Effect of Herba Lycopodii Alcohol Extracted Granule Combined Methylprednisolone on Expression Levels of BDNF and NMDA and Behavior of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study different effects of Herba Lycopodii (HL) Alcohol Extracted Granule combined methylprednisolone on behavioral changes, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression levels, and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor levels in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Male adult SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, i.e., the sham-operation group, the model group, the HL treatment group, the methylprednisolone treatment group, the HL + methylprednisolone treatment group. Rats in the HL treatment group were intragastrically administered with HL at the daily dose of 50 mg/kg for 5 successive days. Rats in the methylprednisolone treatment group were intramuscularly injected with 50 mg/kg methylprednisolone within 8 h after spinal cord contusion, and then the dose of methylprednisolone was reduced for 10 mg/kg for 5 successive days. Rats in the HL + methylprednisolone treatment group received the two methods used for the aforesaid two groups. Basso Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) score (for hindlimb motor functions) were assessed at day 0, 3, 7, and 28 after operation. At day 13 after SCI, injured spinal T8-10 was taken from 8 rats of each group and stored in liquid nitrogen. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor affinity (Kd) and the maximal binding capacity (Bmax) were determined using [3H]MK-801 radioactive ligand assay. Rats' injured spinal cords were taken for immunohistochemical assay at day 28 after SCI. Expression levels of BDNF in the ventral and dorsal horn of the spinal cord were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the sham-operation group, the number of BDNF positive neurons in the ventral and dorsal horn of the spinal cord increased in the model group, Bmax increased (470 ± 34), Kd decreased, and BBB scores decreased at day 3 -28 (all P <0. 05). Compared with the SCI model group, the number of BDNF positive neurons and Kd increased, BBB scores at day 3 -28 increased (P <0. 05) in each medicated group. Bmax was (660 ± 15) in the methylprednisolone treatment group, (646 ± 25) in the HL treatment group, and (510 ± 21) in the HL +methylprednisolone treatment group (P <0. 05). Compared with the methylprednisolone treatment group, the number of BDNF positive neurons and Kd increased, BBB scores at day 7 -28 increased, and Bmax decreased in the HL treatment group and the HL + methylprednisolone treatment group (all P <0. 05). Compard with the HL treatment group, the number of BDNF positive neurons and Kd increased, and Bmax decreased (all P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HL could effectively improve motor functions of handlimbs, increase expression levels of BDNF in the spinal cord, and lessen secondary injury by affecting spinal levels of NMDA receptors. It showed certain therapeutic and protective roles in treating SCI. Its effect was better than that of methylprednisolone with synergism.</p>

Statistical prediction methods in violence risk assessment and its application / 法医学杂志

It is an urgent global problem how to improve the violence risk assessment. As a necessary part of risk assessment, statistical methods have remarkable impacts and effects. In this study, the predicted methods in violence risk assessment from the point of statistics are reviewed. The application of Logistic regression as the sample of multivariate statistical model, decision tree model as the sample of data mining technique, and neural networks model as the sample of artificial intelligence technology are all reviewed. This study provides data in order to contribute the further research of violence risk assessment.

Prognostic role of vascular endothelial growth factor in oral carcinoma: a meta analysis / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To perform a Meta analysis of prognostic cohort studies for evaluating the use of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a predictor of survival in patients with oral carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A search of OVIDMEDLINE, EMBASE database and two Chinese database (CNKI and VIP) was conducted using common text words combined with medical subject headings to capture the related cohort studies. Data were collected comparing disease-free and overall survival in patients with high VEGF levels as compared to those with low levels. Studies were pooled and summary hazard ratios (HR) were calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>14 texts were included in this study. High tissue VEGF levels predicted poor overall survival (HR: 2.95, 95% CI: 2.14-4.08) and disease-free survival (HR: 2.28, 95%CI: 1.61-3.21). Similarly, high VEGF levels predicted poor overall survival (HR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.82-3.73) and disease-free survival (HR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.73-3.84) in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>VEGF may be useful for defining prognosis in oral carcinoma.</p>

Responsiveness evaluation of mental intervention services system in Wenchuan earthquake area / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the mental intervention service system responsiveness.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A stratified, multi-stage random cluster sampling method was used, and a total of 211 residents in the central earthquake area were face to face interviewed by using the evaluating questionnaire of mental intervention service system responsiveness (including confidentiality, autonomy, prompt attention and so on, in sum of eight indicators). Analytic hierarchy process method was used to determine the weight of each index, carrying out a single index evaluation and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation on the mental intervention service system responsiveness, and using Spearman rank correlation and Binary logistic regression model to analyze the relationship of total satisfaction of mental intervention with each index.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The dignity and confidentiality indicators were higher weight and rating. Prompt attention and the autonomy indicators were higher weight but lower rating, while surroundings and choice of providers indicators were lower weight and rating. It was also found that communication and social support network indicators were lower weight but higher rating. The overall assessment of mental intervention service system responsiveness ranged between "good" and "very good". All rank correlation coefficients of the indicators and the total satisfaction of mental interventions were significant (r(s) = 0.186 - 0.362, P < 0.05), except for confidentiality. The logistic regression analysis showed that the main factors of the individual variables influencing the total satisfaction were dignity (adjusted OR = 3.047, P < 0.001), surroundings (adjusted OR = 1.619, P = 0.019), and social support network (adjusted OR = 1.527, P = 0.005).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The overall assessment of mental intervention service system responsiveness was high. Mental interventions should be taken positive and effective measures to improve the prompt attention, autonomy, the choice of providers and service environment.</p>

Expression and function of aquaporin-4 in olfactory system of mice / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To investigate the expression and function of aquaporin-4(AQP4) in the olfactory system of mice. Methods The differences of AQP4 expression in olfaction system between wild-type and AQP4-null mice were studied by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence methods. The differences of mouse olfactory functions in the two groups were examined by two olfactory behavioral assays: the busied food pellet test and olfaction maze test, and the odorant-stimulated electroolfactogram (EOG) recording. Results The results of immunoblotting and immunofluorescence showed no AQP4 expression in the olfactory system in AQP4-null mice. Immunofluorescence result also indicated that AQP4 was mainly distributed in the membrane of support cells, duct cells of Bowmann's gland, basal cells of olfactory epithelium, membrane of Bowmann's gland epithelial cells, olfactory sheath cells surrounding the olfactory bundles, and the membrane of cells in the olfactory bundle layer and glomeruler layer. The results of olfactory behavioral assay were significantly different between the two groups at all time points tested in both the olfaction maze test and the buried food pellet test (P<0.05). It was showed that the EOGs under different pressures of saturated trimethylamine had a similar shape in both groups, and the amplitude of EOGs increased with the increase of pressure. While under the same pressure, the EOG amplitude of AQP4-null mice was significantly lower than that of wild-type mice(P<0.05). Conclusion AQP4 is widely distributed in the olfactory system of mice, including the olfactory mucosa, olfactory nerve, and olfactory bulb, which can protect the olfactory neural bundle and facilitate neural signal transfer.

Application of Bayesian spatio-temporal modeling in describing the brucellosis infections / 中华流行病学杂志

Based on the number of brucellosis cases reported from the national infectious diseases reporting system in Inner Mongolia from 2000 to 2007, a model was developed. Theories of spatial statistics were used, together with knowledge on infectious disease epidemiology and the frame of Bayesian statistics, before the Bayesian spatio-temporal models were respectively set. The effects of space, time, space-time and the relative covariates were also considered. These models were applied to analyze the brucellosis distribution and time trend in Inner Mongolia during 2000-2007. The results of Bayesian spatio-temporal models was expressed by mapping of the disease and compared to the conventional statistical methods. Results showed that the Bayesian models, under consideration of space-time effect and the relative covariates (deviance information criterion, DIC=2388.000) ,seemed to be the best way to serve the purpose. The county-level spatial correlation of brucellosis epidemics was positive and quite strong in Inner Mongolia. However, the spatial correlation varied with time and the coefficients ranged from 0.968 to 0.973, having a weakening trend during 2000-2007. Types of region and number of stock (cattle and sheep) might be related to the brucellosis epidemics, and the effect on the number of cattle and sheep changed by year. Compared to conventional statistical methods, Bayesian spatio-temporal modeling could precisely estimate the incidence relative risk and was an important tool to analyze the epidemic distribution patterns of infectious diseases and to estimate the incidence relative risk.

Using exploratory spatial data analysis(ESDA)on the regional distribution of human brucellosis in six provinces of north China: 2004-2007 / 中华流行病学杂志

Based on data related to human brucellosis which was collected from the national notifiable infectious disease reporting system in the 6 provinces(Inner Mongolia,Shanxi,Heilongjiang,Shaanxi,Jilin and Liaoning)of north China from 2004 to 2007,at the county scale.Data would include age and gender standardized mortality ratios(SMRs)while ESDA was including histograms,box plots and box maps,global and local Moran' s I statistics,etc.The global Moran' s I values from 2004 to 2007 were 0.2581,0.4574,0.4457,0.4841,respectively and all with statistically significant differences.Most of local Moran' s I values were significant positive statistically.High-high counties were mainly in the northeast,most of which were pastoral areas,but the farming-pastoral areas and agricultural areas/town had an increasing trend over time.Low-low counties were mainly in the western and southern areas and most of which were agricultural areas/towns.Low-high counties appeared to be rare,mainly around the counties with high incidence,mainly belonged to agricultural areas/towns.The incidence rates of brucellosis in the six provinces of north China had a trend of increase from 2004 to 2007,namely spreading from east to west,from south to north,and from pastoral areas to farming-pastoral areas and agricultural areas/towns.ESDA could be used to develop effective measures for prevention and control of brucellosis.

Application of Google Earth in the three dimensional visualization(TDV)of the warnings signaled by early warning system of infectious disease / 中华流行病学杂志

The purpose of this article was to investigate the application of Google Earth (GE)in the Three Dimensional Visualization(TDV)of the warnings signaled by early warning system of infectious disease.As an example.the prospective space-time scan statistics was used by mimicking daily prospective analyses of bacillary dysentery data from Shanghai municipality,Zhejiang province and Jiangsu province in 2005.Then one of the warnings was picked to illustrate the visualization of GE.GE could vividly display the results in three dimensions containing the complex information including date,areas,observed numbers,expected numbers ere.GE seemed a useful tool for infectious disease surveillance and had potential important values in reflecting the emergency response situation.The development of integrated system which consisted of GE,the infectious disease reporting system and cluster detection methods need to be emphasized for further research.

Application of multilevel models in the evaluation of bioequivalence (Ⅱ) / 中华流行病学杂志

The main purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of multivariate multilevel models for bioequivalence evaluation. Using an example of a 4×4 cross-over test design in evaluating bioequivalence of homemade and imported rosiglitazone maleate tablets,this paper illustrated the multivariate-model-based method for partitioning total variances of In (AUC) and In (C_(max)) in the framework of multilevel models. It examined the feasibility of multivariate multilevel models in directly evaluating average bioequivalence (ABE),population bioequivalence (PBE) and individual bioequivalenc (IBE). Taking into account the correlation between In (AUC) and In (C_(max)) of rosiglitazone maleate tablets,the proposed models suggested no statistical difference between the two effect measures in their ABE bioequivalence via joint tests,whilst a contradictive conclusion was derived based on univariate multilevel models. Furthermore,the PBE and IBE for both In (AUG) and In(C_(max)) of the two types of tablets were assessed with no statistical difference based on estimates of variance components from the proposed models. Multivariate multilevel models could be used to analyze bioequivalence of multiple effect measures simultaneously and they provided a new way of statistical analysis to evaluate bioequivalence.

A study regarding the applicability of WSARE algorithms in the early warning system of infectious disease outbreaks / 中华流行病学杂志

To investigate the application of WSARE (What' s Strange About Recent Events) algorithm in early warning on outbreaks of infectious diseases and to explore the multidimensional statistical methods for the detection of infectious diseases outbreak. Using WSARE algorithms based on historical data and Bayesian Network as baseline respectively, to analyze data on measles by mimicking the real-time monitoring and early warning system in Bao'an district,Shenzhen city, in 2007. WSARE algorithms were considered to be effective and timely in detecting the abnormally increase of measles among special population. WSARE algorithm could timely detect the abnormal increase of diseases among special local populations, thus having important value in the application of early warning system during the outbreak of infectious diseases.

Applying multilevel models in evaluation of bioequivalence (I) / 中华流行病学杂志

This study aims to explore the application value of multilevel models for bioequivalence evaluation. Using a real example of 2 x 4 cross-over experimental design in evaluating bioequivalence of antihypertensive drug, this paper explores complex variance components corresponding to criteria statistics in existing methods recommended by FDA but obtained in multilevel models analysis. Results are compared with those from FDA standard Method of Moments, specifically on the feasibility and applicability of multilevel models in directly assessing the bioequivalence (ABE), the population bioequivalence (PBE) and the individual bioequivalence (IBE). When measuring ln (AUC), results from all variance components of the test and reference groups such as total variance (sigma(TT)(2) and sigma(TR)(2)), between-subject variance (sigma(BT)(2) and sigma(BR)(2)) and within-subject variance (sigma(WT)(2) and sigma(WR)(2)) estimated by simple 2-level models are very close to those that using the FDA Method of Moments. In practice, bioequivalence evaluation can be carried out directly by multilevel models, or by FDA criteria, based on variance components estimated from multilevel models. Both approaches produce consistent results. Multilevel models can be used to evaluate bioequivalence in cross-over test design. Compared to FDA methods, this one is more flexible in decomposing total variance into sub components in order to evaluate the ABE, PBE and IBE. Multilevel model provides a new way into the practice of bioequivalence evaluation.

The application of the prospective space-time statistic in early warning of infectious disease / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the application of prospective space-time scan statistic in the early stage of detecting infectious disease outbreaks.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The prospective space-time scan statistic was tested by mimicking daily prospective analyses of bacillary dysentery data of Chengdu city in 2005 (3212 cases in 102 towns and villages). And the results were compared with that of purely temporal scan statistic.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prospective space-time scan statistic could give specific messages both in spatial and temporal. The results of June indicated that the prospective space-time scan statistic could timely detect the outbreaks that started from the local site, and the early warning message was powerful (P = 0.007). When the merely temporal scan statistic for detecting the outbreak was sent two days later, and the signal was less powerful (P = 0.039).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prospective space-time scan statistic could make full use of the spatial and temporal information in infectious disease data and could timely and effectively detect the outbreaks that start from the local sites. The prospective space-time scan statistic could be an important tool for local and national CDC to set up early detection surveillance systems.</p>

Study on the application of Rogerson Spatial Pattern Surveillance Method in real-time surveillance for infectious diseases / 中华流行病学杂志

Application of Rogerson Spatial Pattern Surveillance Method was discussed in real-time surveillance and early monitoring for infectious diseases. Theory of Rogerson Spatial Pattern Surveillance Method was introduced in detail. Data from the program on 'Monitoring epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis with Rogerson Spatial Pattern Surveillance Method' by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention provided evidence as how to choose crucial parameters such as K, H, n0 and tau, how to simulate surveillance process and how to interpret results. Rogerson Spatial Pattern Surveillance Method seemed to be able to continuously monitor the changes of infectious diseases. New cases could be added to this model at any moment and this model could provide early warning information in time when the excess of cases occurred. Simultaneously it could provide the time and site of the extra cases. Rogerson Spatial Pattern Surveillance Method could implement dynamic and real-time surveillance for infectious diseases. Simultaneously it could avoid the problem of multiple tests that causing large type I error. It greatly helped in providing reliable information for controlling infectious diseases in early epidemic period. Hence,it had important value of application in early warning on infectious diseases.

Study on the application of Knox method to temporal-spatial cluster for infectious diseases / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Application of Knox method was discussed in exploring temporal-spatial cluster for infectious diseases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The theory of Knox method was introduced in detail. As an example, the temporal-spatial cluster of epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis cases from April to May in 2005 was explored in Beijing and the statistical process of Knox method was clearly demonstrated with related results well interpreted.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Only when time and distance threshold values were set as 13 days and 29.67 km, potential temporal-spatial cluster could be detected in epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>According to the characteristics of the epidemics, under Knox method, if appropriate threshold values of time and distance were chosen, information on temporal-spatial cluster of infectious diseases could be obtained. According to the records of different time and distance threshold values, the nature of an infectious disease might be explored. Thus Knox method could help us to strengthen the early warning system on infectious disease control strategy.</p>

Effect of chemoinducible GM-CSF gene expression regulated by Egr-1 promoter on chemotherapy damage of tumor bearing mice / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:Ionizing radiation(IR) activates the early growth response- I(Egr1) promoter through specific cis-acting sequences termed CArG elements by production of radical oxygen intermediates(ROls).Egr-EG,an expression vector pCIneo containing CArG elements cloned upstream of the cDNA for human recombinant GM-CSF,was used to treat hematopoietic damage due to chemotherapy.Commonly used chemotherapeutic agents can cause tumor cell death by producing DNA damage and generating ROIs.We therefore hypothesized that clinically employed chemotherapeutic agents that increase ROIs could also be employed to activate Egr-EG in a chemoinducible gene therapy strategy.This study was done to explore the chemo-protective effect of the expression of hematopoietic growth factors regulated by Egr-1 promoter on chemotherapy induced damage. Methods:The human GM-CSF cDNA and EGFP cDNA were linked together with internal ribosome entry site(IRES) and then inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pCI-neo with the Egr-1 promoter(Egr-EG),and was further transduced into human bone marrow stromai cell lines HFCL(HFCL/EG).The HFCL/EG cells were transplanted i.v.into BI6 melanoma in C.B-17 combined immunodeficient(SCID) mice.5-FU was given i.p.on day 3 and 4.The white blood cell amount in peripheral blood,the expression of EGFP and GM-CSF in human stromal cell engrafted in recipient mice were detected by flow cytometry,RT-PCR,Western blot and colony-forming units for granulocytes and macrophages(CFU-GM),respectively.Results:In contrast to the two control groups,HFCL/EG(the Egr-regulatory element-derived expression of GM-CSF gene therapy) resulted in a proportional increase in the number of the white blood cell after chemotherapy,no significant diifferences were found for CFU-GM in bone marrow cells and the inhibition ratio on tumor in recipient mice.Chemotherapy could markedly increase the expression of EGFP and GM- CSF mRNA/protein as compared with that of non-chemotherapy control groups and HFCL group.Conclusion: Chemoinducible GM-CSF gene therapy regulated by Egr-1 promoter can ameliorate the toxic effect on 5-FU chemotherapy-inducible hematopoietic damage.

Study on AIDS related risk behaviors and the correlated factors among three groups of population in Sichuan province / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To provide the basis for AIDS intervention, the study on the relationship between AIDS related risk behaviors and the related factors was carried out among prostitutes, injection drug users and long-distance truck drivers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Questionnaire investigation and statistical analysis as chi(2) test, F test, logistic regression were adopted to analysis the relationship between AIDS related risk behaviors and the correlated factors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Knowledge about AIDS seemed to be related to their level of understanding the problem (in commercial sex workers r = 0.307, P = 0.000, in injection drug users F = 93.07, P = 0.000, in truck man F = 30.06, P = 0.000). Condom use when entertaining their clients last time was related to the knowledge of HIV transmission in commercial sex workers and truck drivers (OR = 1.171, 1.145) and knowledge of HIV prevention (OR = 1.081, 1.397), in drug users regarding gender difference (OR = 2.121).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This study addressed that the effective means to reduce the rate of AIDS risk behaviors and to lessen the harm of AIDS are to improve the knowledge of AIDS and the effective methods to prevent AIDS in the high risk population.</p>

Diagnosis and Treatment of Intestinal Neuronal Dysplasia / 实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To investigate pathogenic factors,clinical characteristics,pathological changes in 6 patients with localized or disseminated intestinal neuronal dysplasia(IND).Methods The clinical retrospective study was performed in 6 cases with localized and disseminated IND.Results In 6 patients,constipation and partial intestinal obstruction were the major symptoms.Preoperatively,dia-gnoses were revaluated as intestinal stenosis in 2 cases,long sigmoid in 2 cases and long-segment aganglionosis and total gastrointestinal IND in the rest 2 cases,respectively.Exploratory laparotomy was performed on all these patients.Pathological study suggested that 4 of them were localized IND,on whom enterectomy and intestinal anastomosis were performed successfully.However,2 cases of disseminated IND died postoperatively.Conclusions Disseminated IND may be caused by congenital factors,while localized IND by the acquired factors which including intestinal obstruction,local ischemia or inflammation.The surgical interventions are effective for localized IND,and intestine transplantation might be prospective treatment for disseminated IND.