective, and it can be delivered in small sheath owning to its excellent trafficability.

Abstract:Objective To analyze the clinical effect of Jiawei Shegan Mahuang decoction for bronchial asthma and to compare its effect with that of routine western medicine therapy. Methods This was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Fifty-four patients with bronchial asthma (exterior cold and interior rheum pattern) were included and randomly divided into two groups, with 27 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were treated with routine western medicine therapy and the treatment group adopted Jiawei Shegan Mahuang decoction for two consecutive courses. The TCM syndrome integral, lung function, variation rate of peak expiratory flow (PEF), clinical efficacy and adverse reactions before and after treatment were observed and recorded based on an observer-blinding design. Results Compared with the control group, patients in the treatment group had significantly decreased total scores (and scores for each item) of TCM syndrome integral and variation rate of PEF (P<0.05) and significantly increased scores of forced vital capacity (FVC), FVC in one second (FEV₁) and peak expiratory flow rate percentage (PEFR%, P<0.05). The total effective rate was 92.59% in the treatment group, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (74.07%, P<0.05). The incidence rate of adverse reactions in the treatment group was similar to that of the control group (3.70% vs 7.41%, P>0.05). Conclusion Jiawei Shegan Mahuang decoction has better clinical effect in improving the symptom and pulmonary function of patients with bronchial asthma (exterior cold and interior rheum pattern) compared with routine western medicine, and it can decrease the variation rate of PEF, indicating a promising clinical future, with its pharmacological mechanism and key components remaining to be further studied.

Abstract:Objective To explore the effect of synovial fluid of osteoarthritis (OA) on the differentiation of synovium-derived stem cells (SDSCs). Methods The SDSCs from the synovium of OA patients were identified and were induced to cartilage differentiation. The SDSCs were cultured with OA joint fluid (experimental group) or without OA joint fluid (control group). The diameter of the cartilage was measured. The mRNA and protein expressions of COL Ⅱ, Aggrecan and SOX9 were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis. Results The diameter of the cartilage in the experimental group was greater than that in the control 16 days after cultured with OA joint fluid (P<0.05). And the levels of COLⅡ, Aggrecan and SOX9 mRNA and protein in the experimental group was significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The OA joint fluid can promote differentiation of SDSCs.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the protective effects of vitamin E (VE) on benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P)-induced liver toxicity in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and to discuss the potential mechanisms involved. Methods Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, namely, the blank control group, vehicle control group, B[a]P group (5 mg/kg), VE (10 mg/kg) + B[a]P (5 mg/kg) group, VE (50 mg/kg) + B[a]P (5 mg/kg) group and VE (100 mg/kg) + B[a]P (5 mg/kg) group, with each group having 10 rats. The rats were treated with B[a]P and/or VE once a day for 30 days via intragastric administration, and then the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspertate aminotransferase (AST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined. The morphological changes of liver tissue were observed by H-E staining. Results Compared with the blank control group, the liver tissues in the B[a]P group were injured, the activities of serum AST, ALT, and the levels of MDA, 8-OHdG and TNF-α in B[a]P group were increased significantly (P<0.05); however, the activities of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Importantly, rats in VE treatment groups had attenuated injury to liver tissues to different extents, decreased aminotransferase levels and greatly improved oxidative and DNA injury indicators. And with the increase of VE dose, the protective effect was more potent. Conclusion VE has a protective effect against the B[a]P-induced liver toxicity in male SD rats.

Abstract:Objective To analyze the characteristics of fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) of macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO), so as to provide evidence for the clinical management of RVO. Methods Totally 75 RVO patients (75 eyes) underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), funduscopy, fundus photography, FA and OCT examination. The correspondence between FA findings and OCT findings for ME and their relationship with BCVA were analyzed. Results It was found that ME occurred in 56 of the 75 eyes. The occurrence of ME was irrelevant to gender and age. Retinal thickness of the central fovea of macula was positively related to logMAR vision(R²=0.322,P=0.001). ME types were mostly FA type 3 and OCT type 2. The vision of FA type 1 was the best and that of OCT type 4 was the worst. There was a certain correspondence between FA type and OCT type: with OCT type 1 usually manifested as FA type 1 and OCT type 2 usually as FA type 3,and FA type 4 had no correspondence to a certain OCT type. Conclusion Cystic macular edema is the main presentation of ME secondary to RVO. Different FA types, OCT types and central fovea thickness reflect different visual acuity. There is a certain correspondence between FA types and OCT types, but OCT can not identify ischemia in cystic macular edema. A combination of FA and OCT may help to further distinguish different types of ME before treatment.

Abstract: