AIMTo determine clonidine in rabbit plasma by LC-MS.

METHODSThe LC-MS system consisted of Waters Alliance 2790 HPLC and Micromass ZQ-4000 MS. The HPLC was performed by using XTerra C18 (150 mm x 2.1 mm ID, 5 microm). The mobile phase, consisting of acetonitrile/ammonium hydrogen carbonate solution, was maintained to a flow-rate of 0.2 mL x min(-1) and the linear gradient elution was adopted. Mass spectrum was obtained by using electrospray ionization interface and the m/z of SIM was 230.

RESULTSThe average recovery was high and the method was reproducible. The calibration curve showed good linearity in the range of 1 - 80 microg x L(-1), the lowest limit of detection was 0.05 microg x L(-1). The Cmax, AUC0-t, and Tmax value of the pharmacokinetics parameter were (27 +/- 9) microg x L(-1), (5,352 +/- 1,121) microg x L(-1), (79 +/- 17) h.

CONCLUSIONThe results demonstrated that the method had high sensitivity, good selectivity, accuracy and precision. It is used to determine the clonidine concentration in plasma. The transdermal patch can deliver clonidine to the surface of rabbit skin stably for periods of up to 1 week after a single application.

Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; Antihypertensive Agents ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Area Under Curve ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Clonidine ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Rabbits ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization ; methods

Objective To establish information management systems of drinking water defluoridation project in water-related endemic fluorosis areas and investigate the status of drinking water defluoridation project in Liaoning, provide the basis for the development of control measures. Methods Global positioning systems (GPS)and geographic information systems(GIS) were used in the study in August 2006 - July 2008. Water defluoridation projects of 1234 in 48 counties(cities, districts) in drinking water type of fluorosis areas were positioned. Latitude and longitude, water samples, water fluoride content were collected or tested. GIS was used to establish information management system of water defluoridation projects. Results We have established information management system for the facilities of decreasing water fluorine in drinking water type of endemic fluorosis regions in Liaoning. One thousand two hundred and thirty four defluoridation facilities distributed in east longitude between 39.39° - 43.37°,north latitude between 119.25° - 125.50°, and altitude between - 6.60 and 801.14 meter in 48 endemic fluorosis counties in 13 cities. Nine hundred and twenty seven facilities for decreasing fluorine were able to supply water regularly, accounting for 75.1% of investigated projects;29 facilities was .not yet completely rebuilt, accounting for 2.4%;278 facilities(supply water for 344 villages) were out of order or discarded for 22.5% of investigated projects.Water fluorine contents of 63 facilities were greater than 1.2 mg/L, accounting for 6.8% of investigation project.Facilities working regularly and water fluorine was in accord with hygienic standard for drinking water facilities were 70.0%. Conclusions The establishment of Liaoning province defluoridation project information management system in the whole province of drinking water type of fluorosis areas provides scientific basis for accurate decision-making on prevention and control of the disease.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a biweekly DOF regimen consisting of docetaxel, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin for advanced gastric cancer.

METHODSThe biweekly DOF regimen was administered in 37 advanced gastric cancer patients. Docetaxel, oxaliplatin and leucovorin were given intravenously at a dose of 35 mg/m2, 85 mg/m2 and 200 mg/m2 for 1 h, 2 h and 2 h on D1, respectively, and 5-Fu was administered as continuous intravenous infusion for 48 h at a dose of 1500 mg/m2 on D1 and D2. This regimen was repeated every 2 weeks. The efficacy and toxicity were evaluated after completion of 3 cycles at least.

RESULTSThe overall response rate (RR) of this series was 67.6%, complete response rate and partial response rate were 27.0% and 40.5%, respectively. The time to progression (TTP) was 9.2 months, and median survival time (MST) was 13.7 months. The RRs of 11 chemotherpy-naïve patients and 26 patients pre-treated with chemotherapy were 81.8% and 61.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONOur preliminary results showed that this biweekly combination regimen of docetaxel, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin is effective and tolerable for advanced gastric cancer. However, further investigation of this regimen is mandatory.

Adenocarcinoma ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leucovorin ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Leukopenia ; chemically induced ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; secondary ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; secondary ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Organoplatinum Compounds ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Remission Induction ; Stomach Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Taxoids ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Vomiting ; chemically induced ; Young Adult

To investigate genetic mechanisms of high altitude adaptations of native mammals on the Tibetan Plateau, we compared mitochondrial sequences of the endangered Pantholops hodgsonii with its lowland distant relatives Ovis aries and Capra hircus, as well as other mammals. The complete mitochondrial genome of P. hodgsonii (16,498 bp) revealed a similar gene order as of other mammals. Because of tandem duplications, the control region of P. hodgsonii mitochondrial genome is shorter than those of O. aries and C. hircus, but longer than those of Bos species. Phylogenetic analysis based on alignments of the entire cytochrome b genes suggested that P. hodgsonii is more closely related to O. aries and C. hircus, rather than to species of the Antilopinae subfamily. The estimated divergence time between P.hodgsonii and O. aries is about 2.25 million years ago. Further analysis on natural selection indicated that the COXI (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) gene was under positive selection in P. hodgsonii and Bos grunniens. Considering the same climates and environments shared by these two mammalian species, we proposed that the mitochondrial COXI gene is probably relevant for these native mammals to adapt the high altitude environment unique to the Tibetan Plateau.

Objective To explore the diagnostic efficacy of serum 14-3-3β protein combined with fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO)and conventional ventilatory lung function parameters in diagnosing bronchial asthma(referred to as"asthma")in children.Methods A prospective study included 136 children initially diagnosed with asthma during an acute episode as the asthma group,and 85 healthy children undergoing routine health checks as the control group.The study compared the differences in serum 14-3-3β protein concentrations between the two groups,analyzed the correlation of serum 14-3-3β protein with clinical indices,and evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of combining 14-3-3β protein,FeNO,and conventional ventilatory lung function parameters for asthma in children.Results The concentration of serum 14-3-3β protein was higher in the asthma group than in the control group(P<0.001).Serum 14-3-3β protein showed a positive correlation with the percentage of neutrophils and total serum immunoglobulin E,and a negative correlation with conventional ventilatory lung function parameters(P<0.05).Cross-validation of combined indices showed that the combination of 14-3-3β protein,FeNO,and the percentage of predicted value of forced expiratory flow at 75%of lung volume had an area under the curve of 0.948 for predicting asthma,with a sensitivity and specificity of 88.9%and 93.7%,respectively,demonstrating good diagnostic efficacy(P<0.001).The model had the best extrapolation.Conclusions The combination of serum 14-3-3β protein,FeNO,and the percentage of predicted value of forced expiratory flow at 75%of lung volume can significantly improve the diagnostic efficacy for asthma in children.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis incidence rates as well as the retention rate in a cohort with 6-month follow-up study among female sex workers (FSWs).

METHODSFrom December, 2004, to January, 2005, a community-based baseline survey was conducted to recruit 343 FSWs for a prospective cohort study in Xichang county of Sichuan province, China. Follow-up visits were conducted at 6 months to analyze risk factors associated with cohort retention for subjects' baseline sociodemographic and sexual behavioral characteristics. Blood specimens were also collected to test antibodies against HIV and syphilis.

RESULTSDuring the 6-month follow-up period, HIV and syphilis incidence appeared to be 1.00 per 100 person-years and 6.23 per 100 person-years, respectively. The rate of retention in the cohort was 53.6% (184/343). Results from multivariate logistic regression model showed that factors were significantly associated with cohort retention including people with minority ethnic background (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.18-0.74), people having participated in AIDS prevention program (OR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.17-2.86) or being clients in the last 6 months > or = 50 (OR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.11-2.77) and having changed living/working place (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.33-0.94).

CONCLUSIONThe results of this study showed that the syphilis incidence and unprotected sex behavior were high among local FSWs. People belonged to Han nationality, having participated in AIDS prevention program and having a steady living/working place were associated with cohort retention at 6-month follow-up study among FSWs, respectively.

China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; HIV Infections ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Risk Factors ; Sex Work ; Sexual Behavior ; Substance-Related Disorders ; Syphilis ; epidemiology

To observe the functions of Gualou Xiebai Banxia decoction（GXBD） on regulating lipid metabolism, anti-oxidation, and interposing ox-LDL/Lox-1 pathway, and to explore its anti-atherosclerosis (AS) mechanisms. AS models were established by using 42 Apo-E-/- male mice with high fat diet. AS model mice were randomly divided into the model group, simvastatin group, and GXBD high and low dose groups. C57BL/6J male mice were used as the normal control group, n=10 and the treatment lasted for 8 weeks. The levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, SOD, MDA, GSH-px, and ox-LDL in blood serum were tested 24 h after the last administration. The changes of aortic tissues structure were observed by HE staining; the expression levels of Lox-1 protein and the expression levels of mRNA were detected by Western blot and PCR respectively.Results showed that the blood lipid levels and MDA, ox-LDL levels in blood serum of model group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group, but SOD, GSH-px levels were significantly lower than those in the normal control group, and the Lox-1 protein and mRNA expression levels were also significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05), namely aortic atherosclerosis lesions were obvious in model group.The levels of blood lipid and MDA, ox-LDL of GXBD high and low dose groups and simvastatin group were significantly lower than those in model group, while SOD, GSH-px levels were significantly higher than those in model group, and Lox-1 protein and mRNA expression levels were significantly lower than those in model group(P<0.05), namely the aortic atherosclerosis lesions were significantly relieved. The above results indicated that GXBD was capable of modulating blood lipid, anti-oxidation, and inhibiting the expression of Lox-1, and interposing ox-LDL/Lox-1 pathway in the AS model Apo-E-/- mice, which may be one of the mechanisms of anti-atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical usefulness of noninvasive diagnostic methods in evaluating liver fibrosis in hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients.

METHODS102 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were enrolled from Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital University of Medical Sciences. Noninvasive diagnostic methods including ultrasonography, CT, serum markers of liver function and fibrosis, and HBV DNA were performed and compared with histological fibrotic changes in order to establish a noninvasive method for detecting the degree of liver fibrosis.

RESULTSThe total score of liver surface, edge, parenchyma echogenicity, intrahepatic vessels, and the size of spleen had a coefficient of 0.822 with fibrotic stage. By receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis, the sensitivity to distinguish cirrhosis from CHB was 86.1% and the specificity was 95.5% if the total ultrasonic score was more than 10. The CT imaging diagnosed liver cirrhosis with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 48.5%. The change of CT values in cirrhotic patients was lower than that in controls and no cirrhotic patients (F=5.805, P<0.01), when the voltage was increased from 100 KV to 140 KV. Except normal controls and S1 group, S2 and S3 group, the level of HA and collagen IV between the other groups were statistically different. The cut-off value of HA to diagnose cirrhosis was 108 (microg/L) with a sensitivity of 72.2% and a specificity of 80.3%. The cut-off value of collagen IV to diagnose cirrhosis was 188 (microg/L) with a sensitivity of 72.2% and a specificity of 78.8%. When ultrasonography was combined with serum markers, the sensitivity was 72.2% and the specificity was 80.3%.

CONCLUSIONBoth ultrasonography and serum markers are useful to diagnose cirrhosis. The combination of the two examinations is more valuable than any one alone. The characteristic CT imaging has high specificity but low sensitivity in diagnosing early cirrhosis. HA and collagen IV are correlated more closely with the stage of fibrosis, and can reflect the severity of fibrosis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Collagen Type IV ; blood ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid ; blood ; Liver Cirrhosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Ultrasonography

Objective To study the anatomical and biomechanical features of sacral pedicle and lateral mass to provide evidence for clinical sacral pedicle and lateral mass screw fixation technology. Method 60 adult patient's spiral CT images of sacrum and coccyx were selected randomly. The sacral pedicle and lateral mass screw entry point was determined, and the crew trajectory were measured using the three dimensional reconstruction. Meanwhile, the gross anatomy was done for 15 adult cadavers to determine the sacral pedicle and lateral mass screw entry point. The length, width and angle of sacral pedicle and lateral mass screw trajectory was measured. 8 of 15 cadaver specimens were selected to test for the maximal extraction force for sacral pedicle and lateral mass screws. ResultsThe diameter and length of S1～S5 sacral pedicle and lateral mass screw trajectory are significantly regular, with inclination angle is about 20°. The S1 pedicle screw entry point is located at intersection point of basal lateral part of articular process and median line of transverse process, no significant difference is found between the maximal extraction force of pedicle and lateral mass screws (P>0.05）. The entry points of S2～5 pedicle screws are located at the intersection point of the line connecting adjacent posterior sacral foramina and median line of transverse process. The lateral mass screw entry point of S2～5 is on the median side of intersection point between median line of transverse process and lateral sacral crest. The maximal extraction force of pedicle screws are significantly different from the lateral mass screws（P<0.05）. Conclusions Both the sacral pedicle and the lateral mass screw fixation technology can offer effective fixation and reconstruction for the fracture of sacrum and coccyx, but the pedicle screw fixation may be more convenient, safe and reliable than the lateral mass screw fixation technology.

Objective: To determine the impact of inflammatory reaction levels and the culprit plaque characteristics on preprocedural Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: The is a retrospective study. A total of 1 268 STEMI patients who underwent pre-intervention optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination of culprit lesion during emergency PCI were divided into 2 groups by preprocedural TIMI flow grade (TIMI 0-1 group (n =964, 76.0%) and TIMI 2-3 group (n =304, 24.0%)). Baseline clinical data of the 2 groups were collected; blood samples were collected for the detection of inflammatory markers such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), myocardial injury marker, blood lipid, etc.; echocardiography was used to determine left ventricular ejection fraction; coronary angiography and OCT were performed to define the lesion length, diameter stenosis degree of the infarct-related arteries, presence or absence of complex lesions, culprit lesion type, area stenosis degree and vulnerability of culprit plaques. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent correlation factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of continuous independent correlation factors was analyzed, and the best cut-off value of TIMI 0-1 was respectively determined according to the maximum value of Youden index. Results: The mean age of 1 268 STEMI patients were (57.6±11.4) years old and 923 cases were males (72.8%). Compared with TIMI 2-3 group, the patients in TIMI 0-1 group were older and had higher N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level, lower cardiac troponin I (cTnI) level, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, and higher hsCRP level (5.16(2.06, 11.78) mg/L vs. 3.73(1.51, 10.46) mg/L). Moreover, the hsCRP level of patients in TIMI 0-1 group was higher in the plaque rupture subgroup (all P<0.05). Coronary angiography results showed that compared with TIMI 2-3 group, the proportion of right coronary artery (RCA) as the infarct-related artery was higher, the angiographical lesion length was longer, minimal lumen diameter was smaller, and diameter stenosis was larger in TIMI 0-1 group (all P<0.05). The prevalence of plaque rupture was higher (75.8% vs. 61.2%) in TIMI 0-1 group. Plaque vulnerability was significantly higher in TIMI 0-1 group than that in TIMI 2-3 group with larger mean lipid arc (241.27°±46.78° vs. 228.30°±46.32°), more thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA, 72.4% vs. 57.9%), more frequent appearance of macrophage accumulation (84.4% vs. 70.7%) and cholesterol crystals (39.1% vs. 25.7%). Minimal flow area was smaller [1.3(1.1-1.7)mm² vs. 1.4(1.1-1.9)mm², all P<0.05] and flow area stenosis was higher (78.2%±10.6% vs. 76.3%±12.3%) in TIMI 0-1 group. Multivariable analysis showed that mean lipid arc>255.55°, cholesterol crystals, angiographical lesion length>16.14 mm, and hsCRP>3.29 mg/L were the independent correlation factors of reduced preprocedural TIMI flow grade in STEMI patients. Conclusions: Plaque vulnerability and inflammation are closely related to reduced preprocedural TIMI flow grade in STEMI patients.
Aged ; Coronary Angiography ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction/diagnostic imaging* ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic/diagnostic imaging* ; Retrospective Studies ; ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/surgery* ; Stroke Volume ; Thrombolytic Therapy ; Ventricular Function, Left