Functional orientation of township hospitals in developed areas in China / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective To explore the functional orientation of township hospitals in developed areas to achieve goals of the ongoing health reform.Methods Two rounds of Delphi consultation was made among 18 experts from around the country to learn the degree of importance of every function.Results The experts' average seniority of service in their fields was 23.28±10.41 years.The positivity coefficients of the two-round consultation were 100％.Kendall' S coefficients of the two-round consultation were 0.226 and 0.265 (p＜0.01).These data are of statistical importance,suggesting consensus among these experts and the consultation meeting the needs of forecast.In these consultation,seven class-1 functions and and 27 class-2 functions were determined.Medical services and public health services account for similar proportion of work of township hospitals.Conclusion The functional orientation was feasible and forward looking,for reference of township hospitals in developed areas.

[Clinical anatomic study on ischial spinous fascia fixation].

OBJECTIVE: The study was to explore the safety, firmness and convenience of the fascia around the ischial spine as a new fixation site for the vaginal fornix. METHODS: Between June 2007 and January 2008, detailed dissections and related measurements of the regions around the ischial spine were performed on 10 Chinese female cadavers (3 unembalmed and 7 embalmed cadavers). At the same time, the sacrospinous ligament, the fascia on the ischial spine, the iliococcygeus fascia as well as the vaginal fornix were exposed and the pull-out strength sequentially tested using a digital push-pull force gauge. RESULTS: The fascia on the ischial spine was firm and strong, with a thickness of 3 about mm. No major vessels or nerves were observed on the ischial spine. The greatest pullout strengths of the sacrospinous ligament, the fascia on the ischial spine, the iliococcygeus fascia as well as the vaginal fornix were (102 +/- 26), (64 +/- 15), (33 +/- 8) and (32 +/- 6) N, respectively. CONCLUSION: The fascia at 1 cm from anterior lateral ischial spine, free of major vessels and nerves, is safe and strong and could be used as a new site for suspension in vaginal prolapse.

Effect of valsartan on the expression of angiotensin II receptors in the lung of chronic antigen exposure rats.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have suggested that angiotensin II (Ang II) and its receptors may be involved in the development of asthma. However, the expression of angiotensin II receptors (AGTR) is not clear in the lung tissue of chronic asthmatics. This study was designed to determine the relationship between airway remodeling, dysfunction and the expression of AGTRs in a rat model of asthma. METHODS: Rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) for 2 weeks. Sixty minutes before an inhalation challenge, the rats were pretreated either with valsartan (15, 30, 50 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) or saline intragastrically. Then the rats received an OVA challenge for 30 alternative days. Acetylcholine (Ach)-induced bronchoconstriction was measured after the final antigen challenge. White cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and morphological changes in the airways were then assessed. The levels of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta(1)) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in BALF were detected by ELISA. The levels of AGTR1 and AGTR2 mRNA and protein in lung tissues were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: AGTR1 mRNA and protein levels in repeatedly OVA-challenged rats were significantly increased as compared with negative controls. The AGTR1 mRNA expression versus white cell counts of BALF and airway wall thickness (mainly in small airways) in lungs of chronic antigen-exposed rats were positively correlated. Valsartan decreased the level of AGTR1 in repeatedly OVA-challenged rats. However, AGTR2 mRNA and protein levels in the OVA-challenged rats and high-dose valsartan-treated rats (50 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) were also increased. Valsartan significantly decreased inflammatory cell accumulation and attenuated Ach-evoked bronchoconstriction in repeatedly antigen-challenged rats. Valsartan also decreased allergen-induced structural changes in rat airway (including total airway wall thickness and smooth muscle area) and the levels of TGF-beta(1) and PDGF in BALF. CONCLUSIONS: AGTR1 expression is potentially associated with airway remodeling and dysfunction in asthma. Ang II and AGTR1 may participate in airway inflammation and airway remodeling of chronic antigen-exposed rats. Valsartan, a AGTR1 antagonist, could inhibit AGTR1 expression and partially inhibits structural airway changes as well as airway inflammation in chronic OVA-exposed rats.

Effect of valsartan on the expression of angiotensin II receptors in the lung of chronic antigen exposure rats / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Many studies have suggested that angiotensin II (Ang II) and its receptors may be involved in the development of asthma. However, the expression of angiotensin II receptors (AGTR) is not clear in the lung tissue of chronic asthmatics. This study was designed to determine the relationship between airway remodeling, dysfunction and the expression of AGTRs in a rat model of asthma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) for 2 weeks. Sixty minutes before an inhalation challenge, the rats were pretreated either with valsartan (15, 30, 50 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) or saline intragastrically. Then the rats received an OVA challenge for 30 alternative days. Acetylcholine (Ach)-induced bronchoconstriction was measured after the final antigen challenge. White cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and morphological changes in the airways were then assessed. The levels of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta(1)) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in BALF were detected by ELISA. The levels of AGTR1 and AGTR2 mRNA and protein in lung tissues were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>AGTR1 mRNA and protein levels in repeatedly OVA-challenged rats were significantly increased as compared with negative controls. The AGTR1 mRNA expression versus white cell counts of BALF and airway wall thickness (mainly in small airways) in lungs of chronic antigen-exposed rats were positively correlated. Valsartan decreased the level of AGTR1 in repeatedly OVA-challenged rats. However, AGTR2 mRNA and protein levels in the OVA-challenged rats and high-dose valsartan-treated rats (50 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) were also increased. Valsartan significantly decreased inflammatory cell accumulation and attenuated Ach-evoked bronchoconstriction in repeatedly antigen-challenged rats. Valsartan also decreased allergen-induced structural changes in rat airway (including total airway wall thickness and smooth muscle area) and the levels of TGF-beta(1) and PDGF in BALF.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>AGTR1 expression is potentially associated with airway remodeling and dysfunction in asthma. Ang II and AGTR1 may participate in airway inflammation and airway remodeling of chronic antigen-exposed rats. Valsartan, a AGTR1 antagonist, could inhibit AGTR1 expression and partially inhibits structural airway changes as well as airway inflammation in chronic OVA-exposed rats.</p>