Radiographic features of COVID-19 based on an initial cohort of 96 patients in Singapore

INTRODUCTION@#Chest radiographs (CXRs) are widely used for the screening and management of COVID-19. This article describes the radiographic features of COVID-19 based on an initial national cohort of patients.@*METHODS@#This is a retrospective review of swab-positive patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to four different hospitals in Singapore between 22 January and 9 March 2020. Initial and follow-up CXRs were reviewed by three experienced radiologists to identify the predominant pattern and distribution of lung parenchymal abnormalities.@*RESULTS@#In total, 347 CXRs of 96 patients were reviewed. Initial CXRs were abnormal in 41 (42.7%) out of 96 patients. The mean time from onset of symptoms to CXR abnormality was 5.3 ± 4.7 days. The predominant pattern of lung abnormality was ground-glass opacity on initial CXRs (51.2%) and consolidation on follow-up CXRs (51.0%). Multifocal bilateral abnormalities in mixed central and peripheral distribution were observed in 63.4% and 59.2% of abnormal initial and follow-up CXRs, respectively. The lower zones were involved in 90.2% of initial CXRs and 93.9% of follow-up CXRs.@*CONCLUSION@#In a cohort of swab-positive patients, including those identified from contact tracing, we found a lower incidence of CXR abnormalities than was previously reported. The most common pattern was ground-glass opacity or consolidation, but mixed central and peripheral involvement was more common than peripheral involvement alone.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of sinonasal phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the diagnosis and surgical treatment of sinonasal phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT). Methods: The medical records of nine patients who had been diagnosed as sinonasal PMT in Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai JiaoTong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital between January 2015 and May 2020 were collected, including 4 males and 5 females, ranging from 36 to 59 years. The patient's previous history, clinical manifestations, imaging findings, laboratory results, surgical procedure, pathological results and postoperative follow-up data were analyzed by descriptive statistical analysis. Results: All patients presented hypophosphatemia and tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) with a disease course of 1 to 19 years. The imaging examination and intraoperative findings identified two cases with peripheral tissue infiltration, two cases with contralateral nasal cavity invasion, and one case with intracranial invasion. Five patients underwent unilateral endoscopic resection while two patients underwent bilateral endoscopic resection, and the remaining two patients underwent unilateral transorbital ethmoid artery ligation plus endoscopic tumor resection and endoscopic combined with transfrontal tumor resection (n=1 each). Expect for one case developed recurrence and intracranial involvement, the other patients achieved clinical remission and no recurrence was observed during the six-month follow-up. Conclusions: The diagnosis of sinonasal PMT needs combination of clinical manifestation, imaging, and pathological findings. Complete surgical excision and long-term postoperative follow-up are imperative.

Variable computed tomography appearances of COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is typically diagnosed by specific assays that detect viral nucleic acid from the upper respiratory tract; however, this may miss infections involving only the lower airways. Computed tomography (CT) has been described as a diagnostic modality in the COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment plan. We present a case series with virologically confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia. Variable CT features were observed: consolidation with ground-glass opacities, ground-glass opacities with subpleural reticular bands, and an anterior-posterior gradient of lung abnormalities resembling that of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Evolution of CT findings was observed in one patient, where there was interval resolution of bilateral lung consolidation with development of bronchiolectasis and subpleural fibrotic bands. While sensitive for detecting lung parenchymal abnormalities in COVID-19 pneumonia, the use of CT for initial diagnosis is discouraged and should be reserved for specific clinical indications. Interpretation of chest CT findings should be correlated with duration of symptoms to better determine the disease stage and aid in patient management.

Four novel mutations of ADAR1 in Chinese patients with dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria

Background: Novel mutations in adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 gene (ADAR1) are responsible for dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH). DSH patients display a mixture of hyperpigmented and hypopigmented macules on the dorsal aspects of the extremities, and freckle-like macules on the face. Aims: To provide new evidence for further study of the etiopathogenisis of DSH. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted and used as a template for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of all 15 coding exons as well as intron-exon boundaries of ADAR1. The PCR products were sequenced directly. Results: We identified eight mutations of ADAR1 in four Chinese pedigrees and four individual patients, which were c.2722G>T, p.(Asp908Tyr), c.1657delA, p.(Ser553fs), c.2563_2564delCT, p.(Leu855fs), c.526T>G, p.(Leu176Val) as well as four previously reported mutations c. 3363_3364insT, p.(Lys1122fs), c. 2865_2866delGT, p.(Val955fs), c.1630C>T, p.(Arg544X), and c.2894C>T, p.(Pro965Leu). In silico analysis predicted that all the mutations reported were pathogenic. Limitations: We did not study how ADAR1 played its role in DSH. So, the exact pathogenic mechanism of ADAR1 in DSH patients wasn't clarified in this study. Conclusion: We found four novel ADAR1 mutations in this study. Our results enlarge the database on ADAR1 mutations associated with DSH.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (199). Pyometra

A 92-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with urinary symptoms, fever and suprapubic tenderness. Her inflammatory markers were raised. Urine and blood cultures were negative. Computed tomography performed to look for a source of sepsis showed distension of the uterine cavity with high-attenuation fluid, an air-fluid level and gas locules along the uterine wall. The causes, clinical presentation and imaging features of pyometra are discussed.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (200). Intra-articular chronic tophaceous gout of the knee

A 39-year-old man presented with acute left knee pain and swelling. There was limitation of movement of the knee joint. His past medical history was significant for gout. Computed radiography showed bony erosions that were not typical of chronic tophaceous gout. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed focal deposits within the knee joint, which demonstrated isointense signal to muscle on T1-weighted sequence and intermediate signal on proton density (PD) and PD fat-saturated sequences. There was extensive, similar signal abnormality in the cruciate ligaments, popliteus tendon and lateral meniscus. These findings were in keeping with an intra-articular manifestation of chronic tophaceous gout. The clinical presentation and imaging features are herein discussed, with an emphasis on MR imaging.

Rapamycin protects human lens epithelial cells against oxidative stress induced by high glucose / 眼科新进展

Objective To investigate the effects of rapamycin on human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) against high glucose-induced oxidative stress.Methods A oxidative damage model of HLECs induced by high glucose was established,and intervention with different concentrations of rapamycin for the cells was performed for detecting the survival rate by CCK-8 assay,observing cell morphology by inverted microscope,and measuring the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by H2DCFDA staining,as well as determining the expression of apoptosis related Bcl-2 and Bax proteins by Western blot in all groups.Results CCK-8 results showed that the survival rate of HLECs was increased to 62.00％ ± 3.74％ and 79.57％ ± 5.26％ after treated with 10 nmol · L-1 and 100 nmol · L 1 rapamycin,and the difference was statistically significant when compared with the high glucose group (42.32％ ± 3.10％) (all P ＜ 0.05);H2DCFDA fluorescent probe staining demonstrated that rapamycin could suppress ROS generation in HLECs and alleviate oxidative damage to cells;besides,rapamycin could downregulate the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein in HLECs and the inhibitory effects were positively correlated with the concentration of rapamycin.Conclusion Rapamycin can inhibit high glucose-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis m human HLECs,which provides a prevention effect for diabetic cataract.

Interleukin?22 promotes proliferation of fibroblast?like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis by inducing STAT3 phosphorylation / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To clarify the mechanism by which interleukin?22 (IL?22) promotes the proliferation of fibroblast?like synoviocytes (FLS) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>FLS were isolated from the synovial tissues of patients with RA and identified by immunohistochemistry for vimentin/CD68. The cells were subcultured and incubated with different concentrations of IL?22 for 24, 48, or 72 h, and their proliferation was examined using MTT assay. After treatment of the cells with IL?22 and AG490, alone or in combination, the expressions of the total and phosphorylated proteins of STAT3, ERK1/2 and P38 were detected with Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>IL?22 significantly increased the proliferation of FLS in a dose?dependent manner (P<0.05). The total protein of STAT3 in the cells showed no significant changes with extended time of IL?22 treatment (P=0.68), but the expression of phosphorylated STAT3 protein increased significantly (P<0.001). The total and phosphorylated proteins of ERK1/2 and P38 underwent no significant changes after IL?22 treatment (P>0.05). A combined treatment with 50 ng/mL IL?22 and 100 µmol/L AG490 resulted in a significant decrease in the proliferation of FLS as compared with IL?22 treatment alone (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>IL?22 can dose?dependently promote the proliferation of FLS from patients with RA by inducing phosphorylation of STAT3 protein but not through ERK1/2 or P38 signal pathway.</p>

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (179). Severe rhabdomyolysis complicated by myonecrosis

A 32-year-old man presented to the emergency department with severe right lower limb pain and swelling of three days' duration. He had multiple prior admissions for recurrent seizures and suicide attempts. Markedly elevated serum creatine kinase levels and urine myoglobinuria were consistent with a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. Initial magnetic resonance imaging of the right lower limb revealed diffuse muscle oedema and features of myositis in the gluteal muscles and the adductor, anterior and posterior compartments of the thigh. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging performed 11 days later showed interval development of areas of myonecrosis and haemorrhage. The causes, clinical presentation and imaging features of rhabdomyolysis are discussed.

Shang Ring versus disposable circumcision suture device in the treatment of phimosis or redundant prepuce / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To compare the clinical efficiency of Shang Ring with that of the disposable circumcision suture device (DCSD) in the treatment of phimosis or redundant prepuce.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2013 to March 2015, we treated 320 patients with phimosis or redundant prepuce using Shang Ring (n=158) or DCSD (n=162). We compared the operation time, intra-operative blood loss, incision healing time, postoperative complications, postoperative satisfaction, and treatment cost between the two groups of patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Comparison between the Shang Ring and DCSD groups showed that the operation time was (5.6±1.3) vs (5.4±1.2) min, intra-operative blood loss (1.2±0.8) vs (1.3±0.9) ml, postoperative delayed hemorrhage 3.16% (5/158) vs 4.32% (7/162), incision healing time (16.1±7.2) vs (7.5±2.3) d, wound infection 15.82% (25/158) vs 7.41% (12/162), 1-month postoperative incision edema 29.11% (46/158) vs 9.26% (15/162), overall postoperative satisfaction rate 63.92% (101/158) vs 90.12% (146/162), and treatment cost (1121.2±15.6) vs (2142.6±10.8) RMB ¥. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in the latter five parameters (P<0.05 ), but not in the first three (P>0.05 ).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The DSCD has an obvious superiority over Shang Ring for its relatively lower complication rate, shorter incision healing time, and better cosmetic appearance.</p>

Meta-analysis on incidence of adverse drug reaction induced by Shuanghuanglian injection / 中国中药杂志

To conducted a systematic review on the safety of Shuanghuanglian injection in clinical use. In this paper, data from Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data were retrieved. After extracting information and evaluating research methodological quality according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, Meta-analysis was conducted by using R3.2.3 software. A total of 56 individual studies were included, in which 585 cases showed adverse reactions in a total of 11 001 patients with Shuanghuanglian injections. Meta-analysis showed that the total incidence of adverse reactions was 6.5% (95%CI 0.051 to 0.082). Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of adverse reactions was 4.8% (95%CI (0.032 to 0.067) and 8.1% (95%CI 0.054 to 0.112) respectively in children and adults; 7.2% (95%CI 0.049 to 0.095) and 6.6% (95%CI 0.036 to 0.104) respectively in 5%-10% glucose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection; 6.3% (95%CI 0.047 to 0.082) and 7.0% (95%CI 0.044 to 0.099) respectively in powder injection and liquid injection; 5.8% (95%CI 0.043 to 0.075) and 8.9% (95%CI 0.049 to 0.140) respectively in cases with duration of ≤7 d and >7 d; 4.2%(95%CI 0.027 to 0.059) and 8.4% (95%CI 0.059 to 0.113) respectively in single use and combined medication. Three most frequent types of adverse reaction symptoms reported were in skin and mucosa, digestive system, and body temperature center, with an incidence of 4% (95%CI 0.03 to 0.04), 3% (95%CI 0.02 to 0.03), and 1% (95%CI 0.00 to 0.01), respectively. The systemic evaluation demonstrated that the occurrence of adverse reaction of Shuanghuanglian injection was related to age, menstruum, duration of medication and combined medication. Incidence of adverse reactions differed considerably among different damage types. From the study demonstrated above, this paper concludes that we should follow the principles of evidence-based medication of traditional Chinese medicine; use Shuanghuanglian injection singly instead of combination with other drugs in clinical use; use Shuanghuanglian injection strictly in accordance to instructions, especially for children and the elderly, whose weight should be calculated and considered in medication; intensively monitor the drug adverse reaction after use; assess the risks of adverse effects for long-term usage, and take corresponding safety measures to ensure safety.

Infect of pingshen decoction on serum HGF, Cys C and TGF-beta1 diabetic nephropathy in early stage / 中国中药杂志

Study the serum level of HGF, Cys C and TGF-beta1 in type 2 diabetic nephropathy (DN), the infect of Pingshen decoction on those index. Selected 69 cases of 2 type DN and randomly divided into therapy group (36 cases) and control group (33 cases). The therapy group were treated with Pingshen decoction 1 dose/d, bid po. The control group were treated with NephritisShu tablet, 6 tablet, tid po. 8 weeks was a course. Before and after treatment, we examine the serum level of HGF, Cys C and TGF-beta1 by ELISA and immunonephelometry, and compare with 30 cases of healthy control group. The study demonstrates that before treatment, the serum level of HGF in both groups were significantly lower than healthy control group (P < 0.01), but Cys C, TGF-beta1 were significantly higher (P < 0.01). After treatment, the serum level of HGF of both groups were increased. The serum level of HGF of therapy group were significantly higher than of control group (P < 0.01), but the serum level of Cys C and TGF-beta1 were significantly lower than control group (P < 0.01). The serum level of HGF was correlated negatively with Cys C,TGF-beta1. In control group, the UAER, urine beta2-MG and quantity of 24-hour urine protein were significantly decreased after treatment (P < 0.01). The index of urine of therapy group were significantly lower than control group (P < 0.01). Results indicate that test of serum level of HGF and Cys C,TGF-beta1 of diabetic nephropathy have important clinical significance. Pingshen decoction can effectively intervene in the serum level of HGF and Cys C, TGF-beta1 and index of urine.

Serum metabolic profiling of human gastric cancer based on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Research on molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis plays an important role in diagnosing and treating gastric cancer. Metabolic profiling may offer the opportunity to understand the molecular mechanism of carcinogenesis and help to non-invasively identify the potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of human gastric cancer. The aims of this study were to explore the underlying metabolic mechanisms of gastric cancer and to identify biomarkers associated with morbidity. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to analyze the serum metabolites of 30 Chinese gastric cancer patients and 30 healthy controls. Diagnostic models for gastric cancer were constructed using orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Acquired metabolomic data were analyzed by the nonparametric Wilcoxon test to find serum metabolic biomarkers for gastric cancer. The OPLS-DA model showed adequate discrimination between cancer and non-cancer cohorts while the model failed to discriminate different pathological stages (I-IV) of gastric cancer patients. A total of 44 endogenous metabolites such as amino acids, organic acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and steroids were detected, of which 18 differential metabolites were identified with significant differences. A total of 13 variables were obtained for their greatest contribution in the discriminating OPLS-DA model [variable importance in the projection (VIP) value >1.0], among which 11 metabolites were identified using both VIP values (VIP >1) and the Wilcoxon test. These metabolites potentially revealed perturbations of glycolysis and of amino acid, fatty acid, cholesterol, and nucleotide metabolism of gastric cancer patients. These results suggest that gastric cancer serum metabolic profiling has great potential in detecting this disease and helping to understand its metabolic mechanisms.

Cost-utility analysis of comprehensive intervention on epilepsy / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To discuss the cost-utility regarding the effect of comprehensive intervention program on epilepsy.Methods 874 cases with epilepsy were investigated in 9 pilot sites in Hcnan province.Cost of epilepsy comprehensive intervention was calculated based on the research projects of epilepsy prevention and management of rural areas.Disability-adjusted life year (DALY)and quality adjusted life year (QALY) were used as utility index for cost-utility analysis.Results Of the 874 cases,8.58 DALY was lost and 27.95 QALY was obtained per capita in the intervention group (422 cases).The costs per QALY and DALY obtained were 2454.10 and 7995.40 Yuan,respectively.Relative to the non-intervention control group (452 cases),the costs for QALY obtained by the intervention group had reduced.The investment would reduce 21 735.10 Yuan when each additional DALY was saved.Conclusion Epilepsy caused serious economic burden to the society,families and the patients themselves.Comprehensive intervention program could reduce the economic burden of the disease thus yielding high cost-benefit.This program was deserved to be promoted.

Economic burden of disease studies in patients with epilepsy / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the various factors affecting the economic burden of disease in patients with epilepsy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This research used a multi-stage random sampling method, comprehensive intervention and without intervention of the epilepsy project group conducted a field survey of health examination among patients with epilepsy of 874 (422 cases in intervention group and 452 cases in control group) in Mengzhou, Xiuwu, Yancheng, Yuanhui, Wuyang, Linying, Shaoling, Xinye and Fangcheng. DALY indicators combined with human capital approach was used to measure the economic burden of disease in patients from two aspects of the direct economic burden and indirect economic burden.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The age of comprehensive intervention group was (43.7 ± 8.5) years old, and it was (44.4 ± 7.2) years old in no intervention control group. The age difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.365). The direct economic burden per capita of the survey was 1019.6 yuan per year, while epilepsy drugs 434.2 yuan per year, 485.2 and 66.4 yuan per year in the intervention group, while 1518.5 and 777.5 yuan per year in the control group. Each object in this study lost (16.67 ± 10.01) DALY, with 8.58 DALY in intervention group and 24.23 DALY in no intervention control group. The per capita indirect economic burden of the intervention and control groups were 68 115.2, 401 036.5 yuan, the per capita total economic burden of disease were 68 600.5, 408 755.0 yuan. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that disease duration year of ≥ 37, 30 - 36, 20 - 29, 10 - 19, OR (95%CI) were 4.44 (2.37 - 8.33), 3.32 (1.85 - 5.94), 3.25 (1.90 - 5.56), 2.53 (1.46 - 4.41). If patients with longer duration, the more serious the patient's disease burden. Medication compliance (in order to comply with a good group control) OR (95%CI) was 3.37 (2.34 - 4.83), medication in the single form (serving multi-drug groups for control) OR (95%CI) 0.41 (0.29 - 0.59). Serving a single agent and good compliance of economic burden of disease were lighter.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Epilepsy caused serious economic damage. Longer duration, medication adherence poor and serving more than medicine by heavier economic burden of disease; comprehensive intervention could reduce the economic burden of disease of patients with epilepsy.</p>

Follow-up study on multifocal electroretinogram of acute and convalescence stage of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Researches showed that multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) is able to assess the retinal function in the eyes with acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada ( VKH ) syndrome. But the mfERG characteristics of convalescence stage of VKH are still below clear. Objective Present study was to compare and follow up the variation process of visual acuity and mfERG in acute and recovery stages of VKH syndrome. Methods This was a clinic-based retrospective study. Visual acuity, mfERG and fundus fluorescence angiography ( FFA ) were recorded from 35 eyes of 18 acute VKH cases. The period of follow-up in recovery stage lasted about 18 months with the repetitive recording results for 4 times. Results In this study, the visual acuity range in acute stage VKH was 0. 01 to 1.0, and 91.4% (32/35 eyes) was below 0.6. Compared with normal control group, the visual acuity was significantly decreased (P＜0.01). The response densities (amplitudes) of N1 ,P1 waves of the first-order kernel were significantly lowed in all the 6 rings,and the implicit times of 1-4 rings of both waves were significantly prolonged in acute VKH eyes(P＜0. 05). The abnormalities of retinal function showed a regional difference at the posterior pole retina with the dominant change in the first ring,showing a cutting off78% in the P1 amplitude. The abnormal degree of mfERG was more serious as the the increase of retinal eccentricity. In 2 months of convalescence after glucocorticosteroids therapy,the range of visual acuity were 0. 1-1.2 ,and the amplitudes of N1, P1 of 1-2 rings were greatly elevated in comparison with acute on-set (P＜0. 05 ). However, there was still a remarkable difference in the amplitudes of from 1 through 6 rings,comparing with normal. The response density of P1 wave from whole recording region was only 44% of normal. Though the visual acuity was stable during the follow-up duration, a decreasing tendency in N1 and P1 amplitudes were seen. The implicit times of both wave shortened only in 1-3 rings in recovery stages of VKH (P＜0.05). Conclusion VKH syndrome cause serious damage of posterior retinal function.Macular region is the site with greater retinal functional lesion and restore before and after medication. This hardly recovery of retinal function can last over one and half year,even satisfied visual acuity is stable after proper treatment.

Effect of Ginkgo leaf extract on vascular endothelial function in patients with early stage diabetic nephropathy / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of ginkgo leaf extract (GLE) on vascular endothelial function (VEF) in patients with early stage diabetic nephropathy (DN).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-four patients were randomized equally by a randomzing digital table into two groups, the treated group and the control group. They were all treated for 8 weeks with conventional therapy for diabetes, but GLE tablets were given to the treated group additionally. Changes in VEF were estimated before and after treatment by ultrasonic examination of the brachial artery. In the meantime, changes in plasma levels of the von Willebrand factor (vWF), nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were observed as well.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The brachial arterial endothelium dependent dilating function in the treated group increased from 4.91+/-2.31% before treatment to 6.78+/-3.89% after treatment (P<0.05), while the level of vWF decreased from 182.05+/-64.13% to 128.56+/-48.98%, and that of NO increased from 50.16+/-24.64 micromol/L to 70.65+/-28.71 micromol/L (P<0.01). However, these indexes were not significantly changed in the control group after treatment (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GLE could decrease the plasma level of vWF, raise the plasma NO level and improve the endothelium dependent vascular dilating function in DN patients.</p>

Determination of ligustilide for quality assessment of Ligusticum chuanxiong / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assay ligustilide content in the herb of Szechwan Lovage Rhizome (Chuanxiong, CX), which is the dried rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong in order to assess the quality.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Ligustilide was quantitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography in 21 CX samples. An Alltima C18 column (4.6 mmx 150 mm, 5 microm) was used as the analytical column. The mobile phase consisted of water and acetonitrile (40:60). The flow rate was maintained at 1.0 mL x min(-1) with the column temperature at ambient conditions. The detection wavelength was set at 350 nm.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The average content of Z-ligustilide in 21 CX samples was found to be 7.40 +/- 3.54 mg x g(-1)(x +/- s, n = 21). Therefore,the content of Z-ligustilide in CX should not be less than 0.66% (calculated on the dried basis).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The overall analytical procedure is rapid and accuracy which is considered suitable for the quantitative analysis of ligustilide in CX. The amount of ligustilide in CX samples collected from different cultivation areas was obviously different. However, a relatively higher content of ligustilide was generally found in the CX collected from its main cultivated areas.</p>

The study of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tumor necrosis factor-or in predicting chorioamnhionitis in patients with premature rupture of membranes / 中国基层医药

Objective To study the relation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in serum and tumor necrosis fac- tor-?in serum and amniotic fluid in predicting ehorioamnhionitis in patients with premature rupture of membranes (PROM).Methods The levels of MMP-9 in serum and TNF-?in serum and amniotie fluid were measured by ra- dioimmunoassay and ELISA in 67 cases with premature rupture of membranes as study group and 40 cases normal full-termed pregnant women as controls group.Results(1)The levels of TNF-?in amniotie fluid and MMP-9 in serum in study group were significantly higher than those in controls group(P0.05).(2)In study group,the levels of MMP-9 of serum in0.05).Conclusions The levels of TNF-?in amniotic fluid and MMP-9 in serum were valuable clinical indices for identification of chorioamnionitis in patients with PROM.The levels of MMP-9 in serum also could assess the time of rupture of membranes and the degree of ehorioamnionitis.

Study on prevention and treatment of radiotherapy caused post-visual pathway injury in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients by traditional Chinese medicine / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of TCM in preventing and treating post-visual pathway injury caused by radiotherapy (RT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-five patients of NPC were randomly divided into the RT group (n = 17) and the RT + TCM group (n = 18), they were all received RT, but the latter was treated additionally with Jingming recipe, a Chinese recipe. The latent period and amplitude of evoked potential (EP) were measured before and after ending of RT, using multi-focusing visual evoked potential inspector.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The latent time of EP, both upper and lower visual field, was prolonged significantly after RT in the RT group (P < 0.05), but not in the RT + TCM group (P > 0.05); the amplitude of EP of upper visual field lowered significantly (P < 0.05) in the RT group but insignificantly in the RT + TCM group (P > 0.05); as for the EP amplitude of lower visual field, it was unaltered in RT group after RT (P > 0.05), but increased in the RT + TCM group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The Chinese medicine Jingming recipe was effective in preventing and treating RT induced post-visual pathway injury.</p>