Objective To observe the effects of paeonol on collagen induced arthritis (CIA) and investigate its mechanisms. Methods The tentative arthritis mice model was created by injecting type Ⅱ collagen. The severity degree of RA was scored according to the rating criteria after treatment with paeonol. ELISA method was employed to detect the levels of IL-12, TNF-2, IFN-γ and anti-type Ⅱ collagen autoantibody. The efficacy of paeonol was compared with that of MTX (the positive control) and PBS was used as the negative control. Results We found that paeonol could alleviate severe RA, inhibit the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12, TNF-2, IFN-γ and reduce the level of anti-type Ⅱ collagen autoantibody in serum, which was similar with MTX. Conclusion The results show that paeonol has a reliable therapeutic effect for RA. This study has provided a good clue for the future research and development of medications for the treatment of RA.

Purpose To investigate the effect of silencing of CD98hc on proliferation,migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.Methods RNA interfere technology was used to silence CD98hc in MDA-MB-231 cells.MDA-MB-231 cells (CD98hc-shRNA) with stable low expression of CD98hc and Vector control was obtained.Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to verify the down-regulation of CD98hc.MTT assay was used to test the cell proliferation.Transwell migration and invasion experiment were used to assay cell migration and invasion.Results The expression levels of CD98hc was down-regulated by CD98hc-shRNA in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.Compared to that of blank cells (0.706 ± 0.013),vector control (0.724 ± 0.018),the cell proliferation potency of CD98hc-shRNA cells (0.580-0.035) was significantly inhibited (P ＜ 0.05),and the cell migration and invasion potency also were inhibited (P ＜ 0.05),there is on significant different between blank cells and vector control (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion CD98hc might be involved in the regulation of breast cancer cell biological behaviors.

PURPOSE: To determine the duration of antimuscarinic therapy for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) appropriate for assessment of the efficacy of treatment, and to evaluate the possible predictive factors for response to therapy. METHODS: All OAB patients who visited a urology outpatient clinic of a tertiary referral center and who were prescribed 5 mg of solifenacin or 4 mg of tolterodine extended release capsules daily were enrolled in the study. Patients were asked to continue therapy for 6 months. All enrolled patients completed the patient perception of bladder condition, overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), and the modified Indevus Urgency Severity Scale questionnaires. All patients underwent uroflowmetry. RESULTS: A total of 164 patients were enrolled and 125 patients (76%) had at least one follow-up visit. The mean follow-up interval was 1 month (range, 0.5-6 months). Sixty-two patients (49.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 40.7-58.5) responded to antimuscarinic treatment. The median time for the onset of response was 3 months (95% CI, 1-6). Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model revealed that elevated baseline OABSS was an independent predictor of responsiveness to therapy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed an optimal OABSS cutoff value of > or =7, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70-0.88; sensitivity, 91.9%; specificity, 60.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The median time for a therapeutic response was 3 months, and OABSS was the only predictor for responsiveness. These findings may serve as a guideline when prescribing antimuscarinic treatment for OAB patients.
Ambulatory Care Facilities ; Capsules ; Cholinergic Antagonists ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Solifenacin Succinate ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Tolterodine Tartrate ; Treatment Outcome ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Bladder, Overactive* ; Urology

OBJECTIVETo prepare antibodies against pORF5 plasmid protein of Chlamydia trachomatis and develop double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (DAS-ELISAs) for the detection of genital C. trachomatis infections.

METHODSThe pORF5 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and used to immunize BALB/c mice and New Zealand rabbits to produce monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and polyclonal antibody (pAb) for DAS-ELISAs. Clinical samples from 186 urogenital infection patients (groups I) and 62 healthy donors (groups II) were detected in parallel by the DAS-ELISAs developed in this study and by IDEIA PCE commercial ELISA.

RESULTSTwo hybridoma cell lines, named 2H4 and 4E6, stably secreting specific mAbs against pORF5 were obtained. The mAb 2H4 was recognized by 32 (17.20%, positive recognition rate) and 25 (13.44%), mAb 2H4 by 0 (0%) and 2 (3.22%) samples from groups I and II, respectively. The sensitivities of mAbs 2H4 and 4E6 were 92.11% and 77.78% and the specificities were 100% and 96.88%, respectively in relation to the IDEIA PCE commercial ELISA. The sensitivities of detection for the DAS-ELISAs were 10 ng/mL (based on 2H4) and 18 ng/mL (based on 4E6).

CONCLUSIONTwo DAS-ELISAs were developed in this study that provided a feasible and effective assay that could be considered alternative tools for the serodiagnosis of C. trachomatis infection.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Chlamydia Infections ; diagnosis ; Chlamydia trachomatis ; pathogenicity ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Urogenital System ; microbiology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVESTo explore the clinical features of traumatic atlantoaxial instability combined with subaxial cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI), and to analyze the feasibility, indication and therapeutic effects of anterior-posterior approach in such cases.

METHODSFrom March 2004 to September 2009, 16 cases with this trauma were admitted and surgically treated in our department. Before surgery, skull traction was performed. Posterior atlantoaxial pedicle screw internal fixation and bone graft fusion were conducted to manage traumatic atlantoaxial instability. As for subaxial CSCI, anterior cervical corpectomy or discectomy decompression, bone grafting and internal fixation with steel plates were applied.

RESULTSAll operations were successful. The average operation time was 3 hours and operative blood loss 400 ml. Satisfactory reduction of both the upper and lower cervical spine and complete decompression were achieved. All patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months. Their clinical symptoms were improved by various levels. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores ranged from 10 to 16 one year postoperatively, 13.95+/-2.06 on average(improvement rate equal to 70.10%). X-rays, spiral CT and MRI confirmed normal cervical alignments, complete decompression and fine implants'position. There was no breakage or loosening of screws, nor exodus of titanium mesh or implanted bone blocks. The grafted bone achieved fusion 3-6 months postoperatively and no atlantoaxial instability was observed.

CONCLUSIONSTraumatic atlantoaxial instability may combine with subaxial CSCI, misdiagnosis of which should be especially alerted and avoided. For severe cases, one stage anterior-posterior approach to decompress the upper and lower cervical spine, together with reposition, bone grafting and fusion, as well as internal fixation can immediately restore the normal alignments and stability of the cervical spine and effectively improve the spinal nervous function, thus being an ideal approach.

Aged ; Atlanto-Axial Joint ; injuries ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Instability ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; diagnosis ; surgery

Objective To investigate the radioactivity levels in foods in environmental protection area around a decommissioned uranium mine in Yunnan province,in order to timely discover the release of radioactive substances and to provide accumulated baseline data.Methods Radioactivity levels in grains,vegetables and fresh tea at 20 sampling points were measured in the environmental protection area within 3 km of a decommissioned the uranium mine.After field pretreatment and laboratory preparation,the radionuclides in samples were analyzed by means of γ spectrometry.Results Radionuclides in foods in the area mainly include natural radionuclides (238 U,232Th,226Ra,40 K) and man-made radionuclide (137 Cs).Radioactivity level of 238U,232Th,226Ra and 40K was (0.17 ± 0.05),(0.25 ± 0.17),(0.43 ±0.28)and (103.49 ±25.10)Bq/kg(fresh weight),respectively.Radioactivity levels of 232Th,226Ra,40K and 137Cs in fresh tea were all higher than those in grains and vegetables.Conclusions Radioactivity levels in foods around the area are lower than the relevant national limits.No man-made radionuclide other than 137Cs was found in the area.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlations among the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), International Prostate Symptom Score–Storage Subscore (IPSS-S), and the modified Urgency Severity Scale (USS) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and hypersensitive bladder (HSB) and to identify the most useful diagnostic tool for classifying the severity of OAB. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of consecutive patients with OAB who visited our urologic clinics for treatment. All patients underwent a detailed history, physical examination, urinalysis, uroflowmetry, and postvoid residual volume measurement, and completed a 3-day voiding diary. All patients answered the Chinese versions of the IPSS, OABSS, and USS, according to which they were classified as having wet or dry OAB based on whether their chief complaint was urgency urinary incontinence or urgency without incontinence. HSB was defined as a functional bladder capacity <350 mL and a USS of 0 or 1. RESULTS: The records of 325 OAB patients (99 women and 226 men) were reviewed. The OAB subgroups included HSB (n=31), OAB-dry (n=74), and OAB-wet (n=220). One-way analysis of variance showed significant differences among the OAB subgroups evaluated using each scoring system. Each scoring system was significantly correlated with the OAB subgroups. The Spearman rho was 0.983 for the USS, 0.651 for the OABSS, and 0.428 for the IPSS-S. CONCLUSIONS: The IPSS-S, OABSS, and USS showed good correlations with the OAB subgroups. Their ranking in terms of discriminant ability for classifying OAB severity as HSB, OAB-dry, and OAB-wet was USS>OABSS>IPSS-S. The simplest survey, the USS, with a single item scored from 0 to 4, had the strongest correlation with the OAB severity subgroups.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Female ; Humans ; Physical Examination ; Prostate* ; Residual Volume ; Retrospective Studies ; Urinalysis ; Urinary Bladder* ; Urinary Bladder, Overactive* ; Urinary Incontinence

PURPOSE: To identify factors predicting the presence of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB)-wet, compared with OAB-dry. METHODS: Between September 2007 and September 2013, the medical records of 623 women with OAB who completed a 3-day bladder diary and underwent urodynamic studies in a medical center were retrospectively reviewed. OAB-wet was diagnosed in patients who complained of at least one episode of urgency incontinence in the previous month; otherwise, OAB-dry was diagnosed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to predict the presence of OAB-wet. RESULTS: Age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; P<0.001), maximal flow rate (Qmax) (OR,1.06; P<0.001), voided volume (OR, 0.996; P=0.001), detrusor pressure at maximal flow rate (PdetQmax) (OR, 1.02; P=0.003), urgency episodes (OR, 1.04; P<0.001) and urodynamic stress incontinence (OR,1.78; P=0.01) were independent predictors for the presence of OAB-wet vs. OAB-dry. If we use bladder contractility index as a variable for multivariable logistic regression analysis, bladder contractility index (OR, 1.012; P<0.001) become an independent predictor for OAB-wet. CONCLUSIONS: A smaller bladder capacity and more frequent urgency episodes were predictors of OAB-wet, and the above findings indicate that OAB-wet and OAB-dry might be a continuum of OAB. Old age, high Qmax, high PdetQmax and urodynamic stress incontinence were also predictors for OAB-wet, and the above results reveal that OAB-wet and OAB-dry have partially different clinical and urodynamic features. Further studies might be performed to elucidate whether different treatment strategies between OAB-dry and OAB-wet can improve treatment efficacy.
Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Medical Records ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Bladder, Overactive ; Urodynamics

Objective To explore the effect of chondroitin sulfate enzyme ABC (chABC) on glial scar in rat models of brain traumatic injury (TBI). Methods Thirty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including normal control group (n=2), model group (rat models of TBI,n=9), 1.0 U/mL chABC treatment group (n=9), 2.5 U/ml chABC treatment group (n=9) and 5.0 U/ml chABC treatment group (n=9). After performing TBI by free falling in the later 4 groups, rats of the model group were given no treatment, while those of the other 3 groups were administrated with different concentrations of chABC by local injection respectively. One, 2 and 4 w after TBI, HE staining was performed on the brain tissues of these rat models;and immunohistochemical assay and Western blotting were employed to evaluate the secreting of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) and the therapeutic effect of chABC on glial scar. Data were statistically analyzed using t-test. Results Pathological test revealed the scars in the treatment groups were significantly fewer than those in the model group 2 w after TBI, with 5.0 U/mL chABC treatment group enjoying the fewest level (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical assay showed that the secreting of CSPGs in the treatment groups and model group was significantly increased than that in normal control group 2 w after TBI (P<0.05);the 5.0 U/ml chABC treatment group showed an obvious reduction of CSPGs secreting as compared with the model group (P<0.05). Western blotting indicated that the treatment groups showed an obvious reduction of CSPGs secreting as compared with the model group 1, 2 and 4 w after TBI (P<0.05);an obvious gradual reduction of CSPGs secreting in the model group, 2.5 and 5.0 U/ml chABC treatment groups was noted 1, 2 and 4 w after TBI (P<0.05). Conclusion ChABC could degrade the glial scar by degrading the CSPGs molecules and improve the microenvironment of local axonal regeneration after TBI;In this experiment, the highest concentration of chABC (5U/ml) shows the best effect on removing the glial scar.

Purpose: The Q-tip test is used to measure urethral hypermobility and can predict surgical outcomes. However, certain factors may affect the reliability of this test. Our aim was to identify independent clinical and urodynamic predictors of the results of the Q-tip test. Methods: Between January 2014 and June 2019, 176 consecutive women with lower urinary tract symptoms who underwent the Q-tip test and urodynamic studies were included in this retrospective study. Results: Multivariable regression analysis revealed that age (regression coefficient, -0.55), point Ba (regression coefficient, 4.1), urodynamic stress incontinence (regression coefficient, 9.9), maximum flow rate (Qmax) (regression coefficient, 0.13), pressure transmission ratio (PTR) at maximum urethral pressure (MUP) (regression coefficient, -0.14), and the score on the fifth question of the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQQ5; “Has urine leakage affected your participation in social activities outside your home?”; regression coefficient, -4.1) were independent predictors of the Q-tip angle, with a constant of 87.0. The following Spearman rank correlation coefficients were found between the Q-tip angle and the following variables: age, -0.38; point Ba, 0.34; urodynamic stress incontinence, 0.32; Qmax, 0.28; PTR at MUP, -0.28; and IIQQ5, -0.23. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis for the prediction of urodynamic stress incontinence found that the optimum cutoff for PTR at MUP was <81%, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.70. Conclusions Age, point Ba, urodynamic stress incontinence, Qmax, PTR at MUP, and IIQQ5 were independent predictors of the Q-tip angle. However, none of these could be used as effective surrogates for the Q-tip test due to their lack of a sufficient correlation.