Mechanism of Huangjing Qianshi Decoction in treatment of prediabetic mice based on transcriptome sequencing / 中国中药杂志

Based on transcriptome sequencing technology, the mouse model of prediabetes treated with Huangjing Qianshi Decoction was sequenced to explore the possible mechanism of treating prediabetes. First of all, transcriptome sequencing was performed on the normal BKS-DB mouse group, the prediabetic model group, and the Huangjing Qianshi Decoction treatment group(treatment group) to obtain differentially expressed genes in the skeletal muscle samples of mice. The serum biochemical indexes were detected in each group to screen out the core genes of Huangjing Qianshi Decoction in prediabetes. Gene Ontology(GO) database and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) database were used to conduct signaling pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) was used to verify them. The results showed that the levels of fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR), total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) in the mouse model were significantly decreased after treatment with Huangjing Qianshi Decoction. In the results of differential gene screening, there were 1 666 differentially expressed genes in the model group as compared with the normal group, and there were 971 differentially expressed genes in the treatment group as compared with the model group. Among them, interleukin-6(IL-6) and NR3C2 genes, which were closely related to the regulation of insulin resis-tance function, were significantly up-regulated between the model group and the normal group, and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA) genes were significantly down-regulated between the model group and the normal group. However, the expression results of IL-6, NR3C2, and VEGFA genes were adverse between the treatment group and the model group. GO functional enrichment analysis found that the biological process annotation mainly focused on cell synthesis, cycle, and metabolism; cell component annotation mainly focused on organelles and internal components; and molecular function annotation mainly focused on binding molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis found that it involved the protein tyrosine kinase 6(PTK6) pathway, CD28-dependent phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT) pathway, p53 pathway, etc. Therefore, Huangjing Qianshi Decoction can improve the state of prediabetes, and the mechanism may be related to cell cycle and apoptosis, PI3K/AKT pathway, p53 pathway, and other biological pathways regulated by IL-6, NR3C2, and VEGFA.

Mechanism of Huangjing Qianshi Decoction in treatment of prediabetes based on network pharmacology and molecular docking / 中国中药杂志

This study analyzed the molecular mechanism of Huangjing Qianshi Decoction(HQD) in the treatment of prediabetes based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The active components of HQD were identified and screened based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP, http://Lsp.nwu.edu.cn/tcmsp.php) and then the targets of the components and the genes related to prediabetes were retrieved, followed by identifying the common targets of the decoction and the disease. The medicinal component-target network was constructed by Cytoscape to screen key components. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was established by STRING and hub genes were identified by Cytoscape-CytoNCA, followed by Gene Ontology(GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) of the hub genes with R-clusterProfi-ler. Thereby, the possible signaling pathways were predicted and the molecular mechanism was deduced. A total of 79 active components of HQD and 785 diabetes-related targets of the components were screened out. The hub genes mainly involved the GO terms of tricarboxylic acid cycle, peptide binding, amide binding, hydrolase activity, and kinase activity regulation, and the KEGG pathways of AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and insulin signaling pathway. Western blot result showed that HQD-containing serum significantly reduced the expression of AKT1, AGE, and RAGE proteins in insulin resistance model cells. HQD's treatment of prediabetes is characterized by multiple pathways, multiple targets, and multiple levels. The main mechanism is that the components zhonghualiaoine, baicalein, kaempferol, and luteolin act on AKT1 and inhibit the AGE-RAGE axis.

A comparative study of the effects of different treatment strategies on postoperative anal function and quality of life in patients with complete obstructive left hemicolon cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To compare the effects of 3 treatment strategies (emergent surgery, self-expanding metallic stents, self-expanding metallic stents plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy) on postoperative anal function and quality of life in patients with complete obstructive left hemicolon cancer. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data of patients with complete obstructive left hemicolon cancer admitted to General Surgery Department of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital between January 2017 and October 2019 were retrospectively collected. Patient inclusion criteria: (1) complete obstructive left hemicolon cancer was confirmed through clinical manifestation and abdominal computed tomography; (2) adenocarcinoma was confirmed by postoperative pathology; (3) emergent radical resection of primary tumor was performed with temporary stoma, or radical resection of primary tumor and primary anastomosis was performed without stoma, 7 to 14 days after completion of insertion of self-expanding metallic stents. Patients who did not receive stoma reversion after emergent operation were excluded. According to different therapies, patients were divided into three groups: emergent surgery (ES) group, self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) group and self-expanding metallic stents plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (SEMS+NAC) group. Wexner score for incotinence (higher score indicates the worse anal function), Vaizey score (>10 indicates fecal incontinence) and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) scale (higher score indicates the worse anal function) were applied to evaluate anal function of patients among groups at postoperative 1-, 6- and 12-month. EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. Risk factors of decreased anal function were identified by logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 72 patients were enrolled, including 27 (37.5%) patients in ES group, 23 (31.9%) in SEMS group and 22 (30.6%) in SEME+NAC group. The baseline characteristics including age, gender, tumor location, comorbidities, total blood loss, operation time and postoperative complications, were comparable among groups, except that the proportion of laparoscopic surgery was significantly lower in ES group (4/27, 14.9%) than that in SEMS (15/23, 65.2%) and SEMS+NAC group (16/22, 72.7%) with significant difference (P<0.001). The follow-up ended up to October 2020, and the overall follow-up rate was 79.2% (57/72). No significant differences existed in the Wexner score of patients among groups at postoperative 1-, 6- and 12-month (all P>0.05). The Vaizey scores at postoperative 1-month in ES, SEMS and SEMS+NAC group were 7 (0-17), 3 (0-7) and 4 (0-8) respectively with significant difference (H=18.415, P=0.001), and the scores in SEMS and SEMS+NAC groups were significantly lower than that in ES group (both P<0.05), while no significant difference existed between SEMS and SEMS+NAC group (P>0.05). Vaizey scores at postoperative 6- and 12-month among 3 groups were not significantly different (both P>0.05). The LARS scores at postoperative 1-month in ES, SEMS and SEMS+NAC groups were 20 (0-37), 15 (0-24) and 16 (0-28) respectively with significant difference (H=3.660, P=0.036), and the scores in SEMS and SEMS+NAC groups were significantly lower than that in ES group (both P<0.05), while no significant difference existed between SEMS and SEMS+NAC groups (P>0.05). LARS scores at postoperative 6- and 12-month among 3 groups were not significantly different (both P>0.05). The QLQ-C30 score revealed that the social function of patients in SEMS group and SEMS+NAC group was significantly better than that in ES group (both P<0.05), while no significant difference existed between SEMS and SEMS+NAC group (P>0.05). The logistic regression analysis revealed that only ES was an independent risk factor of decreased anal function (OR=2.264, 95% CI: 1.098-4.667, P=0.027). Conclusion: Compared to ES, SEMS may improve quality of life and short-term anal function of patients with complete obstructive left hemicolon cancer.

Evolution of transmaxillary approach to tumors in pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa: anatomic simulation and clinical practice / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#The endoscopic transnasal approach has been proven to have advantages on the removal of the tumors in pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and infratemporal fossa (ITF). Herein, this study aimed to describe a modified approach for resection of the tumors in these areas, both in cadaveric specimen and clinical patients.@*METHODS@#The 20 adult cadaveric specimens and five patients with tumors in PPF and ITF were enrolled in this study. For the cadaveric specimens, ten were simulated anterior transmaxillary approach and ten were performed modified endoscopic transnasal transmaxillary approach. The exposure areas were compared between two groups and main anatomic structure were measured. Surgery was operated in the five patients with tumors of PPF and ITF to verify the experience from the anatomy. Perioperative management, intraoperative findings and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The modified endoscopic transnasal transmaxillary approach provided as enough surgical exposure and high operability to the PPF and ITF as the anterior transmaxillary approach did. The diameter of maxillary artery in the PPF was 3.77 ± 0.78 mm (range: 2.06-4.82 mm), the diameter of middle meningeal artery in the ITF was 2.79 ± 0.61 mm (range: 1.54-3.78 mm). Four patients who suffered schwannoma got total removal and one of adenocystic carcinoma got subtotal removal. The main complications were facial numbness and pericoronitis of the wisdom tooth. No permanent complication was found.@*CONCLUSIONS@#With the widespread use of neuroendoscopy, the modified endoscopic transnasal transmaxillary approach is feasible and effective for the resection of tumors located in PPF and ITF, which has significant advantages on less trauma and complications to the patients.

Research on cloud hospital construction in Xiamen Third Hospital / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To realize leap-forward development in hospital informatization with the cloud hospital construction in Xiamen Third Hospital taken as an example.Methods The concept of Health Medical Cloud in Xiamen was introduced,and the advantages,risks,establishment of safety protection unit,difficulty and etc were analyzed during the cloud hospital construction.Results The cloud hospital enhanced hospital efficiency and medical service greatly,and the objectives were fulfilled for the cloud hospital.Conclusion The cloud hospital saves the costs for construction,running and maintenance,shortens the period for system construction,enhances hospital informatization.

Establishment of a rat model of acute gouty arthritis and observation of the model maintenance time / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To establish a model of acute gouty arthritis( AGA) in rats and observe its maintenance time. Methods The AGA model of rats was established by injecting monosodium urate ( MSU) at the concentration of 25 mg/mL into the ankle joint cavity. The rats were observed for 8 d at different time points. Skin temperature, degree of joint swelling, gait, inflammatory cells in synovial fluid, histopathological changes of synovial tissue and other indicators were observed to determine whether the modeling and maintenance time were successful. Results At 3 h after modeling, differ-ences in the swelling of ankle joint, increase of skin temperature, abnormal gait, the number of inflammatory cells in syno-vial fluid, synovial hyperplasia, capillary congestion, and disarrangement of synovial cells in the rats were observed in the saline group and the model group (P <0. 01). At 4 hours after modeling, the above mentioned inflammatory changes in the saline group were significantly reduced, compared with that at 3 h, showing a significant difference (P<0. 01), while the inflammatory changes of the model group were increased significantly compared with that at 3 hours ( P<0. 01 ) , and showed significant difference compared with the saline group (P<0. 01). At 24 h after modeling, the indexes in the rats of saline group returned to normal, but the inflammation of the model group was increased. At 48-72 h after modeling, the local inflammation such as ankle swelling, skin temperature, and abnormal gait of the rats in the model group reached a peak. The inflammation of the ankle joint in the model group was gradually reduced from 96 to 168 h after the model was established, but there were still significant differences in the indexes compared with the blank group (P<0. 01). At 192 h after modeling, the joint swelling, skin temperature and abnormal gait of the rats in the model group returned to normal, however, there were significant differences in the number of inflammatory cells and the pathological changes of synovial membrane compared with the blank group ( P<0. 01 ) . Conclusions A rat model of AGA can be successfully prepared and identified at 4 h after modeling by injection of MSU crystal suspension into the ankle joint cavity. This rat model of AGA can be maintained at least 168 hours after modeling.

Research on cloud hospital construction in Xiamen Third Hospital / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To realize leap-forward development in hospital informatization with the cloud hospital construction in Xiamen Third Hospital taken as an example.Methods The concept of Health Medical Cloud in Xiamen was introduced,and the advantages,risks,establishment of safety protection unit,difficulty and etc were analyzed during the cloud hospital construction.Results The cloud hospital enhanced hospital efficiency and medical service greatly,and the objectives were fulfilled for the cloud hospital.Conclusion The cloud hospital saves the costs for construction,running and maintenance,shortens the period for system construction,enhances hospital informatization.

Establishment of a rat model of acute gouty arthritis and observation of the model maintenance time / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To establish a model of acute gouty arthritis( AGA) in rats and observe its maintenance time. Methods The AGA model of rats was established by injecting monosodium urate ( MSU) at the concentration of 25 mg/mL into the ankle joint cavity. The rats were observed for 8 d at different time points. Skin temperature, degree of joint swelling, gait, inflammatory cells in synovial fluid, histopathological changes of synovial tissue and other indicators were observed to determine whether the modeling and maintenance time were successful. Results At 3 h after modeling, differ-ences in the swelling of ankle joint, increase of skin temperature, abnormal gait, the number of inflammatory cells in syno-vial fluid, synovial hyperplasia, capillary congestion, and disarrangement of synovial cells in the rats were observed in the saline group and the model group (P <0. 01). At 4 hours after modeling, the above mentioned inflammatory changes in the saline group were significantly reduced, compared with that at 3 h, showing a significant difference (P<0. 01), while the inflammatory changes of the model group were increased significantly compared with that at 3 hours ( P<0. 01 ) , and showed significant difference compared with the saline group (P<0. 01). At 24 h after modeling, the indexes in the rats of saline group returned to normal, but the inflammation of the model group was increased. At 48-72 h after modeling, the local inflammation such as ankle swelling, skin temperature, and abnormal gait of the rats in the model group reached a peak. The inflammation of the ankle joint in the model group was gradually reduced from 96 to 168 h after the model was established, but there were still significant differences in the indexes compared with the blank group (P<0. 01). At 192 h after modeling, the joint swelling, skin temperature and abnormal gait of the rats in the model group returned to normal, however, there were significant differences in the number of inflammatory cells and the pathological changes of synovial membrane compared with the blank group ( P<0. 01 ) . Conclusions A rat model of AGA can be successfully prepared and identified at 4 h after modeling by injection of MSU crystal suspension into the ankle joint cavity. This rat model of AGA can be maintained at least 168 hours after modeling.

Exploration and practice of student' clinical thinking ability in the courses of Medical Laboratory Technology / 中华医学教育探索杂志

This study was conducted to explore a proper training model of interns' clinical thinking ability under the construction of a new four-year system of medical laboratory technology courses, combined with the establishment of innovative standard whole process practice mode. Multi-teaching methods of clinical thinking, such as explanation of laboratory sheet, interactive teaching based on micro digital system, interdisciplinary multiple information system, combined PBL teaching and intern report, were applied and evaluated in the laboratory. Integrated application of these methods remarkably improved the intern's com-prehensive professional quality and their practice performance. All methods received high evaluation from both the interns and teachers.

Cloning of MADS-box gene AGL15 from Lonicera macranthoides and analysis on its bioinformatics and expression / 中草药

Objective: To clone the MADS-box gene denoted AGL15 from total RNA of Lonicera macranthoides based on previous transcriptome sequencing data and analyze the bioinformatics and expression of the gene. Methods: The gene containing intact open reading frame (ORF) was cloned by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The similarity comparison and homology analysis on the sequence were carried out using bioinformatic method, the coding protein was predicted and the physicochemical properties were analyzed. The expression of the gene in different locations of L. macranthoides was determined by semiquantitative PCR using gene-specific primers. Results: The Lm-AGL15 gene, containing a 795 bp ORF that encoded 264 amino acids, was cloned. The deduced protein sequence had the most similarity to the AGL15 in Vitis vinifera and exhibited two conserved motifs (MADS and K-BOX). Without transmembrane domain, Lm-AGL15 was located in cytoplasm and expressed only in each part. Conclusion: For the first time from L. macranthoides cloning could prolong the period of bud of gene, analysis of the gene expression in different parts of L. macranthoides which would provide a reference for the study of prolonging L. macranthoides bud stage.

Technical improvements and results of individual cylindrical abdominoperineal resection for locally advanced low rectal cancer / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the safety and efficacy of individual cylindrical abdominoperineal resection (CAPR) for locally advanced low rectal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2011 to February 2012, 11 patients with locally advanced low rectal cancer underwent individual CAPR. There were 7 male and 4 female patients, aged from 32 to 74 years with a median of 64 years. Forty-seven patients underwent classic CAPR from January 2008 to February 2012. Preoperative and postoperative parameters such as clinical information of patients, tissue morphometry and complications were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the individual surgical group, 6 patients were treated with one side levator ani muscle totally or partially reserved, 3 patients with sacrococcyx reserved, and 2 patients with dissection close to the anterior rectal wall. Compared with classical surgery, the individual surgical specimens of horizontal section area ((2197 ± 501) mm(2)) and intrinsic muscle layer outer area ((1722 ± 414) mm(2)) were small, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.150 and 0.167). The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, circumferential resection margin, total cross sectional tissue area, cross sectional tissue area outside the muscularis propria and bowel perforation rate between the two groups were not significantly different. Individual CAPR showed less incidence of chronic perineal pain (2/11, χ(2) = 6.116, P = 0.013) and sexual dysfunction (2/9, χ(2) = 4.412, P = 0.036) compared with classic CAPR.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Individual CAPR has the potential to reduce the risk of chronic perineal pain and sexual dysfunction without influencing the radical effect when compare with classic CAPR for the treatment of low rectal cancer.</p>

Surgical management of postoperative stricture of anastomosis after operation of intersphincteric resection for lower rectal cancer / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study surgical treatment of postoperative stricture of anastomosis for lower rectal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data of 9 cases who were diagnosed as postoperative stricture of anastomosis after operation of intersphincteric resection for lower rectal cancer during January 2008 to June 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. Transanal excision of stricture were used in 3 cases diagnosed as membranous stricture. Transanal radial incision of stricture were used in 5 cases diagnosed as tubulous stricture. Biologic patch was used to repair the defect of the posterior wall of rectum after excision of severe stricture in 1 case.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All 9 cases of postoperative stricture of anastomosis were cured by surgery. Anal dilation were performed every day by patients themselves after discharge. Digital examination showed that 1 to 2 fingers could pass through the anastomosis after operation. The patient whose rectal defect was repaired by biological patch underwent colonoscopy examination two weeks after operation. Colonoscopy showed that the biological patch had been filled with granulation and integrated into the surrounding intestinal tissue. All patients defecated without difficulty and the anal function of all patients was good after restoration of intestinal continuity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Aggressive surgery, combining with the use of biological patch if necessary is an effective therapy of postoperative stricture of anastomosis for lower rectal cancer.</p>

Prevalence and risk factors of overactive bladder in middle-aged and senior people / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To study the prevalence,risk factors of overactive bladder (OAB) in middle-aged and senior residents in Zhengzhou China.Methods A randomized,community-based,crosssectional study was performed on 10 160 residents aged 40 or older in urban area of Zhengzhou by using a stratified system sampling approach.A questionnaire including the subjects' basic information,previous history,present history,the Chinese overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) was filled on site.The diagnostic criteria for OAB was 'an urgency score for Question 3 of 2 or more,and an OABSS of 3 or more'.Chisquare test was used to determine the differences of prevalence between genders,age groups,BMI and people with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).A pairwise comparison was conducted between different age,BMI group by using Bonferroni method.Results A total of 10 160 residents were investigated and finally 9805 (96.5％) were qualified for final statistical analysis.The mean age was (57.9 ± 9.7) years.The overall prevalence of OAB was 2.1％ (209/9805),of which,with OABdry 1.0％,and OABwet 1.1％.Male subjects were more likely suffered from OAB than female,with 2.7％ (84/3129) versus 1.9％ (125/6676).The prevalence of OAB in both male and female increased with age.There was no significant difference in the prevalence of male and female before the age of 60 years (1.2％ versus 1.4％,P ＞ 0.05) and more common in men than in women after the age of 60 years (4.6％ versus 2.6％,P ＜ 0.05).The prevalence of the subjects with DM was significantly higher than those without DM (P ＜ 0.05).The subjects with BMIs of 30 or more were nore likely to have OAB (3.2％ versus 1.8％,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The prevalence of OAB increases with advancing age.The prevalence of male is higher than female after the age of 60 years.The diabetics and obese people are more likely to have OAB.

Outcome of de-mucosalized ileocystoplasty combined with strengthened pelvic floor in patients with neurogenic bladder / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To assess the outcome of de-epithelialied ileocystoplasty combined with strengthened pelvic floor in patients with neurogenic bladder.Methods Twelve patients (9 male,3 female) aged from 18 -27 years (averaged 25 years) with neurogenic bladder received de-mucosalized seromuscular ileocystoplasty combined with strengthened pelvic floor,and were evaluated by urodynamic parmeters,upper urinary tract image appearance,and serum creatinine before and one year after operation.Results After operation,the max cystometric capacity (412 ± 32 ml),bladder compliance (26.2 ± 4.0ml/H2O),relative safety cystometric capacity (368 ±26 ml) and max flow rate (20 ±3 ml/s) were respectively significantly higher than those preoperation(247 ±27 ml,4.4 ± 1.2 ml/cm H2O,206 ±24 ml,11 ±2ml/s,P ＜ 0.05).Moreover,the post voided residual (26 ± 8 ml) and detmsor leakage point pressure (17.8 ±3.6 cm H2O) were significantly lower than those of preoperation (136 ± 25 ml,63.1 ± 4.9cm H2O,P ＜0.05).The vesicoureteral reflux disappeared in five (63％) cases,and was relieved in the remaining three cases.Of the five cases with renal insufficiency,three (60％) cases had normal serum creatinine level,none had increased serum creatinine levels.After operation,late healing occurred in two ( 17％ ) cases,intestinal obstruction in one (8％),vesicoabdominal fistula in one (8％),and no cases had mucous urine.Clean intermittent self-catheterization was performed in one case (8％) to empty the bladder due to a fever resulting from urinary tract infection,the remaining 12 (92％) cases could empty their bladders through abdominal pressure.Conclusions De-mucosalized seromuscular ileocystoplasty combined with strengthened pelvic floor results in a good outcome for the patients with neurogenic bladder.

Efficacy evaluation of anal intersphincteric resection with direct coloanal anastomosis for T1-2 ultra-low rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes of intersphincteric resection (ISR) in T(1-2) ultra-low rectal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2000 to March 2007, ISR with total mesorectal excision (TME) was performed in 40 patients with very low rectal cancer,among whom total ISR in 5 patients, partial ISR in 23 patients, and partial ISR with partial dentate line preservation (modified partial ISR) in 12 patients. The preoperative tumor staging was T(1-2)N(0-1)M(0).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Morbidity was identified in 3 patients including anastomotic leakage in 1 patient and wound infection in 2 patients, and there was no postoperative mortality. The 5-year overall survival rate was 97%, and 5-year disease-free survival rate was 86%. Both patients with modified partial ISR (P=0.004) and patients with partial ISR (P=0.008) had significantly better continence than those with total ISR, and patients with a diverting stoma had significantly better continence (P=0.043) than those without a stoma at 12 months after surgery.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ISR is a safe procedure for sphincter-saving rectal surgery in selected patients with very low rectal tumors. A temporary diverting stoma may be beneficial to the improvement of anal function. Modified partial ISR under the precondition of radical resection shows better anal function and lower rate of incontinence.</p>

Observation on therapeutic effect of cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type treated with both acupuncture and mild moxibustion / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical therapeutic effects on cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type treated with both acupuncture and mild moxibustion and investigate the mechanism of action.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty cases were randomly divided into the combined therapy group of acupuncture and mild moxibustion (combined therapy group) and the acupuncture group, 30 cases for each group. In combined therapy group, Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20) and cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) were punctured, and Baihui(GV 20), Dazhui (GV 14), Mingmen (GV 4), Shenque (CV 8) and Guanyuan (CV 4) were treated with mild moxibustion; in acupuncture group, acupuncture was simply applied, the acupoints selection and manipulation were the same as those in the combined therapy group. The average velocity meter and the resistive index of vertebral and basal arteries were observed before and after treatment by TCD examination, the therapeutic effects and clinical symptom-sign scores were observed too.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in combined therapy group, and 73.3% (22/30) in acupuncture group. The therapeutic effect in combined therapy group was superior to that in acupuncture group (P < 0.05). The improvements of symptom-sign scores in two groups after treatment were more significant than that before treatment, and the score in the combined therapy group was superior to that in acupuncture group (P < 0.05). The average velocity meter and the resistive index of vertebral and basal arteries after treatment were improved in both groups, in which, the improvement in combined therapy group was more apparent (all P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The therapeutic effects on cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type treated with both acupuncture and mild moxibustion are preferable; by this therapy, the average velocity meter of vertebral and basal arteries are accelerated and the resistive index is decreased.</p>

Effects of 1-bromopropane on neurological and hematological changes of female exposed workers / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the health effects of 1-bromopropane (1-BP) on female exposed workers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Four 1-BP manufacturing plants were investigated. Workers were interviewed with questionnaire and examined with neurobehavioral core test battery, nerve conduction velocity tests of nervus tibialis and nervus suralis, vibration sensation test, hematological and biochemical tests. Ambient 1-BP concentration was measured with detection tube, and time-weighed average levels of individual workers were estimated with passive samplers.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>1-BP concentration in the plants ranged from 0 to 402.40 mg/m3 (Geomean 32.19 mg/m3). Time-weighted average exposure levels (TWA-8 h) ranged from 0.35 to 535.19 mg/m3 (Geomean 14.08 mg/m3). Compared with the control group, 1-BP exposed workers showed reduced motor nerve conduction velocity [(44.8 +/- 8.7) m/s] and sensory nerve conduction velocity [(45.5 +/- 4.9) m/s], prolonged distal latency [(7.5 +/- 2.1) ms], reduced toe vibration perception, and altered neurobehavior parameters(POMS vigor, tension, anxiety, confusion) significantly (P < 0.05). As to hematological and biochemical indicators, the exposed workers showed decreased white blood cell count [(5.6 +/- 2.17) x 10(3)/microl], red blood cell count [(3.9 +/- 0.4) x 10(6)/microl], hemoglobin [(121.1 +/- 14.5) g/L] and creatine kinase [(82.0 +/- 27.5) IU/L] (P < 0.05), and increased serum total protein (8.0 +/- 0.5 g/dl), lactate dehydrogenase [(335.2 +/- 356.6) IU/L], thyroid-stimulating hormone [(3.6 +/- 2.3) microIU/ml] and follicle-stimulating hormone levels (18.7 +/- 24.4 mIU/ml) (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>1-BP exposure may affect peripheral nerves and central nervous system, and lead to abnormal hematological and biomedical indicators.</p>

Exposure to 1-bromopropane causes dose-dependent neurological abnormalities in workers / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the dose-effect relationship between 1-bromopropane (1-BP) exposure and health effects in workers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Occupational field investigations were conducted in 1-BP factories. Ambient 1-BP concentrations were detected with detection tube, and the 8 h time-weighted average individual exposure levels (TWA-8 h) were measured by passive sampler. Workers underwent questionnaire survey, neurological examination, nerve conduction velocity examination, vibration sensation test. routine blood test as well as blood biochemical test. According to TWA values or TWA x duration values, workers were divided into three dose groups for dose-effect relationship analysis. USEPA BMDS 2.1 software was applied to calculate 1-BP benchmark dose (BMD) and its 95% lower limit (BMDL).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The TWA-8h concentrations ranged from 0.35 to 535.19 mg/m3 (geo-mean 14.08 mg/m3). Dose-dependent analysis showed that the motor nerve distal latency (linear regression coefficient was 0.066 6), vibration sensation of toes (linear regression coefficient were 0.157 2 and 0.193 9), creatine kinase (linear regression coefficient was -1.05) and thyroid stimulating hormone levels (linear regression coefficient was 0.1024) of 1-BP exposed workers changed in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). BMD calculation based on DL as 1-BP toxic effect endpoint showed that TWA-8h of the BMD values and BMDL values were 50.55 mg/m3 and 30.78 mg/m3, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>1-BP causes dose-dependent changes in tibial nerve DL, vibration sensation, CK and TSH levels.</p>

Virtual reality system for diagnosis and therapeutic planning of cerebral aneurysms / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The virtual reality (VR) system can provide the neurosurgeon to intuitively interact with and manipulate the three dimensional (3-D) image similarly to manipulate a real object. It was seldom reported that the system was used in diagnosis and treatment of cerebral aneurysms. This study aimed to investigate the application of VR system in diagnosis and therapeutic planning of cerebral aneurysms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 24 cases of cerebral aneurysms were enrolled in this study from 2006 to 2008, which diagnosed by 3-D digital subtraction angiography (3D-DSA) or VR-based computed tomography angiographies (CTA). The VR system and 3D-DSA system were used to observe and measure aneurysms and the adjacent vessels. The data of observation and measurements were compared between VR image and 3D-DSA image. All the patients underwent surgical plan and simulated neurosurgical procedures in the VR system.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 28 aneurysms detected in VR system and 3D-DSA system. The VR system generated clear and vivid 3-D virtual images which clearly displayed the location and size of the aneurysms and their precise anatomical spatial relations to the parent arteries and skull. The location, size and shape of the aneurysms and their anatomical relationship with the adjacent vessels were similar between 3-D virtual image and 3D-DSA, but the spatial relationship between aneurysms and skull only been displayed by VR system. This VR system also could simulate simple surgical procedures and surgical environments.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The VR system can provide a highly effective way to provide precise imaging details as same as 3D-DSA system and assist the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms with virtual 3-D data based on CTA. It significantly enhances the chosen therapeutic strategy of cerebral aneurysms.</p>

Genetic characteristics of HIV-1 CRF01-AE strains in four provinces, southern China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To analyze the genetic characteristics of HIV-1 CRF01_AE strains prevailing in. the four provinces of southern China. Methods Plasma samples were collected from the newly diagnosed HIV-1 individuals reported in 2006 in Guangdong, Guangxi, Jiangxi and Hunan province. The gag and env gene fragments were amplified from RNA template extracted from plasma using RT and nested PCR methods. CRF01_AE sequences were analyzed by phylogcnetie methods and characterized by calculating the genetic distance and Entropy analysis. Results Two main epidemic clusters were found to exist in the CRF01 AE strains from 210 HIV-1 CRF01 AE infected individuals collected in the 4 provinces, southern China. It was found that no international reference strain was closely correlated with cluster Ⅰ , which including 123 samples. The strains in cluster Ⅱ, consisting 57 cases of samples, were closely related with the strains identified in Vietnam. Genetic distance analysis of gag and env genes showed that the diversity of cluster Ⅰ was obviously less than that of cluster Ⅱ. Data on nucleotide polymorphism showed that nucleotides compositions of 42 sites in gag and 40 sites in env wer esignificantly different between the two clusters. When compared with cluster Ⅱ , the polymorphism decreased at 61 nucleotide sites but increased at 21 sites in cluster Ⅰ. Conclusion This was the first report describing that two main epidemic clusters were existed in CRF01_AE strains prevailing in the 4 provinces, Southern China. The vires in cluster Ⅰ was the dominant strain in this region, with shorter period of circulation and higher proportion seen in the HIV-infected population, which might belong to CRF01_AE strain with certain features facilitating the spread of the virus. The virus in cluster Ⅱ was highly homology with the CRF01_AE strains from Vietnam, and seemed to have had several events of epidemics in populations in border regions of China and Vietnam.