Chinese medicine (CM) is a discipline with its own distinct methodologies and philosophical principles. The main method of treatment in CM is to use herbal prescriptions. Typically, a number of herbs are combined to form a formula and different formulae are prescribed for different patients. Regularities in the mixture of herbs in the prescriptions are important for both clinical treatment and novel patent medicine development. In this study, we analyze CM formula data using latent tree (LT) models. Interesting regularities are discovered. Those regularities are of interest to students of CM as well as pharmaceutical companies that manufacture medicine using Chinese herbs.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; standards ; Drug Compounding ; standards ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Models, Biological ; Prescription Drugs ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of clinical application of stand-alone MC+PEEK cage in anterior cervical fusion.

METHODSFrom January 2011 to January 2014,50 patients were treated with the MC+PEEK cage filled with autogenous cancellous illic-bone graft after anterior cervical discectomy. There were 22 patients with cervical spondylosis,26 patients with traumatic cervical disc herniation, 2 patients with cervical instability in these patients. There were 32 males and 18 females, aged from 30 to 79 years old with an average of 53.30 years old. There were 32 patients with single segment, 15 patients with double segments and 3 patients with three segments. Cervical AP and lateral and the flexion-extension X-rays were regularly taken in order to assess the cervical physiological curvature, the graft fusion and internal fixation related complications. Nerve function, clinical effect and bone fusion were respectively evaluated according to Japan Orthopedic Association (JOA), Otani grade and Suk method.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 6 to 36 months with an average of 20 months. No correlated surgical complications were found and all patients obtained bony fusion with an average time of 4.30 months. JOA score had significantly improvement after surgery (P < 0.05). The JOA score was 10.60 ± 3.00 before surgery and 16.10 ± 2.20, 16.40 ± 2.35 at one week and six months after surgery respectively. According to Otani grade,40 cases got excellent results, 9 good, 1 fair. No significant dysphagia and internal fixation related complications such as displacement of cages were found during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONUsing this cage in anterior cervical fusion can obtain satisfactory clinical effect with less operation injury and reduce the complications. It is a better fusion method in anterior cervical fusion.

Adult ; Aged ; Cervical Vertebrae ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Fusion ; adverse effects ; instrumentation ; methods

Adolescent ; Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis ; pathology ; Humans ; Kidney ; pathology ; Lung ; pathology ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; pathology ; Male

Objective: To investigate the accuracy of the Agatston score obtained with the ultra-high-pitch (UHP) acquisition mode using tin-filter spectral shaping (Sn150 kVp) and a kVp-independent reconstruction algorithm to reduce the radiation dose. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 114 patients (mean ± standard deviation, 60.3 ± 9.8 years; 74 male) who underwent a standard 120 kVp scan and an additional UHP Sn150 kVp scan for coronary artery calcification scoring (CACS). These two datasets were reconstructed using a standard reconstruction algorithm (120 kVp + Qr36d, protocol A; Sn150 kVp + Qr36d, protocol B). In addition, the Sn150 kVp dataset was reconstructed using a kVp-independent reconstruction algorithm (Sn150 kVp + Sa36d, protocol C). The Agatston scores for protocols A and B, as well as protocols A and C, were compared.The agreement between the scores was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland–Altman plot. The radiation doses for the 120 kVp and UHP Sn150 kVp acquisition modes were also compared. Results: No significant difference was observed in the Agatston score for protocols A (median, 63.05; interquartile range [IQR], 0–232.28) and C (median, 60.25; IQR, 0–195.20) (p = 0.060). The mean difference in the Agatston score for protocols A and C was relatively small (-7.82) and with the limits of agreement from -65.20 to 49.56 (ICC = 0.997). The Agatston score for protocol B (median, 34.85; IQR, 0–120.73) was significantly underestimated compared with that for protocol A (p < 0.001). The UHP Sn150 kVp mode facilitated an effective radiation dose reduction by approximately 30% (0.58 vs. 0.82 mSv, p < 0.001) from that associated with the standard 120 kVp mode. Conclusion The Agatston scores for CACS with the UHP Sn150 kVp mode with a kVp-independent reconstruction algorithm and the standard 120 kVp demonstrated excellent agreement with a small mean difference and narrow agreement limits. The UHP Sn150 kVp mode allowed a significant reduction in the radiation dose.

BACKGROUNDOvarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is one of the most life-threatening complications of assisted reproduction treatments. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists (GnRHanta) are thought to be effective in preventing this complication, and some clinical trials have found lower incidences of OHSS in patients treated with GnRHanta. Our aim was to investigate the effects of GnRHanta on vascular permeability and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors in a rat model of OHSS.

METHODSAn immature early OHSS rat model was established. Three ovarian stimulation protocols were used: pregnant mare serum gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) alone, with a GnRHanta, or with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa). Blood and tissue samples were collected at 48 hours after hCG administration. Vascular permeability was evaluated by measuring the Evans-Blue content of extravasated peritoneal fluids. The expression of VEGF and its receptors, including flt-1 and KDR, were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.

RESULTSTreatment with both a GnRHanta and a GnRHa resulted in significant reductions in serum estradiol and peritoneal vascular permeability, as well as decreased ovarian expression of VEGF and its two receptors. However, GnRHanta treatment caused a greater reduction in serum estradiol concentrations, and in VEGF receptor mRNA expression than GnRHa. There were no significant reductions in the expression of VEGF or its receptors in extra-ovarian tissues, including the liver, lungs and peritoneum.

CONCLUSIONOur results reveal that GnRHanta are more potent than GnRHa in preventing early OHSS through down-regulation of the expression of VEGF and its receptors in hyperstimulated ovaries.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Chorionic Gonadotropin ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone ; analogs & derivatives ; antagonists & inhibitors ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the extensibility and retractility of the surgical margins in digestive system neoplasms.

METHODSThe length difference of the digestive tract was measured in vivo and in vitro under different conditions. Five cm of the stomach, small intestine and large bowel and 2 cm of the esophagus were measured as standard control length in vivo just before resection. The length was measured with a ruler under pull of 500 g and 1 000 g in vivo, in fresh status in vitro, and 10% formaldehyde fixed for 6 - 8 h, 12 - 24 h and 48 - 72 h. The extension or retraction ratio was calculated. The length difference was divided by the natural length in vivo.

RESULTSSeventeen cases of the esophagus, 18 cases of the stomach, 15 cases of the small intestine and 25 cases of the large bowel were measured under pull of 500 g and 1 000 g. The esophagus extended 16.5% and 30.5%, stomach 15.0% and 22.6%, small intestine 66.4% and 120.0%, large bowel 36.0% and 56.0% respectively. In natural status ex vivo, the esophagus retracted 44.5%, stomach 13.6%, small intestine 11.4% and large bowel 15.6% respectively; they continue to retract after 10% formaldehyde fixation until 12 - 24 h later. If the length of surgical margin of the fresh specimen ex vivo was x, the natural length of margin in vivo of the esophagus would be 1.80 x, stomach 1.16 x, small intestine 1.13 x, and large bowel 1.18 x. If formaldehyde fixation for 6 - 8 h, the natural length of surgical margin in vivo of the esophagus would be 1.82 x, stomach 1.41 x, small intestine 1.22 x, large bowel 1.55 x. If formaldehyde fixation for 12 - 24 h, the surgical margin length in vivo of the esophagus would be 2.22 x, stomach 1.43 x, small intestine 1.28 x, and large bowel 1.57 x.

CONCLUSIONThe length of surgical margin of digestive system cancers varied under different conditions, and the evaluation of surgical margin during surgery should be performed under natural status in vivo.

Adult ; Aged ; Digestive System Neoplasms ; surgery ; Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

Objective To understand the incidence and characteristics of nonfatal drowning among primary and middle school students in rural area and to provide basic information for intervention.Methods A rural town was selected and all students from 3th-8th grades,10th grade and 11th grade were studied.All data were collected,using a self-administrated questionnaires which was guided by investigator.Results The overall incidence rate of nonfatal drowning was 5.65%(549/9732)and were 7.69%,5.80%,2.39%for primary,secondary and high school students,respectively.Male students had a higher rate(7.14%)than that of females(4.03%).The incidence rates of non-treated,treated in emergency and under hospitalization were 4.52%,0.77% and 0.35%.The major reasons of drowning were swimming (46.88%),falling into waters(15.67%),diving(13.79%)and rescuing others(6.24%).The proportion of drowning occurred in the afternoon,evening,at noon or in the morning were 59.94%,15.64%,14.77%and 9.65%respectively.The common sites of drowning were river/lake(42.48%),swimming pool(19.56%),reservoir(11.39%)and pond(4.38%).66.76%of the drowning cases were witnessed by other person,and 17.86%were conscious when being removed from waters.Conclusion The incidence of nonfatal drowning among students in rural areas was high,and the natural body of waters was the most common site causing drowning while swimming was the major reason of drowning.Intervention targeting on primary and middle sehool students in rural should be carried out to reduce the incidence.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of Csk-binding protein (CBP) in esophageal carcinoma and its association with the tumorigenesis and progression of esophageal cancer.

METHODSRT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to determine the expressions of CBP at the mRNA and protein levels in 50 pairs of fresh esophageal carcinoma tissue and the adjacent normal tissues.

RESULTSCBP mRNA and protein expressions in normal tissues were 1.43- and 1.28-fold higher than those in the cancer tissues, respectively (P<0.05). The expressions of CBP mRNA and protein were positively correlated (P=0.015). The decreased expressions of CBP were significantly correlated to lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe expression of CBP gene is decreased in esophageal carcinoma, which might contribute to the tumorigenesis and progression of this malignancy.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Down-Regulation ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; src-Family Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective:To analyze the expression of targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2) in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) and its clinical significance.Methods:The postoperative tissue samples of 54 patients with KIRC admitted to the Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from July 2017 to June 2019 were collected. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of TPX2 in renal carcinoma and paracancerous tissues. The difference of TPX2 mRNA expression between KIRC tissues and normal tissues was analyzed by using the TIMER database, which verified the immunohistochemical results. The UALCAN database and the Kaplan-Meier plotter database were used to analyze the relationship between TPX2 mRNA expression and clinical stage, molecular subtypes, lymph node metastasis, and prognosis of patients with KIRC. The protein interaction network was constructed by STRING database to obtain TPX2-related proteins, and the genes corresponding to the related proteins were enriched for the KEGG pathway. The relationship between TPX2 expression and immune cell infiltration and the immune checkpoint was studied by using the TIMER database.Results:Immunohistochemical results showed that the positive expression rate of TPX2 protein was 48.15% (26/54) in cancer tissues, which was higher than that in paracancerous tissues (20.37%, 11/54) ( χ2=9.25, P=0.002). The results of bioinformatics analysis showed that TPX2 mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated in KIRC [cancer tissue: 1.89 (1.49, 2.42), normal tissue: 0.35 (0.24, 0.57), U=2 297.00, P<0.001]. The expression of TPX2 mRNA was related to the clinical stage ( χ2=34.36, P<0.001), molecular subtypes ( χ2=30.15, P<0.001), and lymph node metastasis status ( χ2=27.21, P<0.001) of KIRC patients. The 5-year survival rate (53.80%) in patients with high TPX2 expression was lower than that in patients with low TPX2 expression (74.40%, χ2=18.87, P<0.001). STRING database protein interaction network construction obtained 20 TPX2-related proteins, and the genes corresponding to the related proteins were enriched in the cell cycle. The expression of TPX2 was positively correlated with B cells ( r=0.30, P<0.001), CD8 + T cells ( r=0.23, P<0.001), CD4 + T cells ( r=0.18, P<0.001), macrophages ( r=0.20, P<0.001), neutrophils ( r=0.31, P<0.001), dendritic cells ( r=0.39, P<0.001) infiltration and most of its biomarkers (all P<0.05). It was positively correlated with immune checkpoint PD-1 ( r=0.31, P<0.001) and CTLA-4 ( r=0.27, P<0.001), but not correlated with PD-L1 ( r=0.07, P=0.146) . Conclusion:TPX2 is highly expressed in KIRC and is closely associated with poor prognosis. It is expected to be a new therapeutic target for KIRC.

Objective To discuss the health education needs of patients with hyperuricemia among Henlan district in Guangdong province so as to improve the effect of health education.Methods Adopted self-designed questionnaire survey forms,we conducted the investigation about content,time and way needs of the health education on 763 patients with hyperuricemia among coastal town in Guangdong from January to December 2011.Results Of the 733 distributed questionnaires,totally 689 questionnaire were retrieved,the effective resporvse rate was 94％.Influences of patient's age,time length of disease and time to select the health education on the patient' s demand of health education had the statistical significance (x2 =23.96,10.32,543.81; P ＜ 0.05).The demand of old patients regarding the health education reached 92.9％,and the demand factor of the patients with disease for 1-3 months about the health education was 93.4％,77.2％ of patients thought that the best time for receiving the health education was afternoon.And there was no significance difference in the education degree and the health education needs different of the patients (P ＞0.05).The choices of health education content needs of the patients were that 91％ of patients selected the prevention and treatment method and effect of the hyperuricemia,92.5％ of patients selected habits and customs which may easily cause the hyperuricemia,90％ of patients selected damage of the hyperuricemia.The choices of health education ways were as follows:91％ of patients selected the health knowledge lecture,90％ of patients selected the communication between doctor and patient,89％ of patients selected the introduction of ward mate' s experience.Conclusions Through the analysis on health education content and way needs of farmer group patients with hyperuricemia,more scientific,convenient and efficient health education services can be provided for patients.