Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cross Infection ; etiology ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; complications ; microbiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pneumoconiosis ; complications ; microbiology ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sub-acute oral effect of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles on the oxidation/antioxidation biomarkers and inflammatory cytokines in blood, liver, intestine, and colon in rats. METHODS: Twenty four 4-week-old clean-grade Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly devided into 4 groups by body weight (n=6, control, low, middle, and high), in which the rats were orally exposed to TiO₂ nanoparticles at doses of 0, 2, 10 and 50 mg/kg body weight/day for 28 consecutive days separately. Food intake, body weight and abnormal behaviors during the experiment were recorded. The rats were euthanized on the 29th day. The blood was collected via abdominal aortic method and centrifuged to collect the serum. Tissues from liver, intestine and colon were collected and homogenated. Then enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and microwell plate methods were used to detect oxidation/antioxidation biomarkers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total mercapto (T-SH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), malomdialdehvde (MDA) and inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the serum, liver, intestine and colon in the rats. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, no significant differences in body weight, food intake and organ coefficients were observed in all the three groups after TiO₂ gavage. No significant changes in GSH, GSH-Px, T-SH, and IL-6 were observed. Compared with the control group, significant increase of SOD activity in serum in high dose group, signi-ficant increase of GSSG concentration in intestine in middle and high dose group and significant increase of MDA concentration in liver in low and high dose group were observed. Compared with the control group, a significant increase of TNF-α in liver in middle and high dose group was observed. CONCLUSION TiO₂ nanoparticle can increase antioxidant enzymes activities in blood, increase oxidative biomarkers in liver and intestine, increase inflammatory cytokines in liver in rats after a 28-day sub-acute orally administration. Among blood, liver, intestine, and colon, liver is most sensitive to the toxicity induced by TiO₂ nanoparticles, followed by intestine, blood, and colon in sequence.
Animals ; Antioxidants ; Biomarkers ; Cytokines ; Nanoparticles ; Oxidative Stress ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Titanium

Objective To explore a more reasonable and effective therapeutic regimen and evaluate prognostic factors in hepatoblastoma patients after combined therapy.Methods Sixteen patients diagnosed on hepatoblastoma between Jan.2000 and Nov.2007 were reviewed and followed-up.Resection with chemotherapy was taken among 16 cases.Chemotherapy included pre-operation and post-operation.Five cases were cured by transcatheter arterial chemombolization(TACE).Six cases were cured by single chemotherapy(both TACE and single chemotherapy were taken in 2 cases).Five cases weren't cured by pre-operation chemotherapy.Nine cases were subjected to curative resection,3 cases to alleviative resection,2 cases with single chemotherapy,1 case with single TACE,and 1 case refused operation and left hospital.Their mean survival duration was 13.5 months(3-98 months).SPSS 13.0 software was used to analyze the data.Results The total survival rate of cases as stage Ⅳ as lower than cases as stage Ⅰ,Ⅱand Ⅲ.Both alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)100 000 ?g/L cases had worse survival rate.The prognosis of mixed type was better than fetal type,embryonal type and anaplasia type.The survival rate of cases with standard chemotherapy was higher than cases with unstandard chemotherapy.And the surgical resection cases had better survival chance than non-surgical resection cases.The survival rate of surgical residual cases was worse than non-surgical residual cases.Conclusions Chemotherapy can improve the total survival rate and long-term survival rate of hepatoblastoma patients.TACE is a safe and effective choice for hepatoblastoma patients.We need to be alert and make the diagnosis as early as possibe,and treat it early and properly.

We revisited the "Xiao Chaihu Decoction event (XCHDE)" occurred in late 1980s in Japan and the Bupleuri Radix related adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports in China After careful review, comparison, analysis and evaluation, we think the interstitial pneumonitis, drug induced Liver injury (DILI) and other severe adverse drug envents (ADEs) including death happened in Japan is probably results from multiple factors, including combinatory use of XCHDE with interferon, Kampo usage under modern medicine theory guidance, and use of XCHD on the basis of disease diagnosis instead of traditional Chinese syndrome complex differentiation. There are less ADE case reports related to XCHD preparation in China compared to Japan, mostly manifest with hypersensitivity responses of skin and perfuse perspiration. The symptoms of Radix Bupleuri injection related ADEs mainly manifest hypersensitivity-like response, 2 cases of intravenous infusion instead of intramuscular injection developed hypokalemia and renal failure. One case died from severe hypersensitivity shock. In Chinese literatures, there is no report of the interstitial pneumonitis and DILI associated with XCHDG in Japan. So far, there is no voluntary monitoring data and large sample clinical research data available. The author elaborated the classification of "reevaluation" and clarified "re-evaluation upon events" included the reaction to the suspected safety and efficacy events. Based on the current status of the clinical research on the Radix Bupleuri preparations, the author points out that post-marketing "re-evaluation upon suspected event" is not only a necessity of continuous evaluation of the safety, efficacy of drugs, it is also a necessity for providing objective clinical research data to share with the international and domestic drug administrations in the risk-benefit evaluation. It is also the unavoidable pathway to culture and push the excellent species and famous brands of TCM to the international market, in that it enhances the pharmaceutical manufactures the ability to control enterprise risk and eliminate the negative impact on traditional Chinese medicine. With the widely used and ADR report concentrated Radix Bupleuri injection as an example, the author provide a new approach to post-marketing clinical research.
Bupleurum ; chemistry ; Drug Compounding ; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions ; etiology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Product Surveillance, Postmarketing ; methods ; Safety

In this study,we aimed to study the pattern visual evoked potentials (P-VEPs) in two eyes with varying visual acuity in one eye and to provide an objective estimation of visual acuity by comparing P-VEPs in one and two eyes.Thirty subjects were chosen,who had one eye with an acuity of 5.0,4.85,4.6,4.0,or scieropia and obstructed vision and the other eye with an acuity of 5.0,respectively.P-VEPs were detected under the large grating stimuli at 3×4 spatial frequency,moderate grating stimuli (12× 16 spatial frequency) and small grating stimuli (48×64 spatial frequency).Under large grating stimuli,there was no significant difference in P100 peak latency between the groups,nor was there a significant difference between the amplitude of two eyes and the amplitude of one normal-vision eye.Under moderate and small grating stimuli,there was a significant difference in P100 peak latency between the group with both eyes having an acuity of 5.0 and the group with visual acuity below 4.0 in one eye.There was a significant difference in P100 amplitude between the group with visual acuity of 5.0 in both eyes and the group with one normal-vision eye.There was no significant difference in the amplitude of two eyes and the amplitude of one normal-vision eye between any other two groups.In forensic identification,characteristics and variability of P-VEPs in one and two eyes can be used to identify malingering or decline in visual acuity.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of the ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 1 (ABCG1) gene polymorphisms with coronary atherosclerotic disease (CAD) in Chinese Han population.

METHODSA population based case-control association study was carried out in 541 patients with CAD and 649 healthy controls from Chinese Han population. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ABCG1 gene were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Logistic regression was used to compare the genotypic and allelic frequency difference.

RESULTSThe frequency of allele C of rs225374 was significantly higher in the CAD patients than that in the healthy controls (OR=1.186, 95%CI: 1.009-1.394, P=0.039), while the difference was also significant in the male subgroup (OR=1.236, 95%CI: 1.014-1.506, P=0.036). A statistically higher frequency of rs1044317 allele A was found in the CAD patients in comparison to the healthy controls (OR=1.187, 95%CI: 1.009-1.397, P=0.039). In case-only association study, rs225374 showed significant association in the high Gensini score group compared with the low Gensini score group (OR=1.303, 95%CI: 1.024-1.657, P=0.031).

CONCLUSIONThe two SNPs of the ABCG1 gene might be associated with the susceptibility and severity of CAD in Chinese Han population.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Sub-Family G, Member 1 ; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters ; genetics ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; ethnology ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Coronary Artery Disease ; ethnology ; genetics ; pathology ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and caspase-3 in the intestine of neonatal rats with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and explore the protective effects and possible regulatory mechanisms of glutamine (Gln) in NEC.

METHODSSixty premature rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=20 each): control, NEC model and Gln intervention group. NEC model was prepared by formula feeding, hypoxia and cold stress. The Gln intervention group was also subjected to hypoxia and cold stress but was fed with formula containing Gln (0.3 g/kg). Two days later, the rats were sacrificed and the intestine tissues were obtained. The histological changes of ileal tissues were observed by hemetoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of caspase-3 and TLR-4 protein in the jejunum, ileum and colon were detected by inmunohistochemistry. The expression of TLR-4 mRNA in the jejunum, ileum and colon were detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the histological score of ileal tissues, and the expression of caspase-3, TLR-4 protein and TLR-4 mRNA in the NEC model group increased significantly (P<0.01). Gln intervention decreased significantly the histological score of ileal tissues, and the expression of caspase-3, TLR-4 protein and TLR-4 mRNA compared with the NEC model group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTLR-4 might be involved in the pathogenesis of NEC. Gln may provide protective effects on intestine possibly through reducing the TLR-4 expression and then decreasing the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Caspase 3 ; analysis ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Glutamine ; pharmacology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Pregnancy ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; analysis ; genetics

A RF coil (or probe) is one of the key components in NMR spectrometers and MRI systems, and designing a quality RF coil is a cheaper way to improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of systems and image quality. According to different applications there are a variety of RF coils. This article describes high-sensitive micro RF coils used in NMR spectrometers specially for test-tube samples. Their performance has been verified on the desktop MRI systems.
Equipment Design ; Image Enhancement ; instrumentation ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; instrumentation ; Radio Waves

Chronic spinal cord lesions (CSCL) which result in irreversible neurologic deficits remain one of the most devastating clinical problems. Its pathophysiological mechanism has not been fully clarified. As a crucial factor in the outcomes following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) disruption is considered as an important pathogenic factor contributing to the neurologic impairment in SCI. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a multirole element in the spinal cord vascular event. On one hand, VEGF administrations can result in rise of BSCB permeability in acute or sub-acute periods and even last for chronic process. On the other hand, VEGF is regarded to be correlated with angiogenesis, neurogenesis and improvement of locomotor ability. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a primary regulator of VEGF during hypoxic conditions. Therefore, hypoxia-mediated up-regulation of VEGF may play multiple roles in the BSCB disruption and react on functional restoration of CSCL. The purpose of this article is to further explore the relationship among HIF-1, hypoxia-mediated VEGF and BSCB dysfunction, and investigate the roles of these elements on CSCL.
Animals ; Chronic Disease ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 ; physiology ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; Neurogenesis ; Spinal Cord ; physiopathology ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; physiopathology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; physiology

PURPOSETo evaluate the clinical outcomes of locking calcaneal plate in treating calcaneal fracture (Sanders II-III) in elderly patients.

METHODSFrom October 2012 to December 2013, 23 elderly patients suffering from calcaneal fracture (Sanders II-III) were treated and followed up. There were 15 males and 8 females with the mean age of 68.5 years (range: 65-79 years). According to Sander's classification, 16 cases (16 feet) were type II fractures and 7 cases (7 feet) were type III fractures. Anteroposterior, lateral and axial views of X-ray were taken to detect the calcaneum. CT scan was done to assess the amount of comminution and articular depression. Radiological assessment was performed using Bohler's angle and Gissane's angle. Functional outcome was assessed using the Maryland foot score.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up for 13.7 months on average (10-20 months). The mean time of bone union was 3.2 months (3-4 months). The mean time of complete weight bearing was 3.2 months (3.1-4.0 months). The soft tissue necrosis was found in 1 case. The mean Bohler's angle and Gissane's angle were 25.31° and 117.5°respectively. The overall excellent to good rate was 82.6%.

CONCLUSIONOpen reduction and internal fixation with locking calcaneal plate can obtain good functional outcome for Sanders II-III calcaneal fractures in elderly patients.

Aged ; Bone Plates ; Calcaneus ; injuries ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Fractures, Bone ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Postoperative Care ; Postoperative Complications ; epidemiology ; Surgical Wound ; therapy