Neuropathologic damage induced by radiofrequency ablation at different temperatures

Abstract Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of neuropathologic damage induced by radiofrequency ablation at different temperatures. Methods This is basic research, and 36 SD rats were used to construct the neuropathological injury model. The rats were subjected to radiofrequency stimulation at different temperatures and were divided into 6 groups according to the temperature injury: 42°, 47°, 52°, 57°, 62°, and 67°C groups. Conduction time, conduction distance, and nerve conduction velocity were recorded after temperature injury. HE-staining was used to observe the histopathological morphology of the sciatic nerve. The expression of SCN9A, SCN3B, and NFASC protein in sciatic nerve tissue were detected by western blot. Results With the increase in temperature, nerve conduction velocity gradually decreased, and neurons were damaged when the temperature was 67°C. HE-staining showed that the degrees of degeneration of neurons in rats at 47°, 52°, 57°, 62°, and 67°C were gradually increased. The expression of SCN9A, SCN3B protein in 57°, 62°, 67°C groups were much higher than that of NC, 42°, 47°, 52°C groups. However, the expression of NFASC protein in 57°, 62°, 67°C groups was much lower than that of the NC, 42°, 47°, 52°C groups. Conclusion There was a positive correlation between temperature caused by the radiofrequency stimulation to neuropathological damage. The mechanism is closely related to the expression of SCN9A, SCN3B, and NFASC protein in nerve tissue caused by heat transfer injury.

Bioleaching of realgar nanoparticles using the extremophilic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans DLC-5

BACKGROUND: This paper presents micro- and nano-fabrication techniques for leachable realgar using the extremophilic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans) DLC-5. RESULTS: Realgar nanoparticles of size ranging from 120 nm to 200 nm were successfully prepared using the highenergy ball mill instrument. A. ferrooxidans DLC-5 was then used to bioleach the particles. The arsenic concentration in the bioleaching system was found to be increased significantly when compared with that in the sterile control. Furthermore, in the comparison with the bioleaching of raw realgar, nanoparticles could achieve the same effect with only one fifth of the consumption. CONCLUSION: Emphasis was placed on improving the dissolvability of arsenic because of the great potential of leachable realgar drug delivery in both laboratory and industrial settings

Knee scores of patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty:a randomized controlled trial / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis can be accepted by more and more scholars, but some scholars believe that total knee arthroplasty is a better choice. OBJECTIVE:To compare knee scores between patients before and after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. METHODS:A total of 53 patients with knee osteoarthritis, who underwent unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from March 2013 to November 2014 and obtained fol ow-up, were enrol ed in this study. Simultaneously, 53 patients, who received total knee arthroplasty in the same period and obtained fol ow-up, were selected. Knee scores before surgery and in final fol ow-up were recorded in both groups, including KSS score, WOMAC score, OKS score and HSS score. The knee maximum flexion and patient satisfaction were recorded in final fol ow-up. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Patents with complications were excluded in both groups. Knee scores were significantly higher in final fol ow-up than in pre-operation (P0.05). Maximum range of motion in final fol ow-up was significantly larger in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty group than in total knee arthroplasty group (P<0.05). Patient satisfaction was similar between the two groups. Moreover, the association between WOMAC scores and OKS scores was high. These results suggest that unicompartmental knee arthroplasty could improve patient’s quality of life as total knee arthroplasty so long as physicians grasp strict indications;standard replacement operation and good functional exercise after replacement, but its long-term outcomes stil need further investigations.

Analysis of risk factors and pathogens for stroke associated pneumonia in intensive care unit / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To analyze the incidence,risk factors and pathogens of stroke associated pneumonia (SAP) in patients with acute stroke in the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods One hundred and forty-two patients with acute stroke admitted in ICU from January 2012 to December 2013 were retrospectively studied.The data of medical history of patients,treatment,prognosis,and pathogens of SAP were collected.Data were analyzed by t test,Mann-Whitney U test,Pearson x2 test and muhivariable logistic regression.Results Of 142 patients,94 (66.2％) were contracted SAP of which 54.3％ were early-onset pneumonia (EOP≤72 h) and 45.7％ were late-onset pneumonia (LOP ＞72 h).The most common pathogens isolated from EOP were Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia,while the most common pathogens isolated from LOP were Acinetobacter baumanii,Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that hemorrhagic apoplexy,history of stroke,higher APACHE score,dysphagia,prolonged use of mechanical ventilation,prolonged stay in ICU,and hyperglycemia were the independent risk factors of SAP,and the odds ratios (OR) with 95％ confidence intervals (CI) were 10.917 (1.834-60.959),15.223 (1.947-96.969),1.607 (1.253-2.062),5.321 (1.225-26.519),1.809 (1.208-2.709),1.391 (1.085-1.783),1.534 (1.l01-2.138),respectively.While plasma albumin level was negatively associated with SAP (OR =0.809,95％ CI:0.674-0.971).The common risk factors of EOP and LOP were higher APACHE score and prolonged use of of mechanical ventilation.The independent risk factors of EOP were dysphagia (OR =4.331,95％ CI:1.330-14.098),history of stroke (OR =13.690,95％ CI:2.198-85.277) and chronic bronchitis (OR =12.907,95％ CI:1.203-138.542),While those of LOP were prolonged stay in ICU (OR =1.687,95 ％ CI:1.131-2.517),hemorrhagic apoplexy (OR =21.657,95％ CI:1.559-106.752) and low plasma albumin level (OR =0.782,95％ CI:0.637-0.961).There was no significant difference in mortality between EOP (49％) and LOP (44.2％) (P ＞ 0.05),but the mortality of SAP was significantly higher than that of non-SAP group.Conclusions The incidence rate and mortality of SAP are quite high in ICU.The pathogens and risk factors are different between EOP and LOP.This observation results suggest it is important to identify high-risk stroke patients,and to develop a novel treatment strategy and prophylactic measures facilitating limiting the complications of stroke.

Effect of TAP-SSL5 fusion protein on binding of activated platelets to hu-man lymphocytes / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM: To study the effect of tick anticoagulant peptide-staphylococcal superantigen like protein 5 (TAP-SSL5), an anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant fusion protein , on the binding of activated platelets to human lym-phocytes.METHODS:Human periphery lymphocytes were isolated by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS).The toxic-ity of TAP-SSL5 on the viability of Jurkat cell was assessed by CCK-8 assay.Flow cytometry was applied to detect the ex-pression of CD162 (PSGL-1) on the Jurkat cells (human peripheral blood leukemia T lymphocyte cell line ) and the inhibi-tory effect of TAP-SSL5 on the binding of mouse anti-human CD162 monoclonal antibody (KPL-1) to Jurkat cells.Platelets were activated by ADP at concentration of 20μmol/L, the binding rates of activated platelets to Jurkat cells or human lym-phocytes were assayed by flow cytometry .RESULTS:The concentration of TAP-SSL5 below 30 mg/L didn’ t affect the vi-ability of Jurkat cells .TAP-SSL5 at 10 mg/L competitively inhibited KPL-1 binding to Jurkat cells .The binding rates of activated platelets to Jurkat cells or lymphocytes were (11.86 ±4.49)% and (8.32 ±1.00)%, respectively, which de-creased to (6.73 ±2.71)%and (5.51 ±0.70)%after the Jurkat cells and lymphocytes were pre-incubated with 10 mg/L TAP-SSL5 (P <0.05).CONCLUSION:TAP-SSL5 binds to PSGL-1 expressed on lymphocyte surface and directly in-hibits the binding of activated platelets to human lymphocytes , which may be one of the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of TAP-SSL5.

Correlation factors of lymph node metastasis in patients with clinical stage T1a non-small cell lung cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between the lymph node metastasis and clinicopathological features in patients with clinical stage T1a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinicopathological data of a total of 418 patients who underwent lobectomy and systematic lymph node dissection were retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between lymph node metastasis and clinicopathological features.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Lymph node metastasis was observed in 25 patients. There were 122 patients who were diagnosed as ground glass opacity with no lymph node metastasis. 399 patients had subcarinal dissection, among them 7 patients were found to have lymph node metastasis. Univariate analysis showed that gender, smoking history, diameter of lymph node, ground glass opacity (GGO), differentiation of the tumor and tumor site were the factors affecting lymph node metastasis (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that diameter of lymph node, differentiation of the tumor and the site of lesion were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis of NSCLC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Tumor in the left lung, poor differentiation, and diameter of lymph nodes ≥ 1 cm on the preoperative CT image are independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis of NSCLC, hence we should pay attention before surgery and systematic lymph node dissection should be done. For patients with poor differentiation and lymph nodes ≥ 1 cm, subcarinal lymph nodes dissection is recommended for the sake of higher possibility of lymph node metastasis. For patients with ground glass opacity ≤ 2 cm, the lymph node metastasis is extremely rare, therefore, selective lymph node dissection is reconmmended.</p>

Non-thermal effect of high-intensity focused ultrasound on ultrastructure and apoptosis in rabbit hepatic VX2 tumors / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the micromorphological changes of ultrastructure, apoptosis-related proteins expression and tumor cell apoptosis after ablation with the high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and to explore the mechanisms responsible for the thermal and non-thermal effect.
@*METHODS@#Forty rabbits with hepatic VX2 tumors were randomly divided into a thermal group (n=20) and a non-thermal group (n=20), and were subjected to HIFU ablation with thermal or non-thermal condition, respectively. Five animals in each group were sacrificed on the 1st, 3rd, 7th or 14th day after the ablation. The changes of ultrastructure, apoptosis-related proteins expression and tumor cell apoptosis were detected.
@*RESULTS@#The results of transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed more severe injury on tissue and cells in the non-thermal group than that in the thermal group. The changes of apoptosis-related proteins expression and tumor cell apoptosis in transient zone were significantly different in comparison with that in the ablated area or peripheral area between the two groups. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was at low level on the 1st and 3rd day and elevated gradually on the 7th and 14th day, with no significant difference (all P>0.05). The expression of caspase-3 reached peak on the 3rd day and decreased on the 7th and 14th day. It was significantly higher in the non-thermal group than that in the thermal group on the 3rd and 7th day (all P0.05). The apoptosis index in the non-thermal group and the thermal group on the 3rd and 7th day were (28.60±1.14)% vs (21.80±1.92)% and (21.00±1.58)% vs (14.80±1.48)%, respectively. It was higher in the non-thermal group than that in the thermal group (both P<0.01).
@*CONCLUSION@#Both the thermal and the non-thermal effect of HIFU can induce apoptosis in transient zone, but the latter have a stronger effect.

The levels of angiopoietin-2 in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and its value on prognosis / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective To approach the correlation between angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) levels and degree of lung injury and prognosis and its clinical significance in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods A prospective observation was conducted. Fifty-three ARDS patients admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine of Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2012 to March 2014 were enrolled. According to the criteria of the Berlin Definition of ARDS,the patients were divided into mild group (n=15),moderate group(n=22)and severe group(n=16). Meanwhile,ARDS patients were further divided into survival group(n=29)and non-survival group(n=24)according to 28-day outcomes. Twenty cases of non-ARDS patients were served as control. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ(APACHEⅡ)score,sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)score,oxygenation index(PaO2/FiO2),lung injury score(LIS)were recorded within 24 hours after admission. And the plasma levels of Ang-2,interleukin-6(IL-6)and C-reaction protein (CRP)were measured. The independent risk factors of ARDS were analyzed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was plotted to evaluate the value of Ang-2 in predicting ARDS. Results Compared with non-ARDS group,APACHEⅡ score,SOFA score,LIS score,mortality were significantly increased,PaO2/FiO2 was significantly decreased,and plasma Ang-2,IL-6,CRP were significantly elevated〔APACHEⅡscore:20.7±5.0 vs. 14.1±5.3,SOFA score:7.7±3.5 vs. 3.5±2.1,LIS score:1.69±0.71 vs. 0.28±0.27,PaO2/FiO2(mmHg,1 mmHg=0.133 kPa):159.5±61.3 vs. 394.0±63.2,mortality:45.3%(24/53) vs. 20.0%(4/20),Ang-2(μg/L):4.73(2.59,6.99)vs. 1.22(0.61,1.52),IL-6(ng/L):56.50(27.15,139.90)vs. 13.05(4.38,15.55),CRP(mg/L):95.75(41.74,189.72)vs. 10.56(3.92,21.36),P<0.05 or P<0.01〕. Each index increased or decreased more significantly with the aggravation of the disease. It was shown by correlation analysis that the plasma levels of Ang-2 was significantly positive correlated with IL-6(r=0.468,P=0.000),CRP(r=0.492,P=0.000),APACHEⅡscore(r=0.560,P=0.000),SOFA score(r=0.508,P=0.000)and LIS score (r=0.588,P=0.000),significantly negatively correlated with PaO2/FiO2(r=-0.685,P=0.000). Factors, APACHEⅡ score,LIS score,PaO2/FiO2,Ang-2 and IL-6 founded statistical significance in univariate analysis were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. High APACHEⅡscore at admission〔odds ratio(OR)=1.316, 95% confidence interval(95%CI)=1.040-1.633,P=0.022〕and increased plasma Ang-2 levels(OR=1.287, 95%CI=1.041-1.760,P=0.038)were the independent prognostic factors for the 28-day mortality in ARDS. The area under the ROC curve of Ang-2 was 0.964,the optimal critical value of Ang-2 was 1.79μg/L,the specificity was 90.0%,and sensitivity was 92.5%. Plasma levels of Ang-2 was better in predicting ARDS than APACHEⅡscore, SOFA score and IL-6. Conclusions The plasma level of Ang-2 was significantly increased in patients with ARDS. The plasma level of Ang-2 was correlated with the severity of acute lung injury and had important prognosis evaluation.

Experimental study on the compound culture of small intestinal submucosa with synovial mesenchymal stem cells / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To investigate the biosecurity and biocompatibility of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) as scaffold for tissue engineering and to explore the possibility to induce synovial mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) differentiate into cartilage with SIS as the scaffold and SMSCs as the seed cells. Methods The SMSCs were isolated and cultured from the synovial mem-brane of knee joints of rabbits by a conventional method. The SIS was harvested from pigs according to the physical method and Abraham's method. 4 rabbits are divided into the experimental group and control group. The biosecurity of SIS as scaf-folds were investigated in pyrogen test, skin sensitization test and systemic toxicity test. The SMSCs and SIS were co-cultured in vitro and induced to differentiate into cartilage to explore the biocompatibility of SMSCs and SIS, the proliferation and differ-entiation ability of SMSCs on the scaffold of SIS. The varietyies were identified by the microscope. Results The SIS isolated with the physical method and Abraham's method is a milky and translucent membrane with a smooth surface. Under the electron microscope, SIS presented a porous Stereoscopic three-dimensional network structure, which is formed by fibrous tissues' intertex-ture. Its' porosity was about 80%and its aperture was 100-200μm. Meanwhile, the biosecurity and biocompatibility of SIS were also fine. In the trial that the SMSCs and SIS were co-cultured in vitro, the SMSCs can grow, adhere to and differentiate on the sur-face of SIS and into the hollows very well. It can also secrete extracellular matrix. Through scanning microscope observation, cells contact with each other by their neuritis, or adhered to the wall of hole by cellular protrution. On the surface of SIS, the SMSCs maintain the property that it can easily differentiate into the chondrogenic lineage in the chondrogenic medium. Immunochemistry staining showed positive expression of type II collagen post 21 days of co-cultrue. Conclusion SIS can be used as the scaffold to construct tissue engineering meniscus as it has good biosecurity and biocompatibility with SMSCs without disturbing the cell form or inhibiting the growth and function of SMSCs.

The value of stroke volume variation in prediction of responsiveness to fluid resuscitation in patients with septic shock / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To determine whether stroke volume variation (SVV) in relation to volume loading in mechanically ventilated patients with septic shock.Methods Data of thirty-two mechanically ventilated patients with septic shock admitted from Dec 2009 to May 2012 were prospectively analyzed.Cardiac index (CI),stroke volume (SV),systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) and stroke volume variation (SVV) were measured by FloTrac/Vigileo before and after fluid resuscitation (250 mL saline in 10 min).Patients with an increase in SV (△SV) ≥ 10％ and ＜ 10％ after fluid volume loading were classified as responders and non-responders,respectively.The comparisons between these two sorts of patients were assessed by using two sample Student' s t-test,and comparisons between changes before and after fluid challenge were assessed by using a paired Student' s t-test.A Pearson' s correlation analysis was employed for evaluate the correlation between △SV and other haemodynamic variables.The roles of SVV,central venous pressure (CVP),mean artery pressure (MAP) and the changes of CVP (△CVP),MAP (△MAP) after fluid administration in predicting volume responsiveness were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results Thirty-two patients with septic shock were included in this study.There were 54 instances of fluid challenge performed,among which 35 instances were defined as response group.Significantly increased SV induced by fluid challenge was assigned into response group (83.6 ± 15.6) mL vs.(68.5 ± 14.2) mL,P ＜0.01,while in non-response group,there were no significant change in SV (P ＞0.05).SVV was significantly correlated with SV before fluid loading (r =0.522,P ＜ 0.01).The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for stroke volume variation (SVV) was 0.898 (95％ CI:0.796-1.000).Using SVV ≥ 11.5％ as the threshold to predict fluid responsiveness,the sensitivity was 94％ and specificity was 84％.Conclusions SVV can be used to predict fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock.

Ultrasound-guided one supracostal upper-calyx percutaneous access nephrolithotomy for staghorn stone / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided one supracostal upper-calyx percutaneous access nephrolithotomy for staghorn stone. Methods A total of 581 patients with staghorn stone were treated with one supracostal upper-calyx access percutaneous nephrolithotomy from October 2004 to October 2011. The maximal diameters of stone measured by plain abdominal radiography were 3. 6-6. 5 cm, with a mean of (5. 10 + 0. 82) cm. Target calyx was posterior upper-calyx,puncture point was selected in tenth or eleventh intercostal space as guided by ultrasound, and the F22-24 upper-calyx percutaneous access was established. 17F nephroscope and 70 W holmium laser were employed to crush the stones. The operation time, perioperative complications, and stone-free rate were recorded. Results The upper-calyx percutaneous access was established successfully in all patients. The mean operation time was (82. 07 + 16. 25) min (range 54 to 140 min). The stone-free rate was 85. 4% (496/581) after first-stage procedure. Fourteen patients (2. 4%) had postoperative high fever, and 3 of them (0. 5%) had infectious shock. Four patients received blood transfusion, and 2 of them underwent digital subtraction angiography to control bleeding. Four patients (0. 7%) underwent thoracic drainage. There were no injuries to the lung, spleen, colon, or liver. The overall postoperative complication rate was 3. 8%. The mean postoperative hospital stay was (5. 55 + 1. 35) days (ranging 4-15 days). Conclusion One supracostal upper-calyx percutaneous access can achieve high stone-free rate in treating staghorn stone, but with relatively high risk of complications. Ultrasound-guided technique can greatly reduce complication, making the procedure safer.

Impact of serum α-fetoprotein level on short-term recurrence after R0 resection in primary hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the impact of serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level on survival and short-term recurrence after R0 resection in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 582 cases of primary HCC underwent R0 resection from January 1997 to December 2009 was analyzed retrospectively. There were 488 male and 94 female patients whose average age was 51 years (ranging from 31 to 73 years). The survival rate of 1-, 3- and 5-year and clinopathological factors between the AFP-negative group and AFP-positive group were compared. The risk factors of short-term recurrence after R0 resection of HCC patients in AFP-positive group were further analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The age and histological differentiation in AFP-positive group were significantly lower than the AFP-negative group (χ(2) = 11.004, 32.293; P = 0.000). Otherwise the serum γ-glutamyl transferase level, diameter of tumor, TNM stage and short-term recurrence were higher than the AFP-negative group (χ(2) = 9.814 to 14.009, P < 0.05) , and solitary HCC in AFP-positive group was less than AFP-negative group (χ(2) = 8.509, P = 0.004). Survival analysis showed that overall survival rate of 1-, 3- and 5- year were 80.5%, 53.9%, 40.2% and 89.2%, 69.8%, 50.3% in the AFP-positive group and AFP-negative group, respectively (χ(2) = 11.884, P = 0.001), and the disease-free survival rate of 1-, 3- and 5- year were 65.6%, 38.4%, 29.6% and 81.7%, 51.0%, 42.1% (χ(2) = 15.574, P = 0.000). The median overall survival time of short-term recurrence and not short-term recurrence were 10 months and 62 months, respectively (χ(2) = 45.013, P = 0.000). The median survival time from recurrence to death were 6 months and 14 months, respectively (χ(2) = 40.581, P = 0.000). Multiple-factor analysis suggested that non-solitary HCC and histological low differentiation are independent risk factors which influence short-term recurrence of HCC patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The increase of preoperative serum AFP level suggests the potency of HCC short-term recurrency.</p>

Epidemiological characteristics of influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus among children in Wuhan area from 2008 to 2012 / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the infection status and epidemiological characteristics of influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in influenza-like illness (ILI) of children ( ≤ 14 years) in Wuhan area from 2008 to 2012.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 2854 cases of ILI patients ( ≤ 14 years) in a hospital of Wuhan were recruited in the study from July 2008 to June 2012. The sample of pharyngeal swab was collected from each patient, to extract the virus nucleic acids. Real-time fluorescent quantitation reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) method was applied to detect the subtypes of influenza virus and RSV, and then analyzed the time and age characteristics.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Out of the 2854 cases, 758 (26.6%) were positive for influenza virus,including 547 (19.2%) influenza A virus positive samples and 211 (7.4%) influenza B virus positive samples. Usually, there were two peaks present in the annual curve of influenza virus, namely summer peak and winter/spring peak. The positive rate of influenza virus in 6-14 years old children (48.0%, 275/573) was significantly higher than that in 3-5 years old children (26.6%, 213/801) and that under 3 years old children (18.3%, 270/1480). The difference showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 187.432, P < 0.01). A total of 219 (7.7%) cases were positive for RSV,including 108 RSV-A positive samples and 112 RSV-B positive samples (1 co-infection). The epidemic of RSV showed an obvious seasonal pattern with peaks in autumn,winter and spring,which accounted for 96.8% (212/219) of all the cases; however, the annual incidence of RSV fluctuated greatly. The predominant subtype shifted every 2 years. RSV-B predominated during September 2008 and May 2009, December 2009 and March 2010, accounting for 76.6% (36/47) and 96.9% (62/64) respectively. RSV-A predominated during November 2010 and March 2011, September 2011 and April 2012, accounting for 92.5% (37/40) and 100.0% (48/48) respectively. With the increase of the age, the positive rate of RSV-A and RSV-B decreased gradually (RSV-A: χ(2) = 36.223, P < 0.01; RSV-B: χ(2) = 36.281, P < 0.01). The positive rates of RSV-A in children < 1,1,2,3,4,5-9 and 10-14 years old were 7.0% (26/373), 5.9% (39/662), 4.0% (18/445), 3.2% (13/406), 1.3% (3/236), 1.4% (7/517) and 0.9% (2/215) respectively; while, the positive rates of RSV-B in each age group were 6.4% (24/373), 6.0% (40/662), 4.5% (20/445), 4.4% (18/406), 1.3% (3/236), 1.0% (5/517) and 0.9% (2/215) respectively. The children aged 0-3 years old were more susceptible for RSV infection,accounting for 90.0% (197/219) of the total positive samples. During the outbreak of influenza A H1N1 in November 2009, the positive rate of RSW was 3.0% (3/100), lower than that in the same month of 2008, 2010 and 2011,which were separately 18.2% (6/33), 10.8% (10/93) and 10.0% (4/40). The difference showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 8.450, P < 0.05). During the outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) in January 2011,the positive rate of RSV was 5.7% (3/53), lower than those in the same month of 2009, 2010 and 2012, which was separately 21.7% (5/23), 28.6% (22/77) and 16.0% (8/50). The difference showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 11.233,P < 0.05). During the period of less influenza happened in September 2011, the RSV positive rate was 25.0% (10/40), higher than those in the same month of 2008, 2009 and 2010, which was separately 11.4% (4/35), 1.7% (2/118) and 0.0% (0/109). The difference showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 32.521, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both influenza virus and RSV were important etiological agents of ILI of children in Wuhan. The characteristics of seasonal and age distributions of the two viruses were notably different; meanwhile, a certain inhibitional effect of influenza virus on RSV could be observed.</p>

Microbubbles enhanced HIFU ablation on rabbit hepatic VX2 tumors: detecting residual tumor with contrast-enhanced ultrasound and spiral CT / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the application of gray-scale contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography (CECT) in detection of residual tumor after high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation with microbubbles on rabbit hepatic VX2 tumors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty rabbits with hepatic VX2 tumors were randomly divided into three groups before ablation. Group I (n=10) served as sham ablation controls, rabbits in group II (n=15) and group III (n=15) were ablated using HIFU under the manipulation of computer. A bolus of 0.2 ml SonoVue solution was injected via ear marginal vein of rabbits in group III before ablation. Tumors were examined with CEUS and CECT before and within 3h after HIFU ablation. Necropsy and histopathological assessment were performed immediately after the completion of images evaluation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Before ablation, intense arterial feeding vessels was detected in the tumors (77.5%,31/40 Compared with 52.5%,21/40) or the periphery of the tumors (22.5%,9/40 Compared with 47.5%,19/40) by CEUS and CECT, respectively. The tumors were characterized by quick wash-in and wash-out (high and rapid peak of enhancement in the arterial phase,followed by a fast decrease in enhancement level). The dose parameters used to achieve therapeutic effect in group III were significantly lower than those in group II(P<0.01). There were local residual viable tumor tissues due to incomplete ablation in 60.0% (9/15) of group II and 13.3% (2/15) of group III revealed by histopathology(P<0.05). The concordance rate of CECT and CEUS with histopathology on residual tumor detection was 27.3% and 81.8% (P<0.05), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The administration of microbubble agent enhances the efficacy of HIFU on rabbit hepatic VX2 tumors. CEUS is more sensitive than CECT in detection of residual viable rabbit VX2 tumor after HIFU.</p>

High intensity focused ultrasound for treating residual liver cancer after radiotherapy: primary clinical observation / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To investigate the safety and effect of high intensity focused ultrasound ablation(HIFU) on residual liver cancer in patients after radiotherapy. Methods Twenty liver cancer patients with twenty five residual tumors after three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy or stereotactic radiotherapy received HIFU ablation. Liver function and periphery blood cell counts were performed before HIFU and at 1 week after HIFU in all patients. Enhanced MRI and α-fetoprotein (AFP) level were performed before HIFU and at 2 weeks after HIFU to evaluate the effect of HIFU ablation. The survival of all patients was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results The mean follow-up time was (12.6 ± 8.0)months. The median survival time and 1-year survival rate were 22 months and 87.5% respectively. No skin burns were observed in all patients. As compared with before HIFU,there were no significant differences in the levels of albumin,alanine transarninase, aspartate transarninase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, blood red cell counts,blood white cell counts and blood platelet counts at 1 week after HIFU (paired t test, P =0. 156,0. 356,0. 203,0.659,0. 531,0. 519,0. 310,0. 346, respectively). Significant difference in AFP level of 9 patients with AFP＞20 μg/L was observed before HIFU and 2 weeks after HIFU (paired t test, P =0.030). Among 25 residual liver tumors,sixteen with complete ablation and six with ablation volume of ≥80% were observed by enhanced MRI at 2 weeks after HIFU. Conclusions HIFU may be a safe and effective new method to ablate residual liver cancer after three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy or stereotactic radiotherapy.

Investigation on the distribution of avian influenza virus in external environment and the level of H5N1 antibody in poultry-exposed population in Wuhan / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To survey the distribution of influenza A subtypes in external environment and investigate the infectious status of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in poultry-exposed population in Wuhan.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-eight external environmental samples (water, cage surface and fecal samples) were collected from 3 habitats of wild migratory birds and 5 urban live-poultry markets in 2010. In 13 avian influenza monitoring points, 249 serum samples were collected from people living around habitats of wild migratory birds or working in live poultry markets. Real-time RT-PCR method was adopted to detect influenza A virus from external environmental samples; and multiple RT-PCR method and specific H3, H5, H7 and H9 primers were then applied to analyze the subtypes of the positive samples. The levels of H5N1 antibody in poultry-exposed population were tested by horse hemagglutination inhibition test and two avian influenza inactivated antigens: A/Hubei/1/10 and A/Anhui/1/05.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 50 external environmental samples collected from live poultry markets, 17 samples were determined to be influenza A virus positive (positive rate 34.0%), including specific subtypes as follows: 4 samples of H5 single-positive subtype, 3 samples of H9 single-positive subtype, 4 samples of H3 and H5 mixed-positive subtype, 2 samples of H3 and H9 mixed-positive subtype, 2 samples of H5 and H9 mixed-positive subtype, 2 samples of H3, H5 and H9 mixed-positive subtype, but no H7 positive subtype was found. The 28 external environmental samples collected from habitats of wild migratory birds were all influenza A virus negative. Considering different types of external environmental samples, the influenza A virus positive rates in water, cage surface and fecal samples were 37.5% (6/16), 16.7% (5/30) and 18.8% (6/32), respectively. There were total 100 samples of serum whose A/Hubei/1/10 antigen inhibiting titers ≥ 40, accounting for 40.2%; while 36 samples of serum (14.5%) whose A/Anhui/1/05 antigen inhibiting titers ≥ 40 were found. The difference had statistical significance (χ(2) = 41.433, P < 0.05). Among the 249 serum samples collected from poultry-exposed population, 5 samples were H5N1 antibody positive against A/Hubei/1/10 antigen (inhibition titer ≥ 160), which came from 4 different live poultry markets, however, no positive serum sample against A/Anhui/1/05 antigen was found.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Multiple subtypes of avian influenza virus simultaneously prevailed in Wuhan urban poultry markets. Moreover, results from the distribution of avian influenza virus in external environment were consistent with the level of H5N1 antibody in poultry-exposed population.</p>

Analysis of sequence and genotype of E gene of the newly isolated Japanese encephalitis virus strains in Wuhan, Hubei Province / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the molecular characteristics of the newly isolated two Japanese encephalitis virus strains (JEV) in Wuhan.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The mosquitoes were collected in Wuhan from April to October in 2009. The envelope (E) protein gene of JEV was detected using RT-PCR and sequenced. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis were conducted using DNAstar and MegAlign.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Two Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) strains (WHJX09-9, WHJX09-10) were isolated from Culex tritaeniorhynchus among 16 mosquito pools and identified as genotype I. The result showed that the homology of the two strains was 98. 9% in nucleotides and 100% in deduced amines. The comparison between the new genotype 1 JEV strains and live attenuated vaccine strain SA14-14-2 in E gene showed that the homology of nucleotide sequence was 87.4% and 87.9%, the homology of amino acid was 96.9% (total 15 amino acid were different) in E gene. The mutation sites of amino acid distributed among three different coding domain, but no antigen binding site and neurotoxin-involved site of amino acid were changed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Wuhan had appeared a new genotype of JEV which was different from the former strain isolated in Wuhan, the new JEV strains still had neurotoxicity but had high homology with the vaccine strains adopted in Wuhan. The vaccine could still be adopted to prevent Japanese encephalitis if steps were take to eradicate mosquitos at the same time. laboratory surveillance were also an important task to build an early-warning mechanism against JEV.</p>

Growth and propagation of wild Pinellia ternata in cultivation / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the growth and propagation of Pinella ternata in cultivation.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Forty six populations of P. ternata originated from Sichuan, Shanxi province and chongqing city were collected and cultivated in experimental field under the same cultivation condition.</p><p><b>RESULT AND CONCLUSION</b>Reproduction tubers at the weight of 0.51-2.00 g (diameter 0.9 - 1.5 cm) had higher increments of tubers and general weight. The P. ternata populations originated from Peng-an county, Shehong county, Zhongjiang county, Lezhi county, Lu county grew faster, on the other hand, the populations originated from Lezhi county, Guangyuan county, Peng-an county, Jianyang county had stronger ability of propagation. The sprouting rate of above 0.30 g (diameter 0.7 cm) tubers was about 90%. There was no significant difference in the growth between tubers and bulbils that have the same weight. The two factors that affected the yield increment were weight range and population, and the former was the main one. Significantly positive correlations were found between weight of reproduction tuber and weight of harvested tubers, number of bulbils. However, significantly negative correlations were found between weight of reproduction tuber and weight increments of tubers, increments proportion of tubers and general weight, and a negative correlations was found between weight of reproduction tuber and general weight increments. Curve-estimated models were conjectured about the weight of reproduction tuber and growth or propagation parameters such as the diameter, the sprouting rate, increments of tubers and general weight, increments proportion of tubers and general weight and the number of bulbils. Some proposals to improve the cultivation of P. ternate were suggested.</p>

Study on the distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in patients visiting one methadone maintenance clinic in Wuhan / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and characteristics on molecular biology related to HCV among patients who were enrolled in a Methadone maintenance clinic in Wuhan.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Serum samples from 332 injection drug users (IDUs) were obtained and anti-HCV IgG was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbrent assay(ELISA), together with 86 anti-HCV positive specimens genotyped. A reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) assay using conserved primers deduced from the core-envelopel (C-E1) region of the HCV genome was employed to amplify a 474 bp fragment. Phylogenetic analysis of the C-E1 sequences was conducted by direct sequencing of the RT-nPCR products and alignment with determined by nucleotide sequencing followed by composition of a phylogenetic tree.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 313 cases (94.3%) appeared positive anti-HCV IgG in the 332 patients from a Methadone maintenance clinic in Wuhan. It was demonstrated that there were four different subtypes of HCV in that clinic in Wuhan, including 6a--71 cases (82.5%), 3b--7 cases (8.2%), 1a--5 cases (5.8%) and 1b--3 cases (3.5%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Infection of 6a genotype HCV was predominant in patients from the Methadone maintenance clinic in Wuhan, followed by HCV 3b, 1a and 1b.</p>

Ginsenoside Rb1 attenuates okadaic acid-induced Tau protein hyperphosphorylation in rat hippocampal neurons / 生理学报

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on okadaic acid (OA)-induced Tau hyperphosphorylation in hippocampal neurons of Sparague-Dawley rat and to explore its possible mechanism. Animals were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 received dimethysulphoxide (DMSO) injection (vehicle group), group 2 only received OA injection (OA group), group 3 was pretreated with Rb1 and then received OA injection (Rb1 pretreatment group), and the group 4 was an intact control group. The animals in group 3 were injected intraperitoneally with various doses of Rb1 at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg (once a day for 14 d). On the thirteen day of pretreatment, animals in Rb1 pretreatment group as well as animals in OA group received a bolus injection of 0.483 microg of OA (1.5 microl of solution in DMSO) at right dorsal aspect of hippocampus to induce Tau hyperphosphrylation. The brains were harvested one day after the last treatment. In all groups, the morphology of neurofibrils, phosphorylation of Tau protein, and the activity of phosphatase 2A (PP2A) were investigated. In OA group, the Bielschowski's assay revealed darkened and uneven neurofibrils staining in the hippocampus. The immunohistochemistry results showed a significant increase in Thr(231) phosphorylation of Tau protein in OA group relative to the control group (P<0.01). OA injection also markedly decreased PP2A activity (P<0.01). Western blot confirmed Thr(231) phosphorylation of Tau protein and it also detected phosphorylation of Ser(396) of Tau protein. The animals with Rb1 pretreatment displayed even staining of neurofibrils and normal pattern of fiber organization. Rb1 pretreatment also attenuated Thr(231) and Ser(396) hyperphosphorylations of Tau protein, and restored PP2A activity compared to the OA group (P<0.01). These results indicate that OA-induced hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein in rat hippocampal neurons can be attenuated by the pretreatment of ginsenoside Rb1. These data also implicate that Rb1 has potential neuroprotective effects on Tau-related neuropathology.