To understand the sero-epidemiological features of rickettesiosis of humans and domestic animals in Yunnan province, blood samples from 237 adults in different geographic area, including Xundian country,Yulong country and Simao country and 81 children aged from 4 to 6 years old were collected for serological testing. In addition, 90 blood samples from dogs, goats and ox in each investigated area were also collected. Antibodies against 8 rickettsiae, including R.typhi, R.heilongjiangii or R.sibirica, Orientia tsutsugamushi Karp or Kato, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Anaplasma phagocytosis, Bartonella henselae, Coxiella burnetii and Hainan spotted fever group of rickettsia were examined by using immunofluorescence assays(IFA).It was found that the sero-epidemiologic rates of R.typhi, B.henselae and C.burnetii (16.46%、6.33% and 9.28%) of adults were higher than those of other rickerrsiae investigated. The positive rates of IgG antibody against R.typhi for children also shared the higher rate (12.35%). Similar sero-epidemiologic features were found for domestic animals. Among the 8 rickettsia tested in this study, the positive rate of IgG antibody against R.typhi appeared to be the highest(61.48%) without significant difference among these investigated sites. From this investigation, it is evident that the rickettsial infection of farm population and domestic animals are common in Yunnan province, and the active surveillance of rickettsiosis and differential diagnosis of unknown febrile patients in clinical practice should be enforced.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Benzene ; poisoning ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Occupational Exposure ; Thrombocytopenia ; chemically induced ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Zhigancao Decoction (ZD) containing serum on transient outward potassium current (I(to)) in isolated single ventricular myocyte of rabbits.

METHODSSingle rabbit ventricular myocytes were isolated and divided into 6 groups, the normal group, the non-drug-containing serum group, and the ZD groups, they were treated with normal extracellular fluid alone or with ZD containing serum recording technique was used to observe the changes of I(to).

RESULTSAfter treated with 5%, 10%, 20% and 40% ZD containing serum, the I(to) was inhibited and its peak value dropped from (16.1 +/- 1.4) PA/PF to (13.9 +/-1.5) PA/PF, (11.8 +/- 1.9) PA/PF, (8.3 +/- 1.5) PA/PF and (8.2 +/- 1.2) PA/PF respectively, and the effect could be eliminated by elution.

CONCLUSIONZD containing serum could inhibit the I(to) in isolated ventricular myocytes of rabbits in a concentration-dependent manner, which may be the mechanism of antiarrhythmic action of ZI).

Animals ; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Electrophysiology ; Heart Ventricles ; cytology ; Male ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Potassium Channels ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Serum

OBJECTIVETo investigate the therapeutic effect of glucocorticoids on the acute pulmonary edema in rats induced by nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).

METHODSThirty SD female rats were randomly equally divided into 5 groups: normal control group, NO₂ exposed group, high-, middle- and low-dose of glucocorticoids treated group (6 rats per group). 6 rats in the normal control group were exposed to room air for 30 min, and the other rats to NO₂. 18 rats in the glucocorticoids group were treated with different doses of dexamethasone (6.0, 3.0, 1.0 mg/kg), while the rats in the NO₂ poisoning group were treated with normal saline (2.5 mg/kg). The lung wet/dry (W/D) weight ratio was calculated, and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity from whole blood, plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSThe lung W/D ratios were increased significantly in glucocorticoids treated group and NO₂-exposed group compared with normal control group (P < 0.05), while they were significantly reduced in glucocorticoids treated group as compared with NO₂-exposed group (P < 0.05). SOD activity in whole blood in glucocorticoids treated group and NO₂-exposed group was significantly lower than that of normal control group (P < 0.05), while it was no significant difference between that of glucocorticoids treated group and NO₂-exposed group (P > 0.05). Plasma ANP was significantly increased in NO₂-exposed group compared with normal control group (P < 0.05), while it was significantly decreased in glucocorticoids treated group compared with NO₂-exposed group (P > 0.05). Plasma TNF-α of high-, middle- and low-dose of glucocorticoids treated group [(27.04 ± 8.19), (40.10 ± 9.09), (39.76 ± 9.60) pg/ml] was decreased significantly as compared with NO₂-exposed group (68.55 ± 27.84 pg/ml) (P < 0.05). Plasma IL-6 in high- and middle-dose of glucocorticoids treated group [(15.97 ± 6.18), (19.69 ± 5.52) pg/ml] was significantly decreased as compared to NO₂-exposed group [(29.29 ± 9.31) pg/ml] (P < 0.05). Plasma IL-10 in high-, middle- and low-dose of glucocorticoids treated group [(23.24 ± 5.14), (27.78 ± 8.17), (33.29 ± 10.42) pg/ml] was significantly reduced compared with NO₂-exposed group [(44.38 ± 9.19) pg/ml] (P < 0.05). Plasma IFN-γ in high- and middle-dose of glucocorticoids treated group [(7.21 ± 4.55), (19.23 ± 4.35) pg/ml] was reduced compared with NO₂-exposed group [(30.83 ± 6.82) pg/ml] (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHigh-, middle-, low-dose glucocorticoids all can improve the permeability of alveolar wall and capillary, and have nonspecific anti-inflammatory effects. The therapeutic effects on pulmonary edema are significant. High and middle dose of glucocorticoids treated group are more useful for decreased inflammatory factors.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Glucocorticoids ; therapeutic use ; Nitrogen Dioxide ; toxicity ; Pulmonary Edema ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Intracranial arterial dolichoectasia (IADE), also known as dilatative arteriopathy of the brain vessels, refers to an increase in the length and diameter of at least one intracranial artery, and accounts for approximately 12% of all patients with stroke. However, the association of IADE with stroke is usually unclear. Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is characterized by pathological changes in the small vessels. Clinically, patients with CSVD can be asymptomatic or present with stroke or cognitive decline. In the past 20 years, a series of studies have strongly promoted an understanding of the association between IADE and CSVD from clinical and pathological perspectives. It has been proposed that IADE and CSVD may be attributed to abnormal vascular remodeling driven by an abnormal matrix metalloproteinase/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase pathway. Also, IADErelated hemodynamic changes may result in initiation or progression of CSVD. Additionally, genetic factors are implicated in the pathogenesis of IADE and CSVD. Patients with Fabry’s disease and late-onset Pompe’s disease are prone to developing concomitant IADE and CSVD, and patients with collagen IV alpha 1 or 2 gene (COL4A1/COL4A2) and forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) variants present with IADE and CSVD. Race, strain, familial status, and vascular risk factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of IADE and CSVD. As well, experiments in mice have pointed to genetic strain as a predisposing factor for IADE and CSVD. However, there have been few direct genetic studies aimed towards determining the association between IADE and CSVD. In the future, more clinical and basic research studies are needed to elucidate the causal relationship between IADE and CSVD and the related molecular and genetic mechanisms.

OBJECTIVETo discuss the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of the clinical characteristics and prognosis of asbestosis complicated with malignant mesothelioma patients.

METHODSIn 3 cases of asbestosis complicated with malignant mesothelioma were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSIn the 3 patients, 2 cases of pleural mesothelioma, with chest tightness, chest and back pain as initial symptom; 1 case of peritoneal mesothelioma, with abdominal distention, abdominal pain, dysuria as initial symptom. One case of the pleural mesothelioma misdiagnosed as tuberculous pleurisy. 3 patients were in CT or B ultrasound guided biopsy pathology confirmed to be malignant mesothelioma. 2 patients received systemic chemotherapy, another received symptomatic and supportive treatment. Up till now, 3 patients have died.

CONCLUSIONThe disease is a high degree of malignant, the early clinical manifestations are not specific, easily missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. The treatment effect is not ideal, the prognosis is poor. Biopsy is a reliable method for diagnosis of MM.

Abdominal Pain ; Asbestosis ; complications ; diagnosis ; Back Pain ; Biopsy ; Diagnostic Errors ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; complications ; diagnosis ; Mesothelioma ; complications ; diagnosis ; Peritoneal Neoplasms ; Pleural Neoplasms ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Tuberculosis, Pleural

OBJECTIVETo explore the methods of surgical treatment and preservation of laryngeal function in senile patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma.

METHODSA retrospective data review of 87 advanced laryngeal carcinoma patients aged over 65 years was carried out. Of these 87 patients treated by different modes of surgery, 48 had supraglottic cancer, 35 glottic cancer and 4 subglottic cancer. The surgery modes consisted of major partial laryngectomy in 36 patients, subtotal partial laryngectomy with laryngoplasty in 21 and total laryngectomy in 30. All patients received postoperative radiotherapy to a dose of 50-60 Gy. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival.

RESULTSThe overall 3- and 5-year survival rate was 73.2% and 67.4%, respectively. The ultimate rate of larynx preservation was 65.5%. Of 57 patients with partial laryngectomy, 46 were decannulated with a decannulation rate of 80.7%. Yet, in all patients, the nasal feeding tube was removed and food intake per os was resumed. All patients who underwent partial laryngectomy regained their phonation function.

CONCLUSIONIt is safe and effective to treat and preserve laryngeal function surgically in the senile patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma. The key points to achieve this are selection of proper patient, renovation of surgical procedure and improvement of surgical skill.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Laryngectomy ; methods ; Larynx ; pathology ; surgery ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Neck Dissection ; methods ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Postoperative Period ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene expression and radiosensitivity of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.

METHODSEGFR sequence-specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA-EGFR) was chemically synthesized. NSCLC cell line SPC-A1 was transfected with dsRNA-EGFR formulated with Lipofectamine 2000. Western blot and real-time PCR were used to determine the EGFR mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Colony inhibition test was adopted to observe the radiosensitizing effect. To establish the nude mouse tumor models, calculate the tumor growth inhibition rate and make the tumor growth curve by measuring its size and weight.

RESULTSEGFR mRNA levels were 1.51 ± 0.22, 1.38 ± 0.15 and 0.45 ± 0.11 in the control group, dsRNA-unrelated group and dsRNA-EGFR group, respectively (F = 482.7, P < 0.01). The contents of EGFR protein were 2340.87 ± 10.99, 2231.85 ± 35.66 and 832.03 ± 39.13 in the control group, dsRNA-unrelated group and dsRNA-EGFR group, respectively (F = 263.3, P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, dsRNA-EGFR sequence specifically decreased the expressions of EGFR mRNA by 70.2% and EGFR protein by 64.5%. The colony inhibition rates of the control group, dsRNA-unrelated combined with radiotherapy group and dsRNA-EGFR combined with radiotherapy group were 9.3%, 12.5% and 65.5%, and the tumor growth inhibition rates were 21.3%, 24.4% and 64.2%, respectively. The combination of dsRNA-EGFR and radiotherapy significantly inhibited the tumor growth in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONSDsRNA-EGFR shows an apparent inhibitory effect on the expression of EGFR mRNA and protein of NSCLC cells, effectively inhibit the tumor growth in vivo, and enhance the radiosensitivity of NSCLC.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; radiation effects ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; RNA, Double-Stranded ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Radiation Tolerance ; Random Allocation ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Tumor Burden ; radiation effects

Adult ; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic ; Cholecystitis ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Lactation ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical features of mid- and long-term acute cardiac allograft rejection to improve the long-term clinical outcomes of the patients.

METHODSFourteen recipients (11 males and 3 females) underwent orthotopic heart transplantation with standard immunosuppressive therapy protocols (3 cases) or induction therapy protocols (11 cases). Cyclosporine, azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone were applied as the maintenance immunosuppressive regimen. Acute graft rejection episodes occurred within 3 to 6 months in 1 case, within 6 months to 1 year in 3 cases, within 1 to 2 years in 3 cases, within 2 to 5 years in 6 cases, and above 5 years in 1 case.

RESULTSNo significant difference was found in the incidence of late heart rejection between the patients receiving the two immunosuppressive therapy protocols. Immunosuppressants were withdrawn or spared in 8 recipients due to different causes. Nine recipients with steroid-sensitive acute cardiac allograft rejection were treated with steroid-pulse therapy, while the other 5 were treated with a short course of polyclonal antithymocyte antibodies because of steroid-resistant acute rejection; in 11 cases, azathioprine was converted to mycophenolate mofetil. Four of the 5 late deaths occurred in the recipients with steroid-resistant rejection. The surviving recipients had a good quality of life, and no recurrent episodes of rejection or infection were observed in the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONSLate acute cardiac allograft rejection is associated mainly with patient compliance but not with early immunosuppressive therapy protocols. The episodes are rather severe and should be timely treated with steroid pulses or polyclonal antithymocyte antibodies.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cyclosporine ; Female ; Graft Rejection ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Heart Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Immunosuppression ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mycophenolic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; Young Adult