OBJECTIVETo establish a full-quantified fingerprint method for analyzing Chinese herbal additives by HPLC.

METHODA HPLC in combination with PDA detector was applied with a phenomenex luna C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) column by gradient elution using acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid solution as the mobile phase. The flow rate was 1 mL x min(-1) and the detection wavelength was set at full spectrum scan.

RESULTAccording to the selected chromatographic conditions, the full-quantified fingerprint of the Chinese herbal additive has good precision, reproducibility, stability and recovery.

CONCLUSIONThe HPLC method developed for simultaneous determination of seven compounds is simple and valid. It can be used for quality evaluation and quality control of Chinese herbal additive and its processing products.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo explore the causes of nonspecific chronic cough in children and relationship between transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) gene polymorphisms and nonspecific chronic cough.

METHODSA total of 195 children with chronic cough were followed up half a month, one month and three months after their first visit to hospital. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to examine polymorphisms of the TRPV1 gene in the children. A total of 205 healthy or surgical children without chronic cough served as the control group.

RESULTSThe etiologic distribution of the 195 children with chronic cough was as follows: 96 (49.2%) cases of cough variant asthma (CVA), 48 (24.6%) cases of CVA complicated by upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), 34 (17.4%) cases of post-infectious cough, and 17 (8.7%) cases of UACS. Three genotypes were identified in both groups at positions rs222747 (CC, GC and GG), rs222748 (CC, TC and TT) and rs8065080 (CC, TC and TT). The frequencies of genotype and allele at position rs222747 did not accord with the law of Hardy-Weinberg. There was no significant difference in frequencies of genotype and allele at positions rs222748 and rs8065080 between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSCVA, UACS and post-infectious cough are common causes of nonspecific chronic cough in children. TRPV1 gene polymorphisms at positions rs222748 and rs8065080 may be unrelated to nonspecific chronic cough in children.

Adolescent ; Alleles ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Chronic Disease ; Cough ; etiology ; genetics ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; TRPV Cation Channels ; genetics

Objective:To investigate the incidence and risk factors of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and to provide evidence for the prevention and control of VAP.Methods:A total of 1 872 neonates, who were admitted into NICU of Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital and subjected to mechanical ventilation from October 2016 to June 2018, were enrolled in the study. The neonates who met the diagnostic criteria of VAP were selected as the case group, and those who were treated with ventilator for 48 hours at the same time were regarded as the control group. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of VAP.Results:Of the 1 872 neonates who underwent the mechanical ventilation, the VAP occurred in 160 cases with the incidence rate of 8.5% (160 cases). The 227 specimens were collected. Gram-positive bacteria ( n=116, 51.1%) were the main pathogens. The main pathogens were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Acinetobacter baumannii. By Chi-square test, birth weight, birth age, Apgar score, duration of ventilator, and whether newborn mothers with pregnancy hypertension were influencing factors. The result of logistic regression analysis showed that compared with no pregnancy included hypertension, the first aid measure at birth was initial resuscitation, and the MV time ≤ 5 days, the risk factors of ventilator-associated pneumonia in neonates included: their mothers with hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy, using of tracheal intubation and ventilator time more than 5 days. Conclusion:The incidence of VAP in neonates receiving continuous MV therapy in neonatal intensive care unit is higher. Gram-positive bacteria are the main pathogens. VAP in neonates is related to whether newborn mothers with pregnancy hypertension, MV duration and tracheal intubation.

Objective:To investigate the incidence and risk factors of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and to provide evidence for the prevention and control of VAP.Methods:A total of 1 872 neonates, who were admitted into NICU of Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital and subjected to mechanical ventilation from October 2016 to June 2018, were enrolled in the study. The neonates who met the diagnostic criteria of VAP were selected as the case group, and those who were treated with ventilator for 48 hours at the same time were regarded as the control group. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of VAP.Results:Of the 1 872 neonates who underwent the mechanical ventilation, the VAP occurred in 160 cases with the incidence rate of 8.5% (160 cases). The 227 specimens were collected. Gram-positive bacteria ( n=116, 51.1%) were the main pathogens. The main pathogens were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Acinetobacter baumannii. By Chi-square test, birth weight, birth age, Apgar score, duration of ventilator, and whether newborn mothers with pregnancy hypertension were influencing factors. The result of logistic regression analysis showed that compared with no pregnancy included hypertension, the first aid measure at birth was initial resuscitation, and the MV time ≤ 5 days, the risk factors of ventilator-associated pneumonia in neonates included: their mothers with hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy, using of tracheal intubation and ventilator time more than 5 days. Conclusion:The incidence of VAP in neonates receiving continuous MV therapy in neonatal intensive care unit is higher. Gram-positive bacteria are the main pathogens. VAP in neonates is related to whether newborn mothers with pregnancy hypertension, MV duration and tracheal intubation.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the proportion of incidence of children with non-specific chronic cough in Chongqing and analyze the characteristics of etiology during the follow-up.

METHODDiagnostic criteria were defined for children with non-specific chronic cough according to the Guidelines of diagnosis and therapy for children with chronic cough that were formulated by the Subspecialty Group, Society of Pediatrics, Chinese Medical Association and Chinese Journal of Pediatrics in 2008. Totally 266 patients in whom cough was the main or the only symptom,lasting > 4 weeks, presenting to Asthma Center of Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University between June 2008 and April 2009 were recruited into this study. Based on the Guidelines, diagnosis was made after taking history, physical examination and assistant examination. After etiological treatment, the patients were followed up during the second week, the fourth week and the twelfth week. Etiological diagnosis was confirmed if cough was resolved after specific therapy. If cough was not resolved,the diagnosis was rechecked and a new therapy was applied.

RESULTTotally 125 (47.0%) patients received final diagnoses of cough variant asthma (CVA), 58 (21.8%) was CVA and upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), 44 (16.5%) was diagnosed postinfection cough, 35 (13.2%) of UACS. In different age groups, the proportion of incidence of etiological agents is statistically distinct. In the ≤ 3 years old group, 35 patients (70.0%) were diagnosed CVA, 10 (20.0%) was postinfection cough; in 3 - 6 years group, 71 patients (50.7%) had CVA; the incidence of UACS was significantly higher in ≥ 6 years group.

CONCLUSIONIt is concluded that CVA, CVA and UACS, post infection cough, and simple UACS were identified as the three top reasons for children with chronic cough in Chongqing. Children with chronic cough of different age groups had different etiology of cough. The characteristic of each etiology need further study.

Adolescent ; Asthma ; epidemiology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Chronic Disease ; Cough ; epidemiology ; etiology ; microbiology ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infection ; epidemiology

OBJECTIVETo examine vibrio cholera (V.C) in aquatic products of littoral area, Zhejiang Province and to provide scientific evidence for administration of aquatic products and cholera epidemic control.

METHODSAll 990 samples of aquatic products collected from local markets, eateries and aquafarms in three chosen areas. Samples were proliferated in alkaline liquid medium, and purified in NO: 4 medium, the isolations were identified biochemically, and phenotype of strains were defined by phagocyte and coagulation with V.C. diagnostic serum. Three virulence genes (ctx, ace, zct) of the isolated strains were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTSThere were 1.41% samples caught by V.C., having a carrying rate highest in turtles of 8.9%. 14 strains were defined as three serogroups, and the numbers of Inaba, Ogawa, and Hikojima types were 2, 2, 10 respectively. Virulence genes had detected in 9 of 12 stains. All genes were detected in 5 strains, only ZOT genes in 3 strains, and both CTX and ACE genes in 1 strain.

CONCLUSIONSAquatic products from inshore in Zhejiang Province caught with V.C. strains might be divided into three serogroups. Most of them should be virulence genes. Cholera epidemic outbreak might be caused by those contaminated products.

China ; Food Microbiology ; Genes, Bacterial ; Seafood ; microbiology ; Vibrio cholerae ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Virulence Factors ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between fetal chromosomal karyotype and early spontaneous abortion, and the effect of the environmental factors on spontaneous abortion.

METHODSChoronic villi from 252 cases of missed abortion were sampled as patient group and 50 normal pregnancies as control group. Chorionic villi were cultured and karyotype analysis was performed by G-banding. Clinical information was collected.

RESULTSThe rate of chorion chromosome abnormality in the patient group was 58.09%, significantly higher than that in the control group (4.17%) (P<0.01). Among the 140 cases of karyotype abnormalities, 81 were trisomy, 29 were monosomy X and 17 were polyploidy, accounting for 57.86%, 20.71% and 12.14% of total abnormalities, respectively. Long time and low dose radiation exposure of the pregnant female seemed to be related with spontaneous abortion(P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONChorion chromosome abnormality is a major reason of early spontaneous abortion and karyotype analysis of chorionic villus is of clinical importance. For pregnant women, long-term exposure to computers and television seems a risk factor for missed abortion.

Abortion, Missed ; genetics ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Chorionic Villi ; metabolism ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Female ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Middle Aged ; Pregnancy ; Risk Factors ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the value of 3D visualization technique in breast-preserving surgery for breast cancer with immediate breast reconstruction using laparoscopically harvested pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap.

METHODSFrom January, 2015 to May, 2016, 30 patients with breast cancer underwent breast-preserving surgery with immediate breast reconstruction using pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap. The CT data of the arterial phase and venous phase were collected preoperatively and imported into the self-developed medical image 3D visualization system for image segmentation and 3D reconstruction. The 3D models were imported into the simulation surgery platform for virtual surgery to prepare for subsequent surgeries. The cosmetic outcomes of the patients were evaluated 6 months after the surgery. Another 18 patients with breast cancer who underwent laparoscopic latissimus dorsi muscle breast reconstruction without using 3D visualization technique from January to December, 2014 served as the control group. The data of the operative time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative appearance of the breasts were analyzed.

RESULTSThe reconstructed 3D model clearly displayed the anatomical structures of the breast, armpit, latissimus dorsi muscle and vessels and their anatomical relationship in all the 30 cases. Immediate breast reconstruction was performed successfully in all the cases with median operation time of 226 min (range, 210 to 420 min), a median blood loss of 95 mL (range, 73 to 132 mL). Evaluation of the appearance of the breast showed excellent results in 22 cases, good appearance in 6 cases and acceptable appearance in 2 cases. In the control group, the median operation time was 283 min (range, 256 to 313 min) and the median blood loss was 107 mL (range, 79 to 147 mL) with excellent appearance of the breasts in 10 cases, good appearance in 4 cases and acceptable appearance in 4 cases.

CONCLUSION3D reconstruction technique can clearly display the morphology of the latissimus dorsi and the thoracic dorsal artery, allows calculation of the volume of the breast and the latissimus dorsi, and helps in defining the scope of resection of the latissimus dorsi to avoid injuries of the pedicled vessels. This technique also helps to shorten the operation time, reduce intraoperative bleeding, and improve the appearance of the reconstructed breast using pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap.

Aim To discuss the neuroprotection of an-tioxidant α-phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone ( PBN) in Par-kinson's disease ( PD) model. Methods The neuro-protective effects of PBN was explored on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium/1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahy-dropyridine ( MPP+/MPTP ) induced PD models through a chemical releasing of free radicals in neurons and in vivo. Results PBN significantly scavenged chemical derived free radicals, reduced MPP+induced SH-SY5Y injury and enhanced neurons' viability. In MPTP induced PD model, PBN significantly enhanced the number of tyrosine hydroxylase ( TH)-positive do-pamine ( DA) neurons in the substantia nigra, restored the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, and raised striatal contents of DA and its metabolites. Conclusion PBN has a potent neuroprotective effect against MPP+/MPTP induced PD models.

OBJECTIVETo explore the impact of Foxp3 expression and CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) regulatory T cells on pathogenesis of childhood asthma.

METHODSTotally 15 patients with acute asthma exacerbation, 15 children with asthma remission and 10 children who were hospitalized for skeleton deformity without atopic disorders or history of allergic diseases or respiratory infections within a month as controls were recruited in this study from Sep. 2004 to Mar. 2005. The percentage of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) T cells were detected by 2-color flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-gamma, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta in plasma and supernatant were assayed by ELISA. Both the asthmatic children and the control children were selected to induce sputum by hypertonic saline. Sputum was processed for detecting the expression of Foxp3-mRNA. The expression of Foxp3-mRNA in both sputum and PBMC was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR with beta-actin as internal control.

RESULTSThe percentage of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) regulatory T cells in exacerbation and remission asthmatic children was significantly lower than that of the control children both prestimulation [(10.1 +/- 2.1)% vs. (15.5 +/- 2.7)%, (11.7 +/- 2.5)% vs. (15.5 +/- 2.7)%, P < 0.05] and poststimulation with PHA [(12.4 +/- 2.3)% vs. (26.9 +/- 3.8)%, (17.3 +/- 3.2)% vs. (26.9 +/- 3.8)%, P < 0.05]. The percentage of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) regulatory T cells was significantly higher after PHA stimulation in normal children [(15.5 +/- 2.7)% vs. (26.9 +/- 3.8)%, P < 0.01]. The expression of Foxp3-mRNA (Foxp3/beta-actin) in asthmatic children was significantly lower than that in the control children in both PBMC and induced sputum. The expression of Foxp3-mRNA in PBMC was significantly higher after PHA stimulation in the control children (0.77 +/- 0.22 vs. 1.07 +/- 0.21, P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in Foxp3-mRNA expression in asthmatic children pre and post PHA stimulation. A significant positive correlation between the Foxp3-mRNA expression and the percentage of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) regulatory T cells was detected. The levels of IFN-gamma and TGF-beta were significantly lower in asthmatic children than those in the control children, and the levels of IFN-gamma and TGF-beta correlated positively with Foxp3-mRNA expression and the percentage of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) regulatory T cells. The level of IL-4 both in plasma and supernatant was higher in asthmatic children. The levels of IL-10 was higher only in exacerbation than in control children, the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 had no correlation with Foxp3-mRNA expression and the percentage of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) regulatory T cells.

CONCLUSIONInsufficient secretion of TGF-beta, decreased Foxp3 expression, insufficient number of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) regulatory T cells and the defective ability of converting CD(4)(+)CD(25)(-) T cells to CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) regulatory T cells might play an important role in pathogenesis of asthma.

Asthma ; physiopathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Cytokines ; analysis ; blood ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Flow Cytometry ; Forkhead Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sputum ; chemistry ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; physiology