Air Pollution, Indoor ; analysis ; Anesthetics ; analysis ; Environmental Monitoring ; methods ; Isoflurane ; analysis ; Methyl Ethers ; analysis ; Operating Rooms

A novel amplifier system was proposed for low-noise recording of pico-ampere current in nanopore experiment (<100 pA). As an example, the amplifier system was applied in α-hemolysin based nanopore detection of DNA-PEG-DNA conjugate to record the signals of translocation and bumping events in buffer solution (1 mol/L KCl, 10 mmol/L Tris--HCl, 1 mmol/L EDTA and pH=8. 0). The amplified current signal was filtered by a 3 kHz Bessel filter and sampled by a 100 kHz analog-digital convertor. As a result, the presented amplifier system could lower the noise in recording the current. The current blockages (<10 pA) of single molecules with low amplitude were recovered due to the high signal-to-noise ratio.

Objective To explore the incidence and risk factors of bacterial infection after othtotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Methods Altogether 56 OLT recipients from January 2005 to October 2007 were included in the study. The incidents and the related variables of the infection were analyzed retrospectively. The related variables were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression model to identify the significant risk factors. Results Bacterial infection was confirmed in 29 recipients (51.8%). Among them, the lung infection was the most common site (53.7%). The Gram-positive cocci were 46.3%, while the Gram-negative bacilli were 53.7%. The risk factors for bacterial infection included duration of the operation and detained respirator using. Conclusion Bacterial infection is a major complication following OLT. Surveillance for the risk factors, enhancement the skill of operation, and improving the recovery of respiratory function is the key to decreasing the incidence of bacterial infection after transplantation.

Objective To investigate the predictive factors of virological response in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB)patients treated with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV).Methods A total of 203 HBeAg-positive CHB patients treated with ADV (Mingzheng)10 mg once daily for 48 weeks were recruited.The gene polymorphisms at positions-238 and-308 in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α promoter region were determined by the restriction fragment length polymorphism assay of products amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP).The serum levels of TNF-a at baseline were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Hepatitis B virus (HBV)genotypes were tested by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and HBV subgenotypes were tested by HBV S gene sequencing.Factors related to ADV response were determined by Logistic regression analysis.Results The HBV DNA negative rate,alanine aminotransferase (ALT)normalization rate,HBeAg loss rate and seroconversion rate,and combined response rate at week 24 and 48 of treatment in 203 patients were 31.5% (64/203),59.1% (120/203),15.8% (32/203),8.9% (18/203),13.3% (27/203)and 58.6% (119/203),78.3% (159/203),29.6% (60/203),16.7% (34/203),25.6% (52/203),respectively.HBV DNA negative rate at week 24 was higher in patients with HBV genotype B,that was higher in patients with TNF-α-308G/A genotype,and that was higher in patients with higher baseline ALT level or lower baseline HBV DNA level [OR = 0.405,95 % CI (0.191 - 0.859),P =0.019;OR=0.292,95%CI(0.132-0.643),P=0.002;OR=0.933,95%CI(0.989-0.997),P＜0.01 ;OR=2.089,95%CI (1.412-3.092),P＜0.01].Meanwhile,HBV DNA negative rate at week 48 were higher in patients with higher HBV DNA negative rate at week 24 or higher baseline ALT level [OR=0.029,95%CI(0.007-0.126),P＜0.01;OR= 0.995,95%CI(0.991-0.999),P=0.016].Conclusions HBV genotype,TNF-α-308 genotype,baseline levels of ALT and HBV DNA are predictors of virological response at week 24 in HBeAg-positive CHB patients treated with ADV.And the HBV DNA negative rate at week 24 and baseline ALT level are predictors of virological response at week 48.

OBJECTIVETo present a method of quantitative diagnosis of craniofacial skeleton deformities based on three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT).

METHODS20 cases with facial asymmetric deformities underwent 3D CT and the 3D images were reconstructed by Mimics 10.0 (Belgium). Anatomical landmarks were located and the coordinate of the landmarks obtained. Axial images of 1 patient with Romberg disease was used as representative case. The differences in the distance between the right landmarks and the left were calculated and analyzed.

RESULTSThe measurement results were not significantly different between two stages with an interval of 4 weeks ( P > 0.05), showing a reproducible resutls. The deviation of landmarks at facial midline increased gradually from upward to downward, reaching (2.63 +/- 0.54) mm at menton point. Paired landmarks showed asymmetry in three dimensions, especially gonion point on the left side, which was deviated 10.21 mm inward, 9.26 mm forward, 6.30 mm upward, compared to the opposite side.

CONCLUSIONSThe method of 3D CT quantitative analysis can provide precise information in the diagnosis and treatment planning of facial asymmetry deformity.

Anatomic Landmarks ; diagnostic imaging ; Cephalometry ; Craniofacial Abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; Facial Asymmetry ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods

The continuous cultivation of Rehmannia glutinosa causes the accumulation of phenolic acids in soil. It is supposed to be the reason of the so called "continuously cropping obstacle". In this study, phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, eugenol, vanillin and ferulic acid) were degraded by the extracta of all the tested spent mushroom substrate (SMS) and the maximal degradation rate was 75.3%, contributed by extraction of SMS of Pleurotus eryngii. Pot experiment indicated that hydroxybenzoic acid and vanillin in soil were also degraded effectively by SMS of P. eryngii. The employment of SMS enhanced ecophysiology index to near the normal levels, such as crown width, leaves number, leaf length, leaf width and height. At the same time, the fresh and dry weight and total catalpol concentration of tuberous root weight of R. glutinosa was increased to 2.70, 3.66, 2.25 times by employment of SMS, respectively. The increase of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes numbers in rhizosphere soil were observed after the employment of SMS by microbial counts. The employment of SMS also enhanced the enzyme activity in soils, such as sucrase, cellulase, phosphalase, urease and catelase. These results indicated that the employment of SMS alleviated the continuously cropping obstacle of R. glutinosa in some extent.
Agaricales ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Agriculture ; methods ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Hydroxybenzoates ; analysis ; metabolism ; Rehmannia ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Soil ; chemistry ; Soil Microbiology

OBJECTIVEThe pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a functional gastrointestinal disorder, is poorly understood. Treatment by Chinese medicine and pharmacy (CMP) is superior to treatment by Western medicine (WM). Therefore, we aimed to analyze Chinese medical experts' experiences in treating IBS by data mining.

METHODSBy retrieving related literatures from 1994 to 2012 from CNKI, we chose proved cases and screened effective medical records to establish a database using structural electronic medical case collecting system and data mining. The thinking ways of modern physicians in diagnosis and treatment of IBS were analyzed.

RESULTSTotally 116 medical cases from 46 Chinese medical experts were recruited and analyzed. Results showed that Gan depression and Pi deficiency were most basic syndrome elements. In addition, cold dampness, damp heat, yang deficiency, and Shen deficiency were main elements for the development of diarrhea predominant IBS (IBS-D). Qi stagnation, yin deficiency, qi deficiency, and blood stasis were main elements for the development of constipation predominant IBS (IBS-C). Soothing Gan-qi and strengthening Pi was the most important treatment method. White peony root, prepared atractylodes, prepared licorice, tangerine peel, poria, bupleurum, Radix sileris, lanceolata, and Radix aucklandiae were the most common Chinese herbs used in treating IBS.

CONCLUSIONS(1) Gan depression and Pi deficiency was the main pathogenesis for IBS. Diagnosis and treatment of IBS should be performed clinically according to its development. Tongxie Yao-fang should be used as the basic prescription with modification according to syndrome differentiation. (2) Data mining will have a wide application prospect in studying medical cases.

Data Mining ; Humans ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Phytotherapy ; methods

OBJECTIVETo study MRI changes of vertebral metastasis and their value in differential diagnosis.

METHODSMR films of 103 patients with vertebral metastasis confirmed clinically or pathologically were reviewed with all features recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS338 vertebrae were involved in 103 patients, including 82 in vertebral body only, 3 in appendix only and 253 in both. According to the shape of vertebral body and the characteristic abnormality, 335 vertebrae with body involved were divided into 4 types: Type I (97) with one single focus in the vertebral body, type II (102) with multiple foci with clear margin in the vertebral body, type III (16) with abnormal signal in the whole vertebral body and type IV (120) with abnormal signal in the whole or most part of vertebral body complicated with compression fracture. Among all these lesions, 114 showed concave superior and/or inferior edges and 116 protruding posterior and/or anterior borders. In 256 vertebrae with abnormal appendix, 238 showed abnormal pedicle of vertebral arch involving neighbouring part of vertebral body and 235 showed enlarged pedicle and other parts of the appendix. Soft tissue mass was showed around 133 vertebrae, with the center at the involved vertebrae on sagittal image. 130 pieces of these masses extended cranio-caudally within or a little beyond the width of a vertebral body.

CONCLUSIONVertebral metastasis is characterized by involving multiple vertebrae. Its diagnosis and differential diagnosis can be made definite in most patients according to the lesions distribution, change in vertebral shape and the characteristics of the soft tissue mass.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; secondary

OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy of acupuncture for glaucoma.

METHODSThe search was conducted through database to identify randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for glaucoma until September 2010. The quality assessment, data extraction and Meta-analysis were performed by Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Re views of Interventions.

RESULTSEight articles were included. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture did not decrease intraocular pressure compared with eye drops [SMD = -0.1 66, 95% CI (-1.45, 0.13)]. However, acupuncture increased the effectiveness rate of treatment for glaucoma [OR = 4.45, 95% CI (1.96,10.09)]. Compared with placebo, acupuncture did not decrease intraocular pressure 20 min after acupuncture (P = 0.13) and 24 hours after acupuncture (P = 0.21). Nonetheless, acupuncture increased the effectiveness rate of treatment for glaucoma [OR = 45.00, 95% CI (9.73, 208.08)]. Compared with acupuncture, quantitative acupuncture manipulation increased the effectiveness rates of treatment for glaucoma [OR = 2.23, 95% CI (1.14, 4.36)].

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture therapy has potential to increase effectiveness rates of treatment for glaucoma. It lacks reliable evidence to prove that acupuncture decreases intraocular pressure. More trials with high quality are needed to estimate adverse effects and cost effectiveness of acupuncture therapy.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Glaucoma ; drug therapy ; therapy ; Humans ; Ophthalmic Solutions ; therapeutic use ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Treatment Outcome

This study is to investigate the binding capability of lidamycin apoprotein (LDP), an enediyne-associated apoprotein of the chromoprotein antitumor antibiotic family, to human breast cancer and normal tissues, the correlation of LDP binding capability to human breast cancer tissues and the expression of tumor therapeutic targets such as VEGF and HER2. In this study, the binding capability of LDP to human breast cancer tissues was detected with tissue microarray. The correlation study of LDP binding capability to human breast tumor tissues and relevant therapeutic targets was performed on breast cancer tissue microarrays. Immunocytochemical examination was used to detect the binding capability of LDP to human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells. As a result, tissue microarray showed that LDP staining of 73.2% (30/41) of breast cancer tissues was positive, whereas that of 48.3% (15/31) of the adjacent normal breast specimens was positive. The difference between the tumor and normal samples was significant (Chi2 = 4.63, P < 0.05). LDP immunoreactivity in breast cancer correlated significantly with the overexpression of VEGF and HER2 (P < 0.001 and < 0.01, r = 0.389 and 0.287, respectively). Determined with confocal immunofluorescent analysis, LDP showed the binding capability to mammary carcinoma MCF-7 cells. It is demonstrated that LDP can bind to human breast cancer tissues and there is significant difference between the breast cancer tissues and the corresponding normal tissues. Notably, the binding reactivity shows positive correlation with the expression of VEGF and HER2 in breast carcinoma tissues. The results imply that LDP may have a potential use as targeting drug carrier in the research and development of new anticancer therapeutics. This study may provide reference for drug combination of LDM and other therapeutic agents.
Aminoglycosides ; metabolism ; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic ; metabolism ; Apoproteins ; metabolism ; Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Enediynes ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Protein Binding ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; metabolism ; Tissue Array Analysis ; methods ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism