OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to explore the scene-trait coping style of military rescuers in Wenchuan earthquake in an effort to provide scientific evidences for mental intervention program for Chinese military personnel.

METHODSBy cluster sampling, a total of 151 military rescuers and 331 control servicemen were administered the military personnel scene-trait coping style scale (MPSTCSS).

RESULTSAll active coping factor scores, and passive coping factor scores of affection, health and economy in the rescuer group were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05). The 21-above age subgroup, the 3-year plus service subgroup, and the officer subgroup had significantly higher active coping factor scores on military tasks, military experience and personal development than those of the 21-below age subgroup, 3-year minus service subgroup and the soldier subgroup, respectively (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe earthquake relief servicemen can cope with stressful situations better than control group by taking active coping style. The officers, servicemen older than 21 years, and servicemen with more service duration than 3 years could usually take active coping style.

Adaptation, Psychological ; Disasters ; Earthquakes ; Humans ; Military Personnel ; psychology ; Stress, Psychological

OBJECTIVETo investigate the DNA damage of human lens epithelial cells (LECs) caused by acute exposure to low-power 217 Hz modulated 1.8 GHz microwave radiation and DNA repair.

METHODSCultured LECs were exposed to 217 Hz modulated 1.8 GHz microwave radiation at SAR (specific absorption rate) of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 W/kg for 2 hours in an sXc-1800 incubator and irradiate system. The DNA single strand breaks were detected with comet assay in sham-irradiated cells and irradiated cells incubated for varying periods: 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 min after irradiation. Images of comets were digitized and analyzed using an Imagine-pro plus software, and the indexes used in this study were tail length (TL) and tail moment (TM).

RESULTSThe difference in DNA-breaks between the exposure and sham exposure groups induced by 1 and 2 W/kg irradiation was not significant at every detect time (P > 0.05). As for the dosage of 3 and 4 W/kg there was difference in both group immediately after irradiation (P < 0.01). At the time of 30 min after irradiation the difference went on at both group (P < 0.01). However, the difference disappeared after one hour's incubation in 3 W/kg group (P > 0.05), and existed in 4 W/kg group.

CONCLUSIONNo or repairable DNA damage was observed after 2 hour irradiation of 1.8 GHz microwave on LECs when SAR < or = 3 W/kg. The DNA damages caused by 4 W/kg irradiation were irreversible.

Cell Phone ; Cells, Cultured ; Comet Assay ; DNA Damage ; radiation effects ; DNA Repair ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; Epithelial Cells ; radiation effects ; Humans ; Lens, Crystalline ; cytology ; radiation effects ; Microwaves

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of memantine in the treatment of patients with Alzheimer' s disease (AD).Methods This was a 16-week,multi-center,randomized,double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (Study 10116).A total of 258 AD patients (MMSE score 5—18) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into either memantine 10—20 mg/day (MEM,n=128) or placebo (PBO,n= 130) group for 16 weeks.Efficacy was primarily assessed in terms of changes of severe impairment battery (SIB) score in patients from baseline up to SIB assessment in the 16th week (16-week completers set, CS16).While ehanges of MMSE,ADCS-ADL_(19),and NPI (neuropsychiatric inventory) were evaluated as secondary efficacy parameters on both CSI6 and full-analysis set (FAS).Safety was assessed by physical examination,lab assays,ECG,and adverse events.Results 236 subjeets (CS16:MEM n=117,PBO n=119) were eligible for the efficacy assessment.No statistically significant difference between the treatments was observed on the primary and seeondary efficacy analysis,although both treatment groups had a slight increase from baseline in SIB total score.Post hoe evaluation of the data identified two bias factors that had a significant impact on the results of the pre-protoeol specified primary and secondary analyses.In a re-analysis of the data (CS16_(modified),MEM n=94,PBO n=95) excluding patient data affeeted by these factors,memantine-treated patients showed a statistically significant improvement related to placebo in the 16th week on the SIB (MEM 2.2 vs PBO 0.3,P=0.04),MMSE (MEM 1.0 vs PBO 0.1,P=0.03),and ADL (MEM 0.1 vs PBO-1.6,P=0.02) scales,indicating that memantine improved the cognitive function of AD patients and stabilized the activity of daily life.Memantine was well tolerated with an adverse event profile similar to that of placebo.Conclusion This study provides further support for pre-existing data,showing that memantine is efficacious,safe,and well-tolerated in patients with moderate to severe AD.

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

AIMTo investigate the toxic response in auditory cortex of guinea pigs caused by cis-platinum (DDP), and the protective role of melatonin in this effect.

METHODSCis-platinum and melatonin were injected peritoneally. LDH, MDA, NO in the auditory cortex were detected by spectrophotometeR.

RESULTSThe body weight of the guinea pigs was diminished by peritoneal injection of Cis-platinum for 7 days (P < 0.01). Peritoneal injection of Cis-platinum induced the increased leakage of LDH (P < 0.05 vs injection of normal saline). This effect was reduced by injection of MT (P < 0.05). The content of MDA in the auditory cortex was also increased because of injection of Cis-platinumv for 7 days (P < 0.01) and MT reduced this effect (P < 0.05). The change of NO in the auditory cortex was not statistically significant after injection of Cis-platinum or Cis-platinum with MT.

CONCLUSIONPeritoneal injection of Cis-platinum could destroy neurons in the auditory cortex. This effect could be reduced by melatonin by an anti-free radials mechanism.

Animals ; Auditory Cortex ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cisplatin ; antagonists & inhibitors ; toxicity ; Female ; Free Radical Scavengers ; pharmacology ; Guinea Pigs ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Melatonin ; pharmacology ; Neurons ; drug effects ; pathology ; Random Allocation

Objective To evaluate the significance of multi-slice helical CT with multiplanar reconstruction in laryngeal carcinoma.Methods Thirty-five patients with laryngeal carcinoma were studied by helical CT,MPR were subsequently done.The lesion extent of the axial image findings,MPR findings and the combined image findings were compared with the pathological results respectively.The data were statistically analyzed.Results In the evaluation of the anterior commissure,the axial image findings,MPR findings and the combined image findings were 82.9%,68.6% and 91.4% in accuracy respectively,the results were statistically different(P0.05).The combined images were superior to the axial images and the MPR images in sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of the lesion extent.Conclusion The axial images could show the shape,size,extension of the tumor and the lymphadenopathy,MPR images displayed the shape,size and extension roundly and directly,they were the supplement for the axial images.Axial images combined with MPR could improve the accuracy in the diagnoses of laryngeal carcinoma.

This study aimed to determine and quantitate the mammographic and sonographic characteristics in 13 cases of solid neuroendocrine breast carcinoma (NEBC) and to analyze the association of radiological findings with the clinical and histopathologic findings. The clinical data and imaging findings of 13 female patients with histologically confirmed solid NEBC were reviewed. Imaging data were evaluated by two radiologists for a consensual diagnosis. All patients presented with one palpable mass; only 1 experienced occasional breast pain, and 5 complained of fluid discharge. In 7 patients, the masses were firm and mobile. Regional lymph node metastasis was noted in only 1 patient. For the 10 patients who underwent mammography, 6 had a mass, 1 had clustered small nodules with clustered punctuate microcalcifications, 2 had asymmetric focal density, and 1 had solitary punctuate calcification. Most of the masses had irregular shape with indistinct or microlobulated margins. For the 9 patients who underwent ultrasonography (US), 9 masses were depicted, all of which were hypoechoic, mostly with irregular shape and without acoustic phenomena. Different types of acoustic phenomena were also identified. One patient had developed distant metastases during follow-up. NEBC has a variety of presentations, but it is mostly observed on mammograms as a dense, irregular mass with indistinct or microlobulated margins. Sonographically, it typically presents as an irregular, heterogeneously hypoechoic mass with normal sound transmission. Histories of nipple discharge and calcification observed using imaging are not rare.
Adult ; Aged ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Breast Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; Calcinosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; Chromogranin A ; metabolism ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Mammography ; Middle Aged ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase ; metabolism ; Receptors, Estrogen ; metabolism ; Receptors, Progesterone ; metabolism ; Synaptophysin ; metabolism ; Ultrasonography, Mammary

OBJECTIVETo observe the characteristics and difference of gene expression in the pituitary adenomas and para-tumor normal pituitary tissues.

METHODSUsing serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE), two SAGE libraries were generated. Forty clones from each SAGE library were sequenced, and the results were analyzed by SAGE2000 software and compared with the SAGE map at NCBI.

RESULTSA total of 655 gene tags, representing 43 genes, were extracted from the 40 sequence files of the para-tumor normal pituitary tissues and 737 gene tags, representing 53 genes, were extracted from the 40 sequence files of the pituitary adenomas. Of these tags, 13 were not reported before. The genes related to pituitary hormone secretion and energy metabolism were highly expressed in the two kinds of tissues. Some growth factors and cytokines were also expressed, including those involved in the immunological system. But there were also much difference of gene expression in the two tissues. Thirty-one and five tags were only detected in para-tumor normal pituitary tissues and pituitary adenomas, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSGenes involved in hormones secretion and energy metabolism were highly expressed in the pituitary adenomas and para-tumor normal pituitary tissues. Many growth factors and cytokines were also expressed in pituitary. There was also much difference of gene expression in the two kinds of tissues. SAGE can be used not only in understanding the quantity information of gene expression, but also in finding new genes.

Adenoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; Base Sequence ; Cloning, Molecular ; Expressed Sequence Tags ; Gene Expression ; Gene Expression Profiling ; methods ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Gene Library ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Pituitary Gland ; metabolism ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate serum adiponectin level in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its correlation with the patients' cognitive function.

METHODSThis case-control study was conducted in 90 patients with a highly probable diagnosis ofAD, who were divided into mild, moderate and severe group saccording to the MMSE score. Ninety healthy subjects matched for age and gender with the AD patients were selected as the control group. The serum levels ofadiponectin in the participants were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTSSerum adiponectin level was significantly lower in the AD group than in the control group (P<0.05). Of the 3 subgroups of the AD patients, the moderate and severe AD groups showed significantly lower serum adiponectin level sthan the control group (P<0.05), but the difference in adiponectin levels was not significant between the mild AD group and the control group (P>0.05); serum adiponectin levels also differed significantly among the 3 subgroups of AD patients (P<0.05). Serum adiponectin level was positively correlated with the MMSE score in the AD patients (r=0.683, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONSerum adiponectin levels are reduced in AD patients and associated with the degree of cognitive impairment.

Adiponectin ; blood ; Alzheimer Disease ; blood ; Case-Control Studies ; Cognition ; Cognitive Dysfunction ; blood ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility and the results of the procedure of maxillomandibular advancement combined with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

METHODSNine cases of obese patients with severe OSAHS [age (47.8 +/- 9.7); body mass index (BMI) (35.3 +/- 2.5) kg/m(2); apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) (88.7 +/- 6.7) per hour] underwent the procedure of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) combined with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). The patients were monitored by polysomnography (PSG) before operation and 3, 6, 12 months after operation, and cephalometric analysis and velopharyngeal closure function were evaluated at the same time.

RESULTSThe maxilla was advanced by (8.3 +/- 1.3) mm and the mandible and chin were advanced by (23.0 +/- 2.2) mm. AHI was (2.1 +/- 1.1) per hour post-operation. All patients had no speaking problem and swallowing difficulty and had a good appearance and occlusions. The OSAHS in this group of patients was cured.

CONCLUSIONSGood short-term effects were observed with UPPP and MMA in the treatment of obese patients with severe OSAHS. It did not cause the velopharyngeal closure insufficiency and maxillary necrosis. A long-term follow-up is needed.

Adult ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Mandibular Advancement ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Obesity ; complications ; surgery ; Osteotomy, Le Fort ; Palate, Soft ; surgery ; Pharyngeal Muscles ; surgery ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; complications ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Uvula ; surgery