西红柿治病养身功能多

西红柿又名蕃茄、番李子、金橘,具有养颜美容、消除疲劳、增进食欲、提高对蛋白质的消化、减少胃胀食积等功效。西红柿果实中含有糖分、粗蛋白质、有机酸、纤维素、果胶以及多种维生素,还富含多种矿物质元素,

菜根可治病

(1)丝瓜根:将新鲜的丝瓜根洗净捣烂,取汁用温水送服,可治赤白痢症。(2)大葱根:取大葱根5-10棵,生姜数片,红糖适量,煎汤饮服,可治疗伤风感冒。

EFFECT OF AROTINOLOL ON LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with arotinolol in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy(IDCM).Methods Sixty-three patients with IDCM were evaluated at baseline and after 12-month therapy with arotinolol.The conventional therapy for congestive heart failure was continued throughout the study with arotinolol as the only β-blocker.Left ventricular function was assessed with the New York Heart Association functional class and two-dimensional echocardiography.Results After 12-month arotinolol treatment,there was a significant improvement in left ventricular systolic function.Left ventricular end-systolic dimension significantly decreased from 59.52±8.83 mm to 50.89±8.17 mm(P<0.001).Left ventricular ejection fraction significantly increased from 27.39%±7.94% to 41.13%±9.45%(P<0.001).Left ventricular mass index decreased from 150.47±42.42 g/m2 to 141.58±34.36 g/m2(P<0.01).No adverse events leading to premature discontinuation of study drug occurred.Conclusion In this preliminary study,12-month arotinolol treatment has a favorable effect on left ventricular function in patients with IDCM,and it is safe and well tolerated.

Diagnostic and therapeutic implications of the association between ferritin level and severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),defined by excessive liver fat deposition related to the metabolic syndrome,is a leading cause of progressive liver disease,for which accurate non-invasive staging systems and effective treatments are still lacking.Evidence has shown that increased ferritin levels are associated with the metabolic insulin resistance syndrome,and higher hepatic iron and fat content.Hyperferritinemia and iron stores have been associated with the severity of liver damage in NAFLD,and iron depletion reduced insulin resistance and liver enzymes.Recently,Kowdley et al demonstrated in a multicenter study in 628 adult patients with NAFLD from the NAFLD-clinical research network database with central re-evaluation of liver histology and iron staining that the increased serum ferritin level is an independent predictor of liver damage in patients with NAFLD,and is useful to identify NAFLD patients at risk of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and advanced fibrosis.These data indicate that incorporation of serum ferritin level may improve the performance of noninvasive scoring of liver damage in patients with NAFLD,and that iron depletion still represents an attractive therapeutic target to prevent the progression of liver damage in these patients.

Functional activity of the rectum:A conduit organ or a storage organ or both?

AIM： To investigate whether the degree of rectal distension could define the rectum functions as a conduit METHODS： Response of the rectal and anal pressure to 2 types of rectal balloon distension, rapid voluminous and slow gradual distention, was recorded in 21 healthy volunteers （12 men, 9 women, age 41.7 ± 10.6 years）. The test was repeated with sphincteric squeeze on urgent sensation. RESULTS： Rapid voluminous rectal distension resulted in a significant rectal pressure increase （P 〈 0.001）, an anal pressure decline （P 〈 0.05） and balloon expulsion. The subjects felt urgent sensation but did not feel the 1^st rectal sensation. On urgent sensation, anal squeeze caused a significant rectal pressure decrease （P 〈 0.001） and urgency disappearance. Slow incremental rectal filling drew a rectometrogram with a ＂tone＂ limb representing a gradual rectal pressure increase during rectal filling, and an ＂evacuation limb＂ representing a sharp pressure increase during balloon expulsion. The curve recorded both the ist rectal sensation and the urgent sensation. CONCLUSION： The rectum has apparently two functions： transportation （conduit） and storage, both depending on the degree of rectal filling. If the fecal material received by the rectum is small, it is stored in the rectum until a big volume is reached that can affect a degree of rectal distension sufficient to initiate the defecation reflex. Large volume rectal distension evokes directly the rectoanal inhibitory reflex with a resulting defecation.

Upper gastrointestinal function and glycemic control in diabetes mellitus

Recent evidence has highlighted the impact of glycemic control on the incidence and progression of diabetic micro- and macrovascular complications, and on cardiovascular risk in the non-diabetic population. Postprandial blood glucose concentrations make a major contribution to overall glycemic control, and are determined in part by upper gastrointestinal function. Conversely, poor glycemic control has an acute, reversible effect on gastrointestinal motility. Insights into the mechanisms by which the gut contributes to glycemia have given rise to a number of novel dietary and pharmacological strategies designed to lower postprandial blood glucose concentrations.

Prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy: Focusing on gut microbiota

The gut flora plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the complications of cirrhosis. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) represents a broad continuum of neuropsychological dysfunction in patients with acute or chronic liver disease and/or porto-systemic shunting of blood flow and it manifests with progressive deterioration of the superior neurological functions. The pathophysiology of this disease is complex, as it involves overproduction and reduced metabolism of various neurotoxins, particularly ammonia. Management of HE is diversified and requires several steps: elimination of precipitating factors, removal of toxins, proper nutritional support, modulation of resident fecal flora and downregulation of systemic and gut-derived inflammation. This review will provide an overview of gut barrier function and the influence of gut-derived factors on HE, focusing on the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of HE and the recent literature findings on its therapeutic manipulation.

Low-dose intermittent interferon-alpha therapy for HCV-related liver cirrhosis after curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To assess the efficacy of low-dose intermittent interferon (IFN) therapy in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related compensated cirrhosis who had received curative treatment for primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We performed a prospective case controlled study. Sixteen patients received 3 MIU of natural IFN- alpha intramuscularly 3 times weekly for at least 48 wk (IFN group). They were compared with 16 matched historical controls (non-IFN group). RESULTS: The cumulative rate of first recurrence of HCC was not significantly different between the IFN group and the non-IFN group (0% vs 6.7% and 68.6% vs 80% at 1- and 3-year, P = 0.157, respectively). The cumulative rate of second recurrence was not also significantly different between the IFN group and the non-IFN group (0% vs 6.7% and 35.9% vs 67% at 1- and 3-year, P = 0.056, respectively). Although the difference in the Child-Pugh classification score between the groups at initial treatment of HCC was not signifi cant, the score was signifi cantly worse at the time of data analysis in the non-IFN group than IFN group (7.19 ± 1.42 vs 5.81 ± 0.75, P = 0.0008). The cumulative rate of deviation from objects of any treatment for recurrentHCC was also higher in the non-IFN group than IFN group (6.7% and 27% vs 0 and 0% at 1- and 3-year, P = 0.048, respectively). CONCLUSION: Low-dose intermittent IFN-alpha therapy for patients with HCV-related compensated cirrhosis after curative HCC treatment was effective by making patients tolerant to medical or surgical treatment for recurrent HCC in the later period of observation.

Left paraduodenal hernia presenting as recurrent small bowel obstruction

Internal hemiation of the small bowel is a relatively rare cause of intestinal obstruction. Left paraduodenal hernia resulting from abnormal rotation of the midgut during embryonic development is the most common form of congenital internal hernia. We report our experience in the diagnosis and management of a young male with left paraduodenal hernia presenting as recurrent intestinal obstruction. Correct preoperative diagnosis of left paraduodenal hernia had been difficult due to non-specific clinical presentations, but the advent of modern imaging technology makes early and correct diagnosis possible, Due to the risk of obstruction and strangulation, surgical treatment is indicated; however, timely intervention increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

The Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Multiple Function Protein ICP27

The herpes simplex virus type 1 （HSV-1） infected-cell protein 27 （ICP27） is an essential, highly conserved protein involved in various steps of HSV-1 gene regulation as well as in the shut-off of host gene expression during infection. It functions primarily at the post-transcriptional level in inhibiting precursor mRNA splicing and in promoting nuclear export of viral transcripts. Recently, many novel functions performed by the HSV- 1 ICP27 protein were shown, including leptomycin B resistance, inhibition of the type I interferon signaling, regulation of the viral mRNA translation and determining the composition of HSV-1 virions

Severe acute cholestatic hepatitis of unknown etiology successfully treated with the Chinese herbal medicine Inchinko-to (TJ-135)

Severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology is difficult to treat and often progresses to subacute fulminant hepatitis or late-onset hepatic failure. A 45-year-old wellnourished, healthy man had progressive fatigue and his liver function tests showed severe liver dysfunction. The etiology of sever acute cholestatic hepatitis was unknown. The liver function tests normalized gradually, which excluded high persistent total bilirubin after starting on predonine. A liver biopsy showed chronic active hepatitis with mild f ibrosis (A2, F1). Oral Inchinko-to, a Chinese herbal medicine, at 7.5 g daily was prescribed. The treatment was effective with no adverse effects. We present a successfully treated case and discuss hepatoprotective and choleretic effects of Inchinko-to.

Dissipation of pencycuron in rice plant

Pencycuron is a non-systemic protective fungicide for controlling sheath blight of rice. However, information on the fate of pencycuron in rice plant is lacking. The degradation of pencycuron in waterlogged tropic rice field was investigated.Pencycuron was applied at recommended field dose (187.5 g a.i./ha) and double recommended dose to cropped plots for three consecutive years. Pencycuron was rapidly degraded in rice plant at all doses of pencycuron application with first order half-lives of 1.57～2.77 d. The study revealed that pencycuron is safe from the human and environmental contamination point of view.

Hepatic echinococcosis:Clinical and therapeutic aspects

Echinococcosis or hydatid disease （HD） is a zoonosis caused by the larval stages of taeniid cestodes belong- ing to the genus Echinococcus. Hepatic echinococcosis is a life-threatening disease, mainly differentiated into alveolar and cystic forms, associated with Echinoc- cus multilocularis （E. multi/ocular/s） and Echinococcus granulosus （E. granulosus） infection, respectively. Cys- tic echinococcosis （CE） has a worldwide distribution, while hepatic alveolar echinococcosis （AE） is endemic in the Northern hemisphere, including North America and several Asian and European countries, like France, Germany and Austria. E. granulosus young cysts are spherical, unilocular vesicles, consisting of an internal germinal layer and an outer acellular layer. Cyst expansion is associated with a host immune reaction and the subsequent development of a fibrous layer, called the per/cyst; old cysts typically present internal septa- tions and daughter cysts. E. multilocularis has a tumor-like, infiltrative behavior, which is responsible for tissue destruction and finally for liver failure. The liver is the main site of HD involvement, for both alveolar and cystic hydatidosis. HD is usually asymptomatic for a long period of time, because cyst growth is commonly slow; the most frequent symptoms are fatigue and abdominal pain. Patients may also present jaundice, hepatomegaly or anaphylaxis, due to cyst leakage or rupture. HD diagnosis is usually accomplished with the combined use of ultrasonography and immunodiagnosis; furthermore, the improvement of surgical techniques, the introduction of minimally invasive treatments [such as puncture, aspiration, injection, re-aspiration （PAIR）] and more effective drugs （such as benzoimidazoles） have deeply changed life expectancy and quality of life of patients with HD. The aim of this article is to provide an up-to-date review of biological, diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic aspects of hepatic echinococcosis.

Carney complex: Two case reports and review of literature

Lian Duan, Lin Lu, Carney complex （CNC） is an extremely rare genetic syndrome of pigmented skin lesions, endocrine hyper-function and myxoma. Given its diverse clinical mani-festations, CNC is often misdiagnosed. Recognition of some special clinical manifestations and imaging features may help with the diagnosis. Early diagnosis of CNC would alert ongoing surveillance of tumors and complications; the prognosis of CNC may thus be improved by early treatment. Herein, we report two cases of CNC with bone lesions.

Chronic kidney disease and erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction(ED) is a common condition among male chronic kidney disease(CKD) patients.Its prevalence is estimated to be approximately 80% among these patients.It has been well established that the production of nitric oxide from the cavernous nerve and vascular endothelium and the subsequent production of cyclic GMP are critically important in initiating and maintaining erection.Factors affecting these pathways can induce ED.The etiology of ED in CKD patients is multifactorial.Factors including abnormalities in gonadal-pituitary system,disturbance in autonomic nervous system,endothelial dysfunction,anemia(and erythropoietin deficiency),secondary hyperparathyroidism,drugs,zinc deficiency,and psychological problems are implicated in the occurrence of ED.An improvement of general conditions is the first step of treatment.Sufficient dialysis and adequate nutritional intake are necessary.In addition,control of anemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism is required.Changes of drugs that potentially affect erectile function may be necessary.Further,zinc supplementation may be necessary whenzinc deficiency is suspected.Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors(PDE5Is) are commonly used for treating ED in CKD patients,and their efficacy was confirmed by many studies.Testosterone replacement therapy in addition to PDE5 Is may be useful,particularly for CKD patients with hypogonadism.Renal transplantation may restore erectile function.ED is an early marker of cardiovascular disease(CVD),which it frequently precedes; therefore,it is crucial to examine the presence of ED in CKD patients not only for the improvement of the quality of life but also for the prevention of CVD attack.

Factors associated with the overall survival of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To identify the factors associated with overall survival of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS:A total of 286 patients with HCC(male/female:178/108,age:46-100 years),who were diagnosed and treated by appropriate therapeutic procedures between January 2000 and December 2010,were enrolled in this study.Patients were stratified into two groups on the basis of age:Elderly(≥ 75 years old) and non-elderly(< 75 years old).Baseline clinical characteristics as well as cumulative survival rates were then compared between the two groups.Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the factors associated with prolonged overall survival of patients in each group.Cumulative survival rates in the two groups were calculated separately for each modified Japan Integrated Stage score(mJIS score) category by the Kaplan-Meier method.In addition,we compared the cumulative survival rates of elderly and non-elderly patients with good hepatic reserve capacity(≤ 2 points as per mJIS).RESULTS:In the elderly group,the proportion of female patients,patients with absence of hepatitis B or hepatitis C viral infection,and patients with coexisting extrahepatic comorbid illness was higher(56.8% vs 31.1%,P < 0.001;27.0% vs 16.0%,P = 0.038;33.8% vs 22.2%,P = 0.047;respectively) than that in the nonelderly group.In the non-elderly group,the proportion of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-infected patients was higher than that in the elderly group(9.4% vs 0%,P = 0.006).The cumulative survival rates in the elderly group were 53.7% at 3 years and 32.9% at 5 years,which were equivalent to those in the non-elderly group(55.9% and 39.4%,respectively),as shown by a log-rank test(P = 0.601).In multivariate analysis,prolonged survival was significantly associated with the extent of liver damage and stage(P < 0.001 and P < 0.001,respectively),but was not associated with patient age.However,on individual evaluation of factors in both groups,stage was significantly(P < 0.001) associated with prolonged survival.Regarding mJIS scores of ≤ 2,the rate of female patients with this score was higher in the elderly group when compared to that in the non-elderly group(P = 0.012) and patients ≥ 80 years of age tended to demonstrate shortened survival.CONCLUSION:Survival of elderly HCC patients was associated with liver damage and stage,but not age,except for patients ≥ 80 years with mJIS score ≤ 2.

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL INTAKE ON PENILE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN RATS

Objective To investigate the effects of alcohol intake on penile structure and function in rats. Methods Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group and alcohol intake group. They were administered with 2 mL of normal saline and 40% alcohol solution respectively through gastric tubes every day. Three months later, the animal model of alcohol intake was evaluated by modified Nayagida's method, and the effects of alcohol on the rats were studied by sexual behavior, the number of apomorphine-induced penile erection, level of testosterone in the sera, and the content of penile smooth muscle. Results The scores of animal model of alcohol intake evaluated by Nayagida's method were 0.66±2.05 in the control group and 9.26±5.50 in the alcohol intake group(P<0.05), which indicated that an animal model of alcohol intake was successfully established. Sexual behavior, the number of apomorphine-induced penile erection, testosterone level in the sera, and the content of penile smooth muscle of the alcohol intake group were all statistically different as compared with the control group(P<0.05). Conclusion Alcohol intake induces sexual dysfunction in rats, which may be due to the decline of testosterone level in the sera and decline of penile smooth muscle.

OBSERVATION ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF ACUPOINT APPLICATION OF FAR-INFRARED ASTHMA-RELIEVING PLASTER FOR ASTHMA

Objective To observe the clinical effect of acupoint application of Yuanhongwai Xiaochuankang Plaster （Far-infrared Asthma-relieving Plaster, FIRARP） for prevention and treatment of asthma. Methods Three hundred and sixty-six cases of bronchial asthma were randomly divided into treatment group （n = 185） and control group （n = 181 ）. Patients of treatment group were treated with FIRARP and those of control group treated with external application of traditional ＂Sonfu （Dog-days） moxibustion＂ （herbal-paste-cake separated moxibustion） and acupoints used were Dazhui（大椎 GV14）, Feishu（肺俞BL13）, Tiantu （天突 CV22）, etc. which were given to the patients. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second （FEV1） and peak expiratory flow （PEF） of the pulmonary function were determined and the changes of main symptoms and signs were observed before and after the treatment. Results The pulmonary functions were effectively improved, the symptoms were controlled, and the asthma attack was reduced in the two groups with no significant difference between the two groups （P 〉0.05）. Conclusion There is no significant difference between Yuanhongwai Xiaochuonkong Plaster and traditional ＂Sanfu moxibustion＂ on bronchial asthma. It may substitute for traditional ＂Sonfu moxibustion＂.

Targeting voltage-gated sodium channels for treatment for chronic visceral pain

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) play a fundamental role in controlling cellular excitability,and their abnormal activity is related to several pathological processes,including cardiac arrhythmias,epilepsy,neurodegenerative diseases,spasticity and chronic pain.In particular,chronic visceral pain,the central symptom of functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome,is a serious clinical problem that affects a high percentage of the world population.In spite of intense research efforts and after the dedicated decade of pain control and research,there are not many options to treat chronic pain conditions.However,there is a wealth of evidence emerging to give hope that a more refined approach may be achievable.By using electronic databases,available data on structural and functional properties of VGSCs in chronic pain,particularly functional gastrointestinal hypersensitivity,were reviewed.We summarize the involvement and molecular bases of action of VGSCs in the pathophysiology of several organic and functionalgastrointestinal disorders.We also describe the efficacy of VGSC blockers in the treatment of these neurological diseases,and outline future developments that may extend the therapeutic use of compounds that target VGSCs.Overall,clinical and experimental data indicate that isoform-specific blockers of these channels or targeting of their modulators may provide effective and novel approaches for visceral pain therapy.

Homeopathy--A Regulation Therapy Healing Hypo- or Hyper-functions of Pathological Pathways by Magnetic Photons according to the Resonance Principle

Since Lenger＇s detection of magnetic photons in homeopathic remedies by magnetic resonance the mystery of homeopathy comes to a solution. Homeopathy is a regulation therapy curing hypo- and hyper-functions of pathological pathways. It reacts according to the principle of resonance. The fundamental principles of homeopathy as proving, symptom picture, curing according to the Law of Similars and the production of homeopathic remedies over the Avogadro number by repeated dilution and succussion are explained to have the same frequencies so that the resonance principle can work. Pathological pathways are cured by using their highly potentized substrates, inhibitors and enzymes, given daily or each second day. This is in contradiction to the normal applied homeopathy. The efficacy of homeopathy now has a scientific base and is completely explained by applying biochemical and biophysical laws.