Objective To evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli and Chize on sepsisinduced acute lung injury (ALI) in patients.Methods Sixty patients with sepsis-induced ALI/respiratory distress syndrome,aged 43-78 yr,weighing 49-89 kg,with their APACHE-Ⅱ scores of 16-23 and oxygenation index of 125-256 mm Hg,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =20 each):conventional therapy group (group S),conventional therapy + acupuncture at non-acupoint group (group SNE) and conventional therapy + acupuncture at acupoint group (group SE).Bilateral Huantiao and Chize points were stimulated with electric stimulator (frequency 2/50 Hz,wave length 300μs,starting at a voltage of 0 and increasing by 0.1 mA every time until the maximal tolerance level was reached) for 30 min once a day for 5 days based on the conventional therapy in group SE.In group SNE,EA was performed at the non-acupoint based on the conventional therapy and the parameters of EA were same as those previously mentioned in group SE.Before EA stimulation (T1) and at 3 and 5 days after the end of EA stimulation (T2-3),arterial blood samples were taken for blood gas analysis,oxygenation index (OI) was calculated,and APACHE-Ⅱ] scores were assessed.Venous blood samples were collected at T1 and T3 for detection of TNF-α and IL-10 concentrations in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum (by ELISA).Results Compared with the baseline value at T1,OI was significantly increased and APACHE-Ⅱ scores were decreased at T2 and T3,and TNF-α concentrations in the BALF and serum were decreased and IL-10 concentrations in the BALF and serum were increased at T3 in the three groups (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01).The OI was significantly higher and APACHE-Ⅱ scores were lower at T3 than at T2 in the three groups (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group S,the OI was significantly increased at T2 and T3,APACHE-Ⅱ scores and TNF-α concentrations in the BALF and serum were decreased at T3,and IL-10 concentrations in the BALF and serum were increased at T3 in group SE (P ＜0.05 or 0.01),and no significant changes were found in the parameters mentioned above in group SNE (P ＞0.05).There were no significant differences in the incidence and survival rate of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome among the three groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion EA at Zusanli and Chize is helpful in mitigating sepsisinduced ALI in patients,and regulation of the balance between proinflammatory factors and anti-inflammatory factors and inhibition of inflammatory responses may be involved in the mechanism.

Objective To induce mouse embryonic stem(ES)cells to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells by means of a 5-step model system.Methods E14.1 mouse ES cells were cultured in the presence of leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF)for 2 days(step 1),then the cells were cultured in hanging drops to form embryonic bodies(EBs)and the resulting EBs were cultured in suspension for 6 days in the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor bFGF(step 2).Subsequently the EBs were cultured in the medium containing glucagon- like peptide 1(GLP-1),hepatocyte growth factor(HGF),nerve growth factor(NGF)and nicotinamide for 10 days(step 3).After that,the EBs were dissociated into single cells,and the cells were cultured in monolayer in the presence of GLP-1,betacellulin,activin A,bFGF and nicotinamide for 10 days(step 4).Finally,the cells were cultured in low-glucose medium containing nicotinamide for 4 days(step 5).Insulin and some other islet- related genes expressions were investigated using RT-PCR and insulin expression was also investigated by DTZ- staining and immunohistochemistry.The percentage of insulin-secreting cells was evaluated by flowcytometry and insulin concentrations were measured by RIA.Results mRNA expression of insulin became visible at step 3 and more evident at step 5.Additionally,at step 5,mRNAs of glucagon,somatostatin,pancreatic polypeptide(PP), pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1(PDX-1),beta-cell E box transactivator 2(Beta2)and neurogenin 3(Ngn3) were detected.DTZ-staining positive cells and insulin immunohistochemical staining positive cells were observed. The percentage of insulin-positive cells was(24.0?2.5)%(n=6).In the presence of 5.6 mmol/L and 25 mmol/L glucose,insulin concentrations were(0.05?0.01)?g/L and(0.13?0.02)?g/L respectively(n= 6).Conclusion E14.1 mouse ES cells can be induced to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells by the 5-step model system.Insulin-secreting cells can release insulin into culture medium when treated with glucose,and insulin concentrations increase with rising concentration of glucose.

OBJECTIVETo study the major risk factors and characteristics of Schistosoma japonicum in the newly identified areas around the Dong Ting Lake.

METHODSData was collected regarding the distribution of snails, prevalence of infection as well as the source of transmission in the newly identified areas in Hunan province from 1979 to 2003.

RESULTSIn all the newly identified sites, Schistosomiasis japonica patients appeared to be the first-seen evidence, some even under acute phase. The highest infection rate among residents had reached 87.1% in the newly identified villages. Most of the new endemic areas concentrated in the ditch and beach areas that close to cities and towns.

CONCLUSIONSEvidence showed that snails had been transferred through boats and fishing nets to be disseminated. Data also revealed that the sources of transmission would include those local infected residents who had been infected in the old endemic areas and the newly imported domestic animals with infection.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Animals ; Cattle ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Disease Reservoirs ; Female ; Health Education ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Snails ; parasitology

Objective To study the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features, histogenesis and biological behavior of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas ( SPT ). Methods Routine HE and immunohistochemical ( SP) methods were used in 20 cases of SPT. Results There were 18 females and 2 males, age ranging from 13 to 48 years with mean age of 25. 3 years. Abdominal pain and palpable mass were among the main complains. Seventeen cases were followed-up from 9 to 120 monthes. Fourteen cases were alive. Tumors were encapsulated, mixed with solid and cystic tissues. Histological features were psudopapillary structure with a fibrovascular core. Immunohistogically, the tumors were positive for a-1-AT ( 17 cases) , vimentin ( 14 cases) , synaptophysin ( 10 cases) , CgA (5 cases) ,CK and insulin (2 cases) ,glucagon and S-100 (1 case) ,PR (14 cases) , ER (1 case) ,pS2 (6 cases) , but all were negative for CEA and gastrin. Conclusion SPT is of low-graded malignancy and a distinct clinicopathologic entity in young female patients with both exocrine as well as endocrine differentiation. The tumor is closely related with sex hormone receptors.

We present an unusual case of an unstable pelvic fracture during pregnancy period, who suffered fetal death and splenic rupture simultaneously which developed massive delayed hemorrhage in abdomen. When considering potential causes of fetal death, direct trauma to the uterus, placenta, or fetus was not associated with a higher fetal mortality rate, compared with maternal hemorrhage. A cesarean section and splenectomy could rescue the maternal life from the hemorrhage situation. Successful treatment of these rare cases is possible with careful pre-, peri-, and post-operative evaluation of the mother and fetus by a multidisciplinary team.
Cesarean Section ; Female ; Fetal Death ; Fractures, Bone ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Pelvic Bones ; injuries ; Pregnancy

Objective: This is a review of our cases and published literature on cheiro-oral syndrome (COS), to better understand its localization, etiology and outcome. Methods: In addition to our database, we reviewed the medical database (including PUBMED, BIOSIS, EMBASE, and SCOPUS) and other sources, searched by the keyword of “cheiro-oral”. The defi nition of COS was a subjective or an objective sensory disturbance confi ned to the perioral area and the fi nger(s)/hand without a detectable abnormality in mental, motor or cerebellar function. Only cases of COS where the clinicoanatomic correlation could be identifi ed by neuroimaging study, autopsy or stereotatic surgery was included. Results: There were a total of 174 patients; 85 patients from our database, 76 patients from medical database, and 13 patients from other sources. They were 111 men and 63 women. Their age ranged from 12 to 85 years; average being 58.2 years. Stroke is the leading etiology and constituted 74% of the patients. The most common location of lesion was thalamus, followed by pons and cortex. Classical unilateral COS was seen in 81% of patients, atypical COS in 19%. Whereas the lesions were from cortex to cervical spinal cord in unilateral COS, atypical COS was associated with lesions in pons or medulla oblongata. An early deterioration was seen in 16.5% of patients, especially in large cortical infarction and subdural hemorrhage. Structural lesions were found in 85% of patients. Conclusion: Classical unilateral COS do not have a high localizing value, the atypical COS is associated with lesion in pons or medulla.

OBJECTIVETo explore the etiologic characteristics of bacillary dysentery found in Henan province, between year 2009 and 2010.

METHODSIn order to explore the distribution of bacterial types, drug susceptibility and the virulence gene carrier situation, 482 strains of Shigella isolated in Henan province between 2009 and 2010 were pathogen-detected and analyzed by serotype screening, anti microbial sensitivity test and PCR methods.

RESULTSThe 482 isolated strains were confirmed to be Shigella by both morphological and biochemical tests. The Shigella strains were divided into 13 serotypes in 2 groups, namely Shigella flexneri (B group) accounting for 72.0% (347/482) and Shigella sonnei (D group), accounting for 28.0% (135/482). The detection rate of Serotype F2a, as the dominant type of Shigella flexneri, decreased from 43.4% (106/245) in 2009 to 33.8% (80/237) in 2010; while the detection rate of Shigella sonnei increased from 13.1% (32/245) to 43.5% (103/237) in the same period. The results of microbial sensitivity tests carried out in year 2009 and 2010, both showed that over 98% of the 185 studied strains were resistant to ampicillin (AMP), trimethoprim-pyrimidine (TMP), tetracycline (TE), streptomycin (S) and nalidixic acid (NA).182 strains were recruited in the virulence factors detection, 67.6% (123/182) of which carried Shigella Enterotoxin 1B (set1B), Shigella Enterotoxin 2 (set2), invasive plasmid antigen H (ipaH) or invasion-related virulence factors (ial) and 24.2% (44/182) of which carried 3 virulence factors mentioned above.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalent serotypes of Shigella in Henan province have changed in recent years. The isolated strains showed high resistance to common antibacterial drugs and generally carried virulence factors.

China ; epidemiology ; Dysentery, Bacillary ; epidemiology ; microbiology ; prevention & control ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Population Surveillance ; Prevalence ; Serotyping ; Shiga Toxins ; genetics ; Shigella ; genetics ; isolation & purification

Objective To find out the differences of dietary patterns among freshmen coming from urban and rural areas that might have influenced their bone mineral density and body mass index (BMI).Methods With stratified random sampling method,dietary patterns and their bone mineral density,BMI of 1319 freshmen were studied.Results (1) The ratios of urban freshunen who chose "western food" pattern ( x2=31.548,P=0.000; x2=13.068,P=0.001 ),"animal food" pattern ( x2=8.279,P=0.016; x2=41.137,P=0.000) or "calcium food" pattern (x2=37.254,P=0.000; x2=15.651,P=0.000) were higher than that of rural freshmen,and the ratios of rural freshmen who chose "Chinese traditional" pattern (x2=36.194,P=0.000; x2=25.936,P=0.000) were higher than that of urban freshmen.(2) The average height,weight,BMI,speed of sound (SOS) of male freshmen from rural areas were lower than that from the city and the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05).Among those female freshmen,only height and weight were significantly different (P＜0.05).(3) In both rural and urban frestunen,the factor scores of "westem food" pattern had a positive correlation with BMI,with the correlation coefficients as 0.187,0.192,0.551,0.465 (P＜0.001).The factor scores of "calcium food" pattern were positively related to bone mineral density (SOS values)with correlation coefficients as 0.680,0.342,0.841,0.786,P＜ 0.001 respectively.The factor scores on "Chinese traditional" pattern were negatively correlated with BMI,with correlation coefficients as -0.223,-0.093 (P＜0.05) which were positively related to bone mineral density (SOS values) in both rural and urban male freshmen,with correlation coefficients as 0.905,0.711 (P＜0.001).Conclusion Different dietary patterns chosen by urban and rural freshmen had a significant impact on both bone mineral density and BMI.

OBJECTIVETo inquiry into clinical-pathological factors influencing cytological accuracy of pancreatic head lesions.

METHODSCytology was retrospectively evaluated in 94 inpatients with a mass in head of pancreas existing with chronic pancreatitis in the past decade, the results of cytology were compared with clinical pathology or clinical follow-up to estimate the value and accuracy of cytology in detecting pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic clinical-pathology includes size of mass and component of mass which was composed of cancerous mode of development including shape of conglomeration, nest and pervasion, and pancreatic ductal epithelium inside the vicinity of 1 cm around the mass. Pancreatic ductal epithelium were divided into PanIN1, PanIN2 and PanIN3 three types according to classified criterion of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN).

RESULTForty-six patients were pathologically diagnosed as pancreatic cancer and five patients as chronic pancreatitis, accordingly, 29 malignant, 5 suspicious, 10 atypical hyperplasia among of them 5 malignant, 3 hyperplastic ductal epithelium, 1 nondiagnostic results due to interfered by blood and 3 insufficient specimens. 43 patients were clinically diagnosed as chronic pancreatitis. Cytologic evaluation of pancreatic cancer has an 84.2% accuracy less than or equal to 2.5 cm and 71.9% larger than 2.5 cm. Shape of conglomeration, and nest have more accurate than pervasion in cytological diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONSCancerous mode of development is a vital factor influencing accuracy of cytology, cytological estimation of atypical hyperplasia and is still waiting for further investigation.

Adult ; Aged ; Biopsy, Needle ; Chi-Square Distribution ; False Negative Reactions ; False Positive Reactions ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreas ; pathology ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; complications ; pathology ; Pancreatitis, Chronic ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo investigate the neointima formation and the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in cuff-induced vascular injury in mouse model, and to examine the effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) blocker, olmesartan, on MCP-1 and TNF-alpha expression and consequently vascular remodeling.

METHODSVascular injury was induced by polyethylene cuff-placement around the mouse femoral artery. Some mice were treated with AT1 receptor blocker, olmesartan, at the dose of 3 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) with an osmotic minipump. Neointima formation and the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were measured by morphometric analysis and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. MCP-1 and TNF-alpha expression was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTSWe observed neointima formation 14 days after cuff placement as well as VSMCs proliferation in the media and neointima. Cuff placement also induced MCP-1 and TNF-alpha expression in the media and neointima that the VSMCs specifically existed. Treatment of mice with olmesartan at a dose of 3 mg.kg(-1).day(-1), which did not influence systolic blood pressure, significantly decreased neointima formation and the proliferation of VSMCs. Olmesartan also inhibited MCP-1 and TNF-alpha expression in the injured arteries.

CONCLUSIONSOur results demonstrate that blockade of AT1 receptor inhibits MCP-1 and TNF-alpha expression and thereby improves vascular remodeling.

Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Chemokine CCL2 ; analysis ; Disease Models, Animal ; Imidazoles ; pharmacology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Monocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; drug effects ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; drug effects ; physiology ; Olmesartan Medoxomil ; Probability ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tetrazoles ; pharmacology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; analysis ; drug effects ; Tunica Intima ; drug effects ; pathology ; Vascular Diseases ; physiopathology