Design,delivery and efficacy testing of therapeutic nucleic acids used to inhibit hepatitis C virus gene expression in vitro and in vivo

Despite major achievements in the treatment ofchronic hepatitis C with the combination ofinterferons and the nucleoside analog ribavirin themajority of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection cannot be treated effectively.Toimprove this response rate we used antisensetechnologies to inhibit HCV translation as possibleadditional option for experimental treatment.Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides(ODN) are

Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of <i>Aloe vera</i>: A Review

The plant Aloe vera is used in Ayurvedic, Homoeopathic and Allopathic streams of medicine, and not only tribal community but also most of the people for food and medicine. The plant leaves contains numerous vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and other bioactive compounds with emollient, purgative, anti-microbial, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-helmenthic, antifungal, antiseptic and cosmetic values for health care. This plant has potential to cure sunburns, burns and minor cuts, and even skin cancer. The external use in cosmetic primarily acts as skin healer and prevents injury of epithelial tissues, cures acne and gives a youthful glow to skin, also acts as extremely powerful laxative.

Continuous Wear of Hydrogel Contact Lenses for Therapeutic Use

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and complications of continuous wear of etafilcon A for therapeutic use. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 228 eyes of 219 outpatients prescribed contact lens (CL) for one week of continuous therapeutic wear during 10 years. The reason for prescription of CLs, the primary disease, the duration of CL wear and the complications were assessed retrospectively. Results: The predominant reason for prescription of CLs was relief of pain or a foreign-body sensation (62.3%) and protection of the corneal epithelium (20.6%). The primary disease was post-penetrating keratoplasty (36.8%), followed by corneal epithelial erosion (14.5%), post-lamellar keratoplasty (14.0%) and bullous keratopathy (12.2%). The average duration of wearing single lens was 6.5 ± 3.2 days. The average duration of wearing CLs in total was 9.2 ± 10.7 months. The most frequent problem associated with continuous wear of CLs was their dropping out of CLs (12.3%). The complications associated with CLs included conjunctivitis with papillary hyperplasia, corneal erosion and superficial punctate keratitis, but corneal ulcer and corneal infiltrates were not found. Conclusion: Serious complications were not shown changing the lenses every week to keep to the prescribed time limit for continuous therapeutic wear, even if corneal epithelial barrier function is impaired.

Comparison of long-lasting therapeutic effects between succimer and penicillamine on hepatolenticular degeneration

AIM To compare the long term effect of succimer (Suc) with that of penicillamine (Pen) in treating hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD). METHODS One hundred and twenty patients with HLD were divided into 2 groups. Group A ( n =60) received Suc 750mg , po. bid. Group B ( n =60) received Pen 250mg , po. qid. The period of maintenance treatment varied from 6 months to 3 years, averaging 1 5 years. Symptoms and therapeutic effects were evaluated by modified Goldstein scale. RESULTS The total effectiveness of group A in two different periods of treatment were 80% and 85% respectively, higher than those of group B (58% and 59% respectively) ( P <0 05). Suc also had obvious curative effects for the patients who failed in the use of Pen. There were fewer side effect in group A than in group B ( P <0 05). Suc and Pen could increase urinary copper excretion effectively and continually. CONCLUSION Suc is more effective and safer than Pen. Clinically, it can replace Pen as first choice drug for long term maintenance therapy of HLD.

Functional dyspepsia of ulcer-dysmotility type:clinical incidence and therapeutic strategy

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Therapeutic role of template-based lymphadenectomy in urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract

Lymphadenectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract has attracted the attention of physicians. The mapping study of lymphatic spread has shown that a relatively wide area should comprise the regional nodes for tumors of the right renal pelvis or the right upper two-thirds of the ureter. A prospective study showed that an anatomical templatebased lymphadenectomy significantly improved patient survival in tumors of the renal pelvis. This benefit was more evident for patients with p T2 stage tumors or higher. The risk of regional node recurrence is significant reduced by template-based lymphadenectomy,which is likely to be associated with improved patient survival. The removal of lymph node micrometastases is assumed to be the reason for therapeutic benefit following lymphadenectomy. The number of resected lymph nodes can be used to assess the quality of lymphadenectomy,but not to determine the extent of lymphadenectomy. The guidelines currently recommend lymphadenectomy for patients with muscle-invasive disease,even though the current recommendation grades are still low. The present limitation of lymphadenectomy is the lack of standardization of the extent of lymphadenectomy and the randomized trials. Further studies are warranted to collect the evidence to support lymphadenectomy.

Blastocystis hominis as a cause of chronic diarrhea in low-resource settings:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Blastocystis hominis(B.hominis),an anaerobic unicellular protist parasite,is known for its diverse clinical manifestations upon infecting the human gastrointestinal tract.Although globally distributed,it is particularly prevalent in developing nations.Examining the symptoms and treatment outcomes of B.hominis infection in low-resource settings holds immense significance,providing healthcare practi-tioners with valuable insights to enhance patient care.AIM To synthesize existing evidence on the symptomatology and treatment outcomes of B.hominis infection in low-resource settings.METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines,a systematic review was conducted.The search spanned electronic databases including PubMed,Scopus,and Google Scholar.After a comprehensive screening process,a thorough examination of the papers,adhering to inclusion and exclusion criteria,and data extraction from eligible studies was conducted.The findings underwent summarization through simple descriptive analysis.RESULTS The search yielded 1200 papers,with 17 meeting inclusion criteria.Chronic diarrhea due to B.hominis infection was reported in only two studies,while abdominal pain,diarrhea,flatulence,constipation,and nausea/vomiting emerged as the most commonly documented symptoms.Recovery rates after one week of treatment ranged from 71.8%to 100%,and after two weeks,from 60%to 100%.CONCLUSION In low-resource settings,chronic diarrhea resulting from B.hominis infection is infrequent.Common symptoms include abdominal pain,diarrhea,flatulence,constipation,and nausea/vomiting.Post-treatment,clinical outcomes are notably favorable,supporting the recommendation for treatment.Metronidazole is advocated as the first-line agent,with consideration for switching to a second-line option in cases of treatment failure or poor response.

Clinacanthus nutans:a review of the medicinal uses,pharmacology and phytochemistry

Clinacanthus nutans Lindau is known as snake grass belonging to the Acanlhaceae family.This plant has diverse and potential medicinal uses in traditional herbal medicine for treating skin rashes,insects and snake bites,lesions caused by herpes simplex virus,diabetes,and gout in Malaysia.Indonesia.Thailand and China.Phylochemieal investigations documented the varied contents of bioaclive compounds from litis plant namely flavonoids,glycosides,glycoglyeerolipids.cerebrosides and monoacylmonogalatosylglycerol.The pharmacological experiment proved that various types of extracts and pure compounds from this species exhibited a broad range of biological properties such as anti-inflammatory,antiviral,antioxidant,and anti-diabetic activities.The lindings of toxicity study showed that extracts from this plant did not show any toxicity thus it can be used as strong therapeutic agents for specific diseased conditions.However,further experiments on chemical components and their mode of action showing biological activities are required to elucidate the complete phytochemical profile and assess to confirm their suitability tor future drugs.This review summarizes the medicinal uses,phytochemistry and pharmacology of this plant in order to explore its therapeutic potential and gaps necessitating for prospected research work.

High-intensity focused ultrasound extracorporeal ablation of liver tissuesin rabbits

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Controversies regarding transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have tantalized regenerative medicine with their therapeutic potential,yet a cloud of controversies looms over their clinical tran-splantation.This comprehensive review navigates the intricate landscape of MSC controversies,drawing upon 15 years of clinical experience and research.We delve into the fundamental properties of MSCs,exploring their unique immuno-modulatory capabilities and surface markers.The heart of our inquiry lies in the controversial applications of MSC transplantation,including the perennial debate between autologous and allogeneic sources,concerns about efficacy,and lingering safety apprehensions.Moreover,we unravel the enigmatic mechanisms surro-unding MSC transplantation,such as homing,integration,and the delicate balance between differentiation and paracrine effects.We also assess the current status of clinical trials and the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.As we peer into the future,we examine emerging trends,envisioning personalized medicine and innovative delivery methods.Our review provides a balanced and informed perspective on the controversies,offering readers a clear understanding of the complexities,challenges,and potential solutions in MSC transplantation.

USE OF CELL-BASED BIOASSAY FOR THE QUALITY CONTROL OF BOTANICAL THERAPEUTICS

The single most important factor in modernization efforts of traditional oriental medicines is the limited understanding of active compounds responsible for claimed therapeutic effects.Indeed,the unknown identity of biologically active molecules generates major difficulties associated with botanical therapeutics in general.This includes management of raw materials,poor understanding of

腰丛-坐骨神经联合阻滞在老年人下肢手术中的应用及对围手术期应激反应的影响

目的:探讨腰丛-坐骨神经联合阻滞和硬膜外麻醉在老年人下肢手术中的应用,比较两者临床麻醉起效和恢复时间、术后镇痛效果、血液动力学的变化及围术期应激反应的影响。方法:48例拟行单侧下肢手术的老年病人,随机分为腰丛-坐骨神经联合阻滞(NER)和硬膜外麻醉(EPI)。记录麻醉前,手术开始后15、30、45、60min,术后1h的收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP)和心率(HR),以及感觉、运动神经阻滞起效及恢复时间、镇痛维持时间、效果及术前、术中、术毕的血浆皮质醇、血糖及胰岛素水平。结果:手术开始后15min,EPI组病人DBP降低明显,随后30、45、60min及术后1hEPI组病人的SBP、DBP均明显低于NER组;NER组感觉、运动神经阻滞起效时间均小于EPI组,恢复时间明显长于EPI组;两组血浆皮质醇、血糖、胰岛素均较术前明显升高,EPI组升高幅度小于NER组。结论:神经刺激器定位下行腰丛-坐骨神经联合阻滞,麻醉效果佳,且有效抑制应激反应。

新生儿心律失常67例临床分析

目的 :了解新生儿心律失常的病因、临床特点及治疗方法。方法 :对 67例新生儿心律失常临床资料进行分析。结果 :67例中感染性疾病 2 8例 ( 4 1 .8% ) ,围产期缺氧 1 7例( 2 5 .4% ) ,原因不明 1 1例 ( 1 6.4% ) ;心律失常类型 :早搏 42例 ,各类快速性心律失常 1 4例 ,传导异常 6例 ;67例中 63例存活 ,60例心电图恢复正常 ,总有效率 89.6% ( 60 /67)。结论 :新生儿心律失常病因以缺氧及感染为主 ,临床以室上性早搏多见 ,快速性心律失常常表现为气促、烦躁、面色苍白、紫绀等非特异性症状。新生儿心律失常大多无须特殊治疗 ,快速性心律失常及 度以上房室传导阻滞经积极治疗后 。

氯普鲁卡因、利多卡因预防丙泊酚静脉注射痛的效果比较

目的比较氯普鲁卡因与利多卡因预防丙泊酚静脉注射痛的效果。方法 165例接受无痛人工流产早孕患者,随机分成盐酸氯普鲁卡因组（CP组,n=55）、盐酸利多卡因组（Li组,n=55）和生理盐水组（对照组,n=55）。分别注射2%CP 4 ml、2%Li 4 ml和生理盐水4 ml,30 s后注射丙泊酚2 mg/kg,边注射边询问患者注射部位及胳膊是否疼痛,直至患者入睡。术中麻醉深度不够追加丙泊酚0.5~1.0 mg/kg。结果无注射痛CP组达92.7%,Li组60.0%,对照组43.6%（P〈0.01）,且有痛的疼痛程度CP组比Li组轻,比对照组更轻。丙泊酚用量,CP组和Li组明显低于对照组（P〈0.01）。麻醉苏醒CP组和Li组比对照组快（P〈0.05）。结论氯普鲁卡因静脉预先注射对预防丙泊酚静脉注射痛效果较利多卡因好,二者也均可协同和增强丙泊酚静脉麻醉（中枢抑制）效果,且减少其用量。

复方利多卡因乳膏缓解包皮环切术切口疼痛的疗效

目的观察复方利多卡因乳膏缓解包皮环切术后患者切口疼痛的疗效。方法 2009年1-7月因包茎或包皮过长而行包皮环切术的患者100例,按随机数字表法将其分为实验组和对照组各50例,对照组用5%聚维酮碘溶液消毒创面后外覆灭菌凡士林纱布,实验组在对照组的基础上采用复方利多卡因乳膏外敷。分别在术后1、3、7d评估患者的切口疼痛程度、肿胀程度,术后2周评估患者的切口愈合情况。结果术后1、3、7d,实验组患者的切口疼痛程度均显著轻于对照组患者,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;术后1d,实验组患者的切口肿胀程度与对照组经比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;术后3、7d,实验组患者的切口肿胀程度显著优于对照组（P〈0.05）,差异有统计学意义。术后2周,实验组患者的切口愈合情况显著优于对照组患者,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论应用复方利多卡因乳膏能缓解包皮术后切口疼痛,尤其对术后夜间疼痛有明确疗效,同时对切口愈合也有促进作用。

利多卡因冷湿敷造影剂外渗的临床研究

目的观察利多卡因冷湿敷造影剂外渗的效果。寻找一种简单且效果佳的护理方法,避免和减少由于造影剂外渗给病人带来的痛苦。方法将32例造影剂外渗的病人分为观察组及对照组。观察组17例用2%利多卡因冷湿敷,对照组15例用50%硫酸镁冷湿敷,并进行效果观察。结果2%利多卡因冷湿敷造影剂外渗的疗效明显优于50%硫酸镁冷敷法。结论发生造影剂外渗时,使用利多卡因冷湿敷疗效好,值得推广运用。

42例室性心动过速治疗的临床分析

本文介绍了42例室性心动过速的临床资料和特点,讨论了早期后除极与室性心动过速的关系,并探讨各型室速的治疗。

笑气在人工流产手术中的临床疗效观察

目的：探讨米索前列醇、利多卡因联合笑气吸入在手术期间是否起到明显的镇痛作用以及对受术者的具体影响，以揭示在人工流产手术中应用米索前列醇、利多卡因联合笑气进行镇痛的可行性。方法：选择我院2006年6月-2010年6月因各种原因自愿要求终止妊娠，妊娠时间为4-8周，孕囊为5-40mm，无用药禁忌证的妊娠妇女968例。根据知情同意原则分为单纯使用米索前列醇、利多卡因组及加用笑气吸入组，各484例，进行人工流产手术，观察临床效果。结果：米索、利多组术中镇痛效果好363例（75．0％），有效97例（20．04％），差24例（4．96％）；米索、利多联合笑气组镇痛效果好421例（86．98％），有效53例（10．95％），差10例（2．07％），两组比较，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：米索前列醇、利多卡因联合笑气在人工流产手术中的镇痛效果显著。

Combination of "low-dose" ribavirin and interferon alfa-2a therapy followed by interferon alfa-2a monotherapy in chronic HCV-infected nonresponders and relapsers after interferon alfa-2a monotherapy

AIM To report on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of interferon alfa-2a combined with a "low dose" of ribavirin for relapsers and non responders to alpha interferon monotherapy.METHODS Thirty-four chronic hepatitis C virus-infected non-responders to interferon alfa2a monotherapy (a course of at least 3 months treatment) and 13 relapsers to interferon alfa 2a monotherapy (a dose of 3 to 6 million units three times per week for at least 20 weeks but not more than 18 months) were treated with the same dose of interferon alfa-2a used before (3 to 6 million units three times per week) and ribavirin (10 mg/ kg daily) for 6 months. In complete responders, interferon alfa-2a was administered for further 6 months at the same dose used before as monotherapy.RESULTS Seven (20.6%) of 34 non-responders stopped the combined therapy due to adverse events, including two patients with histological and clinical Child A cirrhosis. In 17/27 (63%)non-responders, the combined therapy was stopped after three months because of non-response. Ten of the 27 non-responders completed the 1;2-month treatment course. At a mean follow up of 28 months (16- 37 months)after the treatment, 4/10 (15%) previous non-responders still remained complete responders,All 13 previous relapsers completed the 12-month treatment course. At a mean follow up of 22months (9 - 36 months) after treatment, 6/13(46%) the previous relapsers were stillsustained complete responders.CONCLUSION Our treatment schedule of the combined therapy for 6 months of interferon alfa2a with a low dose of ribavirin (10 mg/kg/day)followed by 6 months of interferon alfa-2amonotherapy is able to induce a sustainedcomplete response rate in 15% of non-responders and 46% of relapsers with chronic hepatitis C virus-related liver diseases comparable to those obtained with the standarddoses of ribavirin 1000 - 1200 mg/day.Randomized prospective controlled trials using lower total amounts of ribavirin in combination with interferon should be performed.

Probiotic mixture VSL#3:An overview of basic and clinical studies in chronic diseases

Probiotics are known as“live microorganisms”and have been proven to have a health effect on hosts at the proper dose.Recently,a kind of probiotic mixture including eight live bacterial strains,VSL#3,has attracted considerable attention for its combined effect.VSL#3 is the only probiotic considered as a kind of medical food;it mainly participates in the regulation of the intestinal barrier function,including improving tight junction protein function,balancing intestinal microbial composition,regulating immune-related cytokine expression and so on.The objective of this review is to discuss the treatment action and mechanism for the administration of VSL#3 in chronic diseases of animals and humans(including children).We found that VSL#3 has a therapeutic or preventive effect in various systemic diseases per a large number of studies,including digestive systemic diseases(gastrointestinal diseases and hepatic diseases),obesity and diabetes,allergic diseases,nervous systemic diseases,atherosclerosis,bone diseases,and female reproductive systemic diseases.