OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Tetramethyl pyrazine (TMP) on the cytokines and inflammatory mediators in the serum and the synovial fluid of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA)rats, and further to investigate its possible mechanisms for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODSType II CIA rat model was established. Rats in the TMP group were administered with TMP at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, once daily. Dexamethasone at 2.0 mg/kg was intramuscularly injected to those in the Dexamethasone treated group, once daily. Normal saline at 2 mL/kg was given to those in the normal control group and the model group, once daily. All medication was started from the 7th day, lasting to the 35th day. CIA rats' foot swelling degree was observed. Contents of serum IL-1, IL-6, IL-2, NO and PGE2in the synovial fluid were detected by radioimmunoassay and nitrate reduction method.

RESULTSCompared with the normal group, the foot swelling obviously increased, contents of NO and PGE2 in the synovial fluid were obviously elevated in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the foot swelling could be obviously inhibited by 100 mg/kg TMP and Dexamethasone; serum levels of IL-1 and IL-6 obviously decreased, serum IL-2 level obviously increased, contents of NO and PGE, decreased (P < 0.01). TMP 50 mg/kg could obviously inhibit the foot swelling of CIA rats (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in other indices (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTMP at 100 mg/kg showed obvious inhibition on CIA rats. Its inhibitory effect might be correlated to inhibiting activities of endogenous cytokines and the generation of inflammatory mediators in inflammation local regions, improving contents of anti-inflammation cytokines, and inducing the balance of the inflammatory cytokine network.

Animals ; Arthritis, Experimental ; blood ; metabolism ; Dinoprostone ; metabolism ; Female ; Interleukin-1beta ; blood ; Interleukin-2 ; blood ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Synovial Fluid ; metabolism

This study was aimed to analyze the medication and herbal prescription rules in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome (NS) by Prof. Huang Chunlin with Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System ( TCMISS ) . Prescriptions used for NS treatment were collected and the data was entered into the TCMISS . The commonly used herbs and herbal prescription rules in NS treatment by Prof. Huang were summarized through the association rules, revised mutual information, complex system entropy cluster and other unsupervised hierarchical clustering methods. The results showed that based on the analysis of 280 prescriptions from 68 patients, the fre-quency of each herb and association rules among herbs included in the database were identified. And the basic NS treatment prescription by Prof. Huang Chunlin and 8 new prescriptions were mined from the database. It was concluded that data mining is of great practical value to the summarization of clinical experiences of well-known TCM doctors.

ObjectiveTo identify the framework for assessing health related quality of life(HRQOL) of Kaschin-Beck disease(KBD),in order to reflect the impact of KBD on quality of life in patients with the disease.MethodsQualitative descriptive research was adopted.Semi-open ended questions were developed by using the World Health Organization(WHO) definitions of health and quality of life.Group interview and face to face interviews were conducted on 48 patients with KBD and 29 health care experts on KBD in Linyou and Yongshou counties,Shaanxi province,which were higher prevalence areas of KBD.Content template analysis was conducted and the template was based on the WHOQOL-100's framework.ResultsThe framework of HRQOL for KBD included four domains:physical activity,familial/social support,economic and psychological state.There were also eleven facets which were:pain and discomfort,physical function and activity limitation,diet and sleeping,social relationship,concerns of family responsibilities,social support,economic,housing and the surrounding environment,appearance concerns,mental health,and general state of health.The total entries were 69.ConclusionsThe framework for assessing HRQOL of KBD is established.The framework highlights the impact of KBD on the patients' quality of life with higher specificity.

OBJECTIVETo assess the application of IS6110-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), Spoligotyping and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit (MIRU) in epidemiological studies of tuberculosis and to discuss the characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in different regions in China.

METHODSMycobacterium tuberculosis strains, with a total number of 158 isolates, were subjected to IS6110-RFLP, Spoligotyping and MIRU.

RESULTSThe numbers of patterns produced by IS6110-RFLP, Spoligotyping, and MIRU typing were 118, 20 and 105 respectively. The discriminatory power of IS6110-RFLP was higher than that of Spoligotyping. However, when the copies of IS6110 were lower than 10, the discriminatory power of Spoligotyping improved obviously. The discriminatory power of MIRU typing was close to that of IS6110-RFLP for typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In MIRU loci, there were four loci (loci 4, 10, 26, 40) with higher diversity. Significant differences among the Mycobacterium tuberculosis between Guangdong and other regions in clustered rate and the proportion of Beijing genotype (P < 0.05) were found. The clustered rates and the proportion of Beijing genotype in Guangdong were lower than that in other regions.

CONCLUSIONThe results of this study indicated that either IS6110-RFLP, Spoligotyping or MIRU technique was useful for epidemiological studies on tuberculosis in China and the strains in different regions had different characterishes in China.

China ; epidemiology ; DNA Fingerprinting ; methods ; DNA, Bacterial ; genetics ; Humans ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Tuberculosis ; epidemiology ; microbiology

[Objective]To study the intervention effect of mild hypotherrnia on cerebral edema in rats after cerebral infarction.[Methods]Twelve male SD rats were randomized into control group (n--6) and mild hypotherma treatment group (n=6).The rat models of focal cerebral infarction were established with obstructing the middle cerebral artery of rats by suture emboli.Rats of the mild hypotherma treatment group were treated by mild hypotherm for 3 h after the models were established.MRI was performed at 6 h,and 1,3,5 and 7 d after the success of model making.Cerebral infarction volume,absorption rate of edema,and signal intensity ratios (SIRs) ofTIWl,T2WI,FLAIR and DWI sequencas in the infarction zones,and relative variance ratio of SIR (△SIR) were measured and calculated.[Results] In the mild hypotherma treatment group,the cerebral infarction volumes 3,5 and 7 d after the models were established were significantly decreased as compared with those in the control group (P＜0.05);the absorption rate of edema (the 7th d against the 3th d of infarction) in the the mild hypotherma treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P＜0.05).Three,5 and 7 d after infarction,the SIRs of TIWI were all obviously higher than those in the control group,and the SIRs of T2WI and FLAIR were all significantly lower than those in the control group (P＜0.05).The SIR of DWI in the mild hypotherma treatment group was obviously lower than that in the control group 7 d after infarction (P＜0.05).The △SIRs of T2Wl,FLAIR and DWI in the mild hypotherma treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P＜0.05).[Conclusion] Mild hypothermia has a significant inhibition effect on cerebral edema in rats after cerebral infarction.

OBJECTIVEAngiotensin II is an important pro inflammation factor in the cardiovascular system. This experiment is aimed to study the effects of angiotensin II on inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in human umbilical endothelial cells.

METHODSHuman umbilical endothelial cells were cultured in vitro and treated with angiotensin II alone or in combination with AT1, AT2 and NF-kappaB inhibitors respectively. The inducible nitric oxide synthase expressions at protein and mRNA levels were measured with Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the activity of NF-kappaB was analyzed with EMSA.

RESULTSAngiotensin II up-regulated inducible nitric oxide synthase expressions at the protein and mRNA levels at 5 h (P < 0.05), the activity of NF-kappaB was enhanced at 2 h (P < 0.05). These effects could be blocked by AT1 and NF-kappaB inhibitors but not by AT2 inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONAngiotensin II can upregulate the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase through NF-kappaB pathway in human umbilical endothelial cells. AT1, other than AT2, play a key role in this process.

Angiotensin II ; pharmacology ; Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers ; pharmacology ; Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Blockers ; Cell Line ; Endothelial Cells ; chemistry ; drug effects ; Heart Failure ; metabolism ; Humans ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; biosynthesis ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVETo summarize our experiences in the treatment of type C3 (AO/OTA) distal radius fractures fixed with AO 2.4 mm locking plates combined with percutaneous pinning after manipulative reduction.

METHODSFrom May 2009 to March 2012, 19 patients (2 cases of both sides) with type C3 (AO/OTA) distal radius fractures were treated with volar locking plates combined with percutaneous pinning for distal radius after manipulative reduction. Among the patients, the average age was (45.3 ± 17.4) years old (ranged, 31 to 66 years old). The fracture were complicated with ulnar styloid fracture in 14 wrists and 6 wrists had distal radioulnar joint instability. All the patients had closed fracture and the mean duration was (6.7 ± 3.5) days (4.5 to 9 days). The Henry approach was applied to expose the fracture site. Joint capsule and ligaments were retained for indirect reduction. After indirect reduction, the poking reduction technique was used to correct the residual compression, and congruence of distal ulnar radial joint was verified under fluorscopic guidance. Styloid process was first pinned percutaneously and then AO 2.4 mm volar locking plate was used to support rigid fixation. The fractures complicated with distal radioulnar joint instability and ulnar styloid fracture were treated with forearm plaster support in supination for 6 weeks.

RESULTSNineteen patients (21 wrists) were followed up for an average duration of 10.5 months (ranged, 7 to 17 months). Radiographic bone union of distal radius was achieved in all cases, nonunion of the ulnar styloid occurred in 3 cases, and no distal radioulnar joint instability occurred. Tendon irritation was found in 2 cases and disappeared after the internal fixation was removed. The volar tilt, radial angle, radial length, incongruence of articular surface and distal radioulnar joint were observed at the follow-up. According to Batra and Gupta scoring system, 13 wrists were assessed to have a score of more than 80, 5 wrists 70 to 90, 3 wrists less than 70. Meanwhile, the subjective and objective evaluation was executed,range of motion of wrist, residual deformity and complications were observed. According to Sarmiento's modification of the system of Gartland and Werley, 17 wrists got an excellent result, 3 good and 1 fair.

CONCLUSIONType C3 (AO/OTA) distal radius fractures could be managed with manipulative reduction. Locking plate internal fixation combined with percutaneous pinning can offer enough support for early mobilization and rehabilitation, resulting in a better clinical outcome and satisfactory prognosis.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Plates ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Manipulation, Orthopedic ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Radius Fractures ; complications ; surgery

Objective To analyze the risk factors of vascular cognitive impairment in patients after stroke at early stage,Methods Three hundred patients with stroke at early stage were chosen in our study; their age,gender,levels of blood pressure,lipids and HbA1c,homocysteine (Hcy),and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HS-CRP),atrial fibrillation,smoking,drinking and lesion sites were detected.Based on the scores in Montreal Cognitive Scale 30 d after the onset,statistical analysis was performed on the above factors.Results Univariate analysis showed that age,atrial fibrillation,levels of HbA1c and blood pressure,lesion sites,HS-CRP level,and Hcy level were significantly associated with the vascular cognitive impairment.Further logistic regression analysis indicated that levels of HbA1c and blood pressure,and lesion sites,and HS-CRP and Hcy levels were the independent risk factors (OR=1.489,P=0.021,95％CI:1.054～1.956; OR=1.134,P=0.027,95％CI:1.011～1.130; OR=3.124,P=0.028,95％CI:1.167～3.012; OR=2.476,P=0.029,95％CI:1.897～2.245; OR=2.132,P=0.032,95％CI:1.097～2.323).Conclusion Levels of HbA1c and blood pressure,and lesion sites,and HS-CRP and Hcy levels can serve as the predictive indexes of vascular cognitive impairment in patients after stroke at early stage.

BACKGROUNDSome researchers found that partner-perpetrated physical violence increased in frequency and severity during the postpartum period compared with the antenatal period, however, limited data exists describing abuse of women in China. The purpose of this study was to examine patterns of abuse in China before, during, and after pregnancy, and explore possible factors related to abuse.

METHODSA community-based face-to-face survey of a representative group of women who had a child aged 6 to 18 months in 32 communities of Tianjin, Liaoning, Henan, and Shaanxi provinces was carried out between November 1, 2001 and February 28, 2002.

RESULTSThe prevalence of domestic abuse (emotional, sexual, or physical) occurring in any period (before, during, or after pregnancy) was 12.6%. The prevalence of abuse during the approximate 9 months of pregnancy (4.3%) was relatively lower compared with the prevalence of abuse during the 12 months before pregnancy (9.1%) and after delivery (8.3%) during the mean 11-month postpartum period studied. Abuse before pregnancy was a strong risk factor for abuse during pregnancy and abuse after pregnancy, and abuse during any previous period was a strong risk factor for subsequent abuse. Many women who suffered abuse of any kind generally experienced multiple acts over time and most acts were not severe. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the factors associated with abuse during pregnancy included women previously witnessing domestic violence, a poor relationship with the partner, socioeconomic level, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

CONCLUSIONSIt is necessary to do in-depth training and to raise awareness of partner abuse among all health professionals. Routine screening of abuse in maternity clinics is advocated to decrease the adverse impact of abuse on women and fetuses.

China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy ; Prevalence ; Spouse Abuse ; statistics & numerical data

OBJECTIVETo examine patterns of abuse before, during, and after pregnancy and the possible factors related to abuse.

METHODSA community-based face-to-face survey of a representative group of women having a child aged 6 to 18 months in 32 communities of Tianjin, Liaoning, Henan and Shaanxi provinces was carried out between November 1, 2001 and February 28, 2002.

RESULTSThe prevalence rate of domestic violence (emotional, sexual and physical) occurred in any period (before, during and after pregnancy) against women was 12.6%. The prevalence of domestic violence against women during the approximate 9 months of pregnancy (4.3%) was relatively lower than that during the 12 months before pregnancy (9.1%) and during the mean 11 months postpartum period (8.3%). Domestic violence against women before pregnancy was a strong risk factor for abuse during and post pregnancy. Abused women and perpetrators were more likely to be in lower social class were smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. Abused women were more likely to be witnessing violence in the past and having poor relationship with partner.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of domestic violence against women was high which called for in-depth training and improving awareness for all health professionals.

China ; Domestic Violence ; statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Humans ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy ; Risk Factors ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Time Factors