Evaluation of the immunization effectiveness of bOPV booster immunization and IPV revaccination.

To provide a basis for further optimization of the polio sequential immunization schedule, this study evaluated the effectiveness of booster immunization with one dose of bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) at 48 months of age after different primary polio immunization schedules. At 48 months of age, one dose of bOPV was administered, and their poliovirus types 1-3 (PV1, PV2, and PV3, respectively)-specific neutralizing antibody levels were determined. Participants found to be negative for any type of PV-specific neutralizing antibody at 24, 36, or 48 months of age were re-vaccinated with inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). The 439 subjects who received a bOPV booster immunization at the age of 48 months had lower PV2-specific antibody levels compared with those who received IPV. One dose of IPV during basic polio immunization induced the lowest PV2-specific antibody levels. On the basis of our findings, to ensure that no less than 70% of the vaccinated have protection efficiency, we recommend the following: if basic immunization was conducted with 1IPV + 2bOPV (especially Sabin strain-based IPV), a booster immunization with IPV is recommended at 36 months of age, whereas if basic immunization was conducted with 2IPV + 1bOPV, a booster immunization with IPV is recommended at 48 months of age. A sequential immunization schedule of 2IPV + 1bOPV + 1IPV can not only maintain high levels of antibody against PV1 and PV3 but also increases immunity to PV2 and induces early intestinal mucosal immunity, with relatively good safety. Thus, this may be the best sequential immunization schedule for polio in countries or regions at high risk for polio.

Incidence and cause of abnormal cholesterol in children aged 2-18 years in a single center / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the abnormality and distribution of plasma cholesterol levels in single-center hospitalized children.@*METHODS@#The blood lipid levels of children aged 2-18 years who had blood lipid test results in Peking University First Hospital from June 2016 to June 2019 were etrospectively analyzed. Cholesterol oxidase method was used for total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were detected by clearance method. The counting data were compared with chi-square test.@*RESULTS@#The survey had involved 11 829 children (7 087 were boys and 4 742 were girls). 1 822 (15.4%) children were with elevated total cholesterol, 1 371 (11.6%) children with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 2 798 (23.7%) children with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction. The total number of the children with abnormal cholesterol levels was 4 427 (37.4%). Among the 7 835 children who visited hospital due to the disease not commonly inducing dyslipidemia, 731 (9.3%) had elevated TC, 561 (7.2%) had elevated LDL-C, 1 886 (24.1%) had decreased HDL-C, and 2 576 (32.9%) had abnormal cholesterol levels. Among the children with different diseases, the difference in the incidence of abnormal cholesterol was statistically significant. The top three main groups of the children with increased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were "dyslipidemia", "urinary tract disease", and "nutritional disease"; The top three main groups of the children with reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were "respiratory diseases", "dyslipidemia", "hematological diseases and malignant tumors". Among the 1 257 blood li-pid test results sent by other departments, 300 cases had abnormal cholesterol levels (23.8%). Among them, there were 70 children with hypercholesterolemia (5.6%), 44 children with increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.5%), and 224 children with reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (17.8%). There were 365 (4.6%) children with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥140 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L) who needed to further exclude familiar hypercholesterolemia among the children who visited hospitals due to the disease not commonly inducing dyslipidemia.@*CONCLUSION@#Children in hospitals have a high incidence of cholesterol abnormalities. Doctors need to pay more attention to the cholesterol diagnosis and management regardless of the discipline, which not only helps to control secondary hypercholesterolemia, but also provides the possibility of detecting familial hypercholesterolemia in time.

A six-herb Chinese medicine composition ointment as a promising candidate for treatment of hypertrophic scars / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To study the anti-hypertrophic scar effect of the six-herb Chinese medicine composition (SCMC) ointment on the rabbit ear hypertrophic scar models. Methods: The optimal formulation of SCMC ointment matrix was screened by the orthogonal designs and a series of evaluation tests. The SCMC ointment was prepared through emulsifying method. The rabbit ear hypertrophic scar models were established and used to investigate the anti-hypertrophic scar effect of SCMC ointment. Results: Our results demonstrated that all the quality control indications of the SCMC ointment met the requirements. Anti-hypertrophic scar activity results showed that all the rabbit ear scar tissues appeared different degrees of shrink and fading, and took an unobvious but palpable shift from hard to soft texture with the low, middle and high concentration SCMC ointments treatments in vivo. Additionally, on 21st day the scar area and thickness in different concentrations of SCMC ointment groups were significantly reduced than control group, in a concentration-dependent manner. The immunohistochemical results also indicated that the SCMC ointment had good anti-hypertrophic scar properties and could inhibit hypertrophic scar formation. Conclusion: The SCMC ointment could improve the blood circulation condition of hypertrophic scar tissues. Our research has demonstrated the Chinese medicine composition ointment with good anti-hypertrophic scar properties that could be used to treat hypertrophic scars. Meanwhile, it provides a theoretical basis for further clinical application.

The Formation Mechanism of a Self-Organized Periodic-Layered Structure at the Solid-(Cr, Fe)2B/Liquid-Al Interface.

A periodic-layered structure was observed in solid-(Cr, Fe)2B/liquid-Al diffusion couple at 750 °C. The interface morphology, the reaction products, and the potential formation mechanism of this periodic-layered structure were investigated using an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicate that the reaction between (Cr, Fe)2B and liquid Al is a diffusion-controlled process. The formation of intermetallics involves both the superficial dissolution of Fe and Cr atoms and the inward diffusion of Al at the interface. The layered structure, as characterized by various experimental techniques, is alternated by a single FeAl3 layer and a (FeAl3 + Cr3AlB4) dual-phase layer. A potential mechanism describing the formation process of this periodic-layered structure was proposed based on the diffusion kinetics based on the experimental results.

Initial chest CT findings in COVID-19: correlation with clinical features.

In December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a new de novo infectious disease, was first identified in Wuhan, China and quickly spread across China and around the world. The etiology was a novel betacoronavirus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Lu et al., 2020). On Mar. 11, 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) characterized COVID-19 as a global pandemic. As of Mar. 22, 2020, over 292 000 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported globally. To date, COVID-19, with its high infectivity, has killed more people than severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) combined (Wu and McGoogan, 2020).

Investigation on the Microstructure and Wear Behavior of Laser-Cladded High Aluminum and Chromium Fe-B-C Coating.

In this study, a high aluminum and chromium Fe-B-C coating was prepared using laser cladding on 2Cr13 steel substrate. The microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistance of the high aluminum and chromium Fe-B-C coating were investigated. The results show that this dense coating possesses good metallurgical bond with the substrate. The microstructure is mainly composed of α-(Fe, Cr, Al) lath martensite, orthorhombic M2B boride, orthogonal M3C2, and orthorhombic M7C3 carbides. The microhardness of the coating can reach 620 HV which is 3.3-times higher than that (190 HV) of the substrate. The coating shows a lower friction coefficient of 0.75 than that of the substrate (1.08). The wear rates of the substrate and the coating are 0.295 mg/min and 0.103 mg/min, respectively, indicating the coating exhibits excellent wear resistance. The wear mechanism transforms severe adhesive wear and abrasive wear of the substrate to slight abrasive wear of the coating. The results can provide technical support to improve the properties of the Fe-based laser cladded coating.

Tribological investigation of additive manufacturing medical Ti6Al4V alloys against Al2O3 ceramic balls in artificial saliva.

Additive manufacturing Ti6Al4V alloys have found their potential applications in artificial teeth and hip joints. In this work, the relationships between wear resistance, hardness and microstructure of Ti6Al4V alloys fabricated using various routes were investigated in artificial saliva. The results indicate that comparing with wrought and wrought + heat treated (HT) samples, the as-SLMed samples with hcp-α' martensite and few bcc-ß phase exhibit higher hardness (∼410 HV) and better wear resistance. The as-SLMed samples, however, exhibit the worst wear resistance when wear direction is parallel to the molten pool line on XOZ-plane due to containing the softer fusion zone. Finally, the wear mechanism is discussed in detail, mainly including the abrasive and adhesive wear mechanism. The high hardness of matrix as well as the strong adhesion between the hardened layer, oxide layer and matrix are indispensable conditions for maintaining the optimum wear resistance.

Initial chest CT findings in COVID-19: correlation with clinical features / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

In December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a new de novo infectious disease, was first identified in Wuhan, China and quickly spread across China and around the world. The etiology was a novel betacoronavirus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Lu et al., 2020). On Mar. 11, 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) characterized COVID-19 as a global pandemic. As of Mar. 22, 2020, over 292 000 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported globally. To date, COVID-19, with its high infectivity, has killed more people than severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) combined (Wu and McGoogan, 2020).

Effects of NaHS on MBP and learning and memory in hippocampus of mice with spinocerebellar ataxia / 中国应用生理学杂志

To investigate the effects of exogenous NaHS on myelin basic protein (MBP) and learning and memory of hippocampal neurons in mice with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) and its therapeutic significance. Twelve male normal mice were randomly selected as normal control group (NC Group), and 48 SCA3 mice were randomly selected as SCA3 model group (M Group), low dose group (NL Group, 10 μmol/kg), medium dose group (NM Group, 50μmol/kg) and high dose group (NH Group, 100 μmol/kg), 12 rats in each group. The drug treated groups were injected with NaHS intraperitoneally once a day for 4 weeks. The changes of learning and memory ability of SCA3 mice before and after the intervention of different doses of NaHS were determined by Morris water maze, the content of hydrogen sulfide (HS) in hippocampus was measured by spectrophotometry, the expression of MBP was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the morphological changes of neuron myelin sheath were observed by electron microscope. Compared with the control group, the learning and memory ability of SCA3 mice was decreased significantly (P＜0.05), and the content of HS in hippocampus was decreased (P＜0.05). After different doses of exogenous NaHS treatment, the learning and memory ability was improved in different degrees (P＜0.05), and the contents of HS and MBP in hippocampus of SCA3 mice were also improved in different degrees (P＜0.05). Exogenous NaHS may increase the contents of HS and MBP in the hippocampus of SCA3 mice, which may have a protective effect on the neurons, and then improve the learning and memory ability of SCA3 mice, and provide a new idea for the treatment of SCA3.

Comparing the antibody titers of sequential program of Sabin strain-based inactivated poliovirus vaccine followed by bivalent types 1 and 3 oral poliovirus vaccine in different dosage forms / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To evaluate the antibody titer distributions after primary vaccination by different sequential schedules of Sabin strain-based inactivated poliovirus vaccine(sIPV) and bivalent oral attenuated live poliomyelitis vaccine against types 1 and 3 (bOPV) in Drug Candy(DC) form or liquid dosage form. Methods Eligible infants of 2 months old selected in Liuzhou were assigned randomly in a ratio of 1:1:1:1 to 4 groups as following: sIPV+2bOPV(DC), sIPV+2bOPV(liquid), 2sIPV+bOPV(DC), 2sIPV+bOPV(liquid), and were vaccinated at 0, 28, 56 days. Polio neutralizing antibody titers against poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3 were tested prior to Dose 1 and at 28 days after Dose 3. Results The antibody titer distribution for type 1 was statistically different between sIPV+2bOPV(DC) and sIPV+2bOPV(liquid) (Z=-2.589, P=0.010) while no significant differences were detected between the two groups for type 2(Z=-0.331, P=0.741) and type 3(Z=-1.556, P=0.120). There were no significant differences between 2sIPV +bOPV(DC) and 2sIPV+bOPV(liquid) for the distributions(All P>0.05) (type 1: Z=-1.249, P=0.212; type 2: Z=-1.658, P=0.097; type 3: Z=-1.436, P=0.151). In the same dosage forms with different sequential schedules, the antibody titer distributions were significantly different between 2 doses sIPV and 1 dose sIPV groups(All P<0.05)(sIPV+2bOPV(liquid) vs 2sIPV+bOPV(liquid): type 1: Z=-2.766, P=0.006; type 2: Z=-9.137, P<0.001; type 3: Z=-5.529, P<0.001. sIPV+2bOPV(DC) vs 2sIPV+bOPV(DC): type 1: Z=-3.748, P<0.001; type 2: Z=-7.660, P<0.001; type 3: Z=-6.030, P<0.001). Conclusions Different dosage forms have similar immune effects, so appropriate dosage forms should be selected for vaccination according to the effectiveness, characteristics of subjects and the population density. In the case of sufficient supply of sIPV, 2 doses sIPV sequential program should be the first choice to complete the primary immunization.

Epidemiological characteristics of mumps in mainland China from 2004 to 2018 and key population for prevention and control / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of mumps in mainland China from 2004 to 2018, and to provide data for the key population for prevention and control of mumps.@*METHODS@#The epidemiological characteristics of mumps were analyzed with reference to the data of the cases of mumps reported in the National Scientific Data Sharing Platform for Population and Health and Disease Prevention and Control Bureau of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. Descriptive epidemiology was used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of mumps.@*RESULTS@#A total of 4 272 368 cases of mumps were reported in China during 2004-2018, with an average annual reported incidence rate of 21.44/100 000. A single dose of mumps-containing vaccine was added to the national Expanded Program of Immunization in 2008, but the annual incidence rate ranged from 12.84/100 000 to 35.59/100 000. The second dose of measles, mumps and rubella combined attenuated live vaccine was included in the routine immunization in Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai, and then the average incidence rate of mumps reported in these three regions dropped to about 10/100 000. From 2004 to 2016, the population aged 3-14 years accounted for 81.16% of all patients with mumps. The children aged 6 years had the highest incidence rate of mumps during 2004-2013.@*CONCLUSIONS@#A single dose of mumps-containing vaccine has no obvious effect on the incidence rate of mumps. Children aged 6 years have the highest incidence rate of mumps. A booster dose of mumps-containing vaccine should be given to preschool children.

Distribution of Rickettsia spp. in Ticks from Northwestern and Southwestern Provinces, Republic of Korea

This study was done to characterize distribution of Rickettsia spp. in ticks in the northwestern and southwestern provinces in the Republic of Korea. A total of 2,814 ticks were collected between May and September 2009. After pooling, 284 tick DNA samples were screened for a gene of Rickettsia-specific 17-kDa protein using nested PCR (nPCR), and produced 88 nPCR positive samples. Of these positives, 75% contained 190-kDa outer membrane protein gene (ompA), 50% 120-kDa outer membrane protein gene (ompB), and 64.7% gene D (sca4). The nPCR products of ompA, ompB, and sca4 genes revealed close relatedness to Rickettsia japonica, R. heilongjiangensis, and R. monacensis. Most Rickettsia species were detected in Haemaphysalis longicornis. This tick was found a dominant vector of rickettsiae in the study regions in the Republic of Korea.

Optimization of Process Parameters, Microstructure, and Properties of Laser Cladding Fe-Based Alloy on 42CrMo Steel Roller.

The mould foot roller is a key component of a continuous casting machine. In order to investigate the possibility of using laser cladding to repair mould foot roller, Fe-based powders and 42CrMo steel are used in this work. The laser cladding process parameters were optimized by orthogonal experiments. The chemical compositions, microstructure, properties of the cladding layer under the optimum process parameters, and substrate were systematically investigated by using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), microhardness test, wear test, and salt spray corrosion test. The results indicate that the primary factor affecting the width and depth of the cladding layer is laser power. The scanning speed also has a significant effect on the height of the cladding layer. The optimum process parameters for repairing the mould foot roller are 2 kW laser power, 4 mm/s scanning speed, and 15 g/min feeding rate of powder. Along the depth direction of the cladding layer, the microstructure of the coating gradually transforms from plane crystal, cell grains, or dendrites to equiaxed grains. The matrix is mainly martensite with retained austenite; the eutectic phase is composed of netlike M2B, particulate M23(C,B)6, and M7(C,B)3 phase. The hardness of the cladding layer is significantly improved, about three times that of the substrate. The weight loss of the cladding layer is just half that of the substrate. Its wear resistance and corrosion resistance have been significantly improved. The work period of the laser cladding-repaired foot roller is much longer than for the surfacing welding-repaired one. In summary, laser cladding technology can increase the life of mould foot rollers.

Effects of epidermal growth factors on the proliferation and migration of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Epidermal growth factor is an auxiliary growth factor,but its effect on the growth of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is uncertain.OBJECTIVE:To establish a mature method for isolation,extraction and identification of rat BMSCs,to investigate the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the proliferation and migration ability of BMSCs and to explore its potential mechanisms at the same time.METHODS:Rat BMSCs were isolated and purified using the improved whole bone marrow adherence method.After the cells were subcultured to the third generation,we detected the expression of cells surface antigens CD29,CD45 and CD90 by flow cytometry.BMSCs were further identified by osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation.Meanwhile,the effect of EGF on the proliferation of passage 3 BMSCs was measured by cell counting kit-8 and clonogenic assay.And the migration of P3 cells was verified by Transwell chamber.In addition,we detected the expression of proteins related to PI3K/Akt and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways by western blot assay.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The primary BMSCs were polygonal and spindle-shaped,and then gradually appeared to be spindle-shaped.The results of flow cytometry demonstrated that the passage 3 cells were positive for CD29 and CD90,but negative for CD45.Furthermore,we successfully induced the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro.Additionally,our data demonstrated that EGF promoted the proliferation and migration of passage 3 BMSCs.The relative expression levels of p-Akt and Bcl-2 of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was up-regulated and the expression of Bax was down-regulated.At the same time,the relative expression level of phosphorylated p65 of nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was up-regulated and the expression of phosphorylated inhibitor κB was down-regulated.Moreover,the downstream protein of matrix metalloproteinase-9 was up-regulated.Those proteins were related to the migaration of BMSCs.In summary,our results suggest that EGF could promote the proliferation and migration of BMSCs.

Yangfei Kongliu Formula, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, combined with cisplatin, inhibits growth of lung cancer cells through transforming growth factor-β1 signaling pathway / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the tumor inhibition effect of Yangfei Kongliu Formula (YKF), a compound Chinese herbal medicine, combined with cisplatin (DDP) and its action mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>C57BL/6 mice with Lewis lung carcinoma were divided into six groups: control group (C), DDP group (2 mg/kg, DDP), low-dose YKF group (2.43 g/kg, L), high-dose YKF group (24.3 g/kg, H), low-dose YKF combined with DDP group (L + DDP) and high-dose YKF combined with DDP group (H + DDP). Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) and Smad7 levels were measured with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to analyze the expressions of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>YKF combined with DDP significantly inhibited the growth and metastasis of tumors relative to the control group, and YKF groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between high-dose YKF group and low-dose YKF group (P > 0.05). We also found that the expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 were both significantly decreased by YKF relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, after treatment with YKF combined with DDP, the expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 were decreased but the expression level of Smad7 was increased relative to the DDP group (P < 0.05). Compared to the DDP group, the combination of YKF and DDP enhanced the effect of tumor inhibition (P < 0.05), showing obvious synergy between YKF and DDP. Treatment with DDP or YKF decreased serum levels of IL-2 and TNF-α relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression levels of IL-2 and TNF-α were significantly decreased when treated with YKF in combination with DDP. Co-treatment with YKF and DDP significantly inhibited tumor growth, decreased the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad3, IL-2 and TNF-α and increased the expression of Smad7; these differences were significant relative to both YKF groups and the control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>YKF can inhibit tumor growth synergistically with DDP, mainly through the TGF-β1 signaling pathway.</p>

Research progress on wear particles and periprosthetic osteolysis after artificial joint replacement / 中国骨伤

It is an important influencing factor that the generated wear particles lead to periprosthetic osteolysis after artificial joint replacement. Current research suggests that the primary cause of wear particles results in periprosthetic osteolysis is relate to the prosthetic materials and the stimulations because of these materials generated wear particles to relevant cells such as macrophage, osteoblast, osteoclast. Induced a variety of inflammatory cytokines, activating and openning the cell signal and channels, producing the long term chronic inflammation leads to periprosthetic osteolysis. Therefor, the paper mainly studies the different types of wear particles influence on periprosthetic osteolysis, and the wear particles around the periprosthetic osteolysis mechanism in the process of progress, moreover, to explore how to reduce the occurrence of wear particles and blocking its role in the periprosthetic osteolysis, in order to achieve the purpose of prevention and treatment of periprosthetic osteolysis.

[Formula Optimization in Renshen Jianxin Capsule Based on Uniform Design and Anti-myocardial Ischemia Effect].

OBJECTIVE: To realize quadratic formula optimization of Renshen Jianxin Capsule (RJC) by screening Chinese herbs with major anti-myocardial ischemia effect in RJC and optimize their optimal dosages. METHODS: By following "uniform design-pharmacodynamic experiment-mathematical modeling-formula optimization", authors employed U10(10(8)) uniform design in the experiment. Eight Chinese herbs contained in RJC were taken as observatory factors. Electrocardiograph (ECG) changes of myocardial ischemia induced by isoproterenol were taken as pharmacodynamic indices. The mathematical model between herbal factors and pharmacodynamic indices was established using stepwise regression analysis to screen Chinese herbs with major anti-myocardial ischemia effect. Their optimal dosages were optimized using the grid algorithm. RESULTS: The regression equation was y =1. 7889 -0. 3247 Ginseng xSalvia Miltiorrhiza -0. 0663 Astragalus membranaceus xOriental Waterplantain tuber. Forecasting factors included were Ginseng, Salvia Miltiorrhiza, Astragalus membranaceus, and Oriental Waterplantain tuber. The optimal formula dosage calculated by the grid algorithm was Ginseng 1. 62 g, Astragalus membranaceus 4. 62 g, Salvia Miltiorrhiza 2. 43 g, and Oriental Waterplantain tuber 1. 66 g. CONCLUSION: Uniform design combined with stepwise regression analysis and grid algorithm were able to realize quadratic formula optimization of RJC.

Efficacy and safety of intravenous levosimendan compared with dobutamine in decompensated heart failure / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous levosimendan and dobutamine in patients with decompensated heart failure refractory to conventional medications.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Patients were recruited into this multicentre, randomised, positive-controlled and parallel-group study to receive either levosimendan or dobutamine therapy. In the levosimendan group, an initial loading dose of levosimendan of 12 microg x kg was infused over 10 min, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) for 1 h and then 0.2 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) for 23 h. In the control group, dobutamine was infused for 1 h at an initial dose of 2 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) without a loading dose, followed by a continuous infusion of 4 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) for 23 h. Hemodynamic responses at 24 h were evaluated by echocardiography (in both groups) and Swan-Gans catheter (in the levosimendan group). Clinical assessment was performed to evaluate efficacy and safety of the medications.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 225 patients from 12 medical centers were evaluated; 119 assigned to levosimendan and 106 assigned to dobutamine group. The effectiveness rate was 31.9% (38 patients) in the levosimendan group and 17.9% (19 patients) in the dobutamine group (P < 0.01). At 24 h, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was improved by 6. 4% in the levosimendan group, compared with 4.6% in the dobutamine group (P > 0.05). Stroke volume (SV) was increased by 11.1 ml in the levosimendan group and 2.8 ml in the dobutamine group respectively (P < 0.05). Dyspnea and clinical manifestations improvements were more significant in levosimendan therapy group compared to dobutamine group. There were less adverse effects including hypokalemia, hypotension and ventricular premature beats in the levosimendan group than in the dobutamine group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Levosimendan was well tolerated and superior to dobutamine for patients with decompensated heart failure refractory to conventional medications.</p>

GINKGO LEAVES ASSOCIATED WITH PERENAN TREATING VASCULAR DEMENTIA / 现代医院

Objective To evaluate the effect and security of ginkgo leaves associated with Perenan in the treatment of vascular dementia.Methods Eighty two cases of vascular dementia were randomly divided into ginkgo leaves associated with Perenan treatment group (observation group) and Piracetam treatment group (control group) by case-control study.Intelligence and the social function of all patients were evaluated separately by Mini Mental State Examination(MMSE)and Functional Assessment Questionnaire(FAQ)before medication and 6 months after medication.Results MMSE and FAQ score of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(p<0.05),the efficiency rate was significantly improved (73.81% vs 47.50%).Conclusion Ginkgo praeparatum associated with Perenan can effectively improve the cognition and social function of vascular dementia patients.Moreover, it can postpone the development of Alzheimer's disease without obviously side effect.It's an effective and safe therapy method to select.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION OF TRIPLE THERAPY REGIMEN WITHLANSOPRAZOLE, CLARITHROMYCIN AND METRONIDAZOLE FOR TREATMENT OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI-RELATED ULCER / 现代医院

Objective To investigate therapeutic effects of triple therapy combined Lansoprazole, clarithromycin and metronidazole for eradicating Helicobacter pylori-related ulcer. Methods Fivty-one patients with H. pylori-infected stomach ulcer or duodenal ulcer received the treatment of triple therapy regimen with lansoprazole, clarithromycin and metronidazole.the efficacy of ulcer healing and hp eradication were observed. Results the cure rate of the triple therapy was 90%,and the eradication rate of H. pylori was 88%.Conclusions Triple therapy using combined Lansoprazole, clarithromycin and metronidazole is worthy of clinical application for curing pylori - infected peptic ulcer accompanied by the lower does, the higher hp eradication rate, ulcer healing more rapidly and the shorter course of treatment.