Objective: To determine the content ursodesoxycholic acid of Compound Capsule of Bear Gall thylic. Methods: TLCS method was used. Results: Owing to improving the method on the base of original Criterion, the determination result is more similar to the true value.

Objective To obtain imaging information of the cervical arteries and vertebral structure of rhesus ma -caques and provide useful reference data for medical research works using macaques as animal models .Methods Six a-dult macaques (3 males and 3 females) in age of 3-5 years, body weight from 3.5 to 5 kg, were used to examine the neck by 320 row spiral CT imaging under general anesthesia , and three-dimensional reconstruction was performed to observe the vertebral artery morphology , and to measure the diameter of vertebral artery and the size of transverse foramen of the ma -caques .Color Doppler ultrasound was combined with 320-CT imaging to assess the blood flow velocity in carotid arteries . After CT scan to make sure that the vertebral artery and cervical vertebra of macaques had no deformity , the size of trans-verse foramen and diameter of vertebral artery were measured in the cross-sectional images .Color Doppler ultrasound was used to analyze the peak systolic velocity ( PSV) , diastolic peak flow velocity ( EDV) and the diameter ( D) of common ca-rotid artery (CCA), internal carotid artery (ICA), external carotid artery (ECA), and vertebral artery (VA) of the ma-caques .Results The 320-CT scan showed that in the monkeys , the vertebral artery enters the cervical spine through the intervertebral foramina at C6, and leaves the cervical spine at C 2 level, and the cervical spine has Luschka joint , which is similar to the anatomic structure in humans .The diameter of left and right vertebral arteries was 1.89 ±0.44 mm and 1.72 ±0.39 mm, respectively , with no significant difference between them in the same segment ( P>0.05 ) , and the size of transverse foramen also had no significant difference in the same segment ( P>0.05 ) .Color Doppler ultrasound showed that the left and right side systolic peak velocity (PSV) and diastolic peak velocity (EDV) of CCA and ICA, the left and right side systolic peak velocity (PSV) of ECA and VA had statistically significant difference (P<0.05), and the left ar-teries were predominant in the macaques .Conclusions In this study we obtained some imaging information of vertebral artery morphology and artery blood flow of macaques and these information may provide some useful basic data for further studies using rhesus macaques as animal models .

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of MTHFR C677T and MS A2756G polymorphism with semen quality in China. METHODS: The experimental group included 75 males with oligospermia, asthenospermia or teratospermia. The control group included 72 fertile males with normal fertility and sperm quality. The differences in the frequency of genetic polymorphism of MTHFR C677T and MS A2756G in the 2 groups were analyzed, and the plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level in both groups was detected. RESULTS: The frequency of MTHFR C677T genotypes (CT, TT and CT+TT) in the abnormal sperm group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), and it was the same case for T allele between the 2 groups (P<0.05). There was no difference in the frequency of MS A2756G genotypes between the two groups (P>0.05). The Hcy level in abnormal sperm group was higher than that in the control group. In all subjects, the Hcy level of the MTHFR genotypes (CT, TT and CT+TT) was higher than that of the CC genotype, with no difference among the three MS A2756G genotypes. CONCLUSION CT and TT genotypes of MTHFR C677T are associated with abnormal sperm, which might be part of the pathogenesis of abnormal sperms. T allele may be the risk factor in China. The one mechanism of the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and semen quality could be higher Hcy level. MS A2756G polymorphism may not associate with semen quality in China.
Alleles ; China ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Risk Factors ; Semen Analysis

Objective To study the influence of CTP-OD1-HA and CTP-OD2-HA fusion peptides and combined with imatinib on proliferation of K562 cells.Methods K562 cells were treated with CTP-OD1-HA and CTP-OD2-HA peptides or together with imatinib.The proliferation of cells were detected and compared by MTT and clone formation methods.Results MTT examination demonstrated that CTP-OD1-HA and CTP-OD2-HA peptides could inhibit the proliferation of K562 cells,and the effect was more obvious when acted along with imatinib;Clone formation showed that CTP-OD1-HA and CTP-OD2-HA peptides suppressed the continuous colony forming ability of K562 cells.Conclusion CTP-OD1-HA and CTP-OD2-HA could specially inhibit the proliferation of K562 cells,and increase the sensitivity of imatinib.

Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion on the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor subtype 2B (NR2B) in the hippocampus of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats, and to explore the analgesic mechanisms of moxibustion in RA treatment. Methods: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group, a moxibustion + NMDA receptor antagonist (AP-5) group, and a moxibustion + NMDA receptor agonist (NMDA) group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, rats in the other four groups were treated with complete Freund's adjuvant in a windy, cold, and damp environment to replicate RA models. Rats in the moxibustion group received suspended moxibustion with moxa sticks at Shenshu (BL23) and Zusanli (ST36), and the two points were used alternately. After intraperitoneal injection of AP-5 or NMDA, rats in the moxibustion + AP-5 group and the moxibustion + NMDA group received the same moxibustion intervention as in the moxibustion group, once a day for 15 d. The thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) of rats in each group was detected before and after modeling and after the 15-day intervention. After the 15-day intervention, hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in knee joints. The real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the mRNA expression of NR2B in the hippocampus; Western blotting assay was used to detect the protein and the phosphorylated protein expression of hippocampal NR2B. Results: The synovial tissue was proliferated, the synovial lining was significantly thickened, the pannus was formed, and the cartilage and bone tissues were significantly damaged in the model group. After intervention, the pathological morphology of the knee joints in the moxibustion group, the moxibustion + AP-5 group, and the moxibustion + NMDA group was significantly improved, and the improvement in the moxibustion + AP-5 group was more notable than that in the moxibustion + NMDA group. Compared with the normal group, the TWL was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the TWL of each intervention group was significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the moxibustion group, the TWL was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly decreased in the moxibustion + AP-5 group (P<0.01); the TWL was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly increased in the moxibustion + NMDA group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Moxibustion reduces hyperalgesia in RA inflammatory rats. The analgesic effect may be related to the decrease in the expression and phosphorylation levels of NR2B in the hippocampus.

Objective:To assess the feasibility and safety of 2-staged hybrid technique for treating coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with multi-vessel lesions.
Methods: Our research included 2 groups:Hybrid group, CAD patients with left anterior descending artery (LAD) lesion or with other major epicardial vessel stenosis>70%who received 2-staged hybrid treatment in our hospital from 2012-03 to 2015-03 and Control group, CAD patients received elective conventional off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) by the same surgeon at meanwhile. n=91 in each group. The peri-operative conditions and complications were compared between two groups.
Results: Compared with Control group, Hybrid group had the shorter post-operative mechanical ventilation time (7.9 ± 4.8) h vs (21.6 ± 35.9) h, shorter ICU-stay time (29.6 ± 20.8) h vs (47.5 ± 38.3) h, all P<0.01 and less peri-operative blood transfusion (0.59 ± 1.48) U vs (2.82 ± 3.81) U, P<0.01. The post-operative complications of mortality, MI occurrence and delayed wound healing were similar between 2 groups, P>0.05.
Conclusion:2-staged hybrid technique is a safe, feasible and minimally invasive technique for treating CAD patients with LAD and multi-vessel lesions.

OBJECTIVETo explore the association between occupational stress and other socio-psychological factors and work-related unintentional injury in off-shore oil production.

METHODSA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 561 Chinese off-shore oil workers. They were inquired with a self-administered questionnaire involving in socio-demographic characteristics, occupational stress, type A behavior personnel, social support and coping style, and work-related unintentional injury in the past year.

RESULTSSeventy-six (13.5%) workers experienced work-related unintentional injury for once time or more in the past year. A total 141 number of person-times were counted including 18 person-times being serious injury, 26 person-times moderate, and 97 person-times light. After adjustment for age, educational level, marital status, duration of off-shore work and job title, logistic regression indicated that perceived stress from "management problem and relationship with others" were significantly associated with work-related unintentional injuries in the past year (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.05-1.68; P < 0.05). Workers lack of emotional support from friends seemed to less reporting on work-related unintentional injuries (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.22-0.63).

CONCLUSIONThe results implied emphasizing on that the training and guidance as well as better cooperation among the workers might reduce work-related unintentional injuries in off-shore oil industry.

Accidents, Occupational ; prevention & control ; statistics & numerical data ; Adult ; Fuel Oils ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Diseases ; complications ; Stress, Psychological ; complications ; Wounds and Injuries ; etiology ; prevention & control

BACKGROUND: Ventilation dysfunction caused by bronchomalacia induced bronchostenosis following high-risk heart transplantation is an acute clinical disease, which seriously impairs the function of transplant heart. The case of emergency bronchial stent placement following heart transplantation with high-risk multi-complication has not been reported yet.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the curative effect of emergency stent placement for worse left main bronchial malacia, stenosis and collapse following orthotopic heart allotransplantation.DESIGN: A case analysis.SETTINGS: National Ministry of Health Transplantation Engineering and Technical Research Center, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Department of Cardiosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Xiamen University.PARTICIPANTS: An 18-year-old female patient with dilated cardiomyopathy accompanied by moderate to severe pulmonary artery hypertension, who sequentially carried out orthotopic heart allotransplantation, was selected from the Department of Cardiosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Xiamen University in April, 2004. She had suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy for 15 years, and the mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) was 50-51 mm Hg, she was also accompanied by left main bronchial malacia, stenosis and collapse, mixed (mainly central-) sleep apnea syndrome, left inferior pulmonary sequestration, right emphysema, and rheumatoid arthritis for half a year.METHODS: After heart transplantation, bronchus inflammation, congested edema aggravated the severity of bronchial malacia, stenosis and collapse, tenosis reduced to 4/5, and led to obstructive type of ventilation, and the patient was also accompanied by supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular extrasystole, and hypofunction of transplant cardiac systolic function (peak E＜peak A, ejection fraction reduced to 40%, inharmonious motion of ventricular wall). Attempted with inotropic agents and ventilator/support were not relieved, which resulted in the aggravation of illness. In order to improve the post-transplant cardiac function, to relieve bronchial collapse and stenosis, and correct the obstructive type of ventilation, an emergency bronchial stent placement surgery was carried out on the sixth day after heart transplantation. Under monitoring of electrocardiogram (EGG) and percutaneaous oxygen saturation (SpO2), patient was awake and in supine to relieve left main bronchial stenosis with a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy stent (Diameter: 12 mm; length: 20 mm) by D20 fiberoptic bronchoscope. Fibrobronchoscopy was used to observe the proximal end of bronchostenosis and set the proximate location mark by using video fluoroscopy; the patency of distal end was explored by stricture, and set the distal location mark; guidewire was inserted into working path of bronchofibroscope and led through the stricture; then loaded the Ni-Ti stent on a special placement apparatus, and led in bronchial stent implantation apparatus along guidewire. When targeting well, the stent was slowly released and adjusted properly. When it was completely released, the stent implantation apparatus was drawn out. Bronchofibroscope was performed postoperatively to observe the adherence of stent; immediately photographed to observe its unfolding. Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) was given postoperatively as supportive treatment.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ameliorations of the cardiac and pulmonary functions of the patient.RESULTS: ①Carbon dioxide retention and hypercapnia were remarkably improved as compared with those preoperatively; hypertensive pulmonary vascular disease was alleviated gradually, and MPAP reduced to 30 mm Hg. One week later, re-examination of bronchofibroscopy was carried out, and the results showed that bronchi of left upper lobe, lingual lobe as well as left lower lobe could be seen distinctly, mucous membrane had slightly congested edema, and lumens were unobstructed.②Supraventricular tachycardia and premature ventricualr contraction disappeared, and the transplant cardiac function recovered well (peak E ＞ peak A, ejection fraction 70%, FS41%), and the heart rate fluctuated at 100-110 beats per minute. ③The chest-radiography and CT postoperatively indicated the relief of left main bronchial stenosis. When the ventilation function of the patient was improved, the parameters of breathing machine were reduced gradually, and replaced by low-flow oxygen. There was no recurrence of obstructive ventilatory disorder. The sleep apnea syndrome of the patient was moderated.CONCLUSION: Emergency treatment with stent placement for bronchial malacia, stenosis and collapse occurring after orthotopic heart allotransplantation cAN improve ventilation dysfunction caused by bronchial malacia and stenosis,and increase the survival rate of heart transplantation.

Objective To validate the discriminatory capacity of the new ankylosing spondylitis disease activity scores (ASDAS) in Chinese ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, and assess its clinical value. Method One hundred and twenty-nine patients with AS was included in the study, in which 87 were par-ticipat clinical trials with Etanercept (n=87) and 42 were participants of clinical trails with. The disease activity and treatment effecticacy were assessed by ASDAS, BASDAI and patient global assessment. Discriminatory ability of all the measures was analyzed as standardized mean difference (SMD) and (-score. Pearson's correlation, two indepen -dent samples t test and simple linear regression model were used for statistical analysis. Result The four ASDAS scores correlated well with patient global assessment (r=0.56～0.74), ESR (r=0.50～0.80) and CRP (r=0.50～0.69) both at baseline and the changes form baseline to 6 weeks after treatment. The four ASDAS outperformed BASDAI, patient global assessment, ESR and CRP in differentiating patients with different levels of disease activity and patients with different levels of change. There was little difference in performance between the four ASDAS versions. Conclusion The four ASDAS are highly discriminatory in evaluating the disease activity and the efficacy of drugs in Chinese AS patients, showing a significant value in clinical practice.

Objective To explore the effects of Chinese herbal compound, Tengmei decoction, on type II collagen-induced arthritis ( CIA) in rats, and to examine the changes of arthritis index ( AI) , limb swelling, joint tissue inflammatory infiltration, and the effects on immune-inflammatory factors.Methods Sprague-Dawley rat models of arthritis were successfully established by intradermal injection of type II collagen and Freund’ s complete adjuvant.The model rats were randomly divided into model group, positive drug group, and high-and low-dose Chinese medicine groups, 6 rats in each group.The intervention and treatment period was 12 weeks.To measure weekly the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the rear ankles and wrists, the transverse diameter of the claw foot palm pad, the thickness and the highest point width of hind limb plantar joint swelling, and to evaluate the integrated scores of joints and limbs swelling using a vernier caliper.Results ①Compared with the normal group, the total arthritis scores and hind limbs AI scores of the model group were significantly increased ( P <0.05 or P <0.01 ) .The left forelimb AI scores were significantly increased during 10 -12 weeks ( P <0.05 ) .The anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the left hind limb, the thickness of the highest point measurement of the left hind foot pad metatarsal were significantly increased ( P<0.05 or P<0.01) in different time periods between 1-12 weeks.Compared with the model group, the total scores and the left hind limb joints AI scores of the high-and low-dose drug groups were decreased after 6 weeks (P<0.05).②Compared with the normal control group, levels of mRNA transcription and protein expression of IL-6 and TNF-αwere significantly up-regulated ( P<0.01 ) in the model group.Compared with the model group, the levels of mRNA transcription and the expression of IL-6 and TNF-αproteins were significantly down-regulated in the positive group and Chinese medicine groups ( P <0.01 ) .③ Histological examination showed that the low-dose TCM significantly improved the CIA synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration.Conclusions The molecular mechanism of Chinese herbal compound Tengmei decotion in improving joint pathological injury of CIA rat models may be related to its inhibitory effect on the high expression of immune-inflammatory factors in the synovial tissue of CIA rats.