AIM:To observe the changes in serum cytokines in patients with lumbar disc herniation(LDH) following Shenshi Tongluo therapy(discharging damp and dredging collaterals).METHODS:①Forty-three patients with LDH(cold-damp arthralgia type) were selected from Wangjing Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from February to December 2005,and randomly divided into experimental group(n =22) and control group(n =21).The informed consent was obtained from all subjects.Meanwhile,30 healthy volunteers were selected as controls.②The patients in the experimental group orally took modified Semen Coicis decoction(Semen Coicis,eucommia bark,Radix dipsaci,cocculi,Chinese clematis root,caulis millettiae,angelica root,achyranthis,and paeoniae radix) according to Shenshi Tongluo therapy,one dose daily for 4 weeks.The patients in control group took Yaotong Ning capsule,4 pills per day,once daily for 4 weeks.③ Contents of serum interleukin-1 ?(IL-1?),IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-?(TNF-?) in patients were detected using radioimmunoassay before and after treatment.Clinical outcome was evaluated using visual analog scale(VAS) and assessment criteria for low lumbar pain of Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA).RESULTS:①Contents of serum IL-1?,IL-6,and TNF-? in patients were higher than healthy people(P

Objective To describe the MRI features and pathologic findings of biliary cystadenocarcinoma(BCAC)and to assess the diagnostic value of MRI in those tumors.Methods Five cases of BCAC were collected.All cases were proved by pathology.Non-enhanced and multiphase-enhanced MRI were performed in all cases.MRCP were performed in two cases.The MRI features of the five cases were reviewed retrospectively and correlated with pathologic findings.Results Histological evidence demonstrated five cases of BCAC.Four cases were solitary,whereas the other case was multifocal.All cases were solid and cystic lesions.Two cases were unilocular,whereas the other three cases were multilocular. Multiple mural nodules and irregular thickening cystic walls were presented in all cases.The cystic parts of the lesions were homogeneous in signal intensity and showed no enhancement after contrast administration in the five BCAC.Septa were present in three BCAC with multilocular cyst.On MRCP the bile duct dilatation was found in two BCAC.Conclusion MRI can reveal the characteristic findings of BCAC and accurate preoperative diagnosis can be made.

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of MRI in the diagnosis of cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV).MethodsPlain MRI,dynamic enhanced and (or) dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography(DCE-MRA) findings in 30 patients of clinical-proved CTPV were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsAmong 30 CTPV patients on plain MRI,obliteration of main and (or) branched portal vein were found,and mass-like or reticular abnormal soft-tissue signals were around the vein,which were produced by collateral vessels.On dynamic enhanced MRI,abnormal hepatic perfusion during arterial phase and abnormal enhanced collateral veins during portal phase could be seen.The above signs became more obvious on DCE-MRA.ConclusionsMRI and DCE-MRA can clearly visualize the anatomical features of CTPV.It is important and can provide the reliable evidence for planning properly therapeutic protocol to recognize and directly evaluate the CTPV.

Cell Membrane ; metabolism ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo study the chemical constituents from Centella asiatica.

METHODChemical constituents were isolated by repeated column chromatography (Toyopearl HW-40C and HPLC) and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic method.

RESULTFive compounds were identified as: docosyl ferulates (1), bayogenin (2), 3beta-6beta-23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (3), 3beta-6beta-23-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (4), D-gulonic acid (5).

CONCLUSIONAll of the Compounds were isolated for the first time from C. asiatica.

Centella ; chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Coumaric Acids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Triterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVEA HPLC-ELSD method was established for the simultaneous quantitative determination of asiaticoside in Centella asiatica extract.

METHODThe column was packed with 5 m HIQ C18 stationary phase. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-water, eluted in gradient mode. The temperature of drift tube was 105 degrees C and the nebulizer nitrogen flow rate was 2.9 L min(-1).

RESULTThe linear ranges of the asiaticoside were 0.35-7.0 microg. The recovery of the asiaticoside in C. asiatica extract was 94.9% (RSD 1.7%).

CONCLUSIONThe method is reliable, simple, precise and could be used for the quality control of C. asiatica extract.

Centella ; chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; chemistry ; standards ; Light ; Molecular Structure ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Reproducibility of Results ; Scattering, Radiation ; Triterpenes ; analysis ; chemistry

Objective To investigate the effect of intravenous fluid infusion combined with water throuth gastrointestinal tract in treating the patients with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state(HHS).Methods 30 HHS pa- tients were recruited.All the patients were given water throuth gastrointestinal infusion while they were administrat- ed continuously intravenous infusion.Laboratory parameters such as serum natrium,serum potasium,serum glucose and serum osmolarity ect were monitored at the admission and after treatment.Results Serum glucose and serum osmolarity of HHS patients were decreased smoothly at the speed of less than 3 mmol?L~(-1).h~(-1)during the first 12 hours after treatment.After 48 hour-treatment,serum natrium,serum potassium and serum osmolarity recovered to normal levels except 2 deaths,serum glucose decreased to(10.8?5.2)mmol/L.Conclusion Intravenous fluid infu- sion combined with water throuth gastrointestinal tract for the patients could lower smoothly serum glucose and serum osmolarity and decrease the mortality of the HHS patients.

Objective To improve the level of early detection and treatment of pyonephrosis. Methods This study included 41 cases(17 men and 24 women;mean age,49 years)of pyonephrosis.A variety of examinations,including urinary analysis,blood analysis,kidney nuclear medicine scan,ultrasonog- raphy,intravenous urography(IVU),and CT were used for the early diagnosis of pyonephrosis.Pereutaneous nephrostomy(PCN)drainage was done for the interim management of pyonephrosis,then phase 2 operation was performed in 28 cases.The double-J tube was placed in ureter by ureteroscope for drainage,and then phase 2 operation was done in 2 cases.Emergency operation was done in 10 cases.The remaining 1 case un- derwent ESWL after anti-infective therapy.Results Definite diagnosis of pyonephrosis before operation was made by invasive examinations in 31 cases(75.6%),and by percutaneous drainage in 4 cases;the other 6 cases were detected during operation.Only 6 cases(14.6%)underwent nephrectomy;the other 35 cases (85.4%)underwent kidney-sparing operation.Follow-up of 3 months to 9 years was available in 37 cases. No nephrectomy was needed in 33 cases with spared kidney.Serum creatinine was normal in the 4 cases un- dergoing nephrectomy.Conclusions The key to the treatment of pyonephrosis by kidney-sparing surgery is early diagnosis,timely drainage and relief of obstruction.Ultrasonography plays an important role in the early diagnosis of pyonephrosis,and CT has a high sensibility in the diagnosis.Pereutaneons nephrolithotomy (PCNL)secondary to drainage through pereutaneous nephrostomy was beneficial to the patients with kidney stones or upper ureter stones.

Objectives To clarify the basic data such as prevalent range,regiohal characteristics and the population at risk of drinking brick-tea type fluorosis in China.Methods Comprehensive survey for basic information was conducted in the provinces and autonomous regions where drinking brick-tea type fluorosis Wag prevalent,ineluding Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,Tibet Autonomous Region, Sichuan Province,Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province,Gansu Province,Ningxia Autonomous Region and Yunan Province.The survey included the number ot counties(cifies)and townships(towns)where the people were accustomed to drinking brick-tea,pepulation,ethnic minority composition,the production and living style,sales and the kinds of brick-tea aIn so on.Results Two hundred and forty-one counties and 3246 townships were found to haye the habit 0f drinking brick-tea,among which 87.46%(2839/3246)had the habit for more than 30 years.There were 31 684 administrative vilages(residents' committees),15 047 elementary schools and 2873 temples surveyed,coveting a total population of 31 052 398 and 122 739 monks.Fifty-three ethnic minorities were involved.Han accounted for 44.86%(12 902 710/31 052 398), Uighur ethnic for 20.98%(7 416 474/31 052 398),Tibetan ethnic for 13.34%(4 323 272/31 052 398),Muslim ethnicfor 8.15%(2 767 603/31 052 398),Mongolian ethnic for 4.61%(1 400 206/31 052 398),Kazak ethnicfor 3.45% (1 218 272/31 052 398),of the population of drinking brick-tea,farmer population accounted for 64.13%(19 912 833/ 31 052 398),herdsman population for 8.79%(2 728 418/31 052 398),farmer-herdsman population for 12.53%(3 889 678/ 31 052 398)and town population for 14.56%(4 521 169/31 052 398).There Was 3926.74 tons of brick-tea sold per year in the investigated regions,mainly of Fu brick-tea,Green brick-tea and Black brick-tea.Areas with high brick- tea consumption distributed mainly in farmer region and farmer-herdsman region.Annual per capita consumption of brick-tea for farmers was 3.77 kg,and for farmer-herdsman population was 2.05 kg.Conclusions Begions with the habit of drinking brick-tea distributes extensively in western China and cover a huge population,and the herdsmen and farmer-herdsman are the main risk population.Drinking brick-tea type fluorosis is a seriolls public health issue in western China.

Objective To study the relationship between environmental chemical elements,vires infection and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods In 2008,233 patients with DCM(case group)and 150 patient with stable angina(control group)were chosen in Liaocheng People's Hospital and Yanggu People's Hospital,Shandong province.Population distribution and disease history were surveyed in the two groups.Human myocardial antibody IgG(AMA-IgG),Coxsackie B virus IgG(CBV-IgG),Adenofirus antibody IgG(ADV-IgG)were detected by ELISA in both the case group and the control group.Serum trace elements were detected in the two groups.The general chemical and toxicological indicators in drinking water of the high-and the low-incidence aireas of the disease were control group[60.00%(90/150),χ2=13.80,P<0.01)].Per capita annual income(Yuan,RMB)in the case group (3207.82±618.51)was lower than that of the control group[(5086.61±886.12),t=24.40,P<0.01].Personal alcohol consumption in the case group[(175.00±160.50)g/d]was higher than that of the control group[(110.22±100.03)g/d,t=4.40,P<0.01)].The rate of myocarditis in the case group[5.15%(12/233)]was higher than ADV-IgG in the cage group were 7.78%(7/90),6.67%(6/90)and 6.67%(6/90),respectively.Compared with those in the control group[3.33%(2/60),5.00%(3/60)and 5.00%(3/60),χ2=1.26,0.18,0.18,all P>0.05],no mg/L]in drinking water of the high-incidence areas were significantly higher than that of iron[(0.39±0.67)mg/L,t=2.11,P<0.05]and that of manganese[(0.15±0.14)mg/L,t=3.01,P<0.01]in the low-incidence arefas.The content of semm iron[(69.1±57.8)μmol/L]in the case group evidently exceeded the normal range(15.6-35.9 μmol/L)and obviously higher than that in the control group[(20.0±17.5)μmol/L,t=5.04,P<0.01].Conclusions Theso data do not support that DCM is related with persistent virus infection and autoimmunization.DCM is probably related with low incomes,high alcohol consumption,myocarditis,high iron and manganese contents in drinking water and high content of serum iron.