Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Nephrotic Syndrome ; ethnology ; genetics ; WT1 Proteins ; genetics

Objective To explore the influence of Azithromycin on helper T lymphocyte cell(Th)1/Th2 in peripheral blood of children with bronchitic asthma.Methods Twenty-four asthmatic children and 20 healthy children were selected.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from venous blood and made into cells suspension in aseptic condition.0.2 mg/L,0.1 mg/L,0.05 mg/L and 0 mg/L Azithromycin were added into the cultures in asthmatic group.The control group was not interfered with Azithromycin.The supernatant was collected after 48 h.The levels of IFN-?,IL-4 and IL-10 in the supernatant were determined by enzyme-linked immunosobent assay(ELISA).SPSS 11.5 software was used to analyze data.Results 1.The level of IL-4 produced from PBMC of asthmatic group was significantly higher than that of control group(P0.05).2.Azithromycin 0.1 mg/L more promoted the secretion of IL-4 than the other 3 concentrations(Pa0.05).3.Azithromycin 0.2 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L more increased the level of IL-10 than the control group(P0.05).Conclusions The routine drug level of Azithromycin(0.1 mg/L) had no effects on the imbalance of Th1/Th2 of asthmatic children,but could modulate the immunological function by up-regulating the level of IL-10.

Objective To investigate the significance and distribution of lymphopenia and antilymphocyte antibody(ALA) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to explore the role of ALA in lympho penia.Methods One hundred and ten in-patients who were admitted during February 2003 to February 2008 were retrospectively reviewed.Indirect immunofluorescence test was used to detect ALA.Results ① Lymphopenia (＜1.5×109/L) was observed in 68.2% patients.Lymphopenia was associated with skin rashes,serositis,renal involvement,NPSLE,leucopenia,ANA,ds-DNA antibody,ESR and IgG levels.The lymphocyte count and SLEDAI scores was more closely correlated than total white blood cell counts.②ALA was positive in 51/110 (46.4%) patients.ALA was associated with renal involvement,NPSLE,WBC count,C3 level decrease,ANA,dsDNA antibody and SLEDAI scores.Conclusion Lymphopenia is significantly associated with SLEDAI scores.ALA is possibly one cause of lymphcytopenia.In addition,ALA is also a parameter for disease activity,and is associated with organ involvement and outcomes.

Objective To evaluate the effects of alendronate sodium on bone mineral density (BMD) in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients with osteoporosis. Methods Twenty-eight MHD patients with osteoporosis diagnosed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry were randomly divided into control group (n=15) and treatment group (n=13). Patients in treatment group were treated with oral 70 mg alendronate sodium once a week for 18 months. BMD of hip and lumbar spine was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and the end of the 6th, 12th and 18th month. Parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase levels, blood routine, hepatic and renal function were assayed at baseline and the end of the 18th month, Kt/V was calculated, new bone fracture was recorded. Results The BMD, T-scores and Z-scores in the lumbar spine and specific regions of the hip were stable in the treatment group and obviously decreased in the control group (P<0.01). New bone fracture was found in 1 patient of the treatment group and 5 patients of the control group. The side-effect of alendronate sodium was epigastric discomfort in 1 cases. Conclusions Oral alendronate sodium appears to be well tolerated in MHD patients and keep the BMD stable in the lumbar spine and specific regions of the hip.

Objective To explore the effects of acupoint application of midnight-noon ebb-flow with hour-prescription of points on dysfunction for sufferers with senile osteoporosis(SOP).Methods In this study,76 patients with SOP in clinic in this hospital were recruited and randomly divided into the experimental group(n=38) and the control group(n=38) in accordance with random number table.Both were on the basic treatment of Caltrate D.The experimental group performed acupoint application of midnight-noon ebb flow with hour-prescription of points,while the control one performed common acupoint application.Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) was used to evaluate the dysfunction before,after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of intervention.SF-36 was adopted to evaluate the patients' quality of life before and after 8 week's intervention.Results The ODI scores of the experimental group after 4 weeks and 8 weeks were lower than those of the control group(P＜0.01).Repeated ANOVA indicated that the scores of ODI in group effect,time effect and interaction effect were of statistical significance(P＜0.01).Further comparison showed that the scores of ODI in three different time sections suggested that the latter time point were lower than those of the former time point(P＜0.01).The scores of eight dimensions of SF-36 after the intervention of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion The acupoint application of midnight noon ebb flow-with hour-prescription of points can effectively improve the dysfunction whose curative effect enhanced with time increasing and improve the quality of life.

Objective: To observe the therapeutic efficacy of sinew-bone balancing manipulation plus exercise therapy in treating postures of primary school students with upper crossed syndrome (UCS).Methods: Sixty pupils with UCS were divided into an exercise group and a combination group using the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The combination group received treatments of sinew-bone balancing manipulation plus exercise therapy, while the exercise group received exercise therapy alone. The two groups received interventions once every other day, for a total of 1 month. The sagittal static posture assessment total score, forward head angle (FHA) and forward shoulder angle (FSA) were compared before and after treatment; the sagittal static assessment total score, FHA and FSA were compared between the exercise group and the combination group. Results: Before treatment, there were no significant differences comparing the sagittal static posture assessment total score, FHA and FSA between the two groups (all P>0.05); after treatment, the sagittal static posture assessment total score, FHA and FSA decreased in the two groups, with intra-group statistical significance (all P<0.01), and were lower in the combination group than in the exercise group, with inter-group statistical significance (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Sinew-bone balancing manipulation plus exercise therapy can notably improve the FHA and FSA and reduce the sagittal static posture total score in pupils with UCS, so as to correct the bad postures and adjust UCS physique. It can produce more significant efficacy compared with exercise therapy alone.

Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of in-center nocturnal hemodialysis (INHD) in uremic patients. Methods Thirty-two maintenence hemodialysis (MHD) patients received INHD (3 times per week and 7.5 hours each session) for 6 months.Before and 1, 3 and 6 months after entering INHD, blood routine, hepatic and renal function,serum electrolyte, lipids, parathyroid hormone and β2-microglobulin(β2-MG) were assayed, Kt/V and URR were calculated. Blood pressure of each dialysis session 2 months before and 6 months after INHD was recorded. Cardiac ultrasound and SF-36 questionnaire before and after INHD were performed. Use of drugs was recorded. Results Compared with 2 months before INHD, predialysis BP decreased [(130.3/86.0) vs (139.3/88.6) mm Hg, P＜0.01], while post-dialysis BP raised significantly [(121.1/80.5) vs (115.0/77.8) mm Hg, P＜0.01] 6 months after INHD.Intradialysis hypertension (9.8%vs 24.0%) and hypotension (7.3% vs 14.9%) both reduced (all P＜0.01). Serum phosphorus [(1.37±0.27) vs (2.08±0.49) mmol/L, P＜0.01] and iPTH [(355.4±139.6) vs (632.3±750.0) ng/L, P＜0.01] decreased, while calcium increased [(2.64±0.25) vs (2.28±0.37) mmol/L, P＜0.01], HDL[(1.27±0.29) vs (0.75±0.08) mmol/L] increased, LDL [(2.04±0.52) vs (2.75±0.75) mmol/L] decreased (all P＜0.05). URR [(79.7±0.1)% vs (64.7±4.7)%] and Kt/V (1.40±0.44 vs 0.89±0.25, P＜0.01) increased. Serum β2-MG decreased [(17.3±3.9) vs (24.6±5.9) mg/L, P＜0.01]. LVMI decreased [(99.8±29.0) vs (114.8±72.7), P＜0.05]. Physical functioning, role-physical and role-emotional of SF-36 increased (all P＜0.01). The types of antihypertension drug, dosage of EPO, Vitamin D3 and phosphorus binder decreased (all P＜0.01).Patients of drug withdrawal increased (P＜0.05). Conclusion The hypertension, anemia,calcium-phosphorus metabolism, lipid disorder, cardiac malfunction and the quality of life are improved in INHD patients.

OBJECTIVETo investigate partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) with echocardiography.

METHODSThe right ventricular volume overload was detected by routine echocardiography in 37 child patients, who underwent further echocardiography to find the abnormal locations of pulmonary vein opening at superior, inferior vena cava and right atrium. The ultrasound results were compared with surgical findings.

RESULTSIn 30 patients the ultrasound diagnosis was consistent with surgery results, 7 were misdiagnosed by ultrasound with a detective rate of 81.1 %. All 37 PAPVC patients presented varying degrees of right heart enlargement; PAPVC combined with atrial septal defect (ASD) was found in 34 cases.

CONCLUSIONThe possibility of PAPVC should be considered when unexplained right heart volume overload was detected by echocardiography. Superior, inferior vena cava and right atrium should be inspected when the pulmonary veins were not seen in echocardiography.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Heart Atria ; abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Pulmonary Veins ; abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging

BACKGROUNDHemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome is a severe obstetric complication which usually resolves in most patients after delivery.

METHODSWe report a rare case of aggravation of HELLP syndrome after delivery.

RESULTSThe patient underwent the treatment for HELLP syndrome, including glucocorticoid therapy. The symptoms of HELLP syndrome reappeared and became more severe than before the termination of pregnancy. The patient also had severe and persistent hypoproteinemia, hyponatremia and hypocalcemia.

CONCLUSIONSHELLP syndrome is an acute and critical obstetric syndrome which can have heterogeneous presentations and variable prognosis. We should be fully aware of the diverse clinical characteristics of this condition.

Adult ; Anemia, Hemolytic ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Delivery, Obstetric ; adverse effects ; Female ; HELLP Syndrome ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Humans ; Hypocalcemia ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Hyponatremia ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Hypoproteinemia ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Pregnancy ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEThe present study aimed to explore the role of P2Y(1) receptor in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) production and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) secretion of astrocytes under ischemic insult and the related signaling pathways.

METHODSUsing transient right middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and oxygen-glucose-serum deprivation for 2 h as the model of ischemic injury in vivo and in vitro, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to investigate location of P2Y(1) receptor and GDNF, the expression of GFAP and GDNF, and the changes of signaling molecules.

RESULTSBlockage of P2Y(1) receptor with the selective antagonist N(6)-methyl-2'-deoxyadenosine 3',5'-bisphosphate diammonium (MRS2179) reduced GFAP production and increased GDNF production in the antagonist group as compared with simple ischemic group both in vivo and in vitro. Oxygen-glucose-serum deprivation and blockage of P2Y(1) receptor caused elevation of phosphorylated Akt and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and reduction of phosphorylated Janus kinase2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (STAT3, Ser727). After blockage of P2Y(1) receptor and deprivation of oxygen-glucose-serum, AG490 (inhibitor of JAK2) reduced phosphorylation of STAT3 (Ser727) as well as expression of GFAP; LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), decreased phosphorylation of Akt and CREB; the inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase1/2 (MEK1/2) U0126, an important molecule of Ras/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway, decreased the phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT3 (Ser727), Akt and CREB.

CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that P2Y(1) receptor plays a role in the production of GFAP and GDNF in astrocytes under transient ischemic condition and the related signaling pathways may be JAK2/STAT3 and PI3-K/Akt/CREB, respectively, and that crosstalk probably exists between them.

Animals ; Astrocytes ; metabolism ; Blotting, Western ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; biosynthesis ; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein ; biosynthesis ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Receptors, Purinergic P2 ; metabolism ; Receptors, Purinergic P2Y1 ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Signal Transduction ; physiology