OBJECTIVETo determine whether oral statins can delay the progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

METHODSWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of 50-69-year-old males who came for physical examination in our hospital between January 2003 and December 2008. We designed the inclusion criteria, followed them up for 5 years, and investigated the relationship of oral statins with the clinical progression of BPH and LUTS.

RESULTSTotally, 653 men met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study, of whom 283 were treated with oral statins (group 1) while the other 370 with none (group 2). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in age and baseline IPSS, Qmax, and prostate volume (PV) (P > 0.05). During the follow-up, 24 cases in group 1 and 35 cases in group 2 were excluded for obvious dys-uria. A gradual increase was observed in IPSS in both groups 1 and 2 year by year from the baseline to the 5th year of follow-up, but significantly lower in the former group (4.27 +/- 1.16, 4.63 +/- 1.05, 5.27 +/- 0.96, 6.41 +/- 1.04, 7.21 +/- 1.21, and 7.93 +/-1.50) than in the latter (4.24 +/- 1.35, 5.26 +/- 1.23, 6.84 +/- 1.20, 8.75 +/- 1.84, 10.82 +/- 3.01, and 12.98 +/- 4.21) (P < 0.01); a gradual decrease was seen in Qmax, though markedly higher in group 1 ([26.56 +/- 2.09], [24.06 +/- 1.94], [21.33 +/- 1.66], [19.24 +/- 1.54], [17.44 +/- 1.53], and [16.27 +/- 1.37] ml/s) than in group 2 ([26.74 +/- 2.40], [23.62 +/- 2.01], [20.63 +/- 1.69], [17.72 +/- 1.48], [14.82 +/- 1.11], and [11.86 +/- 1.24] ml/s) (P < 0.01); and a gradual increase was found in PV, but remarkably smaller in the former group ([19.82 +/- 4.94], [22.60 +/- 4.99], [25.80 +/- 5.20], [27.92 +/- 5.05], [29.11 +/- 5.24], and [29.97 +/- 5.26] ml) than in the latter ([20.21 +/- 4.78], [24.30 +/- 4.98], [28.50 +/- 5.14], [32.84 +/- 4.77], [36.99 +/- 4.78], and [40.90 +/- 4.78] ml) (P < 0.01). Longer medication of statins was associated with better efficacy.

CONCLUSIONOral statins can significantly delay the clinical progression of BPH and LUTS.

Aged ; Humans ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Longitudinal Studies ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; drug therapy ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of simvastatin on the proliferation and apoptosis of prostatic epithelial RWPE-1 cells.

METHODSRWPE-1 cells cultured in vitro were treated with simvastatin at 0, 10, 20, and 40 μmol/L for 24, 48, and 72 hours followed by determination of their proliferation by MTT assay, and their apoptosis by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, and Cx43 were detected by fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTSAfter 72 hours of treatment with simvastatin at 10, 20, and 40 μmol/L, the inhibition rates of the RWPE-1 cells were (21.07 ± 6.41)%, (34.87 ± 9.65)%, and (47.18 ± 10.88)%, respectively, significantly higher than (1.21 ± 0.54)% in the control group (P < 0.05) and in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05); the cell apoptosis rates were (0.066 ± 0.016)%, (0.126 ± 0.023)%, and (0.192 ± 0.025)%, respectively, remarkably higher than (0.015 ± 0.005)% in the control (P < 0.05) and also in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05); the mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 were decreasing while those of Bax and Cx43 increasing with the increased concentration of simvastatin (P < 0.05). The expression of Cx43 was correlated negatively with that of Bcl-2 but positively with that of Bax.

CONCLUSIONSimvastatin inhibits the proliferation of prostate epithelial cells and induce their apoptosis by acting on the gap junctional intercellular communication.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Connexin 43 ; metabolism ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; physiology ; Humans ; Hypolipidemic Agents ; pharmacology ; Male ; Prostate ; cytology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Simvastatin ; pharmacology ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of large dose mucosolvan combined variant flow rate continuous positive airway by nasal mask on neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(NRDS).Methods One hundred and fourteen newborns with NRDS were randomly divided into treatment group(58 cases) and control group(56 cases),on the base of same combined therapy,the cases in control group only underwent oxygen-absorbing by head set with the flow rate 4-6 L/min,and the cases in treatment group were given large dose mucosolvan(Ambroxol Hydrochloride) 30 mg/(kg?d) + 5%GS 20 mL,for two times and variant flow rate continuous positive airway by nasal mask(NCPAP),the parameter setting flow rate 6-8 L/min,FiO_2 0.4-0.6,pressure 5-8 cm H_2O.The clinical symptom and blood gas analysis after 12 and 48 hours were observed and compared the changes of pa(O_2),pa(CO_2),pa(O_2)/FiO_2 in two groups.Results The dyspnea and groan in 44 cases in the treatment group lessoned or vanished,pa(O_2) rised and pa(CO_2) lowered,the oxygenation index obviously increased,the cases with RDS grade Ⅰand gradeⅡ had better therapeutic effect,and the cases with RDS grade Ⅲ(X-ray)and Ⅳ had not manifest effect,the total effective rate was 75.8% in treatment group and 26.7% in control group.There were significant difference in therapeutic effect and oxygenation index between two groups.Conclusions Large dose mucosolvan(combi)-ning variant flow rate continuous positive airway by nasal mask can significantly improve the ventilation and oxygenation function and there are significant therapeutic effect in NRDS,especially in the NRDS grade Ⅰand gradeⅡ,the trachea cannula may be avoided and mechanical ventilation rate may be decreased if the therapeutic method can be used in earlier period.

The research status is reviewed on taxonomic position, ecology, biological active matter and artificial cultivation of Shiraia bambusicola. Following problems are presented: whether there are new species and host specificity of Shiraia bambusicola. Since the artificial cultivation of stroma of Shiraia bambusicola has not been success, Shiraia bambusicola is in situation of emerge of itself and perish of itself so that it is not beneficial to resource protection and continual utilization of this medicinal fungus. It is pointed out that molecular biology of Shiraia bambusicola should be further researched and technology of artificial cultivation of Shiraia bambusicola should be explored in order to exploit and usage of Shiraia bambusicola.

Objective To compare the curative effect of high ligation+exfoliation and subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery(SEPS)for superficial varicose veins in calf+invagination spot-striping surgery in great venous varicosity.Methods Study group(42 patients)accepted SEPS+invagination spot-striping surgery and control group (42 patients)accepted traditional surgeries.Operation duration,bleeding volume in operation,the time of beginning movement away from bed after operation,hospitalization duration,the degree of pain,the scar,the recrudescence af- ter operation and the instance of the ulcer heals of two groups were compared.Results Operation duration,bleeding volume in operation,the time of begin movement away from bed after operation and hospitalization durations of study group were significantly lower than those of control group(P0.05).All of the patients in study group recovered without severe syndromes such as venous thrombosis,skin necrosis,lower limb functional disorder etc.They had no recrudesce after 4～16 months and were satisfied with the curative effect.Con- elusions The clinical curative effect of SEPS+invagination spot-striping surgery in great venous varicosity is superi- or to that of traditional operation and it has the advantages such as minor wound,few scars,light pains,short hospi- talization duration,without recrudescence,the ulcer heals quickly and so on.

Background Chemical crosslinking agent can be used to strengthen the intensity of sclera tissue,but the intensity of the sclera may be influenced by different crosslinking methods.Objective The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of collagen crosslinking on porcine sclera between whole-eye crosslinking method and scleral strip crosslinking method.Methods Whole-eye crosslinking or sclera strip crosslinking was performed on 70 fresh porcine eyeballs in five groups using 1％ genipin,1％ glutaraldehyde or PBS respectively for 40 minutes.After crosslinking,10 sclera strips with l0 mm×4 mm from the temporal lateral were prepared in every group for the stress-strain measurement using a Instron5848 microtester,and the other 4 scleral strips in each group were extracted for the thermal shrinkage temperature test.Results Biomechanical property test reveled that the elastic modulus value of sclera strips reduced by 70.0％-82.8％ in the whole-eye crosslinking method group compared with scleral stip crosslinking method group after treated with 1％ genipin ((8.98 ± 1.81) MPa vs.(10.85 ± 1.83) MPa,t =3.375,P =0.003)) and 1％ glutaraldehyde((12.78 ±2.91) MPa vs.(18.25 ±5.16) MPa,t =4.007,P =0.001)) ;The tensile stress of whole-eye crosslinking method group was 54.9％-90.1％ of scleral stips method group,showing significant decline after corsslinked of whole-eye in 5％,10％,15％ and 20％ strain conditions (all P ＜ 0.05).Thermomechanics test showed that the thermal shrinkage temperature was lower in the whole-eye crosslinking group compared with scleral stip crosslinking group after treated with both 1％ genipin ((68.8 ±0.9)℃ vs.(74.8± 1.3)℃,t=11.129,P=0.000)) and 1％ glutaraldehyde((73.3±0.9)℃ vs.(79.3±1.3)℃,t=11.112,P=0.000)).Conclusions Different crosslinking methods have an influence on the efficacy of collagen crosslinking on porcine sclera.Sclera strip crosslinking offers a better crosslinking intensity for selera.

OBJECTIVETo compare differences of clinical therapeutic effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion with different doses for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

METHODSSixty cases of IBS were randomly divided into a saturated-dose group (30 cases) and a traditional-dose group (30 cases). Heat-sensitive moxibustion was applied in both groups. The acupoints that had the strongest heat-sensitive feeling were selected and treated by warm and suspended moxibustion with moxa stick. Disappearance of heat-sensitive feeling was taken as the sign of treatment time in the saturated-dose group, while the traditional-dose group was treated for 15 min each time. The treatment in both groups was given twice a day for first 5 days, and from the sixth day it was given once a day for continuous 25 times, totally 30 days. Clinical symptom scores and therapeutic effect before and after treatment in two groups were observed.

RESULTSAfter the treatment, the cured and markedly effective rate was 75.0% (21/28) in the saturated-dose group, which was inferior to 44.4% (12/27) in the traditional-dose group (P < 0.05). The clinical symptom scores, including diarrhea, abdominal distension and pain, were obviously reduced in two groups compared with those before the treatment (all P < 0.05). Compared with the traditional-dose group, the symptom scores of diarrhea and abdominal distension in the saturated-dose group were obviously decreased (0.87 +/- 0.13 vs 1.27 +/- 0.21, P < 0.01; 1.12 +/- 0.41 vs 1.32 +/- 0.26, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe moxibustion featured with disappearance of heat-sensitive feeling and saturated dose has better therapeutic effect than that with traditional-dose for treatment of IBS. As individual dynamic amount of moxibustion, disappearance of heat-sensitive and quantitation varies from person to person, which is one of the key factors to obtain the best curative effect.

Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study on the dynamic changes of Codnopsis pilosula for the guidance of the field management.

METHODUsing the random method the influences of the cultivating density and fertilizing weight at four different levels was observed.

RESULT AND CONCLUSIONThe dynamic changes of the biomass, growth period andbiological changes at different growth stages were found out. The most predominant combination of the two factors, the 1.05 million roots/hm2 of the cultivating density and 240 kg x hm(-2) of the fertilizing weight reached the highest accumulation of stems & leaves; 652 mg x d(-1) the 0.6 million roots/hm2 and 240 kg x hm(-2) reached the heaviest single fresh root. The results could be used for the cultivating, fertilizing and practicing SOP of C. pilosula.

Biomass ; Codonopsis ; anatomy & histology ; growth & development ; Fertilizers ; Plant Leaves ; anatomy & histology ; Plant Roots ; anatomy & histology ; Plant Stems ; anatomy & histology ; Plants, Medicinal ; anatomy & histology ; growth & development ; Seasons

Objective To do the epidemiological analysis based on the data of air fine particulate matter PM2.5 and daily mortality and to estimate the exposure-response relationship. Methods Based on the online search of relevant studies with the same endpoint meta-analysis was used to do the comprehensive assessment to determine the exposure-response relationship. Results The exposure-response relationship between short-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 and the increased percentage of daily mortality was found as the concentration of air fine particulate increased a certain degree(100 ?g/m3) the daily mortality of residents increased by 12.06%(95%CI 8.31%-15.82%). Conclusion The exposure-response relationship recommended in the present paper can be applied to the health risk assessment of air fine particulate matter in various cities of China.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effective approach for the treatment of detrusor underactivity. Methods98 patients with detrusor underactivity were randomly divided into electrotherapy group (electroacupuncture, interference current stimulation, n=32), medicine group (n=32) and electrotherapy-medicine group (n=34). The patients were assessed with examination of urodynamics and clinical parameters before and after treatment. ResultsThe detrusor strength were stronger after treatment in all the 3 groups (P<0.001), but electrotherapy-medicine group was more stronger than the other 2 groups (P<0.01). The cure rate in the 3 groups were 68.75%, 59.38% and 88.23% respectively, the patients in electrotherapy-medicine group gained significantly better results than the other 2 groups (x2=9.976, P<0.01). The difference of cure rate between the electrotherapy group and the medicine group was not significant (P>0.05). ConclusionElectric stimulation therapy combined with medicine is an effective intervention for treatment of detrusor underactivity and is better than electric stimulation therapy or drugs only.