Adult ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; therapeutic use ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Tripterygium ; chemistry

ObjectiveTo observe and compare the efficacy of two types of microencapsulated rat islets xenotransplanted into diabetic mice. MethodsThe mice diabetic model made with injecting 3% Streptozotosin through tail vein. Four groups were assigned: control group, naked islet transplantation group, alginate-BaCl2 microencapsulated islet transplantation group, agarose-PSSa microencapsulated islet transplantation group.300 islets were transplanted under the renal envelope of each diabetic mice respectively. ResultsThere were no significant difference in mean level of the blood glucose before transplantation among four groups. One week after transplantation, the respective mean level of the blood glucose in four groups were (7.26±1.56) mmol/L in alginate-BaCl2 microencapsulated islet transplantation group, (7.14±1.04) mmol/L in agarose-PSSa microencapsulated islet transplantation group, (7.42±1.52) mmol/L in naked islet transplantation group and (22.54±1.24) mmol/L in control. There were significant difference between the two encapsulated islet groups and the other two groups. The survived period of the two encapsulated islet transplantation groups were longer than that of the other two groups. The survived period of the alginate-BaCl2 microencapsulated islet transplantation group was longer than that of the agarose-PSSa microencapsulated islet transplantation group (92 d vs 56 d),the same as the time of keeping nomal blood glucose level (76 d vs 41 d). ConclusionMicroencapsulated rat islets with this two materials can survive in diabetic mice with their biological activity, and the alginate-BaCl2 microcapsules are better than the agarose-PSSa microcapsules.

This study aimed to investigate the reconstruction of the thumb and finger extension function in patients with middle and lower trunk root avulsion injuries of the brachial plexus.From April 2010 to January 2015,we enrolled in this study 4 patients diagnosed with middle and lower trunk root avulsion injuries of the brachial plexus via imaging tests,electrophysiological examinations,and clinical confirmation.Muscular branches of the radial nerve,which innervate the supinator in the forearm,were transposed to the posterior interosseous nerve to reconstruct the thumb and finger extension function.Electrophysiological findings and muscle strength of the extensor pollicis longus and extensor digitorum communis,as well as the distance between the thumb tip and index finger tip,were monitored.All patients were followed up for 24 to 30 months,with an average of 27.5 months.Motor unit potentials (MUP) of the extensor digitorum communis appeared at an average of 3.8 months,while MUP of the extensor pollicis longus appeared at an average of 7 months.Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) appeared at an average of 9 months in the extensor digitorum communis,and 12 months in the extensor pollicis longus.Furthermore,the muscle strength of the extensor pollicis longus and extensor digitorum communis both reached grade Ⅲ at 21 months.Lastly,the average distance between the thumb tip and index finger tip was 8.8 cm at 21 months.In conclusion,for patients with middle and lower trunk injuries of the brachial plexus,transposition of the muscular branches of the radial nerve innervating the supinator to the posterior interosseous nerve for the reconstruction of thumb and finger extension function is practicable and feasible.

Based on the electric field shielding and insulation technology, the single electrode dielectric barrier discharge ion source ( DBDI ) has the characteristics of uniform discharging, stability, and high ionization energy, and thus can be used to detect various samples with a large range of polarity. However, the ionization energy is too high to reduce the background signal noise, and thus affects the detection effectiveness to low polarity and low boiling point samples. To enhance the detection effectiveness to these samples, a method of eliminating electrons of single electrode DBDI by using external metal electrodes was developed in this study. Then, the single electrode DBDI was improved by an external needle electrode and an external metal net, respectively. The mechanism of those external metal electrodes was discussed, and the experimental studies were carried out. The results showed that the external metal net technology had an advantage in improving signal to noise ratio ( SNR ) , and the enhancement of SNR for the detection of isoprocarb, perfluorooctanoic acid and SudanⅢwas about 5-6 times. Based on the technology, a method for determination of Sudan Ⅲ in chili powder was developed. The recoveries, RSD and LOD were 83. 7%-94. 6% , 5. 6%-9. 0% and 23 mg/kg, respectively. The external metal electrode technique has broadened the detection range of single electrode DBDI to the field of low polarity, low boiling point and complex samples.

Objective To estimate the intangible cost and associated factors on patients with hepatitis B-related diseases, so as to explore the differences of the three elicitation techniques on the health economics-related information by trained investigators, using a structured questionnaire. WTP was employed to estimate the intangible cost while an open-ended question format, together with iterative bidding game and payment card were respectively used to elicit WTP for the hypothetical cure of hepatitis B-related diseases. A Multiple linear stepwise regression model was determined to identify those factors potentially affecting the intangible cost. Results A total of 564 subjects from 641 patients with hepatitis B-related diseases were identified for the inclusion of this study. The average annual intangible cost of patient with hepatitis B-related diseases was 54 320.4 Yuan (Ren Minbi).The intangible cost accounted for 53.0% of the total cost, which was much more than the proportions of the direct and indirect costs (38.5% and 8.5%, respectively). Among annual personal and the household income of the patient, proportions of intangible cost were 262.6% and 67.6% respectively,suggesting that the patients were under huge spiritual and psychological pressure. Response rate of the approach, combined open-ended questions with iterative bidding game, was the highest (76.6%) among the three elicitation formats. Considered the characteristics of data being gathered, the approach seemed to be more reasonable. Further studies were needed to examine the results yielded from other WTP elicitation formats. We also noticed that the progression of disease was associated with the increase of direct and indirect costs, but not with the intangible cost. Data from the multiple linear stepwise regression analysis indicated that the types of hospital and commercial medical insurance were significantly different in explaining the variation of the intangible cost. Conclusion Measures should be taken to reduce the intangible cost of hepatitis B-related diseases. The approach regarding the combination of open-ended questions with iterative bidding game should be recommended when carrying our further WTP studies of this kind.

BACKGROUNDPrevious studies have indicated that the cognitive deficits in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be due to topological deteriorations of the brain network. However, whether the selection of a specific frequency band could impact the topological properties is still not clear. Our hypothesis is that the topological properties of AD patients are also frequency-specific.

METHODSResting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 10 right-handed moderate AD patients (mean age: 64.3 years; mean mini mental state examination [MMSE]: 18.0) and 10 age and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age: 63.6 years; mean MMSE: 28.2) were enrolled in this study. The global efficiency, the clustering coefficient (CC), the characteristic path length (CpL), and "small-world" property were calculated in a wide range of thresholds and averaged within each group, at three different frequency bands (0.01-0.06 Hz, 0.06-0.11 Hz, and 0.11-0.25 Hz).

RESULTSAt lower-frequency bands (0.01-0.06 Hz, 0.06-0.11 Hz), the global efficiency, the CC and the "small-world" properties of AD patients decreased compared to controls. While at higher-frequency bands (0.11-0.25 Hz), the CpL was much longer, and the "small-world" property was disrupted in AD, particularly at a higher threshold. The topological properties changed with different frequency bands, suggesting the existence of disrupted global and local functional organization associated with AD.

CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrates that the topological alterations of large-scale functional brain networks in AD patients are frequency dependent, thus providing fundamental support for optimal frequency selection in future related research.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease ; diagnosis ; Brain ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo compare the composite grafts of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) from different sources with autoskin.

METHODSSix local white mini pigs were employed for the experiment. The pigs were randomly divided into four groups according to different skin grafts, i.e. A (human ADM with razor thin autoskin), B (porcine ADM with razor thin autoskin), C (razor thin autoskin only), and D (split thickness autoskin) as control. The survival rate, the contraction degree of the grafts, and the histological changes in grafting area were observed at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after the operation.

RESULTSThe grafted area in both A and B groups appeared smooth and elastic with satisfactory graft survival. The in growth of the host reparative cells such as fibroblast and vascular endothelium could be induced by composite grafts of different ADMs with skin grafting. The contraction areas in A and B groups seemed bigger than those in C and D groups. The tissue structure of grafting areas was similar to that of split thickness skin grafting area at 24 post-operation weeks.

CONCLUSIONCombination of the homogenous and heterogeneous ADMs with autografts exhibited similar biological function during the observation period (24 weeks after operation). Xenogenous ADMs might have broader clinical applications.

Animals ; Dermis ; transplantation ; Graft Survival ; Humans ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Swine ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Transplantation, Homologous

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of two gastric cancer screening schemes for early detection of gastric cancer in a high-risk population.

METHODSA cluster random sampling method was used to select local residents aged 40-69 years from Linqu County, Shandong Province. "Serum pepsinogen initial screening combined with further endoscopic examination (PG scheme)" and "direct endoscopic examination (endoscopy scheme)" were conducted. The associations between screening schemes and detection rates of gastric cancer, and early gastric cancer/high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia were evaluated by unconditional logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSOverall, 3654 and 2290 participants completed PG and endoscopy schemes, respectively. A total of 11 (0.30%) cases of gastric cancer and 10 (0.27%) cases of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia were detected by PG scheme, of which 7 (0.19%) cases were early gastric cancer. While, 19 (0.83%) cases of gastric cancer and 10 (0.44%) cases of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia were detected by endoscopy scheme, with 12 (0.52%) cases of early gastric cancer. Compared with the PG scheme, the endoscopy scheme had a significantly higher detection rates of gastric cancer (OR = 2.83, 95%CI 1.34-5.98), and early gastric cancer/high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (OR = 2.12, 95%CI 1.12-4.02).

CONCLUSIONSThe endoscopy scheme is more effective in the detection of gastric cancer in a high-risk population, particularly for early gastric cancer/high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia than the PG scheme.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma ; blood ; diagnosis ; Carcinoma in Situ ; blood ; diagnosis ; Early Detection of Cancer ; methods ; Female ; Gastroscopy ; Humans ; Male ; Mass Screening ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Pepsinogen A ; blood ; Stomach Neoplasms ; blood ; diagnosis

Objective To delimit the natural infectious focus, including the distribution of wildlife,species, ecology of intermediate hosts and final host of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, as well as the routes of transmission and epidemiological characteristics and wildlife of human Angiostrongylus cantonensis, based on human diverging cases identified in Shenzhen, southern area of China. Methods Data including rate of infection and density of Angiostrongylus cantonensis among different hosts in 12 different areas in Shenzhen was collected, using microscope to inspect homogenate liquids of snails. Wild mice were captured with mouse cage to examine the adult Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Using larva isolated from wild-snails-infected rats to observe the life cycle of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Results Wild life of Angiostrongylus cantonensis existed in the southwest part of Shenzhen with its majority intermediate hosts as Achatina fulica. The overall rate of infection was 31% in wildlife and final host was found to be Rattus andersoni, Achatina fulica which were extensively distributed in the shrub region of Shenzhen because of suitable climate,humidity and vegetation for generating the life cycle of Achatina fulica. Human infected Angiostrongylus cantonensis was mainly due to eating raw snails or vegetables contaminated by larva of Angiostrongylus cantonensis.The peak of infection was seen from April to November in Shenzhen area.Conclusion Wildlife of Angiostrongylus cantonensis existed in the southwest part of Shenzhen with major wildlife reservoir including fresh water snail and wild mouse. The existence of natural focus Angiostrongylus cantonensis was now recognized as an important source of human angiostrongliasis in Shenzhen area.

Objective To investigate the direct, indirect and intangible costs due to hepatitis B-related diseases and to explore main factors associated with the costs in Shenzhen. Methods Cluster sampling for cases collected consecutively during the study period was administrated. Subjects were selected fiom eligible hepatitis B-related patients. By pre-trained professional investigators,health economics-related information was collected, using a structured questionnaire. Hospitalization expenses were obtained through hospital records after the patients were discharged from hospital.Total economic burden of hepatitis B-related patients would involve direct, indirect and intangible costs. Direct costs were further divided into direct medical costs and direct nonmedical costs. Human Capital Approach was employed to measure the indirect costs both on patients and the caregivers in 1-year time span. Willing to pay method was used to estimate the intangible costs. Multiple linear stepwise regression models were conducted to determine the factors linked to the economic burden.Results On average, the total annual cost of per patient with hepatitis B-related diseases was 81 590.23 RMB Yuan. Among which, direct, indirect and intangible costs were 30 914.79 Yuan (account for 37.9% ), 15 258.01 Yuan (18.7% ), 35 417.43 Yuan (43.4%), respectively. The total annual costs per patient for hepatocellular carcinoma, severe hepatitis B, decompensated cirrhosis,compensated cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B and acute hepatitis B were 194 858.40 Yuan, 144 549.20 Yuan, 120 333.60 Yuan, 79 528.81 Yuan, 66 282.46 Yuan and 39 286.81 Yuan, respectively. The ratio of direct to indirect costs based on the base-case estimation foot add to 2.0∶1, increased from hepato-eellular carcinoma (0.7∶1)to compensated cirrhosis (3.5∶ 1 ), followed by acute hepatitis B (3.3∶1 ), severe hepatitis B (2.8∶1 ), decompensate cirrhosis (2.3:1)and chronic hepatitis B(2.2∶1 ).Direct medical costs were more than direct nonmedical. Ratio between the sum total was 16∶1. The proportions of total annual cost per patient with hepatitis B-related diseases accounted for annual patient income were 285.3%, and 75.4% for annual household income. Furthermore, proportions of direct costs accounted for annual patient income and annual household income were 108.1% and 28.6%. The total annual indirect cost per person was 8123.38 Yuan for patients of all hepatitis B-related diseases, while 7134.63 Yuan for caregivers. Corresponding work-loss days were 55.74 days for patients and 19.83 days for caregivers. Based on multiple linear stepwise regression analysis, age of patients was a common influencing factor to all kinds of costs. Other factors were as follows:complicated with other diseases, antiviral medication, monthly household income and selfmedications. Conclusion The economic burden of hepatitis B-related diseases was substantial for patients and their families. All costs tended to increase with the severity of disease. The direct costs were larger than the indirect costs. And the direct medical costs were more than the direct ones.Indirect costs based on patients were larger than the ones of caregivers.