Objective To investigate the effect of sorafenib in ameliorating renal fibrosis and its possible mechanisms.Methods Rats were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO ) and intragastrically administered sorafenib.NRK-52E cells were treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)and sorafenib. HE staining was used to visualize renal fibrosis.α-SMA and E-cadherin expressions in kidney tissue and NRK-52E cells were performed using immunofluorescence.The cell cycle of NRK-52E cells was determined by flow cytometry analysis.Smad3 and p-Smad3 protein expressions in NRK-52E cells were detected by Western blot analysis. Results HE staining showed that kidney interstitial fibrosis,tubular atrophy,and inflammatory cell infiltration in the sorafenib-treated UUO groups were significantly decreased compared with the vehicle-treated UUO group (P<0.05).Compared with those in UUO and TGF-β-stimulated NRK-52E groups,the expression of a-SMA decreased but E-cadherin expression increased in the UUO kidneys and NRK-52E cells of the sorafenib-treated groups (P<0.05).After 24 h stimulation with TGF-β1 5 ng/mL,the number of cell cycles arrested in G0/G1 phase was significantly increased and the number of cells that entered G2 ,S phase decreased (P<0 .0 5 ).Compared with that in TGF-β-stimulated NRK-52E groups, p-Smad3 decreased in the sorafenib-treated groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Our results suggest that sorafenib may be useful for the treatment of renal fibrosis through suppressing TGF-β/Smad3 signaling.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of 18-β glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on the endoplasmic reticulum of nasal epithelial cells in allergic rhinitis (AR) model rats.

METHODSTotally 96 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the blank group, the AR model group, the loratadine group, the GA group, 24 in each group. AR models were established by peritoneally injecting ovalbumin (OVA). Morphological scoring was performed. GA at 21. 6 mg/kg was intragastrically administered to rats in the GA group. Nasal mucosal tissues were taken for electron microscopic examinations at the second, fourth, sixth, and tenth week after drug intervention.

RESULTSThe overlapping score was 2.10 ± 0.45 in the blank group, 5.10 ± 0.56 in the loratadine group, 5.10 ± 0.56 in the AR model group, 5.20 ± 0.78 in the GA group, showing statistical difference when compared with the blank group (P < 0.01). Results under transmission electron microscope showed that the number of the endoplasmic reticulum increased in the AR model group, with obvious cystic dilatation, a lot of vacuole formation, and degranulation. A large number of free ribosomes could be seen in cytoplasm. With persistent allergen exposure, changes mentioned above was progressively aggravated in the endoplasmic reticulum of nasal mucosal epithelium in the AR model group. But the dilation of endoplasmic reticulum, vacuole formation, and degranulation were relieved in the GA group, and got close to those of the blank group.

CONCLUSION18-β GA could improve the expansion, vacuolization, and degranulation of the endoplasmic reticulum of nasal epithelial cells in AR model rats.

Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Endoplasmic Reticulum ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; Glycyrrhetinic Acid ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Nasal Mucosa ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of rapid canine distalization through distraction of the periodontal ligament after reducing interseptal bone resistance.

METHODSTwenty canines in 11 patients who needed first premolar extractions were involved. A tooth-borne, custom-made distractor was bonded right after the first premolar extraction and the interseptal bone resistance reduction. Three days post-operatively, the distractor was activated 0.1 mm three times a day. Orthodontic models, panoramic radiographs, periapical radiographs, electrical vitality test were assessed pre- and post distraction procedure and 3 months after the completion of the procedure.

RESULTSThe distraction procedure was completed in 18 to 35 days [mean (25.6 +/- 4.7) days], with the distal displacement of the canines ranging from 3.53 to 8.29 mm [mean (5.56 +/- 1.32) mm]. The canines showed a mean of 12.20 degrees distal tipping and 18.53 degrees rotation. The anchorage teeth showed an average of (0.76 +/- 0.75) mm mesial movement. The mesial contact point of incisors showed a mean of (0.67 +/- 0.55) mm lingual movement. There was no significant root resorption or long-time change on pulp vitality after distraction.

CONCLUSIONSThe canine distalization through distraction of the periodontal ligament after reducing interseptal bone resistance was an effective approach to move canines rapidly.

Adolescent ; Cuspid ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Periodontal Ligament ; surgery ; Root Resorption ; surgery ; Tooth Movement Techniques ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of electromagnetic radiation on the physiological indices and immune function of operators.

METHODSThe general conditions and electromagnetic radiation awareness rate of 205 operators under electromagnetic radiation were evaluated using a self-designed questionnaire. Physical examination, electrocardiography, and routine urine test were performed in these operators. Peripheral blood was collected from the operators under electromagnetic radiation for blood cell counting and biochemical testing, and their peripheral blood lymphocytes were cultured for determination of chromosomal aberrant frequency and micronucleus frequency. The data from these operators (exposure group) were compared with those of 95 ordinary individuals (control group).

RESULTSThe chief complaint of giddiness, tiredness, dizziness, and amnesia showed significant differences between the exposure group and control group (P < 0.01), and the difference in headache became larger with an increase in working years. The awareness rate of electromagnetic radiation damage was significantly higher in the exposure group than in the control group. The difference in bradycardia was significant between the two groups (P <0.01), and the incidence was higher with longer working years. Significant differences between the two groups were also found in the numbers of individuals with elevated alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin (P < 0.01), populations with increased lymphocyte ratio and decreased neutrophil ratio (P < 0.01), populations with positive occult blood, urobilinogen, and bilirubin tests, and the number of individuals with increased micronucleus frequency of cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes (P < 0.01). In addition, the exposure group had significantly increased complement C3 and C4 (P < 0.01), significantly increased IgG (P < 0.05), and significantly decreased IgM (P < 0.01), as compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONElectromagnetic radiation may lead to the changes in physiological indices, genetic effects, and immune function and affect the health and immune function in operators. The adverse effects are increased as the working years increase. So it is important to strengthen occupational protection of operators under electromagnetic radiation.

Adult ; Chromosome Aberrations ; radiation effects ; Electromagnetic Radiation ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; radiation effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and safety of the comprehensive protocol of integrative medicine in preventing and treating perioperative delayed cerebrovasospasm (DCVS) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

METHODSUsing a prospective randomized controlled trial design, 63 aSAH inpatients were assigned to the treatment group (31 cases, 24 treated by intervention treatment and 7 by craniotomy) and the control group (32 cases, 26 treated by intervention treatment and 6 by craniotomy). All patients were treated with basic therapy and nimodipine. Those in the treatment group additionally took naomai jiejing decoction No. 1 and No. 2. The incidence and the mortality of DCVS, re-bleeding, hydrocephalus were compared on the 180th day. The middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity (Vm), PI value, linde-gard index on day 1, 3, 7, and 14 were compared. The Chinese medicine syndrome score, NIHSS, and revised Rankin questionnaire on day 1, 14, and 180 were compared.

RESULTSThe DCVS occurred in 9 cases (29. 0%) of the treatment group and 17 patients (53.1%) of the control group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). The occurrence of re-hemorrhage was obviously lower in the treatment than in the control group (3.2% vs. 6.2%), showing statistical difference (P < 0. 05). There was no statistical difference in the mortality (6.4% vs. 9.4%) or the occurrence of hydrocephalus (29.0% vs 25.0%, P > 0.05). The Vm, PI, and linde-gard index on day 7, the Vm and linde-gard index on day 14 were obviously lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The Chinese medicine syndrome score and NIHSS on day 14 and 180 were lower in the treatment group than in the control group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe comprehensive protocol of integrative medicine could reduce the incidence of aSAH patients' DCVS, the Chinese medicine syndrome score and NIHSS, and improve their clinical symptoms.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Cerebrovascular Disorders ; prevention & control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Integrative Medicine ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; complications ; Intraoperative Period ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Prospective Studies ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ; etiology ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To evaluate the value of positron emission tomography(PET)-CT imaging combined with continual detection of CA_(125)in serum for diagnosis of early recurrent ovarian epithelial carcinoma.Methods Twenty six patients received PET-CT imaging,who were all diagnosed as primary epithelial ovarian cancer of stage Ⅱ-Ⅳ and had complete remission after cytoreductive surgery and multiple courses of chemotherapy in Shandong Provincial Cancer Hospital.After a steady period,all patients experienced progressive rising of CA_(125)values 3 times in 2 months.But no positive lesion was found by CT, or although suspicious positive focus was found,the recurrent and(or)metastatic extent was not definite. Out of 26 patients,16 were delivered rechemotherapy and(or)radiotherapy,and 10 received re- cytoreductive surgery.Results(1)Of 26 patients,the value of CA_(125)was more than 35 kU/L in 17,and in 14 of 17,pelvic or abdominal cavity recurrence was diagnosed by CT and PET-CT,and 4 showed simuhaneously distant metastasis on PET-CT.In the remaining 3 patients of which CT findings were negative,2 had pelvic and abdominal cavity recurrence,and one had bone metastasis on PET-CT.Of 9 patients with progressive rising CA_(125)levels but the value was less than cut-off(

OBJECTIVEChildren aged 3 - 6 years in the urban areas of China were surveyed for the first time to find out the state of child neglect (CN) as well as the major relevant risk factors so as to provide evidence for developing intervention measures.

METHODS1163 children (of whom 49.6% were males and 4.5% were minority nationality) were randomly sampled under multistage stratification, from 25 cities which representing 15 provinces of China. Based on the Child Neglect Norms used by China, prevalence of CN was identified and SPSS-Windows 11.0 was employed for statistical analysis. Scores, frequency/degrees, age, sex and 5 types (physical, emotional, educational, medical and safety) of CN on every group of the regions, were calculated. Multifactorial analysis was conducted through Binary Logistic Regression and multiple linear regression to determine the relevant risk factors.

RESULTS(1) The average degree of CN for the 3 - 6 year-olds was 42.2, with its prevalence as 28.0%. Degrees of CN for the groups of 3, 4, 5, 6-year-olds were 41.7, 42.2, 42.1 and 43.1 (F = 0.988, P > 0.05), with frequencies of 25.0%, 25.3%, 27.9% and 35.4% (chi(2) = 4.798, P > 0.05), respectively. Degrees for CN in males and females were 42.7 and 41.8 (F = 2.502, P > 0.05) with the frequencies as 32.6% and 23.7% (chi(2) = 6.585, P < 0.05), respectively. Degrees of CN for the five types were 39.4-43.4 with the frequencies as 5.1%-12.9%, respectively. No significant difference was found in the frequency of the types (with an exception on 'physical neglect') between males and females (P > 0.05). The highest frequency (42.9%) of CN was seen in the single-parent families and the lowest in large family with three generations (25.5%). (2) According to monofactorial chi(2) test, the possible risk factors of CN would include: educational background, occupation and decrease of income of the parents during last year, etc. (3) Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the influential factors to the occurrence of CN would include: father's educational background, sex of the child and mother's occupation, etc. (4) Multiple linear regression showed that the influential factors to the degree of CN were: family structure, number of supporting family members, relationship between parents and children, etc.

CONCLUSIONThe degree and frequency of CN among children aged 3 to 6 in the urban areas of China were high but similar among the four age groups. Male children had a higher frequency of neglect than females, but with similar degree. Children in single-parent families had the highest frequency. The major influential factors of CN would include: educational background, occupation, family structure, family income of the parents which were similar to the results reported from foreign literature.

Child ; Child Abuse ; statistics & numerical data ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Parenting ; Parents ; psychology ; Social Class ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Urban Population

OBJECTIVETo investigated the relationship between the serum levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines and the progress of viral hepatitis C and the outcome of interferon therapy.

METHODSSerum cytokine detection used the method of ELISA. HCV genotype were classified by direct sequencing. HCV RNA loads were determined by fluorescence quantitative PCR.

RESULTSThe levels of IL-2 and TGF-beta in serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C were lower hut IL-5 was higher than those of normal control. The level of IL-6 was positively related to the sera level of ALT and was negatively related to sera HCV RNA load. Patients of HCV genotype 1 had higher sera quantities of IL-6 than those of genotype 2 and patients of genotype 2a had lower sera quantities of IL-2 than those of 2b. The levels of IL-2 had the tendency to decrease whereas IL-6 had the tendency to increase when time went on. The level of TGF-beta increased at early phase but decrease later. There were no difference of all cytokines detected between the groups of response and nonresponse before interferon therapy, hut the quantity of serum IFN-gamma were increased after interferon therapy in the response group.

CONCLUSIONThe tested cytokines co-participate in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C and have the relationship with the clinical manifestations of the patients. There were no correlation between the levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines in the serum before IFN treatment and the result of IFN therapy. Increasing IFN-gamma in the serum induced by IFN treatment is associated with sustained virological response.

Adult ; Aged ; Cytokines ; blood ; immunology ; Female ; Hepacivirus ; genetics ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; blood ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Humans ; Interferons ; administration & dosage ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Th1 Cells ; immunology ; Th2 Cells ; immunology ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To estimate the intangible cost and associated factors on patients with hepatitis B-related diseases, so as to explore the differences of the three elicitation techniques on the health economics-related information by trained investigators, using a structured questionnaire. WTP was employed to estimate the intangible cost while an open-ended question format, together with iterative bidding game and payment card were respectively used to elicit WTP for the hypothetical cure of hepatitis B-related diseases. A Multiple linear stepwise regression model was determined to identify those factors potentially affecting the intangible cost. Results A total of 564 subjects from 641 patients with hepatitis B-related diseases were identified for the inclusion of this study. The average annual intangible cost of patient with hepatitis B-related diseases was 54 320.4 Yuan (Ren Minbi).The intangible cost accounted for 53.0% of the total cost, which was much more than the proportions of the direct and indirect costs (38.5% and 8.5%, respectively). Among annual personal and the household income of the patient, proportions of intangible cost were 262.6% and 67.6% respectively,suggesting that the patients were under huge spiritual and psychological pressure. Response rate of the approach, combined open-ended questions with iterative bidding game, was the highest (76.6%) among the three elicitation formats. Considered the characteristics of data being gathered, the approach seemed to be more reasonable. Further studies were needed to examine the results yielded from other WTP elicitation formats. We also noticed that the progression of disease was associated with the increase of direct and indirect costs, but not with the intangible cost. Data from the multiple linear stepwise regression analysis indicated that the types of hospital and commercial medical insurance were significantly different in explaining the variation of the intangible cost. Conclusion Measures should be taken to reduce the intangible cost of hepatitis B-related diseases. The approach regarding the combination of open-ended questions with iterative bidding game should be recommended when carrying our further WTP studies of this kind.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of glycoprotein receptor blockade tirofiban in acute anterior myocardial infarction patients without ST segment resolution after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODSFrom April 2006 to April 2008, 157 acute anterior myocardial infarction patients without ST segment resolution after PCI were randomly allocated to tirofiban (intravenous bolus 10 microg/kg followed by intravenous infusion of 0.15 microgxkg(-1)xmin(-1) for 48 h, n = 80) or equal volume saline (control group, n = 77). Baseline characteristics, PCI features and clinical outcomes during hospitalization, left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE, including death, re-infarction and target vessel revascularization) at 30 and 180 days after discharge were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe baseline clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Compared to control group, the MACE rates and re-infarction rates at 30 days (6.3% vs.18.2%, P < 0.05; 1.3% vs.9.1%, P < 0.05, respectively) and 180 days (10.0% vs.23.4%, P < 0.05; 2.5% vs.10.4%, P < 0.05, respectively) were significantly reduced in tirofiban group. LVEF value was significantly higher in tirofiban group at 30 days and 180 days compared with those in control group [(51 +/- 6)% vs. (46 +/- 8)%, P < 0.05; (57 +/- 7)% vs. (50 +/- 9)%, P < 0.05]. Hemorrhagic complications were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONUse of tirofiban for acute anterior myocardial infarction patients without ST segment resolution after PCI is safe and can significantly improve 30 and 180 days clinical outcomes after discharge.

Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; therapy ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Prognosis ; Treatment Outcome ; Tyrosine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use