Food Contamination ; Humans ; Infant ; Triazines ; toxicity ; Urinary Calculi ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy

Objective To investigate the correlation between augmentation index (AI) of the radial artery and diastolic heart function in patients with hypertension.Methods Echocardiographs were obtained for 305 patients with hypertension.AI,pulse wave velocity (PWV) of peripheral arteries and serum pro-brain natriuretic peptide (proBNP) levels were determined.Correlations and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn between AI values and impaired diastolic function.Results AI levels were significantly increased in patients with impaired diastolic function diagnosed by ultrasound.Assessment of diastolic heart function based on proBNP levels revealed that AI and aortic pulse wave velocity were significantly elevated in patients with impaired diastolic function.The operating curve indicated that AI may be a more accurate and efficient index for the evaluation of impaired diastolic function compared to pWV.Correlation analysis also showed that proBNP levels had altered in parallel with changes in AI and PWV.After adjusting for various factors including age,gender,blood pressure and blood lipid,a positive correlation was observed between proBNP and AI with a correlation coefficient of 0.3697 (P =0.003).However,no correlation between proBNP and aortic PWV was seen after adjustment.Conclusions Changes in radial AI levels may reflect parallel changes in diastolic cardiac function in patients with hypertension,suggesting that AI may be utilized as a non-invasive clinical indicator of diastolic heart function.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the positive practice environments evaluation of doctors in public hospital and provide suggestions for Chinese health care reform from the perspective of health service providers.Methods: Using self-designed questionnaire, a national cross-sectional survey was performed in 77 public hospitals across seven provinces/ metropolis, involving a total of 3564 doctors.Positive practice environment includes organizational management and doctor-patient two-dimension relationships.Results: The doctor''s mean score of positive practice environment evaluation was 18.02±4.86 (out of 40).Doctors had a higher evaluation (score) of organizational management than doctor-patient relationship.In the organizational management dimension, the personal advice got the lowest scores(2.24±1.04);and in doctor-patient relations, evasion of medical risk got the lowest scores(1.59±0.81).There was a difference in the positive practice scores of physicians in different regions, and the scores of doctors from the western China were the lowest (P<0.001.Doctors from western medicine hospitals had lower evaluation of positive practice environments than ones from Chinese Traditional Medicine hospitals(P=0.002.Conclusion: As per the analysis conducted in this investigation, the current medical practice environment of doctors in China is not a promising one.Doctor-patient relationship is worse than organizational management.Hospitals should adopt a participatory decision-making model in management and establish a broadband performance based compensation to motivate junior doctors.Besides, government should establish reasonable compensation incentive mechanism, with the aim of promoting doctor-patient trust.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the relationship between Chinese medical constitutions and chemotherapy-induced leucopenia (CIL) of primary breast cancer patients.

METHODSTotally 306 breast cancer patients undergoing adjunctive chemotherapy for the 1st time, and effective 291 breast cancer patients were recruited in this study.Nine Basic Constitutional Scale was used before first chemotherapy. Chinese medical constitutions were classified and quantitatively scored. The highest grading for any item of adverse reactions in each case during the whole chemotherapy course was recorded after chemotherapy. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS16.0.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference in CIL between different chemotherapy regimens and various Chinese medical constitutions of breast cancer patients (P > 0.05). Yang deficiency constitution is one risk factor for CIL. The higher the score of yang deficiency constitution, the more severe the CIL.

CONCLUSIONSYang deficiency constitution was correlated with the degree of CIL. The higher the score of yang deficiency constitution, the greater the risk of III-IV grade CIL in breast cancer patients.

Breast Neoplasms ; complications ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Leukopenia ; chemically induced ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Yang Deficiency

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of diet-induced obesity on the developmental process of testes in pubertal Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and explore the possible reversibility. MethodsSixty one-month-old male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group ( n =10) and a model group ( n =50 ), which were fed on a normal diet and a high-fat diet, respectively. After 8 weeks, all the rats in the control group and 10 rats randomly picked out from the model group were killed. The serum testosterone and estradiol levels were measured by enzymelinked inununosorbent assay. Their left testes sections were stained by HE method, and the histology was observed under optical microscope and the spermatogenic activity was evaluated by Johnsen scoring system. The remaining 40 rats in the model group were further randomly divided into 3 subgroups: continued high-fat diet subgroup ( n =13), resume normal diet subgroup (n =13), and weight-loss subgroup (n =14). The continued high-fat diet subgroup was fed by high-fat diet, while the other two subgroups were fed by normal diet. Rats in weight-loss group took normal diet with running 20 min/d. After 6 weeks, the same parameters were assessed using the same methods. ResultsAfter 8 weeks, compared with the control group, the testosterone level of the model group significantly decreased (P =0.024) and the estradiol level significantly increased ( P =0. 017). The result of HE staining showed that the spermatogenic cell layers decreased, with part of seminiferous tubule experiencing atrophy.The number of Leydig cell also decreased and lipo vacuole was seen in the interstitial tissue of testis. The Johnsen score of the model group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P =0.000). The testosterone level was significantly lower in the continued high-fat diet subgroup than that in resume normal diet subgroup ( P =0.001 ) and weight-loss subgroup ( P =0.000), and was significantly lower in resume normal diet subgroup than that in weight-loss subgroup ( P =0.001 ). The estradiol level was significantly higher in continued high-fat diet subgroup than that in resume normal diet subgroup ( P =0.001 ) and weight-loss group ( P =0.000 ), and was significantly higher in resume normal diet subgroup than that in weight-loss group ( P =0.001 ). HE staining showed that, pathological changes aggravating and worsening compared with the control group, the model group had significantly decreased seminiferous tubule cell layers, with some seminiferous tubules experiencing atrophy.The Johnsen score was significantly higher in weight-loss subgroup than that in the other two subgroups ( P =0.000and 0.001, respectively). The Johnsen score was negatively correlated with body weight ( r =- 0.962, P =0.000), and positively correhted with the serum testosterone level ( r =0.916, P =0.000 ). Conclusions High-fat diet can induce pubertal obesity in male SD rats, which is featured by testicular hypoplasia, decreased spermatogenesis, and endocrine dysfunction. Physical exercise may improve the conditions. The degree of obesity may be negatively correlated with the spermatogenic function.

Objective To compare the clinical treatment effects, advantages and disadvantages,and clinical application value of percutaneous liver mirror of gravel (PTCSL) treating hepatolith in two different paths, and provide the reference for the future operations. Methods 81 patients with liver and gallbladder stones form March 2007 to July 2007 were selected, and they were randomly divided into observation group and control group. Observation group take colostomy lithotomy method, which is the one step colostomy lithotomy method, while the control group take two-step methods. Then stone-taking net rate, incidence of complications and hospitalization time were compared between two groups of patients after the treatment cycle of the bleeding. Results After the treatment, statistical results showed that calculi net rate, incidence of complications and length of hospital stay in two groups of patients were not significantly differences (P > 0.05). But the blood loss by the method of one-step colostomy lithotomy in observation group was obviously lower than by the two-step method in control group (P<0.05). Conclusions In clinical, percutaneous liver way mirror lithotripsy (PTCSL) is a more effective method for treatment of hepatolith, two kinds of surgical methods on the path in the clinical treatment effect and complications of the control aspect have the obvious curative effect, but the one-step method of colostomy lithotomy has less blood loss, which under certain conditions can be considered as the choice of operation.

A cDNA encoding novel type III polyketide synthase (PKS) was cloned and sequenced from young leaves of Chinese club moss Huperzia serrata (Thunb.) Trev. by RT-PCR using degenerated primers based on the conserved sequences of known CHSs, and named as H. serrata PKS2. The terminal sequences of cDNA were obtained by the 3'- and 5'-RACE method. The full-length cDNA of H. serrata PKS2 contained a 1212 bp open reading frame encoding a 46.4 kDa protein with 404 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of H. serrata PKS2 showed 50%-66% identities to those of other chalcone synthase super family enzymes of plant origin. The recombinant H. serrata PKS2 was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli with an additional hexahistidine tag at the N-terminus and showed unusually versatile catalytic potency to produce various aromatic tetraketides, including chalcones, benzophenones, phloroglucinols, and acridones. In particular, the enzyme accepted bulky starter substrates N-methylanthraniloyl-CoA, and carried out three condensations with malonyl-CoA to produce 1, 3-dihydroxy-N-methylacridone. Interestingly, H. serrata PKS2 lacks most of the consensus active site sequences with acridone synthase from Ruta graveolens (Rutaceae).

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship of circadian distribution of acute myocardial infarction with AMI location and ST segment changes in elderly patients.MethodsThe time of infarction, its anatomic location, changes of ST segment, and coronary angiography were studied in 909 elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) ( 412 with anterior AMI and 423 with inferior AMI) admitted to our coronary care units from January 1996 to January 2006.ResultsThe onset of inferior myocardial infarction were more frequent between midnight and 6AM than other periods of the day (n=138/423,32.6% of all inferior myocardial infarction patients, P<0.01). The onset of anterior myocardial infarction were more frequent between 6AM and noon than other periods of the day (n=156/412, 37.9% of all anterior myocardial infarction patients, P<0.01). Coronary angiography was performed in 789 patients (86.8%, 516/909).118 cases of them with inferior infarction occured between midnight and 6AM, including 85.6% of them were due to right coronary artery occlusion and 14.0%(17/118) of them were due to left coronary artery occlusion (P<0.01).275 cases of them with inferior infarction oecured between 6AM and midnight, including 52.2% (149/275) of them were due to right coronary artery occlusion and 45.8% of them were due to left coronary artery occlusion (P>0. 05). The onset of inferior myocardial infarction between 6AM and noon was the most frenquent in patients with ST segment elevation (44.0%, 263/644), while the onset of inferior myocardial infarction between midnight and 6 AM was the most frenquent in patients with non-ST segment elevation (36.6%,96/265). ConclusionsThe frequency of AMI at night is higher in elderly patients with ST segment elevation than in elderly patients with non-ST segment elevation.AMI at night is usually due to right coronary artery occlusion, which suggests that a protective role of sleep may be limited to left coronary artery -related events and AMI of non-ST segment.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Qufeng Tongluo Recipe (QTR) on the expression of desmin and CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) in adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats.

METHODSThe adriamycin-induced nephropathy rat model was induced by a disposable intravenous injection of adriamycin. The model was successfully established after 3 weeks. Rats were then randomly divided into the blank control group (Group A, n =12), the model control group (Group B, n = 8), the small, medium, large dose QTR group (Group C, n = 8; Group D, n = 8; Group E, n = 8), and the positive control group (Group F, n = 8). From the fourth week normal saline was given to rats in Group A and Group B, QTR 1.0 g/mL, 2.1 g/mL, and 4.2 g/mL was respectively administered to those in Group C, D, and E. Prednisone 25 mg/kg was given to rats in Group F. All medication was performed by gastrogavage at 10 mL/kg, once daily, for 28 successive days. 24-h urinary protein excretion and sera biochemical indices were determined during medication. At the end of the experiment, ultrastructure was observed, mRNA expression of desmin, mRNA and protein of CD2AP were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS(1) Compared with Group B, 24-h urinary protein excretion significantly decreased in Group C, D, E, and F (P < 0.05). (2) Compared with Group B, Alb in Group C, D, and E increased (P < 0.05) and TC significantly decreased (P < 0.05). TG significantly increased in Group F (P < 0.05). (3) Results of electron microscope showed, compared with Group B, the morphology of foot cells was improved to various degrees in Groups D, E, and F, especially the foot process structure and the number of foot processes were significantly improved, which was more obviously shown in Group D and Group E. (4) mRNA expression of desmin, mRNA and protein of CD2AP increased in adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats (P < 0.05). After intervention, when compared with Group B, mRNA expression of desmin and CD2AP were significantly lower in Group C, D, E, and F (P < 0.05). (5) Compared with Group A, expression of desmin and CD2AP significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with Group B, the expression of desmin protein were obviously lower in Group C, D, E, and F, and the protein expression of desmin obviously decreased in Group D, E, and F (P < 0.05). The protein expression of desmin and CD2AP gradually decreased in Group C, D, and E (P < 0.05). Compared with Group F, the expression of CD2AP protein obviously increased in Group C and D (P < 0.05); the expression of CD2AP protein obviously decreased in Group E (P < 0.05); the expression of desmin protein was higher in Group C, D, and E (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONQTR's therapeutic effect on adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats might be achieved through altered expression of desmin and CD2AP.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cytoskeletal Proteins ; metabolism ; Desmin ; metabolism ; Doxorubicin ; adverse effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Kidney Diseases ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Podocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

BACKGROUND: Aseptic loosening occurs after long-term total hip replacement, which directly affects the service life and prospective efficacy of artificial joints. The particles produced by artificial joint wear lead to the surrounding bone dissolved, further cause loosening, among which, polyethylene particles because of acetabular liner wear stand out. OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess the acetabular liner wear, loosening and osteolysis caused by cross-linked polyethylene or conventional polyethylene after total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: A computer-based research of Medline, EMbase, CBM, CNKI, CqVip, WanFang databases before December 2015 and Cochrane (3rd issue, 2011) was performed in accordance with the retrieval strategy made by Cochrane collaboration. A manual retrieval of related bone journals and conference papers was conducted. Eleven randomized controlled trials about the wear caused by cross-linked polyethylene or conventional polyethylene after total hip arthroplasty were enrolled based on inclusion criteria, followed by a Meta-analysis using RevMan 5.0 software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Eleven randomized controlled trials involving 952 patients were included. (2) Meta-analysis showed that the acetabular liner wear rate of cross-linked polyethylene was significantly lower than that of conventional polyethylene at 5 years postoperatively [MD=-0.07, CI(-0.09, -0.05), I2=93%, P < 0.00001]; the large heterogeneity was decreased [MD=-0.06, 95%CI (-0.07, -0.04), I2=39%, P < 0.00001] after three research removed through sensitivity analysis. (3) The osteolysis rate in the cross-linked polyethylene group was significantly lower than that in the conventional polyethylene group [RR=0.39, 95%CI (0.27, 0.57), I2=0%, P < 0.00001]. (4) These results suggest that the cross-linked polyethylene liners exhibit reduced radiological wear and osteolysis, but the mean follow-up of 5 years (1.8 to 8.0) cannot meet the long-term requirements. Therefore, multi-central, large sample size and high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to testify the efficacy and safety of cross-linked polyethylene.BACKGROUND: Aseptic loosening occurs after long-term total hip replacement, which directly affects the service life and prospective efficacy of artificial joints. The particles produced by artificial joint wear lead to the surrounding bone dissolved, further cause loosening, among which, polyethylene particles because of acetabular liner wear stand out. OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess the acetabular liner wear, loosening and osteolysis caused by cross-linked polyethylene or conventional polyethylene after total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: A computer-based research of Medline, EMbase, CBM, CNKI, CqVip, WanFang databases before December 2015 and Cochrane (3rd issue, 2011) was performed in accordance with the retrieval strategy made by Cochrane collaboration. A manual retrieval of related bone journals and conference papers was conducted. Eleven randomized controlled trials about the wear caused by cross-linked polyethylene or conventional polyethylene after total hip arthroplasty were enrolled based on inclusion criteria, followed by a Meta-analysis using RevMan 5.0 software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Eleven randomized controlled trials involving 952 patients were included. (2) Meta-analysis showed that the acetabular liner wear rate of cross-linked polyethylene was significantly lower than that of conventional polyethylene at 5 years postoperatively [MD=-0.07, CI(-0.09, -0.05), I2=93%, P < 0.00001]; the large heterogeneity was decreased [MD=-0.06, 95%CI (-0.07, -0.04), I2=39%, P < 0.00001] after three research removed through sensitivity analysis. (3) The osteolysis rate in the cross-linked polyethylene group was significantly lower than that in the conventional polyethylene group [RR=0.39, 95%CI (0.27, 0.57), I2=0%, P < 0.00001]. (4) These results suggest that the cross-linked polyethylene liners exhibit reduced radiological wear and osteolysis, but the mean follow-up of 5 years (1.8 to 8.0) cannot meet the long-term requirements. Therefore, multi-central, large sample size and high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to testify the efficacy and safety of cross-linked polyethylene.