Objective To assess the prenatal features of dural sinus malformation (DSM) by ultrasound. Methods The prenatal ultrasonography and MRI examination were applied in three fetuses who were suspected as brain abnormalities and transferred to Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital for detailed antenatal ultrasound examination. Comparative analysis was performed on MRI, autopsy and prenatal ultrasonography. The prenatal characteristics were summarized. Results In the sonograms of all three cases, the torcular Herophili and superior sagittal sinus were dilated. No blood lfow was detected within or around lesions by color Doppler imaging. Posterior intracranial dual sinus thrombosis was detected in one case. MRI examinations were applied in two fetuses. The results of prenatal ultrasonography were consisted with those of MRI, MRI imaging showed dilated torcular Herophili and superior sagittal sinus with short T1 and short T2 signal. The thrombosis was presented as iso-hypointense with focal eccentric hyperintense. One case was undertook autopsy and the result was consisted with the prenatal sonographic findings. Conclusions The typical sonographic features of DSM is dilated torcular Herophili and superior sagittal sinus with no blood lfow in color Doppler imaging. DSM should be excluded when anechoic area was detected at the rear part of midline.

OBJECTIVETo explore the association of 8-hydroxyguanine glycosidase OGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism with semen quality and the risk of male infertility.

METHODSThis case-control study included 620 idiopathic infertile patients and 385 normal fertile controls. We determined their genotypes by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and analyzed their semen quality by computer-aided semen analysis (CASA).

RESULTSThe individuals with OGG1 326 Cys/Cys showed significantly lower sperm motility and concentration ([52.1 +/- 26.7]% and (3.75 +/- 0.91) x 10(6)/ml, ln transformed value) than the Ser/Ser carriers ([59.0 +/- 21.8] % and (4.12 +/- 0.88) x 10(6)/ml, ln transformed value) (P < 0.05). The risk of male infertility increased 69% in the OGG1 326Cys allele carriers as compared with the Ser carriers (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.24 -2.31).

CONCLUSIONOGG1 326 Ser/Cys polymorphism might contribute to the risk of male infertility in the southern Chinese population.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; DNA Glycosylases ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Semen Analysis ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the evaluation value of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) combined with S-100B protein in the severity and prognosis in patients with acute subdural hematoma ( ASDH).Methods Eighty cases of ASDH patients and 20 cases of healthy check-up were selected.MRS was used to test NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, NAA/Cho, and Glx /Cr in thalamus and corpus callosum.The blood S-100B protein was detected in 72 h after injury.The relationships of those MRS detection indices with glasgow coma scale ( GCS) and glasgow prognostic score ( GOS) for 2 months after injury were analyzed .Results MRS detection in-dex and the S100B protein in ASDH were compared between each group relative to normal control group , all difference had statistical significance ( P <0.05).As aggravating the severity of traumatic brain injury , Cho/Cr, Glx/Cr ratio, and S-100B protein concentra-tion were elevated , and NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr were reduced .All differences were statistically significant among poor recovery , good recovery, and normal control groups ( P <0.05).For patients with traumatic brain injury, there were worse prognosis, the higher ra-tios of Cho/Cr and Glx/Cr, higher concentration of S-100B protein, and lower ratios of NAA/Cho and of NAA/Cr.GCS score and GOS scores were negatively correlated with Cho/Cr and Glx/Cr ratios of corpus callosum , and were positively correlated with NAA/Cho, NAA/Cr ratios of corpus callosum .S-100B protein was positively correlated with Cho/Cr and Glx/Cr, and was negatively correlated with NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr.MRS combined S-100B can improve the prognosis of patients with up to the accuracy of 81%.Conclu-sions MRS detection in the early stage after injury of ASDH patients has important value in assessment of the severity of the injury and its prognosis , the accuracy of assessment of prognosis is improved with a combination of MRS detection and blood S -100 B protein meas-urement.

To optimize indices of molecular identification for authentication of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Panacis Quinquefolii Radix, four indices, including sequence similarity, specific positions, genetic distance and phylogenetic tree, were compared based on trnL-trnF sequences. Total DNA was extracted from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Panacis Quinquefolii Radix, and trL-trnF sequences were amplified and sequenced. Sequence similarity was calculated by BLAST analysis. Specific positions were compared by DNAman software. Genetic distance and phylogenetic tree were analyzed by Mega software. The results showed that the inter-specific and intra-specific similarity of P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius respectively was 100% and 99. 6%. There were four specific positions at G153A, T463A, C732G and T818C. The inter-specific genetic distance (0) of trL-trnF sequences was lower than intra-specific genetic distance (0. 004). P. ginseng can be distinguished from P. quinquefolius based on the phylogenetic tree. It is concluded that Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Panacis Quinquefolii Radix can be authenticated by identification indices of sequence similarity, specific positions, genetic distance and phylogenetic tree. Index of specific positions based on trnL-trnF sequences is the most efficient index to authenticate Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Panacis Quinquefolii Radix.
Chloroplasts ; genetics ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; methods ; Panax ; classification ; genetics ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; Rhizome ; classification ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the co-effect of Demand-control-support (DCS) model and Effort-reward Imbalance (ERI) model on the risk estimation of depression in humans in comparison with the effects when they are used respectively.

METHODSA total of 3 632 males and 1 706 females from 13 factories and companies in Henan province were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Perceived job stress was evaluated with the Job Content Questionnaire and Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (Chinese version). Depressive symptoms were assessed by using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).

RESULTSDC (demands/job control ratio) and ERI were shown to be independently associated with depressive symptoms. The outcome of low social support and overcommitment were similar. High DC and low social support (SS), high ERI and high overcommitment, and high DC and high ERI posed greater risks of depressive symptoms than each of them did alone. ERI model and SS model seem to be effective in estimating the risk of depressive symptoms if they are used respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe DC had better performance when it was used in combination with low SS. The effect on physical demands was better than on psychological demands. The combination of DCS and ERI models could improve the risk estimate of depressive symptoms in humans.

Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Depression ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Stress, Psychological

BACKGROUNDLeft ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony has been described to occur in patients with myocardial infarction. Dyssynchrony of left ventricular mechanical contraction produces adverse hemodynamic consequences. This study aimed to test the capacity of geometric rebuilding by aneurysm plication to restore a more synchronous contractile pattern after a mechanical, rather than electrical, intervention.

METHODSA total of sixty patients with anterior myocardial infarction, QRS duration < 120 ms, electively undergoing operation between January 2008 and January 2010 were included for analysis. Real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography was performed to assess LV function, LV systolic and diastolic dyssynchrony by measuring ejection fraction (EF), peak ejection rate (PER), peak filling rate (PFR) and LV dyssynchrony. LV dyssynchrony was defined as the systolic dyssynchrony of the time to reach the minimum systolic volume for 16 LV segments, expressed in percent cardiac cycle, systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI). We compared changes of LV dyssynchrony at different interval times.

RESULTSLV contraction was significantly asynchronous because preoperative SDI was higher, EF, PER and PFR were lowered. Compared with function after operation, LV mechanical intraventricular resynchronization was improved with decreased SDI ((8.7 ± 0.5)% vs. (14.3 ± 1.6)%, P = 0.01); LV function was improved with EF increasing ((43 ± 9)% vs. (37 ± 7)%, P = 0.001), and LV systolic and diastolic dyssynchrony was improved with more rapid PFR (199.4 ± 15.6 vs. 148.4 ± 21.2, P = 0.002) and PER (212.4 ± 14.5 vs. 156.3 ± 26.2, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONSSystolic and diastolic dyssynchrony was highly prevalent in patients with aneurysm, irrespective of QRS duration. Aneurysm plication produces a mechanical intraventricular resynchronization.

Aged ; Aneurysm ; surgery ; Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Radiography

Gastric cancer is the second most common cancer in China. Alcohol consumption is related to gastric cancer as a sig-nificant risk factor. Some key enzymes is expected to influence the alcohol-associated metabolism. There are many molecular mechanisms of alcohol-related gastric cancer, such as generation of acetaldehyde by microbiome, inflammation, up-regulation of Pol Ⅲ genes, carcinogen-DNA adduct formation and genetic polymorphisms of alcohol metabolizing enzymes. Different types and concentrations of alcohol have different effects on the devel-opment of gastric cancer. This review presents a systematic ex-position on the molecular mechanism of alcohol-associated gastric cancer.

15 scores were randomly divided into therapeutic group (30 cases)and control group(30 cases).The two groups were treated with the same conventional therapy. From the 1st day of admission,Xuebijing injection 80 ml was given by intravenous drip once for every 12 hours for 7 days to the therapeutic group.The level of tumor necrosis factor-?(TNF-?),interleukin-1?(IL-1?),IL-6,IL-10,and APACHEⅡscore were tested on 1,3,5 and 7 days after admission.The case fatality and incidences rates of sepsis and MODS in both groups were recorded.Results Compared with the control group,APACHEⅡscore,TNF-?,IL-1?,IL-6 and IL-10 of the therapeutic group were lower significantly on the 3rd day after admission,especially on the 5th day(all P

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of detachable balloons,detachable coils and intracranial covered stents in management of intracranial giant aneurysms.Methods From April 1998 to March 2006,20 patients with a giant or very large aneurysm were treated by parent artery occlusion(PAO), coils embolization and covered stent,in which 9 aneurysms were treated by PAO,8 by coils embolization and 3 by covered stent at initial management.Two recurrent aneurysms treated by coils embolization were performed by covered stent.Follow-up 9-83 months,mean 41.1?25.3 months.Immediate postprocedural angiographic outcomes were categorized as complete occlusion(100%),subtotal occlusion(95%-99%),and incomplete occlusion(＜95%)of the aneurysms;and follow-up angiographic outcomes were categorized as stable, thrombosis,and recanalization.Clinical outcomes were graded according to a modified Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).Results Endovascular treatment was technically feasible in all aneurysms without procedural-related complications.Immediate postprocedural angiograms showed complete occlusion was achieved in 11 aneurysms, subtotal occlusion in 7 and incomplete occlusion in 2.One patient with incomplete occlusion died on the seventh day with a rebleeding.The final angiographic findings in nineteen survival patients confirmed a complete occlusion in 15 aneurysms,subtotal occlusion in 3 and incomplete occlusion in 1,in which 10 parent arteries were successfully preserved.No rebleeding occurred during the follow-up period.The clinical evaluation performed at final follow-up in 19 patients revealed that the symptoms disappeared in 11 patients and improved in 8 in the modified GOS.Conclusions Treatment of giant intracranial aneurysms with coiling was associated with a low complete occlusion rate and a high recanalization rate.Treatment with endovascular parent artery occlusion remains practical,but this technique may result in damage to the parent artery and cause cerebral ischemic events.The use of an intracranial covered stent proved to be a relatively simple and safe procedure and maintained the pateney of the parent artery.

OBJECTIVESan'ao Decoction (, SAD), as a representative Chinese medicine (CM) formula, was chosen to evaluate the effect of airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) enhanced asthma model.

METHODSThe asthma model was reproduced in the Balb/C mice sensitized by ovalbumin (OVA), challenged by OVA and LPS. After Balb/C mice's administration of a dose (0.0024 g/kg) of dexamethasone acetate, and three doses (2.2 g/kg, 4.4 g/kg and 8.8 g/kg) of SAD, airway inflammation and responsiveness were observed. The airway inflammation was detected by counting bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells and lung histopathology. Also, differential expressions of interferon-r (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and IL-5 in the supernatants of BALF were examined. The changes in airway responsiveness indicated by lung resistance (R(L)) and stimulated by acetylcholine (Ach) were determined.

RESULTSSmall-dose SAD hardly inhibit airway inflammation or hyperresponsiveness in the LPS-enhanced asthma, while medium-dose and high-dose SAD significantly inhibited the airway hyperresponsiveness, and to some extent, reduced airway inflammation. Meanwhile, the small-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose SAD promoted Th1-type cytokines (IFN-γ) and reduced Th2-type cytokines (IL-4, IL-5) to different extents, which led to a Th1/Th2 balance.

CONCLUSIONSAD has a good therapeutic effect on airway hyperresponsiveness in the LPS-enhanced asthma model, but its definite influence on airway inflammation is not remarkable.

Animals ; Asthma ; chemically induced ; complications ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Bronchial Hyperreactivity ; complications ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; cytology ; Cell Count ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Interferon-gamma ; metabolism ; Interleukin-4 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-5 ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Lung ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Pneumonia ; complications ; drug therapy ; pathology