Objective To understand the morbidity of human brucellosis in Wulanchabu City of Inner Mongolia in order to provide a basis for development of prevention and control measures.Methods According to the requirements in Baseline Survey Programme of Human Brucellosis in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regionbetween November and December in 2010,stratified cluster sampling method was used to selected three townships according to the conditions of brucellosis(mild,moderate and serious) in 11 flags(cities,counties,districts) of the city.Three villages were extracted from each township.There were at least 200 persons aged 10 and older were investigated in every township.At least 600 people were investigated in every flag(city,county,district).Respondents were investigated about their awareness rate of basic knowledge about brucellosis,risk factors and common sense of prevention and treatment of the disease by using health education questionnaire.Based on the principle of informed consent,we collected respondents venous blood for preliminary screening using Hu red tablets.Brucellosis was confirmed with standard tube agglutination test and positive result was confirmed if 1:100 antibody concentration was two + or more.Prevalence,false negative rate as well as different age,gender,occupational incidence was calculated based on the network reported results of brucellosis in 33 townships of Wulanchabu in 2010.Results We distributed 6998 questionnaires and 6763 questionnaires were effective.The witting rate of basic knowledge about brucellosis was 57.99％(15 687/27 052); the witting rate of risk factors about brucellosis was 44.33％ (29 978/67 630); the witting rate for prevention and control of brucellosis was 41.66％(28 176/67 630),and total witting rate was 45.49％(73 841/162 312).The morbidity of brucellosis in Wulanchabu City was 91.39/10 000 (785/85 894) in 2010.Five hundred and ninety-one were serologically positive and the infection rate was 8.48％ (591/69 972).Nine hundred and three cases of patients were diagnosed with brucellosis and the prevalence rate of brucellosis was 105.13/10 000 (903/85 894).Missing report 377 cases,and the false negative rate was 48.03％ (377/785) in 2010.Men infection rate was 71.07％(420/3755) and women infection rate was 28.93％(171/3217).The infection rate[97.63％(577/591)] of people aged 31 and older was significantly higher than that [2.37％(14/591)] of the people aged 30 and younger.Infection rate of people engaged in aquaculture was 8.61％ (582/669).The infection rate of people working in livestock processing industry was 2.91％ (2/103).The infection rate of people working in animal by-product circulation was 2.85％ (2/70).The Infection rate of people working in other industries was 4.59％(5/109).Conclusions In Wulanchabu City,the morbidity of brucellosis and missing report rate are both high.The infection rate of people engaged in aquaculture is high and man morbidity is high.The awareness rate about prevention and treatment knowledge of brucellosis is low.We should carry out health education to inhabitants in endemic areas to improve their self-protection awareness and reduce the incidence of brucellosis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the morphologic features of coronary sinus (CS)-left atrium muscle connections,and evaluate the function and anatomical features of coronary sinus on dual-source CT coronary angiography (DSCTCA).MethodsImages of DSCTCA of 144 patients [ control group consisted of 96 patients,and atrial fibrillation (AF) group consisted of 48 patients] were reviewed.The existence of coronary sinus-right atrium muscle connections was indirectly evaluated by measuring the cross-sectional area changes of the CS during atrial systole and atrial diastolic.The number,location,length of the CS-left atrium muscle connections andthe relationship between CS-left atrium muscle connections and CS morphological characteristics were studied.The t test for continuous variables and Chi-square test for categorical variables were used in statistical analysis.Results( 1 )The anatomic course of the CS in relation to the mitral ring was straight,mild curvature and high riding of 62,16 and 18 cases in control group and 10,8 and 30 cases in AF group,respectively.There was not statistical significance between the 2 group (x2 =0.093,P=0.954). (2)The CS length was (34.1 ±9.1),(33.8 ±8.9)mm in Control group and AF group,respectively.There was no statistical significance between the 2 group ( t =- 0.486,P =0.628 ).(3) Coronary sinus-left atrium muscle connections were seen in 131 of the 144 patients (91.0％).A single connection was seen in 103 of the 144 patients,with a mean length of (22.6 ± 12.7)mm within (6.3 ± 5.8 ) mm of the coronary sinus ostium.28 patients had two connections; distal connections measured ( 13.2 ± 6.2)mm in length within (16.7 ± 6.8 ) mm of the coronary sinus ostium,and proximal connections measured ( 11.1 ± 3.6 ) mm in length within (2.1 ± 1.9) mm of the coronary sinus ostium.And there was no statistical difference the number and length of CS-left atrium connections in between Control group and AF group (P ＞ 0.05 ).(4)The CS narrowed 22.4％ (44.5/198.8 )in cross-sectional area from atrial diastolic to atrial systole in control group( t =- 21.076,P ＜ 0.01 ),while the CS had no obvious contraction in AF group(t =0.374,P ＞ 0.05).The cross-sectional area of the coronary sinus during diastole was obviously larger in the AF group than in the control group[( 230.4 ±77.0) mm2 vs (198.8 ±65.4) mm2,respectively,t =- 2.579,P =0.01 ].In control group ( n =9 ),the coronary sinus-left atrium connection was not seen,however,all showed a CS constriction during atrial systole,indicating that coronary sinus-left atrium muscle continuity is not likely the primary cause for coronary sinus contractions. Conclusions DSCTCA can clearly show the anatomical characteristics of CS,it can help to understand the length,number and location of the CS-left atrium muscle connection.

Objective To investigate the morphologic features of Bachmann bundle (BB) and its vascular supply on dual-source CT coronary angiography(DSCTCA) in healthy volunteers and patients with coronary artery lesion (CAL). Methods Clinical histories, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and images of DSCTCA of 106 patients ( CAL group) and 100 healthy volunteers ( Control group) were reviewed. All 106 patients underwent conventional coronary angiography ( CCA ). The Gensini scoring system was used to assess the results of CCA. The patients were divided into three groups according to their Gensini scores. The length, width and superoinferior diameter, CT value, and vascular supply of BB were studied. Rank sum test for continuous variables and Chi-square test for categorical variables were used in statistical analysis.Results ( 1 ) BB visualization rate of control group was higher than CAL group [86.0% (86/100) vs 51.9%(55/106), x2 = 27.726, P ＜ 0.01]. The higher the Gensini score of CAL subgroup, the lower the visualization rate of its BB [80.0% ( 28/35 ), 55.6% ( 20/36 ), 20.0% ( 7/35 ), x2 = 25.530, P ＜ 0.01].(2)The median of measurements of length,width and superoinferior diameter of control and CAL group were 13.0 vs 13.8,5.0 vs 5.2 and 5.9 vs 6.2 mm, respectively ( P ＞ 0.05 ). (3) The CT value of the BB region in control group( median :42.6 HU ) was higher than that of CAL group( median: 13.0 HU) ( Z = - 7.061, P ＜0.01). The CT values of BB regions in patients with nonvisualized BB (median: -16.0 HU) were lower. The CT values of the BB regions in CAL group were negatively-correlated with Gensini scores( median:19.0) (r = -0.553, P ＜0.01 ). (4)The blood supply of BB and BB region was provided by right sinuatrial node artery ( SNA, 58.7%, 121/206 ), left SNA ( 35.9%, 74/206 ) or both SNAs ( 5.3%, 11/206 ).Conclusions DSCTCA could can show the anatomical characteristics of BB and its arterial supply. The serious the degree of CAL , the lower the BB display rate, and the higher the abnormal ECG incidence,which indicate that the occurrence of BB lesions is probably related to ischemia.

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy of different points combination in the treatment of menopausal insomnia.

METHODSNinety-six cases of menopausal insomnia were randomized into 3 groups, Xinshu (BL 15), Shenshu (BL 23), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenmen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were chosen in the restore interaction between the heart and the kidney group (group A, 32 cases); Zhaohai (KI 6), Jiaoxin (KI 8), Shenmai (BL 62), Pucan (BL 61) were chosen in the acupuncturing qiao mai group (group B, 32 cases); auricular Shenmen (TF4) and sensitive spot at the distribution area of auricular vagus nervus were chosen in the ear acupuncture group (group C, 32 cases). Six days made one session and the treatments were finished after 4 courses. The polysomnography (PSG) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were employed before and after treatment to evaluate the alleviation of insomnia.

RESULTSThe parameters of the sleep latency (SL), rapid wave sleep latency (RL) and sleep efficiency (SE) were significantly improved in the three groups, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The SL and awaking time (AT) in group C [SL (401.08 +/- 16.54) min and AT (4.87 +/- 2.64) times] were significantly superior to those in the other two groups [SL (50.36 +/- 18.47) min, (54.87 +/- 20.92) min, AT (5.98 +/- 2.11) times, (6.13 +/- 3.04) times, all P < 0.05]. The S(3+4) (%) in group C was also significantly higher than those in the other two groups (both P < 0.05). It was indicated by PSQI that the sleep quality of group C (0.78 +/- 0.12) was significantly superior to that in group B (1.32 +/- 0.29), the total score and cured and markedly effective rate in group C [(4.34 +/- 1.43), 68.8% (22/32)] were superior to those in group A [(7.48 +/- 3.09), 53.1% (17/32), both P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONEar acupuncture has a better curative effect than the restore interaction between the heart and the kidney group and acupuncturing qiao mai group, it is worth of being promoted.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Menopause ; psychology ; Middle Aged ; Sleep ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

In order to increase the SNR of the prostate image, we have designed a RF endorectal coil. Its properties have been evaluated using a network analyzer. Moreover the images got with a special phantom show that the coil has much higher SNR at the region of interest (ROI).
Algorithms ; Equipment Design ; Humans ; Image Enhancement ; instrumentation ; methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; instrumentation ; methods ; Male ; Phantoms, Imaging ; Prostate ; anatomy & histology ; Sensitivity and Specificity

To explore the gene-based principal component logistic regression model and its application in genome-wide association study.Using the simulated genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) genotypes data,we proposed a practical statistical analysis strategy-'the principal component logistic regression model',based on the gene levels to assess the association between genetic variations and complex diseases.The simulation results showed that the P value of genes in related diseases was the smallest among the results from all the genes.The results of simulation indicated that not only it could reduce the degree of freedom through hypothesis testing but could also better understand the correlations between SNPs.The gene-based principal component logistic regression model seemed to have certain statistical power for testing the association between genetic genes and diseases in the genome-wide association studies.

AIMTo investigate whether pulmonary vascular remodeling in hypoxic pulmonary hypertensive rats could be prevented by treatment with a selective K(ATP)CO, iptkalim (Ipt).

METHODSRats were fed in hypoxic and normobaric environment (10% +/- 0.5% O2, 8 h/day and 6 day/week) and divided into control group, hypoxia group (hypoxic rat treated with ig NS 5.0 ml x kg(-1) x d(-1)), treated group I (hypoxic rat treated with ig Ipt 0.75 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), treated group II (hypoxic rat treated with ig Ipt 1.5 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)). After 4 wk, the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), right ventricle/left ventricle and septum [RV/(LV + S)] were measured, and the small pulmonary arterial morphologic changes were observed with morphometric analysis under microscopes in four groups.

RESULTSThe level of mPAP and RV/(LV+ S) was significantly higher in the hypoxic group than those in control group (P < 0.01). Morphometric analysis revealed that the ratio of vascular medial wall thickness to external diameter (MT%) and the ratio of vascular medial cross-sectional area to total arterial cross-sectional area (MA%) were also significantly increased in the hypoxic group than those in control group (P < 0.01) and the ratio of vessel lumen cross-sectional area to total arterial cross-sectional area (VA%) was significantly lower in the hypoxic group than those in control group (P < 0.01). Ipt 0.75 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) or 1.5 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) decreased the level of mPAP(mmHg), RV/(LV+ S), and inhibited the small pulmonary arterial remodeling significantly. Ipt 1.5 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) reversed all pathological indices.

CONCLUSIONK(ATP)CO iptkalim can be a very promising candidate for the treatment of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.

Animals ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; drug therapy ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Hypoxia ; physiopathology ; KATP Channels ; agonists ; Male ; Propylamines ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo establish an immortalized marrow mesenchymal stem cell line to facilitate advances in cartilage engineering research.

METHODSHuman telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) cDNA was transferred into primary human marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) by retroviral vector pLEGFP-C1-hTERT. Subsequently G418 resistant cell clone was screened and expanded for further studies. hMSC biomarkers and hTERT expression were confirmed by examination. Transfected hMSC was induced to differentiate into chondrocyte using TGF-P1 and dexamethasone.

RESULTSUp-regulated hTERT expression was detected in transfected hMSC. hMSC-hTERT cells could be induced to differentiate into chondrocyte. Higher telomerase activity in transfected cells was maintained for 50 population doublings so far. Collagen II could be detected in induced transfected hMSC by immunocytochemical and hybridization in situ.

CONCLUSIONSEctopic expression of hTERT can effectively immortalize hMSC in vitro. Immortalized hMSC can be induced to differentiate into chondrocyte under certain condition. It may be an ideal target of further studies in cartilage engineering.

Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Transformed ; Chondrocytes ; cytology ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Telomerase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection

This study is to explore the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine rhubarb with antiproliferative activity on hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSF). Rhubarb was extracted with Soxhlet extraction method by different polar solvents. MTS method was used to screen rhubarb solvent extracts (25 microg x mL(-1)) with anti-proliferative activity on HSF, and flow cytometry was used to detect their influences on cell cycle. Then, the active ingredients were analyzed by HPLC. The components with high activity were identified by UPLC-Q/TOF and verified by HE staining. The results showed that the ethyl acetate extract of rhubarb had higher anti-proliferative activity (P < 0.01), increased significantly the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase (P < 0.01), and reduced the proliferation index (PI) (P < 0.01). The main active ingredients were anthraquinones. The results of confirming experiment showed that emodin, rhein and gallic acid could inhibit cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the ethyl acetate extract of rhubarb showed anti-proliferative activity on HSF, and the anti-proliferative ingredients might be anthraquinones.
Anthraquinones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic ; pathology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Emodin ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Fibroblasts ; pathology ; Gallic Acid ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rheum ; chemistry