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 study the safety, effectiveness and feasibility of suprapubis-assisted umbilical laparoendoscopic mini-dual-site surgery (SAU-LEMDS) in the treatment of varicocele.

METHODSThis study included 80 varicocele patients aged 24 - 44 (mean 28.5 +/- 2.6) years, 25 cases of grade I, 45 cases of grade II and 10 cases of grade III, 58 cases in the left side, 6 in the right and 16 in both sides, and all with asthenospermia. The patients were treated by SAU-LEMDS under subarachnoid anesthesia combined with general anesthesia in a supine position with a head-down-feet-up slope of 15 degrees. Two 5 mm trocars were inserted bilaterally at the umbilical edge, one with a 5 mm 30 degrees laparoscope placed in it, and another into the abdominal cavity below the pubic hairline with a 5 mm laparoendoscopic clipper placed in it. The operation procedure was similar to that of standard laparoscopic ligation of spermatic veins, with reservation of the spermatic artery and double-ligation of spermatic veins. And the procedure was repeated for the contralateral lesion in the bilateral cases. Postoperative follow-up was conducted for the incidences of orchiatrophy and testicular hydrocele and changes of seminal parameters.

RESULTSAll the operations were successful, with the mean operation time of (10 +/- 5.0) min (range 8 to 25 min) for the unilateral cases and (18 +/- 6.5) min (range 15 to 30 min) for the bilateral cases, the mean blood loss of (1.5 +/- 0.5) ml (range 1 to 2 ml), and the mean postoperative hospital stay of (2 +/- 0.5) d (range 1.5 to 3 d). The patients were followed up for 6 -24 (12 +/- 2.5) months, which showed significant improvement in sperm motility as compared with the baseline ([28.53 +/- 5.21] vs [19.62 +/- 3.56]%, P < 0.05), with 28 cases (35.0%) restored to normal. Recurrence was found in 4 cases (5.0%). Testicular hydrocele occurred in 7 cases (8.75%), but orchiatrophy in none. The scars in the umbilicus and suprapubis were invisible because of the wrinkles and pubic hair.

CONCLUSIONSAU-LEMDS is safe, effective and feasible for the treatment of varicocele. It is superior to umbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (U-LESS) for its less invasiveness, simpler operation, and better cosmetic appearance.

Adult ; Asthenozoospermia ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Length of Stay ; Ligation ; methods ; Male ; Operative Time ; Postoperative Period ; Recurrence ; Spermatic Cord ; blood supply ; Testicular Hydrocele ; etiology ; Treatment Outcome ; Umbilicus ; Varicocele ; surgery ; Veins

OBJECTIVETo observe clinical therapeutic effects of acupuncture for pattern of liver-stagnation and spleen-deficiency in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS) and its impact on cell factors.

METHODSForty cases were selected and divided into an acupuncture group (21 cases) in which acupuncture was applied and a medicine group (19 cases) in which oral administration of dicetel and bifidobacterium lactobacillus triple viable capsules were applied. The symptom scores, level of Th1-type cytokine (IFN-gamma, IL-2) and Th2-type cytokine (IL-4, IL-10) and ratio of IFN-gamma to IL-4 were compared in two groups before and after treatment to analyze acupuncture effect.

RESULTSThe clinical symptoms were improved after one-week treatment in the acupuncture group (P<0.05), which had faster onset than the medicine group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 90.48% (19/21) in the acupuncture group, which was superior to 78.95% (15/19) in the medicine group (P<0.05). Compared with medicine treatment, imbalanced condition of Th1/Th2 was turning towards the direction of Th2 after acupuncture, indicating a tendency to recover the balance.

CONCLUSIONThe clinical efficacy of acupuncture for D-IBS has close relationship with effectively improving balance of Th1/Th2 in patients with liver-stagnation and spleen-deficiency.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Cytokines ; immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; immunology ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Liver ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spleen ; physiopathology ; Th1 Cells ; immunology ; Th2 Cells ; immunology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo establish the rats model of acute pulmonary edema induced by inhalation of high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

METHODS38 SD rats were divided into the experimental group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 8). 30 rats in the experimental group were exposed to (6747.47 ± 25.24) mg/m(3) NO2 in the exposure system. At the time point of 6, 12, 18, 24 h, chest X-ray examination was taken for the experimental group. And at each time point, 6 rats were sacrificed after taking blood samples. After sacrificing, the lung of rats was taken for pathological examination and calculated lung wet/dry weight ratio. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentration of blood samples were detected.

RESULTSAcute pulmonary edema was successfully induced by exposure to NO2 in 30 rats within 24 hours. There were some cloudy shadows without clear edge on the chest X-ray. To the time point of 12 hours, shadows combined with each other, and to the time point of 18 hours, the whole lung became "white" on the X-ray. The situation stabilized but not improved at the time point of 24 hours. HE staining of the lung tissue showed that to the time point of 6 hours, the alveolar gap increased and small amount of eosinophilic liquid leaked into alveolar. To the time point of 12 hours, alveolar combined with each other and eosinophilic liquid increased in amount. To the time point of 18 hours, the whole alveolar was filled with eosinophilic liquid and the situation stabilized till the time point of 24 hours. Wet/dry weight ratio of the experimental group at each time point were 5.6 ± 0.20, 6.89 ± 0.25, 8.03 ± 0.47, 7.81 ± 0.45. There was significant difference compared with the control group which was 4.72 ± 0.06 (P < 0.01). There was statistical difference between 12, 18, 24 h and 6 h time points (P < 0.01). Moreover, statistical difference was observed between 18, 24 h and 12 h time points for wet/dry weight ratio (P < 0.01). The erythrocyte SOD activity reduced significantly. Compared with the control group, there was a statistical difference (P < 0.01) at each time point. After exposure of 18 and 24 hours, plasma ANP concentration (136.66 ± 35.37) and (134.10 ± 60.41) ng/ml respectively, which were higher than (31.31 ± 13.06) ng/ml of control group and (34.71 ± 13.42) ng/ml of 6 hours time point and (47.98 ± 7.86) ng/ml. The differences were significant (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONHigh concentrations of NO2 can induce acute pulmonary edema model successfully in SD rats.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Nitrogen Dioxide ; administration & dosage ; toxicity ; Pulmonary Edema ; chemically induced ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley