OBJECTIVEImpact of climate warming in winter on the potential epidemics of dengue fever in Hainan was assessed.

METHODSBased on historic data of mean monthly temperature in January from 8 weather observation stations, tendency and amplitude of variation were analyzed. Using 21 degrees C as lowest limit of temperature suitable for dengue fever transmission, impact caused by climate warming on dengue fever epidemic was estimated by means of geography information system (GIS), insect vector and epidemiological features.

RESULTSTemperature in winter in Hainan province had shown an obvious increase. The maximum amplitude of increase appeared in Dongfang which was 1.4 degrees C and the minimum 0.5 degrees C in Shanhudao, but the increase amplitude in the other stations was varied from 0.7 to 1.3 degrees C. By the year of 2050, 21 degrees C contour will have moved 190 km or so northward, nearly spanned 6/7 of distance from south to north in Hainan province and under the condition of daily fraction surviving of Aedes aegypti as P = 0.89, Qionghai city which stands north in Hainan province will probably have become epidemic area of dengue fever all year round.

CONCLUSIONClimate warming in winter will probably make half or more of the areas in Hainan province with temperature that permitting transmission of dengue fever by 2050. Monitoring and prevention of dengue fever in winter should be emphasized.

Aedes ; physiology ; virology ; Animals ; China ; epidemiology ; Climate ; Dengue ; epidemiology ; Dengue Virus ; isolation & purification ; Geographic Information Systems ; Humans ; Insect Vectors ; virology ; Seasons ; Temperature

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Erzhi Tiangui Granule (ETG) on the concentration of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in follicular fluid (FF) and quality of oocytes/embryos after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

METHODSWomen undergoing IVF-ET were randomly assigned to two groups: the treated group (42 cases) treated with ETG combined with Western medicine and the control group (38 cases) treated with Western medicine alone. Syndrome of Shen-deficiency, amount of oocytes, rates of mature oocytes, fertilization, cleavage, high-quality embryos and pregnancy, as well as LIF level in FF were observed and compared between the two groups. The relationship of LIF level with mature oocyte rate and high-quality embryo rate was analyzed, respectively.

RESULTSIn the treated group after treatment, the syndrome of Shen-deficiency and the above-mentioned indexes tested were improved better than those in the control group, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the LIF level in FF was positively correlated with the rate of mature oocyte, high-quality embryo and the outcome of pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONETG can distinctively increase the amount of oocyte, elevate the quality of embryo and raise the successful rate of IVF-ET. The mechanism maybe correlated to the increase of LIF level in FF and the activating of microenvironment for its full expression.

Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Embryo Transfer ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; methods ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; therapeutic use ; Follicular Fluid ; metabolism ; Humans ; Infertility, Female ; drug therapy ; Leukemia Inhibitory Factor ; metabolism ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Oocytes ; cytology ; Phytotherapy ; Yang Deficiency ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVETo assess the potential impact of warming climate in winter to the scale and severity of schistosomiasis epidemics in China.

METHODSBased on the data of mean temperature and monthly minimum temperature in January from 126 (out of 733) weather observation stations in China, the trend and oscillation amplitude was analyzed. The impact of warming climate in winter to the scale of schistosomiasis spreading was assessed, using the indices of 0 degrees C mean temperature and -4 degrees C mean monthly minimum temperature in January. Correlation between these two indices was analyzed.

RESULTSEvidences showed the warming climate in winter was seen all over China with the mean monthly minimum temperature and the mean temperature in January had increased 1.3 degrees C and 0.9 degrees C since 1986. The contours of mean monthly minimum temperature -4 degrees C and mean temperature 0 degrees C in January moved 1 - 2 latitudes northward.

CONCLUSIONThe warming climate phenomenon seen in winter was considered favorable to the living of snails in winter, resulting in the possible increase of northward spreading of snails.Thus, monitoring of snails should be paid special attention.

Animals ; China ; epidemiology ; Climate ; Disease Reservoirs ; Female ; Health Education ; Humans ; Male ; Prevalence ; Schistosoma japonicum ; physiology ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Seasons ; Snails ; parasitology ; physiology ; Temperature

OBJECTIVEThis paper is to investigate the effects of steroid or IFN alpha-2b on apoptosis and cell pathway of fibroblasts from keloids, hypertrophic scars and normal skins and different responses of different fibroblasts.

METHODS6 samples from keloid, hypertrophic scar and normal skin were collected respectively and fibroblasts from different sources were cultured in vitro. After different fibroblasts were treated with dexamethasone (0.1 mg/ml) or IFN alpha-2b (1000 U/ml), Bax and Bcl-2 protein expressions were detected in situ by immunohistochemical staining; DNA ladders of different fibroblasts were observed by gel electrophoresis; and relative activated (phospho-) ERK1/2 and JNK pathways were detected by method of FACE ELISA.

RESULTSDexamethasone could induce apoptosis of fibroblasts from keloids, hypertrophic scars and normal skins through activating (phospho-) ERK1/2 and JNK pathways; IFN alpha-2b could not induce apoptosis of fibroblasts from different sources. IFN alpha-2b could inhibit (phospho-) ERK1/2 pathway and could not affect (phospho-) JNK pathways of fibroblasts from keloid and hypertrophic scar. IFN alpha-2b could affect neither (phospho-) ERK1/2 pathway nor (phospho-) JNK pathways of fibroblasts from normal skin.

CONCLUSIONSThe responses of different fibroblasts to steroid or IFN alpha-2b were different.

Adult ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Fibroblasts ; metabolism ; pathology ; Hormones ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; pharmacology ; Keloid ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recombinant Proteins ; Signal Transduction

To investigate the effects of oleanolic acid (OA) on the proliferation, migration and the formation of tube-like structure in human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). MTT assay, flat plate scarification, Transwell plates and matrigel-induced tube formation assay were performed to detect the effects of OA on proliferation, migration and tube formation. MTT assay showed that the inhibition rates of HUVECs treated with 60 and 100 microg x mL(-1) of OA for 24 h were 19% and 83% respectively. Treatment of HUVECs significantly inhibited the cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. The vascular indexes of HUVECs treated with 40 and 60 microg x mL(-1) OA were 33% and 20% respectively. Western blotting analysis showed that treatment of the cells with OA significantly attenuated the expression and secretion of VEGF. Additionally, VEGF could in part reverse the effects of OA on migration and tube formation of HUVECs. In conclusion, OA inhibits the proliferation, and VEGF plays an important role in OA induced decreased migration and tube formation of HUVECs.
Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; drug effects ; Oleanolic Acid ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; secretion

BACKGROUNDStudy on the promotive effects of N-nitrosopiperidine on carcinogenesis process was performed, based on the immortalization of human fetal esophageal epithelium induced by human papillomavirus (HPV) 18E6E7 genes.

METHODSThe immortalized esophageal epithelium SHEE was induced by HPV18E6E7. The cells at 17th passages were cultured in 50 ml flasks. The N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP) 0, 2, 4, 8 mmol/L added to the cultured medium of SHEE cells for 3 weeks. The morphology, proliferation and apoptosis of the cells were studied by phase contrast microscopy and flow cytometry. Modal number of chromosomes was analyzed by standard method. Tumorigenicity of the cells was assessed by soft agar colony formation and by transplantation of cells into nude mice. Expression of HPV was detected by Western blot.

RESULTSWhen cells were exposed to high concentration (8 mmol/L) of NPIP, cell death was increased, leaving a few live cells. In normal cultural medium instead of NPIP proliferative status of the cells restored after 4 weeks and the cells progressed to the proliferation stage with continuous replication and atypical hyperplasia. At the end of the 8th week, the cells appeared with large colonies in soft-agar and tumor formation in transplanted nude mice. When the cells were cultured in 2, 4 mmol/L NPIP the doubling passage was delayed and without tumor formation in transplanted nude mice. Modal number of chromosomes was 61-65, in 8 mmol/L NPIP group and control group, 56-61. Expression of HPV18 appeared in experimental and control groups.

CONCLUSIONNPIP promotes malignant change of the immortalized esophageal epithelial cells induced by HPV18E6E7. HPV18E6E7 synergy with NPIP will accelerate malignant transformation in esophageal epithelium.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; Cell Transformation, Viral ; drug effects ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; virology ; Esophagus ; cytology ; Flow Cytometry ; Human papillomavirus 18 ; physiology ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasms, Experimental ; metabolism ; pathology ; Nitrosamines ; toxicity ; Oncogene Proteins, Viral ; metabolism

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate modified cystectomy with preservation of erectile and ejaculatory functions in men with nonmalignant bladder disease.

METHODSSeven cases with average age of 27 years presented with bladder disease necessitating cystectomy, including 2 cases of tuberculous contractile bladder, 1 case of extensive polypoid cystitis glandularis, 4 cases of late stage of neurogenic bladder. All patients wished to maintain erectile and ejaculatory functions after the operation. We performed a modified simple cystectomy with preservation of the vasa deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and neurovascular bundles, as well as construction of an Indiana pouch or ileal neobladder.

RESULTSAverage operative time was 5 h 45 min without perioperative complications in this group. Follow-up ranged from 9 to 60 months. Erectile and ejaculatory functions were normal in all cases. All patients remained completely continent and no dysuria in neobladder, and there was no difficulty in inserting catheter to empty pouch. Upper urinary tract was in good condition 3 and 24 months after operation.

CONCLUSIONSModified cystectomy with preservation of the vasa deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and neurovascular bundles is an effective and reliable option for the patients who wish to maintain their fertility and erectile function after surgery.

Adult ; Cystectomy ; methods ; Ejaculation ; physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Penile Erection ; physiology ; Urinary Bladder Diseases ; surgery

Objective To study the dosimetry of different arrangements of 125I seeds in one plane.Methods Nine different in-plane arrangements of 9 125I seeds (2.035 × 107 Bq/seed) were simulated according to distance (cm) along x (horizontal)- and y( longitudinal )-axis using the 3-dimensional treatment planning system (TPS) (3D-TPS): x0.5, y0. 5; x0. 5, y1.0; x0. 5, y1.5; x1.0, y1.0; x1.0, y1.5;x1.5, y1.5; x0. 5, y0. 5 (2)1.0; x0.5, y1.0 (2)0.5; x1.0, y1.0 (2)0.5. The isodose curves of 40,80, 130, 145 and 200 Gy were created and the area, radius and medical cost under the 40, 80, 130, 145and 200 Gy isodose curves were calculated. Results The area, radius and medical cost under the same isodose curves were significantly different with each 125I seed arrangement. The arrangements which had the biggest area under curves of 40, 80, 130, 145 and 200 Gy isodose were x1. 5, y1. 5; x1. 0, y1. 0; x1. 0,y1. 0; x0. 5, y1. 0 and x0. 5, y1. 0, respectively. Conclusion The matched peripheral dose and therapeutic effect were affected significantly by the geometric arrangement of 125I seeds.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the value of pedicle parameter obtained by the reformation images on multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) in the surgical treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis.

METHODSFrom January 2009 to March 2010, 60 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis failing in conservative treatment were enrolled into the study and divided into experimental and control group randomly (each group with 30 patients). There were 26 males and 34 females ranging in age from 18 to 59 years with an average of (42.60 +/- 9.36) years. The experimental group was examined with volumetric scanning on MSCT before operation. Reformation such as multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and volume rendering (VR) were carried out at the work station. Transverse section angle (TSA), sagittal section angle (SSA), pedicle length (PL), pedicle width (PW) and pedicle height (PH) were measured on different images and pedicle screws were implanted according pedicle parameter. In control group, the pedicle screws were implanted according to conventional anatomic landmark. Preparative time of screw canal and accuracy of screw were compared between two groups.

RESULTSA hundred fifty-six screws were inserted in experiment group,143 screws were excellent, 11 good, and 2 poor. A hundred fifty screws were inserted in control group, 101 screws were excellent, 26 good, and 23 poor. There was significant difference in accuracy of screw between two groups (P < 0.001). The preparative time of screw canal in experiment group was (66.20 +/- 7.31) s, and was shorter than that of control group [(104.11 +/- 9.51) s, P < 0.001)].

CONCLUSIONAbundant information and parameter could be obtained with the MSCT reconstruction images. The images and parameters could make a perfect operative strategy before operation, adjust the direction of pedicle screws during operation, avoid and decrease operative complications effectively.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spondylolisthesis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVETo discuss the surgical technique, indication and the clinical effects of the Microscope Endoscopic Tubular Retractor System (METRx) for microendoscopic lumbar diskectomy with the preservation of the ligamentum flavum.

METHODSTwo hundred and eleven patients underwent single-segment METRx, with ligamentum flavum preservation in 65 patients (Group A), and without preservation in 146 patients (Group B). The two groups were compared clinically. All the patients suffered from low back pain and radicular syndrome to some extent, and the diagnosis was affirmed by CT and/or MRI. After exposed the interlaminar space regularly, the superior, inferior and lateral edge of the ligamentum flavum was released, the 3-sided dissociative ligament pacth was retracted medially during the spinal manipulation and restored anatomically after disc removal and the decompression of the nerve root.

RESULTSAccording to the results of two groups, ligamentum flavum preservation technique was feasible under endoscope and helpful in reducing the scar formation in the spinal canal.

CONCLUSIONSThe ligamentum flavum preservation technique enable the surgeons to preserve the natural barrier. It is feasible to perform METRx, and it is helpful in reducing the epidural fibrosis.

Adult ; Arthroscopy ; Diskectomy, Percutaneous ; adverse effects ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Ligamentum Flavum ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome