Background: Dampness-heat syndrome is a major syndrome type in patients with a sharp deterioration of chronic renal failure (CRF). Qingshen Decoction, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, could relieve the clinical symptoms of CRF patients, and was considered to have a certain reversal effect on rapid deterioration of renal function. Objective: To observe the changes of serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-18 levels in CRF patients with a sharp deterioration and dampness-heat syndrome, and to explore the curative efficacy of Qingshen Granule. Design, setting, participants and interventions: Sixty CRF patients with a sharp deterioration and dampness-heat syndrome from Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, were randomly divided into treatment group (30 cases) and control group (30 cases), with another 20 healthy individuals as normal control. The patients in the treatment and control groups were all treated with Jiedu Xiezhuo II, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, given as retention enema. Qingshen Granule was additionally administered to the patients in the treatment group with 1 dosage each time and 3 times a day. The treatment course was one month. Main outcome measures: The levels of serum IL-8 and IL-18 in the normal individuals and before and after treatment in the treatment and control groups were detected. Results: The total response rates of treatment group in clinical efficacy assessment and assessment of syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine (86.67% and 86.67%) were higher than those of the control group (56.67% and 60%), and there were significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05). The levels of serum IL-8 and IL-18 in CRF patients before treatment were obviously higher than those in the healthy individuals (P<0.01), and there were no differences in the levels of IL-8 and IL-18 before treatment between the treatment group and control group (P>0.05). After one-month treatment, the levels of serum IL-8 and IL-18 were markedly decreased in the two groups (P<0.01), and the levels of serum IL-8 and IL-18 in the treatment group were markedly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were differences in decreased degrees of IL-8 and IL-18 levels between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: CRF patients with a sharp deterioration and dampness-heat syndrome have high serum IL-8 and IL-18 levels. Qingshen Granule can reduce the levels of serum IL-8 and IL-18, and improve the renal function and ameliorate the clinical symptoms.

Objective To develop a human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) infection risk appraisal model suitable for men who has sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou,and to provide tools for follow-up the outcomes on health education and behavior intervention.Methods A cros-sectional study was conducted in Guangzhou from 2008 to 2010.Based on the HIV surveillance data,the main risk factors of HIV infection among MSM were screened by means of logistic regression.Degree on relative risk was transformed into risk scores by adopting the statistics models.Individual risk scores,group risk scores and individual infection risk in comparison with usual MSM groups could then be calculated according to the rate of exposure on those risk factors appeared in data from the surveillance programs.Results Risk factors related to HIV infection among MSM and the quantitative assessment standard (risk scores and risk scores table of population groups) for those factors were set up by multiple logistic regression,including age,location of registered residence,monthly income,major location for finding their sexual partners,HIV testing in the past year,age when having the first sexual intercourse,rate of condom use in the past six months,symptoms related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and syphilis in particular.The average risk score of population was 6.06,with risk scores for HIV positive and negative as 3.10 and 18.08 respectively (P＜ 0.001 ).The rates of H IV infection for different score groups were 0.9％,2.0％,7.0％,14.4％ and 33.3％,respectively.The sensitivity and specificity on the prediction of scores were 54.4％ and 75.4％ respectively,with the accuracy rate as 74.2％.Conclusion HIV infection risk model could be used to quantify and classify the individual' s infectious status and related factors among MSM more directly and effectively,so as to help the individuals to identify their high-risk behaviors as well as lifestyles.We felt that it could also serve as an important tool used for personalized HIV health education and behavior intervention programs.

Objective: To investigate the value of serum hepcidin in assessment of liver inflammation activity among patients with chronic hepatitis B ( CHB ), so as to provide insights into the assessment of liver inflammation activity among CHB patients. Methods: A total of 79 CHB patients who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University were selected as the experimental group, while 40 healthy volunteers were randomly sampled as controls. Subjects'demographic data, liver function tests and iron metabolism parameters were collected from medical records, and serum hepcidin was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ). In addition, ultrasound-guided liver biopsy was performed in CHB patients, and mild and moderate-to-severe CHB were classified according to liver inflammation activity and degree of liver fibrosis. Serum hepcidin levels were compared between the experimental and control groups and between patients with mild and moderate-to-severe CHB. The value of serum hepcidin in assessment of liver inflammation activity was examined among CHB patients using the receiver operating characteristic ( ROC ) curve analysis. Results: Subjects in the experimental group included 54 men ( 68.35% ) and had a mean age of ( 39.06±10.67 ) years, while the controls included 24 men (60.00%) and had a mean age of ( 42.43±11.44 ) years. Lower hepcidin levels were measured in the experimental group than in the control group [( 11.70±5.64 ) vs. ( 17.82±3.63 ) μg/L; P<0.05 ]. There were 54 patients with mild CHB ( 68.35% ) and 25 cases with moderate-to-severe CHB ( 31.65% ), and lower hepcidin levels were detected in patients with moderate-to-severe CHB than in those with mild CHB [ ( 6.92±2.21 ) vs. ( 13.95±5.36 ) μg/L; P<0.05 ]. The area under the ROC curve, optimal cut-off, sensitivity and specificity of serum hepcidin were 0.903 ( P<0.05 ), 10.365 μg/L, 100.0% and 72.2% for assessment of moderate-to-severe CHB, respectively. Conclusion Serum hepcidin is feasible to evaluate the liver inflammatory activity among patients with CHB.

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of point application with Da Huang (Rhizoma Rhei Cruda) powder at Shenque (CV 8) plus moxa-salt hot compress on the umbilicus for preventing gastrointestinal adverse reactions after chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).Methods:A total of 60 cases with NHL under chemotherapy were divided into two groups by hospitalization order,with 30 cases in each group.The control group was treated with routine nursing and the observation group was additionally given point application with Da Huang (Rhizoma Rhei Cruda) powder plus moxa-salt hot compress on the umbilicus,to compare the effect in preventing gastrointestinal adverse reactions after chemotherapy between the two groups.Results:The occurrence rates of constipation,nausea,vomiting and poor appetite on the second day and fifth day after chemotherapy were obviously lower in the observation group than those in the control group,with statistically significant differences between the two groups (all P＜0.05).Conclusion:The point application with Da Huang (Rhizoma Rhei Cruda) powder at Shenque (CV 8) plus maxa-salt hot compress on the umbilicus can produce more significant efficacy in preventing the gastrointestinal adverse reactions after chemotherapy for NHL than routine nursing.Moreover,it is simple and easy to be used and popularized.

Objective To evaluate the correlation of maternal FTO expression and insulin secretion levels in pregnant women.Methods In outpatient of Zhuhai Municipal Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital,60 cases of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 60 cases of healthy pregnant women were recruited in this study from March 2016 to August 2016.Each pregnant woman was taken two tubes of venous blood.Lymphocytes was isolated from one tube of anticoagulated whole blood.The expression of FTO mRNA in lymphocytes was investigated using RT-PCR.Serum was isolated from another tube of non-anticoagulant whole blood.Its FTO protein was investigated using ELISA,insulin was investigated using chemiluminescence method,and GLU,CHO,TG,HDL-C and LDL-C were investigated by automatic biochemical analyzer.The correlation of the biochemical indicators were analyzed.Results The expression level of FTO mRNA,FTO protein,fasting glucose data,OGTT at 1 h and 2h glucose levels in the case group were 0.17 ％ ± 0.10 ％,61.32 ± 25.23 pg/ml,4.71 ±0.54 mmol/L,10.70±1.36 mmol/L and 8.97 ± 1.60 mmol/L respectively.The values of these biochemical indicators in control group were 0.11％±0.07％,51.47±22.97 pg/ml,4.41± 0.28 mmol/L,8.05±1.04 mmol/L and 6.56±0.75 mmol/L respectively.The differences were statistically significant (t =3.876,2.236,3.817,11.964 and 10.578,P＜0.05).The insulin levels were 6.83±9.76 mU/L in the case group,and 13.15±13.99 mU/L in control group.The differ ences was statistically significant too(t=-2.869,P＜0.05).FTO expression level was positively correlated with FTO protein,OGTT 1h glucose and OGTT 2h glucose levels (r=0.232,0.292,0.242,all P＜0.05),and it was negatively correlated with insulin levels(r=-0.185,P＜0.05).There was no correlation between FTO and fasting glucose expression levels (P ＞0.05).Conclusion The expression of FTO level in pregnant women with GDM was higher than that in healthy pregnant women.The relative expression of FTO mRNA was negatively correlated with insulin.And the regulation of glucose metabolism might be effected by insulin.

Objective To analyze the diseases responsible for ophthalmoplegia and determine the optimal technique identifying the lesions. Methods CT and MR imaging findings of 1376 patients with ophthalmoplegia were analyzed. The total positive rate and ratio of the diseases causing ophthalmoplegia were calculated. The efficiency of various methods and sequences was compared in the evaluation of cavernous sinus inflammation and other lesions. Multi-paired samples Friedman test was used to compare five kinds of images from different methods and sequences, and Wilcoxon test was used to compare between every two kinds of images. Results The total positive rate was 91.9% (1264/1376). In 50 patients who underwent both CT and MRI, the positive rate of MRI (92. 0% ,46/50) was higher than that of CT (48.0% ,24/50)(Z = -4. 8, P ＜ 0. 01). There were 552 cases (43.7%) of cavernous sinus lesions, 518 cases (41.0%)of extraocular muscle diseases, 108 cases (8. 5%) of cranio-orbital communicating lesions and 86 patients (6. 8%) of other lesions. The five kinds of images from various methods and sequences had significant difference in the detection of 283 cavernous sinus inflammation (χ2 = 1047. 1, P ＜ 0. 01) cases. Transverse T1WI with thin slice thickness[(2. 71 ± 0. 69)scores]was better than that with thick slice thickness [(1.67 ± 0. 64) scores], contrast transverse T1 WI with thin slice thickness[(3.92 ± 0. 27) scores]was better than transverse T2WI with thick slice thickness, transverse T1WI and coronal T1 WI with thin slice thickness[(3. 10 ± 0. 39) scores]. Coronal T1 WI with thin slice thickness was better than transverse T1 WI with thin slice thickness and transverse T2WI, and the contrast coronal T1WI with thin slice thickness [(3.95 ± 0. 22) scores]was better than transverse T, WI with thin slice thickness, transverse T2 WI and coronal T1WI (P ＜0. 01 separately). The positive rate of enhanced MRI (100% ,39/39) was higher than that of nonenhanced MRI (82. 1% ,32/39) (Z = - 2. 1, P ＜ 0. 05). Conclusion CT and MRI can show the lesions responsible for ophthalmoplegia. MRI is the best examination method in displaying these lesions.

Objective To design and develop new types of health education materials which are suitable for fishermen and boatmen in endemic areas of marshland and lake regions,and to observe their application effects. Methods A total of 292 adult fishmen and boatmen who lived in Houshan Village,Yugan County,the schistosomiasis endemic area of Poyang Lake Re?gion,were selected randomly and investigated by questionnaires to understand the status of their knowledge,attitudes,practic?es on schistosomiasis control as well as the channels for getting information on schistosomiasis control and the materials that they were willing to accept. Then the information and materials suitable for the target population were developed together by the re?searchers and the volunteers of the villagers through focus group discussions,personal interviews and the Delphi method. Re?sults A series of participatory health education materials of schistosomiasis control targeted to the fishmen and boatmen were developed,including 2 live posters,2 picture puzzles,2 short opusculums and one song about schistosomiasis control. The field application showed that 98.97%,84.38%,78.35% and 80.93% of the participants considered those materials had scientificity, intelligibility,interestingness and practicability,respectively. Conclusion The participatory health education materials of schistosomiasis control is suitable for fishmen and boatmen,which can be used for reference by other endemic areas in marsh?land and lake regions.

Objective To explore the clinical significance of preoperative ultrasound-assisted drawings in location of thyroid micronodule resection .Methods A total of 88 patients ( 137 nodules ) who underwent thyroid micro-nodule resection were enrolled in the prospective randomized controlled study .All patients were randomly divided into two groups:46 patients (68 micronodules) in experimental group and 42 patients (69 micronodules) in control group.Inclusion criteria:the maximum diameter of nodule≤1.0 cm. Preoperative thyroid ultrasound was conducted .Patients in experimental group also underwent ultrasound-assisted location of thyroid micronodule .Results The diagnostic accuracy rate of US was 81.82%(69/88) in all patients .With the help of ultrasound-assisted location , all nodules in experimental group were found quickly and accurately.The resection rate of experimental group was 100%(46/46).Whereas 4 nodules (in 4 patients ) were missed in control group with a resection rate of 90.5% (38/42).The postoperative US examinations after 3 months showed that all nodules were completely removed in experimental group while 4 nodules retained in control group .Conclusions Preoperative ultrasound-assisted drawings in location of thyroid micronodule plays an important role in thyroid nodule resection .It is great value of clinical application .

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Myxoma ; pathology ; surgery ; Vulvar Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery

BACKGROUNDUrethral reconstruction for both congenital and acquired etiologies remains a challenge for most urologic surgeons. Tissue engineering has been proposed as a strategy for urethral reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a naturally derived extracellular matrix substitute developed for urethral reconstruction would be suitable for urethral repair in an animal model.

METHODSA urethral segmental defect was created in 20 male rabbits. The urethral extracellular matrix, obtained and processed from rabbit urethral tissue, was trimmed and transplanted to repair the urethral defect. Then, the regenerated segment was studied histologically by haematoxylin-eosin staining and Van Gieson staining at 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 24 weeks postoperation. Retrograde urethrography was used to evaluate the function of the regenerated urethras of 4 rabbits 10 and 24 weeks after the operation. The urodynamics of 4 rabbits from the experimental group and control group I were assessed and compared. In addition, 4 experimental group rabbits were examined by a urethroscope 24 weeks after the operation.

RESULTSAt 10 days after operation, epithelial cells had migrated from each side, and small vessels were observed in the extracellular matrix. The matrix and adjacent areas of the host tissue were infiltrated with inflammatory cells. The epithelium covered the extracellular matrix fully at 3 weeks postoperation. Well-formed smooth-muscle cells were first confirmed after 6 weeks, at which point the inflammatory cells had disappeared. At 24 weeks postoperation, the regenerated tissue was equivalent to the normal urethra. Urethrography and urodynamic evaluations showed that there was no difference between normal tissue and regenerated tissue.

CONCLUSIONSUrethral extracellular matrix appears to be a useful material for urethral repair in rabbits. The matrix can be processed easily and has good characteristics for tissue handling and urethral function.