Objective To explore the application of B-mode intra- and post-operative ultrasound in patients with traumatic brain injuries. Methods B-mode intra- and post-operative ultrasound were performed 35 times in 24 patients, including 7 times of intra-operation in 7 patients and 28 times of post-operation in 17 patients. Results During operation epidural hematomas in 3 cases as well as intracranial hematomas in 2 cases, subdural hematomas in 1 case, diffused brain swelling in 1 case were found. After operation epidural hematomas were examined in 4 cases as well as subdural hematomas in 1 case, delayed intracranial hematomas in 6 cases, scattered contusion and laceration of the brain in 12 cases, acute obstructive hydrocephalus in 1 case, and subdural hydroma in 4 cases. Six cases underwent operations again because of delayed hematomas, contusion and laceration of the brain. B-mode ultrasound was compared with CT scan and the total coincidence rate was 85.4%.Conclusions B-mode ultrasound is helpful to examine delayed hematomas and other emergent complications. It may save time and may improve rescue rate and has a good coincidence with CT scan. B-mode ultrasound may be widely used as a routine way in neurotrauma ICU.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the curative effect of primary depression treated with the main points of Back-shu points of Five-zang and Geshu (BL 17) according to the differentiation.

METHODSSixty cases of primary depression were randomly divided into an acupuncture group (31 cases) and a western medication group (29 cases). In acupuncture group, Back-shu points of Five-zang and Geshu (BL 17) were applied as the main points, Taichong (LR 3) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were added for stagnation of liver qi and spleen deficiency; Shenmen (HT 7) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were added for deficiency of both heart and spleen according to the differentiation. In western medication group, Fluoxetine Hydrochloride capsule was taken by oral administration for 20 mg, once a day. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks in both groups. After 2, 4, and 6 weeks treatment, the clinical curative effects of both groups were assessed by Hamilton Depression (HAMD) Rating Scale, HAMD Factor Analysis and Asberg Side Effect Scale.

RESULTSAfter 6 weeks treatment, the total effective rate was 67.7% (21/31) in acupuncture group and 65.5% (19/29) in western medication group, indicating the close curative effects(P > 0.05). After 2, 4, and 6 weeks treatment, the HAMD score, scores of anxious somatization, sleeping and retardation factors were significantly reduced (all P < 0.01) in two groups, through the comparison at different time points between two groups, scores of anxious somatization, sleeping factors in acupuncture group were superior to those in western medication group (both P < 0.05), but score of retardation factor in western medication group was superior to that in acupuncture group (P < 0.05). The Asberg Side Effect Scale in western medication group arrived at peak at thesecond week, and then reduced slowly; the side effect in acupuncture group was low and steady, and lower than that in western medication group after 6 week treatment (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe curative effect of depression with acupuncture based on differentiation is equal to that of Fluoxetine Hydrochloride capsule with oral administration, while the side effect is milder than that of Fluoxetine Hydrochloride capsule.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Depression ; psychology ; therapy ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: To explore the influence of S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4) knockout (KO) on methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: S100A4 KO mice (n=20) and their wild-type (WT) counterparts (n=20) were randomly divided into KO/MCD, Ko/methionine-choline-sufficient (MCS), WT/MCD, and WT/MCS groups. After 8 weeks of feeding, blood lipid and liver function-related indexes were measured. HE, Oil Red O, and Masson stainings were used to observe the changes of liver histopathology. Additionally, expressions of S100A4 and proinflammatory and profibrogenic cytokines were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot, while hepatocyte apoptosis was revealed by TUNEL staining. RESULTS: Serum levels of aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride, and total cholesterol in mice were increased after 8-week MCD feeding, and hepatocytes performed varying balloon-like changes with increased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fibers; however, these effects were improved in mice of KO/MCD group. Meanwhile, total NAFLD activity scores and fibrosis were lower compared to WT+MCD group. Compared to WT/MCS group, S100A4 expression in liver tissue of WT/MCD group was enhanced. The expression of proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and profibrogenic cytokines (TGF-β1, COL1A1, α-SMA) in MCD-induced NAFLD mice were increased, as well as apoptotic index (AI). For MCD group, the expressions of proinflammatory and profibrogenic cytokines and AI in KO mice were lower than those of WT mice. CONCLUSION: S100A4 was detected to be upregulated in NAFLD, while S100A4 KO alleviated liver fibrosis and inflammation, in addition to inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; Blotting, Western ; Calcium ; Carrier Proteins ; Cholesterol ; Collagen ; Cytokines ; Fibrosis ; Hepatocytes ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Inflammation ; Liver ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Mice* ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* ; Triglycerides

BACKGROUNDErectile dysfunction (ED) is a common impairment among older men, and the prevalence rates increase sharply after age of 60 years. Most studies have focused on the prevalence rate or dangerous factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the basic epidemiologic data about ED patients with different ED courses. The purpose of this research was to understand the therapeutic effect of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5-I) and see how and why the ED course impact the progress of ED and the therapeutic effect of PDE5-I treatment.

METHODSFrom June 2008 to June 2009, 4252 questionnaires (Quality of Erection Questionnaire, QEQ) were gathered from 46 centers by urology or andrology doctors all around China. Patients with ED (age ≥ 20 years) filled in first half of the questionnaires when they came for the first time, and then completed the second half 4 weeks after PDE5-I therapy.

RESULTSED courses of most patients were less than 5 years (< 5 years, 74.0%; 5 - 10 years 20.8%; > 10 years, 5.2%). As ED course increasing, the incidence of the risk factors of ED, such as smoking, drinking, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and hyperlipidemia also increase (P ≤ 0.01). PDE5-I was effective in improving the quality of sexual activities (P ≤ 0.01). Administration of PDE5-I improves satisfaction, enjoyment and frequency of sexual activities. The longer the ED course, the worse the therapeutic effect (< 5 years, 96.1%; 5 - 10 years, 94.9%; > 10 years, 89.0%) (P ≤ 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe ED course greatly affected the therapeutic effect of PDE5-1, the patients with ED should consult doctor at early stage of the disease. Administration of PDE5-I effectively improves the penile erection and the quality of sexual life of the patients hence should be considered as first-line medicine in the treatment of ED.

Adult ; Erectile Dysfunction ; drug therapy ; epidemiology ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo investigate the cell biological mechanism of koumine-induced apoptosis of human colonic adenocarcinoma cells.

METHODSThe effects of LoVo cell koumine on the membrane potential, mitochondrial membrane potential, concentration of cytosolic free calcium, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and gap junctional intercellular communication was observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONKoumine lowered the membrane potential and mitochondrial membrane potential of LoVo cells and decreased the concentration of free cytosolic calcium, which was increased to a level higher than the basal one after addition of EDTA. Koumine also increased the reactive oxygen species and enhanced the gap junctional intercellular communication of LoVo cells. These findings may explain the possible mechanisms of koumine-induced LoVo cell apoptosis.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cell Communication ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Colonic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Gap Junctions ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Indole Alkaloids ; pharmacology ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial ; drug effects ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the epidemiological changes of erectile dysfunction (ED) patients in the past five years.

METHODSIn 2003 and 2008, we conducted two questionnaire investigations on the epidemiological changes of ED outpatients in 11 Chinese cities in such aspects as age, disease course, ED severity, smoking and drinking habits, accompanying hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD), and sexual intercourse satisfaction.

RESULTSAccording to the valid copies of the questionnaire collected (808 in 2003 and 858 in 2008), the age pattern of the ED patients hardly changed in the past five years, over 60% aged 30 - 50 years. Compared with the results obtained in 2003, the second investigation showed obvious increases in the following numbers of the ED patients: by 13% in those with longer disease courses (5 - 10 yr), from 24.1 to 42.9% in those with moderate ED, from 20.4 to 29.9% in those with severe ED, by at least 10% in those with smoking and drinking habits, from 11.5 to 16.2% in those with hypertension, from 9.4 to 13.5% in those with diabetes, and from 57.6 to 73.3% in those without sexual satisfaction, while the number of those with CHD did not change significantly.

CONCLUSIONIncreased unhealthy living habits and erectile function impairing diseases have added to the incidence and severity of ED. There is still much work to be done in the prevention and early treatment of ED.

Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Erectile Dysfunction ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Outpatients ; Penile Erection ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Urban Population

OBJECTIVETo investigate the parents' compliance in non-hospital settings during the operation of expressed breast milk bank.

METHODSIn September 2014, a questionnaire survey was carried out to investigate the parents' willingness about feeding the inpatient neonates with maternal expressed breast milk, to evaluate the effectiveness of the breast milk feeding supporting system, and to monitor the compliance in non-hospital settings during the delivery of maternal expressed breast milk. Improvements in education were made according to the results. A second survey was done in September 2015.

RESULTSA total of 340 questionnaires were sent out, and 338 usable questionnaires were returned. According to the time when the questionnaires were sent out, they were divided into two groups: 2014 group (n=229) and 2015 group (n=109). The age of most mothers was 20-30 years in the 2014 group and 30-40 years in the 2015 group. Most mothers delivered at the West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University in both groups, but the 2015 group had a significantly higher proportion than the 2014 group (74.3% vs 61.6%; P<0.05). Guidance was given to mothers in the presence of insufficient breast milk production in both groups, but the 2015 group had a significantly higher proportion than the 2014 group (91.7% vs 79.9%; P<0.05). Both groups had good family compliance in the collection, storage, and transport of breast milk. There were no significant differences in their compliance with washing hands, sterilizing instruments, and using a clean special refrigerator between the two groups. The expressed breast milk was transported strictly according to the procedure in both groups, but the 2015 group had a significantly higher proportion than the 2014 group (100% vs 87.1%; P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBefore and after improvements in the health education, most parents have good compliance in the collection, storage, and transport of breast milk.

Adult ; Biological Specimen Banks ; Breast Feeding ; Female ; Humans ; Milk, Human ; Parents

OBJECTIVETo investigate the application of free anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of tongue and mouth floor defect after radical resection of tongue carcinoma.

METHODSFrom June 2006 to April 2009, 14 cases with tongue carcinoma underwent radical resection, leaving tongue and mouth floor defects which were reconstructed by anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flaps at the same stage. These 14 cases included tongue carcinoma at lingual margin (n=9), at ventral tongue (n=3) and at mouth floor (n=2). The flap size ranged from 7 cm x 9 cm to 5 cm x 7 cm.

RESULTSAll the 14 flaps survived completely with primary healing. There was no functional morbidity in the lower extremities. The patients were followed up for 12-26 months with satisfied esthetic and functional results in reconstructed tongue. Only one case (T4 N1 M0) died of metastasis carcinoma 14 months after operation. No local recurrence happened.

CONCLUSIONSThe anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap has abundant tissue volume to reconstruct the tongue and mouth floor defect, while leaving less morbidity at donor site. Both satisfied esthetic and functional results can be achieved.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mouth Floor ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Thigh ; surgery ; Tongue ; surgery ; Tongue Neoplasms ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo gain a deeper insight into the benefits of oral tadalafil for patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).

METHODSFrom January 2008 to June 2009, we conducted a nationwide survey on the quality of male erectile function among the outpatients under the direction of the Chinese Association of Andrology. A total of 205 ED patients were prescribed oral tadalafil and accomplished a questionnaire investigation after 4 weeks of medication. We compared various parameters of the patients before and after the treatment.

RESULTSFour weeks of oral tadalafil medication achieved a total rate of effectiveness of 85.9% (176/205). The proportion of those with moderate to severe ED was decreased from 67.8% (139/205) before medication to 16.6% (34/205) after it. Those who enjoyed sexual life were increased from 21.5% (44/205) before medication to 84.9% (174/205) after it. Only 1.0% (2/205) of the patients could achieve grade 4 penile hardness before the treatment, as compared with 60.5% (124/205) after it. And the frequency of sexual intercourse was significantly increased, over 4 times in 90.2% (159/205) of the patients.

CONCLUSIONOral tadalafil, with its sure effectiveness on ED, can bring great benefits to the sexual life of ED patients.

Adult ; Carbolines ; therapeutic use ; Erectile Dysfunction ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Penile Erection ; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tadalafil ; Treatment Outcome

Nine triterpenes compounds were isolated from the male flowers of Eucommia ulmoides by recrystallization and chromatographic techniques over silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and RP-18 gel. Their chemical structures were identified on the basis of spectral analysis and as 3-oxo-12-en-ursane-28-O-α-L-arabinofuranosyl (1 --> 6) -β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 2α, 3β-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid(28 --> 1) -β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2), ursolic acid (3), α-amyrin (4), uvaol (5), ursolic acid acetate (6), 3-O-acetate oleanoic acid (7), betulinic acid (8), and betulinol (9). Compound 1 was a new compound, and compounds 2, 4-7 were isolated from the Eucommiu genus for the first time. Cytotoxic activity was tested for all the compounds against K562 and HepG2 cells. The results showed that only compound 3, exhibited cytotoxic activity.
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Eucommiaceae ; chemistry ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Triterpenes ; analysis ; pharmacology