Historical Evolution and Modern Research on Shaoyao Gancaotang / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Shaoyao Gancaotang, first seen in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases, is composed of Paeoniae Radix Alba and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle in equal proportion.It has the functions of preserving Yin to nourish blood, harmonizing liver and spleen, relieving spasm and pain.This formula is applied in leg and foot spasm and abdominal pain caused by blood deficiency, body fluid consuming and the unmoistened muscles and veins.It has been highly praised and used by medical experts throughout the ages and has extended its application scope.Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Shaoyao Gancaotang has significant effects in antispasmodic, analgesic, antitussive and other areas, and is used to treat spastic diseases, painful diseases, inflammatory diseases and so on.This paper will systematically elaborate the historical evolution, compatibility analysis, pharmacological and pharmacodynamic studies, modern clinical application of Shaoyao Gancaotang, in order to provide theoretical basis and reference for the development of this famous classical formula.

Lipoic acid protects spermatogenesis in male rats with ornidazole-induced oligoasthenozoospermia / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To study the protective effect of lipoic acid (LA) on the spermatogenic function of the male rats with oligoasthenozoospermia induced by ornidazole (ORN).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy male SD rats were equally randomized into groups A (solvent control: 1 ml 0.5% CMC-Na + 1 ml olive oil), B (low-dose ORN model: 400 mg/kg ORN suspension + 1 ml olive oil), C (low-dose ORN + low-dose LA treatment: 400 mg/kg ORN + 50 mg/kg LA), D (low-dose ORN + high-dose LA treatment: 400 mg/kg ORN + 100 mg/kg LA), E (high-dose ORN model: 800 mg/kg ORN suspension + 1 ml olive oil), F (high-dose ORN + low-dose LA treatment: 800 mg/kg ORN + 50 mg/kg LA), and G (high-dose ORN + high-dose LA treatment: 800 mg/kg ORN + 100 mg/kg LA), and treated respectively for 20 successive days. Then all the rats were sacrificed and the weights of the body, testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle obtained, followed by calculation of the organ index, determination of epididymal sperm concentration and motility, and observation of the histomorphological changes in the testis and epididymis by HE staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with group A, group E showed significantly decreased body weight (［117.67 ± 11.53］ vs ［88.11 ± 12.65］ g, P < 0.01) and indexes of the testis (［1.06 ± 0.12］ vs ［0.65 ± 0.13］ %, P < 0.01) and epididymis (［0.21 ± 0.03］ vs ［0.17 ± 0.01］ %, P < 0.01). In comparison with group E, group F exhibited remarkable increases in the epididymal index (［0.17 ± 0.01］ vs ［0.20 ± 0.02］ %, P < 0.01), and so did group G in the body weight (［88.11 ± 12.65］ vs ［102.70 ± 16.10］ g, P < 0.05) and the indexes of the testis (［0.65 ± 0.13］ vs ［0.95 ± 0.06］ %, P < 0.01) and epididymis (［0.17 ± 0.01］ vs ［0.19 ± 0.02］ %, P < 0.05), but no obvious difference was observed in the index of seminal vesicle among different groups. Compared with group A, group B manifested significant decreases in sperm motility (［74.12 ± 8.73］ vs ［40.25 ± 6.08］ %, P < 0.01), and so did group E in sperm count (［38.59 ± 6.40］ vs ［18.67 ± 4.59］ ×105/100 mg, P < 0.01) and sperm motility (［74.12 ± 8.73］ vs ［27.58 ± 8.43］ %, P < 0.01). Sperm motility was significantly lower in group B than in C and D (［40.25 ± 6.08］ vs ［58.13 ± 7.62］ and ［76.04 ± 8.44］%, P < 0.01), and so were sperm count and motility in group E than in F and G (［18.67 ± 4.59］ vs ［25.63 ± 9.66］ and ［29.92 ± 4.15］ ×105/100 mg, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01; ［27.58 ± 8.43］ vs ［36.56 ± 11.08］ and ［45.05 ± 9.59］ %, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). There were no obvious changes in the histomorphology of the testis and epididymis in groups A, B, C and D. Compared with group A, group E showed necrotic and exfoliated spermatogenic cells with unclear layers and disorderly arrangement in the seminiferous tubules and remarkably reduced sperm count with lots of noncellular components in the epididymal cavity, while groups F and G exhibited increased sperm count in the seminiferous tubules and epididymis lumen, also with exfoliation, unclear layers and disorderly arrangement of spermatogenic cells, but significantly better than in group E.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>LA can reduce ORN-induced damage to the spermatogenetic function of rats, improve sperm quality, and protect the reproductive system.</p>

Impact of Mycoplasma genitalium infection on the semen quality of infertile males / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To explore Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) infection in the urogenital tract of infertile men and its influence on semen quality.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Semen samples were collected from 352 infertile males in the Center of Reproductive Medicine of Nanjing General Hospital from March to July 2015. MG infection was detected by real-time fluorescence simultaneous amplification and testing and semen analyses were conducted according to the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen (5th Ed) on the semen pH value, semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration, total sperm motility, percentages of progressively motile sperm (PMS) and immotile sperm (IMS), and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis by t-test and non-parametric test (Wilcoxon test).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MG infection was found in 3.4% (12/352) of the infertile patients. Compared with the MG-positive cases, the MG-negative ones showed a significantly higher semen volume (［2.85 ± 0.14］ vs ［3.84 ± 0.12］ ml, P = 0.008) and percentage of PMS (［15.86±1.72］ vs ［60.95 ± 5.63］ %, P = 0.032) but a lower DFI (［30.73 ±2.24］ vs ［20.71 ± 1.55］%, P = 0.014). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in the semen pH value (7.38 ±0.02 vs 7.39 ± 0.01, P = 0.774), sperm concentration (［52.96 ± 15.78］ vs ［60.05 ± 4.29］×10⁶/ml, P = 0.683), sperm count (［154.15 ± 46.37］ vs ［221.56 ± 15.43］×106, P = 0.236), total sperm motility (［29.04 ± 3.11］ vs ［33.52 ± 1.51］ %, P = 0.626), or percentage of IMS (［23.57 ± 0.99］ vs ［62.34 ± 1.69］ %, P = 0.691).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Urogenital MG infection is common in infertile males and potentially affects the semen quality, especially sperm vitality of the patient.</p>

Oral treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome / 华西口腔医学杂志

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common clinical disease with high incidence and low treating proportion, difficult evaluation, and complicated nosogenesis. OSAS can cause systematic impairments. Various treatment methods were applied in clinical setting with the tendency of cross-disciplinary promotion. Oral treatment plays an exceedingly important role in OSAS research and therapy. This study reports the oral treatment involving OSAS therapy.

Treatment efficacy of capecitabine combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatic metastases after colorectal carcinoma resection / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To investigate the treatment efficacy of capecitabine combined with TACE for hepatic metastases after colorectal carcinoma resection.Methods The clinical data of 94 patients who were treated for hepatic metastases after colorectal carcinoma resection from June 2012 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into the combined group (48 patients) who underwent combined treatment of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and capecitabine,and the control group (46 patients) who were treated with TACE alone.The drug toxicities induced by chemotherapy in patients of the two groups were noted.The short-term outcomes and serum tumor markers were compared at 3-months after completion of TACE.All the patients were followed up and their overall survival was recorded.Results There was no significant difference in the frequency of TACE between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).There were significant differences in the short-term outcomes at 3-month after completion of TACE (Z =2.000,P ＜ 0.05).The RR (complete response + partial response) and CBR (complete response + partial response + stable disease) were higher in the combined group than those in the control group [(52.1％ vs.32.0％) and (95.8％ vs.87.0％),respectively],although the differences were not statistically significant (both P ＞0.05).There were greater declines in CEA and CA19-9 levels at 3-month after completion of TACE in the combined group than the control group [(47.1 ± 10.3 vs.35.1 ±8.4) μg/L,(78.7 ± 19.6 vs.65.3 ± 17.0) kU/L],but the differences were not significant (t1 =5.776,t2 =7.849,both P ＜ 0.05).Toxic reactions were more common in the combined group than those in the control group,which included bone marrow suppression (39.6％ vs.30.4％) and peripheral neuritis (47.9％ vs.34.8％).Again,the differences were not significant (P ＞ 0.05).The median survivals were 17.3 months and 13.5 months,and 1-year survival rates were 72.9％ and 52.1％ in the combined group and the control group,respectively (x2 =4.325,P ＜ 0.05).There were significant differences in the survival between the two groups (x2 =4.097,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Capecitabine combined with TACE produced better treatment results for hepatic metastases after colorectal carcinoma resection.The short-term outcomes of the combined treatment was suDerior to TACE alone,and the treatment toxicities could be tolerated.

Treatment efficacy of capecitabine combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatic metastases after colorectal carcinoma resection / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To investigate the treatment efficacy of capecitabine combined with TACE for hepatic metastases after colorectal carcinoma resection.Methods The clinical data of 94 patients who were treated for hepatic metastases after colorectal carcinoma resection from June 2012 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into the combined group (48 patients) who underwent combined treatment of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and capecitabine,and the control group (46 patients) who were treated with TACE alone.The drug toxicities induced by chemotherapy in patients of the two groups were noted.The short-term outcomes and serum tumor markers were compared at 3-months after completion of TACE.All the patients were followed up and their overall survival was recorded.Results There was no significant difference in the frequency of TACE between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).There were significant differences in the short-term outcomes at 3-month after completion of TACE (Z =2.000,P ＜ 0.05).The RR (complete response + partial response) and CBR (complete response + partial response + stable disease) were higher in the combined group than those in the control group [(52.1％ vs.32.0％) and (95.8％ vs.87.0％),respectively],although the differences were not statistically significant (both P ＞0.05).There were greater declines in CEA and CA19-9 levels at 3-month after completion of TACE in the combined group than the control group [(47.1 ± 10.3 vs.35.1 ±8.4) μg/L,(78.7 ± 19.6 vs.65.3 ± 17.0) kU/L],but the differences were not significant (t1 =5.776,t2 =7.849,both P ＜ 0.05).Toxic reactions were more common in the combined group than those in the control group,which included bone marrow suppression (39.6％ vs.30.4％) and peripheral neuritis (47.9％ vs.34.8％).Again,the differences were not significant (P ＞ 0.05).The median survivals were 17.3 months and 13.5 months,and 1-year survival rates were 72.9％ and 52.1％ in the combined group and the control group,respectively (x2 =4.325,P ＜ 0.05).There were significant differences in the survival between the two groups (x2 =4.097,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Capecitabine combined with TACE produced better treatment results for hepatic metastases after colorectal carcinoma resection.The short-term outcomes of the combined treatment was suDerior to TACE alone,and the treatment toxicities could be tolerated.

Effectiveness of CLAT Protocol for Treating Patients with Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical efficacy and toxicity of CLAT protocol (cladribine, cytarabine and topotecan) for treating patients with refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R-AML).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 18 patients with R-AML (median age 37 years, range 18 to 58 years; male n = 16, female n = 2) were treated with CLAT protocol, which consisted of cladribine 5 mg/m(2)/d, i.v. on days 1-5, cytarabine 1.5 g/m(2)/d, i.v. on days 1-5, topotecan 1.25 mg/m(2)/d, i.v. on days 1-5 and G-CSF 300 µg/d subcutaneous injection on day 6 until neutrophile granulocyte recovery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Out of 18 patients 2 died of severe infection before the assessment. Among 16 evaluated patients, 10 (55.6%) achieved complete remission (CR), and 2 (11.1%) achieved partial remission (PR), the overall response rate was 66.7%, the rest 4 patients did not respond (NR). The median overall survival time and DFS for the CR patients was 9.5 months (95%CI: 6.7-16.64) and 9.5 months (95%CI: 6.1-16.7) respectively. The 1 year OS and DFS rates were 45% and 46.9%, respectively. All patients developed grade 4 of granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia, the median duration was 13 (range 2 to 21) days and 12 days (range 2 to 21), respectively, all patients developed infection, 2 patients died of severe infection. The most common non-hematological side effects included nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, aminotransferase or bilirubin elevation and were grade 1 to 2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The CLAT protocol seems to have promising for the treatment of refractory AML patients, and patients well tolerated. This CLAT protocol offers an alternative treatment for R-AML patients who received severe intensive treatment, especially with anthracycline-containing chemotherapy.</p>

ICSI with testicular or epididymal sperm for patients with obstructive azoospermia: A systematic review / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To assess the effects of testicular sperm and epididymal sperm on the outcomes of ICSI for patients with obstructive azoospermia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, CNKI, VIP, CBM, and Wanfang Database up to December 2015 for published literature relevant to ICSI with testicular or epididymal sperm for obstructive azoospermia patients. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers independently conducted literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment of the included trials, followed by meta-analysis with the RevMan 5.3 software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 14 studies were identified, involving 1 278 patients and 1 553 ICSI cycles. ICSI with epididymal sperm exhibited a significantly higher fertilization rate than that with testicular sperm (RR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.05－1.11, P<0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed between the epididymal and testicular sperm groups in the rates of cleavage (RR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.99－1.10, P = 0.13), good-quality embryo (RR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.93－1.09,P = 0.85), implantation (RR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.75－1.73, P = 0.55), clinical pregnancy (RR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.98－1.31, P = 0.08), and miscarriage (RR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.53－1.39,P = 0.54).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ICSI with epididymal sperm yields a markedly higher fertilization rate than that with testicular sperm, but has no statistically significant differences from the latter in the rates of cleavage, good-quality embryo, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage in the treatment of obstructive azoospermia.</p>

Mesohepatectomy for centrally located large hepatic tumors: a report of 37 patients / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the safety of mesohepatectomy for centrally located large hepatic tumors.Methods The clinical data of 37 patients who underwent hepatectomy for centrally located large liver tumors in our hospital from October 2010 to August 2015 were retrospectively analyzed.During the operation,the left and right hemilivers were mobilized.Slings for the improved liver hanging maneuver and for selective hepatic vascular occlusion were placed.These slings were used when necessary in order to minimize occlusion and ischemia time to the residual liver,and to maximize the volume of functional liver remnant.Mesohepatectomy was carried out using a microwave hemostatic separator.The feasibility,its effects on preventing hemorrhage,the degree of liver damage and the postoperative complications were evaluated.Results The mean diameter of the neoplasms was (12.6 ± 7.2) cm.The vascular inflow occlusion time of the left and right hemilivers were (12.2 ±3.5) min and (18.5 ±7.1) min,respectively.The blood loss was (487 ± 352) ml.The amount of red blood cell transfusion was (2.7 ± 1.9) U.The operation time was (215 ± 72) min.TBIL,ALT and AST reached their peak levels on the 1 st day after operation and they were higher than before surgery (P ＜ 0.01).The levels were then significantly decreased on the 3rd day after operation.However,the TBIL (P ＜ 0.05),ALT (P ＜ 0.01) and AST (P ＜ 0.05) were higher than the preoperative level,and only returned to normal or were close to the preoperative value on the 7th day after operation (P ＞ 0.05).The initial increase in ALT was quick and then it slowed down,while the initial increase in AST was slow but it decreased quickly.Conclusions Mesohepatectomy for centrally located large hepatic tumors could safely be carried out using the liver hanging maneuver combined with selective hepatic vascular occlusion and a microwave hemostatic separator.This method has the advantages of causing less bleeding,liver damage and rapid recovery.

Isolated complete resection of hepatic caudate lobe：a clinical experience of 14 patients / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Correspondinga uthor:Wan Chun, Email:mdchunwan@163.com [Absrt act] Obj ective To summarize the clinical experience with isolated complete resection of he-patic caudate lobe in 14 patients. Mte hods The clinical data of 14patients with isolated complete resection of hepatic caudate lobe carried out in our hospital from December 2007 to March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed .During the operation , selective hepatic vascular occlusion slings , and supra-and infra-hepatic in-ferior vena cava slings were placed after full mobilization of the liver .Isolated complete resection of the he-patic caudate lobe was performed through the left and /or the right , the anterior liver-splitting or the retro-grade approaches .Results The mean operation time was (227 ±64) min.The mean amount of blood loss was (530 ±325) ml.The mean vascular occlusion time was (19.5 ±18.6) min.The mean diameter of ne-oplasm was (15 4.±9 .2) cm. All the operations were successfully carried out .There were no massive hem-orrhage, bile leakage or perioperative death .Hydrothorax occurred in 3 patients and ascites in 2.The mean stay in hospital was (21 ±9) days.All the patients were cured and discharged home .Conclusion Isolated complete resection of hepatic caudate lobe was feasible in clinical practice .

Longjintonglin Capsules for type IIIA prostatitis accompanied by abnormal semen liquefaction: A clinical observation / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Longjintonglin Capsules on type IIIA prostatitis accompanied by abnormal semen liquefaction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We selected 140 patients with type IIIA prostatitis accompanied by abnormal semen liquefaction according to the diagnostic standards of the American Institutes of Health (NIH) and treated them with Longjintonglin Capsules orally 3 capsules once tid for 12 weeks. We obtained the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Indexes (NIH-CPSI), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, leukocyte count in the expressed prostatic secretion (EPS), semen liquefaction time, and the results of semen analysis and compared these indicators before and after the treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 140 cases, 132 were included in this study, excluding 8 due to their incomplete case histories. Before and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of medication, the total NIH-CPSI scores were 24.52 ± 5.43, 21.28 ± 4.85, 18.01 ± 4.28, and 14.49 ± 3.65 (P < 0.01), the TCM syndrome scores were 35.63 ± 6.07, 26.66 ± 5.03, 17.37 ± 4.18, and 11.11 ± 3.96 (P < 0.01), and the leukocyte counts (/HP) were 27.50 ± 7.01, 22.38 ± 5.22, 16:76 ± 4.10, and 11.40 ± 4.74 (P < 0.01), respectively. After 12 weeks of treatment, 31 of the patients with type IIIA prostatitis were cured and another 72 well responded, with an overall response rate of 78.0%. Of those with abnormal semen liquefaction, 61 were cured, 39 well responded, and 32 failed to respond, with an overall effectiveness rate of 75.8%. Semen analysis showed significantly increased percentage of progressively motile sperm after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of medication as compared with the baseline (P < 0.01). No abnormal liver or renal function or other adverse reactions were observed during the treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Longjintonglin Capsules, with its advantages of safety, effectiveness and no obvious adverse effects, deserve to be recommended for the treatment of type IIIA prostatitis accompanied by abnormal semen liquefaction.</p>

Studies of the norm and psychometrical properties of the ages and stages questionnaires, third edition, with a Chinese national sample / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To introduce the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3), to China, created ASQ-Chinese (ASQ-C) and carried out studies of its national norm and the psychometrical properties in the children aged 1-66 months in the mainland of China in collaboration with the author of the ASQ System and under the authorizations from its publisher on translation, researches, publication and distribution of the ASQ-3.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The ASQ-3 questionnaires were translated and adapted into a Simplified Chinese version, the ASQ-C, with six steps such as translation, back-translation and adaptation and so on to ensure consistency with the core of the original document and to have the cultural relevance in China.A stratified cluster sampling method was utilized to recruit children aged 1-66 months with respect to demographic characteristics such as the proportion of population in each administrative region and in urban and rural areas and so on that are representative of 2010 China census data.A sample size of over 200 was collected for each ASQ-C age interval.Children were excluded from the normative sample who (1) are from communities or villages at an elevation of 2 000 m or above and(or) where simplified Chinese is not the official language, or (2) had been diagnosed as having a developmental delay by any authoritative organizations.The national normative sample for the ASQ-C had a total sample size of 4 452, sample size within each age interval ranged from 218 to 227, including 2 230 male cases and 2 222 female cases, 2 236 urban cases and 2 216 rural cases.A convenience sample was recruited from the normative sample to examine inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability in all six administrative regions.Researchers completed the ASQ-C on the same child with their parents for 162 children for inter-rater reliability(the size of each ASQ-C age interval was 5-9); parents of 168 children completed another age-appropriate ASQ-C for test-retest reliability during 10-15 days after they completed the normative ASQ-C(The size of each ASQ-C age interval is 6-10). Another convenience sample was recruited from the follow-up of low birth weight infants for the concurrent validity of the ASQ-C in comparison with the Beijing Gesell.Parents of 198 children completed age-appropriate ASQ-C and professional administered to the children with the Beijing Gesell.In the ASQ-C norm and test-retest reliability, parents completed the age-appropriate ASQ-C, independently or with needed assistance. In inter-rater reliability, researchers completed the same ASQ-C after parents. In validity test, after parents completing age-appropriate ASQ-C, professional tested children with the Beijing Gesell.Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.0 software.The mean and standard deviation of the national normative sample were calculated, reliability and validity of the ASQ-C was examined.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The demographic characteristics of this Chinese sample match the 2010 China census data on gender, urban or rural location, and family income.All 20 intervals of the ASQ-C were standardized on 21 national normative samples.Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the whole measure was 0.8.The Pearson correlation coefficient between the ASQ-C total scores of the two raters was 0.8.The Pearson correlation coefficient between the ASQ-C total scores of the two times was 0.8 (all P<0.000 1). The sensitivity of ASQ-C was 87.50% and the specificity of ASQ-C was 84.48%.The percentage of the agreement between the ASQ-C and the Beijing Gesell was 84.74%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These findings indicate that the ASQ-C is a reliable and valid measure with a representative national sample aged 1-66 months.It can be used to screen and monitor the development of children in the mainland of China.</p>

Harvesting microalgae via flocculation: a review / 生物工程学报

Microalgae have been identified as promising candidates for biorefinery of value-added molecules. The valuable products from microalgae include polyunsaturated fatty acids and pigments, clean and sustainable energy (e.g. biodiesel). Nevertheless, high cost for microalgae biomass harvesting has restricted the industrial application of microalgae. Flocculation, compared with other microalgae harvesting methods, has distinguished itself as a promising method with low cost and easy operation. Here, we reviewed the methods of microalgae harvesting using flocculation, including chemical flocculation, physical flocculation and biological flocculation, and the progress and prospect in bio-flocculation are especially focused. Harvesting microalgae via bio-flocculation, especially using bio-flocculant and microalgal strains that is self-flocculated, is one of the eco-friendly, cost-effective and efficient microalgae harvesting methods.

Effect of decoction of Radix glycyrrhizae on the growth and acid-production of Streptococcus mutans in vitro / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the antibacterial activity of decoction of Radix glycyrrhizae against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The decoction of Radix glycyrrhizae was prepared by boiling particles of Radix glycyrrhizae, the diameter was 0.2-3.2 mm. In distilled water and filtered, the filtrate was collected for study. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the decoction against S. mutans were detected using double dilution. The effect of decoction on growth and acidogenic profile of S. mutans were investigated by detecting the Abs of bacteria suspension and the pH value of medium at definite time intervals(0, 3, 7, 12, 23, 40 h) during cultured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The MIC determined for decoction was 50 mg x mL(-1) and there was no bactericidal effect when concentration of decoction lower than 100 mg x mL(-1). The decoction inhibitted multiplication of bacteria significantly and the effects became stronger with concentration increasing. The decoction also inhibitted S. mutans producing acid and the effect became stronger with concentration increasing. The most efficient inhibition were observed when incubated 12 hours.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The decoction of Radix glycyrrhizae can inhibite the growth and acid-production of S. mutans in vitro.</p>

Study on protein extraction methods for Streptococcus mutans / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish an efficient and stable method for protein extraction of Streptococcus mutans.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The collected bacteria were treated by freeze-thaw and ultrasonic (method 1), ultrasonic (method 2), boiling (method 3), boiling and ultrasonic (method 4), respectively. The index such as state of bacteria broken, concentration of extracted protein and SDS-PAGE of protein were employed to evaluate the effects of above four methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Beside the method 3, the other three methods could break the bacteria effectively, of which ultrasonic was the key factor. The pattern of SDS-PAGE which treated by method 1, method 2 and method 4 was almost same, but method 1 resulted in the best abundance. There was significantly difference among the four protein concentration extracted by four methods (P < 0.05). All methods exhibited good stability and reproducibility.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Method of freeze-thaw and ultrasonic resulted in an efficient proteins extraction of Streptococcus mutans which demonstrated good stability and reproducibility and easy to handle.</p>

Stomatological disaster medicine in earthquake rescue / 华西口腔医学杂志

This article is to explore how to participate disaster medical rescue. Specific cases, concerned experiences and effects obtained from the big earthquake occurred in Wenchuan, Sichuan Province May 12, 2008 were presented for researching consideration. According to conclusion of this report, it is urgently necessary and vitally important for stomatologists to study disaster medicine rescue.

Clinical effects of Fu Fang Ya Tong Ding on gingivitis and pericoronitis / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical effects of Fu Fang Ya Tong Ding on treatment of gingivitis and pericoronitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>120 clinical patients with gingivitis or pericoronitis were randomly divided into 3 groups (40 patients in each group). After routine rinse treatment for all patients, patients in the test group were treated with Fu Fang Ya Tong Ding, patients in the positive group were treated with iodine glycerol, while that time patients in the negative group received no treatment anymore. Ten minutes after treatment, visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to record the severity of pain for each patient. 3 days and 7 days later, pain and inflammation degree were also recorded by pain three-degree scoring method and index of gingivitis. The total treatment effects were evaluated under a comprehensive clinical treatment standard.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>10 minutes after treatment, 40.0% of patients in the test group had almost no pain, while no obvious reduction of pain was found in the control group. 3 days, 7 days after the treatment, 92.5%, 95.0% of patients in the test group had no pain, and 55.0%, 90.0% of patients in the positive group had no pain. In the negative group, there were 47.5% of patients which pain was still remained in 7 days. 7 days after treatment, gingival index in the test group reduced by 25.0% and 42.8% compared with the positive and negative groups (P<0.05). 3 days after treatment, 62.5%, 45.0% and 30.0% patients separately in the test, positive and negative groups manifested good effects under the comprehensive clinical treatment standard; after 7 days, 97.5%, 92.5% and 77.5% patients in the 3 groups manifested good effect. The group using Fu Fang Ya Tong Ding had better effects than groups using iodine glycerol or only applying routine rinsing treatment group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Fu Fang Ya Tong Ding can treat gingivitis and pericoronitis through significantly reducing inflammation and pain.</p>

Real-time quantitative PCR detecting B7-H1 gene expression in leukemia cells and its clinical implications / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the expression of B7-H1 gene in bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) from leukemia patients and explore its clinical implications.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The B7-H1 mRNA expression levels of BMMNCs from 74 newly diagnosed leukemia patients and 10 normal volunteers were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. At the same time, BMMNCs from 12 patients in complete remission (CR) after chemotherapy and 5 in relapse were followed up. The correlation between the clinical features of 74 de novo leukemia patients and the expression level of B7-H1 gene was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mRNA expression level of B7-H1 gene in BMMNCs from de novo leukemia patients (RQ = 0.125) was lower than that from normal control (RQ=1). When patients achieved CR the gene expression level (RQ = 69.07) was significantly higher than that before CR (P = 0.001). After relapsed, its level (RQ=4) was still higher than that before CR (P > 0.05). No clinical parameters such as gender, age, peripheral white blood count, blast cells ratio in BM, CD34 positive cells were significantly correlated with the expression level of B7-H1 except the response to therapy. The initial expression level of B7-H1 gene in non CR patients after therapy was significantly higher than that in CR patients (RQ = 26. 91, P = 0.005).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mRNA expression level of B7-H1 gene in newly diagnosed leukemia patients is lower than that in normal controls, and is higher in CR patients than in newly diagnosed patients. There is a correlation between the gene expression level and responsiveness to therapy.</p>

Effects of stromal cell-derived factor 1 and platelet factor 4 on the adhesion characteristics and chemotactic function of ex vivo expanded umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

To investigate the effects of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and platelet factor 4 (PF4) on the homing-related function of expanded ex vivo umbilical cord blood CD34(+) cells, purified cord blood CD34(+) cells were cultured in serum-free medium containing a HGF combination of FL + SCF + TPO (FST) with either 100 ng/ml SDF-1 alone, 100 ng/ml PF4 alone, or both of these 2 cytokines. The expansion rate of CD34(+) cells, colony formation, homing-related functions including expression of homing-related adhesion molecules of expanded CD34(+) cell, adhesion activity and chemotactic function of the re-selected expanded CD34(+) cells were evaluated at different time points. The results showed that expansion rate of CD34(+) cells and expansion multiple of CFU in SDF-1 groups were higher than those in control. The expression of CD49e on the expanded CD34(+) cells was remarkable up-regulated, in contrast, expression of CXCR-4 on the expanded CD34(+) cells was remarkable down-regulated in SDF-1 groups. The expression of CD49e, CD54 and CXCR-4 on the expanded CD34(+) cells were remarkably up-regulated in the PF4 groups. In all the SDF-1 group, PF4 group and SDF-1 plus PF4 group, the ability of expanded CD34(+) cells adhering to fibronectin layer were higher than those in the control on day 10. Spontaneous migration rate of expanded CD34(+) cells in SDF-1 groups were higher than those in control, while SDF-1-induced migration rate were lower than those in control on day 10. SDF-1-induced migration rate in PF4 groups were higher than those in control on day 10. Spontaneous and SDF-1-induced migration rate of expanded CD34(+) cells in the SDF-1 plus PF4 groups were higher than those in control on day 10. It is concluded that, SDF-1 and PF4 can up-regulate expression of adhesion molecules on expanded CD34(+) cells, and retain the adherent and migration ability of expanded CD34(+) cells, which is helpful for the homing of expanded CD34(+) cells. In short, SDF-1 and PF4 are helpful for the homing-related function of the expanded UCB HSPC.

Long-term survival analysis in 170 cases of acute promyelocytic leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was aimed to investigate various factors influencing long-term survival in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. A single institutional retrospective study with long-term follow-up was performed to better define the prognostic factors and a rationale for the use of ATRA, chemotherapy, and As(2)O(3) in the treatment of newly diagnosed APL patients. Newly diagnosed patients with APL entering complete remission (CR) were followed up for 6 to 185 months (n = 170) from January 1990 to December 2004. Univariate and multivariate analysis of 8 potential factors influencing survival and prognosis were carried out with Log-Rank and Cox regression method, including sex, age, initial WBC count, the level of lactic hydrogenase (LDH), first induction regimen, time from induction therapy to CR, post-remission therapy, negative or positive rate of PML-RAR alpha and follow-up of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that the estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were 80.9% +/- 4.0% and 71.0% +/- 4.0% respectively. The 23 patients relapsed at the median time of 15 months (6 - 70) after CR. Univariate analysis revealed that initial WBC count, first induction regimen, time from induction therapy to CR, type of post-remission therapy and persistent negative RT-PCR in remission were important prognostic factors for long-term survival. Multivariate study demonstrated that only type of post-remission therapy was associated with RFS and OS. It is concluded that the post-remission treatment combining ATRA, As(2)O(3) and chemotherapy would significantly improve the long-term survival of APL patients entering CR(1).