Objective To master iodine nutritional status of people after universal salt iodization in Xining that reached the stage goal of elimination iodine deficiency disorders. Methods In the 7 counties investigated of Xining in 2009, 5 towns were randomly selected in each county, and one school was randomly selected in each town, 80 children aged 8 to 10 were randomly selected in each school, and goiter were examined, urinary iodine and salt iodine were tested. Thyroid gland goiter of children was detected by thyroid palpation, children's urinary iodine was tested by As( Ⅲ )-Ce4+ catalytic spectrophotometry, and salt iodine was tested by direct titration. Results A total of 2919 children aged 8 to 10 were examined, 31 goiter was detected, goiter rate was 1.06%(31/2919).One thousand and seventy-eight urine samples were detected, urinary iodine median was 205.3 μg/L, that lower than 20 μg/L accounted for 1.9% (20/1078), lower than 50 μg/L accounted for 4.5%(48/1078). Two thousand and seventy-nine salt samples were detected, median of salt iodine was 32.80 mg/kg, the rate of non-iodized salt was 0.87%(18/2079), the coverage rate of iodized salt was 99.13%(2061/2079), the qualified rate of iodized salt was 98.64% (2033/2061), the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 97.79% (2033/2079). Conclusions Prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders has achieved remarkable results in Xining city, all indicators have reached the national standard to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Kangquan Recipe (KQR) on sex steroids and cell proliferation in an experimental benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) model in rats.

METHODSSeventy-two SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: the normal group, the model group, the finasteride group, and the low-, middle-, and high-dose KQR groups, 12 in each group. Except those in the normal group, the rats were injected with testosterone after castration for the establishment of BPH model and then given respectively with normal saline, finasteride, and low-, middle-, and high-dose of KQR for 30 days. The levels of plasma testosterone (T) and estradiol (E(2)) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression ) of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in prostate tissue was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after administration.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, the prostate weight, the plasma T, and the mRNA expression of PCNA were significantly lower, and the plasma E(2) and the ratio of E(2)/T were higher in the three KQR groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the prostate weight, plasma T and E(2), and ratio of E(2)/T among the finasteride group and the three KQR groups (P>0.05). The mRNA expressions of PCNA were significantly higher in the middle- and low-dose of KQR groups than those in the finasteride group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONKQR shows multitarget effects on experimental BPH rats, and the mechanism might be related with regulating the balance of plasma T and E(2) and decreasing the PCNAmRNA expression in prostate tissue to restrain cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.

Animals ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cookbooks as Topic ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; blood ; metabolism ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Organ Size ; drug effects ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; genetics ; metabolism ; Prostate ; drug effects ; pathology ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; blood ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To investigate the establishment of synapses between the cortical neurons and the neuron-like cells difierentiated from the marrow stromal cells(BMSCs)in a simulated transplantation system in vitro.Methods The BMSCs from green fluorescent protein(GFP)transgenic mice(GFP-GM-BMSCs) were isolated, cultured and purified in vitro.The third passage of GFP-GM-BMSCs were co-cultured with primary cultured cortical neurons and gliai cells in a simulated transplantation system in serum-free medium conmining 2%B27 supplemented with 20 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)and 20 ng/mL epidermal growth factor(EGF).On day 10 of the co-culture,FM1-43,a fluorescent dye specific to active synaptic vesicles,was used to observe synapses formation between the cells under fluorescence microscope. Results The GFP.GM-BMSCsco-cultured with the neural cells in the Serum-free medium containing bFGF and EGF differentiated into neuron-like cells 7 days after the co-culture.On day 10 ofthe co-culture,FM1-43 dye-positive synaptic vesicles were foundin the cell culture,locating mostly in the cell body,processes and terminal sffuctures ofthe neuron-like cells. Conclusions The neuron-like cells derived from GFP-GM-BMSCs can form synapses with the coRical neurons in the simulated cell transplantation system in vitro.

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of embolization of cerebral dural atreriovenous fistulas (cDAVF) of the eavemous sinus through the superior ophthalmic vein approach. Methods Twnety-seven patients with eDAVF of the cavernous sinus were embolized through the superior ophthalmic vein approach. Cerebral angiography and follow-up examination of the patients were performed to evaluate the effect ofernbolization. Results The fistulae showed complete angiographic disappearance in 15 patients, and 12 patients had blood velocity flow reduction at the fistula orifice. Ocular proptosis and chemosis deteriorated transiently in 11 patients after the procedure. The patients were followed-op for 3 to 48 months, and clinical cure was achieved in 17 patients, and 10 showed significant symptom relief. Conclusion cDAVF of the cavernous sinus can be effectively embolized through the superior ophthalmic vein approach.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the therapeutic effect of reverse radial hypothenar flap for finger soft tissue defect.

METHODSFrom Mar. 2006 to Mar. 2010, 13 cases (14 fingers) with finger soft tissue defects were treated with reverse radial hypothenar flaps pedicled with ulnar palmar digital artery of little finger. The defects were 1.9 cm x 1.5 cm -4.0 cm x 2.0 cm in size. The flap size ranged from 1.5 cm x 2.0 cm to 4.0 cm x 2.0 cm.

RESULTSAll the flaps survived completely with primary healing both in donor and recipient area. 12 cases (13 fingers) were followed up for 1-3 years. The flaps color was similar to the unaffected fingers. Cicatricial contracture happened in one case due to contracture of palmar fascia. The two-point discrimination distance on flap was 3.2-5.3mm. The active and passive movement of finger joints was evaluated as excellent in 12 fingers, good in one finger. There was no complaint about the feeling at the donor site. Two months after operation, all patients could go back to work.

CONCLUSIONSThe reverse radial hypothenar flap is very suitable for finger soft tissue defect with less morbidity to donor site.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Finger Injuries ; surgery ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; surgery ; Surgical Flaps ; Young Adult

Tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer of esophagus are usually removed by thoracoscopic resection. With the introduction of new endoscopic therapeutic techniques, some of these tumors could be treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). However, the above endoscopic methods are associated with a high risk of perforation and it is hard to close the perforation through the endoscopy. Recently we successfully resected a tumor originating from the muscularis propria layer of the esophagus by submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER), which was based on peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and ESD. Compared with ESD, STER is a safe, economic and less invasive treatment. Even when perforation happens, it is easier to close the tunnel with the endoscopic clips which can help stopping the leak of air and digestive fluids. In this case, we found STER wss an effective and safe endoscopic procedure to remove tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer in the esophagus.
Adult ; Dissection ; methods ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Esophagoscopy ; methods ; Esophagus ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Leiomyoma ; pathology ; surgery ; Male

OBJECTIVESOrthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is an accepted therapy for selected patients with advanced liver diseases. However, the early mortality rate after OLT remains relatively high due to the poor selection of candidates with various serious conditions. The aim of this study is to assess the value of pretransplantation artificial liver support treatment in reducing the pre-operation risk factors relating to early mortality after OLT.

METHODS50 adult patients in various stages of different etiologies who underwent OLT procedures had been treated with molecular adsorbent recycling system (MARS) preoperatively. The study was designed in two parts: the first one was to evaluate the effectiveness of a single MARS therapy by using some clinical and laboratory parameters which were supposed to be therapeutical pretransplantation risk factors. The second part was to study the patients undergoing OLT by using the regression analysis on preoperation risk factors relating to early (within 30 d after OLT) mortality rate.

RESULTSAmong the 50 patients, a statistically significant improvement of the biochemical parameters was observed (pretreatment vs posttreatment). 8 patients cancelled their scheduled LTXs due to significant improvements in their clinical conditions or recovery of their failing liver functions. 8 patients died and 34 patients successfully underwent LTX. The immediate outcome (within 30 postoperative days) of these 34 patients was that 28 were kept alive and 6 died.

CONCLUSIONSPreoperation sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), level of creatinine, INR, TNFalpha, and IL-10 are the main preoperative risk factors relating to early death after an operation. MARS treatment before a transplant operation can relieve these factors significantly, hence improve survival rate of liver transplantation or even make the transplantation unnecessary.

Aged ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; blood ; Liver Cirrhosis ; surgery ; Liver Neoplasms ; surgery ; Liver Transplantation ; methods ; Liver, Artificial ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Preoperative Care ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features of microscopic polyangitis (MPA), and to compare the differences in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-positive and ANCA-negative patients, as well as in ANCA-positive cases with or without glomerular immunoglobulin deposition.

METHODSThirty-four biopsy-proven cases of MPA were retrieved from the archival files of the Department during the past 7 years. The clinicopathologic characteristics between ANCA-positive and negative patients, as well as between ANCA-positive cases with and without glomerular immunoglobulin deposition, were compared.

RESULTSAmongst the 34 MPA patients studied, about one-fifth to one-half were accompanied by various extrarenal symptoms. Serum ANCA was positive in 26 patients (76.5%). A slight to moderate increase in urinary protein was demonstrated in 31 patients, while 3 patients had nephrotic syndrome. Elevated serum creatinine was detected in 32 cases. Renal biopsy revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis in 24 cases, focal segmental glomerulonephritis in 8 cases, vascular fibrinoid necrosis with inflammation in 7 cases, intimal thickening of arterioles in 24 cases, interstitial inflammatory cells, including neutrophil infiltration (21 cases), in 29 cases. Crescentic formation was more common in the ANCA-positive group than in the ANCA-negative group (P < 0.05). Amongst the 26 ANCA-positive cases, 10 had glomerular immunoglobulin deposits (including 1 case with IgA nephropathy). In general, these cases had a greater degree of proteinuria than those without glomerular immunoglobulin deposits (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe diagnosis of MPA relies on histologic examination of renal biopsy and clinicopathologic correlation. Serum ANCA seems important for glomerular crescent formation. Glomerular immunoglobulin deposition may also play a significant role in the exacerbation of proteinuria.

Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic ; metabolism ; Biomarkers ; Biopsy ; Female ; Glomerulonephritis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Isotypes ; metabolism ; Kidney ; pathology ; Kidney Diseases ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nephrotic Syndrome ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proteinuria ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Vasculitis ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) convalescent stool shedding by RT-PCR.

METHODSOne hundred and three stool samples from 46 SARS patients were collected on May 16th, 20th, and 23rd, 2003. For each sample, RNA was extracted using commercial kit and 7 Nest RT-PCR using a 14-pair different SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) special primers were carried out simultaneously.

RESULTSAmong these 46 SARS patients, 17 cases (37.0%) were stool SARS-CoV RT-PCR negative, and 29 cases (63.0%) were SARS-CoV RT-PCR positive. The duration of positive cases lasted (31.76 +/- 10.78) d (12-64 d). The longest stool shedding case in this study lasted 64 days. Two serial stool samples and for each sample 2 RT-PCR tests using different primers were positive in this case.

CONCLUSIONSOur study observed longest stool shedding of SARS patients to be 64 days after initial onset of SARS. The average stool shedding was 32 days. Hence it is important to think highly of SARS convalescent patient stool sterilization.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Feces ; virology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Viral ; analysis ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; SARS Virus ; isolation & purification ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; transmission ; virology ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from a third party donor for secondary poor graft function (PGF) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT).

METHODSFive patients with secondary PGF were treated with MSC at a dose of 1 x 10(6)/kg body weight at a median of 47 days (35 to 61) after secondary PGF. MSC were derived from bone marrow (BM) of HLA-disparate third party donors, cultured in vitro and infused without HSC. If absolute neutrophil cell (ANC) and platelet counts (PLT) did not reach the standardization of > 1.5 x 10(9)/L and > 50.0 x 10(9)/L, respectively, within 28-30 days after the first MSC treatment, a second MSC treatment was required.

RESULTSMSC were infused once in one patient and twice in four patients with an interval of 28 to 30 days. All patients obtained ANC and PLT recovery at a median of 34 (25 to 49) days and 47 (26 to 54) days, respectively, without toxic side effects within follow-up periods of median 761 (204-1491) days. Three patients developed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation at 42, 48, 108 days after MSC infusion, respectively and two of the three coverted to posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD).

CONCLUSIONMSC from a third party donor are effective to patients with secondary PGF following allo-HSCT, whether it might increase the risk of EBV reactivation and EBV-associated PTLD need further observation.

Adolescent ; Female ; Graft vs Host Disease ; prevention & control ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; methods ; Transplantation, Homologous ; Young Adult