Objective To summarize the various acute abdomen manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their diagnosis and treatment.Methods Twenty SLE patients with AA were analysed and 35 year′s literature was reviewed.Results Most AA were of active SLE (70%),others were of non SLE related disease (30%).Cause of these cases was diversified,which often lead to misdiagnosis.Making correct diagnosis as early as possible was the key point to improve the patient′s survival rate.Conclusion SLE with AA indicates a critical condition.Investigating the cause of AA and working out appropriate treatment measures are most important.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of endolymphatic sac surgery for Meniere's disease,and compare the effects of endolymphatic sac decompression with endolymphatic-mastoid shunting.Method:Twelve patients(13 ears)undergoing endolymphatic-mastoid shunting and eleven patients (11 ears) undergoing endolymphatic sac decompression were retrospectively compared for hearing results and vertigo controlled rates.All of them have been followed up for more than two years after surgery.Result:According to Chinese Meniere's disease diagnosis and curative effect standard evaluation criteria pubilished in 2006,for vertigo symptom of endolymphaticmastoid shunting group,9 cases(69.2%) achieved grade A(eompletely controlled),4 cases (30. 8%) achieved grade B(fundamentally controlled).There were 8 cases(72.7%)with grade A, 2 cases (18.2%)with grade B and one case(90% ) with grade C among 11 patients who received endolymphatic sac decompression.There was not statistically significant differences in postoperative speech pure tone average and vertigo controlled rate between the two groups.Conslnsion:Endolymphatic sac decompression and endolymphatic-mastoid shunting are effective management with less complication for intractable Meniere's disease. Particularly,the vertigo symptoms were controlled signifisantly. Patients with Meniere's disease in advanced clinical stages may also be relieved.

Objective To study the middle ear mucosa of guinea pigs with tympanosclerosis by electron microscope and try to obtain some insights into the feature and pathogenesis of tympanosclerosis.Methods Eight healthy variegated guinea pigs were devided into 2 groups.Six(8 ears) guinea pigs were subjected to inoculation of 1×10~8/L of staphylococcus aureus solution 100 μl into the middle ear cavities under the microscope.All the guinea pigs were observed for more than 6 months with no farther treatment.For electron-microscopic studies,the mucosa tissues were taken from the tympanic mucosa in 6 guinea pigs (8 ears) with tympanosclerosis from various sites,while the middle ear mucosa of two healthy guinea pigs (4 ears) were taken as a control.Results Uhrastructural examination of the normal middle ear mucosa revealed a few collagen fibers,normal morphous of fibrocyte,rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria,and there was no lysosome.However,the tympanosclerosis specimens showed that irregular deformation,elongation,and degeneration of fibrocytes and oval nucleus were darkly stained,lots of mitochondria and lysosomes gathered into the cytoplasm around the nuclear and cystic expansion of the endoplasmic reticulum.In the submucosa extracellular matrix,there were a large number of collagen fibers containing lots of amorphous high-density electron-rich body.Conclusion Electron-microscopic studies of the middle ear mucosa of guinea pigs with tympanosclerosis revealed evident proliferation of collagen fibers,and calcifications were seen in the structures such as extracellular matrix vesicle,lysosomes,myelin structures within lipid granules,which mainly in extracellular matrix vesicles.

Objective To optimize the PCR primer sets for Simian virus 40 (SV40) detection and establish an assay method for SV40 which is of high sensitivity, strong specificity, broad applicability. Methods Two pairs of PCR primers were designed of based on 21 different SV40 strains genome by Primer Premier 5.00 software, and the features of two pairs of PCR primers were analyzed by Oligo software (version 6.71), conservative nucleotide of two pairs of PCR primers and the PCR amplification product were analyzed by DNAMAN software (version 6.0.40). Two pairs of new-built PCR primers were compared with those derived from China pharmacopoeia (Clip) in these aspects. The detection sensitivity of four pairs of PCR primers were analyzed using different SV40 DNA diluent as PCR template. The detection specificity of four pairs of PCR primers were analyzed using sterile water, Vero cell DNA, SV40 DNA as PCR template, respectively. Results The sequences of the new PCR primer sets VP1 and T are conservative for 21 Strains. The sequences of PCR primer sets GCVP1 and GCT are conservative for SV40 strains whose accession No. is J02400, NC_001669, AF316139 and AF316141. As far as the same diluent SV40 DNA template is concerned, the PCR amplification efficiency of PCR primer set VP1 and T is higher than that of PCR primer set GCVP1 and GCT. There are non-specific band in nucleic acid electrophoresis for amplification products of PCR primer sets GCVP1 and GCT, whereas there are no non-specific band in nucleic acid electrophoresis for amplification products of PCR primer sets VP1 and T. Conclusion The new assay method for SV40 nucleic acid sequence has many better qualities than those in Chp such as high sensitivity, strong specificity, broad applicability, conservation of primers and their amplification products and so on.

Objective To explore the diagnostic significance of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody(anti-CCP)and the role it plays in the articular erosion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Methods The diagnostic significance of anti-CCP?AKA and RF were evaluated respectively.Seventy-five RA patients were devided into group1(limited radiographic damage group)and group2(severe radiographic damage group).The distribution of anti-CCP,AKA and RF in patients of the two groups were investigated.A univariate analysis was used to determine whether anti-CCP?AKA?RF?ANA?ESR?CRP or cutaneous nodules plays a role on articular erosion in RA.To determine which has the best predictive value for severe radiographic da-mage,all variables were entered into a logistic regression model.Results The sensitivity and specificity of an-ti-CCP?AKA and RF were49%,94%;50%,93%;79%,67%respectively.When any two markers were combined,the specificity would be raised.The positive rate of these three markers were much higher in group2than that in group1.Anti-CCP had the highest OR(6.71)for articular erosion in RA.Logistic regression analysis showed a strong correlation between anti-CCP,AKA,CRP or cutaneous nodules and less favourable disease outcomes.Cut.aneous nodules had the strongest correlation with severe radiographic damage.Conclusion Anti-CCP is a satisfactory marker for RA.Diagnostic accuracy appears to be raised when anti-CCP combined with AKA and RF.Anti-CCP has a strong correlation with severe radiographic damage.To investigate multiple risk factors of articular erosion will be helpful to pridict the outcome of RA.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of atorvastatin on advanced glycation end products (AGE) induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and whether this effect could be linked to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB).

METHODSGrouping: (1) Blank control group; (2) BSA group; (3) AGE group: cells were incubated with different concentrations of AGE (10(-4), 10(-3), 10(-2) and 10(-1) g/L) for 24 hours; (4) AGE + Atorvastatin group: cells were incubated with different concentrations of atorvastatin (0.1, 1, 10 µmol/L) for 1 hour, then incubated with AGE (10(-1) g/L) for 24 hours; (5) PPAR-γ agonist (15 d-PGJ2) group: cells were incubated with 15 d-PGJ2 (10 µmol/L) for 1 hour, then incubated with AGE (10(-1) g/L) for 24 hours; (6) PPAR-γ inhibitor (GW9662) group: cells were incubated with GW9662 (5000 nmol/L) for 1 hour, then incubated with atorvastatin (1 µmol/L) and AGE (10(-1) g/L) for 24 hours. Collagenase was used to isolate the endothelial cell from human umbilical vein; RT-PCR was performed to examine the mRNA expression of MCP-1 and PPAR-γ; Western blot was performed to detect NF-κB p65 protein.

RESULTS(1) The expression of MCP-1 mRNA was increased in proportion with increasing concentrations of AGEs which could be blocked by atorvastatin in a dose-dependent manner. (2) AGE (10(-1) g/L) significantly downregulated the expression of PPAR-γ mRNA (0.22 ± 0.08 vs. 0.69 ± 0.09, P < 0.01) while upregulated the expression of phospho-NF-κB p65 protein (0.78 ± 0.06 vs. 0.31 ± 0.01, P < 0.01) and nonphospho-NF-κB p65 protein (1.61 ± 0.16 vs. 0.59 ± 0.14, P < 0.01) compared with the control group which could be significantly attenuated by atorvastatin. (3) PPAR-γ agonist decreased the expression of phospho-NF-κB p65 protein (0.21 ± 0.01 vs. 0.78 ± 0.06, P < 0.01), nonphospho-NF-κB p65 protein (0.67 ± 0.14 vs. 1.61 ± 0.16, P < 0.01) and MCP-1 mRNA (0.17 ± 0.02 vs. 0.93 ± 0.12, P < 0.01) compared with AGE (10(-1) g/L) group. (4) PPAR-γ inhibitor antagonized the effect of atorvastatin on the expression of phospho-NF-κB p65 protein, nonphospho-NF-κB p65 protein and MCP-1 mRNA stimulated by AGE in HUVECs (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe anti-inflammatory properties of atorvastatin in AGE stimulated HUVECs may partly be attributed to the effect on upregulation of PPAR-γ and downregulation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Atorvastatin Calcium ; Cells, Cultured ; Chemokine CCL2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Glycation End Products, Advanced ; metabolism ; Heptanoic Acids ; pharmacology ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; PPAR gamma ; metabolism ; Pyrroles ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Signal Transduction ; Transcription Factor RelA ; metabolism

Objective The light and electron-microscopic examination was utilized to study the tissue from middle ears diagnosed as having tympanosclerosis. The main purpose of this article is to understand the clinicopathologic and electron-microscopic characteristics of 68 patients with tympanosclerosis. Methods The material for histopathologic and electron-microscopic studies were taken from the tympanic mucosa in various localities, especially from the whitish sclerotic masses in the tympanum of the patients with tympanosclerosis, during middle ear surgeries between 2006 and 2008. Specimens were divided into two groups: one group of 68 specimens was fixed and stained for light microscopic study with hematoxylin-eosin; the second group of 12 specimens was viewed in the electron microscope. Results The specimens from tympanic mucosa showed granulation tissue with infiltration of chronic inflammatory cells, and slight fibrosis in the submucosal layer. The histopathology of the plaques after haemaoxylin and eosin staining revealed dense bundles of collagen with hyaline degeneration and scattered areas of calcification. An ultrastructural examination of these specimens revealed fibrocytes that were irregularly shaped, elongated, and degenerating. The osmiophilic cytoplasm contained vesicles and collagen bundles. There were clusters of mitochondria in perinuclear cytoplasm and lots of electron dense calcareous deposits within lysosomes and degenerated mitochondria in fibrocyte cells. Conclusion The histopathologic examinations of tympanosclerosis revealed dense fibrous and collagenous connective tissues, poor in cell, with hyaline degeneration and occasional calcification in the tympanic mucosa. Electron-microscopic studies further revealed marked proliferation of collagen fibers and electron dense calcareous deposits within lysosomes and degenerated mitochondria in fibrocyte cells.

Objective To study Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus(KSHV)infection in chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients and its correlation with hepatitis B virus(HBV)replication and treatment-related factors.MethodsEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)with recombination protein KSHV ORF65 was employed to detect the KSHV antibody and real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was performed to detect KSHV DNA and HBV DNA in CHB patients.Age,HBV replication and licorice preparation treatment of patients were further analyzed.Comparison of rates was done using X~2 test.Results KSHV ORF65 antibody positive rates were 27.3% in 161 male CHB patients and 30.0% in 50 female patients(X~2=0.135,P＞0.05).The KSHV infection rates were increased with age,but this tendency was not obvious in patients older than 40 years old.The highest infection rate was in age group of 31-40 years old which was 37.1%.The positive rate of HBV DNA in CHB patients with KSHV infection was 73.5%,which was 56.3% in uninfected patients(X~2=3.969,P＜0.05).The average plasma level of KSHV DNA in patients treated with licorice preparations was 204.7 copy/mL and that in patients without licorice preparation treatment was 533.9 copy/mL.Eight patients were KSHV DNA positive(KSHV DNA＞ 100 copy/mL)in 16 patients treated with licorice preparations and 23 were positive in 33 patients without licorice preparation treatment.Conclusions The KSHV infection rates are increased with age of CHB patients.KSHV infection may interfere with HBV replication and licorice preparations may suppresss KSHV replication in vivo.

Adult ; Aged ; Anaplasma phagocytophilum ; isolation & purification ; China ; epidemiology ; Ehrlichiosis ; blood ; epidemiology ; Environment ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rural Population ; Seroepidemiologic Studies

OBJECTIVETo investigate the related parameters of the temporal bone structure for determining the position of implanting electrode into the scala tympani in cochlear implantation surgery through the facial recess and epitympanum approach.

METHODSIn a surgical simulation experiment, 20 human temporal bones were studied and measured to determine the related parameters of the temporal bone structure.

RESULTSThe distance 5.91∓0.29 mm between the short process of the incus and the round window niche, 2.11∓0.18 mm between the stapes and the round window niche, 6.70∓0.19 mm between the facial nerve in the perpendicular paragraph and the round window niche, 2.22∓0.21 mm from the pyramidal eminence to the round window, and 2.16∓0.14 mm between the stapes and the round window. The minimal distance between the implanting electrode and the vestibular window was 2.12∓0.19 mm. The distance between the cochleariform process and the round window niche was 3.79∓0.17 mm. The position of the cochlear electrode array insertion into the second cochlear turn was 2.25∓0.13 mm under the stapes. The location of the cochlear electrode array insertion into the second cochlear turn was 2.28∓0.20 mm inferior to the pyramidal eminence.

CONCLUSIONThese parameters provide a reference value to determine the different positions of cochlear electrode array insertion into the scale tympani in different patients.

Adult ; Cochlea ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Cochlear Implantation ; Cochlear Implants ; Ear, Middle ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Round Window, Ear ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Scala Tympani ; anatomy & histology ; surgery