OBJECTIVE To develop the nosocomial infection information management subsystem,as a subsystem of the hospital information system,and to enhance the monitoring methods of hospital infections. It can monitor and provide necessary infection information for all administers of the hospitals. METHODS After collecting the data of hospital infections and analyzing the datum structure of the hospital information system,we developed the software of nosocomial infection information management subsystem using PowerBuilder9.0 and Oracle Database. RESULTS The subsystem could monitor infection of all inpatients,collect and analyze the data of infection examination,patients infected,usage of antibiotics and intervening operations,therefore,relieve information administers from collection works and make them focus on analysis,guidance and problem solutions. CONCLUSIONS As a part of the hospital information system,nosocomial infection information management subsystem can improve the effectivity and efficiency of hospital infection administers due to its accuracy,timeliness and wide coverage.

Objective To investigate the metabolites of serum samples from liver cirrhotic patients with or without minimal hepatic encephalopathy,and even overt hepatic encephalopathy,then to find out diagnostic markers for minimal hepatic encephalopathy.Methods High performance liquid chromatography-orbit trap mass spectrometry (UPLC/LTQ-Orbit trap MS) technology was applied to analyze the serum metabolites from 38 patients of liver cirrhosiswith hepatitis B and 33 healthy volunteers.Results The serum metabolites of patients with simple liver cirrhosis were different from those of patients with minimal or overt hepatic encephalopathy.The serum metabolites of patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy was mostly similar with those of overt hepatic encephalopathy patients.Arginase,L-tyrosine,glutamic acid,two L-phenylalanine peptide,homovanillic acid,omithine,L-serine were increased in patients with minimal or overt hepatic encephalopathy,and hypoxanthine decreased in patients with minimal or overt hepatic encephalopathy patients.Conclusions The serum metabolites of patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy are mostly similar to those of patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy.Arginase,L-tyrosine,glutamic acid,two L-phenylalanine peptide,homovanillic acid,ornithine,L-serine maybe the early metabolites biomarkers to diagnose minimal hepatic encephalopathy.Hypoxanthine is likely to be an effective complement to treat patients with hepatic encephalopathy.

It was estimated that about 428 species of genus Corydalis are distributed all worldwide, with about 298, especially 10 groups and 219 species being uniquely spread in China. The genus Corydalis have been widely employed as folk medicines in China, especially as traditional Tibetan medicines, for treatment of fever, hepatitis, edema, gastritis, cholecystitis, hypertension and other diseases. The phytochemical studies revealed that isoquinoline alkaloids are its major bioactive ingredients. The extensive biological researches suggested its pharmacological activities and clinic applications against cardiovascular diseases and central nervous system, antibacterial activities, analgesic effects, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and anti-injury for hepatocyte, and so on. As an effort in promoting the research of pharmacodynamic ingredients, this article presents an overview focusing on the distribution, phytochemical and pharmacological results of Corydalis species that have been applied in traditional Tibetan medicinal, hopefully to provide a reference for the new Tibetan medicine development from Corydalis plant resource.
Alkaloids ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Anti-Infective Agents ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Corydalis ; chemistry ; classification ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Mice ; Molecular Structure ; Phytotherapy

AIM: To analyze the effect of pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) on nitrogen monoxide (NO) and expression of cysteine-containing, aspartate-specific proteases-3 (caspase-3) in retinal tissues of model rats with optic nerve crush injury.METHODS: A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into the blank control group, model group and PEDF group, with 20 rats in each group.Except the blank control group, the optic nerve crush injury rat models were established in the other groups, and left eyeballs were taken as samples.After successfully modeling, the model group were treated with intravitreal injection of 5μL of balanced salt solution while PEDF group were treated with intravitreal injection of 5μL of PEDF (0.2μg/μL).Two weeks later, the retinal tissues were collected, and changes of shape were observed under microscope after HE staining.The changes of NO level were measured by colorimetry assay, the expression of caspase-3 mRNA and caspase-3 protein was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western-blot.RESULTS: HE staining showed that retinal tissues of the blank control group arranged neatly and clearly.Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) arranged in a monolayer, and cells were oval, uniform in size and distribution, the cell nuclei were clear, closely arranged, with clear boundaries.The retinal tissues of the model group were sparse in shape, RGCs showed vacuolar changes, the overall number of cells was reduced, and cell nuclei of residual RGCs showed pyknosis and uneven staining.RGCs in PEDF group were with slightly edema and arranged closely, and the degree of injury was significantly milder than that in the model group.Levels of Caspase-3 mRNA and protein and NO levels in the three groups showed the model group > PEDF group > blank control group (all P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: The application of PEDF can down regulate the expression of Caspase-3 and NO in rates with optic nerve injury and reduce RGCs injury.

The objective of this paper is to develop a fast analysis method to determine fingerprints of Radix Glycyrrhizae from different areas of China for identification and quality control. The experiments were carried out under following conditions: Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 (4.6 mm x 50 mm, 1.8 microm) column, acetonitrile and 0. 05% phosphoric acid solution as the mobile phases with gradient elution, flow rate 1.0 mL x min(-1), analysis time 11 min. The run time of the method was obviously decreased from 36 minutes to 11 minutes compared with routine HPLC method. The cluster analyses of the fingerprints of the 70 samples were performed by SPSS. The results showed that all samples were classified into 2 groups, 59 Glycyrrhiza uralensis as well as 11 G. inflata. Three compounds, liquiritin apioside, liquiritin and glycyrrhiza acid should be considered as effective references for quality control of Radix Glycyrrhizae. This method can be used widely for identification and quality control of Radix Glycyrrhizae.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Flavanones ; analysis ; Glucosides ; analysis ; Glycyrrhiza ; chemistry ; Glycyrrhizic Acid ; analysis ; Reproducibility of Results

BACKGROUNDDermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) are common inflammatory myopathies whose immunopathogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood. The NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a type of cytoplasmic multiprotein inflammasome and is responsible for the activation of inflammatory reactivations. Responding to a wide range of exogenous and endogenous microbial or sterile stimuli, NLRP3 inflammasomes can cleave pro-caspase-1 into active caspase-1, which processes the pro-inflammatory cytokines pro-interleukin (IL)-1β and pro-IL-18 into active and secreted IL-1β and IL-18. The NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in infectious and sterile inflammatory diseases. However, it remains unclear whether it is involved in the pathogenesis of DM/PM, which we aim to address in our research.

METHODSIn this study, 22 DM/PM patients and 24 controls were recruited. The protein and RNA expression of IL-1β, IL-18, NLRP3, and caspase-1 in serum and muscle samples were tested and compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were significantly higher in DM/PM patients than those in the controls by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, DM vs. control, 25.02 ± 8.29 ng/ml vs. 16.49 ± 3.30 ng/ml,P < 0.001; PM vs. control, 26.49 ± 7.79 ng/ml vs. 16.49 ± 3.30 ng/ml,P < 0.001). Moreover, the real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed that DM/PM patients exhibited higher RNA expression of IL-1β, IL-18, and NLRP3 in the muscle (for IL-1β, DM vs. control, P= 0.0012, PM vs. control, P= 0.0021; for IL-18, DM vs. control, P= 0.0045, PM vs. control, P= 0.0031; for NLRP3, DM vs. control, P= 0.0017, PM vs. control, P= 0.0006). Moreover, the protein expression of NLRP3 and caspase-1 in muscle samples of DM/PM patients were also significantly elevated compared to that in the muscles of the controls.

CONCLUSIONSOur findings demonstrate that the NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in the pathogenesis of DM/PM. High NLRP3 expression led to elevated levels of IL-1β and IL-18 and could be one of the factors promoting disease progress.

Adult ; Caspase 1 ; analysis ; genetics ; Dermatomyositis ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammasomes ; physiology ; Interleukin-18 ; analysis ; genetics ; Interleukin-1beta ; analysis ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; analysis ; genetics ; physiology ; Polymyositis ; etiology

ObjectiveTo investigate the development trend of drinking water type of endemic fluorosis in Qinghai province, and to provide the basis for the prevention and treatment of the disease. MethodsIn 2009, six monitoring counties were chosen by using simple random sampling methods, all diseased villages of the six monitoring counties were classified into light, moderate and severe disease types according to water fluorine content on the historical data, and 1 village was respectively chosen from each type. In monitoring villages with improved water, 3 tap water and one source water samples were collected, respectively. Five water samples were collected randomly in water unimproved monitoring villages according to water well locations of east, west, south, north and center. The fluorine content in water and urine was determined according to the Standard Testing Methods for Drinking Water (GB/T 5750-2006). Children aged 8 to 12 were examined for dental fluorosis by Dean method.Clinical osteofluorosis of all the resident over the age of 16 was examined, 2 village of these counties were randomly selected, and clinically diagnosed patients with skeletal fluorosis were examined again by X-ray using Diagnostic Criteria of Endemic Skeletal Fluorosis (WS 192-2008). Urine sample of 30 children aged 8 to 12 and of 20 adults over the age of 16 were randomly collected and urinary fluoride was determined by F-ion selective electrode method (WS/T 89-2006). ResultsImproving water projects had been implemented in 14 monitoring villages of the 18 villages in 6 counties, the rate of improved-water was 77.78％(14/18). Among the 14 projects, 5 improved-water projects ran normally, and 9 projects ran with intermittently water supply. Seventy-five water samples were tested, themean of water fluoride was 0.48 mg/L. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 31.95％ (285/892), that of clinical skeletal fluorosis was 36.55％(1570/4295) and the X-ray detection rate of skeletal fluorosis was 25.64％ (20/78).Five hundred and seventy-one urine samples of children were determined, and geometric mean of urinary fluorine was 1.04 mg/L; 370 adult urine samples were determined, and geometric mean of urinary fluorine was 1.52 mg/L Conclusion Epidemic of drinking water type of endemic fluorosis is still serious in Qinghai province, and drinking water defluoride measures should be further strengthened and improved.

OBJECTIVETo summarize the clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with long-QT syndrome (LQTs) accompanied with torsade de pointes.

METHODSThirty-two eligible patients were included in this study. Clinical and electrocardiographic data were analyzed and telephone or out-patient follow-up were made in all patients.

RESULTSThere were 15 patients with inherited LQTs (h-LQTs) and 17 patients with acquired LQTs (a-LQTs). There are more women (n = 24) than men (n = 8). β blockers, potassium and magnesium supplement were the basic therapy for h-LQTs patients, bivent pacemaker was implanted in 2 patients and implantable cardioverter defibrillator was implanted in 5 patients. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias and syncope occurred in 4 patients during (39.4 ± 25.1) months follow-up. In 17 a-LQTs patients, one patient with dilated cardiomyopathy died suddenly and another patient with implanted cardioverter defibrillator experienced one ventricular tachycardia during (30.9 ± 13.3) months follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSThe prognosis in h-LQTs and a-LQTs patients with structure heart disease is poor. ICD or CRT-D therapy is suggestive for a-LQTs patients with structure heart disease.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Long QT Syndrome ; complications ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pacemaker, Artificial ; Torsades de Pointes ; complications ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) and transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channel family genes in rat spermatogenic cells.

METHODSRat spermatogenic cells were isolated by a mechanical procedure and the total RNA was extracted using TRIzol reagent. TRPM and TRPV channel family genes were amplified by RT-PCR and the presence of the target genes was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. The relative gene expression levels were measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSTRPV5, TRPM3, TRPM4 and TRPM7 mRNAs were expressed in rat spermatogenic cells, but TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4, TRPV6, TRPM1, TRPM2, TRPM5, TRPM6, TRPM7 and TRPM8 mRNAs were not detected. The relative expressions of TRPM and TRPV mRNA were determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. TRPM7 expression was the highest among all the TRPM subtypes in rat spermatogenic cells, at a level equivalent to (0.0430-/+0.0034)% of beta-actin expression. TRPM3 and TRPM4 were also highly expressed, but their expression levels were only approximately 56% and 63% of that of TRPM7, respectively. For the TRPV subfamily, only TRPV5 mRNA was abundantly expressed at the level of (0.0157-/+0.0029)% relative to that of beta-actin.

CONCLUSIONTRPV5, TRPM3, TRPM4 and TRPM7 mRNAs were coexpressed in spermatogenic cells in rats, among which TRPM4 and TRPM7 mRNA were expressed at high levels. TRPM4 and TRPM7 channels may be involved in the regulation of growth, differentiation and maturation of rat spermatogenic cells and are associated with the generation of the sperms.

Animals ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spermatocytes ; cytology ; metabolism ; Spermatogonia ; cytology ; metabolism ; TRPM Cation Channels ; genetics ; metabolism ; TRPV Cation Channels ; genetics ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDRecent advances on functional mapping have enabled us to conduct surgery on gliomas within the eloquent area. The objective of the article is to discuss the feasibility of a planned fractionated strategy of resection on low-grade gliomas (LGGs) involving Broca's area. We report the first surgical series of planned fractionated resections on LGGs within Broca's area, focusing on language functional reshaping.

METHODSFour patients were treated with fractionated operations for LGGs involving Broca's area. All cases underwent conventional magnetic resonance (MR) scanning, language functional MR and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) before operation. The resections were then performed on patients under awake anesthesia using intraoperative electrical stimulation (IES) for functional mapping. Pre- and post-operative neuro-psychological examinations were evaluated.

RESULTSTotal resections were achieved in all cases as confirmed by the postoperative control MR. After transient language worsening, all patients recovered to normal 3-6 months later. Language functional MR scannings have shown language functional cortical and subcortical pathway reorganization (in the perilesion or contra-lateral hemisphere) after the operation. All patients returned to a normal socioprofessional life.

CONCLUSIONSBy utilizing the dynamic interaction between brain plasticity and fractionated resections, we can totally remove the tumor involving Broca's structure without inducing permanent postoperative deficits and even improve the quality of life.

Adult ; Brain Neoplasms ; physiopathology ; psychology ; surgery ; Female ; Frontal Lobe ; Glioma ; physiopathology ; psychology ; surgery ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Neuronal Plasticity ; Neuropsychological Tests