Neuroprotective effect of surround needling combined with acupoint injection on acute herpetic neuralgia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect and mechanism of surround needling combined with acupoint injection on acute herpetic neuralgia (AHN).@*METHODS@#Ninety-nine patients with T-T segment AHN were randomly divided into 3 groups, 33 cases in each group, including 2 cases dropped off in the surround needling group, 4 cases dropped off in the acupoint injection group, and 3 cases dropped off in the combined group. Oral valacyclovir was given in each group, 0.3 g each time, 2 times a day for 10 days. Oblique insertion of needle used at points around the herpes in the surround needling group, and continuous wave was stimulated to tolerance for 20 min; the same acupoints were selected as the surround needling group, stimulated with the mixture injection of mecobalamin and lidocaine in the acupoint injection group; After the surround needling, acupoint injection was performed in the combined group. The treatment was given once a day, 14 times for a course, and one course was needed in all groups. The skin healing conditions (blistering, crusting, and dislocation time) of each group were compared after treatment. The pain scores, pain area and quality of life scores in each group were observed before and after treatment. The levels of neuron specific enolase (NSE), substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the local blister fluid were measured before and after treatment in all groups.@*RESULTS@#The blistering, crusting and dislocation time in the combined group were earlier than the other two groups (all <0.05). The pain score and pain area in the each group were significantly lower than those before treatment, and the quality of life score was significantly higher than that before treatment (all <0.05). The improvements of pain score and quality of life score in the combined group were more obvious than the other two groups (all <0.05). After treatment, the levels of NSE, SP and CGRP in the local blister fluid in each groups were significantly lower than those before treatment (all <0.05). The indexes in the combined group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Both surround needling and acupoint injection have an adjuvant effect on AHN. The combination of the two is better, the skin is healed quickly, the analgesia is significant, and the contents of local NSE, SP and CGRP are significantly decreased. The mechanism of action is to exert neuroprotective effects.

Economic evaluation of breast cancer screening for Chinese urban women / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective: To explore the effectiveness and cost of breast cancer screening strategy that is suitable for the current econom-ic conditions in China. Methods: We collected clinical and cost information of breast cancer screening for Chinese women based on previous screening programs conducted from February 2008 to December 2011 and collected the same information about breast can-cer cases diagnosed in hospitals at the same time. Markov models were developed to analyze the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) for 132 breast cancer screening strategies compared to no screening for Chinese women. Results: In 2010, as compared to no screening, the most cost-effective breast cancer screening strategy was biennial screening with clinical breast examination (CBE) and breast ultrasound, in parallel, for women aged between 40 to 64. This screening strategy could save 1,394 quality-adjusted life years (QALY) per 100,000 women, and the cost of saving breast-cancer related QALY would be 91,944 RMB. Sensitivity analysis indicated that in 2016, the most cost-effective breast cancer screening strategy was biennial screening with CBE and mammography (MAM), in parallel, for women aged 40 to 64, with ICER of 159,637 RMB per QALY. Conclusions: Population-based breast cancer screening would be acceptable in the current conditions in China. As the Chinese economy and level of medical care improve, breast cancer screening would be more cost-effective.

Inference on Injury Mechanism of Ankle Fracture by Lauge-Hansen Classification / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To explore the injury mechanism of ankle fracture inferred by the Lauge-Hansen classification with the application of medical imageology and its application value in forensic medicine.@*METHODS@#A total of 32 ankle fracture cases with known injury mechanism were collected from January 2013 to May 2018, which were identified in Yongkang Public Security Bureau, Zhejiang Province. The Lauge-Hansen classification of ankle fracture was performed by three forensic experts based on the data of X-ray and CT image. Fisher's exact test and Kappa consistency analysis were performed by SPSS 20.0 statistical software to compare the results of the Lauge-Hansen classification with the injury mechanism of ankle fracture obtained through the criminal evidence.@*RESULTS@#In 32 cases, 84.4% （27/32） ankle fractures were classified according to the Lauge-Hansen classification based on medical imaging. The mechanism of ankle fracture identified by the Lauge-Hansen classification was consistent with that obtained through the criminal evidence.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Based on medical imaging, the Lauge-Hansen classification can be well applied to infer the injury mechanism of ankle fracture in part cases, and provide objective evidence for the crime scene reconstruction of criminal cases.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the Loewenstein assessment for evaluating cognition after a stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To explore the cognitive impairment of stroke survivors using magnetic resonance spectra (MRS) and the Loewenstein occupational therapy cognitive assessment (LOTCA),and to analyze their correlation and their clinical significance.Methods Thirty stroke survivors diagnosed with cognitive impairment using the mini-mental state examination formed a cognitive impairment group.Another 30 stroke survivors without cognitive impairment served as stroke controls,while a third group of 30 healthy counterparts were the normal controls.All were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging and the LOTCA and the results were correlated.Results The average LOTCA total score and sub-scores of the impaired group were significantly lower than those of the other two groups.The average LOTCA total scores and the orientation and spatial perception,apparent motion and thinking operation sub-scores of the stroke control group were also significantly lower than those of the normal control group,though their average visual perception and motor praxis scores were not.The average levels of N-acetyl aspartate and creatine (NAA and Cr) in the bilateral hippocampus of the cognitively impaired group were significantly lower than among the controls,while their choline and creatine (Cho/Cr) levels were significantly higher.The average NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr levels in the bilateral hippocampus of the stroke control group were similarly significantly lower and higher than among the healthy controls.The average NAA/Cr levels in the left and right hippocampus were weakly to moderately correlated with the total LOTCA scores and the LOTCA sub-score for attention (r=0.376-0.661 and r=0.396-0.691 respectively).The average value of Cho/Cr in the left hippocampus showed weak to moderate negative correlation with the LOTCA total scores (r=-0.368-0.619),but not with the attention scores.The value of Cho/Cr in the right hippocampus had weak to moderate negative correlation with the LOTCA total score and with the orientation,visual perception,visuo-motor organization and thinking operations sub-scores (r=-0.391-0.632),but no obvious correlation with the scores for spatial perception,motor praxis or attention.Conclusion MRS can be used to assess the cognitive impairment of stroke survivors.MRS and LOTCA scores are closely correlated.MRS combined with LOTCA can evaluate cognitive dysfunction more comprehensively and objectively.

Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis of trophoblasts in intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-induced trophoblast apoptosis in the development of intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy (ICP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty pregnant women with ICP and 20 normal pregnant women undergoing cesarean section were enrolled in this study. The number of placenta syncytial knots in these women was determined using HE staining. The mRNA expressions of GRP78, CHOP, caspase-3, and caspase-7 were detected using RT-PCR in the placental tissues of the women and also in HTR-8/SVneo cells treated with different doses of deoxycholic acid (DCA). Caspase-3 and caspase-7 activities were also detected in DCA-treated HTR-8/SVneo cells using commercial assay kits, and the presence of apoptotic bodies in the cells were detected with electron microscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with normal placental tissues, the placenta from women with ICP showed significantly increased syncytial knots (P<0.01) and obviously enhanced mRNA expressions of GRP78, CHOP, caspase-3, and caspase-7 (P<0.05). In HTR-8/SVneo cells treated with different doses of DCA (0, 10, 50, and 100 µmol/L), the mRNA expressions of GRP78, CHOP, caspase-3 and caspase-7 were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05) and the protein levels of GRP78 and CHOP were also increased dose-dependently. Treatment with DCA at 50 µmol/L for 24 h significantly upregulated caspase-3 and caspase-7 activity in the cells (P<0.05), and the cells treated with 50 µmol/L DCA for 12 h showed the presence of apoptotic bodies.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The activation of ERS and enhanced apoptosis of the trophoblasts occur in the placenta of women with ICP. DCA can significantly increase the expressions of ERS markers and thus lead to trophoblast apoptosis, suggesting that ERS-induced trophoblasts apoptosis may play a key role in the development of ICP.</p>

Effects of Zhibai Dihuang Decoction on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase in the spermatogenic cells of rats with ureaplasma urealyticum infection / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the effects of Zhibai Dihuang Decoction (ZDD) on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COX) in the spermatogenic cells of rats with ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection.@*METHODS@#From forty 4－5 months old SD rats, 30 were randomly selected for the establishment of the model of testicular UU infection by inoculating the bladder with UU suspension and the other 10 injected with normal saline as controls (group A). At 7 days after inoculation, the rat models of testicular UU infection were treated orally with normal saline (group B), ZDD at 1 g per kg of the body weight per day (group C), and azithromycin at 0.105 g per kg of the body weight per day (group D), respectively, once daily for 21 days. Then all the animals were sacrificed and the epididymal and testicular tissues collected for examination of sperm motility with the color sperm dynamic detection system, measurement of the COX activity with the immunohistochemical DAB method, and determination of the mRNA expressions of COXⅠ and COXⅡ by RT-PCR.@*RESULTS@#Compared with group A, group B showed significant decreases in such sperm parameters as grade a sperm (［1.03 ± 0.09］ vs ［0.07 ± 0.03］ %, P0.05), average path velocity (VAP) (［16.22 ± 1.52］ vs ［10.05 ± 1.80］ μm/s, P0.05), and all the parameters were significantly higher in group C than in D (P<0.05or P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#UU infection can reduce grades a and b sperm, linear, curvilinear and mean sperm velocities, and the mRNA expressions of COX Ⅰ and Ⅱ while ZDD can improve these parameters. The improvement of sperm motility may not be associated with the activity of COX, and the COX activity may be related to the mRNA expression of COX II but not that of COXⅠ.

Expression of S100A4 in synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its effect on angiogenesis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes by secreting VEGF / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To study the expression level of S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4) in synovial tissue of the knee joint in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and normal persons, and the effect of S100A4 on the angiogenesis induced by rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RAFLSs).METHODS:The synovial tissue was taken from the knee joint of the RA patients (RA group) and the normal persons (control group).The protein expression of S100A4 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the synovial tissue of the 2 groups was observed by immunohistochemistry.RAFLSs were isolated from synovial tissue of patients with active RA.ELISA was used to detect the effect of S100A4 on the secretion of VEGF by RAFLSs.The effect of S100A4 on the angiogenesis of HUVECs cultured with conditioned medium from RAFLSs was also detected.RESULTS:The protein of S100A4 and VEGF was highly expressed in the synovial tissues of RA group (P<0.05).rhS100A4 significantly stimulated the secretion of VEGF in RAFLSs in a time-and dose-dependent manner (P<0.05).Cultured with conditioned medium from RAFLSs, rhS100A4 significantly promoted HUVECs to form tube-like structures in vitro.CONCLUSION:S100A4 protein is highly expressed in synovial tissue of the knee joint in RA patients, and S100A4 stimulates synovial angiogenesis by promoting RAFLSs to generate VEGF, indicating that S100A4 may be used as a potential target for the treatment of RA.

Zhibai Dihuang Decoction improves the activity of sperm mitochondrial respiratory chain complex in rats with Ureaplasma urealyticum infection / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the effect of Zhibai Dihuang Decoction (ZDD) on the sperm mitochondrial respiratory chain complex (MRCC) in rats with Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, sham operation, UU infection model control, ZDD (crude drug at 8.56 g per kg of the body weight per day), doxycycline (DC, at 20 mg per kg of the body weight per day), and ZDD+DC. The model of UU infection was established by injecting UU into the bladder of all the rats except those of the sham operation group. After modeling, the rats were treated intragastrically with respective drugs for 21 days and then executed and their epididymides harvested for examination of sperm quality and determination of the activities of sperm MRCCs I, II, III and IV by spectrophotometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At 10 days after modeling, the UU-positive rates in the model control, sham operation, ZDD, DC and ZDD+DC groups were 92.9%, 0%, 33.3%, 26.7% and 20.0%, respectively, significantly higher in the model control than in the other groups (P<0.05). The epididymal sperm concentrations in the five groups were (0.97±0.23), (3.02±0.52), (1.21±0.35), (1.02±0.31) and (1.52±0.28) ×106 ml, the sperm motilities were (58.62±15.36), (80.45±7.21), (75.52±8.78), (68.43±10.25) and (78.25±7.67)%, and rates of grade a+b sperm were (6.15±1.02), (10.32±1.14), (10.12±1.08), (9.01+1.27) and (10.74±1.03)%, respectively, all remarkably lower in the model control than in the sham operation group (P<0.01), but markedly higher in the ZDD and ZDD+DC groups than in the model controls (P<0.05). The activities of MRCC I in the model control, sham operation, ZDD, DC and ZDD+DC groups were (31.54±16.25), (136.86±6.34), (100.68±14.41), (81.68±6.78) and (124.06±5.54) μmol/(min·mg), those of MRCC II were (9.50±3.86), (20.34±0.37), (10.88±1.04), (12.93±1.07) and (16.23±0.60) μmol/(min·mg), those of MRCC III were (5.58±1.79), (19.60±0.61), (11.34±1.35), (13.87±1.23) and (15.96±0.69) μmol/(min·mg), and those of MRCC IV were (9.54±1.34), (28.98±3.33), (17.02±2.04), (18.41±2.67) and (21.66±2.93) μmol/(min·mg), respectively, all significantly lower in the model control than in the sham operation group (P<0.01), with the activities of MRCCs I, III and IV remarkably higher in the ZDD, DC and ZDD+DC groups (P<0.01) and that of MRCC II higher in the DC and ZDD+DC groups than in the model control (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ZDD can improve the epididymal sperm quality and the activity of the sperm MRCC in UU-infected rats, which may be one of the mechanisms of ZDD acting on male infertility caused by UU infection.</p>

Association of heart valve calcification with cardiovascular outcomes in patients on maintenance hemodialysis / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the impact of heart valve calcification (HVC) on cardiovascular outcomes in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We enrolled 302 Chinese patients on MHD between 2009 and 2011 including 99 with HVC identified by echocardiography screening. All the patients were followed up for 2 years and survival analysis was performed with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and new onset cardiovascular events as the endpoints. Cox regression analysis was used for analyzing the impact of heart valve calcification on the cardiovascular outcomes of the patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean age of the total patients was 58.2∓15.0 years when receiving the initial MHD, and 53.6% were male patients. The overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality and new on-set cardiovascular events in HVC and non-HVC groups were 30.3% vs 16.3%, 22.2% vs 6.9%, and 48.5% vs 25.6%, respectively (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significant difference in all-cause mortality (P=0.006), cardiovascular mortality (P<0.001) and new-onset cardiovascular events (P<0.001) between HVC and non-HVC groups. After adjustment, Cox regression analysis identified HVC as a risk factor for increased all-cause mortality (HR=1.88; 95%CI: 1.11-3.19), cardiovascular mortality (HR=3.47, 95%CI: 1.76-6.84) and cardiovascular events (HR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.09-2.47).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HVC is an independent risk factor for increased cardiovascular mortality and new cardiovascular events in patients on MHD.</p>

Effect of Zhibai Dihuang Decoction on Expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 in Spermatogenic Cells of UU-infected Rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Zhibai Dihuang Decoction (ZDD) on mRNA and protein expressions of transient receptor potential family vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential family vanilloid subtype 5 (TRPV5) in Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU)-infected rat semens and spermatogenic cells, and to explore the pathomechanism of UU-infected infertility and the intervention of ZDD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 45 were randomly selected from 60 4-5 months old SD rats. UU testicular infected animal models were set up after bladder inoculation of UU suspension. The remaining 15 rats were simultaneously injected with normal saline as a normal control group. After a successful modeling, UU infected model rats were randomly divided into the model group, the azithromycin group, and the ZDD group, 15 in each group. Rats in the ZDD group were administered with ZDD at the daily dose of 1 g/kg by gastrogavage. Rats in the azithromycin group were administered with azithromycin suspension at the daily dose of 0. 105 mg/kg by gastrogavage. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to rats in the normal control group and the model group. All medication was performed once daily for 21 successive days. Testes and epididymis were extracted after rats were killed and UU positive rates were compared among all groups. Sperm cells were separated using a mechanical separation technique. Sperm motility parameters were detected using color sperm motion detection system. mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 in spermatogenic cells were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The UU positive rate was obviously higher in the model group than in the normal control group [(86.7% (13/15 cases) vs. 0] P < 0.05). It was lower in the ZDD group [33.3% (5/15 cases)] and the azithromycin group [26.7% (4/15 cases)] than in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, class A and B sperms were reduced, the linear velocity and the average velocity were significantly lowered, mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 in spermated genic cells significantly decreased in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, class A and B sperms were increased, linear and curve velocities and the average velocity were significantly elevated, mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 significantly increased in the ZDD group and the azithromycin group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with azithromycin group, class A and B sperms were increased, the linear velocity and the average velocity were significantly elevated, mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 significantly increased in the ZDD group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ZDD could fight against UU infection and elevate semen quality, which might be associated with up-regulating mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV1 and TRPV5 in spermatogenic cells.</p>

Effect of Zhibai Dihuang Pill on uPA of Uu-infection infertility patients / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Zhibai Dihuang Pill (ZBDHP) on urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and sperm quality in ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) infection infertile patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Recruited were 80 infertility patients with Uu infection at Andriatrics Clinics and Department of Reproduction, including 130 cases of positive Uu semen and 50 cases of negative Uu semen. Patients with positive Uu semen were randomly assigned to the observation group (72 cases) and the control group (58 cases) according to the visit sequence. All patients took antibiotics for 2 weeks. Patients in the observation group additionally took ZBDHP, 6 g each time, twice daily. Those in the control group additionally took Vit E (100 mg each time, twice per day) and ATP (40 mg each time, twice per day). The therapeutic course for all was 90 days. Semen parameters and uPA contents of the sperm membrane were detected and comparatively analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The sperm membrane uPA content, the sperm motility, the sperm viability, and the percentage of normal morphology sperm in Uu positive infected patients were lower than those in Uu negative infected patients with statistical difference (P < 0.05), but with no significant difference in the sperm density between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in pre-treatment sperm membrane uPA contents and sperm parameters between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with before treatment in the same group, the sperm membrane uPA content, the sperm motility, the sperm viability, and the percentage of normal morphology sperm obviously increased in the two groups with statistical difference (P < 0.05). After treatment, the sperm membrane uPA content increased more obviously in the observation group, with statistical difference when compared with the control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Infection with Uu leads to decreased uPA content of sperm membrance and the sperm motility. ZBDHP could effectively treat Uu infected infertility possibly through fighting against Uu damaged sperm membrane and make the sperm membrane uPA content return to normal, and elevate the fertilizability of sperms.</p>

2-Bromoethylamine protects vascular endothelium by inhibiting SSAO activity in diabetic rats / 生理学报

The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of aortic semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) activity in diabetic rats and examine the effect of 2-bromoethylamine (2-BEA) on SSAO activity and vascular endothelium in diabetic rats. SSAO was prepared from rat aorta. For assessment of the inhibitory effect, the enzymes were preincubated in the presence of different concentrations of 2-BEA before the addition of benzylamine in vitro. Type 1 diabetic rat model was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal control group (NC), diabetic model group (DM), 2-BEA 5 mg/kg group, 2-BEA 20 mg/kg group (n = 10 in each group). 2-BEA was administered daily via intraperitoneal injection for 8 weeks. At the end of 8 weeks, blood sample was collected from the abdominal aorta. Plasma nitric oxide (NO) was determined by nitrate reductase method. Plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) was determined by radioimmunoassay. Aorta SSAO was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The aorta was prepared to observe morphological changes and ultramicroscopic structures. The results were as follows: Compared with NC group, aortic SSAO activity and the plasma ET-1 were significantly increased (P < 0.01), and plasma NO was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in DM group. 2-BEA decreased plasma ET-1 and elevated plasma NO by inhibiting aortic SSAO activity in diabetic rats (P < 0.01), and 2-BEA 20 mg/kg group was more significant than 2-BEA 5 mg/kg group (P < 0.05). Endothelial injury of 2-BEA group rats was less serious than DM group. These results suggest that 2-BEA protect aortic endothelium by inhibiting aortic SSAO activity.

The treatment effect of immunoglobulin in AIDS with Guillain-Barre syndrome / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the treatment effect of immunoglobulin in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of AIDS with GBS, diagnosed by clinical and laboratory methods, were retrospectively analyzed, and literature retrieval analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment by immunoglobulin and antiviral. The patient's peripheral nerve injury recovered, and the number of HIV decreased.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Immunoglobulin has a therapeutic effect for HIV infection related GBS, and beneficial to antiviral treatment.</p>

Effects of zhibal dihuang decoction on the pathological changes and the ultrastructure of the testicular tissue in the ureaplasma urealyticum-infected rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of Zhibai Dihuang Decocion (ZDD) on the pathological changes and the ultrastructure of the testicular tissue in the ureaplasma urealyticum (UU)-infected rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The UU infected animal models were established by the bladder inoculation. The 45 UU infected SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., the ZDD treatment group (at the daily dose of 2 g/100 g), the Minocycline group (at the daily dose of 10 mg/100 g), the model group, 15 in each group. Besides, another 15 rats were recruited as the sham-operation group. The medication was started 10 days after vaccination. Equal volume of normal saline was given to rats in the model group and the sham-operation group by gastrogavage for 22 successive days. Rats were sacrificed on the 2nd day of medication discontinuation. The testicle mass index was detected. The ultra-structure and the pathological changes of the testicular tissue were observed by optical microscope and transmission electron microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no significant difference in the rat testicular mass index (P>0.05). UU infection can lead to the pathological changes such as atrophy of seminiferous tubules, germ cell loss, and reduction of sperm cells in lumen, and to the ultrastructural changes such as spermatogenic cell nuclear membrane shrinkage, nuclear breakdown, and obvious edema of mitochondria. The pathological changes and the ultrastructures were improved in the medication groups. Rm and Rs the were not overlapping, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Rm, Rzh, and Rx were not overlapping, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Rzh and Rx were overlapping in 95% Cl with no statistical difference (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>UU infection can cause the pathological changes and the ultrastructural changes of the testicular tissue at the organic level and the cellular level. ZDD played therapeutic effects through ameliorating its pathological changes and the ultrastructural changes of spermatogenic cells.</p>

Effects of zhibal dihuang decotion on UU-infected rat's spermatogenic cell apoptosis and expressions of caspase-3 and caspase-9 / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of Zhibai Dihuang Decotion (ZDD) on the ureaplasma urealyticum (UU)-infected rats' spermatogenic cell apoptosis and expressions of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>45 out of 60 male SD rats were randomly selected and made into the UU infected animal model. The rest 15 were taken as the sham-operation group. The UU infected model animals were then randomly divided into the model group, the minocycline group, and the ZDD group. From the 10th day after inoculation, normal saline was given to rats of the model group and the sham-operation group by gastrogavage, while corresponding medicines were given to rats in the minocycline group and the ZDD group. All rats were killed after 21 successive days of gastrogavage. The apoptosis rate of reproductive cells, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 expression levels and ultrastructure changes of spermatogenic cells of each group were detected and compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was statistical difference in the positive rate of the UU cultivation results, the apoptosis rate of reproductive cells, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 expression levels in the sham-operation group, the minocycline group, and the ZDD group when compared with the model group (P<0.05). There was statistical difference in the aforesaid indices in the minocycline group and the ZDD group when compared with the sham-operation group (P<0.05). Still there was no statistical difference in the aforesaid indices between the minocycline group and the ZDD group (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>UU infection can lead to the increasing of spermatogenic cell's apoptosis in rats. ZDD could actively inhibit the growth and production of UU with anti-UU. One of the mechanisms of ZDD in treating UU infection and improving the sperm quality is through regulating the expressions of the apoptosis effect factors Caspase-3 and Caspase-9.</p>

Minimal residual disease with wt1 gene expression blocked by wt1 antisense oligonucleotides in vitro / 中国实验血液学杂志

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of wt1 gene and the changes of gene expression in minimal residual disease (MRD) models (K562, HL-60 cell lines) and acute leukemia (AL) patients through inhibiting the expression of wt1 gene by antisense oligonucleotides (ASO). The bone marrow (BM) of 56 AL patients with complete remission (CR) was collected, then the BM samples with positive expression of wt1 gene were screened by RT-PCR. The cells of MRD model and screened wt1 gene positive samples were cultured and treated by ASO, then the changes of wt1 gene expression were detected. The results indicated that the sensitivity of wt1 gene was 10(-3)-10(-4), and the positive rate of BM wt1 gene expression in 56 AL patients with CR was 16%. After BM of 9 AL CR patients with MRD and MRD model (K562, HL-60 cells) expressing wt1 gene were treated by ASO, it was found that the wt1 expression in ASO group was blocked, while wt1 gene could be still detected in both sense oligonucleotides (SO) and control groups. It is concluded that ASO can obstruct the expression of wt1 gene on the residual leukemia cells in vitro.

Clinical analysis in viral encephalitis patients accompanying generalized tonic clonic seizure / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the value of clinical features, CSF, imaging and EEG in diagnosing viral encephalitis accompanying generalized tonic clonic seizure (GTCS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical, imaging and EEG characteristic of 30 patients with viral encephalitis accompanying GTCS were retrospectively analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 30 cases with viral encephalitis, 21 cases GTCS attacked (70%) within 14 days, 9 cases had GTCS (30%) in 15-28 days. 27 cases CSF were abnormal with the pressure, cell number, protein. The incidence of positive pathogenicity was 12/16; 19 cases MRI had abnormal signal. All the patients had abnormal EEG during the disease.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The clinical features, CSF, imaging and EEG were all important in diagnosing and estimate of viral encephalitis accompanying GTCS.</p>

Protective effect of limited fluid resuscitation against intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in postpartum rabbits with uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effect of limited fluid resuscitation against intestinal ischemia- reperfusion injury in postpartum rabbits with severe uncontrolled obstetrical hemorrhagic shock.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty- four postpartum rabbits were randomly assigned into sham shock group (group P), shock group without interventions (group P0), conventional fluid resuscitation group (group PNL), and limited fluid resuscitation group (group PLH), and the model of severe uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock was established in the latter 3 groups. The rabbits were sacrificed 4 h later, and SOD activity and MDA content in the intestinal mucosa and the degree of injury to the intestinal mucosa were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ischemia-reperfusion injury of the intestine due to uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock resulted in decreased SOD activity and increased MDA content. The MDA content was significantly lower and SOD activity was significantly higher in group PLH than in group PNL (P<0.05), and the intestinal mucosal tissue morphology and intestinal mucosa barrier lesion increased in group PLH.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Initial limited fluid resuscitation can relieve intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in postpartum rabbits with severe uncontrolled obstetrical hemorrhagic shock.</p>

Effect of tianoan zhuangyang powder on the stAR protein expression of Leydig cells in model rats with partial androgen deficiency of aging male / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Tiancan Zhuangyang Powder (TCZYP) on the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (stAR protein) expression of Leydig cells in model rats with partial androgen deficiency of aging male (PADAM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PADAM rat model was prepared by cyclophosphamide induced reproductive system damage. Rats were randomly divided into four groups, i. e. the normal control group, the model group, the testosterone propionate group, and the TCZYP group. The general condition, body weight, tail suspension experiment and exhaustion swimming test, and the testicular index, etc. were observed to assess the state of rats. The serum total testosterone (TT), and free testosterone (FT) levels were detected by radioimmunoassay before and after treatment. The stAR protein expression level of Leydig cells were determined using immunohistochemical assay. Statistic analyses were performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>By modeling with cyclophosphamide, serum TT and FT levels decreased (P<0.01), behavior changes were basically similar to PADAM (by tail suspension test), indicating a successful modeling. After treatment serum rTT and FT levels in the testosterone propionate group and the TCZYP group significantly increased when compared with before treatment and with the model group after treatment (P<0.01). There was no statistical difference between the TCZYP group and the testosterone propionate group (P>0.05). The immobility time in the tail suspension test were significantly shortened in the testosterone propionate group and the TCZYP group (P<0.05). The exhausted swimming time was more significantly prolongated than that of the model group (P<0.05). The stAR protein gray value significantly decreased (P<0. 01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TCZYP could prevent serum TT and FT levels from decrease, improve stAR protein activities, and attenuate the depression state and muscular tension in PADAM rats. Its action was equivalent to that of testosterone propionate.</p>

Cardiovascular risk profile in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study of 879 patients / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and estimate the associated risk factors for CVD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This cross-sectional study was conducted in 879 SLE patients treated in our hospital between March, 2006 and March, 2011. The demographic data and the clinical data including SLE duration, therapeutic regimen, renal pathological data, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), and associated biochemical parameters were analyzed. Cardiovascular ultrasound was used for detecting and analyzing the cardiovascular structural and functional abnormalities.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eighty-five cases of CVD were found in the 879 SLE cases (9.7%). After age stratification, CVD was identified in 5.8%, 9.0%, 14.0% and 20.0% in SLE patients aged ≤19, 20-39, 40-59 and ≥60 years, respectively, showing a tendency to increase with age (P=0.002). The prevalence of CVD differed significantly between patients with and those without lupus nephritis (P=0.001). Among the 85 patients with CVD, 23.5% (20/85) had left ventricular hypertrophy, 49.5% (42/85) had congestive heart failure, 20.0% (17/85) had stroke, 3.5% (3/85) had angina pectoris, and 3.5% (3/85) had peripheral CVD. Compared to those without CVD, patients with CVD had a longer SLE duration (P=0.002), a longer time of steroids treatment (P=0.026), a higher blood pressure (P=0.0006), a lower eGFR (P=0.001), and a lower concentration of HDL (P=0.007). Logistic regression analysis showed that SBP, eGFR, HDL, SLE duration, SLEDAI index, serum C3 and hs-CRP were the risk factors for CVD in SLE patients (P=0.033).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SLE is associated with a high risk of CVD which increases with age, and SLE patients with lupus nephritis have an even higher risk for CVD. SBP, eGFR, HDL, SLE duration, SLEDAI index, serum C3 and hs-CRP are the risk factors for CVD in SLE patients.</p>