Objective To explore the effect and significance of AQP4 mRNA expression in bronchial epithelium of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on airway inflammation. Methods Bronchial epithelium was obtained by bronchoscopy in patients with COPD (n=30) and healthy controls (n=30) whose bronchial epithelium was confirmed to be normal by the pathologist. AQP4 mRNA were studied by RT-PCR method. Inflammatory cells infiltration was observed by HE staining; pulmonary function test was performed too before bronchoscopy. Results Compared with that in the healthy controls, AQP4 mRNA expression in COPD was reduced (P

[Objective]To analyse the imaging findings of thoracic and lumbar fibrous dysplasia and evaluate the imaging characteristics.[Method]Among 5 cases of monostotic fibrous dysplasia of thoracic and lumbar spines,4 were imaged with CT scaning,2 with MRI and 5 with X-ray.All materials were analysed.[Result]Each X-ray revealed a round or oval radiolucent lesion surrounded by a distinct and thick rim of sclerosis.CT showed a round or oval low-density lesion with a high-density borderline between the lesion and normal vertebral bone tissue.Bone cortex remained intact in all cases.The lesion showed homogeneous long T1 signal on T1WI and hypo-or isointensity signal on T2WI.There was a characteristic hypointensity loop surrounded the lesion on T1WI,T2WI and PdWI.The lesion was demonstrated obviously in the contrast enhancement of scanning.[Conclusion]Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of thoracic and lumbar spine shows distinctive imaging characteristics that are different from dysplasia of limb bone or skull.These characteristics are decisive in the diagnosis of the lesion.

Objective:To evaluate the safety of dental treatment in pediatric patients with leukemia. Methods:Eighty-nine patients were included and dental treatment was conducted under the condition of neutrophil counts ranging from 3.0?109/L to 10?109/L and platelet counts of more than 50?109/L. Supportive medical care was continued, the patients were monitored for at least one month after dental treatment for bleeding,pain,local and/or systemic infection,fever and other complications. Results:Dental treatments were performed successfully.All patients, except one with delayed wound healing after tooth extraction, recovered uneventfully. Conclusions:As long as the hematological values are within the suggested range, preoperative preparation and supportive medical care are well conducted,dental treatment can be safely performed in pediatric patients with leukemia.

The X-ray radiograph, CT scan and MRI appearance of 5 patients with pathologically proven fibrous dysplasia in thoracic and lumbar spine vertebrae were retrospectively analyzed. Plain radiographs, CT scans and MR images showed the presentation of eccentric lesion with intact cortex bone and marginal sclerosis in vertebral bodies without involvement of vertebral appendix and extraosseous soft tissue. The lesion masses were round (one being oval-shaped) and radiolucent in plain radiographs and CT scans. Homogeneous long signal was observed on T1 weighted image and strongly enhanced when gadolinium was administered. On T2 weighted MRI, short signal was found in the anterior part of the mass, long signal in the posterior part, and short and slight long signal in the middle part, without partitioning and laminating change. There was a good correlation between radiological features and surgical findings. These findings may be useful to diagnose fibrous dysplasia in spine.
Fibrous Dysplasia, Monostotic/diagnosis ; Fibrous Dysplasia, Monostotic/*radiography ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the influence of impulsivity on the functions of the conflict monitoring and the conflict resolution process for heroin addicts.Methods 80 heroin addicts were drawn randomly using simple random sampling method and finished Opioid Addiction Severity Inventory ( OASI ) and Barratt Impulsivity Scale ( BIS-11) .High impulsivity group( 7 females of 22) and low impulsivity group (8 females of 21) were divided according to 27%of the total BIS-11score followed the grouping method in psychometrics.Then the event-related potentials (ERPs) technique with the classical color-word Stroop task was used to reveal the influence of impulsivity on the executive function for heroin addicts.Results ( 1) The scores of motor impulsivity(23.00±1.73) and no-plan impulsivity(27.77±3.22) were higher in high im-pulsivity group than those in low impulsivity group(19.31±2.80,23.38±3.59)(P<0.01);and there was posi-tive correlation between impulsivity and addiction severity( r=0.415, P<0.05).(2) The behavioral data showed significant Stroop interference effects in both groups(P<0.01).(3) ERPs data showed that there were significant incongruent-N450 and SP effects in the low impulsivity group,whereas incongruent N450 and SP effects disappeared in high impulsivity group ( Low impulsivity group incongruent vs congruent condition N450:(2.82±3.09)μV vs (4.51±2.77)μV, P<0.05; SP:(3.54±1.25)μV vs (2.84±1.03)μV, P<0.05;High impulsivity group incongruent vs congruent condition N450:(4.98±4.10)μV vs (3.39±3.31)μV, P<0.05;SP:(3.43±3.84)μV vs (4.66±4.53)μV, P<0.05).Conclusion The brain time-interval change of executive function such as the conflict monitoring and the conflict resolution process is influenced by the im-pulsivity levels of heroin addicts.

Adult ; Carbamazepine ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Drug Eruptions ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Tinnitus ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVETo explore the distribution features of Chinese medical constitutions in different ages population, thus providing scientific evidence of constitution process theory.

METHODSRecruited were 21 948 cases from a survey of Chinese medical constitutions and health conditions in 9 provinces or municipalities across China (including Jiangsu, Anhui, Gansu, Qinghai, Fujian, Beijing, Jilin, Jiangxi, and Henan) from Dec 2005 to Jan 2007. The body constitution type of individual was diagnosed using discriminant analysis on the basis of Chinese medical constitution questionnaire. By using correspondence analysis, the correlation between the general population, genders, ages, and Chinese medical constitution types was studied.

RESULTSConstitutions of yin-deficiency type, wetness-heat type, qi-depression type, and special diathesis type often occurred in the population ranging 15 -24 years old. Gentleness type mostly occurred in the population ranging 25 -44 years old. During this time period, phlegm-wetness type and wetness-heat type were liable to occur in males, while blood-stasis type was liable to occur in females. Qi-deficiency type and yang-deficiency type were most often seen in those older than 45 years. Phlegm-wetness type and blood-stasis type body constitution were also liable to occur in those older than 45 years.

CONCLUSIONSThe distribution features were different in different Chinese medical constitutions. Different constitution types exist in different genders. Different constitution types exist different ages population.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Body Constitution ; China ; Discriminant Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Qi ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Yang Deficiency ; Yin Deficiency

Objective: The present study investigates the effects of Tanreqing injection, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, on the proliferation of leukemia cells in vitro and discusses the potential mechanisms. Methods: Tanreqing injection was diluted to a series of concentrations (1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, 1:128, 1:256 and 1:512) by volume and then independently applied to treat chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells and T cell acute lymphocytic leukemia Molt4 cells at the proliferative stage. Cell growth was observed at different time intervals under a microscope. Cell proliferation was determined by cell counting kit-8 assay and the survival curve was delineated. The inhibitory rate and the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) were calculated. Molt4 cells were stained with propidium iodide (PI) and PI/Annexin V and then the cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by using flow cytometry. In addition, a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was subjected to detect the expressions of apoptosis-related genes (bcl-2 and caspase-3) after Tanreqing treatment. Results: Tanreqing injection had inhibitory effects on the proliferation of K562 cells and Molt4 cells. The most toxic concentrations were observed between 1:2 and 1:16 where cells were almost necrotic. The inhibitory effect manifested in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The IC50 of K562 and Molt4 was 1:333 and 1:142, respectively. After 1:32 Tanreqing injection treatment for 72 h, the number of Molt4 cells in the S phase significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the apoptosis rate markedly increased (P<0.05). In addition, increased caspase-3 expression and decreased bcl-2 expression were also observed (P<0.05). Conclusion: Tanreqing injection can both inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of leukemia cells in vitro, whereby the potential mechanism seems to be mediated in part by decreasing S phase ratio, down-regulating bcl-2 expression and up-regulating caspase-3 expression.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis that primarily affects young children between 6 months and 4 years old. Coronary arteritis is an important clinical feature of KD because it is associated with aneurysms and thromboembolic events that can lead to severe complications, even sudden death. To date, the etiology and pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease has not been understood completely. In this paper, we will review the recent advances in epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis and genetic susceptibility of Kawasa-ki disease.