AIM: To observe the clinical curative effect of sparse wind clearing heat method combined with western medicine treatment on epithelial herpes simplex keratitis ( HSK) .
METHODS: A total of 75 cases ( 75 eyes ) of patients with epithelial HSK were divided into the treatment group 38 cases ( 38 eyes ) and the control group 37 cases ( 37 eyes) . The patients of the control group were treated with ganciclovir drop and symptomatic treatment. On the basis of the above treatment plan, the patients of the treatment group were treated with sparse wind clearing heat decoction. Clinical curative effect was observed and analyzed.
RESULTS:In the treatment group, curative rate was 79% and effective rate was 95%. In the control group, curative rate was 54% and effective rate was 78%. The differences had significant difference between the two groups (P<0. 05). The corneal lesion healing index in the treatment group was better than that in the control group (P<0. 05). At 6mo follow-up the recurrence rate was 10%in the treatment group, and the control group with 40%, and there was significant difference between the two groups ( P < 0. 05 ). The average healing time of the treatment group was 14. 74±8. 58d, and the control group was 19. 68 ± 8. 71d. There was significant difference between the two groups (P<0. 05).
CONCLUSION: Sparse wind clearing heat method combined with western medicine treatment on epithelial HSK has preferably curative effect.

Objective To discuss the imaging diagnostic features of adrenal injury. Methods The imaging features of the 29 patients of adrenal bruise and hernatoma (20 male and 9 females, average age 37) were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical appearances were all flank and hack pain, local sensitive to percus-sion and associated injury appearance. Among the 29 cases, 25 cases(86%) had adrenal injuries on right side, 2 cases(7%) on left side, and 2 cases(7%) on both sides, and no apparent abnormality was found in the relevant endocrine examination after injury. CT (n=29), MRI (n=5) and ultrasonography (n=6) were checked. CT follow-up were taken in 23 eases. MRI (n=1) and ultrasonography (n=l) were followed as well. Results The first-time exam coincidences of CT, MRI and sonography were 28/29 (97%), 5/5 (100%) and 3/6 (50%) respectively. One case of simple right-side adrenal hematoma 3 weeks after injury wasn't clearly diagnosed by CT, which was later diagnosed by MRI. The CT features of adrenal bruise were local or diffuse intumescence and focus high-density hemorrhage shadow. The CT appearances of acute stage adrenal hematoma were round-like high-density shadow without enhancement and the diameters were 1-3 cm. MRI appearances of 5 cases of subacute and chronic phase hematoma were typical high signal of T1WI, T2WI and DWI and toroid low signal around T2WI. Hematorna was not be enhanced when CT or MRI en-hancement scanning, and formed characteristic "nut-like" image feature with toroid high-density or high sig-nal enhanced shadow forming around. Uhrasonography appearances of 3 cases of hematoma were abnormal shadow of the adrenal gland. Conclusions CT is the prior imaging method for adrenal bruise and hemato-ma. MRI has the characteristic appearance for the few cases which are difficult to be identified by CT and ul-trasonography. Characteristic "nut-like" image feature is helpful for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

OBJECTIVETo provide biomechanics basis for acupuncture improving motor function of stroke patients.

METHODSWith randomized controlled trial method, 21 cases were randomly divided into a control group (n = 10) and an acupuncture group (n = 10). The control group was only treated with basic neurology therapies, and acupuncture at Shenshu (BL 23), Qihaishu (BL 24), Dachangshu (BL 25) and Pishu (BL 20) etc. were added in the acu-puncture group. After treatment for 2 weeks, the scores of Fugl-Meyer (lower limb part) and Barthel Index assessment before and after treatment were compared, and the changes of the single-foot supporting phase rate were observed.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the scores of Fugl-Meyer (lower limb part) and Barthel Index assessment had no significant difference in the two groups as compared with those before treatment (P > 0.05), and the single-foot supporting phase rate in acupuncture group had very significant improvement as compared with both those before treatment and those in the control group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture can increase the single-foot supporting phase rate of stroke patients and the biomechanics assessment is more sensitive than the rehabilitation scale assessment.

Acupuncture Points ; Aged ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Foot ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stroke ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo explore the possibility of using distraction osteogenesis to repair skull defect.

METHODS17 goats with one year age were chosen randomly. The animals were divided to 3 groups. Group A includes 7 goats, a 3.0 cm x 2.2 cm rectangle skull defect is created on both sides of parietal area. Group B includes 5 goats, a 2.2 cm x 2.2 cm square skull defect was created on right side of parietal area. Group C includes 5 goats, a 3 cm x 1 cm rectangle skull defect was created on both sides of parietal area. Accordingly, different size of transport discs were created on right side of skull and the distraction apparatus is implanted. 3-D CT was done to measure the skull defect on group A. Biomechanical test was done on group B. Process of bone formation illustrated by histological stain, scan and transparent electric microscope was observed on group C.

RESULTSGroup A measured by 3-D CT showed that skull defect of experimental side have been repaired by distraction osteogenesis. There was definitely difference between experimental and control side (P < 0.01). Group B measured by biomechanical test showed no definitely difference between experimental and normal side (maximum load P = 0.235 > 0.05, rigidity P = 0.213 > 0.05). Group C showed that the process of bone formation was typical intramembranous.

CONCLUSIONSThe evidence showed that skull defect of goat can be repaired by distraction osteogenesis.

Animals ; Goats ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; Skull ; pathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of early intervention by pravastatin with two different dosage on inflammatory factors and endothelial vasodilator function in patients with unstable angina (UA).

METHODS108 patients with UA were investigated consecutively and divided randomly into three groups (group 20 mg, n = 37; group 10 mg, n = 37; group control, n = 34). Blood samples were examined at admission and 4, 8 weeks after the therapy of pravastatin. Fourty patients of UA were chosen from those three groups (15, 15 and 10 cases respectively). The endothelium-dependent vasodilation and the function of vascular endothelium of them were measured. In the dosage of 20 mg pravastatin group non-endothelium-dependent vasodilation in brachial artery was also tested by ultrasound before and 8 weeks after the therapy. Cardiac events were followed up for 2 months.

RESULTS(1) The use of pravastatin in early admission period of UA could significantly reduce inflammatory factors and improve vascular endothelium function, which was more obviously in the group of 20 mg/d than in group of 10 mg/d. These benefits occurred in 4th week and more obviously in 8th week after the therapy. (2) The lipid lowering therapy in the early stage of admission (24 - 48 h) resulted in the reduction of cardiac events in the hospital.

CONCLUSIONThe use of pravastatin 20 mg/d seems better than that of 10 mg/d in all the fields as above in early admission period of UA patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Angina, Unstable ; drug therapy ; Anticholesteremic Agents ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Inpatients ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pravastatin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Prospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of mandibular vitodynamics in powerful bite working condition and impact working condition after mandibular angle osteotomy through 3-dimensional finit element analysis.

METHODSA patient of prominent mandibualr angle without malocclusion was selected and underwent 3-dimensional CT before and after operation. The DICOM data of 3-dimensional CT were read by Mimics software and 3-dimensional images were reconstructed. Then the 3-dimensional images were changed into IGES format and imported into ANSYS10.0. The boundary constrained condition and pre-processing condition was setting in ANSYS10.0 software. The 3-dimensional finite element models were generated in ANSYS10.0. Solution process was running and most powerful bite working condition and impact working condition were simulated and calculated.

RESULTSIn static stress analysis, the stress peak and stress maximal value point of mandible were basically at equal pace in preoperative and postoperative models. In transience dynamic stress analysis, although stress discrepancies were found in part time point and some region of mandible between preoperative model and postoperative model, the direction and topography of main stress were basically at equal pace. Main stress distributed beside external oblique line and concentrates at the neck of condyle. There was no significant difference of stress conduction and distribution between preoperative and postoperative models.

CONCLUSIONSCompared with preoperative model, postoperative model has different transduction phases of stress, but has almost the same tolerance extents of main stress.

Female ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Mandible ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Osteotomy ; Stress, Mechanical

OBJECTIVETo observe the prophylactic effect of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis and the number, location, apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the livers and to discuss the relationship between the prophylactic effects and activated HSC.

METHODSA rat model of hepatic fibrosis was established by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. Curcumin doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg per 100 gram per 100g of body weight were given to three groups of the model rats. No curcumin was given to one group of the model rats and it served as the control. After eight weeks, all rats were sacrificed and their left liver lobes were examined histopathologically with H.E and Masson stainings. Grades of hepatic fibrosis were evaluated according to the SSS system. Activated HSC was detected by the alpha-SMA immunohistochemistry staining. HSC apoptosis was detected by double-stainings of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and desmin immunohistochemistry staining.

RESULTSDegrees (SSS system scores) of hepatic fibrosis in the curcumin groups were all less severe in comparison with those of the control group. Activated HSCs in the livers of the rats of the control group increased significantly compared with that of the treatment groups, and also fewer apoptotic HSCs were detected in the control group. On the contrary, fewer activated HSCs and more apoptotic HSCs were detected in the curcumin groups compared with those of the control group. The degrees of the effects were curcumin dose-dependent.

CONCLUSIONSCurcumin can prevent hepatic fibrosis. It can inhibit activation and proliferation of HSCs and induce HSCs apoptosis, which may be the mechanism(s) contributing to the prophylactic effects of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning ; Curcumin ; therapeutic use ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Hepatocytes ; pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between serum YKL-40 levels and endothelial function in patients with essential hypertension (EH).

METHODSixty EH patients [34 male, aged between 43 - 76 years, mean (59 ± 7) years] and 30 healthy subjects [17 male, mean age (57 ± 5) years] were enrolled in this study. Serum YKL-40 levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). Endothelial function [endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), flow-mediated dilatation (FMD)] was also measured. EH patients were further divided to no metabolic syndrome and metabolic syndrome group.

RESULTSSerum uric acid, ET-1, hs-CRP were significantly higher while serum NO, FMD and NMD were significantly lower in EH group than in control group (all P < 0.05). YKL-40 was significantly higher in EH group than in the control group [51.7 (35.6 - 341.9) µg/L vs. 33.2 (23.3 - 167.3) µg/L, P < 0.05] and significantly higher in EH patients with metabolic syndrome than in EH patients without metabolic syndrome (152.3 µg/L vs. 94.2 µg/L, P < 0.05). In this cohort, serum YKL-40 level was positively correlated with SBP, DBP, BMI, TG and hsCRP(r = 0.360, 0.303, 0.281, 0.216, 0.530, all P < 0.05)but not correlated with FMD, ET-1 and NO (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSSerum YKL-40 levels are increased compared to normal controls and positively correlated with blood pressure level but not with endothelial function parameters in hypertensive patients. Serum YKL-40 level might thus be used as a biomarker reflecting inflammation status other than endothelium function in hypertensive patients.

Adipokines ; blood ; Adult ; Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1 ; Endothelium, Vascular ; physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; blood ; physiopathology ; Lectins ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged

Objective To evaluate the clinical diagnosis and treatment of acute renal infarction.Methods Two cases (3 sides) of acute renal infarction were reported.The patients were 1 male and 1 female,with the age of 62 and 54 years.Case 1 presented acute left flank pain,and enhanced CT showed a non-enhanced area in the upper and mid pole of the left kidney.The diagnosis of focal renal infarction was made and treated with low-molecular heparin (6000 U ).Case 2 presented acute both right abdominal and flank pain,and enhanced CT showed right renal artery embolism and right renal complete infarction.Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and catheter thrombolytic therapy was applied.4 months later,the patient presented acute left flank pain,and enhanced CT showed a low density area in left kidney without enhanced by contrast,and DSA and catheter thrombolytic therapy was applied again.Results In case 1,contrastenhanced MRI showed a still low signal area like enhanced CT after 2 days of treatment.The renal function remained normal in the follow-up of 36 months.In case 2,the right kidney resorted to moderate blood flow but became atrophy later.In the follow-up of 4 months,a recurrent focal infarction was confirmed in left kidney by enhanced CT.The left kidney also resorted to moderate bloodflow after DSA and catheter thrombolytic therapy.The renal function became normal after follow-up of 10 months and no new infarction was observed.Conclusions The diagnosis of acute renal infraction could be made by enhanced CT or MRI.Early diagnosis and location of the infraction renal artery is critical for recovery of the impaired renal function.Acute renal infraction should be suspected in patients with unexplained persistent and steady flank or abdominal pain in emergence department.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the liver function in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL), who are hepatitis B surface antigen negative/antibody to hepatitis B core antigen positive (HBsAg-/HBcAb+), treated with CHOP and R-CHOP regimens.

METHODSIn this retrospective study, 86 DLBCL patients, who were HBsAg-/HBcAb+, were collected from Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 2005 and December 2008. The patients were given at least two cycles of chemotherapy using CHOP-like or R-CHOP-like regimen without anti-HBV treatment, and followed-up for at least 12 months after completion of therapy.

RESULTSForty-seven patients received CHOP-like regimen while 39 patients received R-CHOP-like regimen. There were no significant differences in the degree of liver dysfunction between CHOP group and R-CHOP group after the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th cycles (22.7% - 46.7% with CHOP and 17.6% - 34.2% with R-CHOP, respectively, (all P > 0.05), except for the 5th cycles (28.6% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.026). Liver function in most patients in CHOP group and R-CHOP group was normal after every cycle (53.3% - 77.3% and 65.8%-93.8%, respectively). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the degree of liver dysfunction between CHOP group and R-CHOP group in the 1st-3rd month, 4th-6th month, 7th-9th month and 10th-12th month after completion of therapy (7.7% - 40.0% with CHOP and 7.4% - 32.0% with R-CHOP, respectively, all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe present study reveals a low incidence of liver dysfunction in HBsAg-/HBcAb+ DLBCL patients, both in CHOP group and in R-CHOP group. It may indicate a potential low incidence of HBV reactivation in these groups, and Rituximab do not increase the rate of liver dysfunction. Therefore, these data may not support regularly prophylactic antiviral therapy during chemotherapy, but close monitoring of liver function, HBV serum markers and HBV DNA level are demanded.

Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; blood ; Bilirubin ; blood ; Cyclophosphamide ; therapeutic use ; Doxorubicin ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatitis B Antibodies ; metabolism ; Hepatitis B Core Antigens ; immunology ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; metabolism ; Humans ; Liver Function Tests ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; blood ; drug therapy ; immunology ; virology ; Male ; Prednisolone ; therapeutic use ; Prednisone ; therapeutic use ; Retrospective Studies ; Vincristine ; therapeutic use