Effect of electroacupuncture on lumbar disc herniation with different multifidus fatty infiltration rates / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture on lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with different multifidus fatty infiltration rates.@*METHODS@#A total of 108 eligible LDH patients received MRI test before treatment and the multifidus fatty infiltration rate (FI) was measured. According to theresults, they were divided to group A (FI20%), 36 cases in each one. EA was provided in all of the groups. The selected acupoints were Jiaji (EX-B 2) from L@*RESULTS@#Compared with before treatment, ODI score was reduced (@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture relieves pain and improves physical and psychological health of LDH patients. Multifidus fatty infiltration rate is probably one of the factors to influence the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture.

Protocol of Jidong Women Health Cohort Study: Rationale, Design, and Baseline Characteristics / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#The Jidong Women Health Cohort Study is a prospective cohort study on female-specific characteristics and risks of chronic diseases in Chinese women and focuses on the potential association between menopause and risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD).@*METHODS@#The study includes 4,179 female participants with an age of older than 18 years from Caofeidian district, Tangshan city, northern China. Baseline information on female-specific characteristics and potential cardiovascular risk factors was collected and all the participants underwent a physical examination with blood samples collected in 2013. To establish a better risk assessment tool of female CVD, updated information from questionnaire investigation, physical examinations and occurrence of outcome events will be collected through a longitudinal follow-up annually up to the year 2024.@*RESULTS@#At baseline, Mean age of the participants was 42.3 ± 12.8 years. Reproduction occurred in 2,948 participants (70.5%), menopausal transition in 173 (4.3%), and postmenopause in 1,058 (25.3%). The incidence of arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes showed significant difference across different groups stratified by Stage of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW) system (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The Jidong Women Health Cohort Study will contribute to the scientific evidence on association between female-specific characteristics and cardiovascular risks, and will also be helpful to provide a new path for early detection and prevention of CVD.

The Application of Modified Pediatric Early Warning Score in Emergency Medical Treatment and Classification / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To explore the significance of modified pediatric early warning score (MPEWS) in emergency early warning triage and classification. Method Selecting ill children who came to emergency department from February of 2017 to January of 2018 as objects of study, and triage nurses of emergency department gave MPEWS to the sick children under the demand of the filed data collection. Furthermore, according to the five levels of disease severity classification, doctors gave the disease assessment and classification to the sick children, finding the relevance between the MPEWS and the severity of the disease.Result Consequently, there is a relevance between the MPEWS scores and the severity of the disease indeed (rs=-0.630, P ＜ 0.001). The data show that the higher of the scores, the lower disease level, and the higher severity of the disease. ROC areas under the curve of the subjects is 0.996, and the confidence interval is 0.993-0.999 (P ＜0.05). That indicates that MPEWS exists statistical significance of emergency children judgement. The optimal number is 4.5, the sensitivity is 96％, and the specificity is 99.9％.Conclusions MPEWS is valuable in emergency early warning triage, children emergency severity assessment and identifying critical ill children in time.

Maternal Genistein Intake Can Reduce Body Weight in Male Offspring / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

The study objectives were to investigate the relationship between early exposure to genistein and obesity in young adulthood and to evaluate changes in reproductive health during puberty and adulthood following in utero exposure to genistein. Thirty-two female rats were randomized into four groups; low dose 400 mg genistein/kg diet group (LG), mid-dose 1200 mg genistein/kg diet group (MG), high dose 3600 mg genistein/kg diet group (HG), and control group without genistein diet (CON). Rats were fed genistein at the beginning of pregnancy along with a high-fat diet. Pups were sacrificed at week 4 and week 8 after birth. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results showed a correlation between maternal genistein intake and genistein concentration in pups' plasma. Compared to CON, body weight reduced significantly in male HG group at week 8. No statistical differences were found in plasma estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), interleukin (IL)-6, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels with early genistein exposure. Furthermore, uterine histopathology showed notable changes in groups HG and MG compared with CON at week 4 and week 8. In conclusion, maternal genistein supplement could reduce body weight in male pups and alter uterine histopathology in female pups.

Neurotoxicity and biomarkers of lead exposure: a review / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Appropriate selection and measurement of lead biomarkers of exposure are critically important for health care management purposes, public health decision making, and primary prevention synthesis. Lead is one of the neurotoxicants that seems to be involved in the etiology of psychologies. Biomarkers are generally classified into three groups: biomarkers of exposure, effect, and susceptibility.The main body compartments that store lead are the blood, soft tissues, and bone; the half-life of lead in these tissues is measured in weeks for blood, months for soft tissues, and years for bone. Within the brain, lead-induced damage in the prefrontal cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum can lead to a variety of neurological disorders, such as brain damage, mental retardation, behavioral problems, nerve damage, and possibly Alzheimer's disease, Parkinsons disease, and schizophrenia. This paper presents an overview of biomarkers of lead exposure and discusses the neurotoxic effects of lead with regard to children and adults.

Impact of Pax-8 gene interference on mitochondrial function and cardiomyocyte apoptosis / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of paired box gene 8 (Pax-8) silencing by RNA interference on mitochondrial function and cardiomyocytes apoptosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The cultured H9C2 (2-1) myocytes were divided into 3 groups: short interference RNA targeting Pax-8 (Pax-8 siRNA) group, non-specific siRNA group as the negative control (NC siRNA), and blank control group (BC siRNA). Fluorescence spectrophotometry was used to detect the activity of caspase-3. RT-PCR was performed to detect mRNA expression of Bcl2 and Bax. The protein expression of Bcl2, Bax and cytoplasm of Cytochrome was examined by Western blot. Changes of ΔΨm were detected by flow cytometry.ΔΨm with JC-1 monomer/polymer ratio was calculated for measuring mitochondrial depolarization proportion.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to NC siRNA and BC siRNA group (0.075 ± 0.021, 0.072 ± 0.019), the activity of caspase-3 in Pax-8 siRNA group (0.167 ± 0.012) was significantly increased (P < 0.05); Bcl2 mRNA and protein expression in Pax-8 siRNA group (0.61 ± 0.06, 0.94 ± 0.11) were significantly downregulated compared with NC siRNA group (0.90 ± 0.070, 1.39 ± 0.15) and BC siRNA group (0.94 ± 0.087, 1.49 ± 0.20) (P < 0.05); Bax mRNA and protein expression in Pax-8 siRNA group (1.05 ± 0.10, 1.25 ± 0.12) were markedly upregulated compared with NC siRNA group (0.72 ± 0.03, 0.99 ± 0.12) and BC siRNA group (0.64 ± 0.03, 0.92 ± 0.06), P < 0.05; cytosolic cytochrome expression in Pax-8 siRNA group (0.75 ± 0.14) was significantly upregulated compared with NC siRNA group (0.51 ± 0.06) and BC siRNA group (0.48 ± 0.07) (P < 0.05); JC-1 monomer/polymer ratio in Pax-8 siRNA group (0.163 ± 0.011) was significantly increased compared with NC siRNA group (0.092 ± 0.015) and BC siRNA group (0.072 ± 0.025) (P < 0.05) indicating mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly reduced in Pax-8 siRNA group. Above parameters were similar between NC siRNA group and BC siRNA group (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Inhibiting Pax-8 results in enhanced cardiomyocytes apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway.</p>

Clinical observation on electroacupuncture combined with catgut implantation at acupoints for treatment of simple obesity of heart and spleen deficiency type / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the interventional effect of electroacupuncture combined with catgut implantation at acupoints for treatment of simple obesity of heart and spleen deficiency type.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty five cases were randomly divided into an observation group (33 cases) and a control group (32 cases). The observation group was treated with electroacupuncture combined with catgut implantation at acupoint therapy, the electroacupuncture was applied at Zhongwan (CV 12), Xiawan (CV 10), Guanyuan (CV 4), Tianshu (ST 25), ect. and catgut implantation was given at Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Qihai (CV 6), etc. The control group was treated with electroacupuncture only. The body weight, body mass index (BMI), waistline, waist hip ratio (WHR), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and Hamilton depression scale (HAMD, 17 items) were evaluated before and after treatment, and these were also compared with those of 35 nomal cases.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate of 93.9% in the observation group was higher than that of 84.4% in the control group (P < 0.05); the body weight, BMI, waistline, WHR, PSQI, HAMD and HAMA of simple obesity cases were obviously higher than those of normal cases (all P < 0.05). The scores of above indexes were all obviously decreased in both groups after treatment (all P < 0.05), and the improvement was more significant in observation group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The sleep quality reduction and mental and psychology disorder exist in simple obesity patients, and electroacupuncture combined with catgut implantation at acupoints can reduce weight effectively, and at the same time improve the sleep quality and regulate psychological state.</p>

Observation on therapeutic effect of dog-day acupuncture and moxibustion combined with pelvic floor muscle exercises for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical effect of dog-day acupuncture and tortoise-shell moxibustion combined with pelvic floor muscle exercises for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy one cases were randomly divided into two groups. Thirty six cases in the observation group were treated with acupuncture on Zhongji (CV 3), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Chize (LU 5) etc. and tortoise-shell moxibustion on Shenque (CV 8) combined with pelvic floor muscle exercises; while thirty five cases in the control group were treated with only pelvic floor muscle exercises. The scores of the International Consultation Committee on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICI-Q-SF) and the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 (SF-36) were evaluated before and after treatment, and the scores of SF-36 were also compared with 35 cases in normal group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate of 91.7% in the observation group was higher than that of 77.1% in the control group (P < 0.05). The dimensions of SF-36 of stress urinary incontinence patients were remarkably lower than those of normal group (all P < 0.05). The scores of ICI-Q-SF were decreased while the scores of SF-36 were increased obviously after treatment in both the observation group and the control group, there were pronounced improvements on physiological function, pain, physical activity, social function and affection function in the observation group (all P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The quality of life for female stress urinary incontinence patients may be poor, however the dog-day acupuncture and tortoise-shell moxibustion combined with pelvic floor muscle exercises can improve the symptoms of urinary incontinence and increase the quality of life of patients.</p>

An epidemiological investigation of bats carrying SARS-CoV in Guangzhou and its vicinity / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect serve acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-like-CoV in fruit bats captured in Guangzhou and its vicinity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 927 bats of 9 species (Cynopterus sphinx, Rousettus leschenaulti, Miniopterus schreibersi, Hipposideros pratti, Rhinolophusasinicus, Scotophilusakuhlii, Hipposideros Pomona, Rhinolophus affinis, and Rhinolophus pusillus) captured in Guangzhou and its vicinity from September 2004 to November 2005 were available for this investigation, from which 3,043 samples (813 throat swasb, 524 sera, 853 lung tissues and 853 colorectal tissue specimens) were obtained. SARS-Cov and SARS-like-CoV were detected in these specimens using diagnostic kit for novel coronavirus N protein (ELISA), SARS-CoV Virus RNA detection kit, fluorescence PCR, Genchip, RT-PCR and cell isolation culture methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS AND CONCLUSION</b>No SARS-CoV and SARS-like-CoV were detected in the 3043 samples, indicating the current absence of SARS-CoV and SARS-like-CoV in the bats captured in Guangzhou and its vicinity.</p>

Molecular epidemiological study of human calicivirus infection in diarrhea children in autumn and winter at a hospital in Guangzhou / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the epidemiological features of human calicivirus( HuCV) infection in children with diarrhea in a hospital in Guangzhou.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Stool specimens were collected from children with viral diarrhea diagnosed between October, 2003 and January, 2004 and between October, 2004 and January, 2005. HuCV was detected by means of RT-PCR and sequence analysis of the PCR products.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eighty specimens positive for Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs) were identified from 648 stool specimens, with a positivity rate of 12.35%, and sapporo-like viruses (SLVs) were identified in 2 specimens (0.31%). The monthly NLV positivity rate was 11.74% (Oct.), 14.16% (Nov.), 9. 09% (Dec.) and 13.95% (Jan.), respectively, showing no significant variation in these months. NLVs mainly infected children below 2 years old. Twenty-two strains of NLVs were sequenced and analyzed, and 21 of them were identified as GII and the genotype of 1 strain could not be determined. The prevalent viral population were GII-3 and GII-4 in 2003 and was GII-4 in 2004, and both of the SLVs belong to GI-1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>NLVs is one of the important pathogens causing sporadic acute gastroenteritis in children admitted in the hospital in Guangzhou, and the prevalent strains are GII-3 and GII-4 , but different prevalent strains are possible in different periods.</p>

Overexpression and Effect on Apoptosis of the 150-ku Oxygen-regulated Protein(ORP150) in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 生物化学与生物物理进展

In previous study, the 150-ku oxygen-regulated protein(ORP150) was identified as a candidate glycoprotein related to hepatocellular carcinoma.In order to further validate the expression level of ORP150 in hepatocellular carcinoma, protein expression was determined by Western blot and cell immunochemistry, and messenger RNA(mRNA) expression was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.The effect of ORP150 on apoptosis and invasive potential of hepatocellular carcinoma cells was evaluated using the small interference RNA(siRNA) technique.Both the protein and mRNA expression levels of ORP150 were significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines compared with a non-tumor human liver cell line.After transfection with the specific siRNA of ORP150, significantly greater apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells was induced compared with untransfected cells.However, no significant effect on invasive potential was found.Overexpression of ORP150 was associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, and ORP150 might promote the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inhibiting apoptosis.ORP150 could be a potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Molecular epidemiology of diarrhea among children with Norwalk-like virus in a hospital of Guangzhou in autumn and winter / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the epidemiological characteristics of Norwalk-like virus (NLVs) infection in children with diarrhea and to study the genotype and predominant cluster at a hospital in Guangzhou city.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fecal specimens from 358 children with acute gastroenteritis from October 2003 to January 2004 and information about the cases were collected. NLVs was detected from the specimens by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the PCR products were purified and sequenced.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Forty-two positive specimens were detected from the 358 fecal specimen with a positive rate of 11.73% (42/358). Of these, 40 specimens were obtained from infants younger than 3 years of age. The youngest infant infected with NLVs in this study was only 25 days. The positive rate in November (17.27%) was the highest. Eleven positive PCR products were selected and sequenced. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that 11 strains all belong to genogroup II (G II), and of these, 5 strains belonged to G II-3 cluster, with another 5 strains belonged to G II-4 cluster. However, one strain with its cluster could not be determined.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>NLVs served as one of the important pathogens causing sporadic acute gastroenteritis among children at a hospital in Guangzhou. The predominant strains were identified as G II-3 and G II-4 cluster.</p>

A field trial for evaluating the safety of recombinant human interferon alpha-2b for nasal spray / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the safety of recombinant human interferon alpha-2b for nasal spray for the prevention of SARS and other upper respiratory viral infections.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Field epidemiologic evaluation was conducted, the design was randomized and had a synchronously parallel control group. In the study, the drugs were given for five days and all subjects were followed up for ten days.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During the period of using interferon, body temperature of the experimental group was normal compared to the control group. Experimental group had more influenza-like symptoms than the control group (P < 0.05), such as headache (4.83%-7.09%), dizziness (7.17%-11.63%), lassitude (8.55%-15.06%), muscular soreness (4.43%-7.09%), pharynx dryness (12.10%-17.85%), angina (6.25%-8.72%), abdominal pain (2.30%-5.50%) and diarrhea (2.45%-5.66%). Most of side effects reached their peak with in the first 3 days. Except for pharynx dryness, the incidences of all other side effects declined after completion of the use of the trial drug, and incidences of some symptoms in experimental group were lower than those of the control group. There were no significant differences in the symptoms of cough and expectoration between the experimental group and the control group. The incidence of exanthem in the control group was significantly higher than that in the experimental group. The side effect of bloody nasal mucus was not observed in experimental group, which had been reported by other authors in several volunteer studies.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Using recombinant human interferon alpha-2b for nasal spray could lead to some influenza-like symptoms, however, all those symptoms were mild , reversible, and relieved after completion of the use of the trial drug. No serious side effects were found during the period of following up. The authors conclude that the drug is safe.</p>

Effects of genistein and 17?-estradiol on microstructure of cancellous bone in ovariectomized rats / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To observe the effects of genistein and 17?-estradiol on microstructure of cancellous bone in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.Methods Ninty 7-month-old SD rats were randomly divided into baseline group,ovariectomized (OVX),sham-operated (SHAM),17?-estradiol treated (10?g?kg~(-1).day~(-1),EST) and genistein treated (5 mg?kg~(-1)?day~(-1),GEN) groups,and were killed at the beginning of the experiment,the 3rd and 15th week after operation.MicroCT scanning was performed on the left tibia in vitro.The regions involving 0.5 mm slice thickness and 1.6 mm distal to the tibial growth plate were selected as the regions of interest.Results At the 3rd week after operation,the tissue bone mineral density (tBMD) and trabecular thickness (sTh.Th) in group GEN were significantly higher than those in OVX and EST groups (all P