Prediabetes is an abnormal condition between normal glucose metabolism and diabetes mellitus. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is an indicator of high-risk state of prediabetes. Positive interventions of IGT, including life style changes and pharmacological intervention, can effectively postpone and reduce the development of prediabetes into type 2 diabetes mellitus, suggesting that IGT is a key point of diabetes prevention. Currently, pharmacological intervention for prediabetes is still at early stage. In this review, we summarizes recent clinical and preclinical studies on pharmacological intervention for prediabetes, and studies in the development of animal models with IGT and the application of new techniques. We also discuss the prospects of drugs for diabetes prevention, especially with the traditional Chinese medicine.
Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; prevention & control ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Glucose Intolerance ; Humans ; Prediabetic State ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVE To investigate the distribution of bacteria in general ICU then discuss the susceptible factors and the treatment.METHODS A retrospective analysis of clinical information was performed on 123 patients diagnosed infection who stayed in ICU from May 2002 to May 2004.RESULTS Most of bacteria resulted in infection of general ICU were Gram-negative(62.88%) and then Gram-positive(19.65%). Fungal infection accounted for 17.47%.Pseudomonas aeruginosa occupied the highest percentage among Gram-negative bacteria.Most of Gram-positive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus and all of them were MRS.The infection site in ICU focused on lower respiratory tract(89.09%).The second was urinary tract(11.79%).CONCLUSIONS Most of the bacteria causing infection in general ICU locate in respiratory tract.They are mainly Gram-negative.All of the Gram-positive bacteria are MRS.The risk factors of hospital-acquired infection are related with patient′s age,underlying disease,intensive care time,ventilation time and invasive operation.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the characteristic of Gram-positive bacteria in general ICU then discuss the susceptible factors and the treatment.METHODS A retrospective analysis of clinical information was performed on patients with Gram-positive infection in ICU from May 2002 to May 2004.RESULTS Most of Gram-positive bacteria resulted in infection in general ICU were Staphylococcus aureus and all of them were MRSA.The infective site focused on lower respiratory tract(84.44%).The second was catheter(8.89%).CONCLUSIONS The risk factors of hospital-acquired infection are relative with patient's age,underlying diseases,stay time in ICU,ventilated time and invasive operation.

OBJECTIVETo observe mainfestations of syndrome and biochemical indices of hypertensive model rats with excessive accumulation of phlegm-dampness syndrome (EAPDS), and to explore its possible pathological mechanism.

METHODSEAPDS rat model was prepared in 50 Wistar rats by feeding with high fat forage. Meanwhile, a normal control group consisting of 10 Wistar rats was set up by feeding with normal forage. After 25-week continuous feeding, 22 rats with body weight (BW) and blood pressure (BP) exceeding 25% those of the control group were selected as a model group. BW, BP, blood lipids, and related serological indicators were detected in all rats. Morphological changes of target organs were observed. mRNA expression levels of leptin receptor (LepR), Janus kinase2 (Jak2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (Socs3), angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1), angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AT2), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (P13K), serine threonine kinase (Akt), nuclear factor of kappa B (NF-κBp65), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase α (IKKα), NF-kappa-B inhibitor β (lKKβ), NF-kappa-B inhibitor α (IKBα), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Expression levels of AT1 and LepR in aorta were detected by immunohistochemical assay and Western blot respectively.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, BW, BP, and blood lipids increased; serum levels of leptin (Lep) , Ang II, Hcy, ET-1, TNF-α, IL-6, and p2-MG increased, but NO decreased in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Aortal endothelial injury and smooth muscle cell proliferation occurred in the model group, accompanied with heart and renal injury. Compared with the control group, mRNA expression levels of LepR, Jak2, Stat3, Socs3, AT1 , PI3K, Akt, NF-κB p65, IKKβ, IKBα, and AMPK in aorta were up-regulated significantly (P < 0.05), while the expression of IKKa decreased (P < 0.05). Immunohistochem- ical staining showed, brownish yellow deposit of AT1 and LepR was obviously increased, with more extensively positive distribution. Western blot results showed, as compared with the control group, protein expression levels of AT1 and LepR obviously increased in the model group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSModel rats exhibited typical syndromes of EAPDS. They put up weight with fat abdomen, gloomy hair, poor appetite, hypersomnia, lowered activities , reduced food intake, loose stool, dark red tongue, white tongue with white, thick, greasy fur. Lep could be taken as one of objective indicators for evaluating hypertension rat model with EAPDS.

Animals ; Aorta ; Cell Proliferation ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hypertension ; physiopathology ; I-kappa B Proteins ; Interleukin-6 ; Leptin ; blood ; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha ; NF-kappa B ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins ; Transcription Factor RelA ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Objective To observe the effect of different intra-abdominal pressure and different time points on hemodynamics,ent-tidal CO_2(P_(ET)CO_2) and airway pressure(Paw) during the procedure of gynecological laparoscopic operations.Methods 60 cases undergoing gynecological laparoscopic operations were randomly divided into two groups:the intra-abdominal pressure was 1.3kPa in groupⅠ(30 cases) and 1.9kPa in groupⅡ(30 cases).ASAⅠgrade.In both groups,systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),mean arterial pressure(MAP), heart rates(HR).S-T.Paw and P_(ET)CO_2 were monitored and recorded before anesthesia(T_0),shortly after intubation (T_1),pre-pneumoperitoneum (T_2),5min after pneumoperitoneum (supine position) (T_3) and 5min (T_4),10min (T_5),20min(T_6),30min (T_7) after trendelenbury position (head down 200) and 5rain after deflation (T_8).Results In both groups SBP,DBP,MAP at time point T_3,T_4,T_5 were increased significantly compared with those of T_0 (P0.05),but there was significant difference in Paw and P_(ET)CO_2 in different time points within the same group and between the same time point in different groups after pneumoperitoneum(P

OBJECTIVETo search for a simple surgical procedure for the treatment of concealed penis that may have better effect and less complications.

METHODSWe used a modified surgical method in the treatment of 58 patients with concealed penis aged from 3 to 15 (mean 6.8) years. The operation was simplified and involved the following steps: wholly unveiling the penis glans, half-degloving the foreskins, cutting off all the adhesive fibers up to the penile suspensory ligaments, and liberating the external penis.

RESULTSThe operation was successful in all the patients, with the operative time of 15 -45 (mean 33) minutes, hospital stay of 2 - 5 (mean 3.5) days, but no complications except mild foreskin edema in 5 cases. The external penis was prolonged from 0.5 - 2.8 (mean 1.4) cm preoperatively to 3.2 - 8.5 (mean 3.9) cm postoperatively. The patients were followed up for 1 -3 years, all satisfied with the length and appearance of the penis, and their sexual and reproductive functions were normal.

CONCLUSIONThe modified surgical procedure for concealed penis is simple and effective, with desirable outcomes, few postoperative complications and no damage to sexual and reproductive functions.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Foreskin ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Penis ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of C-type natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-C) and large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BK(Ca)) in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) induced porcine coronary artery dilation.

METHODSPorcine coronary artery rings were obtained and treated with BNP (10(-6) mol/L), BNP + NPR-C antagonist cANF4-28 (10(-6) mol/L) and BNP + BK(Ca) blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA, 1 mmol/L). The vascular tone experiments were observed on 10 vessel segments. BK(Ca) current density was measured by the whole-cell patch clamp technique.

RESULTSThe maximum diastolic rate was similar between BNP group (68.51% ± 11.50%) and cANF4-28 + BNP group (65.67% ± 11.90%, P > 0.05) while significantly reduced in TEA + BNP group (28.87% ± 4.55%, all P < 0.05). When the holding potential was set at +60 mV, the BK(Ca) current density of BNP group was (78.48 ± 5.86) pA/pF, which was significantly higher than control group [(53.84 ± 4.55) pA/pF, P < 0.05], which was equally reduced in the TEA group and TEA + BNP group [(28.80 ± 2.76) pA/pF and (30.60 ± 3.88) pA/pF respectively, all P < 0.05 vs. control group].

CONCLUSIONBNP could relax the porcine coronary arterial smooth muscles by increasing BK(Ca) current, and this effect is not mediated by NPR-C.

Animals ; Coronary Vessels ; drug effects ; physiology ; Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels ; physiology ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; pharmacology ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Receptors, Atrial Natriuretic Factor ; physiology ; Swine

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of nNOS and ultrastructural changes in the penile tissue of rats with prolactinoma-induced erectile dysfunction (ED).

METHODSWe established the model of prolactinoma in 20 male Westar rats by peritoneal injection of diethylstilbestrol (DES) and treated the control rats with normal saline (n = 10) or sterilized arachis oil (n = 10). After 8 weeks, we performed the apomorphine test and measured the weight of the pituitary gland and the levels of serum prolactin (PRL) and testosterone (T) to confirm the successful construction of the prolactinoma-induced ED model. Then we determined the expression of nNOS in the penile tissue by immunohistochemistry and examined the ultrastructural changes of the penile cavernosum under the transmission electron microscope.

RESULTSThe prolactinoma-induced ED model was successfully established in 15 rats. The weight of the pituitary gland was significantly increased in the rats treated with DES as compared with the normal saline and sterilized arachis oil controls ([46.7 ± 15.5] vs [11.7 ± 2.4] and [12.4 ± 2.3] mg, both P < 0.05). The level of serum PRL was markedly higher while that of T remarkably lower in the former than in the latter two groups ([1,744.9 ± 304.5] vs [11.5 ± 2.4] and [10.6 ± 1.9] ng/ml, both P < 0.0l; [1.54 ± 0.46] vs [3.11 ± 1.08] and [3.04 ± 1.11] ng/ml, both P < 0.05). The rate of penile erection was significantly reduced in the prolactinoma-induced ED model rats in comparison with the normal saline and arachis oil controls (16.7% vs 100% and 87.5%, both P < 0.05), and so was the expression of nNOS in the penile tissue (0.024 ± 0.011 vs 0.066 ± 0.019 and 0.058 ± 0.021, both P < 0.05). Transmission electron microscopy manifested significant ultrastructural changes in the endothelial and smooth muscle cells of the cavernous tissue in the prolactinoma-induced ED models.

CONCLUSIONThe ultrastructural changes of the penile cavernous tissue and the reduced expression of nNOS in penile tissue may be the most important mechanisms of prolactinoma-induced ED in rats.

Animals ; Apomorphine ; Carcinogens ; Diethylstilbestrol ; Erectile Dysfunction ; etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; ultrastructure ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I ; metabolism ; Organ Size ; Penile Erection ; Penis ; enzymology ; ultrastructure ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; chemically induced ; complications ; Prolactin ; blood ; Prolactinoma ; chemically induced ; complications ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Testosterone ; blood

Objective To investigate selcnium(Se) levels of environment and human body in Gaomi City and Zichuan District of Shandong. Methods Lijiaying Township in Gaomi City of Weifang City, Zhaili Township and Longquan Township in Zichuan District of Zibo City were selected. Two farming soil samples at different spot, local wheat and corn, residents nail samples from 3 to 4 families were collected in each natural village in the investigated towns. The contents of Se were detected by 2,3-diamino naphthalene fluorescence method. Results Se level of the soil, wheat, corn, and nails in Lijiaying [(0.054 ± 0.019), (0.022 ± 0.009), (0.018 ± 0.007), (0.365 ± 0.108)mg/kg] was significantly lower than that in Zhaili [(0.425 ± 0.080), (0.130 ± 0.043), (0.098 ± 0.026), (0.751 ± 0.134)mg/kg] and Longquan[(0.487 ± 0.153), (0.112 ± 0.030), (0.097 ± 0.029), (0.735 ± 0.145)mg/kg;P < 0.01]. In Lijiaying, Se was deficient in soil, wheat, corn(< 0.200, < 0.025 mg/kg), above Se deficiency diagnosis and below Se-adequate level in the nail, while in Zhaili and Longquan, the Se level in the soil (0.425, 0.487 mg/kg), wheat(0.130, 0.112 mg/kg), corn (0.098, 0.097 mg/kg), nails (0.751, 0.735 mg/kg) was adequate (≥0.400 mg/kg). Conclusions The external environment is Se-deficient in Lijiaying, Se-adequate in Longquan and Zhaili. The selenium level in human body is consistent with the external environment.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the value of magnetic resonance dynamic contrast-enhanced (MR-DCE) and magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (MR-DWI) in the differentiation of benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors.

METHODSSixty-three patients with pathologically confirmed musculoskeletal tumors were examined with MR-DCE and MR-DWI. Using single shot spin echo planar imaging sequence and different b values of 400, 600, 800 and 1000 s/mm(2), we obtained the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the lesions. ADC values were measured before and after MR-DCE, with a b value of 600 s/mm(2). The 3D fast acquired multiple phase enhanced fast spoiled gradient recalled echo sequence was obtained for multi-slice of the entire lesion. The time-signal intensity curve (TIC), dynamic contrast-enhanced parameters, maximum slope of increase (MSI), positive enhancement integral, signal enhancement ratio, and time to peak (T(peak)) were also recorded.

RESULTSADC showed no significant difference between benign and malignant tumors when the b value was 400, 600, 800, or 1000 s/mm(2), and it was not significantly different between benign and malignant tumors in both pre-MR-DCE and post-MR-DCE with b value of 600 s/mm(2). TIC were classified into four types type1 showed rapid progression and gradual drainage; type2 showed rapid progression but had no or slight progression; type 3 showed gradual progression; and type 4 had no or slight progression. Most lesions of type1 or type2 were malignant, whereas most lesions of type 3 or type 4 were benign. When using type1 and type 2 as the standards of malignancy, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was 87.23% and 50.00%, respectively. The types of TIC showed significant difference between benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors(χ(2)=17.009,P=0.001). When using MSI 366.62 ± 174.84 as the standard of malignancy, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was 86.78% and 78.67%, respectively. When using T(peak)≤70s as the standard of malignancy, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was 82.89%and 85.78%, respectively. Positive enhancement integral and signal enhancement ratio showed no significant difference between benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors.

CONCLUSIONSTIC, MSI and T(peak) of MR-DCE are valuable in differentiating benign from malignant musculoskeletal tumors. T(peak) has the highest diagnostic specificity, and TIC has the highest diagnostic sensitivity. The mean ADC value are no significant difference between benign and malignant tumors.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; Child ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; Young Adult