Objective To investigate the effect of Dexamethasone on microtubule - associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)expression of cells and neurons in cerebral cortex of juvenile Wistar rats with sepsis. Methods Models of juvenile Wistar rats with sepsis were established through cecal ligation and puncture(CLP). Totally 60 cases of 30 -day - old juvenile male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham - operation group(10 cases),non - treated group (25 cases)and Dexamethasone group(25 cases). Twelve hours after CLP,rats in Dexamethasone group were injected with Dexamethasone(1 mg / kg)via tail vein every other day,with a total of 3 times. The same dose of saline was used in the non - treated group. All rats were killed at the age of 40 days. Expressions of LC3 and neuronal nuclei(NeuN)of cells in cerebral cortex of rats were detected by using immunofluorescence assay,and the number of positive cells was calculated by using image analysis system software. Expressions of LC3 - Ⅰ and LC3 - Ⅱ protein were measured by a-dopting Western blot. Results Three hours after CLP,rats appeared to be curled up and showed piloerection and shi-vering and the neurobehavioral score in non - treated group was significantly lower than that in sham - operation group (t = 9. 895,P = 0. 000). Twelve of 25 rats in Dexamethasone group died in 10 days after CLP(48% ),while 8 of 25 rats in non - treated group died(32% ),and the difference was not statistically significant between the 2 groups(χ2 =1. 333,P = 0. 248). The immunofluorescence staining and image analysis showed the percentage of LC3 positive cells in non - treated group was significantly increased(0. 606 7 ± 0. 030 1 vs 0. 353 3 ± 0. 025 8,t = 15. 644,P = 0. 000;0. 606 7 ± 0. 030 1 vs 0. 270 3 ± 0. 019 4,t = 22. 450,P = 0. 000). In non - treated group,the LC3 expression of cells in the cerebral cortex of rats was up - regulated,and the LC3 - Ⅱ/ LC3 - Ⅰ ratio was significantly higher than that in sham operation group and Dexamethasone group(0. 413 3 ± 0. 022 5 vs 0. 205 0 ± 0. 015 2,t = 18. 802,P = 0. 000;0. 413 3 ± 0. 022 5 vs 0. 185 0 ± 0. 023 5,t = 17. 206,P = 0. 000). The LC3 positive neurons in the cerebral cortex of rats were less in sham operation group and Dexamethasone group. The LC3 positive neurons were more in non - treated group than that in sham operation group and Dexamethasone group(0. 580 0 ± 0. 020 0 vs 0. 298 3 ± 0. 014 7,t =27. 783;P = 0. 000;0. 580 0 ± 0. 020 0 vs 0. 261 7 ± 0. 017 2,t = 28. 614;P = 0. 000). Conclusions The LC3 expres-sion of cells in the cerebral cortex of juvenile Wistar rats with sepsis was up - regulated,LC3 - Ⅱ/ LC3 - Ⅰ ratio in-creased,and the number of LC3 positive neurons also increased,while Dexamethasone could have inhibitory effect on them.

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of Wenshen Huatan Recipe (WHR) on patients with early or middle stage chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) and investigate the clinical validity of applying sputum and blood stasis theory in treating CRI.

METHODSSixty CRI patients were selected and randomly assigned to the treated group (n = 32) and the control group (n = 28), all received conventional and symptomatic treatment, but those in the treated group were given WHR additionally. Two months were taken as one treatment course and the study lasted for 3 treatment courses. Total effective rate was assessed at the end of the 2nd and 6th month, changes of clinical symptom scores of TCM, and levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) in the two groups were observed as well.

RESULTSThe total effective rate of the 2nd and 6th month was 68.8% and 75.0% respectively in the treated group and 42.9% and 35.7% in the control group respectively, the difference between the two groups was significant (P < 0.05). Symptoms were improving along with the increasing medication time, and the improvement between the two groups was significant (P<0.01). Levels of SCr and BUN were significantly lowered in the treated group after 2-month and 6-month treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONWHR can significantly improve the clinical effect of treatment on CRI during early-middle stage, suggesting that CRI could be treated based on sputum and blood stasis theory with definite clinical efficacy.

Adult ; Aged ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo determine the difference on purgative biopotency of different processed products of rhubarb and compare rhubarb before and after preparation.

METHODThe prime biopotency of rhubarb reference substance was determined by comparing with the control substance of sennoside B using rat purgative model. Comparing with calibrated rhubarb reference substance, the bioactivity different processed products of rhubarb was determined by the 2,2',2" method.

RESULTThe purgative biopotency of crude rhubarb was 825.22 U x g(-1). The purgative biopotency of alcohol-processed rhubarb was 699.05 U x g(-1), The purgative biopotency of steamed rhubarb were 459.76 U x g(-1). Carbonized rhubarb cannot be determinate.

CONCLUSIONCrude rhubarb showed a significantly declineing purgative biopotency after being processed, alcohol-processed rhubarb showed less than crude rhubarb and followed by steamed rhubarb. Carbonized rhubarb lost almost all purgative bioactivity.

Animals ; Cathartics ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Plant Extracts ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Rheum ; chemistry ; Senna Extract ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo explore the technique and therapeutic effect of bridge wire splint fixation with ankle dorsiflexion for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in young children. Methods:From June 2006 to June 2012,45 young children with femoral shaft fractures were treated by bridge wire splint fixation with ankle dorsiflexion,which was designed according to arch bridge mechanical principle and structure. There were 31 males and 14 females with an average age of 3.2 years old ranging from 8 months to 5.5 years old; 14 cases were upper 1/3 femoral fractures,26 cases were middle 1/3 femoral fractures,5 cases were lower 1/3 femoral fractures; 20 cases were transverse fractures, 14 cases were oblique fractures,6 cases were spiral frac- tures, and 5 cases were comminuted fractures. X-ray, follow-up imaging changes,clinical curative effect and complications were assessed.

RESULTSForty-five patients were followed up for 6 to 21 months (averaged 12 months). All fractures were reached clinical bone healing after 5 to 7 weeks (averaged 6 weeks) fixation. Seven cases appearred limb soft tissue complications, including buttocks bedsore,dorsal foot and Achilles tendon epidermal necrosis, and healed after dressing and removal of external fixation. During follow-up,the original overlap angle and lateral displacement were remodeled, and limbs were restored to the normal line of force and bone structure. According to Flynn standard, 35 cases got excellent results, 8 cases good, 2 cases fair.

CONCLUSIONThe bridge wire splint fixation with ankle dorsiflexion for the treatment of femoral. shaft fractures in young children (less than 6 years old) is safe,feasible, simple,and has raliable effect, which can be applied in primary hospitals.

Ankle ; surgery ; Bone Wires ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Femoral Fractures ; surgery ; Femur ; surgery ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; instrumentation ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo identify the risk factors for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in neonates.

METHODSFifty infants with PDA and 100 infants without PDA were enrolled. Chi-square test, Student's t test and the linear correlation analysis were used to study the clinical data. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent risk factors for PDA.

RESULTSThe prevalence of PDA was negatively correlated with the gestation age (r=-0.03, P<0.05) and birth weight (r=-0.04, P<0.05). Oxygen inhalation was a protective factor for the development of PDA. Fetal distress, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, oligohydramnios, cord entanglement, 1 minute Apgar score <8, maternal infection and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were the independent risk factors for the development of PDA.

CONCLUSIONSThe incidence of PDA can be reduced by preventing maternal infection, premature birth, low birth weight and hypoxia.

Apgar Score ; Birth Weight ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; etiology ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo explore type 2 diabetes prevalence and its risk factors among migrants and nonmigrants aged 35 years and older in Three Gorge Dam area in Yichang City of Hubei province, China.

METHODSA sample of 9865 rural residents (including 1949 Three Gorge Dam migrants and 7916 nonmigrants) aged 35 years old and over was selected from September to December in 2007 by the method of multi-stage cluster random sampling in Yiling district, Yichang City of Hubei province. The study subjects were assessed by interview, examination, and blood samples. Information on demographics, migrant information, lifestyle, history of diabetes and hypertension was obtained by a questionnaire interview. An overnight fasting blood specimen was collected to measure serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). Height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference and blood pressure were measured. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was carried out for those whose fasting glucose was equal to or exceeded 6.1 mmol/L. The standardized prevalence of type 2 diabetes was calculated based on national census in the year of 2000. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the potential risk factors of type 2 diabetes.

RESULTSThe crude prevalence of type 2 diabetes among nonmigrants was 3.93% (310/7885) (male: 3.90% (129/3304), female: 3.95% (181/4581)), and that of migrants was 6.55% (127/1939) (male: 6.85% (52/759), female: 6.36% (75/1180)). The crude prevalence of type 2 diabetes among migrants was higher than that of nonmigrants (χ² = 25.10, P < 0.01 (male: χ² = 12.59, P < 0.01; female: χ² = 12.78, P < 0.01)). The prevalence of type 2 diabetes among nonmigrants was 3.87% in males and 4.15% in females. The standardized prevalence of type 2 diabetes among migrants was 6.92% in males and 6.33% in females. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (taking 35 - 44 years old as reference, 45 - 54 years old: OR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.07 - 1.95; 55 - 64 years old: OR = 2.08, 95%CI: 1.53 - 2.84; 65 years old and over: OR = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.25 - 2.75), family history of diabetes (OR = 2.83, 95%CI: 1.70 - 4.72), overweight or obesity (overweight: OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.05 - 1.78; obesity: OR = 2.11, 95%CI: 1.47 - 3.01), central obesity (OR = 1.84, 95%CI: 1.39 - 2.44), abnormal triglyceride (OR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.21 - 1.97), abnormal total cholesterol (OR = 1.40, 95%CI: 1.11 - 1.77) and abnormal LDL-C (OR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.19 - 2.79) increased the risk of type 2 diabetes, and regular physical activity (OR = 0.57, 95%CI: 0.45 - 0.72) was the protective factor of type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of type 2 diabetes among Three Gorge Dam migrants was higher than that of nonmigrants. Increasing age, regular physical activity, family history of diabetes, overweight or obesity, central obesity, abnormal triglyceride, abnormal total cholesterol and abnormal LDL-C were related to type 2 diabetes.

Adult ; Aged ; China ; epidemiology ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Transients and Migrants

Objective To Btudy effect of standardized acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy (function training)on improvement of comprehensive function among patients with stroke in communities,Changning District of Shanghai.Methods One hundred and seventy-six stroke patients were divided into rehabilitation therapy group(88 cases)and control group(88 cages)with block randomization.Patients in rehabilitation therapy group were treated with standardized acupuncture combined with function training in addition to regular medical treatment,and patients in control group regular medical treatment only.All the patients were evaluated with functional comprehensive assessment(FCA)scale by the end of 2-and 5-month of treatment,respectively.Results By the end of 5-month of treatment,scores of FCA in both groups increased significantly (P＜0.01),as compared to those before treatment,more in rehabilitation therapy group than that in control group(P＜0.05).Conclusions Effect of standardized acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy Can obviously improve their comprehensive function among stroke patients in communities.

Objective To analyze the treatment outcomes of patients with primary sphenoid sinus malignancies. Methods Sixteen patients with primary sphenoid sinus malignancies admitted to our hospital from 2000 to 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. No patients were newly diagnosed with cervical lymph node metastasis. One patient had stageⅣA disease, while fifteen had stageⅣB disease. Eleven patients received surgery followed by radiotherapy, one surgery alone, three radiotherapy alone, and one chemotherapy alone. All surgeries were cytoreductive . The median dose of radiotherapy was 69. 96 Gy ( 56.00?80. 56 Gy ) . Results The 3?year local control ( LC) , distant metastasis?free survival ( DMFS) , disease?free survival ( DFS) , and disease?specific survival ( DSS) rates were 67%, 69%, 44%, and 58%, respectively, in all patients, and 67%, 55%, 30%, and 41%, respectively, in patients treated with cytoreductive surgery followed by radiotherapy. All orbital contents and skull base were preserved. In all patients, the local recurrence, distant metastasis, and lymph node recurrence rates were 25%, 37%, and 6%, respectively. There were no independent predictors for the LC and DSS rates based on the prognostic analysis. Conclusions With the orbital contents and skull base preserved, the cytoreductive surgery followed by radiotherapy yields satisfactory outcomes and a low lymph node recurrence rate in the treatment of sphenoid sinus malignancies. The prophylactic irradiation of cervical lymph nodes is not recommended in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical effectiveness of Wenshen Huatan Recipe (WHR) in treating early-middle stage chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) of Pi-Shen yang deficiency syndrome (PSYDS).

METHODSNinety early-middle stage CRI patients of PSYDS were recruited and randomly assigned to the treated group (60 cases) and the control group (30 cases) in the ratio of 2:1. All patients received conventional and symptomatic treatment, but those in the treated group received WHR additionally. The observation was lasted for six months. The total efficacy, the Chinese medicine syndrome integral, and indices of the renal functions [including serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine clearance (CCr), serum cystatin C (Cys-C)], blood lipids [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)], as well as adverse reactions were observed before and after treatment.

RESULTSAfter six months of treatment, the total effective rate in treated group was 70.0% (42/60), which was obviously higher than that in the control group [43.3% (13/30), P < 0.05]. The Chinese medicine symptoms in the treated group were obviously improved, showing statistical difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). Better effects in lowering SCr, BUN, Cys-C, and LDL-C and increasing CCr were obtained in the treated group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONWHR could postpone the progression of CRI, improve the lipid metabolism, indicating certain therapeutic efficacy could be obtained in treating early-middle stage CRI from sputum theory.

Aged ; Creatinine ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; blood ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Yang Deficiency ; blood ; drug therapy ; physiopathology

To investigate the potential risk factors for parotid gland failure after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Methods The clinical data of 1096 NPC patients who underwent IMRT in our hospital from January 2005 to December 2012 were analyzed retrospectively.Among these patients, 13 patients experienced parotid gland recurrence, and the recurrence in 12 patients was analyzed.A case-control study was performed with the side of the parotid gland with recurrence as the case group and the side of the parotid gland without recurrence as the control group.The association of parotid gland failure with the extent of tumor invasion, IMRT dose distribution, and local recurrence was analyzed.The differences between groups were analyzed with χ2 test or Fisher′s the exact probability test.Results Among the 12 patients, 11 had stage III-IV primary NPC;after definitive IMRT, 9 had local tumor residues.The median time of parotid gland recurrence was 16(8-43) months.Of all the patients who experienced recurrence, 8 had recurrence in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, 1 in the deep lobe, and 3 in both superficial and deep lobes.Recurrence was in the same side of primary tumor (P<0.001).Compared with the controls, the side of the parotid gland with recurrence had higher rate of cervical puncture/surgery (P=0.025).Parotid gland recurrence was often complicated by ipsilateral lymph node recurrence (67% vs.8%, P=0.003), as well as the tendency of ipsilateral primary lesion recurrence (42%vs.8%;P=0.059).Conclusions For NPC patients, the recurrence rate in the parotid gland is very low. Parotid gland recurrence may be related to locally advanced NPC, residues after treatment, the history of cervical puncture/surgery, and locoregional recurrence.The low radiotherapy dose in the parotid gland caused by IMRT may be an important reason for parotid gland recurrence.