In the magnetic induction tomography(MIT) system,the electrical conductivity of biological tissue is direct proportion to the phase difference between the excitation signal and the detection signal.To obtain the image of the contribution of tissue's electrical conductivity,the system must have the function of phase detection with high accuracy.The paper focuses on the means of digital phase detection,including FFT method,the correlation method and the classic method,which are ultimately compared with analogue phase detection method.The experimental results show that FFT method and the correlation method,with low error level and high linearity,can better detect the phase difference with the level of 0.1?.The digital phase difference detection provides a kind of effective method for MIT system.

Objective To establish the preferable puberty pathological aggression animal model.Methods The experimental models were established towards puberty rats by frustration test of non-reward and instigation test.Rat models were tested for specificity using open-field test,saccharine test,elevated plus-maze(EPM)and olfactory sensibility.Results ①Compared with normal aggression(52.5±5.36)and control group(8.83±1.34)in total aggressive times,the pathological aggression group(101.17±2.85)increased significantly(P<0.01);②Some behavior items of each model group were moderately or hishly correlated to total score(r=0.379～0.929);③There was a significant difference between pathological aggression group and normal aggression group in the numbers of attack toward vulnerable-body regions,persistence attack after intruder displayed submissive and hish attack/threat ratios(P<0.01);④The pathological aggression group did not show depression,anxiety and olfactory disorder,except for space cognitive function(P>0.05).However,the normal aggression group displayed obvious depressive mood.Conclusion Each behavioral index matches the criteria of pathological aggression model.Meanwhile,it also excludes other factors of disturbing the specificity of the model.It suggests this model may be preferable puberty pathological aggression animal model.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in medical intensive care unit (ICU) and its relationship with severity of disease and prognosis.Methods A prospective study was performed to evaluate vitamin D status in 216 patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit.The incidence of hypovitaminosis D was observed.Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score,days kept in ICU and on ventilator,main laboratory findings,and mortality rate were compared among patients with different serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D] levels.Potential risk factors for mortality were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results One hundred and fifty-three patients (70.8％) developed hypovitaminosis D.25 (OH) D deficiency was identified in 95 (44.0％),25 (OH) D insufficiency in 58 (26.8％),and 25 (OH) D sufficiency in 63 (29.2％) patients.APACHE Ⅱ score,positive blood culture,the incidence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS),and mortality rate were higher in deficiency group compared with the other two groups [APACHE Ⅱ score:deficiency group 25 (20,28) score,insufficiency group 22 (17,26) score,sufficiency group 19 (18,20) score,P＜0.01 ; positive blood culture:deficiency group 18.9％,insufficiency group 13.8％,sufficiency group 3.2％,P=0.015 ; MODS:deficiency group 48.4％,insufficiency group 43.1％,sufficiency group 25.4％,P=0.025; mortality rate:deficiency group 40％,insufficiency group 24.1％,sufficiency group 15.9％,P =0.003].25 (OH)D levels were negatively correlated with APACHE Ⅱ score and mortality rate (r =-0.325,P＜0.01 ; r=-0.276,P＜0.01,respectively).Analysis by multiple logistic regression demonstrated that 25 (OH) D deficiency (OR =3.005,95 ％ CI 1.321-5.875,P =0.008) was independent risk factor for mortality.Conclusions This study demonstrates that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among patients admitted into ICU.Vitamin D deficiency is associated with disease severity,and seems to be an independent risk factor for mortality.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Recipe (WYHZTLR) containing serum on transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway of skin fibroblasts in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODSTotally 36 SSc patients were randomly assigned to Chinese medicine (CM) group, Western medicine (WM) group, and integrative medicine (IM) group according to random digit table, 12 in each group. Patients in the CM group took WYHZTLR decoction (one dose per day). Patients in the WM group took penicillamine tablet (0. 125 g each time, bid) and Prednisone Acetate Tablet (PAT 20 mg, qd). Patients in the IM group took penicillamine, PAT, and WYHZTLR decoction (in the same dosage of corresponding drugs as aforesaid). All patients were treated for one month to get drug containing serum. Besides, 10 untreated SSc patients' serum was taken as the control group. Healthy subjects' skin fibroblasts were originated from healthy skin tissue of the upper arms of 2 female patients undergoing plastic surgery. Corresponding serum of each group was added in the culture system of SSc patients' and healthy subjects' dermal fibroblasts respectively. Expression levels of TGF-β1 receptor type I (TGF-β1 RI), TGF-β1 receptor II (TGF-β1 RII), p-Smad2/3 and Smad7 protein were examined by Western blot. Expression levels of collagen type I and collagen type III (Col-I, Col-III) mRNA were examined by reverse transcription PCR. Contents of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in the supernatant of SSc, skin fibroblasts were examined by ELISA.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, expression levels of TGF-β1 R I and p-Smad2/3 protein significantly decreased, but expression levels of Smad7 protein significantly increased in skin fibroblasts of SSc patients and healthy subjects of WM, CM, and IM groups (P <0.05, P <0. 01). Meanwhile, the expression level of TGF-β1 RII decreased in the IM group (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). Compared with the WM group, expression levels of TGF-β1 RI and p-Smad2/ 3 protein significantly decreased, but that of Srnad7 protein significantly increased in IM groups (P <0. 01). mRNA expression levels of Col-I and Col-II in SSc skin fibroblasts significantly decreased more in WM, CM, and IM groups than in the control group (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). Besides, the expression level of Col-III mRNA was significantly lower in the IM group than in the WM group (P <0.01). Compared with the control group, serum levels of MMP-9 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios increased more obviously in WM, CM, and IM groups (P <0.05, P <0.01). But expression levels of TIMP-1 decreased significantly in CM and IM groups (P <0.01). Expression levels of MMP-9 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios increased more in the IM group than in the WM group (P <0. 01). Expression levels of TIMP-1 decreased more in CM and IM groups than in the WM group (P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONWYHZTLR containing serum could reduce expression levels of Col-I and Col-III possibly through regulating key signal molecules, such as TGF-β1 RI, p-Smad2/3, and Smad7 in TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway of SSc skin fibroblasts, and inhibiting transduction of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.

Collagen Type I ; Collagen Type III ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Fibroblasts ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; Scleroderma, Systemic ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Smad2 Protein ; Smad7 Protein ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

Objective To establish a new determination method for the measuring of alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) with p-acetyl phenyl phosphace (PAP-PNa_2) as substrate.Methods With the help of Vital semiautomatic analyzer,researched a continuous-monitoring procedure and set up experimental parameters.Results When using this assay,the wavelength of PAP's absorption was 325 nm and the Km of ALP was 0.376 mmol/L.The molecular extinction coefficient of PAP at 340 nm was 23 390 L?mol~(-1)? cm~(-1) and the concentration of citrate buffer was 0.438 mol/L.During the process,we found that the optimum pH of enzyme was 10.4,and the concentration of substrate was 5.0 mmol/L.The time of linear reaction was 900 seconds,and the linear range was 0-1 110 U/L.Serum total ALP were 63.1-118.3 U/ L(male) and 52.5-89.0 U/L(female),based on results from 60 heath adults.Conclusions The method is practical in its repetition and convenience,saves time and is not liable to be affected by bilirubin in serum.It is especially suited to the use of automatic analyzers.

Objective To assess the feasibility,safety and efficacy of endoscopic papillectomy (EP) for tumors at the ampulla of Vater (AV).Methods A total of 15 patients with tumor at AV that were indicated for EP were included in this prospective study.Their clinical profiles,procedural parameters and outcome were evaluated.Results All patients underwent EP procedure successfully.Four patients who were diagnosed as having chronic inflammation in the reference endoscopy were confirmed as having adenoma after EP.Out of the 11 patients who were previously diagnosed as andenoma on biopsy,2 of low differentiated adenocarcinoma,1 of well differentiated adenocarcinoma and 1 malignant transformation were pathologically confirmed after EP.Stents were implanted in 8 patients with dilated pancreatic and/or common bile duct.Except for 2 cases of melena and 2 transient elevated level of blood amylase after EP,no other major complications occurred.Three patients,including 1 case of low-differentiated adenocarcinoma,1 case of malignant transformation and 1 case of lesion residual,were referred to surgery,another patient with low-differentiated adenocarcinoma declined any additional intervention because of old age.In the remaining 11 cases ( 11/15,73.3％ ) including one well differentiated adenocarcinoma,no recurrence was observed during a follow-up period of 23.4 (5 to 47) months.Conclusion EP is a minimal invasive,safe and effective treatment for tumors at AV,which also can provide an accurate staging of the lesion.

Objective To evaluate the value of dual energy computed tomography (DECT) for the diagnosis of gout.Methods Twenty-fivc consccutive patients with gout were selected as the experimental group and 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were selected as the control group.DECT scans were performed for every patient (all peripheral joints for the experimental group and affected joints for the control group).And every patient with gout had X-ray examination of the involved joints.x2 test and t-test were used for statistical analysis.Results All 25 patients with gout showed urate deposits on their DECT scans,whereas none of 20 controls showed urate deposits (P＜0.01).DECT scans revealed a total of 184 areas of urate deposition in 25 patients,in which 107 (58.2％) were at feet and ankle,72 (39.1％) were at knees,4 (2.2％) were at hands and wrists,1 (0.5％) was at elbows,whereas physical examination only showed 64 areas of urate deposition,in which 38(59.4％) were at feet and ankle,24(37.5％) were at knees,2(3.1％) at hands and wrists,0 was at elbows(P＜0.01 ).Only 6 patients with gout showed nonspecific manifestations on X-ray.Conclusion DECT scans may have potential value for the diagnosis of gout since it could produce evident colour displays for urate deposits and help to identify subclinical tophus deposits.

OBJECTIVE:To compare the efficacy,safety,vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and matrix metallopro-teinase-2 (MMP-2) of docetaxel combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel combined with cisplatin (DDP) in the treatment of ad-vanced ovarian cancer. METHODS:120 patients with advanced ovarian cancer were randomly divided into docetaxel combined with carboplatin group(60 cases)and paclitaxel combined with DDP group(60 cases). Docetaxel combined with carboplatin group received 70 mg/m2 Docetaxel injection,intravenous infusion of 1 h,d1;50 mg/m2 carboplatin injection,intravenous infusion of 1 h,d2. Paclitaxel combined with DDP group received 135 mg/m2 Paclitaxel injection,intravenous infusion of 24 h,d1;30 mg/m2 DDP for injection,intravenous infusion,d3;60 mg/m2 Paclitaxel injection (a maximum of 2.0 m2) by intraperitoneal infusion,d8. 3-week was regarded as 1 treatment course,and it lasted 6 courses. Clinical efficacy,VEGF,MMP-2,progression-free survival, overall survival before and after treatment,mortality rate within 2 years of treatment and the incidence of adverse reactions in 2 groups were compared. RESULTS:There were no significant differences in the objective response rate,disease control rate,mortal-ity rate,incidence of adverse reactions between 2 groups(P>0.05). The progression-free survival in docetaxel combined with car-boplatin group was significantly longer than paclitaxel combined with DDP group,the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Before treatment,there were no significant differences in VEGF and MMP-2 level between 2 groups(P>0.05). After treat-ment,VEGF and MMP-2 level in 2 groups were significantly lower than before,and VEGF at different time points and MMP-2 level after 4 weeks,8 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment in docetaxel combined with carboplatin group were lower than paclitaxel combined with DDP group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Docetaxel combined with car-boplatin and paclitaxel combined with DDP shows similar efficacy and safety in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer,but docetaxel carboplatin combined with is superior to paclitaxel combined with DDP in reducing VEGF and MMP-2 and improving pro-gression-free survival.

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes and their elements in patients with posthepatitic cirrhosis by analyzing the relationships between signs and symptoms and biochemical parameters. Methods: A total of 440 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis treated in Shanghai Public Health Center and Shuguang Hospital, Longhua Hospital and Central Hospital of Putuo District Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine during January 2002 to January 2006 were enrolled in this study. Signs and symptoms and biochemical information of patients were collected by using a self-designed questionnaire regarding the four examinations of TCM. Signs and symptoms were firstly analyzed to find the frequency of occurrence. Then, the patients were divided into two groups according to non-existent or existent sign and symptom and the correlations between the signs and symptoms which occurred most frequently and their biochemical parameters were analyzed. Results: Sixteen symptoms which occurred most frequently were fatigue, colored urine, liver palms, opaque complexion, string-like pulse, weakness at waist and knees, dry month and bitter taste in the mouth, profuse dreaminess and poor sleepiness, heaviness of limbs, abdominal distention, yellow eyes, fine pulse, impetuosity and susceptibility to rage, splenomegaly, poor appetite, and distension and fullness in the chest and hypochondrium. A previous study on syndrome differentiation of 900 patients with posthepatitic cirrhosis showed 4 syndrome patterns: internal accumulation of dampness-heat, liver-kidney yin deficiency, internal accumulation of blood stasis-heat, and liver depression and spleen deficiency. Further analysis showed that internal accumulation of dampness-heat syndrome was characterized by obvious hepatic inflammation, poor synthesis function and more asctites. Liver-kidney yin deficiency syndrome was characterized by low-level hepatic inflammation, poor synthesis function and more ascites. Internal accumulation of blood stasis-heat syndrome was characterized by low-level hepatic inflammation, poorer synthesis function, ascites and splenomegalia, and liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome was characterized by slight hepatic inflammation, synthesis function injury, decreased internal portal vein diameter and less ascites. Conclusion: Different syndrome patterns have different pathological features, showing the complexity and polymorphism of syndrome construction.

Objective To obtain DNA oligonucleotide aptamers which can specifically bind to MPT64 protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis by SELEX(systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment)technology. Methods A random ssDNA library with in vitro synthesized 78 nucleotides in length was subiected to 12 rounds of selection by SELEX method against MPT64 protein. The binding ability of the aptamers to the protein was examined by biotin-streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase system. Results The selective system used was as follows:in PCR amplification,annealing temperature was 65℃ and the concentration of Mg2+ was 1.5 mmol/L in optimizing library, and when preparation of ssDNA with asymmetrical PCR amplification, 0.75 mmol/L of Mg2+ was used. When using the plate for ELISA as the substrate for the selection, the pattern of electrophoretic band of PCR product after the tenth round selection became unitary and denser than that of the first round. The binding assay demonstrated that A value at 450 nm of the tenth round increased by 9.18 times as compared with that of the first round. The results showed that the affinities of the aptamers were different. The highest A value at 450 nm was 1.606, and the lowest 0.572. Conclusion A set of aptamers with considerable binding affinity to MPT64 protein are successfully picked out from the initial random DNA library.