Objective To investigate the influence of nicotine on the metabolism of dopamine (DA) in the striatum and on the spontaneous locomotor activity of MPTP-induced PD mice. Methods 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD model in mice was prepared. The effects of MPTP and nicotine on the levels of dopamine, its metabolites of 3,4-dihydroxyphenlacetic acid (DOPAC) and hemovanillic acid (HVA) were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection(HPLC-EC); also, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive nerve fibers were measured by immunohistochemical analysis. Results After injection of Nicotine, the spontaneous locomotor activity of MPTP-treated C57BL mice was significantly lower than that of the control mice, suggesting the nicotine's inhibiting effects ( 44.86?8.51 vs. 57.28?3.27, P

Objective To investigate the effect of Th1/Th2 cytokines and immune state on the occurrence and familial aggregation of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods Ninety-five members whose families have had two or even more HCC patients(high-occurrence families) were selected as the case group,by matching with the same nationality,gender,residential area,age±5 years old,95 members whose families had no any cancer were selected as the control.The level of peripheral blood Th1 type cytokines such as interferon-γ(IFN-γ),interleukin-2(IL-2) and Th2 type cytokines such as interleukin-4(IL-4),interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results There was a Th1/Th2 serum cytokine imbalance profile in members of HCC high-occurrence family.The levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 were significantly lower in members of HCC high-occurrence family than that of the controls.The levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were higher in members of HCC high-occurrence family than that of the controls.Conclusion There was a poor cellular immune state in members of HCC in the high-occurrence families.Th1 type cytokines was inhibited,and Th2 type cytokines was enhanced,so more susceptible to HBV chronic infection.It might be the mechanism of HCC occurrence and familial aggregation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of transitional care by a nurse-led multidisciplinary team (MDT) on clinical outcomes and quality of life of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: A randomized control study design was used. Subjects were allocated randomly to an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received intensive transitional care by a nurse-led MDT, whereas the control group received routine nursing care. Disease activity, spinal mobility, comprehensive function, health service utilization, and quality of life were assessed at the baseline and at six months with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), a health service utilization questionnaire and version 2 of the Short Form-36 health survey. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, the BASDAI, BASFI, emergency visits, hospitalizations, hospitalization days, and bodily pain, vitality, mental health, total score, and average score of version 2 of the Short Form-36 health survey were improved in the experimental group (p < .05), whereas only bodily pain, vitality, and role-emotional were improved in the control group p < .05). At six months, the experimental group exhibited significantly more improvement on the BASDAI, BASFI, hospitalizations, all domains except Role-physical as well as total score and average score p < .05) compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: A MDT-based nurse-led transitional care improves clinical outcomes and quality of life of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Future research should be carried out on modes of follow-up and family support.
Baths ; Emergencies ; Follow-Up Studies ; Health Services ; Health Surveys ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Mental Health ; Nursing Care ; Patient Care Team ; Quality of Life ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing ; Transitional Care

Objective: To investigate the correlation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in autophage-related 5 ( ATG5 ) gene promoter with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: The SNPs of ATG5 gene promoter were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. The typing and correlation of SNPs in 378 AMI patients and 374 healthy controls were analyzed by Chi-square test, Logistic regression analysis and haplotype analysis. Results: Two SNPs of ATG5 gene promoter, rs506027 (OR=1.4, 95% CI \[0.6-3.0\], P=0.411) and rs510432 (OR=1.6, 95% CI \[0.7-3.4\], P=0.275), were found. They didn′t increase the susceptibility of AMI, and the haplotype associated with AMI was not found in the two SNPs. Conclusion The polymorphism of ATG5 gene promoter isn′t associated with the susceptibility of AMI.