BACKGROUND: Glutamine (Gln) supplementation is known to decrease oxidative stress and inflammatory response, enhance resistance to infectious pathogens, shorten hospital stay, and decrease medical costs of patients. This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between the effect of early parenteral glutamine (Gln) supplement on acute liver injury (ALI) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) expression in critical patients. METHODS: Forty-four patients who had been admitted to the emergency intensive care unit (EICU) of Nanjing First Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University were randomly divided into a control group (n=22) and a Gln group (n=22). The patients of the two groups received enteral and parenteral nutrition. In addition, parenteral Gln 0.4 g/kg per day was given for 7 days in the Gln group. Serum HSP-70 and Gln were measured at admission and at 7 days after admission. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBiL), serum levels of HSP-70 and Gln, mechanical ventilation (MV) time, ICU stay, peripheral blood of TNF-α, IL-6, CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 levels were also measured in the two groups. RESULTS: In the Gln group, the levels of serum HSP-70 and Gln were significantly higher after Gln treatment than those before the treatment (P<0.01). HSP-70 level was positively correlated with the Gln level in the Gln group after administration of parenteral Gln (P<0.01). The levels of serum ALT, AST, TBiL and TNF-α, IL-6 were lower in the Gln group than in the non-Gln group (P<0.01). MV time and ICU stay were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). The levels of CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 were significantly higher in the Gln group than in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Parenteral Gln significantly increases the level of serum HSP70 in critically ill patients. The enhanced expression of HSP70 is correlated with improved outcomes of Gln-treated patients with acute liver injury.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of skin wound induction gel on the glans scabbing rate, class-A wound healing rate, and wound healing time of circumcision for phimosis in pediatric patients.

METHODSWe randomly assigned 48 six to thirteen years old children with phimosis to an experimental group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 23) to be treated by circumcision. After surgery, the patients in the experimental group received application of skin wound induction gel while those in the control group received that of povidone iodine only to the glans and incision. We recorded and compared the glans scabbing rate, class-A wound healing rate, and wound healing time between the two groups of patients.

RESULTSGlans scabbing was observed in 3 cases in the experimental group and 17 cases in the control group (12.0% vs 73.9%, P < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were found in the rate of class-A wound healing between the two groups (100% vs 91.3%, P > 0.05). The wound healing time was significantly shorter in the experimental than in the control group ([10.7 ± 1.7] d vs [11.9 ± 2.1] d, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPost-circumcision application of skin wound induction gel to the glans and incision can effectively reduce glans secreta, alleviate inflammatory reaction, and shorten the healing time in the treatment of phimosis in children.

Adolescent ; Child ; Circumcision, Male ; Gels ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Induction Chemotherapy ; methods ; Inflammation ; prevention & control ; Male ; Phimosis ; drug therapy ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Wound Healing ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy and safety of modified Shengma Biejia Decoction (MSBD) combined with CAG program in treating elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with yin deficiency toxin stasis syndrome (YDTSS).

METHODSTotally 46 elderly AML patients were assigned to the treatment group (24 cases; treated with MSBD + CAG) and the control group (22 cases; treated with CAG + placebos of Chinese medicine) according to random digit table. The therapeutic course of CM placebo or MSBD was 21 days. The clinical efficacy and adverse reactions were observed. Meanwhile, physical state (ECOG Score), transfusion dependency, and TCM syndrome score were compared before and after treatment.

RESULTS(1) The complete remission rate was 54% (13/24) and the objective response rate (ORR) was 71% (17/24) in the treatment group, obviously higher than those of the control group [36% (8/22); 54% (13/24)], with statistical difference (P = 0.036, 0.042). When comparing the efficacy based on risk level, the moderate and poor ORR was 71% (10/14) and 67% (6/9) in the treatment group, and 57% (8/14) and 33% (2/6) in the control group, with statistical difference between the two groups (P = 0.048; P = 0.010). (2) Compared with before treatment in the same group, the ECOG score significantly decreased, the average infusion time of red cells and platelets were markedly prolonged in the treatment group after treatment (P < 0.05). ECOG score, the average infusion time of red cells and platelets were significantly better in the treatment group than in the control group after treatment (P < 0.05). (3) Compared with before treatment in the same group, scores of fever, hemorrhage, and bone pain were markedly reduced in the control group (P < 0.05); scores of fever, fatigue, hemorrhage, dry mouth, and bone pain were markedly reduced in the treatment group (P < 0.05). Better effect in relief of fever, fatigue, hemorrhage, dry mouth, and so on was obtained in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). (4) In aspect of hematotoxicity, the incidence of neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia was obviously lower in the treatment group than in the control group [29.2% (7/24) vs 54.5% (12/22); 16.7% (4/ 24) vs 45.5% (10/22); 33.3% (8/24) vs 63.6% (14/22); P < 0.05]. The incidence of fatigue and anorexia was obviously lower in the treatment group than in the control group [37.5% (9/24) vs 63.6% (14/22), 37.5% (9/24) vs 81.8% (18/22); P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONMSBD combined with CAG program in treating elderly AML patients with YDTSS, with efficacy enhancing toxicity reducing effect, had distinct advantages in improving physical condition and clinical symptoms, and reducing transfusion dependency.

Aclarubicin ; therapeutic use ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Cytarabine ; therapeutic use ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; drug therapy ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Phytotherapy ; Yin Deficiency ; drug therapy

Objective To discuss the active role of health education on control of diabetes mdlitus and prevention of its complications.Methods 96 cases of hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group with 48 patients in each group from June 2009 to June 2010.The control group received conventional diabetes treatment and distribution of health education brochures,based on this,the observation group was given health education,including cognitive,nutrition,behavioral intervention.The general prevention condition of diabetes and its complications as well as the education effect were compared before the education and six months after education.Results The fasting blood glucose,2-hour postprandial blood glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin,body mass index and incidence of complications were greatly improved in the observation group than those of the control group.Conclusions Strengthening health education can improve self-care ability of patients,effectively improve the overall control level of diabetes,reduce acute and chronic complications,disability,death rate.

Objective To explore the possible mechanisms of Galectin - 1(Gal - 1)protein in promoting the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells. Methods After treated with different concentrations(0,1,5 μg/ mL)of Gal - 1 protein, the Trans - well model was used to analyze the invasion and migration ability of gastric cancer. WB and gelatin zymography method were used to detect the MMP - 9 expression and active form change in gastric cancer cells after Gal - 1 stimulate, in order to explore the possible molecular mechanisms of Gal - 1 protein in promoting the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells. Results In cell migration assay,the number of gastric cancer cells BGC - 823 treated with 1and 5 μg/ mL Gal - 1 stimulate were 117 ± 8. 19 and 167 ± 7. 55,higher than that treated with 0 μg/ mL(P < 0. 05). The number of gastric cancer cells 7 901 treated with 1and 5 μg/ mL Gal - 1 stimulate were 151 ± 5. 13 and 190. 3 ± 6. 8,higher than that treated with 0 μg/ mL(P < 0. 05). In cell invasion assay,the number of gastric cancer cells BGC - 823 treated with 1and 5μg/ mL Gal - 1 stimulate were 51 ± 3. 6 and 76. 7 ± 9. 07,higher than that treated with 0 μg/ mL(P < 0. 05). The number of gastric cancer cells 7 901 treated with 1and 5 μg/ mL Gal - 1 stimulate were 74. 0 ± 7. 21 and 105. 3 ± 11. 37,higher than that treated with 0 μg/ mL(P < 0. 05). The migration and invasion level were significantly increased in gastric cancer cells after Gal - 1 stimulate. The MMP - 9 expression level and active form change in gastric cancer cells were also increased after Gal - 1 stimulate. Conclusion Gal - 1cound significantly promote gastric cancer cell migration and invasion by up - regulated the MMP - 9 expression and active its enzyme activity.

Aged ; Female ; Femoral Neck Fractures ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND: The immediate implantation in the anterior maxillary region is in a high risk of aesthetic complications. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognosis of the labial bone plate after anterior maxillary repair with immediate implant combined with immediate restoration. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with single failed tooth in the anterior maxillary region were subjected to implantation of ZIMMER implants immediately after minimally invasive extraction. Good primary stability was achieved and immediate restoration was carried out. Final restoration was finished after 6-12 months of osteosynthesis and gingival shaping. The loading situation of the labial bone plate was recorded at 6 months post operation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Final restoration was finished with normal loading in all the patients. No bleeding and swelling of the gingiva was recorded. The horizontal absorption of the labial bone plate at the upper margin, 5 mm and 10 mm below the upper margin was (-2.12±0.05), (-1.54±0.04), and (-1.01±0.06) mm, respectively. Therefore, absorption of the labial bone plate with varying degrees exists after anterior maxillary repair with immediate implant combined with immediate restoration.

Objective To optimize ambi-extracting and inclusion process of volatile oil from Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Angelicae Sinensis Radix. Methods With yield ratio of volatile oil and ferulic acid content in water extract as evaluation indexes, single factor experiments were used to study the extraction process. With the inclusion rate of volatile oil and yield of inclusion as evaluation indexes, saturated aqueous solution was used to L9(34) orthogonal experiments to reach optimum inclusion process. Results The optimum extraction process of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Angelicae Sinensis Radix was extracted for 8 hours with 8 folds the amount of water, and without soaking. The validation experiments of extraction of volatile oil and ferulic acid content in water extract were 1.23 mL and 0.387 9 mg/g. The optimum conditions of inclusion process were as follows: volatile oil (mL): β-CD (g) was 1:8;inclusion temperature was 40 ℃; inclusion time was 3 hours. The validation experiments of inclusion rate of volatile oil and yield of inclusion were 74.89% and 72.81%. Conclusion Optimum ambi-extracting and inclusion process of volatile oil from Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Angelicae Sinensis Radix are feasible and stable, witch can provide certain supporting data for preparation production.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of low level manganese (Mn) exposure on the serum neuroendocrine hormones levels of the welders.

METHODSThe exposure group consisted of 41 male welders, 40 male workers without exposing to harmful agents served as controls. The serum contents of prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (TST) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) of 81 subjects were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay.

RESULTSThe geometric mean value of airborne Mn concentrations was 0.03 mg/m(3) (0.003 - 0.519 mg/m(3)) in the welding circumstances. The levels of Mn in red blood cells (RBCs) and urinary Mn of the exposure group were significantly higher than those of control group (P < 0.01). The contents of serum LH and TSH of the exposure group were 2.89 ± 0.69 mIU/ml and 1.45 ± 0.56 uIU/ml, which were significantly lower than those (3.82 ± 1.61 mIU/ml and 2.19 ± 1.28 µIU/ml) of control group (P < 0.01). The serum contents of LH, FSH and TSH of the group exposed to Mn for < 5 years were significantly lower than those of the control group, The serum TST level of the group exposed to Mn for < 5 years was significantly higher than those of the control group and group exposed to Mn for 5 ∼ years, the serum FSH level of the group exposed to Mn for < 5 years was significantly lower than that of the group exposed to Mn for 10 years (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The serum contents of LH and TSH of the group exposed to Mn for 5 ∼ years were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The serum contents of PRL, LH and TSH of the group exposed to Mn for 10 years were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). There was negative correlation between blood (RBC) Mn and urinary Mn (r = -0.310, P < 0.05), also there was negative correlation between serum PRL and serum TST (r = -0.409, P < 0.01), the positive correlation between serum LH and serum FSH was observed (r = 0.361, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe results of present study showed that the long exposure to low level of Mn may decrease the levels of serum PRL, LH and TSH in workers occupationally exposed to Mn, which can influence the metabolism of neuroendocrine hormones to certain extent.

Adult ; Air Pollutants, Occupational ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Humans ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Male ; Manganese ; Occupational Exposure ; Prolactin ; blood ; Testosterone ; blood ; Thyrotropin ; blood ; Welding

The breeding of domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) for human consumption has a long tradition in China. Infections that can affect the production of meat or even be transmitted from animals to humans are important to monitor, especially for public health reasons as well as for their impact on animal health. Thus, a total of 1,132 domestic rabbit sera from 4 regions in China were collected for serological screening for Encephalitozoon cuniculi and for Toxoplasma gondii by ELISA and modified agglutination test (MAT), respectively. Antibodies to E. cuniculi were detected in 248/1,132 (21.9%) sera tested while antibodies against T. gondii revealed a seroprevalence of 51/1,132 (4.5%). We believe that the present results are of epidemiological implications and public health importance due to the acknowledged susceptibility of humans to E. cuniculi and T. gondii infections. Therefore, routine screening tests of domestic rabbits are proposed considering the zoonotic potential of these parasites.
Animals ; Animals, Domestic/blood/microbiology/parasitology ; Antibodies, Fungal/*blood ; Antibodies, Protozoan/*blood ; China/epidemiology ; Encephalitozoon cuniculi/*immunology/isolation & purification ; Encephalitozoonosis/blood/microbiology/*veterinary ; Female ; Male ; Rabbits/blood/microbiology/parasitology ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Toxoplasma/*immunology/isolation & purification ; Toxoplasmosis, Animal/*blood/parasitology