Objective To explore the influence of massage on gastrointestinal motility in premature infants.Methods Fifty-eight premature infants from NICU of the affiliated hospital of Jining medical college were randomly divided into massage group(28 cases) and control group(30 cases).They were all received usual care.The infants in massage group were subjected to caresses touches twice(5-20 min/time)every day.The time of meconium and charcoal being excreted were recorded.Blood samples were collected on day 2,7 after birth.Motolin and gastrin were determined by radioimmunassays.Results The time of meconium and charcoal being excreted in massage group was(78.78?41.16) h and(21.48?9.85) h,respectively.Those in control group were(101.84?32.84) h and(34.66?13.20) h,respectively,there were significant differences between massage group and control group(P0.05).The blood concentrations of motilin and gastrin on day 7 in massage group were(402.35?40.14) ?g/L and (133.60?25.99) ?g/L, respectively,those were(315.84?37.62) ?g/L and (80.22?33.50) ?g/L in control group,respectively,there were significant differences in the blood concentrations of motilin and gastrin between 2 groups(Pa

Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Nucleus ; genetics ; Cells, Cultured ; Diploidy ; Genetic Vectors ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunophenotyping ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; ultrastructure ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo investigate the absorption mechanism of genistein self-microemulsifying system in rat intestines.

METHODThe concentrations of phenol red and genistein by in situ perfusion in rats were determined by UV and HPLC, respectively. The effects of drug concentrations, pH, various intestinal segments and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor verapamil on the absorption had been studied.

RESULTThe absorption rate constant (Ka) of genistein had no significant difference at concentrations of 0.05-0.5 mg x mL(-1) and pH of 5.4-7.8 in perfusion. It was Ka of jejunum > ileum > duodenum > colon. The absorption of genistein in jejunum had significant difference (P < 0.05) compared with other parts of intestines. Ka was increased obviously when verapamil was coper-fused with genistein (P < 0. 05).

CONCLUSIONThe absorption of genistein self-microemulsifying system is a first order process with passive diffusion mechanism related to P-gp efflux. It can be absorbed at all segments of rat intestine, and the jejunum is the best absorption segment, pH had no special effect on the absorption of genistein self-microemulsifying system in rat intestine.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Sub-Family B ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Animals ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Emulsions ; Genistein ; analysis ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Intestinal Absorption ; drug effects ; Intestines ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Organ Specificity ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Temperature ; Verapamil ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Huoxuezhitong recipe on the pathway of mitochondrial apoptosis and the expression of related gene (Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2) in epidural scar tissue.

METHODSA total of 60 New Zealand rabbits, ranging in weight from 2.5 to 3.0 kg, were randomly divided into sham operative group (group A), control group (group B), sodium hyaluronate group (group C), Huoxuezhitong recipe group (group D, included Danggui 20 g, Chishao 20 g, Honghua 20 g, Ruxiang 15 g, Myrrh 15 g etc.) with 15 rabbits in each group. Except for group A, L4,5 vertebral plate were resected leading to 1.0 cm x 1.0 cm dura mater exposed area, which were covered with 0.5 ml sodium hyaluronate in group C, covered with same amount of saline in group B and D. At 2 weeks after operation, the rabbits of group D were administered with Huoxuezhitong recipe (2.5 ml/kg, once a day, continuous 14 d). Five rabbits of each group were selected randomly and were killed at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after operation; and the expression of Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2 in scar tissue were surveyed by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSThe results by RT-PCR showed significant different in expressions of Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2 of group A and others groups at each period (P < 0.01). At 2, 4, 8 weeks after operation, compared with group B, the expressions of Caspase-3, -9, Bcl-2 in group C and D were decreased (P < 0.05), but the expression of Bax in group C and D were increased (P < 0.05). At 8 weeks after operation, the expressions of Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2 in group D was significant decreased compared with group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHuoxuezhitong recipe can regulate the levels of expression of Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2 mRNA and further induce the pathway of mitochondrial apoptosis, thereby, achieve the effect of prophylaxis for the proliferation and conglutination of epidural scar tissue.

Actins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; genetics ; Carthamus tinctorius ; Caspase 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Caspase 9 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Genes, bcl-2 ; drug effects ; genetics ; Mitochondria ; drug effects ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVESTo study the effect of Houxue Zhitong decoration on the expression of the mitochondria-initiated apoptosis pathway and transmembrane protein I an II of the epidural scar tissue.

METHODSA total of 60 New Zealand rabbits (weight: 2.5-3.0 kg) were randomly divided into four groups, sham operation group (D, n=15), control group (B, n=14), sodium hyaluronate group (C, n=15), Houxue Zhitong decoration group (D, n=15). Except for group A, 1.0 cm x 1.0 cm dura mater uncovered area laminectomy was performed at I (4) and I(5), covered with 0.5 ml sodium hyaluronate in group C, covered with same amount of saline in group B and D. First 2 weeks after operation, animals in group D were lavaged with 2.5 ml/kg Houxue Zhitong decoction by one a day for 14 days. Five rabbits of each group selected randomly were killed in the 2,4,8 weeks after laminectomy. The specimens were prepared for determination of the expression of Fas and FasL, at scar tissue by semiquantitative reserve transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The degree of scar adhesion was evaluated according by Rydell method.

RESULTSThe adhesion area in group B was larger than of group C and D in the 4th and 8th week. However, the number of fibroblasts and inflammantory cells in group D was the least among the three groups in the 8th week. At 2, 4, 8 weeks after operation, as compared with group B the expression of Fas, FasL of group C and D were decreased (P < 0.05). Especially, at 2 weeks, as compared with group B the expression of this two cytokines of group D was significant decreased (P < 0.05), too. In group C and D the duramater adhesion was decreased (P < 0.05). The proliferation of fibroblast and fibroblastic function were inhibited (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHuoxue Zhitong is able to down-regulated the expression of Fas, FasL, which inhibited the proliferation of fibroblast, the fibroblastic function and the synthesis of extracellular matrix in the epidural scar tissue. It is an effective way of reducing peridural scar formation and prevent the failed back surgery syndrome.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cicatrix ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Epidural Space ; pathology ; Fas Ligand Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Rabbits ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; fas Receptor ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the effect of rehabilitation on memory deficits after acquired brain injury, to compare different training models of memory rehabilitation and to analyze the possible factors affecting memory rehabilitation. Methods 144 patients with acquired brain injury following memory deficits were randomly assigned to computer-assisted training group, face-to-face training group and control group. Both training groups were given memory-based cognitive training program once a day which sustained 30 minutes for 6 or 12 weeks. The instantaneous memory, short-term memory and long-term memory were evaluated and compared before and after training. The effect of gender, age, education, course, site of injury and coma time on training efficacy were analyszed as well. Results 6 weeks and 12 weeks at training, both computer-assisted and face-to-face training groups showed a significant improvement in memory abilities when compared to controls (P<0.01), with the former making more progress (P<0.01). Negative correlation was found between age and memory performance. Conclusion Effectiveness of memory rehabilitation is proven. 12 weeks training can significantly improve memory. Cognitive training using professional equipment is significantly more effective than the face-to-face training and should be recommended.

BACKGROUNDThe morbidity and mortality of prostate cancer have been increasing rapidly in recent China. There were few studies investigating prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values ranges in the healthy Chinese population. We performed this study to determine the distribution of serum PSA in a large healthy Chinese population.

METHODSFrom January 2001 to May 2008, 11 150 healthy Chinese men aged 30 - 79 years came to our hospital for routine health check-up. All subjects without a previous diagnosis of prostate cancer, a history of prostate surgery, or urogenital tract infection were proposed to undergo systematic serum PSA measurement and digital rectal examination (DRE). Men with normal DRE and PSA ≤ 4.0 ng/ml and those PSA > 4.0 ng/ml or abnormal DRE but without adverse findings on prostate biopsy were included (n = 9358). Age and serum PSA concentration were recorded and correlated through Logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSThe 95th percentile serum PSA concentration was 1.89 ng/ml for men aged 30 to 39 years, 2.19 ng/ml for men aged 40 to 49 years, 2.88 ng/ml for men aged 50 to 59 years, 4.42 ng/ml for men aged 60 to 69 years, and 6.52 ng/ml for men aged 70 to 79 years. The serum PSA concentration correlated with age (P < 0.0001) with an annual increase of 0.97% for men in 40 years, 1.58% for men in 50 years, 3.04% for men in 60 years, and 3.99% for men in 70 years.

CONCLUSIONSThe serum PSA level correlates directly with age in Chinese men older than 40 years, not in Chinese men younger than 40 years old. Chinese men have lower PSA level compared with white men above 60 years of age, not in those under 60 years of age.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; blood ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; blood ; epidemiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of irbesartan on the renal expressions of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptor (RAGEs) in rats with early diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the renoprotection mechanism of irbesartan.

METHODSRat DN models established by a single injection of streptozotocin were randomly divided into the model group and irbesartan treatment group. With normal rats as the control, all the rats received daily gavage for 8 weeks. The 24-h urinary protein excretion and contents of AGEs in the serum and kidney tissues were measured. The expressions of RAGEs and RAGEs protein and mRNA in the kidney tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The pathological changes of the kidney were also assessed microscopically.

RESULTSIrbesartan significantly reduced the 24-h urinary protein excretion and the contents of AGEs in the serum and kidney tissues of DN rats, resulting also in decreased expressions of RAGEs and RAGEs protein and mRNA levels in the kidney. The treatment obviously alleviated the pathological changes in the kidney of the DN rats.

CONCLUSIONIrbesartan offers renoprotection against DN possibly by reducing the serum and renal contents of AGEs and inhibiting the renal mRNA expressions of RAGEs and RAGEs.

Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Biphenyl Compounds ; therapeutic use ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; complications ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Glycation End Products, Advanced ; genetics ; metabolism ; Kidney ; metabolism ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products ; Receptors, Immunologic ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tetrazoles ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Shenkangwan on the expressions of angiotensin II (AngII) and its type I receptor (AT(1)R) and the renalprotection mechanism of Shenkangwan in rats with early diabetic nephropathy (DN).

METHODSThe rat models of DN established by a single injection of streptozotocin were randomly divided into 4 groups, namely the model group, Shenkangwan treatment group, irbesartan treatment group, and Shenkangwan and irbesartan treatment group, with normal rats as the control. All the rats received daily gavage for 8 weeks. The urinary protein quality in 24 h and plasma and renal contents of AngII were measured. The expressions of AT1R at the protein and mRNA levels in the kidney tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The pathological changes of the kidney were observed microscopically.

RESULTSIn DN rats, Shenkangwan reduced the urinary protein quantity in 24 h and the contents of AngII in the plasma and kidney tissues, decreased the renal expressions of AT(1)R protein and mRNA, and alleviated the morphological damage of the kidney.

CONCLUSIONSShenkangwan offers renalprotection against DN probably by reducing the contents of AngII in the plasma and kidney tissues and inhibiting renal AT(1)R expressions.

Angiotensin II ; genetics ; metabolism ; Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Kidney ; metabolism ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo identify the clinical characteristics and risk factors of frequent peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was conducted in the peritonitis patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in our hospital. Frequent PD-related peritonitis was defined by two or more onsets in one year, and the patients with only one onset served as the control group. The clinical and laboratory data of the two groups were compared and the risk factors of PD-related peritonitis analyzed.

RESULTSForty-four episodes of peritonitis were recorded in the 16 patients with frequent PD-related peritonitis, as compared to 53 episodes in the 45 control patients. Compared with those in the control group, the patients with frequent peritonitis had significantly higher blood pressure (P0.05). Variables identified to be associated with an increased likelihood of frequent PD-related peritonitis included hemoglobulin<70 g/L (OR=0.135, P

CONCLUSIONCompared with the patients with only one annual occurrence of peritonitis, the patients with frequent PD-related peritonitis have severer malnutrition and water overload, which are probably correlated to the high rates of PD catheter removal and poor prognosis. Severe anemia and proteinemia are risk factors and also predictive factors of frequent PD-related peritonitis. Measures to ameliorate anemia and proteinemia and effective management of celiac endogenous infection may help prevent and control frequent PD-related peritonitis.

Adult ; Anemia ; complications ; Female ; Humans ; Hypoproteinemia ; complications ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory ; adverse effects ; Peritonitis ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors