Outbreaks of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) have occurred many times and caused serious health burden in China since 2008.Application of modem information technology to prediction and early response can be helpful for efficient HFMD prevention and control.A seasonal auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model for time series analysis was designed in this study.Eighty-four-month (from January 2009 to December 2015) retrospective data obtained from the Chinese Information System for Disease Prevention and Control were subjected to ARIMA modeling.The coefficient of determination (R2),normalized Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and Q-test P value were used to evaluate the goodness-of-fit of constructed models.Subsequently,the best-fitted ARIMA model was applied to predict the expected incidence of HFMD from January 2016 to December 2016.The best-fitted seasonal ARIMA model was identified as (1,0,1)(0,1,1)12,with the largest coefficient of determination (R2=0.743) and lowest normalized BIC (BIC=3.645) value.The residuals of the model also showed non-significant autocorrelations (PBox-Ljung (Q)=0.299).The predictions by the optimum ARIMA model adequately captured the pattern in the data and exhibited two peaks of activity over the forecast interval,including a major peak during April to June,and again a light peak for September to November.The ARIMA model proposed in this study can forecast HFMD incidence trend effectively,which could provide useful support for future HFMD prevention and control in the study area.Besides,further observations should be added continually into the modeling data set,and parameters of the models should be adjusted accordingly.

OBJECTIVETo assess the clinical effect and safety of the Chinese medicine Longbishu Capsule combined with mesylate doxazosin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) of the kidney deficiency and blood stagnation type.

METHODSThis was a randomized, double-blind, double-simulation control study. We equally assigned 60 men diagnosed with BPH of the kidney deficiency and blood stagnation type to an experimental and a control group, the former treated with mesylate doxazosin plus Longbishu Capsule and the latter with mesylate doxazosin plus placebo. We compared the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL), Chinese symptom score (CSS), maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax), and prostate volume between the two groups of patients before and after 6 months of medication.

RESULTSAfter treatment, there were 5 cured cases, 13 markedly effective cases, 9 effective cases, 1 ineffective case, and 2 eliminated cases in the experimental group, as compared with 2 cured cases, 8 markedly effective cases, 10 effective cases, 7 ineffective cases, and 3 eliminated cases in the control group. The total effectiveness rate was obviously higher in the former (96.4%) than in the latter (74.1%). IPSS, Qmax, and CSS were improved in both of the groups after medication, even more significantly in the experimental than in the control group (IPSS: 15.22 ± 2.98 vs 18.15 ± 5.88, P <0.05; Qmax: [13.56 ± 2.26] ml/s vs [11.78 ± 2.97] ml/s, P <0.05; CSS: 6.18 ± 2.13 vs 9.52 ± 3.15, P <0.05). Because of the difference in the QOL score between the two groups at the baseline (P = 0.038 <0.05), no more comparison was made in this aspect after treatment.

CONCLUSIONThe combination of Longbishu Capsule with mesylate doxazosin is safe and effective for the treatment of BPH.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists ; therapeutic use ; Capsules ; Double-Blind Method ; Doxazosin ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Quality of Life ; Treatment Outcome ; Urination

OBJECTIVETo establish an effective method of transfecting human marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) with human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF 165) gene.

METHODSMSCs isolated and cultured in vitro were divided into transfection group (pShuttle-CMV/VEGF 165 plasmid was transfected into MSCs through liposome-mediating method), empty plasmid group (pShuttle-CMV vehicle was transfected into MSCs as control), liposome group (liposome was transfected into MSCs as control) and control group (normal culture). Expressions of mRNA and protein of MSCs were determined by RT-PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western Blot. Sensitivity to MSCs on VEGF plasmid transfection was detected by MTT test.

RESULTSExpression level of VEGF 165 gene mRNA in transfection group, empty plasmid group, liposome group, and control group was respectively 0.89 +/- 0.03, 0.34 +/- 0.04, 0.40 +/- 0.03, and 0.30 +/- 0.03, and the difference between transfection group and the other three groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Content of VEGF protein in transfection group, empty plasmid group, liposome group, and control group was respectively (778 +/- 35), (543 +/- 24), (561 +/- 28), (571 +/- 23) pg/mL, and the difference between transfection group and the other three groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01). In the transfection group, expression level of VEGF protein peaked on 7(th) day after transfection, which was decreased gradually later. In transfection group, expression level of VEGF 165 protein was obviously higher than that of the other three groups (P < 0.01), and no inhibitory effect of VEGF plasmid transfection on MSCs proliferation was found.

CONCLUSIONSThe method for transfecting human VEGF 165 gene into MSCs is established in this research, through which target gene and protein can express effectively.

Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; Transfection ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the synergistical killing effect of docetaxel combined with ABT-737 on human prostate cancer cell line PC-3 by inducing apoptosis and further to determine the mechanism underlying such effect.

METHODSPC-3 cells were treated with various concentrations of docetaxel or (and) ABT-737. Cell viability was determined using MTT assay. Apoptosis was assessed by fluorescence microscopy analysis of cells with condensed and segmented nuclei following staining with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). Cellular DNA was stained with propidium iodide and flow cytometric analysis was performed to analyze the cell cycle distribution. Bcl-2, Bax, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 protein changes were detected by Western blot. The activity of caspase-3 was measured using a colorimetric assay.

RESULTSDocetaxel (20 nmol/L) combination with ABT-737 (400 nmol/L) for 48 hours, the cell viability was decreased to 19.7% ± 3.2% to compare with 44.2% ± 4.4% (t = 4.45) of docetaxel and 93.2% ± 1.8% of ABT-737 separately and there was a synergistic effect between the two drugs (CI = 0.8). Apoptosis rate of the combination group was higher than other two drugs. Docetaxel increased the cell number arrested in G(2)/M phase compared with control group (P < 0.05), but the combination treatment resulted in a significant arrest in the G(0)/G(1) phase. The combination treatment could significantly reduced the Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 expression (F = 369.53, 57.89 and 32.77, all P < 0.05) and enhanced the activity of caspase-3 (419.7% ± 15.6%) (F = 207.33, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe combination of ABT-737 with docetaxel can synergistically inhibit the proliferation of PC-3 cells through inducing apoptosis, which may be associated with cell cycle arrest, down-regulation of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 expression and activation of caspase-3.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Biphenyl Compounds ; pharmacology ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drug Synergism ; Humans ; Male ; Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein ; metabolism ; Nitrophenols ; pharmacology ; Piperazines ; pharmacology ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Sulfonamides ; pharmacology ; Taxoids ; pharmacology ; bcl-X Protein ; metabolism

Animals ; Antibodies, Bacterial ; blood ; Bacterial Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; Brucella Vaccine ; immunology ; Brucella abortus ; immunology ; Female ; Immunization ; Interferon-gamma ; biosynthesis ; Lymphocyte Activation ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Periplasmic Binding Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; Ribosomal Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; Vaccines, DNA ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the therapeutic effect of Compound Xuanju Capsule on type III prostatitis.

METHODSA total of 242 patients with type III prostatitis diagnosed by the NIH criteria were randomly divided into an experimental and a control group of equal number, the former treated with Compound Xuanju Capsule + Tamsulosin Hydrochloride, and the latter with Quinolinone antibiotics + Tamsulosin and Hydrochloride, both for 6 months. After treatment, we assessed the therapeutic effects based on the NIH-CPSI scores and the improvement of relevant complications.

RESULTSAll the 242 patients completed the treatment. The total effectiveness rate was 77.69% (94/121) in the experimental group, 71.56% (78/109) in those with complications. In comparison, it was only 47.10% (57/121) in the control group, 31.78% (34/107) in those with complications. Both the NIH-CPSI scores and the improvement of complications were significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCompound Xuanju Capsule has a good therapeutic effect on type III prostatitis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Prostatitis ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To observe the anatomic and imaging morphology ofjugnlar bulb and its relationship with the surrounding structures, and to investigate the classification ofjugnlar bulb and its clinical significance. Methods We dissected 30 human temporal bones and studied multi-slice spiral CT imaging data of temporal bone of 120 cases and blood vessel cast mould specimen of the jugular bulb of 6 cases, to observe the morphology of jugnlar bulb and its spatial relationship with the surrounding structures. We made an imagined sagittal plane on the medial well of the tympanic cavity, with a horizontal tangent line of the proximal wall of the tympanic cavity and a vertical tangent line of the posterior wall of the tympanic cavity as coordinate axes (X axis and Y axis), respectively, so the 4 quadrants ( Ⅰ , Ⅱ, Ⅳ, Ⅳ) were formed. The jugular bulb was classified intro 4 types according to the quadrant where its top was projected and subtyped according to its position on the inner or outer side of the plane. The operation via mastoid approach was simulated on specimen to observe the effect of jugnlar bulb on the operation route. Results Some jugular bulbs were flat type and others were prominent types. The classification in the group of CT image: type Ⅰ , 11 case (9%);type Ⅱ, 63 cases (53%);type Ⅲ, 25 cases (21%);type Ⅳ, 21cases (17%). The classification in the group of specimen: type Ⅰ, 1 case (3%);type Ⅱ, 11 cases (37%);type Ⅲ, 8 cases (27%);type Ⅳ, 10 cases (33%). Each type of the jugular bulb had different effects on the operative approach. Conclusions The classification method with the 4 quadrants is a simple and three-dimensional way to describe the position of the jugular bulb for imaging diagnosis or operative scheme design.

OBJECTIVETo improve the diagnosis and treatment of testicular teratoma in children by analysis of clinical data.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data about 64 cases of testicular teratoma treated in the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from 1995 to 2014.

RESULTSSixty-one of the cases presented painless scrotal mass with a sense of bearing down and the other 3 cases were confirmed because of empty scrotum diagnosed as cryptorchidism. The level of serum alpha fetal protein ( AFP) was obviously increased in 46 cases but normal in the other 18 preoperatively. Ultrasonography manifested abnormal inhomogeneous echo zones with calcification or necrosis. X-ray examination presented patchy or curvilinear high-density shadows in 28 cases. Forty-one of the patients underwent testis-sparing surgery (TSS) , 20 received high inguinal orchiectomy, and 3 refused surgical treatment. Pathological examination revealed 3 mature germinal layers in the 49 cases of mature teratoma and immature germinal tissue, including the original neural tube, and 11 cases of immature teratoma. The mature cases were exempted from chemotherapy, while the immature cases received the combination of cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin (PEB). The patients were followed up for 2 years postoperatively, which revealed no recurrence or metastasis.

CONCLUSIONMost children with testicular teratoma presented painless scrotal mass with a sense of bearing down and with abnormal serum AFP in most cases. Ultrasonography and plain radiography of the scrotum contribute to the diagnosis of the tumor. TSS is the main treatment option and intraoperative frozen-section can help the surgeons decide on the surgical mode. Postoperative chemotherapy is necessitated for immature teratoma but not for mature cases.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Bleomycin ; administration & dosage ; Child ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Cryptorchidism ; diagnosis ; Etoposide ; administration & dosage ; Gonadal Dysgenesis, 46,XY ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Male ; Orchiectomy ; methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Scrotum ; Teratoma ; blood ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy ; Testicular Neoplasms ; blood ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy ; Testis ; abnormalities ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; analysis

INTRODUCTIONKnowledge of stroke symptoms is associated with seeking medical attention early, and knowledge of risk factors is an essential factor in stroke prevention. In this study, we evaluated the level of stroke literacy in Singapore.

MATERIALS AND METHODSA cross-sectional study of Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 21 years and above was conducted in a public housing estate. Participants were randomly sampled using multi-stage stratified sampling. Assessment of awareness of stroke symptoms and risk factors was performed using open-ended questions. In total, 687 respondents were recruited, with a response rate of 69.7%.

RESULTSOverall, 52.4% of respondents identified the brain as the source of pathology, and 47.6% could cite at least 1 of the 3 FAST symptoms (facial droop, arm weakness and speech difficulty), while 40% could name 2 or more of 7 established risk factors for stroke (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, older age, previous heart attacks and stroke). Respondents at higher risk of stroke (older individuals and those with stroke risk factors) did not have greater awareness of stroke symptoms and risk factors. The majority of respondents reported they would seek immediate medical care if they experienced stroke symptoms. Only 59.4% knew the emergency ambulance service telephone number.

CONCLUSIONIn a sample of Singaporean adults residing in a public housing estate, we found evidence of poor stroke literacy, highlighting the need for comprehensive population-based education efforts. There is a role for opportunistic education among those at higher risk of stroke.

Adult ; Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Health Literacy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Public Housing ; Risk Factors ; Singapore ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Stroke ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the techniques and outcomes of the surgical treatment for varicose vein.

METHODSTotally 2 200 patients with varicose vein received surgical treatment in our hospital from July 2000 to January 2006. The latest techniques for endovenous occlusion were used for most cases, among which 1 802 cases were treated with endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) combined with transilluminated powered phlebectomy (TIPP), 82 cases with radiofrequency endovenous occlusion (RFO) combined with TIPP, and 218 cases with limited invaginated vein stripping and foam sclerotherapy. The remaining 98 cases were treated with laser, radiofrequency or ligation for saphenous vein trunk, and with resection, electric coagulation, and transfixation for vein clusters as additional methods. Perforators were also cut and ligated as well.

RESULTSSatisfied surgical results were obtained in all cases. The average operative time was 40 minutes (range 20-78 minutes).

CONCLUSIONSLimited invaginated vein stripping, EVLT, and RFO can be used to treat saphenous vein reflux. Surgical resection, transfixation, electric coagulation, and sclerotherapy are reasonable options for vein cluster or tributaries. Transection and ligation of the perforators are important. TIPP is ideal for the treatment of vein clusters.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Angioplasty, Laser ; methods ; Catheter Ablation ; methods ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Electrocoagulation ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Saphenous Vein ; surgery ; Sclerotherapy ; methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Varicose Veins ; surgery ; therapy ; Vascular Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Young Adult