ObjectiveTo assess the microscopic features of alopecia areata(AA) by using in vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy(CLSM).MethodsBetween January 2010 and May 2011,26 male and 20 female patients diagnosed with AA were enrolled in this study.AA lesions and perilesional normal skin were examined by means of in vivo CLSM.Tissue specimens were obtained from the lesions and perilesional normal skin of 10 out of the 46 patients and subjected to routine histopathologic examination.ResultsThe number of hair follicles per unit area(cm2) was decreased in lesions of progressive AA and resting AA compared with normal perilesional skin(134.856 ± 18.301 and 147.159 ± 17.536 vs.301.613 ± 35.317,both P ＜ 0.05).Although the quantity of hair follicles increased in lesions of recovery AA((227.778 ± 16.861 )/cm2),but was still less than that in the normal perilesional skin (P ＜ 0.05).There was a lack of hair shaft in follicles,as well as an inflammatory infiltration in hair follicles,around hair follicles and capillaries in superficial dermis in lesions of progressive AA.The inflammatory infiltration was attenuated in lesions of resting AA.In lesions of recovery AA,the infiltration was further attenuated with an apparent growth of lanugos and terminal hairs.ConclusionsAs far as AA lesions are concerned,CLSM images are consistent with histopathological findings.CLSM may serve as a promising tool for monitoring efficacy and predicting prognosis based on hair growth cycle,hair follicle number,and inflammatory infiltration degree.

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effect of Shugan Yiyang Capsules combined with sertraline in the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE).

METHODSWe randomly assigned 192 PE patients to receive sertraline hydrochloride 50 mg qd (control group, n = 96) or sertraline hydrochloride 50 mg qd plus Shugan Yiyang Capsules at the dose of 4 capsules tid ( combination therapy group, n = 96) , both for 6 weeks. We compared the intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and Chinese Index of Premature Ejaculation ( CIPE) scores between the two groups of patients before and after medication and at 6 weeks after drug withdrawal.

RESULTSCompared with the baseline, the IELT was significantly increased after 6 weeks of medication in the combination therapy group ([1.41 ± 0.53] vs [6.69 ± 3.56] min, P < 0.05) and the control group ([1.43 ± 0.48] vs [5.37 ± 2.91] min, P < 0.05), and so was the CIPE score in the former (9. 80 ± 2.06 vs 21.62 ± 4.76, P < 0.05) and the latter group ([9.41 ± 1.97] vs [20.85 ± 4.83] , P < 0.05). In comparison with the pre-medication indexes, the IELT ([3.77 ± 1.63] min) and CIPE score (16.92 ± 3.37) of the combined therapy group were remarkably improved at 6 weeks after drug withdrawal (P < 0.05), but not those of the control ([1.19 ± 1.34] min and 10.59 ± 2.38, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONShugan Yiyang Capsules combined with sertraline have a definite and lasting effect on premature ejaculation.

Capsules ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Premature Ejaculation ; drug therapy ; Sertraline ; therapeutic use

Objective To screen and identify the novel genes from the adult worm cDNA library of Schistosoma japonicum by the expressed sequence tags (EST) strategy.Methods The cDNA clones were selected randomly and the ESTs were obtained.The novel gene was searched for homologue identity with NCBI blast programmer.The homologue of the two sequences with a high identity was compared at amino acid and nucleotide level with the BLAST programmer,and the analysis of protein was carried out with the pcgene software. Results There was a novel gene of Schistosoma japonicum which included 1 677 bp coding for 424 amino acid residues, and it was given the accession number of sequence in Genbank(AY336497).The cDNA sequence was homologous to the known ornithine aminotransferase gene of Xenopus laevis. The identity of amino acid sequence was 66%. The academic pI was 8.52, and the antigen determinant was probably from 795 to 846 on the cDNA sequence. Conclusion EST strategy is an effective measure to discover new genes of Schistosoma japonicum. The novel gene is homologous to the ornithine aminotransferase gene of Xenopus laevis.This study is helpful to further sequential and functional search of the gene.[

Objective To analyze the correlation of visual acuity and metamorphopsia with foveal morphology before and after vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP) in idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (IMEM) eyes.Methods This is a retrospective case series of 47 IMEM patients (49 eyes).All the patients underwent 25G pars plana vitrectomy with IMEM removal and ILMP.The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured using the international standard visual acuity chart,and the results were converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity.The severity of metamorphopsia was measured using M-charts.The central macular thickness (CMT),inner nuclear layer thickness (INT),inner retinal layer thickness (IRT),outer retinal layer thickness (ORT),the status of ellipsoid zone (EZ) were assessed with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography at baseline and each month postoperatively.The differences in BCVA,CMT,INT,IRT,ORT and status of EZ before and after surgery were analyzed,so did the correlations between these indexes at the same time.Results Compared with baseline,the postoperative BCVA was significantly increased (F=6.133,P＜0.001),but the M value,CMT,INT,IRT,ORT were significantly decreased (F=12.481,10.565,15.739,6.046,10.569;P＜0.001);the integrity of EZ was improved significantly (x2=12.309,P＜0.001).Preoperative BCVA was positively related to the CMT (r=0.720) and ORT (r=0.720,0.887;P＜0.05),while negatively related to preoperative integrity of EZ (r=-0.295,P＜0.05).The postoperative BCVA was positively related to the preoperative BCVA and postoperative CMT,ORT (r=0.774,0.754,0.842;P＜0.05),while negatively related to postoperative integrity of EZ (r=-0.676,P＜0.05).The preoperative M value was positively related to the preoperative CMT,INT,IRT,and ORT (r=0.931,0.668,0.840,0.637;P＜ 0.05).The postoperative M value was positively related to the preoperative M value and postoperative CMT,INT,IRT,and ORT (r=0.723,0.722,0.767,0.825,0.387;P＜0.05).Conclusions Vitrectomy with ILMP for IMEM can improve the visual acuity,metamorphopsia and foveal morphology.Both visual acuity and metamorphopsia correlate with foveal morphology.

Objective To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) tamping on macular hole and retinal detachment (MHRD) in highly myopic eyes.Methods 23 patients (23 eyes) were retrospectively reviewed,who were diagnosed as MHRD through examination of the ocular ftmdus,optic coherence tomography (OCT) and B-mode ultrasonography.There were 5 males (5 eyes) and 18 females (18 eyes).The mean age was (62.35 ± 8.28) years.The mean course of disease was 1.1 months.The logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 2.31 ± 0.72.The mean axial length was (28.66 ± 1.99) mm.All patients underwent 23G microincision vitrectomy.After vitreous gel and cortex were gently resected,the ILM around the edges of the macular hole was stained with indocyanine green,and was folded and pushed to fill the macular hole gently.Then silicone oil or C3F8 gas tamponade was applied in 18 eyes and 5 eyes,respectively.The silicone oil was removed after 3 months.The follow-up was 6 months.The BCVA,macular hole closure,retinal anatomical reattachment were retrospectively observed,and were used to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the surgery.Results At the 6 months after surgery,the logMAR BCVA was improved to 1.13 ± 0.38,the difference was significant (t=l 5.33,P=0.00).The postoperative macular hole closure rate and retinal anatomical reattachment rate were 100％.There were no ocular or systemic adverse events observed in all patients.Conclusion Vitrectomy combined with ILM tamping is an effective and safe treatment for the high myopic eyes with MHRD.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Methods Clinical data was analyzed in 9 children who had been diagnosed as MAS in our hospital from Jan, 2003 to Aug, 2006. Results Seven children were boys, 2 children were girls, aged 5 months to 12 years. Clinical manifestations included long-term fever, hemophagocytic cell in bone marrow, anemia, arthritis, enlargement of lymph nodes, enlargement of liver and spleen, liver dysfunction, abnormal fat metabolism. Two cases had acute respiratory, distress syndrome(ARDS), 2 cases were complicated with multi- pie organ failure(MOF), two patients died. Glucocorticoid combined with immunosuppressive therapy were effective, HP(Plasma Exchange)was applied in one severe case and was shown to he effective. Conclusion MAS is a serious complication of JIA, especially in systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is very im- portant to recognize and treat MAS earlier.

OBJECTIVEIn this study, five heavy metals contamination of soil and different parts of Panax notoginseng in the plantation area was investigated. Analysis of heavy metals correlation between the planting soil and P. notoginseng; and the absorption and accumulation characteristics and translocation of soil heavy metals by P. notoginseng plants was revealed.

METHODThrough field investigation and laboratory analytical methods, analysis of China's 30 different soil P. notoginseng origin and content of heavy metals in five different parts of the P. notoginseng plant content of heavy metals.

RESULTThe results revealed that the soil heavy metals should not be neglected in the plantation area Referring to the national soil quality standards (GB15608-1995), the excessive degree of soil heavy metals pollution showed Hg > As > Cd > Cr in the plantation area, and Pb content of soil was in the scope of the standard. Refer to 'Green Industry Standards for Import and Export of Medical Plants and Preparations', the excessive degree of heavy metals content of P. notoginseng plants showed As > Pb > Cr > Cd, and Hg content of plants was in the scope of the standard. Concentrations of five heavy metals of underground parts of P. notoginseng plants are higher than aboveground, and heavy metals elements are more concentrated in the root, followed by the rhizome of P. notoginseng plants. Heavy metal accumulation characteristics of the different parts of the P. notoginseng of the overall performance is the root > the rhizome > the root tuber > leaves > stems. From the point of view BCF value analysis of various parts of the P. notoginseng plants to absorb heavy metals in soil, BCF values of all samples were less than 1, description P. notoginseng not belong Hyperaccumulator. From the view of transportation and related analysis of the soil-P. notoginseng systems, the rhizome of P. notoginseng and the content of As and Cr in soil was significantly correlated, the root of P. notoginseng and the content of Cd in soil was significantly correlated, and no significant correlation between the other indicators. Through the analysis of transportation transfer coefficient showed: Pb, As and Cr are not easy to transport aboveground part from the underground, but Cd and Hg are relatively easy to transport stems from rhizome, the migration of five heavy metals in the aerial part is relatively strong, and heavy metal of stems is easily transported to the leaves.

CONCLUSIONP. notoginseng does not belong to the enrichment of heavy metals in crops, especially for Hg in soil with strong patience. In survey area, the content of heavy metals of P. notoginseng's planting soil is relatively high, and the heavy metals As, Pb, Cr, Cd of P. notoginseng also exist heavy metals exceeded problems. Due to the presence of heavy metals in crops internal absorption and translocation of special laws, accumulation of heavy metals varied significantly in different parts of P. notoginseng. The overall, the performance for the heavy metal content of the underground parts is more than aboveground, it explain heavy metals of P. notoginseng plants is still the main source of the soiL Therefore, the key to control of planting area soil environmental quality and reduce exogenous harmful substances secondary pollution of soil in the cultivation process are to study and solve the heavy metals pollution problem of P. notoginseng.

Adsorption ; China ; Laboratories ; Metals, Heavy ; analysis ; Panax notoginseng ; chemistry ; Soil ; chemistry ; Soil Pollutants ; analysis

· AIM: To investigate the expression and the possible implication of CD40/CD40L costimulatory molecules in erythema nodosum of patients with Beh(c)et's disease.· METHODS: Sampling was done from erythema nodosum of 5 patients with Beh(c)et's disease and normal skin of 2 healthy individuals. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine the expression of CD4, CD8, CD19, CD68, HLA-DR,CD40 and CD40L molecules in the obtained tissues.· RESULTS: Approximately 90% of epidermic cells in erythema nodosum expressed CD40 molecule. In the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, a significantly increased number of CD4+Tcells, CD8+Tcells, CD19+cells, CD68+cells, HLA-DR+cells,CD40L+cells, and CD40+cells were observed in the erythema nodosum as compared with that in normal skin. Double staining showed that CD40L molecules were expressed on 45% of CD4+T cells. CD40 molecules were expressed on 100% CD68+ cells and 59.2% of HLA-DR+cells respectively.· CONCLUSION: A number of CD40/CD40L costimulatory molecules are upreguiated in the erythema nodosum of patients with Behcet's disease.

OBJECTIVETo understand the laws and characteristics of silicosis incidence of the workers exposed to the uranium dust from 1956 to 2002.

METHODSThe length of employment, age of occurrence of silicosis, and its duration and death age were compared between the uranium miners and uranium geological prospecting teams, and also between the miners exposed to uranium dust and those exposed to mixed uranium dust by single factor analysis method.

RESULTSWith time going on, the length of employment, age of occurrence of disease and its duration and death age were prolonged respectively in the workers exposed to uranium dust. The length of employment and age of occurrence of disease in uranium geological prospecting teams [(10.15 +/- 5.95) and (40.60 +/- 9.86) years respectively] were shorter than those in uranium miners [(14.23 +/- 8.12) and (41.38 +/- 10.98) years], but the duration (P(50)) and death age were longer [(14.29 years vs 12.52 years), (53.69 +/- 10.04) years vs (51.45 +/- 10.85) years respectively]. The length of employment and age of occurrence of disease in those exposed to uranium dust only [(11.78 +/- 8.06) and (38.04 +/- 9.89) years] were shorter than those exposed to mixed uranium dust [(12.74 +/- 6.29) years, (41.40 +/- 10.67) years], but the duration (P(50)) and death age were longer than the mixed uranium dust ones [(14.59 years vs 13.20 years), (53.93 +/- 10.60) years vs (51.82 +/- 10.20) years].

CONCLUSIONThe difference in the occurrence of silicosis in the workers exposed to uranium dust may be attributed to the physical and chemical character of the uranium dust and the different working circumstance.

Age of Onset ; Humans ; Mining ; Occupational Exposure ; Retrospective Studies ; Silicosis ; epidemiology ; mortality ; Uranium

OBJECTIVESK channels are existed in hearts of mouse, rat, and human. Biochemical evidence indicates that SK2 channels are expressed more in atrial than in ventricular tissue. SK channels are highly sensitive to the calcium concentration of the pipette solution. In the present study, performed whole-cell patch clamp was used to detect the calcium sensitivity of small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels (SK) currents between sinus ryhthm (SR) and auricular fibrillation (AF).

METHODSThe patients who accepted cardiopulmonary bypass were divided into two groups: 21 patients with SR and 8 patients with AF. The enzymatic dissociation method was improved according to the previous research by our lab. The performed whole cell patch-clamp technique was used to record SK2 currents in both SR and AF groups at room temperature.

RESULTSThe SK2 current density was (-2.92 +/- 0.35) pA/pF in SR group (n = 6) vs (-6.83 +/- 0.19) pA/pF in AF group at -130 mV (n = 3, P < 0.05). In SR group, the SK2 current densities in calcium concentration of the pipette solution are (-1.43 +/- 0.33) pA/pF (n = 7), (-2.92 +/- 0.35) pA/pF (n = 6), (-10.11 +/- 2.15) pA/pF (n = 8, P < 0.05); In AF group, the SK2 current densities are (-2.17 +/- 0.40) pA/pF (n = 4), (-6.83 +/- 0.19) pA/pF (n = 3), (-14.47 +/- 2.89 pA/pF) (n = 4, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe SK2 currents recorded in this experiment are voltage-independent, inwardly rectifying and apamin-sensitive. When the calcium concentration of the pipette solution is 5 x 10(-7) mol/L, SK2 current density in AF group are significantly larger than those in SR group. It suggests that SK currents involve the cardiomyocytes electric remodeling in AF. In AF group, the SK2 currents are more sensitive to free calcium ion. It shows that the increased sensitivity of SK2 currents to the calcium contribute to the occurrence and maintenance of AF.

Atrial Fibrillation ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Heart Atria ; metabolism ; Humans ; Membrane Potentials ; physiology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; metabolism ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated ; physiology