Prevalence of chronic diseases among bus drivers in Hefei， Anhui / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of working conditions on the occurrence and development of chronic diseases in bus drivers in Hefei. MethodsA total of 380 bus drivers were selected by convenient sampling method. Their basic information， working intensity， working environment， working habits， living habits and physical health were investigated. ResultsThe three most common occupational-related diseases were： 1） anxiety and depression caused by work environment such as noise and traffic jam （70.79%， 269/380）； 2） dry eyes， eye fatigue， blurred vision and so on （65.53%， 249/380）； 3） cervical and lumbar pain （63.16%， 240/380）. Gastrointestinal dysfunction （irritable bowel syndrome related symptoms） occurred in 42.37% （161/380） of the drivers and 45.53% （173/380） had suffered from hemorrhoids or anal fissure. Drivers with long-term suffocation were more likely to suffer from urinary tract infection （χ 2=22.330， P<0.001）. The rate of subjective eye discomfort was higher in the drivers with long working hours （χ 2=11.682， P<0.01）， and the rate of leg swelling was higher in the drivers with frequent driving without rest （χ 2=16.642， P<0.05）. There was a significant difference in the rate of anxiety and depression between the divers with different sleep duration （χ 2=17.379，P<0.001）. Results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the incidence of anxiety and depression was higher in drivers with longer working hours. In comparison with the group of over 6 working hours， the rate increased to 4.080 times in the group of over 8 working hours， 2.583 times in the group of over 10 working hours， and 2.484 times in the group of over 12 working hours， respectively. Occasional and frequent non-stop working drivers were 4.302 and 4.828 times， respectively， more likely to be anxious or depressed. Logistic regression analysis also showed that the incidence of gastrointestinal dysfunction （irritable bowel syndrome related symptoms） in drivers with anxiety and depression was 3.792 times higher than that in drivers without anxiety and depression （OR=3.792， 95% CI 2.384 to 6.029， P<0.001）. ConclusionSome working environment， excessive working intensity， poor living and working habits， and mental problems are closely related to the occurrence and development of chronic diseases in bus drivers.

Prevalence of chronic diseases among bus drivers in Hefei， Anhui / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of working conditions on the occurrence and development of chronic diseases in bus drivers in Hefei. MethodsA total of 380 bus drivers were selected by convenient sampling method. Their basic information， working intensity， working environment， working habits， living habits and physical health were investigated. ResultsThe three most common occupational-related diseases were： 1） anxiety and depression caused by work environment such as noise and traffic jam （70.79%， 269/380）； 2） dry eyes， eye fatigue， blurred vision and so on （65.53%， 249/380）； 3） cervical and lumbar pain （63.16%， 240/380）. Gastrointestinal dysfunction （irritable bowel syndrome related symptoms） occurred in 42.37% （161/380） of the drivers and 45.53% （173/380） had suffered from hemorrhoids or anal fissure. Drivers with long-term suffocation were more likely to suffer from urinary tract infection （χ 2=22.330， P<0.001）. The rate of subjective eye discomfort was higher in the drivers with long working hours （χ 2=11.682， P<0.01）， and the rate of leg swelling was higher in the drivers with frequent driving without rest （χ 2=16.642， P<0.05）. There was a significant difference in the rate of anxiety and depression between the divers with different sleep duration （χ 2=17.379，P<0.001）. Results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the incidence of anxiety and depression was higher in drivers with longer working hours. In comparison with the group of over 6 working hours， the rate increased to 4.080 times in the group of over 8 working hours， 2.583 times in the group of over 10 working hours， and 2.484 times in the group of over 12 working hours， respectively. Occasional and frequent non-stop working drivers were 4.302 and 4.828 times， respectively， more likely to be anxious or depressed. Logistic regression analysis also showed that the incidence of gastrointestinal dysfunction （irritable bowel syndrome related symptoms） in drivers with anxiety and depression was 3.792 times higher than that in drivers without anxiety and depression （OR=3.792， 95% CI 2.384 to 6.029， P<0.001）. ConclusionSome working environment， excessive working intensity， poor living and working habits， and mental problems are closely related to the occurrence and development of chronic diseases in bus drivers.

Establish and optimization of real-time fluorescent reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification for detection of avian influenza H5 hemagglutinin gene / 病毒学报

H5 subtype avian influenza (AIV-H5) is a major causative agent of animalloimia a rapid and sensitive molecular biological diagnosis is crucial to the control program of AIV-H5. AIV-H5 real-time fluorescent reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (qRT-LAMP) was established by means of heat treatment of the samples. The sensitivity, specificity and repeatability of this method were assessed and the performance of Calcein,SYBR Green I,HNB,SYTO 81 in colorimetric detection was comparatively analyzed to screen the optimum dye. The results showed the sensitivity of this method was 100 times higher than that of standard real-time fluorescent RT-PCR, and the detection limit was one copy of the gene per reaction. This method had no cross-reactivity with other common avian respiratory tract infectious disease-related pathogens such as IBV and NDV. The present study suggested Calcein was the optimum dye. Small-scale tests suggested this method was reliable for survey monitoring of AIV-H5 on the spot, indicating its potential applications in field investigation.

Glycation of high-density lipoprotein in type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate whether glycation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increases cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by altering its anti-atherogenic property.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>Data cited in this review were obtained mainly from Pubmed and Medline in English from 2000 to 2013, with keywords "glycation", "HDL", and "atherosclerosis". Study selection Articles regarding glycation of HDL and its role in atherogenesis in both humans and experimental animal models were identified, retrieved and reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Glycation alters the structure of HDL and its associated enzymes, resulting in an impairment of atheroprotective functionality and increased risks for cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetic patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Glycation of HDL exerts a deleterious effect on the development of cardiovascular complications in diabetes.</p>

Related research on a novel macropores calcium phosphate cement as bone tissue engineering scaffold / 国际生物医学工程杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the cell toxicity of a novel macropores calcium phosphate cement (CPC) scaffold and its influence on cell adhesion,growth and proliferation.MethodsA novel CPC material was synthesized by means of adding mannitol porogens and applying sodium solution as the cement liquid.The cell growth and proliferation in the novel CPC material extraction was observed by CCK8 assay.Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe hole diameter of the material,cell adhesion and growth in the material.The experiment of three point bending was used to test the biomechanic performance of the CPC material.ResultsThe novel CPC material reached hole diameter value of (267.43±118.01)μm,microporosity of (66.15±6.91)％.Maximum load,flexural strength and toughness of the novel CPC material was increased about one time compared to the traditional CPC(P＜0.05).CCK8 assay showed there were no significant difference of the light absorption value of cells in the CPC extraction in the 4th,6th,8th day compare to the control group (P＞0.05).ConclusionThe novel CPC material has the strong biomechanics performance,macropores,high microporosity and excellent biocompatibility,which is promising for ideal bone tissue engineering scaffold.

Impact of weight gain following smoking cessation on one-year outcome after drug-eluting stent implantation / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Weight gain following smoking cessation increases cardiovascular risk, but its effects on prognosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between weight gain post smoking cessation and one-year clinical outcome in patients who underwent PCI with drug-eluting stent (DES).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 895 consecutive male smoking patients were divided into quitters (n = 437) and continuers (n = 458) according to their smoking status after PCI. Weight gain, major adverse cardiac events (MACE, including cardiac deaths, myocardial infarction and revascularization), and recurrent angina were recorded during follow-up for one year.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Average weight gain in quitters was more than that in continuers (1.5 kg vs. -0.03 kg, P < 0.001). Weight was unchanged or increased by more than 1.5 kg in 78.17% of continuers, while 50.57% of quitters had a weight gain of less than 1.5 kg. Compared with continuers, MACE in quitters was significantly reduced after PCI (6.12% vs. 4.81%, P = 0.049), especially recurrent angina (13.97% in continuers vs. 9.84% in quitters, P = 0.027). After adjusting for weight gain and other factors, smoking cessation was independently associated with a lower risk of MACE and recurrent angina (OR = 0.73, P = 0.035). However, weight gain > 1.5 kg (OR = 1.55, P = 0.026) could curtail the benefits from smoking cessation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Weight gain may reduce the benefits of smoking cessation after PCI with DES implantation. Thus, although smoking cessation is recommended after PCI, weight control should also be highly encouraged for these patients.</p>

The role of CD40 in T cell-mediated immune response / 国际儿科学杂志

The activation of CD40-CD40L costimulatory signal channel plays a necessary role in T cellmediated immune response. Activation of CD40 on antigen presenting cells by CD40L which expressed on Tlymphocytes, while contributing to the pro-in? ammatory response necessary for eradication of infection, accounts for the pathology in autoimmunity. Meanwhile, there is evidence that CD40 is also expressed on T-lymphocytes and can act as a costimulatory molecule. Further dissection of the exact nature and role of CD40 in T cell activation could lead the way to novel therapeutics for diseases which include organ-graft refection, autoimmune diseases,tumor, and inflammation.

Influence of insulin resistance on long-term outcomes in patients / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Insulin resistance (IR) is significantly associated with coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events in patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of IR on long-term outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 467 consecutive patients undergoing SES-based PCI were divided into IR group (n = 104) and non-IR group (n = 363). The patients were followed up for one year. The rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) including death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and recurrent angina pectoris was compared by the log-rank test, and the independent risk factors were identified by the Cox regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MACEs occurred more frequently, and cumulative survival rate was lower in the IR group than in the non-IR group during the follow-up (all P < 0.05). IR was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of cardiac death and non-fatal myocardial infarction (OR = 2.76, 95%CI = 1.35 - 5.47, P = 0.034). Old age, diabetes, and multi-vessel disease were determinants for recurrent angina pectoris after PCI (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that IR (OR = 3.35, 95%CI = 1.07 - 13.59, P = 0.013) and multi-vessel disease (OR = 2.19, 95%CI = 1.01 - 5.14, P = 0.044) were independent risk predictors for recurrent angina pectoris in patients with diabetes after PCI.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>IR is associated with reduced MACE-free survival and remains an independent predictor for recurrent angina pectoris after PCI with SES implantation.</p>

Association between late incomplete stent apposition after sirolimus eluting stent implantation and clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The impact of late incomplete stent apposition (ISA) post sirolimus eluting stent (SES) implantation in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) on long-term clinical outcomes remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between late ISA and clinical outcomes in patients with ACS compared with that with stable angina (SA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From February 2005 to March 2007, 54 ACS patients and 83 SA patients were enrolled in this study, late ISA was determined by means of three-dimensional volumetric intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analyses one year after SES implantation and clinical outcomes one year post IVUS were obtained in these patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In 219 treated lesions of the 137 patients, late ISA was documented in 25 lesions in 16 patients (20 ISA in 12 ACS patients vs. 5 ISA in 4 SA patients, P<0.001). Though lumen area in reference and stented segment, neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) area and percentage of NIH in stented segment, and external elastic membrane (EEM) area in reference segment were similar between two groups, EEM area in stented segment [(15.34+/-5.44) mm2 vs. (13.83+/-4.51) mm2, P=0.026], stented/reference segment EEM area ratio (1.13+/-0.22 vs. 1.02+/-0.18, P<0.001), plaque and media area [(8.43+/-3.93) mm2 vs. (7.01+/-2.93) mm2, P=0.002] was significantly lager in ACS group than that in SA group. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that ACS (OR 6.477 with 95% CI from 2.297 to 18.263, P<0.001) and stent length>or=23 mm (OR 3.680 with 95% CI from 1.181 to 11.469, P=0.025) were main independent factors of occurrence of late ISA. Incidence of main adverse cardiac events (MACE) one year post IVUS was similar between the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compared with patients with SA, ACS patients had larger stented segment EEM area, plaque and media area as well as increased incidence of ISA. However, the incidence of MACE was similar in ACS and SA patients one year after IVUS.</p>

Effect of acupoint sticking of "Hua yutie" on VEGF expression in rats of focal cerebral ischemia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism of acupoint sticking of "Hua yutie" in improving ischemic stroke.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, a model group, an acupoint sticking group, an acupuncture group, a Nimodipine group and a normal group. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was used for preparation of focal cerebral ischemic rat model. After modeling, any treatment was not given to the model group; for the acupoint sticking group, "Hua yutie" was applied at "Dazhui" (GV 14) ,"Qihai" (CV 6) and "Mingmen" (GV 4); for the acupuncture group, acupuncture was given at the same acupoints as those in the acupoint sticking group; the Nimodipine group received intragastric administration of Nimodipine. And the normal group did not receive any treatment. Their infarction volume, the cerebral water content, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the protein level were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The infarction volume coincided with the dominative scope of the middle cerebral artery of the electric coagulation. There were significant differences in the cerebral water content as the various treatment groups compared with that of the model group (all P<0.05). The VEGF positive cell number and the protein level around the infarction area in the acupoint sticking group were increased as compared with those in the model group (P<0.01), with no significant difference as compared with the Nimodipine group and the acupuncture group (all P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupoint sticking of "Hua yutie" alleviates the cerebral damage after ischemia possibly through enhancing the expression and protein level of VEGF.</p>

Study on the mechanism of CTLA4-Ig in the treatment of mice viral myocarditis / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of CTLA4-Ig chimera protein on mice mortality, histopathological changes, viral fiters, expression of CTLA4 protein on infiltrated T lymphocyte and the balance of Thl/Th2 in mice myocarditis caused by coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3). Methods A total of 106 four to six week-old male BALB/c mice were used in the experiments, which were divided into CTLA4-Ig group (n = 16), CVB3 group (n=40), IgG group (n =40) and normal control group(n = 10) randomly. The mice in CVB3 group, IgG group and CTLA4-Ig group were inoculated intraperitoneally with 0. 15 ml CVB3 and the mice in norreal control group with 0. 15 ml Eagle. The mice in IgG group and CTLA4-1g group were inoculated with IgG (0. I mg/kg) and CTLA4-Ig(0. 1 mg/kg) at 6 h and 72 h post inoculation(p, i. ), respectively, The surplus mice in each group were sacrificed at day 7 p.i. Light microscope was used to quantify the inflammation. The expression of CVB3 mRNA in mycardium were semi-quantified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR). The expression of CTLA4 protein were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The levels of IL-2, IL-4 and 1FN-γ in serum were measured by ELISA. Results The mice mortality, histopathological score and CVB3 mRNA in CTLA4-Ig group were lower than that in CVB3 group ( P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0. 05, respectively). The expression of CTLA4 was significantly increased in CTLA4-Ig therapy group (P < 0.05 ). The serum level of IFN-γ of mice in CVB3 group were significantly higher than that in normal control group( P < 0.01 ). The serum level of IL-4 of mice in CVB3 group were much lower than that in normal control group( P < 0.01 ). The serum level of IL-2 in CVB3 group had no statistical significance with that in normal control group ( P > 0.05 ). The serum level of IFN-γ in mice of CTLA4-Ig group were much lower than that in CVB3 group ( P <0.01 ) and lgG group (P < 0. 01 ). The serum level of IL-4 of mice in CTLA4-Ig group were significantly higher than that in CVB3 group (P<0.01) and IgG group (P<0.01). The serum level of IL-2 in CTLA4-Ig group had no statistical significance with that in CVB 3 control group and lgG group ( P > 0. 0 5 ) . Conclusion CTLA4-Ig may relieve inflammation and reduce mice mortality by blocking the costimulation signals for T lymphocyte activation and reinforcing Th2 response.

Discussion on reinforcing-reducing manipulations of acupuncture in Internal Classic / 中国针灸

To study and analyze the reinforcing-reducing manipulations of acupuncture in Internal Classic. The major methods of reinforcing-reducing manipulations of acupuncture in Internal Classic were reinforcing-reducing by manipulating the needle in cooperation with the patient's respiration, reinforcing-reducing effect induced by slow and quick manipulation of needle, and open-close reinforcing-reducing manipulation, these three methods were usually applied in combination. All of reinforcing-reducing manipulations should be based on the principle of puncturing along and against the flowing direction of the meridian qi. Mastering the reinforcing-reducing manipulations of acupuncture in Internal Classic will contribute to the improvement of therapeutic effects in clinical practice.

Acute coronary syndrome is an independent risk factor for late incomplete stent apposition after sirolimus-eluting stent implantation / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Late incomplete stent apposition (ISA) may occur after drug-eluting stent implantation, affecting long-term clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of clinical presentations of coronary artery disease on late ISA after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) by means of three-dimensional volumetric intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analyses.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and thirty-seven patients with coronary artery disease received SES implantation during PCI and had repeat angiography with IVUS examination. All patients were followed up one year after the procedure.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In overall 219 treated lesions (137 patients), late ISA was identified in 25 lesions (16 patients). Clinical diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and use of long stents were more common in patients with than in those without late ISA. Patients with late ISA had greater external elastic membrane (EEM) area in stented segment ((15.34 +/- 5.44) vs (13.83 +/- 4.51) mm(2), P = 0.026), stented-to-reference segment EEM area ratio (1.13 +/- 0.22 vs 1.02 +/- 0.18, P < 0.001), and plaque and media area ((8.43 +/- 3.93) vs (7.01 +/- 2.93) mm(2), P = 0.002) than in those without late ISA. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that clinical diagnosis of ACS and use of long stents were independent risk factors for late ISA (OR 6.477, 95% CI 2.297 - 18.263, P < 0.001; OR 3.680, 95% CI 1.181 - 11.469, P = 0.025; respectively). During one-year follow-up after IVUS examination, the rate of very late stent thrombosis tended to be higher in patients with than in those without late ISA (18.7% vs 3.3%, P = 0.051).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The occurrence of late ISA after SES implantation may be related to clinical status, use of long stents, and marked positive vessel remodeling. Late ISA tended to increase the rate of very late stent thrombosis during follow-up, highlighting the importance of long-term dual antiplatelet therapy for these patients.</p>

High sensitive C-reactive protein, adiponectin, and urine albumin excretion rate in Chinese coronary artery disease patients with different glucose tolerance status / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), adiponectin levels and urine albumin excretion rate (UAER) are probably associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine the three markers in coronary artery disease (CAD) subjects with different glucose tolerance status in a Chinese population and further explore the levels of the three markers in these subjects and the possible association of these markers with CAD risk factors and the severity of CAD as well.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 242 subjects with angiographically documented CAD were recruited, and then assigned to three groups: the normal glucose tolerance (NGT) + CAD group, including 100 CAD patients with NGT; the impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) + CAD group, 40 CAD patients with IGT; the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) + CAD group, 102 CAD patients with T2DM. Serum hs-CRP, adiponectin levels as well as UAER were measured in all subjects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serum hs-CRP levels were increased in the T2DM + CAD group compared with the NGT + CAD group (4.71 +/- 2.59) vs (3.60 +/- 2.46) mg/L, P = 0.037. Serum adiponectin levels were gradually decreased from the NGT + CAD to IGT + CAD to T2DM + CAD groups, (5.99 +/- 1.84), (5.82 +/- 1.72) and (4.65 +/- 1.71) mg/L, P = 0.002 and 0.040 for NGT + CAD and IGT + CAD groups vs T2DM + CAD group, respectively. While the UAER was gradually increased from the NGT + CAD to IGT + CAD to T2DM + CAD groups, (6.42 +/- 2.51), (6.89 +/- 2.94) and (15.03 +/- 4.22) microg/min (P < 0.001) for NGT + CAD and IGT + CAD groups vs T2DM + CAD group. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that waist-hip ratio (WHR) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were the significant determinants of serum hs-CRP levels; triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), age, WHR, T2DM, 2-hour serum insulin (2hINS), sex, and apolipoprotein B were the significant determinants of serum adiponectin levels; and systolic blood pressure (SBP), T2DM, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were the significant determinants of UAER in all subjects (R(2) = 0.070, 0.352, and 0.214, respectively). However, no significant correlation was seen for hs-CRP, adiponectin and UAER with the severity of CAD. Hs-CRP levels were significantly correlated with UAER.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There was a trend of increased serum hs-CRP levels from the NGT + CAD to IGT + CAD to T2DM + CAD groups, though it only showed significance in the T2DM + CAD group compared with the NGT + CAD group. Serum adiponectin levels were decreased and UAER was increased from the NGT + CAD to IGT + CAD to T2DM + CAD groups. Increased UAER and serum hs-CRP, and decreased adiponectin levels were associated with traditional CAD risk factors but failed to be correlated with the severity of CAD. Hs-CRP levels were significantly correlated with UAER.</p>

Electroacupuncture at Zhongji (CV 3) for treatment of benign hyperplasia of prostate: a multi-central randomized controlled study / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the role of Zhongji (CV 3) in treatment of benign hyperplasia of prostate.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Multi-central, randomized, controlled, single bland clinical method was adopted, and 276 cases were divided into an electroacupuncture (EA) group and a medication group, 138 cases in each group. The EA group were treated with EA at Zhongji (CV 3) and the medication group with oral administration of Qianliekang tablets. After treatment of 1 course, their therapeutic effects and changes of international prostate symptom (I-PSS) cumulative score, life quality index (L) cumulative score, nocturia times, urine stream state, lower abdominal symptom, maximal volume of urine flow, residual urine volume, prostatic volume, etc. Were assessed in the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 96.4% in the EA group and 86.2% in the medication group, the former being better than the latter (P<0. 01); the two groups were effective in improvement of international prostate symptom (I-PSS) cumulative score, life quality index (L) cumulative score, nocturia times, urine stream state, hypogastrium symptom, maximal volume of urine flow, residual urine volume, prostatic volume, etc. with the former better than the latter.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at Zhongji (CV 3) has a significant therapeutic effect for treatment of benign hyperplasia of prostate.</p>

Elevation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6 levels in aortic intima of Chinese Guizhou minipigs with streptozotocin-induced diabetes / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Large animal models with toxin-mediated pancreatic damage have been used extensively in researches with respect to diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diabetic complications. The present study aimed to establish Chinese Guizhou minipig models with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and characterize the animal models by analyzing inflammatory cytokine levels in aortic wall, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-two male Chinese Guizhou minipigs (age, 4 to 6 months; weight, 20 kg to 30 kg) were divided into STZ-induced diabetic group (n = 12) and control group (n = 10). STZ (125 mg/kg) was administrated to induce hyperglycemia and afterwards insulin was used to control fasting blood glucose levels below 10 mmol/L. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed before and one month after STZ administration and serum concentrations of alanine transaminase, asparagine transaminase, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, lipids and white blood cell count were measured before and six months later. Animals in both groups were euthanized after six months and pancreas was examined immunohistochemically for islet beta cells. Aortic intima of diabetic minipigs and controls was analyzed for TNF-alpha level in tissue conditioned medium by Western blot. TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 mRNA levels in aortic intima were assayed by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Significant elevation in serum glucose levels was observed one month and six months after STZ induction (P < 0.001) and markedly increased OGTT values were noted, compared with baseline data. The normal pancreas had many irregular sized islets and small clusters of islet beta cells, while in pancreas of diabetic minipigs islet beta cells almost disappeared. No statistical difference was notified in serum concentrations of biochemical examinations before and six months after STZ induction. Western blot demonstrated dramatically increased TNF-alpha level in aotic intima conditioned medium, and significant elevation of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 mRNA levels was revealed by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The present study has established Chinese Guizhou minipig models with STZ-induced diabetes. Inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6) significantly elevated in aortic intima of diabetic minipigs.</p>

Long term clinical outcomes in patients with moderate renal insufficiency undergoing stent based percutaneous coronary intervention / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Patients with end-stage renal disease have a high mortality from coronary artery disease, but the impact of moderate renal insufficiency on clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the effect of drug-eluting stent implantation in these patients remain unclear. This study determined the long-term effect of moderate renal insufficiency on death and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after stent based PCI and examined whether drug-eluting stent implantation could favourably influence clinical outcome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Major adverse cardiac events and causes of mortality were determined for 1012 patients undergoing percutaneous intervention from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2004 at Shanghai Ruijin Hospital. Based on estimated creatinine clearance levels, long term outcomes were compared between patients with estimated creatinine clearance < 60 ml/min (renal insufficiency group; n = 410) and those with estimated creatinine clearance > or = 60 ml/min (control group; n = 602). Subgroup analysis was also made for patients with renal insufficiency between drug eluting stent (n = 264) and bare metal stent implantation (n = 146) during PCI.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During follow-up (average 17 months) after successful PCI, all causes of death (7.1% vs 2.3%, P < 0.01) and cardiac death (3.4% vs 1.0%, all P < 0.01) were significantly higher in renal insufficiency group than in control group. For patients with moderate renal insufficiency, drug-eluting stent implantation reduced significantly all causes of death (5.3% vs 10.9%, P < 0.05) and occurrence of major cardiac adverse events (15.1% vs 24.6%, P < 0.05) compared with bare metal stents.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Moderate renal insufficiency is an important clinical factor influencing the mortality after PCI in patients with coronary artery disease and the use of drug-eluting stents should be the preferred therapy for the improvement of long-term outcomes in such patients.</p>

Clinical significance of EGF and EGFR expression changes in cryptorchid boys / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To explore the changes of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expressions in cryptorchid children and their clinical significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The level of serum EGF was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and the expression of EGFR by immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The level of serum EGF was significantly lower in cryptorchid children than in normal subjects at age group of 5-9 years (P<0.01) and 10-14 years (P<0.01), (2) The level of EGF was significantly lower in boys with impalpable testis than in those with extracanalicular and intracanalicular testes (P<0.01), (3) The serum EGF level increased significantly 6 months after orchiopexy (P<0.05), (4) The EGFR expression in testicular Leydig's cells was lower in 2 approximately 4 year-old boys than in those over 5 years (P<0.05) and (5) the EGFR expression was less positive in the impalpable group and the intracanalicular group than that of the extracanalicular group (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The EGF and EGFR expressions may correlate with the age and the position of testes; orchiopexy improves the EGF and EGFR expressions in cryptorchid boys.</p>

Schizophrenic delusions in Seoul, Shanghai and Taipei: a transcultural study

In this transcultural study of schizophrenic delusions among patients in Seoul, Shanghai and Taipei, we discovered that both the frequency and content of delusions differed among the three groups; and that these differences could perhaps be explained by varying sociocultural and political situations. Delusional themes that are sensitive to sociocultural or political situations include guilt, love/sex, religion, somatic damage, economy/business and politics. Delusions regarding longevity, love/sex, dysmorphophobia/dysosmophobia, religion or supernatural matters, and espionage/spy stories were most frequent in Seoul patients. Those in Taipei predominantly had delusions about possession, religion or supernatural matters, hypnotism, and mass media/computers. Shanghai patients often had delusions of poisons, being prickled by poisoned needles, their brain and viscera extracted and being a family member of political authorities.