OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy of Xingnaojing Injection (XI) in treatment of sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE).

METHODSTotally 65 SAE patients were retrospectively analyzed at EICU from September 2010 to September 2013. They were assigned to the control group (32 cases) and the treatment group (33 cases) according to whether they received XI. Patients in the control group received anti-infection and symptomatic support, while those in the treatment group were intravenously injected with XI at 20 mL per day for additional 7-10 days. The fever clearance time, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), C-reactive protein (CRP), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and improvement of electroen-cephalogram (EEG) were observed in the two groups.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the fever clearance time was shortened, CRP levels decreased, GCS score and efficacy of EEG was alleviated in the treatment group after treatment with statistical difference (P < 0.05). No adverse reaction occurred during medication.

CONCLUSIONX1 was safe and effective in treatment of SAE.

C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Injections ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase ; metabolism ; Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

This paper introduces the technology of recognizing CD4 cell by a computer, which successfully segments the objects from the background through image processing and analyses the four features including geometric features, optical density, color and texture features. The method based on Principal Component Analysis algorithm is used for feature extraction, and a Back Propagation neural network classifier is constructed, from which the CD4 cell can be well recognized. CD4 cell, image segmentation, feature analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Back Propagation (BP) neural network classifier is constructed, from which the CD4 cell can be well recognized.
Algorithms ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; cytology ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Microscopy ; methods ; Neural Networks (Computer) ; Principal Component Analysis

Isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IDI) is a key enzyme in the regulation of triterpenes biosynthesis and plays an important role in ginsenoside biosynthesis. In this study, two IDI genes, PvfIDI1 (GenBank No. MZ736417) and PvfIDI2 (GenBank No. MZ736418) were cloned from Panax vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus. The open reading frame of both PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 was 924 bp encoding 307 amino acids. The molecular weights of PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 were 34.84 kDa and 34.66 kDa, respectively, with theoretical pIs of 6.01 and 5.66. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 contained two conserved sequences: TNTCCSHPL and WGEHELDY. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 were closely related to Panax notoginseng IDI. Expression analysis showed that both PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 genes are expressed in root, rhizome, stem and leaf of P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus. However, PvfIDI1 is highly expressed in the rhizome and PvfIDI2 is highly expressed in the stem. PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 recombinant proteins were expressed in E. coli; a functional coloration experiment showed that PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 could promote the accumulation of lycopene, indicating that both PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 encode functional IDI enzymes. The cloning and functional studies on PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 provide a foundation for the further study of IDI and the regulation of ginsenoside biosynthesis in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus.

The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of compound tianpupian (TPP) against (2)O(2)-induced the apoptosis of murine splenic lymphocytes and its mechanism. The cell apoptosis rate was detected by MTT method; the cell apoptosis and mitochondrial membrance potential were detected by flow cytometry (FCM) with Annexi-V/PI double staining and JC-1 staining method, respectively; and caspase 3 relative activity was determined by colorimetry. The results indicated that after treating with (2)O(2), the absorbance value of cultured lymphocytes and the red/green ratio of JC-1 were reduced, and the apoptotic rate and caspase 3 activity were increased, coculture of (2)O(2)-treated cells with compound TPP increased the cell absorbance ratio and red/green rate of JC-1, while reduced the apoptosis rate and caspase 3 activity. It is concluded that compound TPP alleviates intracellular oxidative damages and dose-dependently inhibited apoptosis of murine splenic lymphocytes through reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibiting caspase 3 activity. This suggests that compound TPP is a potential anti-apoptotic agent.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Grape Seed Extract ; pharmacology ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; adverse effects ; Lymphocyte Count ; Lymphocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Proanthocyanidins ; pharmacology ; Rhodiola

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the practical value and the advantages of globe geographical positioning with wireless communication monitoring and supervision system in the field survey.

METHODSSpots which were randomly sampled by the National Ministry of Health for the investigation were chosen in the endemic areas for schistosomiasis in Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Anhui, Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. Portable GPS CEC9680 was used for collecting relevant waypoints and track, recording on-the-spot geographical positions. The positioning data package was sent back synchronously in the form of short message of SMS to the monitoring service center, and the moving routes of the terminal receiver monitored were displayed on the GIS map to achieve real-time supervision and staff scheduling.

RESULTSWith globe geographical positioning with wireless communication monitoring and supervision system, accurate positioning of 12 spots in the provinces of Jiangsu and 3 trial spots for schistosomiasis control with comprehensive treatment designated by the State Council has been established with real-time communicating recording, and monitoring systems.

CONCLUSIONThe globe geographical positioning with wireless communication monitoring and supervision system has provided a technical platform for the survey of schistosomiasis and other infectious diseases.

Animals ; China ; Environmental Monitoring ; methods ; Epidemiological Monitoring ; Geographic Information Systems ; Humans ; Schistosomiasis ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; prevention & control

OBJECTIVETo investigate the usefulness of percentage of free prostate specific antigen (FPSA/TPSA) in serum/PSA density [(F/T)/PSAD] in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

METHODSTwo hundred and four patients who had been carried out transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy, were involved in this study. Among them, 90 patients were proved to be suffering from prostate cancer, and other 114 patients were identified as benign prostate hypertrophy. The effect of total serum PSA level, FPSA/TPSA, PSAD and (F/T)/PSAD in the diagnosis of prostate cancer were investigated, and at the same time, selecting patients who should be carried out a prostate biopsy.

RESULTSThe mean values of (F/T)/PSAD were significantly lower for patients with prostate cancer in different PSA levels (<4.0, 4.0-, 10.1-, >20.0 microg/L), when compared with benign prostate hypertrophy patients. This difference has arrived statistical significance (P < 0.05). (F/T)/PSAD could provide higher specificity for diagnosing prostate cancer than FPSA/TPSA or PSAD. Among all patients, at the same higher sensitivity (about 90%), the specificity of FPSA/TPSA, PSAD and (F/T)/PSAD was 31.6%, 45.6% and 64.0%, respectively. At the same time, it was suggested that clinicians use different cutoffs for (F/T)/PSAD in different PSA level. When PSA level of patients was no more than 4.0 microg/L, 2.5 as the commended cutoff for (F/T)/PSAD was preferred; if PSA level was between 4.0 microg/L and 20.0 microg/L, 0.8 was a more suitable cutoff; 0.5 also could be taken as an appropriate cutoff in case of PSA level being higher than 20.0 microg/L.

CONCLUSIONSKeeping high sensitivity, using of (F/T)/PSAD can improve the diagnostic specificity of prostate cancer significantly.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biopsy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostate ; pathology ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; blood ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; blood ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the detection of prostate cancer in different prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and the predict value of PSA, digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasound scan (TRUS) and PSA density (PSAD).

METHODSThe clinical data of 634 cases who had underwent transrectal ultrasound guided systematic sextant prostate biopsies between April 1996 to December 2002 due to being suspicious of prostate cancer were retrospectively analyzed. The detection of prostate cancer in different PSA groups, namely PSA < or = 4.0, 4.1-, 10.1-, > 20.0 microg/L, and the predict values of PSA, DRE, TRUS and PSAD were statistically analyzed using t test, chi2 test and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSThe rates of prostate cancer detection in different PSA groups were 11.6%, 26.8%, 39.8% and 68.6%, respectively. The higher the PSA, the higher the rate of prostate cancer detection, the same was the positive predictive value of DRE and TRUS. The sensitivity and specificity of PSA > 4.0 microg/L were 93.0% and 33.0%, and the efficiency of DRE and TRUS were very low. Logistic regression analysis indicated that PSAD was the most risk factor of prostate cancer in the group of PSA 4.1-20.0 microg/L (OR = 687.09 +/- 646.96, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONSThe rates of prostate cancer detection in different PSA groups are different compared with other countries. The screening roles of DRE and TRUS are dependent on PSA level. Utilization of the screening protocol which to stratify cases into three PSA groups, namely PSA < or = 4.0, 4.1 - 20.0, > 20.0 microg/L, can elevate the positive rate of prostate biopsies without sacrificing cancers detected.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biopsy, Needle ; methods ; Digital Rectal Examination ; methods ; Early Diagnosis ; Endosonography ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Middle Aged ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prostate ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; blood ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; blood ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography ; methods

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of the aluminum hydroxide (Al-OH) adjuvant on the 2009 pandemic influenza A/H1N1 (pH1N1) vaccine.

METHODSIn a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, participants received two doses of split-virion formulation containing 15 μg hemagglutinin antigen, with or without aluminum hydroxide (Al-OH). We classified the participants into six age categories (>61 years, 41-60 years, 19-40 years, 13-18 years, 8-12 years, and 3-7 years) and obtained four blood samples from each participant on days 0, 21, 35, and 42 following the first dose of immunization. We assessed vaccine immunogenicity by measuring the geometric mean titer (GMT) of hemagglutination inhibiting antibody. We used a two-level model to evaluate the fixed effect of aluminum Al-OH and other factors, accounting for repeated measures.

RESULTSThe predictions of repeated measurement on GMTs of formulations with or without Al-OH, were 80.35 and 112.72, respectively. Al-OH significantly reduced immunogenicity after controlling for time post immunization, age-group and gender.

CONCLUSIONThe Al-OH adjuvant does not increase but actually reduces the immunogenicity of the split-virion pH1N1 vaccine.

Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic ; chemistry ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aluminum Hydroxide ; chemistry ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; immunology ; Influenza Vaccines ; adverse effects ; chemistry ; immunology ; Influenza, Human ; epidemiology ; immunology ; prevention & control ; virology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Models, Statistical ; Pandemics ; Young Adult

The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors for overall survival at 5 years in 96 patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation by retrospective analysis. 11 clinical parameters including age, sex, disease status, HLA locus, donor type, donor-recipient blood type, conditioning regimen, aGVHD, HC, VOD and IP were selected for univariate analysis by using a Cox regression. Factors have statistic significance at the 0.1 level on univariate analysis were evaluated by multivariate analysis by a Coxs regression. The cumulative incidence of aGVHD and survival rate of patients were calculated by the method of Kaplan and Meier. The results showed that 95 patients achieved sustained donor engraftment except 1 patients. The median time of leukocyte engraftment (ANC > or = 0.5 x 10(9)/L) was 13 days. The aGVHD of I - IV grade was observed in 42 out of 96 patients (43.75%), in which 11 patients were with aGVHD of I grade (11.46%), 19 patients were with aGVHD of II grade (19.79%), 12 patients were with aGVHD of III - IV grade (12.50%). Out of 96 patients 10 relapsed and 38 dead, the overall survival at 5 years was 60.42%. The Cox regression analysis showed that aGVHD and disease status before transplant were main factors affecting long-term survival of patients, relative risks of which were 2.996 and 2.619 respectively. It is concluded that the main factors affecting long-term survival of patients are aGVHD and disease status. The key to improve the outcome of allo-HSCT is to reduce the incidence and severity of aGVHD, meanwhile to select the CR1 for allo-HSCT to treat the patients in advanced refractory and relapsed situation should be considered as important risk factors.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Graft vs Host Disease ; etiology ; mortality ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; mortality ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Survival Rate ; Transplantation, Homologous ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEIt is important to use noninvasive methods to differentiate liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the validity of ultrasonography (US) in evaluating the severity of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis in reference to the pathologic diagnosis of their liver biopsy specimens.

METHODSThe liver fibrosis status of 324 chronic viral hepatitis patients was evaluated by both needle biopsy and US. Histologically their liver fibrosis was graded as S0-S4, and the inflammatory reaction in the liver was graded as G1-G4. The US examination included qualitative description of the liver surface and liver parenchyma, and the quantitative parameters were vascular diameters, blood flow volume and spleen size.

RESULTSUS qualitative description of the liver surface and liver parenchyma was correlated to the severity of fibrosis and the degree of the inflammation seen in the liver biopsies. An analysis of US quantitative parameters showed that a cut-off value of 12.1 cm for the length of spleen had a sensitivity of 60.0%, and specificity of 75.3% in detecting early liver fibrosis. For other quantitative parameters, the cut-off values were 8mm for the diameter of the splenic vein, 30.5 cm/sec for maximal blood flow velocity in the portal vein and 12 mm in diameter of the main portal vein. The diagnostic sensitivities for these parameters were 60.0%, 78.6% and 76.7%; the diagnostic specificities were 78.1%, 66.9% and 44.6% respectively.

CONCLUSIONEarly cirrhosis can be detected by US, and the sonographic results were well paralleled with their pathologic diagnoses made by liver biopsies. Individual US parameter has limited sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing early cirrhosis. In clinical practice a combination of 2-3 parameters could be used to detect or exclude severe liver fibrosis.

Adult ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; diagnostic imaging ; virology ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Ultrasonography