Electrophysiological effects of Chinese medicine Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) on Chinese miniature swine heart and isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes

Background Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) is a compound of Chinese medicine with the effect of increasing heart rate (HR). This study aimed to evaluate its electrophysiological properties at heart and cellular levels. Methods The Chinese miniature swines were randomly assigned to two groups, administered with SSYX or placebo for 4 weeks (n=8 per group). Cardiac electrophysiological study (EPS) was performed before and after drug administration. The guinea pig ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated and whole cell voltage-clamp technique was used to evaluate the effect of SSYX on cardiac action potential (AP). Results SSYX treatment accelerated the HR from (141.8±36.0) beats per minute to (163.0±38.0) beats per minute (P=0.013) without changing the other parameters in surface electrocardiogram. After blockage of the autonomic nervous system with metoprolol and atropin, SSYX had no effect on intrinsic HR (IHR), but decreased corrected sinus node recovery time (CSNRT) and sinus atrium conducting time (SACT). Intra cardiac EPS showed that SSYX significantly decreased the A-H and A-V intervals as well as shortened the atrial (A), atrioventricular node (AVN) and ventricular (V) effective refractory period (ERP). In isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes, the most obvious effect of SSYX on action potential was a shortening of the action potential duration (APD) without change in shape of action potential. The shortening rates of APD30, APD50 and APDgo were 19.5%, 17.8% and 15.3%, respectively. The resting potential (Em) and the interval between the end of APD3o and APD9o did not significantly change.Conclusions The present study demonstrates that SSYX increases the HR and enhances the conducting capacity of the heart in the condition of the intact autonomic nervous system. SSYX homogenously decreases the ERP of the heart and shortens the APD of the myocytes, suggesting its antiarrhythmic effect without proarrhythmia.     

Electrophysiological effects of Chinese medicine Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) on Chinese miniature swine heart and isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes

Background Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) is a compound of Chinese medicine with the effect of increasing heart rate (HR). This study aimed to evaluate its electrophysiological properties at heart and cellular levels. Methods The Chinese miniature swines were randomly assigned to two groups, administered with SSYX or placebo for 4 weeks (n=8 per group). Cardiac electrophysiological study (EPS) was performed before and after drug administration. The guinea pig ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated and whole cell voltage-clamp technique was used to evaluate the effect of SSYX on cardiac action potential (AP). Results SSYX treatment accelerated the HR from (141.8±36.0) beats per minute to (163.0±38.0) beats per minute (P=0.013) without changing the other parameters in surface electrocardiogram. After blockage of the autonomic nervous system with metoprolol and atropin, SSYX had no effect on intrinsic HR (IHR), but decreased corrected sinus node recovery time (CSNRT) and sinus atrium conducting time (SACT). Intra cardiac EPS showed that SSYX significantly decreased the A-H and A-V intervals as well as shortened the atrial (A), atrioventricular node (AVN) and ventricular (V) effective refractory period (ERP). In isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes, the most obvious effect of SSYX on action potential was a shortening of the action potential duration (APD) without change in shape of action potential. The shortening rates of APD30, APD50 and APDgo were 19.5%, 17.8% and 15.3%, respectively. The resting potential (Em) and the interval between the end of APD3o and APD9o did not significantly change.Conclusions The present study demonstrates that SSYX increases the HR and enhances the conducting capacity of the heart in the condition of the intact autonomic nervous system. SSYX homogenously decreases the ERP of the heart and shortens the APD of the myocytes, suggesting its antiarrhythmic effect without proarrhythmia.     

Electrophysiological effects of Chinese medicine Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) on Chinese miniature swine heart and isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes

Background Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) is a compound of Chinese medicine with the effect of increasing heart rate (HR). This study aimed to evaluate its electrophysiological properties at heart and cellular levels. Methods The Chinese miniature swines were randomly assigned to two groups, administered with SSYX or placebo for 4 weeks (n=8 per group). Cardiac electrophysiological study (EPS) was performed before and after drug administration. The guinea pig ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated and whole cell voltage-clamp technique was used to evaluate the effect of SSYX on cardiac action potential (AP). Results SSYX treatment accelerated the HR from (141.8±36.0) beats per minute to (163.0±38.0) beats per minute (P=0.013) without changing the other parameters in surface electrocardiogram. After blockage of the autonomic nervous system with metoprolol and atropin, SSYX had no effect on intrinsic HR (IHR), but decreased corrected sinus node recovery time (CSNRT) and sinus atrium conducting time (SACT). Intra cardiac EPS showed that SSYX significantly decreased the A-H and A-V intervals as well as shortened the atrial (A), atrioventricular node (AVN) and ventricular (V) effective refractory period (ERP). In isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes, the most obvious effect of SSYX on action potential was a shortening of the action potential duration (APD) without change in shape of action potential. The shortening rates of APD30, APD50 and APDgo were 19.5%, 17.8% and 15.3%, respectively. The resting potential (Em) and the interval between the end of APD3o and APD9o did not significantly change.Conclusions The present study demonstrates that SSYX increases the HR and enhances the conducting capacity of the heart in the condition of the intact autonomic nervous system. SSYX homogenously decreases the ERP of the heart and shortens the APD of the myocytes, suggesting its antiarrhythmic effect without proarrhythmia.     

Electrophysiological effects of Chinese medicine Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) on Chinese miniature swine heart and isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes

Background Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) is a compound of Chinese medicine with the effect of increasing heart rate (HR). This study aimed to evaluate its electrophysiological properties at heart and cellular levels. Methods The Chinese miniature swines were randomly assigned to two groups, administered with SSYX or placebo for 4 weeks (n=8 per group). Cardiac electrophysiological study (EPS) was performed before and after drug administration. The guinea pig ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated and whole cell voltage-clamp technique was used to evaluate the effect of SSYX on cardiac action potential (AP). Results SSYX treatment accelerated the HR from (141.8±36.0) beats per minute to (163.0±38.0) beats per minute (P=0.013) without changing the other parameters in surface electrocardiogram. After blockage of the autonomic nervous system with metoprolol and atropin, SSYX had no effect on intrinsic HR (IHR), but decreased corrected sinus node recovery time (CSNRT) and sinus atrium conducting time (SACT). Intra cardiac EPS showed that SSYX significantly decreased the A-H and A-V intervals as well as shortened the atrial (A), atrioventricular node (AVN) and ventricular (V) effective refractory period (ERP). In isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes, the most obvious effect of SSYX on action potential was a shortening of the action potential duration (APD) without change in shape of action potential. The shortening rates of APD30, APD50 and APDgo were 19.5%, 17.8% and 15.3%, respectively. The resting potential (Em) and the interval between the end of APD3o and APD9o did not significantly change.Conclusions The present study demonstrates that SSYX increases the HR and enhances the conducting capacity of the heart in the condition of the intact autonomic nervous system. SSYX homogenously decreases the ERP of the heart and shortens the APD of the myocytes, suggesting its antiarrhythmic effect without proarrhythmia.     

Electrophysiological effects of Chinese medicine Shen song Yang xin （SSYX） on Chinese miniature swine heart and isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes

Background Shen song Yang xin （SSYX） is a compound of Chinese medicine with the effect of increasing heart rate （HR）. This study aimed to evaluate its electrophysiological properties at heart and cellular levels. Methods The Chinese miniature swines were randomly assigned to two groups, administered with SSYX or placebo for 4 weeks （n=8 per group）. Cardiac electrophysiological study （EPS） was performed before and after drug administration. The guinea pig ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated and whole cell voltage-clamp technique was used to evaluate the effect of SSYX on cardiac action potential （AP）. Results SSYX treatment accelerated the HR from （141.8±36.0） beats per minute to （163.0±38.0） beats per minute （P=0.013） without changing the other parameters in surface electrocardiogram. After blockage of the autonomic nervous system with metoprolol and atropin, SSYX had no effect on intrinsic HR （IHR）, but decreased corrected sinus node recovery time （CSNRT） and sinus atrium conducting time （SACT）. Intra cardiac EPS showed that SSYX significantly decreased the A-H and A-V intervals as well as shortened the atrial （A）, atrioventricular node （AVN） and ventricular （V） effective refractory period （ERP）. In isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes, the most obvious effect of SSYX on action potential was a shortening of the action potential duration （APD） without change in shape of action potential. The shortening rates of APD30, APD50 and APD9o were 19.5%, 17.8% and 15.3%, respectively. The resting potential （Em） and the interval between the end of APD30 and APD90 did not significantly change. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that SSYX increases the HR and enhances the conducting capacity of the heart in the condition of the intact autonomic nervous system. SSYX homogenously decreases the ERP of the heart and shortens the APD of the myocytes, suggesting its antiarrhythmic effect without proarrhythmia.     

Electrophysiological effects of Chinese medicine Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) on Chinese miniature swine heart and isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes

Background Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) is a compound of Chinese medicine with the effect of increasing heart rate (HR). This study aimed to evaluate its electrophysiological properties at heart and cellular levels. Methods The Chinese miniature swines were randomly assigned to two groups, administered with SSYX or placebo for 4 weeks (n=8 per group). Cardiac electrophysiological study (EPS) was performed before and after drug administration. The guinea pig ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated and whole cell voltage-clamp technique was used to evaluate the effect of SSYX on cardiac action potential (AP). Results SSYX treatment accelerated the HR from (141.8±36.0) beats per minute to (163.0±38.0) beats per minute (P=0.013) without changing the other parameters in surface electrocardiogram. After blockage of the autonomic nervous system with metoprolol and atropin, SSYX had no effect on intrinsic HR (IHR), but decreased corrected sinus node recovery time (CSNRT) and sinus atrium conducting time (SACT). Intra cardiac EPS showed that SSYX significantly decreased the A-H and A-V intervals as well as shortened the atrial (A), atrioventricular node (AVN) and ventricular (V) effective refractory period (ERP). In isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes, the most obvious effect of SSYX on action potential was a shortening of the action potential duration (APD) without change in shape of action potential. The shortening rates of APD30, APD50 and APDgo were 19.5%, 17.8% and 15.3%, respectively. The resting potential (Em) and the interval between the end of APD3o and APD9o did not significantly change.Conclusions The present study demonstrates that SSYX increases the HR and enhances the conducting capacity of the heart in the condition of the intact autonomic nervous system. SSYX homogenously decreases the ERP of the heart and shortens the APD of the myocytes, suggesting its antiarrhythmic effect without proarrhythmia.     

Electrophysiological effects of Chinese medicine Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) on Chinese miniature swine heart and isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes

Background Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) is a compound of Chinese medicine with the effect of increasing heart rate (HR). This study aimed to evaluate its electrophysiological properties at heart and cellular levels. Methods The Chinese miniature swines were randomly assigned to two groups, administered with SSYX or placebo for 4 weeks (n=8 per group). Cardiac electrophysiological study (EPS) was performed before and after drug administration. The guinea pig ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated and whole cell voltage-clamp technique was used to evaluate the effect of SSYX on cardiac action potential (AP). Results SSYX treatment accelerated the HR from (141.8±36.0) beats per minute to (163.0±38.0) beats per minute (P=0.013) without changing the other parameters in surface electrocardiogram. After blockage of the autonomic nervous system with metoprolol and atropin, SSYX had no effect on intrinsic HR (IHR), but decreased corrected sinus node recovery time (CSNRT) and sinus atrium conducting time (SACT). Intra cardiac EPS showed that SSYX significantly decreased the A-H and A-V intervals as well as shortened the atrial (A), atrioventricular node (AVN) and ventricular (V) effective refractory period (ERP). In isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes, the most obvious effect of SSYX on action potential was a shortening of the action potential duration (APD) without change in shape of action potential. The shortening rates of APD30, APD50 and APDgo were 19.5%, 17.8% and 15.3%, respectively. The resting potential (Em) and the interval between the end of APD3o and APD9o did not significantly change.Conclusions The present study demonstrates that SSYX increases the HR and enhances the conducting capacity of the heart in the condition of the intact autonomic nervous system. SSYX homogenously decreases the ERP of the heart and shortens the APD of the myocytes, suggesting its antiarrhythmic effect without proarrhythmia.     

Electrophysiological effects of Chinese medicine Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) on Chinese miniature swine heart and isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes

Background Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) is a compound of Chinese medicine with the effect of increasing heart rate (HR). This study aimed to evaluate its electrophysiological properties at heart and cellular levels. Methods The Chinese miniature swines were randomly assigned to two groups, administered with SSYX or placebo for 4 weeks (n=8 per group). Cardiac electrophysiological study (EPS) was performed before and after drug administration. The guinea pig ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated and whole cell voltage-clamp technique was used to evaluate the effect of SSYX on cardiac action potential (AP). Results SSYX treatment accelerated the HR from (141.8±36.0) beats per minute to (163.0±38.0) beats per minute (P=0.013) without changing the other parameters in surface electrocardiogram. After blockage of the autonomic nervous system with metoprolol and atropin, SSYX had no effect on intrinsic HR (IHR), but decreased corrected sinus node recovery time (CSNRT) and sinus atrium conducting time (SACT). Intra cardiac EPS showed that SSYX significantly decreased the A-H and A-V intervals as well as shortened the atrial (A), atrioventricular node (AVN) and ventricular (V) effective refractory period (ERP). In isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes, the most obvious effect of SSYX on action potential was a shortening of the action potential duration (APD) without change in shape of action potential. The shortening rates of APD30, APD50 and APDgo were 19.5%, 17.8% and 15.3%, respectively. The resting potential (Em) and the interval between the end of APD3o and APD9o did not significantly change.Conclusions The present study demonstrates that SSYX increases the HR and enhances the conducting capacity of the heart in the condition of the intact autonomic nervous system. SSYX homogenously decreases the ERP of the heart and shortens the APD of the myocytes, suggesting its antiarrhythmic effect without proarrhythmia.     

Electrophysiological effects of Chinese medicine Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) on Chinese miniature swine heart and isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes

Background Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) is a compound of Chinese medicine with the effect of increasing heart rate (HR). This study aimed to evaluate its electrophysiological properties at heart and cellular levels. Methods The Chinese miniature swines were randomly assigned to two groups, administered with SSYX or placebo for 4 weeks (n=8 per group). Cardiac electrophysiological study (EPS) was performed before and after drug administration. The guinea pig ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated and whole cell voltage-clamp technique was used to evaluate the effect of SSYX on cardiac action potential (AP). Results SSYX treatment accelerated the HR from (141.8±36.0) beats per minute to (163.0±38.0) beats per minute (P=0.013) without changing the other parameters in surface electrocardiogram. After blockage of the autonomic nervous system with metoprolol and atropin, SSYX had no effect on intrinsic HR (IHR), but decreased corrected sinus node recovery time (CSNRT) and sinus atrium conducting time (SACT). Intra cardiac EPS showed that SSYX significantly decreased the A-H and A-V intervals as well as shortened the atrial (A), atrioventricular node (AVN) and ventricular (V) effective refractory period (ERP). In isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes, the most obvious effect of SSYX on action potential was a shortening of the action potential duration (APD) without change in shape of action potential. The shortening rates of APD30, APD50 and APDgo were 19.5%, 17.8% and 15.3%, respectively. The resting potential (Em) and the interval between the end of APD3o and APD9o did not significantly change.Conclusions The present study demonstrates that SSYX increases the HR and enhances the conducting capacity of the heart in the condition of the intact autonomic nervous system. SSYX homogenously decreases the ERP of the heart and shortens the APD of the myocytes, suggesting its antiarrhythmic effect without proarrhythmia.     

Evaluation of the traditional Chinese medicine Shensongyangxin capsule on treating premature ventricular contractions: a randomized, double-blind, controlled multicenter trial

Background  Premature ventricular contraction (PVC) is one of the most common kinds of arrhythmias for which the treatment falls into dilemma. Previous clinical application showed that the traditional Chinese Medicine Shensongyangxin (SSYX) capsule is efficacious for the treatment of PVCs. This randomized clinical trial aimed to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of SSYX capsule on treating PVC.

Methods  The subjects who had  frequent PVCs with or without organic heart disease and normal cardiac function were enrolled in the study. The primary endpoint was the change of PVC numbers after eight-week medication with SSYX capsule. The secondary endpoints included change of clinical symptoms related to PVCs and the safety evaluation of SSYX capsule. Totally 188 PVC patients were randomly enrolled in the non-organic heart disease PVCs trial and orally took either SSYX capsules or analogues (three times per day, 4 capsules one time). A total of 671 PVCs patients were randomly enrolled in the organic heart disease PVCs trial, and orally took either SSYX capsules (three times per day, 4 capsules one time) or mexiletine tablet (three times per day, 150 mg one time). The PVCs were monitored and calculated with 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram. Routine blood, liver and kidney function were tested before and after medication with SSYX capsule.

Results  SSYX capsules significantly decreased the PVCs numbers and alleviated the related symptoms in patients with or without organic heart disease. In non-organic heart disease group, SSYX capsules and the placebos decreased the PVCs from 12 561.34±9 777.93 to 4806.87±6507.17, and 12 605.69±8736.34 to 10 364.94±9 903.41, respectively. The total effective rate was 74.2% and 28.9% in SSYX and placebo groups (P<0.001). In organic heart disease group, SSYX capsule and mexiletine decreased the PVCs from 8641.01±8923.57 to 3853.68±7096.42, 8621.61±8367.74 to 5648.29±8667.38, respectively. The total effective rate was 65.8% and 50.7% in SSYX and mexiletine groups (P<0.001). In addition, SSYX capsule significantly alleviated PVCs-related symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, insomnia, fatigue, and night sweats. No adverse cardiac events were observed except some slight gastrointestinal side effects during the study.

Conclusions  Compared with placebo or mexiletine, SSYX capsules have significant therapeutic efficacy in reducing PVCs numbers and alleviate PVCs-related symptoms.

     

Modulating Effects of Chlorogenic Acid on Lipids and Glucose Metabolism and Expression of Hepatic Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-α in Golden Hamsters Fed on High Fat Diet

Objective To examine the effects of chlorogenic acid （CGA） on lipid and glucose metabolism under a high dietary fat burden and to explore the possible role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α （PPAR-α） in these effects. Methods Twenty male golden hamsters were randomly divided into CGA treatment group （n=10, given peritoneal injection of CGA solution prepared with PBS, 80 mg CGA/kg body weight daily）, and control group （n=10, given PBS i.p. at the average volume of the treatment group）. Animals in both groups were given 15% high fat diet. Eight weeks after treatment with CGA, the level of biochemical parameters in fasting serum and tissues and the expression of hepatic mRNA and protein PPAR-α were determined. Results Eight weeks after treatment with CGA, the levels of fasting serum triglyceride （TG）, free fatty acid （FFA）, total cholesterol （TC）, low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）, high density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）, glucose （FSG）, and insulin （FSI） were significantly lower in the GGA treatment group than in the control group. CGA also led to higher activity of hepatic lipase （HL） lower contents of TG and FFA in liver, and lower activity of lipoprotein lipase （LPL） in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, CGA significantly elevated significantly elevated the expression level of mRNA and protein expression in hepatic PPAR-α. Conclusion CGA can modify lipids and glucose metabolism, which may be attributed to PPAR-α facilitated lipid clearance in liver and improved insulin sensitivity.     

The role of central nervous system on hypoglycemia and the feasibility of the brain theory in traditional Chinese medicine on treatment of diabetes mellitus

The central nervous system （CNS） plays a key regulatory role in glucose homeostasis. In particular, the brain is important in initiating and coordinating protective counterregulatory responses when blood glucose levels fall. This may due to the metabolic dependency of the CNS on glucose, and protection of food supply to the brain. In healthy subjects, blood glucose is normally maintained within a relatively narrow range. Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients can increase the risk of complications, such as heart disease and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The clinical research finds that the use of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has a positive effect on the treatment of hypoglycemia. Here the authors reviewed the current understanding of sensing and counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia, and discuss combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine and the theory of iatrogenic hypoglycemia in diabetes treatment. Furthermore, the authors clarify the feasibility of treating hypoglycemia on the basis of TCM theory and CNS and have an insight on its clinical practice.     

Integrative techniques using acupuncture,Chinese herbal medicine,diet, and supplements for polycystic ovary syndrome： a case report

Patients with a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） are on the rise. About 4%-12% of women are currently estimated to have this condition. It is hypothesized that PCOS appears in women who have long-standing insulin resistance （1R）, which leads to high androgen and testosterone levels; this ultimately disrupts their menstrual cycles. Some researchers attribute IR to genetic factors, although there have been only minute changes in the human genome in the past 20 000 years. However, even with a stable gene pool, genes can be turned on and offby the environment, food and air quality and toxin exposure.     

WHO西太区与世界中医药学会联合会中医名词术语国际标准比较研究:津液辨证(英文)

Intraditional Chinese medicine (TCM),the so-called津液refers to all the fluid and liquid flowingand maintaining inside the human body.In Chineselanguage,津液is a phrase composed of twoChinese characters which describes two differentkinds of fluid or liquid in the human body .According to the theory of TCM,津refers to thepart of fluid that is thin in texture and flowss moothly inside the body while液refers to thepart of fluid that is thick in texture and mainlymaintains in the joints of the body to nourish andlubr...     

TGF-β1 Precursor and CD8 Are Potential Prognostic and Predictive Markers in Operated Breast Cancer简

The transforming growth factor β1（TGF-β1） and CD8-positive T cells are two important immune factors that function at opposite directions. The purpose of this study was to verify the relationship between the two factors and their associations with long-term effects of adjuvant chemotherapy or endocrine therapy in breast cancer. Expression of TGF-β1 precursor and CD8 was immunohistochemically detected on surgically-obtained tumor samples of 130（stageⅠ–Ⅲ） invasive breast carcinomas from Chinese subjects, who were followed up for a mean time of 112 months. Interstitial CD8-positive cells and TGF-β1 precursor-positive cells adjacent to tumor nests were counted. Infiltration of CD8-positive lymphocytes into tumor nests and TGF-β1 precursor expression in tumor cells were observed and survival analysis was performed. Our results showed that density of interstitial CD8-positive lymphocytes was an independent adverse prognostic factor for distant disease-free survival（DDFS）（HR=8.416, 95% CI=1.636–43.292, P=0.011） in hormone receptor-positive patients who were on adjuvant endocrine therapy. For breast cancer patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy, those without infiltration of CD8-positive cells into tumor nests had a shorter overall survival（OS） than their counterparts with CD8-positive cell infiltration into tumor nests（Log-Rank, P=0.003）. But OS of patients without infiltration of CD8-positive cells into tumor nests was significantly prolonged by adjuvant chemotherapy（Log-Rank, P=0.013） and paralleled that of patients with CD8-positive cell infiltration. Although OS was shorter in the tumor cell TGF-β1 precursor（t-TGF-β1-pre）-positive patients than in the negative patients in patients without recieiving chemotherapy（P=0.053）, OS of t-TGF-β1-pre-positive patients was significantly prolonged by adjuvant chemotherapy（P=0.035） and was longer than that of t-TGF-β1-pre-negative patients. Analysis showed that t-TGF-β1-pre was an independent positive prognostic factor for DDFS（HR=0.392 95% CI=0.157–0.978, P=0.045） in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy. This study suggested that density of interstitial CD8-positive lymphocytes was of prognostic value in hormone receptor-positive patients who received adjuvant endocrine therapy. Our study verified that adverse immunologic signatures consisting of absence of CD8-positive cells in tumor nests or expression of TGF-β1 precursor in tumor cells in breast cancer were associated with worse prognosis and significantly improved long-term survival with adjuvant chemotherapy, respectively.     

An antiretroviral regimen containing 6 months of stavudine followed by long-term zidovudine for first-line HIV therapy is optimal in resource-limited settings: a prospective, multicenter study in China

Background An zidovudine （AZT）-substitution regimen containing 24-week stavudine （d4T） followed by long-term AZT for HIV therapy is potential to trade off short-term AZT-related anemia and long-term risks associated with d4T in resourcelimited settings.However,evidence is scarce.This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of AZT-substitution regimen,aiming to find a regimen with better efficacy,less adverse events,and more affordability in resource-limited settings.Methods This prospective,multicenter study enrolled 499 （190 on d4T regimen,172 on AZT regimen,and 137 on AZT-substitution regimen） HIV-1-infected subjects who initiated combined antiretroviral therapy and attended follow-up visits over 96 weeks from 2009 to 2011.Lamivudine （3TC） and either nevirapine （NVP） or efavirenz （EFV） were the other two drugs in the antiretroviral regimens.Virologic and immunologic responses and adverse events were monitored at baseline and at weeks 4,12,24,36,48,60,72,84,and 96.Results In terms of hematological adverse effects,AZT-substitution group had similar safety profiles to d4T group and was superior to AZT group.In comparison with AZT-substitution group,AZT group was associated with higher risk of developing anemia （adjusted hazard ratio （aHR）for anemia ≥ grade Ⅱ,8.44,95％ CI 1.81-39.46） and neutropenia （aHR for neutropenia ≥ grade Ⅱ,1.86,95％ CI 1.19-2.93）.The prevalence of lipodystrophy in d4T group was 19.5％,while that in AZT-substitution group was zero.As to antiretroviral efficacy,these three groups showed no differences.Conclusion AZT-substitution regimen provides a relatively safe and effective first-line antiretroviral strategy in resource-limited settings.     

Effects of the aqueous extract of Schizandra chinensis fruit on ethanol withdrawal-induced anxiety in rats

Background We previously demonstrated that the aqueous extract of the Schizandra chinensis fruit （AESC） ameliorated Cd-induced depletion of monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain through antioxidant activity.In the present study,we investigated the effect of AESC on anxiety-like behavior and the levels of norepinephrine and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol （a metabolite of norepinephrine） in different brain regions during ethanol withdrawal in rats.Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 3 g/kg of ethanol （20％,w/v） or saline by daily intraperitoneal injection for 28 days followed by three days of withdrawal.During withdrawal,rats were given AESC （100 mg.kg 1.d-1 or 300 mg.kg 1·d1,P.O.） once a day for three days.Thirty minutes after the final dose of AESC,the anxiogenic response was evaluated using an elevated plus maze,and the plasma corticosterone levels were examined by radioimmunoassay.Meanwhile,the concentrations of norepinephrine and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and hippocampus were also measured by high performance liquid chromatography.Results Rats undergoing ethanol withdrawal exhibited substantial anxiety-like behavior,which was characterized by both the decrease in time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and the increased level of corticosterone secretion,which were greatly attenuated by doses of AESC in a dose-dependent manner.The high performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that ethanol withdrawal significantly increased norepinephrine and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol levels in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus,while not significantly altering them in the hippocampus.Similar to the results from the elevated plus maze test,the AESC significantly inhibited the elevation of norepinephrine and its metabolite in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusions These results suggest that AESC attenuates anxiety-like behavior induced by ethanol withdrawal through modulation of the hypothalamic norepinephrine system in the brain.     

Diagnosis and treatment of epistaxis caused by non-traumatic pseudoaneurysms of carotid artery

Epistaxis remains one of the most common otolaryngology emergencies. Severe epistaxis may be caused by internal carotid artery （ICA） pseudoaneurysm or cavernous fistula, which is clinically rare but life threatening if it is not diagnosed and treated timely. Most ICA pseudoaneurysms are mainly caused by trauma with few other causes. From January 1998 to December 2005, a total of 8 cases with non-traumatic carotid artery pseudoaneurysm were correctly diagnosed through digital subtraction angiography （DSA） in Ganzhou People＇s Hospital. The patients had suffered from serious nose bleeding repeatedly and had been resistant to routine treatments.