The effects of Wumeiwan (WMW) on TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and NF-kappaBp65 in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC) were investigated, the curative effectiveness of WMW vs salicylazosulfapyridine (SASP) was compared, and the action mechanism was analyzed. Fifty-Six Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=14 in each group, with equal ratio of male and female): normal control group, model group, SASP group, and WMW group. Except normal control group, the rat UC models in the remaining three groups were established using the method of 2.4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) immunization and acetic acid local enema. The rats in model group, SASP group, and WMW group were treated with distilled water, SASP, and WMW respectively. The changes in the symptoms and signs were observed, and levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, IL-10 and the expression of NF-kappaBp65 in the colonic tissues were statistically analyzed. The results showed that the levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha were significantly increased (P<0.01), while those of IL-10 significantly reduced (P<0.01) after establishment of rat UC models as compared with normal control group. The levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha were obviously lower, but the level of IL-10 was obviously higher in WMW and SASP groups than those in model group (P<0.05). The levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha were lower, while the level of IL-10 was higher in WMW group than in SASP group. NF-kappaBp65 was expressed negatively or weakly in normal colonic tissues. The positive expression rate of NF-kappaBp65 in WMW group and SASP group was obviously lower than in model group (P<0.01), and there was significant difference between WMW group and SASP group (P<0.05). It was concluded that rat UC model was established successfully. WMW could up-regulate the expression of IL-10, down-regulate the expression of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, and inhibit the NF-kappaBp65 activity to adjust immune function, indicating WMW had better curative effects on UC in rats.

OBJECTIVETo study the epidemic intensity and trend of human rabies from 1991 to 2005 among 31 provinces, metropoli and municipalities in China so as to increase the awareness of the disease.

METHODSContrastive analyses were performed and the annual publishing data by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention were used.

RESULTSThe total number of reported cases was 14 942 from 1991 to 2005 with an annual average mortality rate as 0.080/100000. The increase of five-years mortality ratio on relative ratio with circular base of mortality rate were--66.24% (1996-2000 to 1991-1995) and 506.13% (2001-2005 to 1996-2000). When comparing incidence rates between 2000-2005 and 1991-1995, the relative ratio with fixed base increase became 104.62%.

CONCLUSIONAmong the 31 provinces, metropolis and municipalities, 27 had reported human rabies cases. The enzootic areas mainly distributed in the drainage area along the Yangtze River. The incidence rates of Guangxi, Hunan, Guizhou, Jiangxi and Guangdong were the highest.

China ; epidemiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Humans ; Incidence ; Rabies ; epidemiology

Aged ; Coal Mining ; Drug Combinations ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peroxides ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Pneumoconiosis ; complications ; drug therapy ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Urea ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and prognostic significance of adjuvant tamoxifen in breast cancer patients with various hormone receptor statuses. METHODS: Typically, 1,260 female breast cancer patients were recruited in this study. The correlation between estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR) phenotypes and clinical characteristics was investigated, and the survival rate was assessed after 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: The 5-year overall survival (85%) was better in women under the age of 50 years. Patients with ER+/PR+ tumors had a better 5-year survival rate (94%); those with ER-/PR- tumors experienced the worst outcome (74% survival rate); whereas single-positive cases were in between. In 97 out of 128 patients with ER-/PR+ tumors, tamoxifen was given as adjuvant hormonal therapy, and it increased the survival benefit in the lower grade group in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival (p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION: For high-grade tumors with ER-/PR+, adjuvant tamoxifen therapy may have no survival benefit, whereas for the patients with low-grade ER-/PR+ tumors, adjuvant tamoxifen therapy is highly suggestive.
Breast ; Breast Neoplasms ; Disease-Free Survival ; Estrogens ; Female ; Humans ; Phenotype ; Progesterone ; Receptors, Progesterone ; Survival Rate ; Tamoxifen

OBJECTIVETo determine whether blood lipids profile, fibrinogen and viscosity were associated with passive smoking (i. e. environmental tobacco smoke, ETS) in Chinese women who never smoke.

METHODSIn Xi'an, China, a case-control study was carried out on 115 cases of coronary heart disease (CHD) defined by coronary arteriography (CAG) and 208 non-CHD controls confirmed by CAG and/or exercise electrocardiography. Data on exposure to ETS, defined as exposure from cigarettes smoking husband or co-workers or both for at least 5 years, was obtained through standardized interviews. Standard laboratory methods were used and the lipid measurements were under US CDC quality control programs.

RESULTSIn the subjects defined by CAG, the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), HDL2C, apolipoprotein (apo) A1 among passive smokers appeared lower than those in non-passive smokers,but the low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apoB, apoB/A1, fibrinogen, plasma and whole blood viscosity were higher than that in non-passive smokers. There were positive associations of the numbers of coronary arteriosclerosis with the levels of blood lipids,fibrinogen and viscosity. In the non-CHD controls, 81 subjects were not exposed and 127 were exposed to ETS. The P values of t-test for the adjusted (for age, body mass index, present diseases history) means between two groups were listed below: 0.06 (total cholesterol), 0.30 (triglyceride), 0.004 (HDL-C), <0.001 (HDL2-C), < 0.001 (apoA1), 0.009 (apoB), <0.001 (apoB/apoA1), <0.001 (fibrinogen), <0.001 (plasma viscosity), <0.001 and 0.004 [two measures (5.75/s and 230/s) of whole blood viscosity]. The correlation coefficients between cumulative exposure of passive smoking and HDL-C,HDL2-C,apoA1, apoB, apoB/apoA1, fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, and two measures of whole blood viscosity were -0.25, -0.27, -0.30, 0.24, 0.31, 0.32, 0.43, 0.51 and 0.36 (all P<0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONPassive smoking could affect blood lipid metabolism, fibrinogen and viscosity in the never smoking women which might contribute to the causation of coronary heart disease.

Apolipoprotein A-I ; blood ; Blood Viscosity ; drug effects ; Cholesterol, HDL ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Coronary Disease ; etiology ; Female ; Fibrinogen ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution ; adverse effects

Background: We estimated the incidence and mortality of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in China in 2010 according to the data of 145 domestic population-based cancer registries in 2014, and no such reports since then. Hence, to further and better understand its epidemiology in China and to provide more precise scientific information for its control and prevention in China, we analyzed the NPC incidence and mortality of 255 domestic population-based cancer registries, and estimated the national rates in 2013 again. Methods: NPC incidence and mortality data of 255 domestic cancer registries in 2013, accepted by the 2016 National Cancer Registry Annual Report, were collected and collated, and the indices of NPC such as the numbers of new cases and deaths, crude rates, age-standardized rates, and truncated rates of incidence and mortality were calculated and analyzed. The incidence and mortality in China and its constituent areas were estimated according to the national population in 2013. Results: An estimated 42,100 new cases and 21,320 deaths were attributed to NPC in China in 2013, accounting for 1.14% of all new cancer cases and 0.96% of all cancer-related deaths that year in China. Crude incidence and mortal-ity of NPC were 3.09/100,000 and 1.57/100,000, respectively. World age-standardized incidence and mortality were 2.17/100,000 and 1.08/100,000, respectively. The incidence and mortality of males were obviously higher than those of females and slightly higher in urban areas than in rural areas. Among seven Chinese administrative regions, NPC incidence and mortality were obviously higher in South China than in other regions and lowest in North China. Top 3 incidence and mortality provinces and registering areas all located in South China. The age-specific incidence and mortality rose quickly from age 25–29 and 35 to 39 years, respectively, peaked at different ages and varied by location. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that NPC incidence and mortality in China in 2013 were also at high levels worldwide, which suggested that its control and prevention should be enhanced.

OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanism of hypoalbuminemia in patients with severe sepsis.

METHODSI(125)-labeled albumin was administered intravenously to 10 health volunteers and 10 patients with severe sepsis. Blood samples were taken at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours and 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 22, 25 days for the measurement of the dose of gamma-radiation and the curve of concentration and time. Then the half-life time (t(1/2)), apparent volume of distribution (V(d)) and transportation rate (K(12)) from center compartment to side compartment of albumin were calculated.

RESULTSThe half-life time in septic group was obviously shorter than that in control group (8.2 +/- 1.4 vs. 12.5 +/- 1.7, P < 0.01). The transportation rate in the septic group was higher than that in the control group [(4.4 +/- 1.9) x 10(-2)/h vs. (2.4 +/- 0.6) x 10(-2)/h, P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in apparent volume of distribution between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSIn patients with severe sepsis, the distribution rate of albumin from vessel to tissue was obviously increased and the decomposition rate of albumin was markedly improved.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Half-Life ; Humans ; Kinetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sepsis ; metabolism ; Serum Albumin ; metabolism

Objective To explore the clinical experience and surgical method of the repairment of frontal plantar tissue defects by using "tennis racket"-like flap with the medial plantar retrograde,and to study the reliability in the clinical application of the medial plantar retrograde flap.Methods From June 2011 to June 2016,"tennis racket"-like flap with the medial plantar retrograde was used to repair the frontal plantar tissue defects in 10 cases.The cutting range of flap was from 3.5 cm × 2.0 cm to 8.0 cm x 4.0 cm in size;in all patients the donor area was covered by skin grafts.Results All flaps survived and wounds healed by first intention.In 10 patients the donor sites healed primarily with a straight scar,and the appearance and texture of the flaps were satisfactory.All patients were followed up from 6 to 24 months (mean 12 months).According to the Chinese foot function evaluation standard trial evaluation,the outcomes were excellent in 9 cases,good in 7 cases,and medium in 2 cases.Conclusions "Tennis racket"-like flap with the medial plantar retrograde is less anatomic variation with reliable blood supply,and sensory recovery is quick;the donor site is a small crater and cicatrial contractures are light;the cost is low.All patients are treated on one session and therefore it is an ideal method for the repairment of frontal plantar tissue defects.

Reports of influenza A virus infections in dogs has received considerable attention from veterinarians, virologists, and epidemiologists. Interaction between influenza viral hemagglutinin and cell oligosaccharides containing sialic acid residues results in infection. Sialic acids have an alpha-2,3-linkage to the penultimate galactose in the avian influenza virus receptor and an alpha-2,6-linkage in the human receptor. To date, there are no detailed data on the tissue distribution or histological features of either type of sialic acid-linked influenza virus receptors in beagle dogs, which are common laboratory animals and pets. We conducted the current study to visualize the in situ tissue distribution of both sialic acid-linked influenza virus receptors in various organs of beagle dogs using Maackia amurensis lectin II and Sambucus nigra agglutinin. Both alpha-2,3- and alpha-2,6-sialic acid-linked receptors were detected in the endothelial cells of the respiratory tract and other organs. Endothelial cells of most gastrointestinal organs were negative for alpha-2,3-sialic acid-linked receptors in the dogs. Our results suggested that these canine organs may be affected by influenza virus infection. The findings from our study will also help evaluate the occurrence and development of influenza virus infections in dogs.
Animals ; Dog Diseases/metabolism ; Dogs/metabolism/*virology ; Female ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/*metabolism ; Maackia/chemistry ; Male ; N-Acetylneuraminic Acid/metabolism ; Organ Specificity ; Orthomyxoviridae Infections/metabolism/transmission/veterinary ; Plant Lectins/metabolism ; Receptors, Cell Surface/analysis/chemistry/metabolism ; Receptors, Virus/analysis/chemistry/*metabolism ; Sambucus nigra/chemistry

OBJECTIVETo prospectively study the relationship between risk factors and stroke incidence and mortality in the Chinese elderly.

METHODSAn analytic study in a cohort population of 1,268 male retired cadres in a military setting. A health-screening program was carried out for all cadres aged 55 years or older in Xi'an in February 1987. Baseline data on smoking, cholesterol, triglyceride, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), histories of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, diabetes and family histories of cardiovascular disease were investigated. Main outcome measures were stroke incidence, stroke and all-cause mortality.

RESULTSThe cohort was followed up until June 30, 2001 and a total number of follow-up person-year was 15,546. During the follow-up period, there were 113 new stroke cases identified and the adjusted incidence was 727 per 100,000 person-year. Forty-five deaths were due to stroke and the adjusted mortality was 289 per 100,000 person-year. Using Cox model analysis, after adjustment on age, total cholesterol, triglyceride, smoking, drinking and physical exercise, we noticed that the systolic pressure, BMI, history of CHD and hyperlipidemia were independent risk factors for stroke incidence and morality.

CONCLUSIONThe incidence and mortality of stroke in this cohort were lower than those in the same age group of general population. Monitoring and controlling body mass index and blood pressure level seemed to be important factors for the prevention of stroke in the elderly.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blood Pressure ; Body Mass Index ; Cohort Studies ; Coronary Disease ; complications ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; complications ; Hypertension ; complications ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Military Personnel ; Risk Factors ; Stroke ; epidemiology ; etiology ; mortality