Objective To analyze the clinical manifestations,radiographic characteristics and treatment of cerebral vein thrombosis.Methods The clinical manifestations,results of laboratory examinations,characteristic radiographic findings,treatment protocols and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively in 11 patients with cerebral vein thrombosis admitted between 2002 and 2007.Results In 10 of the patients,nonspecifie headache was the most frequent symptoms,followed by vomiting,hemiplegia,meningeal irritation and hyperspasmia.Two patients received treatments for suspected cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage before a definite diagnosis was established.All thel 1 patients received CT and/or magnetic resonance imaging(MR/)examinations,and 8 also underwent magnetic resonance venography(MRV)and 1 underwent digital subtraction angiography(DSA),and a definite diagnosis of cerebral vein thrombosis was established in 10 eases.Treatment to control the intracmnial pressure was administered in all the patients,among whom 10 were given anti-coagulation or anti-platelet treatments.Nine patients showed improvements after the treatments;1 had deteriorated condition and 1 died.Conclusion In the absence of specific clinical manifestations,cerebral vein thrombosis gives rise to high rate of misdiagnosis,and a definite diagnosis relies on the findings by radiographic modalities.Early anti-coagulation treatment may prove safe and effective in these cases.

With the kernel of efficacy, "Xiaohe Silian" was a pattern and method for new drug discovery which was constituted with "metabolism-efficacy, toxicity-efficacy, quality-efficacy and structure-efficacy". Its connotation was in keeping with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical pharmacy. This paper systematically summarized the research method of new drug discovery practice process for TCM. To avoid western drug like in TCM new drug discovery, we carried out combination analysis with TCM clinical pharmacy. The correlation analysis between basic elements of "Xiaohe Silian(n) and TCM clinical pharmacy was studied to guarantee this method could integrate closely with TCM clinic from all angles. Hence, this method aimed to provide a new method for TCM new drug discovery on the basis of TCM clinical pharmacy with insisting on holistic view of multicomponent study, kinetic view of metabolic process when the curative effect occurred and molecular material view of quality control and structure-activity exposition.
Drug Discovery ; methods ; Drug Therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

PURPOSE: At present, there is still controversy between parents of children with muscular dystrophy (MD) and health-care professionals on care issues. Partnerships can connect the affected children and their families to appropriate health-care services, to jointly face the care environment together and thereby improve the quality of life of children with MD. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore partnerships between families and health-care professionals from the perspectives of parents of children with MD. METHODS: Husserl's phenomenological research was applied to explore the basic structures of parents' descriptions of MD. Through purposive sampling, we conducted in-depth interviews with parents, and analyzed the data according to the theory of Giorgi. Nineteen parents (10 mothers, 9 fathers) participated in this study. The precision of the research results was tested by applying the four standards of Lincoln and Guba. RESULTS: This study identified five constituents: feasible resources and detailed care information; the provision of an integrated medical care across systems; family and home as key elements in critical care; respect and care for family care demands; and finally, feedback and support from families. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that partnerships were established by health-care professionals, enhancing the care capacity of the families, developing the preventive medicine of MD, and enhancing children's potential for self-care within the families. Hospital policies should include the promotion of family partnership care. The findings can help health-care professionals recognize the life experiences of children with MD when providing medical care.
Child* ; Critical Care ; Humans ; Life Change Events ; Mothers ; Muscular Dystrophies* ; Parents ; Partnership Practice ; Preventive Medicine ; Quality of Life ; Self Care

Objective:To evaluate the effect of five-element acupuncture on clinical symptoms, brain metabolism and immunoglobulin level in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.Methods:It was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 94 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome in our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number table method, with 47 in each group. The conventional western medicine group was treated with conventional western medicine, and the five-element acupuncture group was treated with five-element acupuncture on the basis of the conventional western medicine group. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the serum levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), corticosterone (CORT), IL-2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were detected by ELISA; the levels of natural killer (NK) cells, CD4 +, CD8 +, IgG and IgM were detected by flow cytometry; the whole body superconducting MRI scanner was used to scan T2 Flair, T2WI and TlWI sequences of the hippocampus, and the spectral curves and the areas under the peak of N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA), creatine (Cr) and choline (Cho) were obtained, and the ratios of Cho/Cr and NAA/Cr were calculated. the fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were used to evaluate the fatigue state of the patients, and the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate the anxiety state of the patients. Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and Somatic and Mental Health Report Score (SPHERE) were used to evaluate the quality of life of patients. And the clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results:After treatment, the levels of IgG, CD4 + and NK in the five-element acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 4.76, 3.65, 6.42, respectively, P<0.01), and the level of IgM, CD8 + was significantly lower than that in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 7.30, 4.79, P<0.01); the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2 and 5-HT in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 7.60, 4.05, 2.79, respectively, respectively, P<0.01), and the level of CORT was significantly lower than that in the conventional western medicine group ( t=6.72, P<0.01); the NAA/Cr levels in the left [(1.10±0.04) vs. (1.05±0.03), t=6.86] and right [(1.18±0.02) vs. (1.21±0.03), t=8.23] hippocampus of the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the conventional western medicine group ( P<0.01), and the Cho/Cr levels in the left [(1.08±0.04) vs. (1.03±0.03), t=5.70] and right [(1.17±0.02) vs. (1.20±0.03), t=5.71] hippocampus of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the conventional western medicine group ( P<0.01). After treatment, the scores of physical fatigue, mental fatigue and FSS in the five-element acupuncture group were significantly lower than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 8.08, 9.08 and 7.07, respectively, P<0.01). The scores of DASS-21, BAI, SCL-90 and SPHERE in the conventional western medicine group were significantly lower than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 3.63, 5.77, 8.74, 5.92, respectively, P<0.01).The total effective rate was 95.74% (45/47) in the five-element acupuncture group and 82.98% (39/47) in the conventional western medicine group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=2.80, P=0.094). Conclusion:Five-elements acupuncture can improve the expression of T lymphocytes, increase the levels of immunoglobulin and NK, reduce the level of CORT, regulate the brain metabolism of NAA in the left and right hippocampus, improve the clinical symptoms and negative emotions, and improve the clinical efficacy and quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Purpose: We examined the self-care experiences of adolescents with spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) and their perceptions of the interactions between their body and the environment. Methods: We interviewed ten adolescents with SMA aged 13–18 years regarding personal care practices. Purposive sampling was conducted in two medical centers in northern Taiwan. Data were analyzed using the Giorgi analysis method. Results: Four constitutions were identified: (1) limited space for independent development, (2) multiple reconstructions of self-image to improve physical ability, (3) self-care of disease, and (4) developing activity styles to accommodate social culture. Conclusion The self-care lived experiences of patients reflect dynamic changes in the body and environment. Self-existence was exhibited by adjustment, practice, and creativity of physical activity to integrate into society. Nursing staff should understand the self-care experiences and needs of adolescents with SMA to develop a database of self-care skills. This study recommended that nursing staff improve their ability to guide patients in taking care of themselves by developing body awareness self-care courses and individual care plans in response to various stages of disability to help patients delay deterioration, realize their physical potential, and promote independence and social development.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the oxidative damage to lung tissue and peripherial blood in PM2.5-treated rats.

METHODSPM2.5 samples were collected using an auto-sampling instrument in summer and winter. Treated samples were endotracheally instilled into rats. Activity of reduced glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) were used as oxidative damage biomarkers of lung tissue and peripheral blood detected with the biochemical method. DNA migration length (microm) and rate of tail were used as DNA damage biomarkers of lung tissue and peripheral blood detected with the biochemical method.

RESULTSThe activity of GSH-Px and the concentration of MDA in lung tissue significantly decreased after exposure to PM2.5 for 7-14 days. In peripheral blood, the concentration of MDA decreased, but the activity of GSH-Px increased 7 and 14 days after experiments. The two indicators had a dose-effect relation and similar changing tendency in lung tissue and peripheral blood. The DNA migration length (microm) and rate of tail in lung tissue and peripheral blood significantly increased 7 and 14 days after exposure to PM2.5. The two indicators had a dose-effect relation and similar changing tendency in lung tissue and peripheral blood.

CONCLUSIONPM2.5 has a definite oxidative effect on lung tissue and peripheral blood. The activity of GSH-Px and the concentration of MDA are valuable biomarkers of oxidative lung tissue damage induced by PM2.5. The DNA migration length (microm) and rate of tail are simple and valuable biomarkers of PM2.5-induced DNA damage in lung tissues and peripheral blood. The degree of DNA damage in peripheral blood can predict the degree of DNA damage in lung tissue.

Animals ; DNA Damage ; drug effects ; Drug Administration Routes ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Lung ; drug effects ; pathology ; Lung Diseases ; blood ; chemically induced ; pathology ; Male ; Oxidative Stress ; Particle Size ; Particulate Matter ; administration & dosage ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Seasons

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of paraoxonase-2 (PON2) gene and the susceptibility to occupational noise-induced deafness among Chinese Han population exposed to high noise levels [>85 dB (A)].

METHODSA case-control study was conducted in Chinese Han population exposed to high noise levels. The subjects were divided into case group (n = 127) and control group (n = 136) according to the Diagnostic criteria of occupational noise-induced deafness (GBZ 49-2007). The case group was composed of 127 workers with a mean binaural high-frequency hearing threshold not less than 40 dB, as measured using an electro-audiometer, while the control group was composed of 136 workers with a mean binaural high-frequency hearing threshold less than 40 dB, as measured using the electro-audiometer, who were on shift in the same position as the cases and matched with them for age, sex, and years of noise exposure. Peripheral venous blood (2 ml) was collected from each subject during physical examination to extract genomic DNA, and genotypes were identified using a TaqMan probe.

RESULTSPON2 genotypes rs7493 CG+GG, rs7785846 CT+TT, rs12026 CG+GG, and rs7786401 GT+TT were the risk factors for occupational noise-induced deafness, and the adjusted odds ratios (95%confidence intervals) were 5.87 (3.11∼11.07), 5.92 (3.10∼11.32), 5.53 (2.93∼10.45), and 5.93 (3.10∼11.34), respectively. In addition, the higher the noise exposure levels, the higher the risk of developing occupational noise-induced deafness among the individuals carrying mutant genotypes.

CONCLUSIONPON2 genotypes rs7493 CG+GG, rs7785846 CT+TT, rs12026 CG+GG, and rs7786401 GT +TT may be associated with the susceptibility to occupational noise-induced deafness among Chinese Han population exposed to high noise levels, and the effects of mutant genotypes and noise exposure levels may be mutually enhanced.

Adult ; Aryldialkylphosphatase ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced ; etiology ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Noise, Occupational ; adverse effects ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo study the influence of compound Biejia Ruangan Prescription (CBRP) on extracelluar matrix in bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis rats.

METHOD54 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (9 rats in each group). Rats in the model control group, positive medicine group, and high, moderate and low CBRP groups were injected with bleomycin A5 by trachea, and rats in sham-model control group with same volume normal saline. 29 days after the injection, CBRP solution of different dosages (1.4 g x kg(-1), 0.7 g x kg(-1), 0.35 g x kg(-1)) was respectively given to rats in the high, moderate and low CBRP group by gavage, while equal volume of normal saline was given to those in the sham-model control group and model control group, and an equal volume of prednisone (0.56 mg x kg(-1)) was given to those in positive medicine control group. On the 80th day, the levels of III-collagen, IV-collagen, laminin and hyaluronic acid in the serum were determined, the determination of hydroxyproline in lung homogenates was analyzed, and the right lung was incised to make pathological sections which were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) and Masson staining for pathological diagnosis.

RESULTCBRP could decrease the levels of III-collagen, IV-collagen, laminin and hyaluronic acid in the serum.

CONCLUSIONCBRP may play its therapeutic role by leveling down the content of extracellular matrix in rats with pulmonary fibrosis induced by Bleomycin A5.

Animals ; Bleomycin ; analogs & derivatives ; Collagen Type III ; blood ; Collagen Type IV ; blood ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Hyaluronic Acid ; blood ; Hydroxyproline ; metabolism ; Laminin ; blood ; Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Materia Medica ; pharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; pathology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo estimate the size of female sex workers and clients in Taizhou city.

METHODSA household survey using network scale-up method (NSUM) was conducted among the 3000 community residents in Taizhou city from August to October in 2011, which aimed to estimate the social network size (c value) of Taizhou residents, and the c value was adjusted by demographic characteristics, back estimation and outlier elimination. Using the adjusted c value, the number of acquaintance of female sex workers or clients and the respect level toward female sex workers or clients were used to estimate the size of female sex workers and clients.

RESULTSA total of 2783 valid questionnaires were collected, among which 1380 (49.6%) were collected from Taixing city, 1403 (50.4%) were collected from Jingjiang city. 1334 respondents were male (47.9%) and 1449 (47.9%) respondents were female. The mean age was (39.4 ± 10.7) years. The average personal social network size using original data for Taizhou residents was 525, which differed from place, sex, age, educational level and marriage status. Using the remaining known populations through back estimation, the social network size was 419 and became 424 after the elimination of outliers. The estimated population size for female sex worker was 6370 (95%CI: 5886 - 6853), which accounted for 0.52% (6370/1 229 980) of the total number of female aged from 15 to 49. The estimated population size for clients was 15 202 (95%CI: 14 560 - 15 847), which accounted for 1.28% (15 202/1 190 340) of the total number of males aged from 15 to 49 and the ration of clients to female sex worker was 2.39:1.

CONCLUSIONNSUM is an easy and quick way to estimate the size of female sex workers or clients, but the estimated sizes are subject to bias and error due to estimate effect and sample representativeness.

Adolescent ; Adult ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sex Work ; statistics & numerical data ; Sex Workers ; statistics & numerical data ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDExtensive research toward creating a biological pacemaker by enhancement of inward depolarizing current has been performed. However, studies have mainly focused on inducing spontaneous activity and have not adequately addressed ways to improve pacemaker function. In this study we attempted to improve pacemaker function by altering connexin expression in rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to a phenotype similar to native sinus node pacemaker cells.

METHODSTo generate a biological pacemaker, MSCs were transduced with a cardiac pacemaker gene-hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 4 (HCN4), via transfection with a lentiviral vector. Funny current (I(f)) in HCN4(+) MSCs was recorded by voltage-clamp. Overexpression of connexin 45 (gene Gja7) in MSCs was achieved by transfection with the plasmid pDsRED2-N1-Gja7-RFP. Double-immunolabelling with anti-connexin 43 and anti-connexin 45 antibodies were used to identify the gap junction channels. The effects of the genetically modified MSCs on cardiomyocyte excitability were determined in MSCs cocultured with neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. Spontaneous action potentials of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes were recorded by current-clamp.

RESULTSHigh level time- and voltage-dependent inward hyperpolarization current that was sensitive to 4 mmol/L Cs(+) was detected in HCN4(+) MSCs, confirming that HCN4 acted as I(f) channels in MSCs. Connexin 43 and connexin 45 were simultaneously detected in CX45(+) MSCs. Beating frequency was (82 +/- 8) beats per minute (n = 5) in myocytes cocultured with non-transfected control MSCs, versus (129 +/- 11) beats per minute (n = 5) in myocytes cocultured with HCN4(+) MSCs. Myocytes cocultured with MSCs cotransfected with HCN4 and connexin 45 had the highest beating frequency at (147 +/- 9) beats per minute (n = 5).

CONCLUSIONThese findings demonstrate that overexpression of connexin 45 and subsequent formation of heteromeric connexin 45/connexin 43 gap junction channels in HCN4 expressing MSCs can improve their function as cardiac biological pacemakers in vitro.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Biological Clocks ; physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Connexins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Electrophysiology ; Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; physiology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; metabolism ; physiology ; Potassium Channels ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction