Objective To investigate the clinical, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of the lower urinary system dysfunction among chronic recreational ketamine abusers. Methods From 2000-2008, 20 ketamine abusers(14 men and 6 women; mean age, 22.3 years), from 3 hospitals in Guangzhou and Hongkong, and suffering from lower urinary tract dysfunction was reported. All of them had abused ketamine for 1 to 4 years, and presented with severe lower urinary tract symptoms. Complaint of severe frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, and painful haematuria was common. Urine cultures were negative. Six men suffered from severe dysuria. B ultrasound examination of 16 cases demonstrated the presence of bilateral hydronephrosis. Fourteen IVU and 10 CT investigations demonstrated the presence of bilateral hydronephrosis, bladder contraction, and 1 case showed papillary necrosis of the kidney. Different levels of abnormal liver function and chronic/acute renal failure were observed. All of the patients were required to withdraw the narcotics and the experimental medicine were given. Results The biopsies of 6 cases demonstrated the cystitis. Twelve cases' symptoms were reversible after these patients stopped or reduced the frequency and amount of ketamine abuse. Pentosan polysulfate sodium and sodium hyaluronate solution relieved the symptoms of 6 patients. Conclusions "Street ketamine" associated urinary system dysfunction might be a kind of in flammatory process involving the upper and lower urinary tract. Underlying aetiology and treatment methods necessitate further study.

A large amount of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) is required for fatty acid synthesis and maintenance of the redox state in cancer cells. Malic enzyme 1(ME1)-dependent NADPH production is one of the three pathways that contribute to the formation of the cytosolic NADPH pool. ME1 is generally considered to be overexpressed in cancer cells to meet the high demand for increased de novo fatty acid synthesis. In the present study, we found that glucose induced higher ME1 activity and that repressing ME1 had a profound impact on glucose metabolism of nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) cells. High incorporation of glucose and an enhancement of the pentose phosphate pathway were observed in ME1-repressed cells. However, there were no obvious changes in the other two pathways for glucose metabolism: glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Interestingly, NADPH was decreased under low-glucose condition in ME1-repressed cells relative to wild-type cells, whereas no significant difference was observed under high-glucose condition. ME1-repressed cells had significantly decreased tolerance to low-glucose condition. Moreover, NADPH produced by ME1 was not only important for fatty acid synthesis but also essential for maintenance of the intracellular redox state and the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Furthermore, diminished migration and invasion were observed in ME1-repressed cells due to a reduced level of Snail protein. Collectively, these results suggest an essential role for ME1 in the production of cytosolic NADPH and maintenance of migratory and invasive abilities of NPC cells.
Carcinoma ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; Cell Survival ; Glucose ; metabolism ; Glycolysis ; Humans ; Malate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; NADP ; metabolism ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Oxidative Phosphorylation ; Pentose Phosphate Pathway ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; metabolism

The effects of human insulin 70/30 and insulin lispro 75/25 were compared in improving postprandial blood glucose excursions in 106 patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes in a one-month,open-labelled,self- controlled trial .The results showed that treatment of diabetic patients with insulin lispro 75/25 significantly improved 2 h postprandial blood glucose excursion compared to pre-study with human insulin 70/30 (baseline) without any significant adverse events or sustained hypoglycemic episodes.These physiological benefits were associated with a patient preference for insulin lispro 75/25.

OBJECTIVETo assess the depression and anxious status among transferred injured survivors in Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan province.

METHODSA total of 43 transferred injured survivors were investigated by questionnaire exploring their trauma symptoms and mental health status.

RESULTSHigh rates of trauma symptoms were remarkably observed in these survivors. Of all the respondents, 60% had some emotional symptoms and sleeping difficulties. About one third of respondents experienced recurrent and intrusive distressing recollection of event, 16 (37.21%) experienced nightmare, 15 (34.88%) had flashback and 7 (16.28%) of them tried to avoid relative stress.

CONCLUSIONMany mental symptoms were observed in transferred injured survivors. The two major factors of mental stress were emotional symptoms and re-experience of the disaster.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Disasters ; Earthquakes ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic ; psychology ; Stress, Psychological ; Survivors ; psychology ; statistics & numerical data ; Wounds and Injuries ; psychology ; Young Adult

To investigate the non-viral vector mediating human coagulation factor VIII gene expression in mouse 32D cell line, a recombinant plasmid vector, pRC/RSV-hFVIIIBDcDNA, was constructed by cloning B-domain-deleted (Delta760aa-1639aa) human factor VIII cDNA (hFVIIIBDcDNA) into plasmid vector, pRC/RSV. The plasmid RC/RSV-hFVIIIBDcDNA was then transfected by means of SuperFect Transfection Reagent into mouse 32D cell line. After screening with G418, the procoagulant activity (hFVIII:C) and antigen (hFVIII:Ag) of human factor VIII in the culture medium were detected using one-stage method and ELISA, respectively. Furthermore, RT-PCR was performed to observe the transcription of hFVIIIBDcDNA. The results showed that human coagulation factor VIII protein existed in culture medium with hFVIII:C up to 2.01 U/(10(6) cell x 24 hours) and hFVIII:Ag to 450.08 ng/(10(6) cell x 24 hours). RT-PCR displayed mRNA of hFVIIIBDcDNA in 32D cells. It is concluded that the recombinant plasmid RC/RSV-hFVIIIBDcDNA can successfully express human FVIII in mouse 32D cell line, and hFVIII expressed in vitro presents the similar coagulant activity to the native hFVIII existing in normal human plasma.
Animals ; Cell Line ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Factor VIII ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Humans ; Mice ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo study the histopathologic features, differential diagnosis and pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

METHODSThe clinicopathologic features of 40 autopsy cases of diabetes mellitus were studied. The hearts from another 40 cases of non-diabetic elderly deceased were used for comparison.

RESULTSIn the 40 cases of diabetes studied, 36 cases (90.0%) showed microscopic myocardial cell death. Focal interstitial fibrosis was observed in 37 cases (92.5%). On the other hand, similar myocardial cell death and patchy interstitial fibrosis was seen in 8 cases (20.0%) and 9 cases (22.5%) of non-diabetic hearts, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The mural thickness of intramyocardial blood vessels was significantly increased in diabetic group (20.6 microm +/- 4.2 microm) than in non-diabetic group (7.2 microm +/- 5.2 microm), P < 0.01.The myocardial changes in diabetic group however were similar to those in non-diabetic group with systemic hypertension.

CONCLUSIONSPathologic diagnosis of diabetic cardiomyopathy relies on detailed histologic examination of heart tissue and clinical correlation of a long history of diabetes mellitus. Exclusion of other possible etiologies is also essential. The myocardial cell death observed may be due to the ischemic effect induced by diabetic microangiopathy in cardiac muscle.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Autopsy ; Cardiomyopathies ; complications ; diagnosis ; Cell Death ; Coronary Vessels ; cytology ; pathology ; Diabetes Complications ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Fibrosis ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Myocardium ; cytology ; pathology

BACKGROUNDThe development of regenerative therapies using derivatives of embryonic stem (ES) cells would be facilitated by a non-invasive method to monitor transplanted cells in vivo, for example, magnetic resonance imaging of cells labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles. Although ES cells have been labeled with SPIO particles, the potential adverse effects of the label have not been fully examined. The objective of this study was to determine whether SPIO labeling affects murine ES cell viability, proliferation, or ability to differentiate into functional endothelial cells (ECs).

METHODSCross-linked iron oxide (CLIO, an SPIO) was conjugated with human immunodeficiency virus transactivator of transcription (HIV-Tat) peptides, and murine ES cells were labeled with either CLIO-Tat, CLIO, or HIV-Tat. After labeling, ES cells were cultured for 4 days and Flk-1(+) ES cells identified and sorted by immunocytochemistry and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Flk-1(+) cells were replated on fibronectin-coated dishes, and ECs were obtained by culturing these for 4 weeks in endothelial cell growth medium supplemented with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). ES cell viability was determined using trypan blue exclusion, and the proportion of SPIO(+) cells was evaluated using Prussian blue staining and transmission electron microscopy. After differentiation, the behavior and phenotype of ECs were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, DiI-labeled acetylated low-density lipoprotein (AcLDL) uptake, and Matrigel tube formation assay.

RESULTSCLIO-Tat was a highly effective label for ES cells, with > 96% of cells incorporating the particles, and it did not alter the viability of the labeled cells. ECs derived from CLIO-Tat(+) ES cells were very similar to murine aortic ECs in their morphology, expression of endothelial cell markers, ability to form vascular-like channels, and scavenging of AcLDL from the culture medium.

CONCLUSIONSCLIO-Tat is a highly effective label for ES cells and does not adversely affect cell viability, differentiation, or behavior. CLIO-Tat could be a useful marker for the non-invasive monitoring of transplanted stem cells.

Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Line ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Embryonic Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Ferric Compounds ; chemistry ; Flow Cytometry ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mice ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Nanoparticles ; adverse effects ; chemistry ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

BACKGROUNDGlycemic control prevents onset and progression of diabetes-related long-term complications. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that twice daily insulin lispro low mix 25 is noninferior to twice daily human insulin mix 30/70 in achieving glycemic control as measured by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), from baseline to endpoint, in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes.

METHODSIn this phase IV, crossover, open-label, multicenter study, 117 Chinese patients with diabetes were randomly assigned to one of two treatment sequence groups. One group received 12-week treatment with twice daily human insulin mix 30/70 followed by 12-week treatment with twice daily insulin lispro low mix 25, while the other group received the reverse treatment sequence. HbA1c, baseline-to-endpoint change in HbA1c, proportion of patients achieving target HbA1c

RESULTSA statistically significant reduction (P -0.3%). No statistically significant differences between treatments were observed for any of the secondary efficacy measures. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events and hypoglycemia between the two treatments and treatment sequence groups was similar. Three serious adverse events were reported (human insulin mix 30/70 group: 2 patients (1.7%, hypoglycemic coma and cardiac failure); insulin lispro low mix 25 group: 1 patient (0.9%, stroke)). All serious adverse events were resolved and no patients died during the study.

CONCLUSIONThe results support noninferiority of twice daily insulin lispro low mix 25 versus twice daily human insulin mix 30/70 in HbA1c control in Chinese patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Female ; Glycated Hemoglobin A ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; administration & dosage ; Insulin ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Insulin Lispro ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

Objective To understand the prevalence of Clonorchis sinensis infection among residents in two communities of Zhongshan City,and evaluate the effect of albendazole treatment,so as to offer the evidence for formulating the strategy of clo-norchiasis prevention and control.Methods The stool specimens were collected from the residents of two comprehensive dem-onstration areas,and the eggs of C.sinensis were detected by Kato-Katz technique.Those who were tested positive were treated with albendazole(0.4,twice a day for 4 days in adults,and half dosage for children aged 16 years or below).Three weeks after the treatment,the stool specimens were recollected and retested to evaluate the effect. Results A total of 532 people were in-vestigated and 96 were tested positive,with an infection rate of 18.05%.The infection rate was 28.63%(69/241)in the males and 9.28%(27/291)in the females,and there was a significant difference between them(Χ2=334.99,P<0.01).The infection rate increased with the increase of the age(Χ2=63.84,P<0.01).Among the 96 positive residents,94 received the albendazole treatment,and 86 were retested after the treatment with a negative conversion rate of 91.86%(79/86).Of the 7 residents without the conversion,5 had irregular medication.No severe adverse reactions were reported during the period of treatment. Conclu-sions The infection rate of C.sinensis among residents in the two communities of Zhongshan City is high,especially among the males and aged people.The effect of albendazole is good in the treatment of C.sinensis infection.In the future,the general sur-vey and treatment should be strengthened in order to lower the infection rate.

Objective:To analyze the distribution of clinically isolated fungal strains and their resistance to common antifungal drugs in Shandong province.Methods:Through the Shandong Children’s Bacterial & Fungal Drug Resistance Surveillance and Research Collaborative Network, a total of 1 030 fungi were collected in 46 hospitals of Shandong province from January 1 to December 31, 2018. The source and type of strains were analyzed, and antifungal drug sensitivity tests were performed by using the micro-dilution method. Whonet 5.6 and SPSS 22.0 were applied to analyze the data.Results:The overall main strains were Candida albicans (38.74%, 399/1 030), Candida tropicalis (16.99%, 175/1 030) and Candida parapsilosis (16.41%, 169/1 030); the main fungi strains in child patients were C. albicans (52.50%, 63/120), C. parapsilosis (12.50%, 15/120) and C. tropicalis (9.17%, 11/120); the main fungi strains in adult patients were C. albicans (36.37%, 331/910), C. tropicalis (17.03%, 155/910) and C. parapsilosis (15.27%, 139/910). The isolation rate of main Candida strains from January to March and August to December was much higher than that of other months. The drug resistance rates of C. albicans to fluconazole and voriconazole were 7.14% and 7.43%, respectively, and the drug resistance rates to itraconazole were 50.44%. The resistance rates of C. tropicalis to fluconazole, voriconazole and itraconazole were 29.05%, 23.29% and 48.65%, respectively. The sensitivity rates of C. parapsilosi to fluconazole, voriconazole and itraconazole were 93.06%, 93.75% and 94.44%, respectively. Candida glabrata showed a dose-dependent sensitivity rate of 2.33% to fluconazole. Analysis of 244 blood fungi strains showed that non-candida albicans bacteremia accounted for 70.08%. In the pathogen spectrum covering 92.22%, fluconazole was sensitive to 64.65% of the pathogens, voriconazole was 68.88%, and amphotericin B was 88.75%. After quantification, the effective rates of fluconazole, voriconazole and amphotericin B in the clinical treatment of fungal bacteremia were 70.10%, 74.69% and 96.23%, respectively. Among them, the sensitivity rate of voriconazole to C. tropicalis was lower than that of fluconazole. Conclusions:Candida is the main clinical fungus isolates in hospitals of Shandong province. The resistance rate of C. tropicalis to azole antifungal drugs is on the rise, and the sensitivity of other Candida species to clinically used antifungal drugs is basically stable.