Aristolochic Acids ; adverse effects ; Child ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nephrosis ; chemically induced

OBJECTIVETo explore factors related to pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection among healthcare workers.

METHODSH1N1 influenza confirmed cases of health workers in hospital of Beijing from Aug 30th 2009 to Jan 31st 2010 were included. A 1:4 matched case-control study was conducted with 54 healthcare workers who were infected by influenza A(H1N1) virus and 216 matched controls who were not infected. Face-to-face interview with questionnaires was used to collect information of work and family aspects of the study participants. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the H1N1 infection factors.

RESULTSThe age was 29.6 ± 7.4 years old and male subjects accounted for 17.4% (47/270). There were 5.6% (3/54) and 34.4% (74/216) of the cases get the influenza A (H1N1) vaccine immunization separately in the case group and control group. Among 18.5% (10/54) and 40.1% (88/216) of the cases and controls used high protection level masks during the epidemic. Besides, 33 (61.1%)and 161 (74.5%) cases lengthening the time of mask wearing separately. There were 13 (24.1%) and 85 (39.4%) cases using disposable tissue to clean hands in the case group and control group, 24 (44.4%) and 46 (21.3%) cases feel they were much easier to get infected in respiratory disease than others based on experience in the case and control group. Univariate analysis showed that factors such as using disposable tissue to clean hands (OR = 0.15, 95%CI = 0.04 - 0.57), lengthening the time of mask wearing (OR = 0.43, 95%CI = 0.20 - 0.92), using high protection level masks (OR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.11 - 0.58), getting influenza A (H1N1) vaccine immunization (OR = 0.04, 95%CI = 0.01 - 0.32), much easier to get infected in respiratory disease than others based on experience (OR = 2.85, 95%CI = 1.44 - 5.62), were all associated with influenza A (H1N1) infection. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that variables such as history of influenza A (H1N1) virus immunization (OR = 0.18, 95%CI = 0.06 - 0.51), using high protection level masks (OR = 0.05, 95%CI = 0.01 - 0.35), much easier to get infected in respiratory disease than others based on experience (OR = 3.69, 95%CI = 1.58 - 8.63) were all correlated to influenza A (H1N1) infection.

CONCLUSIONSFactors such as history of influenza A (H1N1) vaccine immunization, using high protection level masks and improving respiratory health can protect healthcare workers from infection of influenza A (H1N1).

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Health Personnel ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; Influenza Vaccines ; Influenza, Human ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; virology ; Male ; Occupational Health ; Pandemics ; Young Adult

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; complications ; Humans ; Infant ; Lung Diseases, Fungal ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Male

OBJECTIVETo compare the action mechanisms of human and porcine derived erythrocyte-derived depressing factor (h-EDDF and p-EDDF) as well as the effects on blood pressure.

METHODSThe experiments were carried out in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, n = 5) and two kidney-one click renal hypertensive rats (2K-1C, n = 7). The acute and chronic effects of h-EDDF and p-EDDF on blood pressure were observed, blood pressure test using tail plethysmography under unanaesthetic state. Both EDDF were administrated via jugular vein and/or oral respectively. The isolated thoracic aorta ring perfusion assay was used to examine the effect of EDDF on the asodilation. Primary cultured VSMCs were prepared from the thoracic aorta media of 2K-1C and normal Wistar rats. The effect of EDDF on proliferation of VSMCs were determined by MTT assay. The cell cycle of VSMCs was evaluated by flow cytometric.

RESULTSBoth h-EDDF and p-EDDF could significantly decrease blood pressure of Wistar rats through intravenous administration and/or orally (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively). The contractile response of aorta in 2K-1C rats to PE was significantly enhanced compared with that of the control (P < 0.01) and both EDDF (10(-3) g/ml) remarkably induced a vasodilation with endothelium-dependent manner in SHR and 2K-1C rats (P < 0.05). h-EDDF and p-EDDF could significantly inhibit the proliferation of VSMCs from 2K-1C and control rats. After 24 hours of exposure to EDDFs the cell number of G0/G1 phase obviously increased and cell number in S phase was decreased (P < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONSIt seems that the effects of h-EDDF and p-EDDF on blood pressure and vasodilation as well as inhibition of VSMCs proliferation and regulation of cell cycle have no significant difference.

Animals ; Antihypertensive Agents ; pharmacology ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Blood Proteins ; pharmacology ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Hypertension ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Hypertension, Renovascular ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Rats, Wistar ; Species Specificity ; Swine ; Vasodilator Agents ; pharmacology

Using the absorbent resin, silica gel and ODS column chromatography as well as semi-preparative HPLC, ten compounds were isolated from 70% ethanol extract of tubers of Dioscorea zingiberensis C. H. Wright, and their structures were elucidated as trigoneoside XIIIa (1), parvifloside (2), trigoneoside IVa (3), deltoside (4), protobioside (5), lilioglycoside k (6), zingiberensis newsaponin I (7), deltonin (8), prosapogenin A of dioscin (9), and trillin (10) on the basis of NMR and MS spectral data analysis. Among these compounds, 1, 3, 5 and 6 were isolated from this plant for the first time. In the screening test on platelet aggregation, compounds 7 and 8 exhibited induction effect on platelet aggregation, while compound 9 exhibited significant inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation in vitro.
Animals ; Dioscorea ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mass Spectrometry ; Molecular Structure ; Platelet Aggregation ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Saponins ; chemistry ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the value of measuring ankle brachial index (ABI) for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease(PAD) compared with conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard.

METHODSA total of 383 consecutive inpatients (245 male, mean age 64.1 +/- 11.7 years) underwent both conventional DSA and ABI measurements.

RESULTSThe rate of statin intervention was 90.9%, ACEI 69.2%, antiplatelet 96.6% and beta-blockers 67.9%. The intravascular stenosis was classified into six degrees: normal, < 30%, 30% - 49%, 50% - 69%, 70% - 89% and > or = 90%. Compared to the traditional gold standard (DSA) in diagnosis PDA, the ABI value decreased in proportion to the severity of PAD (the ABI value was 1.08 +/- 0.11, 1.05 +/- 0.16, 0.99 +/- 0.17, 0.66 +/- 0.24, 0.55 +/- 0.28 and 0.54 +/- 0.00 respectively in the six ranks). There was a significant correlation between DSA and ABI in diagnosis PAD.

CONCLUSIONABI measurement is an accurate and reliable non-invasive alternative to conventional DSA in the assessment of lower extremity arteries in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Aged ; Angiography, Digital Subtraction ; Ankle ; blood supply ; Ankle Brachial Index ; Brachial Artery ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peripheral Vascular Diseases ; diagnosis ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Risk Assessment

Objective To estimate the real number of novel influenza A(H1N1 ) infection in Beijing, 2009. Methods A multiplier model (Impact 2009 v 1.0 software) based on Monte Carlo approach was used to estimate the real number of novel influenza A (H1N1 ) based on the number of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases, novel influenza A(H1N1 ) positive rate among ILI cases and rate on clinical visit of ILIs in secondary and tertiary hospitals. Results There were 1.80 million (90%CI: 1.46-2.30) estimated novel influenza A (H1N1) cases in 2009 in Beijing with the rate of infection as 11.0%. One reported case would represent 167 real infections. The highest age groups of infection were 0-4 years and 5-14 years, being 32.5% and 33.3%, respectively. Conclusion Laboratory-confirmed infections with novel influenza A (H1N1 ) only represented a fraction of the total cases in a population, suggesting that it was imperative to estimate the real number of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection.

OBJECTIVETo compare the differences in the efficacy on traumatic spinal cord injury(SCI) in the thoracic and lumbar vertebra between the paraplegia-triple-needling method and the conventional acupuncture therapy.

METHODSThe perspectively randomized controlled trial was adopted. Forty-eight cases of traumatic SCI in the thoracic and lumbar vertebra were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 24 cases in each one. The conventional rehabilitation training was applied in both groups. In addition, the paraplegia-triple-needling method was used in the observation group. In the treatment, acupuncture was applied to the points of the Governor Vessel and the Back-shu which, located two segments above and below the spinal injury plane separately. Acupuncture with the electric pulsing stimulation was applied to the motor points of the key muscles of the lower extremities. In the control group, the conventional acupuncture was applied to Huantiao (GB 30), Zusanli (ST 36), Xuanzhong (GB 39) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). In each group, the treatment was given once a day, one month treatment made 1 session. Totally, 3 sessions of treatment were required. Before and after treatment, as well as in 1-month follow-up visit after treatment, the modified Barthel index (MBI) and the function comprehensive assessment (FCA) were adopted to assess the activities of daily life (ADL) and the comprehensive function of the patients. The score of MBI and FCA were taken as the double response variables to imitate the multilevel model. The changing tendency of MBI and FCA along with the time was observed in two groups.

RESULTSIn the follow-up visit, MBI and FCA score were all improved as compared with those before treatment in two groups (all P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in MBI and FCA score at any time point between two groups (all P > 0.05). In 4-month observation, there was a rising tendency with time in MBI and FAC scoe in both groups, which was roughly linear. As time went on, the increasing amplitude in the observation group was much bigger. It was explained that there was no difference in the short-term efficacy between two groups. However, the long-term efficacy in the observation group was much better.

CONCLUSIONBoth the paraplegia-triple-needling method and the conventional acupuncture therapy can improve the ADL and the comprehensive function of the patients with traumatic SCI of the thoracic and lumbar vertebra. Concerning the long-term efficacy, the paraplegia-triple-needling combined with the rehabilitation training achieves better result. This therapeutic program is safe and effective.

Activities of Daily Living ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Needles ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; rehabilitation ; therapy ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEHeart failure is responsible for a huge burden in hospital care. Our goal was to evaluate the value of N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP) on predicting death or hospital readmission after hospital discharge in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

METHODSFrom March 2003 to April 2005, 135 consecutive patients (97 male and 38 female, mean age 60.7 years +/- 13.1 years) with chronic heart failure [dilated cardiomyopathy (44%) and coronary heart disease (35%)] were included in this study. Plasma concentrations of the Nt-proBNP were measured by ELISA on admission. All patients received conventional therapy and were followed up for 24 months. The primary end point was death or readmission.

RESULTS(1) During the follow up period (640 days +/- 100 days), 11 patients died and 39 patients rehospitalized, the median Nt-proBNP level on admission was significantly higher in patients died during the follow up period (5908 ng/L) than that of rehospitalized patients (2768 ng/L, P = 0.038). Plasma Nt-proBNP level on admission were significantly higher in primary end point group (n = 50, 2947 ng/L) than that in non-primary end point group (n = 85, 917 ng/L, P < 0.01). (2) Variables associated with an increased hazard of death and/or rehospitalization were Nt-proBNP and NYHA degree when analyzed by logistic regression models. Increased Log Nt-proBNP was the strongest independent predictor of an adverse outcome of CHF (odds ratio 13.8, 95% confidence interval 2.29 to 2.78, P < 0.01). (3) Area under the curve for Nt-proBNP in evaluating prognosis of CHF patients was 0.885 (positive predictive value 88.5%, negative predictive value 11.5%).

CONCLUSIONNt-proBNP level on admission is a strong predictor of rehospitalization and death within 24 months after hospital discharge in patients with chronic heart failure.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cardiac Output, Low ; Chronic Disease ; Female ; Heart Failure ; blood ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; blood ; Peptide Fragments ; blood ; Prognosis ; Ventricular Function ; Young Adult

This study was aimed to explore the clinical significance of monitoring level of minimal residual disease (MRD) at different time point in B-lineage childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Two hundred and six children with B-ALL were enrolled in this study from Augest 2008 to September 2011 in our hospital. MRD levels were detected by flow cytometry at day 15, 33 and week 12 after initial chemotherapy. The event-free survival (EFS) for patients based on MRD levels measured at different stages of chemotherapy were compared by Kaplan Meier analyses. The results showed that out of 206 cases 196 cases achieved complete remission (CR) after induction therapy (CR rate 95.1%), the 1- and 3-year EFS rate were (92.7 ± 1.8)% and (78.7 ± 3.7)%, respectively, and the 3-year EFS rate was (85.6 ± 4.9)% in standard risk group, (82.1 ± 5.8)% in intermediate risk group and (58.1 ± 9.2)% in high risk group, there was significant statistical difference between above mentioned 3 groups (P < 0.001). The MRD analysis at different time points showed that the higher the MRD level, the lower the 3-year EFS rate of children with ALL, in which the 3-year EFS rate of MRD ≥ 10(-2) at day 15, MRD ≥ 10(-3) at day 33 and MRD ≥ 10(-3) at week 12 were significantly lower. The MRD ≥ 10(-3) at week 12 was proven to be an independent predictor by multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression model. The 3-year EFS rate for patients with MRD < 10(-3) and MRD ≥ 10(-3) at week 12 were (86.3 ± 4.1)% vs (55.8 ± 9.1)% (P < 0.05); 8 relapsed among 98 cases with negative MRD (MRD < 10(-4)) at day 33, 19 relapsed among 108 cases with positive MRD at day 33 between the two groups for recurrence rate has significant difference (P < 0.05). It is concluded that dynamically monitoring MRD by multi-parameter flow cytometry can precisely evaluate treatment response, judge treatment outcome and predict relapse in childhood B-ALL. The MRD 10(-2) at day 15, MRD 10(-3) at day 33 and MRD 10(-3) at week 12 should be considered as the best cut-off. MRD ≥ 10(-3) at week 12 was proven to be an independent factor of poor prognosis.
Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; methods ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Neoplasm, Residual ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies