OBJECTIVEThe sex therapy is not yet popularized at present. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the combination of the improved sex therapy and oral sildenafil on erectile dysfunction (ED).

METHODSA total of 3130 Uigur cases of ED received in Xinjiang Bogda Hospital were divided into a control group (n=625) and a trial group (n=2505), the former treated with oral sildenafil alone, and the latter by the combination of the improved genital therapy and sildenafil, both for 3 months and followed up at 6 and 12 months after the treatment. The therapeutic effects were evaluated and compared using IIEF-5.

RESULTSThe IIEF-5 scores of the control group were 12.80 +/- 3.76 and 18.10 +/- 2.61 before and after the treatment, and 17.35 +/- 2.73 and 16.64 +/- 2.63 at 6 and 12 months, respectively, while those of the trial group were 12.73 +/- 3.52 and 19.06 +/- 4.07 before and af- ter the treatment, and 19.86 +/- 2.42 and 20.47 +/- 2.38 at 6 and 12 months, respectively, with statistically significant differences either between pre- and post-treatment (P < 0.05) or between the control and trial groups at 6 and 12 months (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe combination of the improved sex therapy and oral sildenafil is superior to sildenafil alone in the treatment of ED, and its efficacy is relatively stable at 12 months.

Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Erectile Dysfunction ; drug therapy ; ethnology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Piperazines ; therapeutic use ; Purines ; therapeutic use ; Retrospective Studies ; Sildenafil Citrate ; Sulfones ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To evaluating the effectiveness of comprehensive measures to control the plague in epidemic areas in Longlin county Guangxi from 2001 to 2010.Methods Original epidemic places was deratised,indicative animals were investigated,and epidemic clues were searched.Cage trapping method was used to capture rat and rat body fleas were collected in the plague epidemic areas.The flea-carrying rates and flea index of rodents were calculated based on the number of fleas collected from caged rodents.The animals were then subjected to etiological and serological tests to determine the plague infection rate.Results A total of 1008 rats were captured and 571 fleas were collected from 2001 to 2010,of which Rattus Flavipestus accounted tor 81.65％(823/1008) and Xenopsylla Cheopis for 64.10％(366/571).The annual average rodents infected with flea and the index of flea were 23.02％ (177/769) and 0.74,respectively.The annual average density of rodents decreased from 3.99％ (859/21 508,before deratised) to 0.96％ (149/15 600,after deratised).The deratization rate was 75.94％.Conclusion The risk of a plague epidemic in Longlin county is reduced after continued comprehensive measures be taken to deal with the disease.

BACKGROUNDNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in Southern Asia. Radiation therapy remains the mainstay of treatment strategies for NPC. Although approximately 19% - 56% of patients develop a recurrent disease 5 years after their primary treatment, recognition of post-radiation changes and early detection of relapse are important in improving the outcome of NPC. Our aim was to analyze the post-radiation changes and recurrent diseases related to NPC using computed tomography (CT) scans and to investigate their relationship.

METHODSCT scans of 510 pathologically proven NPC patients who have been followed up for more than 2 years after radiation were reviewed. The tumor's response to the radiation therapy and its relevance to recurrence were evaluated.

RESULTSFor patients who were followed up for more than 2 years, their CT scans-obtained within 3 months, during the 4th to the 6th month, and beyond 7 months after radiation therapy, showed a normal nasopharyngeal cavity with a slight thickening in the wall in 93.5%, 95.0% and 84.8% of the patients respectively. The degree of tumor regression had no significant relevance to the risk of recurrence within the initial 3 months (P = 0.094). During this term, the relapse rates in the cases in which the nasopharyngeal walls were displayed as normal, slightly or moderately thickening, or with obvious residual masses on CT scans were 7.1%, 11.7%, 23.5% and 23.1% respectively. The degree of tumor regression beyond 3 months after radiation therapy had a considerable reverse relevance to the risk of recurrence (P = 0.000). The relapse rates were 13.2%, 14.1%, 10.2% and 2.1%, respectively, in the cases with a normal and a slightly thickening nasopharyngeal wall during the 4th to the 6th month, the 7th to the 12th month, the 13th to the 24th month, and beyond 25 months after radiation. In contrast, the percents in cases with moderate or more aggressive thickening walls in the corresponding periods were 62.5%, 88.9%, 100% and 100%. Within 6 months after radiation therapy, shown by CT scans, the metastatic lymph nodes disappeared, markedly decreased, slightly decreased, or enlarged in 37.4%, 51.8%, 4.7%, and 0.4%, respectively, of the patients. During 6 to 12 months after radiation therapy, the proportions were 78.5%, 19.2%, 0.6% and 1.7% correspondingly. Beyond 12 months, the proportions were 83.7%, 7.9%, 0%, and 8.4%. The regression degree of the malignant nodes after radiation therapy showed a remarkable reverse relevance to the risk of recurrence in lymph nodes (P = 0.000). In the cases with disappearing, markedly decreased, slightly decreased, or enlarged malignant nodes within six months after radiation, the relapse rates were 2.9%, 4.5%, 12.5% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSIf the nasopharyngeal walls are shown to remain moderately thick on a CT scan beyond 6 months after radiotherapy, the risk of relapse will increase. The baseline images taken within 3 months after radiotherapy and regular follow-up studies are the key to pick up the tumor recurrences in an earlier stage.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; radiotherapy ; Nasopharynx ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; radiation effects ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To analyze the outcome of surveillance results on plague and to provide the evidences for the policy making in Longlin county Guangxi. Methods The epidemic data and the surveillance results of plague were analyzed and assessed with epidemiology methods in Longlin county Guangxi from 2000 to 2009, and the density of rodents, the rodents infected with flea, flea index and other indicators were calculated. Regional composition of the rats and fleas were analyzed. Results A totally of 4829 rats were captured and 4737 fleas were collected in the past 10 years, Rattus Flavipestus(81.92%,3956/4829) and Xenopsylla Cheopis (79.04%,3744/4737) were dominant species. The annual average density of rodents, the rodents infected with flea, index of flea were 3.30%(4829/146 206), 27.99%(1351/4827) and 0.98(4737/4827), respectively. A totally of 4792 rats were examined and 10 strains Yersinia Pestis were isolated. Indirect hemorrhagic assessed(IHA) was used to test the F1 antibody against plague in the blood serum of the rats and indicator animals, and 3 positive rats and 24 positive animals were found, respectively. Twenty seven natural villages in 3 towns had been involved in the plague. Conclusions The plague foci exists in Longlin county of Guangxi province. The plague foci in the areas have the same feature with the plague foci of Rattus Flavipectus. There is a potential risk for plague in this region, we should improve the quality of surveillance, increase indicator animals of the plague, and try to apply new surveillance method.

Objective To explore the establishment of a rat model of acute radiation-induced liver injury and sig-nificance of the dynamic changes of TGF-β1 expression.Methods Forty healthy 6-week old male SD rats were randomly divided into model group (n=30) and control group (n=10).The right liver of rats in the model group was given a single dose of 25 Gy 6 MV X-ray irradiation.Histopathological examination using HE staining and transmission electron microsco-py were conducted to observe the liver pathological changes in rats at 3, 5, and 10 days after irradiation, serum TGF-β1 was detected, and relevant indicators of liver function ( ALT, AST, ALP) were determined.Statistical analysis was per-formed using SPSS 17.0 software.Results At 3, 5 and 10 days after irradiation, early pathological changes in the liver cells were observed by electron microscopy, the expression of TGF-β1 was gradually increased with the time prolongation, and significant differences were found between the model group and the control group at different time points (P<0.05). The light microscopic observation of liver tissues did not show significant differences between the control group and model group.The liver ALT, AST, ALP at different time points did not show significant differences between the two groups ( P>0.05).Conclusion Electron microscopy can be used to evaluate the early changes of radiation-induced liver injury, pri-or to the alterations visible by routine light microscopy.TGF-β1 can be used to predict the degree of radiation-induced liver injury, and may be used as a sensitive serum cytokine in predicting the degree of radiation-induced acute liver injury.

BACKGROUNDMultidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) is an important and emerging hospital-acquired pathogen worldwide. This study was conducted to identify the sources of MDRAB and its role in respiratory tract colonization and nosocomial pneumonia in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

METHODSWe conducted a prospective active surveillance study of MDRAB in three ICUs at a Chinese Hospital from April to August 2011, to identify the sources of MDRAB and its role in respiratory tract colonization and nosocomial pneumonia.

RESULTSOne hundred and fourteen (13.0%) MDRAB isolates were detected from 876 specimens, with a sensitivity of 11.6% (55/474) in screening of the pharyngeal and tracheal swabs, and 14.7% (59/402) of the sputum/endotracheal aspirates. MDRAB colonization/infection was found in 34 (26.8%) of 127 patients, including 16 (12.6%) cases of pure colonization and 18 (14.2%) cases of pneumonia (two pre-ICU-acquired cases of pneumonia and 16 ICU-acquired cases of pneumonia). Previous respiratory tract MDRAB colonization was found in 22 (17.3%) patients: eight (6.3%) were pre-ICU-acquired colonization and 14 (11.0%) ICU-acquired colonization. Of eight pre-ICU-colonized patients, five were transferred from other wards or hospitals with hospitalization > 72 hours, and three came from the community with no previous hospitalization. Overall, 6/22 colonized patients presented with secondary pneumonia; only two (9.1%) colonized MDRAB strains were associated with secondary infections. Respiratory tract MDRAB colonization had no significant relationship with nosocomial pneumonia (P = 0.725). In addition, acute respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, renal failure, and prior carbapenem use were risk factors for MDRAB colonization/infection.

CONCLUSIONSA high proportion of cases of MDRAB colonization/infection in ICU patients were detected through screening cultures. About one-third were acquired from general wards and the community before ICU admission. The low incidence of MDRAB colonization-related pneumonia questions the appropriateness of targeted antibiotic therapy.

Acinetobacter baumannii ; drug effects ; pathogenicity ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Cross Infection ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Female ; Humans ; Intensive Care Units ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pneumonia ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Prospective Studies ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; drug therapy ; microbiology

BACKGROUNDEndostatin is a potent inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis. In the preliminary studies, we developed a mutant endostatin containing Arg-Gly-Asp-Arg-Gly-Asp (RGDRGD) sequences. In this study, we compared the antitumor effects of mutant endostatin and Bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotides both in combination and individually.

METHODSThe artificially synthesized Bcl-2 ASODN (antisense oligonucleotides) included a translation-initiation site and was transfected into the bladder cancer cells by Lipofectamine. Cell growth was investigated by the tumor cell growth chart, MTT assay, caspase-3 activity detection assay, AO/EB fluorescein stain, and the annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection assay. In the in vivo study, UM-UC-3 bladder cancer cells were subcutaneously implanted into nude mice and the growth of tumor was examined. The ultrastructure of the tumor tissues in the treated and control groups were observed.

RESULTSThe cell growth chart showed that the cell population of the treated combination group decreased by 52.04% compared to the control group. The inhibition rate of the treated combination group was (79.66 ± 6.79)%, whereas those of the individual ASODN and ES groups were (53.39 ± 3.22)% and (50.22 ± 5.46)% respectively. In the caspase-3 activity detection using AO/EB fluorescein stain and annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection assay, the co-inhibitory effect was higher than the individual inhibitory effects (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the inhibition of the solid tumor growth in the in vivo study.

CONCLUSIONSOur findings indicated that Bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotides enhance the antitumor effects of mutant endostatin both in vitro and in vivo. We noted the synergistic effects of Bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotides combined with mutant endostatin.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; administration & dosage ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drug Synergism ; Endostatins ; administration & dosage ; Mice ; Thionucleotides ; administration & dosage ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo assess the effect and safety of nano-Amoni Paste (nmAP) in the treatment of children's anorexia (AR).

METHODSOne hundred and eighty patients of AR were assigned according to the randomized, double-blinded, double-simulated and parallel controlled principle to three groups, the treated group (TG), the positive control group (PCG) and the negative control group (NCG), 60 in each group. The patients in TG were treated by sticking 1.5 ml of nmAP on the acupoint of Shenque (Ren 8) once a day and orally taking placebo liquid 10 ml twice a day; those in PCG and NCG treated with sticking paste of placebo on Ren 8, and oral taking of Shanmai Jianpi Oral Liquid and placebo liquid respectively, 10 ml each time twice per day. The course of treatment for all was 10 days, all patients were treated for 2 courses.

RESULTSThe total effective rate and the effective rate on cardinal symptom in TG was 85.0% and 95.0% respectively, that in PCG 86.2% and 96.55% and in NCG 45.5% and 65.45%, respectively, showing significant difference between groups (P<0.05). Comparison of the clinical manifestation before and after treatment showed significant improvement in volume of food intake, appetite, complexion and reduction of restlessness symptom (P<0.05) in all three groups, and there was no adverse reaction found in them.

CONCLUSIONnmAP is an effective and safe remedy for treatment of Children's anorexia.

Acupuncture Points ; Amomum ; chemistry ; Anorexia ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Appetite ; drug effects ; Body Height ; drug effects ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Double-Blind Method ; Eating ; drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; Liposomes ; Male ; Nanoparticles ; Oils, Volatile ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; isolation & purification ; therapeutic use ; Ointments ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Psychomotor Agitation ; physiopathology ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences of IL-4, IFN-gamma gene promoter methylation of allergic rhinitis patients between Uygur and Han people of Xinjiang. METHOD: Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) detected IL-4, IFN-gamma gene methylation of each of 50 patients with allergic rhinitis in Uygur and Han. RESULT: Complete IL-4 gene promoter methylation rate was 44% (22/50) and 48% (24/50) in Uygur and Han AR patients, un-methylation was 26% (13/50) and 22% (11/50), coexistence rate of methylation and un-methylation was 30% (15/50) and 30% (15/50). Complete IFN-gamma gene promoter methylation rate was 12% (6/50) and 16% (8/50) in Uygur and Han AR patients, un-methylation was 8% (4/50) and 10% (5/50), coexistence rate of methylation and unmethylated was 80% (40/50) and 74% (37/50). Distribution of IL-4 gene methylation between Han and Uygur AR patients had no statistically significant (P > 0.05). Distribution of IFN-gamma gene methylation between Han and Uygur AR patients had no statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION There is no difference of IL-4, IFN-gamma gene methylation in patients between the Han and Uygur.
Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; DNA Methylation ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Ethnic Groups ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Humans ; Interferon-gamma ; genetics ; Interleukin-4 ; genetics ; Male ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; epidemiology ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the application of locomotor activity test in functional injury after global cerebral ischemia (GCI) in C57BL/6 mice.

METHODSGCI was induced by bilateral carotid arteries occlusion for 30 min in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were divided into sham group, GCI group and minocycline group. Saline or minocycline (45 mg/kg) was i.p. injected once daily for 6 d after ischemia. At Day 6 after ischemia, locomotor activity was recorded for 1 h in open field test. Total distance, central distance, central distance ratio, periphery distance, periphery distance ratio, central time and periphery time were used to evaluate the behavior characteristics of locomotor activity in C57BL/6 mice after ischemia. The survival neuron density was detected by Nissl staining in hippocampus, cortex and striatum.

RESULTSCompared with sham group, total distance, central distance and central time increased and periphery time decreased in C57BL/6 mice after GCI (Ps<0.05). However, minocycline significantly reduced the central distance and central time and increased the periphery time (Ps<0.05). Neurons were damaged in hippocampus, cortex and striatum after GCI, which manifested by decreased neurons and the most serious damage in hippocampal CA1 region. Minocycline significantly improved the neuron appearance and increased the neuron number in hippocampus and striatum (P<0.001 or P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONLocomotor activity in open field test can objectively evaluate the behavior injury after GCI in mice. Central distance and central time can be used as indexes of quantitative assessment.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Brain Ischemia ; physiopathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Motor Activity ; physiology ; Neurons ; pathology ; Reperfusion Injury ; physiopathology