OBJCTIVE:To determine the content of Gentiopicrin in Qianggan capsules by HPLC.METHODS:The sample was separated on Diamonsil TM C18 (200 mm?4.6 mm,5 ?m) with mobile phase consisted of methanol-water (23∶77) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL?min-1.The detection wavelength was set at 254 nm.RESULTS: The linear range of Gentiopicrin was 0.018 59～0.232 40 ?g(r=0.999 6) with an average recovery of 96.59%(RSD=1.35%,n=6).CONCLUSION: The meth-od developed is accurate,stable and reproducible,and it provides basis for the improvement of the quality standard of Qianggan capsules.

Objective To investigate the effect of pretreatment of pioglitazone on acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) rats. Methods ANP was induced by retrograde injection of 5% sedinm deoxycholate into bilio-pancreatic ducts. The animals were randomly divided into ANP (n=18), sham operation (n=18) and pioglitazone pretreatment group (n=18). Pioglitazone was given 20 mg/kg in pioglitazone group before ANP was induced. The rats were sacrificed 3 h, 6 h, 12 h after ANP induction, respectively. Bblood samples were taken for serum amylase measurement. Tissue samples of pancreas were harvested for morphological observation under conventional light microscopy. Pathological change of pancreas was evaluated by Hughes and Kusske score system. Results The concentration of serum amylase and the pancreatic histological score in pioglitazone and ANP groups were significantly higher than those in sham operation group (P＜0.001 ). The concentration of serum amylase, Hughes and Kusske score in pioglitazone group at 12 h after ANP induction were (2980± 1080) U/L,4.50±2.07 and 7.50±1.05, respectively, and were lower than (7598±1072) U/L, 7.17±1.47 and 11.33±1.75 of ANP group at 12 h (P＜0.01). Conclusions Pioglitazone pretreatment could decrease the serum level of amylase and the pancreatic histological score. Pioglitazone may ameliorate the severity of ANP.

Objective To study the clinical value of acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) in patients with ischemic type biliary lesion (ITBL) after orthotopic liver transplantation. Methods Between July 2012 to January 2013, forty-one patients in General Hospital of the People′s Liberation Army were enrolled in this study who were admitted for post-transplantation follow-up. Among them, 15 patients were diagnosed as ITBL by ultrasonography. Besides conventional ultrasonography, ARFI was used to detect the shear wave velocity (SWV) of liver tissue at depth of 4 cm and 5 cm respectively. Simultaneously liver function test was performed. Independent-samples t test was performed to compare the difference of SWV between ITBL and non-ITBL group at the same depth. Paired-sample t test was performed to compare the difference of SWV for the same ITBL patient. Pearson correlation analysis was used in analyzing the relation between SWV and liver function. Results The average SWV in depth of 4 cm was (1.561±0.425) m/s and (1.121±0.160) m/s in ITBL and non-ITBL group, respectively. Signiifcant differences were found among the ITBL and non-ITBL groups (t=-3.173, P=0.01). The average SWV in depth of 5 cm was (1.608±0.545) m/s and (1.175±0.173) m/s in ITBL and non-ITBL group, respectively. Signiifcant differences were found among the ITBL and non-ITBL groups (t=-2.454, P=0.034). There was no signiifcant difference between SWV measurements at different depth for the same ITBL patient. For all patients, SWV at different depths were both strongly correlated with alkaline phosphatase (r=0.656, 0.667, respectively;both P=0.000) andγ-glutamyl transpeptidase (r=0.482, P=0.007;r=0.508, P=0.004). Conclusion The liver stiffness measurement is valuable for the clinical evaluation of post-transplantation ITBL.

Objective To explore the association of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 (PPARGC1) Gly482Ser with apolipoprotein E (ApoE) variations in longevity (aged above 90 yrs) Hans in Guangxi Yongfu and to explore the potential association between the variations and metabolic traits.Methods Based on our survey in Guangxi Yongfu in 2008-2011,212 elderly cases (aged 90～105 years) were included as longevity group and 207 cases without longevity history were included as control group.By household survey,we collected the longevity related parameters,blood glucose,blood lipid,blood pressure and other related metabolic traits.Peripheral blood was collected to extract DNA,the gene variations of Gly482Ser and ApoE were genotyped,and the database with genome and traits information were set up.By univariate analysis and multivariate genetic statistical analysis,the association between the variations and longevity and metabolic traits was assessed.Results Compared with the control group,the levels of fasting blood glucose,total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein were lower in the longevity group.Gly482Ser was genotyped in all samples and fully fulfilled the Hardy Weinberg equilibrium.After the Bonferroni correction,recessive model failed to find association between GG genotype and longevity.Stratified analyses by ApoEε4 allele revealed that,in the subgroup with no ApoEε4,PPARGC-1 GG genotype was positively associated with longevity in the recessive model,even after Bonferroni correction (OR =1.72,P＜0.05).In addition,longevity group with Gly482Ser GG genotype seemed to have relativelower fasting blood glucose (P ＜ 0.05) and higher high density lipoprotein levels (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Longevity Hans in Guangxi Yongfu preserve better metabolic state compared with the control group.GG genotype of Gly482Ser in PPARGC-1 is positively associated with longevity,which depends on not carrying the risk allele of ApoE ε4.

Objective Adipsic hypernatremia is very rare in clinical practice and only a few cases have been reported so far. Since the pathogenesis of adipsic hypernatremia is unclear, therapeutic method is very limited and uncertain. We previously found the existence of partial central diabetes insipidus in the patient with adipsic hypernatremia according to a series of clinical studies. In this clinical study, we observed the response of vasopressin in the treatment of adipsic hypernatremia as a routinely used agent in treating central diabetes insipidus.Methods Five patients with chronic sustained hypernatremia and hypodipsia were diagnosed as adipsic hypernatremia according to the criteria by Halter. After testing plasma electrolytes, urinary osmolality, plasma osmolality, and free water clearance (CH2O);with evaluating thirsty grade and anterior pituitary function, patients were forced to drink water 2 000-2 500 ml each day combined with prednisone and/or levethyroxin supplementation therapy if hypopituitarsm was revealed. One week later, since the hypernatremia was unrelieved, desmopressin acetate (0.05-0.2 mg/d)was administered to those 5 patients. About 5-7 days later, plasma electrolytes, urinary and plasma osmolality, and free water clearance ( CH2O ) were reevaluated. Osmolality was detected by the method of freezing point depression and thirst grade by the method of visual analogue scales. Results The plasma sodium was 160-190 mmol/L and plasma osmolality was 330-370 mmoL/L without thirsty perception during the hospitalization. Four of the five patients were revealed to be suffering from hypopituitarism, but the hypernatremia could not be corrected by intentional water intake combined with prednisone treatment. After administering vasopressin 0.05-0.2 mg/d to these patients, that hypernatremia was relieved, and hyperosmolality and hypodypsia were improved effectively. During this period of time, no side effects were detected in these patients. Conclusion We testified the existence of central partial diabetes insipidus in the patients with adipsic hypernatremia. Desmopressin acetate in the treatment of adipsic hypernatremia is proved to be effective, simple, and safe.

OBJECTIVETo assess the accuracy of ultrasound-guided 16G and 18G core needle biopsy for detecting ultrasound visible breast lesions with different sonographic features.

METHODSA total of 955 sonographically detected breast lesions examined with ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB) and subsequently surgically excised from July 2005 to July 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Histological findings of US-CNB and the surgical specimens were analyzed for agreements, sensitivities, false negative rates, and underestimate rates according to different sonographic features.

RESULTSThe pathological results of the US-CNB showed malignant lesions in 84.1%, high-risk lesions in 8.4%, and benign lesions in 7.5% of the samples. The overall agreement rates were 92.4% for 16G CNB and 92.8% for 18G CNB; their complete sensitivities and false negative rates were both 98.6% and 1.4%, respectively; the high-risk underestimate rates and DCIS underestimate rates were 48.0% and 46.2% for 16G CNB vs 53.3% and 41.2% for 18G CNB, showing no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.01). For both 16G and 18G CNB, the agreements were better for mass lesions than for non-mass lesions (P<0.01). For the mass lesions with a diameter no greater than 10 mm, the agreement rates were lower than the overall data (P<0.01). Calcification in the lesions did not affect the agreement rates (P>0.01).

CONCLUSIONUltrasound-guided 16G and 18G CNB are both accurate methods for evaluating ultrasound visible breast mass lesions with a diameter larger than 10 mm.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; instrumentation ; methods ; Biopsy, Needle ; instrumentation ; methods ; Breast ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Ultrasonography, Mammary ; Young Adult

Objective To comparatively analyze the clinical characteristics of thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas (TSH-omas).Methods The clinical features, laboratory variables, imaging and pathological Results were retrospectively compared and analyzed of 26 cases with TSH-omas admitted in Chinese PLA General Hospital from Feb. 2006 to Oct. 2016 and 20 cases with TSH-omas admitted in Shanghai Huashan Hospital from Apr. 2006 to Apr. 2013.Results The female ratio was slightly higher in patients of Chinese PLA General Hospital than in Huashan Hospital [(57.7%(15/26)vs. 45.0%(9/20)], while the mean age was similar [39.5±14.1(18-67 years)vs. 40.0±14.5(17-74 years)]. The most common chief complaint was thyrotoxicosis [73.1%(19/26)vs. 55.0%(11/20)], and mild-to-moderate goiter was the most common symptom. The mean serum TSH levels in Chinese PLA General Hospital and in Huashan Hospital were 5.06(2.97-6.27)mU/L and 6.16(3.76-10.91)mU/L respectively, and patients with normal serum TSH levels were more common in Chinese PLA General Hospital than in Huashan Hospital [57.7%(15/26)vs. 40.0%(8/20)]. Microadenoma was more common in Chinese PLA General Hospital than in Huashan Hospital [34.62%(9/26)vs. 20.0%(4/20)], while macroadenoma was more common in Huashan Hospital than in Chinese PLA General Hospital [20.0%(4/20)vs. 7.7%(2/26)]. Microadenoma was more common in female patients of the both groups [66.7%(6/9)vs. 75.0%(3/4)], while macroadenoma was all found in male patients. Tumor invasion of surrounding tissue and structure was often found in macroadenoma. In terms of octreotide inhibition test, the range of 24h TSH inhibition rate was roughly the same in the two groups (37.4%-91.8% and 46.5%-94.1%, respectively). Mixed adenoma was rare among all the pathologically confirmed cases. In Chinese PLA General Hospitals, TSH immunoreactive negative neoplastic cells were found in 3 of 8 cases, and octreotide scanning showed negative in 2 of 12 cases.Conclusions Patients with TSH-omas in the two hospitals show similarities but also some significant differences in the clinical features. Overall, the domestic patients with TSH-omas are diagnosed without gender difference according to the reports in China. The mean age at diagnosis is significantly younger than that in foreign data. Microadenoma is more common in females, while macroadenoma is more common in males. Serum TSH levels can be normal in patients with TSH-omas. Immunostaining and/or octreotide scanning for TSH can be negative.

Diarrhea is a common intestinal symptom in macaque.The corresponding intestinal lesions of macaque are mainly described at autopsy but less observed by colonoscopy.The aim of this study was to develop a colonoscopic technique and to obtain endoscopic images of the entire colon in macaques.Eight healthy adult macaques ( 5 males and 3 females) without diarrhea for 2 months, were fed Glauber’ s salt through nasogastric tubes.The colon cleanliness was well matched to the endoscopic observation of macaque colon.The procedure took 10-20 min for each animal.There was no obvious abnormality in the colon of four animals except some slight differences of mucosal structure from that of human beings.Small pieces of erosion and ulcer in the colons were observed in four macaques which presented mild diarrhea for less than 1 day, while a severe stenosis was observed in one of those four macaques.No animal died during and one week after the endoscopic procedure.Colonoscopy may safely performed in macaques.The images taken by colonoscopy may be important to establish diagnosis and treatment of colitis in macaques in time and to evaluate the efficacy of drug intervention as well.This technique is also helpful to provide qualified macaques for scientific researches.

OBJECTIVE: Regional nodal metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma plays an important role in the definition of radiotherapy area and clinical stage. It is also one of the main factors influencing prognosis. This study was designed to explore the pattern of metastatic lymph nodes for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which might provide a basis for clinical treatment and research. METHOD: From Jan. 2009 to Jul. 2011, 1 298 histologically diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients had routine MRI scan before radiotherapy in The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University. Diagnostic radiologists and radiation oncologists together assessed the nodal distribution according to the guideline CT-based delineation of lymph node levels. Then,Chi-square test was used to analyze the correlations between T stage and nodal metastasis rate and between nodal diameter and nodal extracapsular invasion. RESULT: Of 1298 patients, 1067 (82.2%) had nodal involvement. The distributions were as: 20 in level I b,604 in level II a,883 in level II b,330 in level III, 78 in level IV, 162 in level Va,49 in level Vb,967 in retropharynx. Leap metastasis rate was 0.69%. In these patients, a total of 2464 positive nodes,including 1589 (64.52%) extra capsular spread nodes, were detected. The rate of nodal extracapsular invasion was higher when the axial diameter increased. No significant correlation was found between T stage and nodal involvement. CONCLUSION The level II and retropharyngeal node are the most frequently involved regions. They have similar metastatic rate and are both the first echo node to metastases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Level I metastasis is very low. There is a positive correlation between the proportion of extracapsular spread of metastatic lymph nodes and the axial diameter of lymph nodes. The cervical node involvement of nasopharyngeal carcinoma spread orderly down the neck, and the incidence of skip metastasis is rare. There is no significant difference between T stage and nodal involvement.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma ; Female ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; pathology ; Young Adult

Objective To explore the potential influence of gender on screening value of aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR) for primary aldosteronism (PA).Methods The biochemical parameters were collected of 451 PA patients and 300 essential hypertension (EH) patients who were diagnosed in the General Hospital of PLA from 1992 to 2014. Each group was then divided into two groups by gender. The clinical characteristics were compared and then the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was conducted to evaluate the best cut-off value.Results The plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), serum sodium and ARR were much higher, but the plasma rennin activity (PRA), serum potassium and BMI were much lower in PA patients than in EH patients (P<0.01), and no significant difference existed between the two groups in age, duration of hypertension and blood pressure. The PRA was obviously lower in males than in females either in PA or in EH patients, but no signicantcant difference existed between males and females in PAC (P>0.05). The best cut-off value of ARR in male PA patients was 19.11, the relevant area under the curve (AUC) was 0.968, the sensitivity and specicantcity was 92.44% and 93.08%, and the Youden index (YI) was 0.86. The best cut-off value of ARR in female PA patients was 27.26, with AUC 0.956, sensitivity 92.07%, specicantcity 90.00% and YI 0.82, respectively. If the cut-off value was set at 27.26 in males, the specicantcity would rise a little, but the sensitivity and YI would sharply decrease. Similarly, the sensitivity would increase a little but the specicantcity and YI would fall substantially if the cut-off value in females was set at 19.11. The best cut-off value of ARR in men was smaller than the ocantcial value recommended by guidelines.Conclusion Gender is an important factor should be considered while ARR is used in PA screening, and the cut-off value of ARR in screening female PA patients should be setting higher.