OBJECTIVE: To analyze the features of drowning victims with psychiatric disorders to support further investigation on such cases. METHODS: One hundred and five archives of drowning victims with psychiatric disorders from January 2010 to June 2014 in Harbor Public Security Subbureau, Shanghai Public Security Bureau were reviewed. The decedents' general information, autopsy findings, case investigation data and disease histories were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 105 cases, 104 were suicides. Most decedents were poorly educated. Most suicides occurred in warm climate, and the corpses were usually found within 2 days. Most decedents had no suicide history and notes, but had abnormal mental or behavior changes before suicide. Depression, depression status and schizophrenia were the main types of psychiatric disorders, and only 9 decedents had received regular therapies before their deaths. CONCLUSION Mental disorder is a high risk factor in the drowning victims. Guardians should be aware of psychotic abnormal behaviors, especially during warm climate seasons.
China/epidemiology* ; Depression/epidemiology* ; Depressive Disorder/epidemiology* ; Drowning/psychology* ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Disorders/psychology* ; Psychotic Disorders ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Schizophrenia ; Seasons ; Suicide/statistics & numerical data*

OBJECTIVETo study the role and mechanisms of STAT3 signaling pathway in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) of neonatal rats.

METHODSEighty 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: HI and sham-operated (n=40 each). The rats in the HI group were subjected to right carotid artery ligation and subsequent hypoxia exposure (8% O2) for 2.5 hours, and the rats in the sham-operated group underwent the right carotid artery dissection without subsequent ligation or hypoxia treatment. Brain tissue samples were collected at 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours after operation and hypoxic exposure. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expression of STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins. TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptotic cells.

RESULTSNo significant difference in STAT3 expression was observed at all time points between the HI and sham-operated groups (P>0.05). Compared with the sham-operated group, the expression of p-STAT3 protein in the HI group was significantly upregulated at 4, 6, 8, 12 hours after operation and hypoxic exposure, and peaked at 6 hours (P<0.01). The VEGF expression in the HI group was higher than that in the sham-operated group at all time points, which peaked at 8 hours (P<0.05). TUNEL staining showed that the apoptotic cells increased significantly in a time-dependent manner compared with the sham-operated group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSHI may lead to phosphorylation of STAT3 which probably induces the VEGF expression in the brain of neonatal rats. The activated STAT3 signaling pathway may be involved in the apoptosis regulation of nerve cells, and related to apoptosis inhibition of nerve cells.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Female ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain ; metabolism ; Male ; Phosphorylation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; physiology ; Signal Transduction ; physiology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo determine the mechanism of pseudo-tears of the lateral meniscus caused by the transverse geniculate ligament (TL) and the miniscofemoral ligament(MFL) and to investigate a method to differentiate pseudo-tears from true tear of the lateral meniscus.

METHODSForm June 2012 to February 2014, MR examinations of 72 knees (44 left knees and 28 right knees) without tear of the lateral meniscus verified by arthroscopy were performed in the sagittal and coronal plane. There were 41 males and 31 females in the group, with an average age of 33.7 years old (ranged from 25 to 61). The MR appearance of the TL and the MFL was carefully observed.

RESULTSThere existed fatty tissue in the gap between the TL and the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus and its central tendinous attachment. On the sagittal images, the fatty tissue formed a linear high-signal cleft between the TL and the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. This might be mistaken as an oblique tear within the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. It was called as pseudo-tears of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. In sagittal plane, the MFL was identified as a circle-like or short stick-like area of low signal intensity anterior or posterior to the posterior cruciateligament. Nevertheless, a belt-shaped area of low signal intensity from the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus to lateral facet of the medial femoral condyle was identified in the coronal plane. A linear area of high signal intensity between the MFL and the lateral meniscus was found in sagittal plane, which might be mistaken as an oblique tear within the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. It was called pseudo-tears of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. The occurrence rate of the TL was 34.7% (25/72). The prevaleribe of pseudo-tears of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus was 18 cases. The shape of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus was regular, and the course of the pseudo-tears cleft was oblique. The occurrence rate of the MFL was 73.6% (53/72), which included the anterior MFL 23.6% (17/72), the posterior MFL 70.8% (51/72) and the two ligaments coexisted 16.7% (12/72). The prevalence of pseudo-tears of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus was 25 cases. All observed pseudo-tears had either in posteroinferiorly oblique direction (19/25) or in vertical direction (6/25).

CONCLUSIONBased on the location and direction of pseudo-tears and observation in the continuous sagittal plane and the coronal plane, pseudo-tears is easily differentiated from the true tear of the lateral meniscus

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Knee Injuries ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Knee Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Menisci, Tibial ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Tibial Meniscus Injuries

Objective To investigate the mRNA and protein expression levels of interferon(IFN)-?in the peripheral blood of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE),to analyze the relationship between IFN-?and disease activity,and to evaluate the role of IFN-?in the pathogenesis of lupus.Methods SYBR green dyeⅠbased real-time quantatives PCR method was used to compare the mRNA expression levels of IFN-?in the peripheral blood leucocyte of SLE patients and healthy controls.Surum levels of IFN-?were measured with ELISA method.Results IFNA1 mRNA expression level in SLE patients(2.8?3.5)was signifi- cantly lower than that of normal controls(12.7?10.7,P=0.000).There was no significant difference between patients treated with glucocorticoid and those without in the expression level of IFNA1(P=0.549).Serum levels of IFN-?in SLE patients was significantly higher than that of normal controls(P=0.003).The SLEDAI score and anti-dsDNA antibody correlated positively,and complement components C3,C4 and leukocytes correlated negatively with serum concentration of IFN-?.IFN-?level correlated with the presence of fever and rash. Conclusion The close relationship between IFN-?serum level and disease activity in SLE patients suggests that IFN-?might be of importance in the disease process.

OBJECTIVETo explore the diagnostic value of 3D-indirectmagnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in detecting meniscustears of the knees.

METHODSForm January 2013 to January 2014, routine plain MR of the knees followed by the 3D-indirect MR arthrography was performed in 42 patients with suspected meniscal tears clinically. There were 31 males and 11 females, with an average age of 38.4 years old (ranged, 21 to 67 years old). The duration of the course ranged from 2 h to 15 d. The clinical symptom was knee pain. All the patients got subsequently arthroscopic examination or operation. The sensitivity and specificity of routine plain MR and 3D-indirect MR arthrography were compared based on the results of arthroscopic examination or operation.

RESULTSThe signal intensity in the area of meniscal tears on image of 3D-indirect MR arthrography was obviously higher than that of routine plain MR. The sensitivity of 3D-indirect MR arthrography was 85.79% (87/102), while the routine plain MR was 52.94% (54/102), and the specificity improved from 67.78%(61/90) to 86.67%(78/90). The difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 25.90, P < 0.01; χ2 = 9.13, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONIn comparison with the routine plain MR findings, 3D-indirect MR arthrography demonstrates meniscus tears of the knee with the better sensitivity and specificity.

Adult ; Aged ; Arthrography ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Knee Injuries ; diagnosis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tibial Meniscus Injuries

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of the exposure to di- (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) during pregnancy on the DNA methylation level of genomes in the testis of the offspring in mice.

METHODSPregnant KM mice were randomly divided into three groups, normal control, corn oil and DEHP-exposed. Corn oil and DEHP (500 mg/[kg x d]) were administrated respectively from gestation day 12.5 (GD 12.5) to postnatal day 3 (PND 3). The testes of the offspring were excised on PND 7, and their genomic DNA was treated with EcoR I /Msp I and EcoR I /Hpa II. The genome-wide DNA methylation patterns of the CCGG sites were detected by methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP). The samples were electrophoresed in the ABI 3730 DNA sequencer and the results analyzed by the Genescan3.1.

RESULTSThe average incidence of DNA methylation was (34.03 +/- 3.05)% in the DEHP-exposed mice, obviously higher than (28.37 +/- 2.37)% in the normal control and (28.58 2.45)% in the corn oil group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONExposure to DEHP during pregnancy increases the DNA methylation level of the genome in the testis of the offspring and affects the apparent genetic modification of the genome, which may be one of the important toxicological causes of the lesion in the reproductive system.

Animals ; DNA Methylation ; drug effects ; Diethylhexyl Phthalate ; pharmacology ; Female ; Genome ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique ; Testis ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of willed movement therapy on the expression of neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) and growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43) in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) and investigate the neuroprotective mechanism of willed movement therapy in nerve regeneration and repair.

METHODSCerebral IR model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in SD rats. The rats were randomly divided into MCAO group, environment modification group (EM group) and willed movement therapy group (WM group). The rats were evaluated for neurological deficits and decapitated on days 3, 7 and 15 after the reperfusion to examine the expressions of NT-3 and GAP-43 in the ischemic brain tissues by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSCompared with MCAO and EM groups, the rats in WM group showed significantly lowered grade of neurological deficits (P<0.05) at 15 days and significantly increased the expressions of NT-3 and GAP-43 (P<0.05) at 7 and 15 days after the reperfusion. No significant difference was found in the expression of NT-3 and GAP-43 between MCAO and EM groups (P>0.05). The expression of NT-3 was positively correlated to that of GAP-43 in the ischemic tissues.

CONCLUSIONSWilled movement therapy increases the expression of NT-3 and GAP-43 in the ischemic brain area in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, which is probably related to nerve regeneration and repair.

Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; metabolism ; therapy ; Exercise Therapy ; methods ; GAP-43 Protein ; metabolism ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; metabolism ; therapy ; Male ; Movement ; physiology ; Nerve Regeneration ; Neuronal Plasticity ; physiology ; Neurotrophin 3 ; metabolism ; Physical Exertion ; physiology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo detect the underlying genetic defect in two Chinese families with hereditary multiple exostoses and provide genetic counseling.

METHODSPotential mutations in EXT1 and EXT2 genes in the probands were detected by direct sequencing of PCR-amplified exons. Suspected mutations were verified in all available family members and 200 unrelated healthy controls.

RESULTSA heterozygous frameshift mutation c.346_356delinsTAT in exon 1 of EXT1 and a heterozygous deletion mutation c.2009-2012del(TCAA) in exon 10 of EXT1 were respectively detected in affected members from the two families. The same mutations were not detected in unaffected members and 200 unrelated healthy controls. No mutations in EXT2 were detected in the two families.

CONCLUSIONTwo novel mutations of EXT1 have been detected in association with hereditary multiple exostoses in two Chinese families. Above results have provided a basis for genetic counseling for the two families and expanded the spectrum of EXT1 mutations.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; methods ; Exostoses, Multiple Hereditary ; enzymology ; genetics ; Female ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Sequence Deletion ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVEIn Guangxi province, from 1970s to 1990s, the mortality of primary liver cancer (PLC) ranked the first among a variety of malignant tumors. Investigating the epidemiological characteristics of PLC is very important for developing reasonable and effective treatment strategy, allocating health resources rationally, and evaluating the quality of PLC prevention and control. This study was to analyze the mortality and epidemiological characteristics of PLC in Guangxi province between 2004 and 2005.

METHODSMulti stage stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 9 counties (cities or urban areas) as sample points. The residents' death causes between 2004 and 2005 were analyzed, and the epidemiological characteristics of PLC were investigated.

RESULTSIn the period of 2004-2005, the crude mortality of PLC was 34.39/100,000 in Guangxi province population (55.30/100,000 in men and 13.21/100,000 in women). The national population standardized mortality in 1964 was 22.17/100,000. The man to woman ratio of mortality was 4.19:1. PLC ranked as the first death cause among a variety of malignant tumors, and PLC related death accounted for 30.70% of all tumor related death cases. Age specific mortality of PLC was increased with age, rising significantly from 30 year old (from 25 year old in men and from 40 year old in women), and reached a peak at 75 year old.

CONCLUSIONSThe mortality of PLC shows a decreasing trend in Guangxi province in the early 21st century, and the starting age of PLC death peak postpones about 10 years than that in 1990s. It shows that the comprehensive prevention and control measures of PLC implemented in Guangxi province are fruitful. However, the PLC mortality in Guangxi province is still significantly higher than the national average level, and it still ranks as the first death cause in a variety of malignant tumors in Guangxi province. PLC mainly occurs in middle aged and elderly people. The prevention and treatment research of PLC still has a long way to go.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Liver Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; mortality ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mortality ; trends ; Sex Distribution ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the dynamic quantitative changes in expression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) that occurs during the natural recovery course and the short-term antivirus treatment period of patients suffering from flares in chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

METHODSCHB patients presenting for treatment of flare-ups were randomly assigned to receive treatment with Entecavir antiviral (group A, n = 39) or to naturally resolve the acute condition (group B, n = 22). All patients MELD scores were calculated and HBsAg levels and HBV DNA loads were measured upon admission (baseline), at worst-condition stage, and end of treatment/flare-up (discharge). Pairwise comparisons of intergroup differences were made to evaluate the change in the three disease parameters over time in response to the management approach.

RESULTSThe levels of HBsAg were not significantly different between the two groups at baseline, worst-condition stage and discharge (group A: (3.68+/-0.45), (3.84+/-0.19) and (3.69+/-0.58) log10 cut-off index (COI) respectively; group B: (3.59+/-0.54), (3.47+/-0.76) and (3.43+/-0.68) log10 COI respectively; all P more than 0.05). However, the HBV DNA loads were significantly lower in group A than in group B at the worst-condition stage and at discharge (all P less than 0.05). In group A, the MELD scores were significantly higher at baseline and at worst-condition stage than at discharge (all P = 0.000), but the difference between baseline and worst-condition stage was not significant. Also in group A, the HBV DNA load showed a gradually decreasing trend over time (baseline more than worst-condition stage more than discharge, all P less than 0.05). No significant differences were observed over time in the HBsAg levels of group A. In group B, the MELD scores were significantly higher at baseline and at worst-condition stage than at discharge (all P = 0.000), but the difference between baseline and worst-condition stage was not significant (P = 0.619). Also in group B, the HBV DNA loads were significantly higher at baseline and worst-condition stage than at discharge (P = 0.000 and P = 0.003 respectively), but the difference between baseline and worst-condition stage was not significant. Finally, no significant differences were observed over time in the HBsAg levels of group B.

CONCLUSIONNatural recovery from an acute flare-up of CHB is not accompanied by a change in HBsAg levels. In addition, short-term antiviral treatment to resolve the flare-up has no influence on HBsAg level.

Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Guanine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B virus ; drug effects ; physiology ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; blood ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Viral Load