Objective To assess the dlagnostic value of a triple stimulation technique(TST)for benign monomelic amyotrophy(BMA). Methods A total of 15 BMA patients and 15 healthy control subiects were exam-ined with the TST.The latent periods,amplitudes,areas and durations of the negative waves of the compound muscle action potential(CMAP)and motor evoked potential(MEP)induced by the stimulation were recorded,and the de-creasing ratio of amplitudes and areas in the two groups were analyzed. Results There were significant differences in amplitude and area ratios between the BMA patients and the healthy control subjects.Both ratios were significantly lower in the BMA patients. Conclusion TST has some value in diagnosis of BMA.

Objective To study the mRNA expression of HS1-associated protein X-1(Hax-1),an an- ti-apoptosis genc,in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC)of patients with systemic lupus erythe- matosus(SLE),and further investigate the roles and significance of Hax-1 in the pathogenesis of SLE.Meth- ods Generation of longer cDNA fragments from serial analysis of gene expression(SAGE)tags for gene identi- fication(GLGI)was applied to identify the gene Hax-1 according to the Long SAGE tag.Then reverse tran- scription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)technique was used to semiquantitatively analyze mRNA ex- pressions of Hax-1 in PBMC from 34 active SLE patients and 25 healthy subjects.Results Compared with healthy controls,there was significant difference between SLE patients in the active stage and the normal controls(Z=-4.556,P＜0.01).The average level of mRNA expression in active SLE group was higher than that in healthy controls.Significant difference was found between the group with mild SLE and either the moderate or the severe one(P＜0.01).Conclusion The mRNA expression level of Hax-1 in active SLE group increase markedly,and to some extent,it is related to the activity of SLE.This provides a valuable basis for the further study on the role of apoptosis in SLE.

Objective To analyze mental sub-heahh condition of nursing undergraduates and correlated influential factors, providing foundation of intervention measures. Methods Applying to Comell Medical Index (CMI), 460 nursing undergraduates were investigated with the questionnaire and interlocution methods for screening mental sub-health status. Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) and The Professional-Self Concept of Nurses Instrument (PSCNI) were utilized to analyse the effects of personality character, social support and nursing speciality attitude to mental sub-health status. Results The incidence rate of mental sub-health status in nursing undergraduates are 17.0%. The nervousness was in positive correlation with mental sub-health status, while camouflage, subjective supporting degree, supporting availability and mental sub-health status were in negative correlation. Conclusions Personality characteristics and social support and nursing speciality attitude of nursing were all related with mental sub-health status.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the status of dietary sodium intake of 18 - 65 years old Chinese people in nine provinces (autonomous region) in 1991 and 2006.

METHODSIn 1991 and 2006, China Health and Nutrition Survey was carried out in nine provinces, including Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Shandong, Jiangsu, Henan, Hunan, Hubei, Guangxi and Guizhou, Subjects were selected by multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method from 18 - 65 years old people and 8235 subjects in 1991 and 7788 subjects in 2006. Sodium intake analysis was conducted across gender, regions and rural(urban) residences.

RESULTSOn average, sodium intake decreased from (6750.6 ± 3771.5) mg/d in 1991 to (4949.7 ± 2829.4) mg/d in 2006 (Z = -35.5, P < 0.01) among the 18 - 65 years old people. In 1991 and 2006, the main sources of dietary sodium were salt, soy sauce and vegetable. In 1991, the proportion were 79.6% ((5375.6 ± 3532) mg/d), 8.7% ((586.7 ± 721.7) mg/d) and 7.5% ((506.9 ± 906.1) mg/d), respectively. In 2006, the proportion were 71.5% ((3539.8 ± 2545) mg/d), 8.3% ((410.7 ± 547.9) mg/d) and 6.2% ((304.6 ± 610.7) mg/d), respectively.

CONCLUSIONSAmong 18 - 65 years old residents, sodium intake in 2006 was significantly lower than that in 1991, but still far beyond the 2200 mg/d of adequate intake level (2200 mg/d). The major source of sodium intake in Chinese diet was condiments.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; China ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Nutrition Surveys ; Sodium, Dietary ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the age, gender and region specified milk consumption and its changing trends of Chinese 18 - 44 years old adults in 9 provinces (autonomous region) from 1991 to 2006.

METHODSThe data of 18 - 44 aged old adults investigated in Chinese Health and Nutrition Survey from 1991 to 2006 in 9 provinces (autonomous region) were utilized. The numbers of the subjects selected in 1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004 and 2006 were 5593, 5491, 5334, 4188 and 3908, respectively. Changes of the percentage of milk consumption, average intake of daily milk and dietary calcium intake were analyzed across different groups of gender, income levels, and areas.

RESULTSThere was an increasing trend in the percentage of milk consumption and daily intake of milk from 1991 to 2006. The average percentage of Chinese adult milk consumption went up from 2.2% (123/5593) in 1991 to 7.6% (297/3908) in 2006 (Z = -22.16, P < 0.01). Specifically, urban adult and rural adult showed significant increase in the percentages from 9.7% (80/823) to 23.7% (112/472) (Z = -12.81, P < 0.01) and 0.1% (2/2937) to 1.8% (36/1987) (Z = -9.21, P < 0.01) respectively. Percentages of adult who ever drank milk at top income level and bottom income level increased from 4.7% (95/2006) to 14.6% (200/1373) (Z = -17.36, P < 0.01) and from 0.1% (2/1748) to 2.4% (28/1171) (Z = -9.58, P < 0.01), respectively. Meanwhile, the average daily intake of milk increased from (3.6 ± 24.6) g/d in 1991 to (11.8 ± 51.4) g/d in 2006 (F = 67.07, P < 0.01). The daily milk consumption among top income level adults and bottom income level adults increased from (8.5 ± 50.9) g/d to (23.1 ± 71.5) g/d and from (0.2 ± 6.5) g/d to (3.3 ± 23.5) g/d (F = 13.90, P < 0.01), respectively. From 1991 to 2006, milk consumers significantly promoted their percentage of achieving the Chinese dietary reference intake on calcium (800 mg/d) from 6.5% (8/123) to 12.8% (38/297) (Z = -1.67, P < 0.05), whereas this percentage increased from 1.6% (38/5470) to 3.6% (130/3611) among milk non-consumers (Z = -5.66, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONChinese adult milk intake still remains in quite low level, and the situation of milk consumption among rural adults requires further promotion.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Animals ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Calcium, Dietary ; analysis ; China ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Milk ; Nutrition Surveys ; Rural Population ; Suburban Population ; Urban Population ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo introduce the procedure of the 1st ray stabilization combined with resection of the lesser metatarsal heads for patient with severe forefoot deformity caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and evaluate the short to mid-term clinical results.

METHODSFrom Oct. 2006 to Aug. 2010,97 patients (129 feet) aged from 36 to 67 years (average 54), with forefoot deformity caused by rheumatoid arthritis were reviwed. There were 88 males and 9 females,65 single lateral involved and 32 bilateral involved, the average duration of disease was 17 years (6 to 32 years). The 1st ray instability and lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint stiff dislocation were found in all cases. The first ray stabilization combined with resection of the lesser metatarsal head procedure were performed for all cases. The radiographic Hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were measurde and the JSSF (Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot) score were evaluated before operation and every follow up.

RESULTSThe average followed-up was 37 months (6 to 52 months) for all patients except 5 (7 feet) and 1 died for acute cardiac infarction 1 year after operation. The average JSSF score improved from (33.2 +/- 8.2) points preoperative to (67.3 +/- 3.1) points at final followed-up (P < 0.01); the average HVA was corrected from (50.0 +/- 11.8) degrees preoperative to (21.2 +/- 3.2) degrees at final follow up (P < 0.01); the average IMA was corrected from (15.5 +/- 3.6) degrees preoperative to (9.7 +/- 6.6) degrees at final follow up (P < 0.01). MTP joint nonunion was found in 4 feet. A radiographic high density mass was found in the 1st cuneiform bone during 8 to 11 months followed-up in 3 feet; delayed wound healing was happened in 9 feet; MTP joint infection was happened in 2 feet; tarsometatarsal joint infection was happened in 1 foot; lesser MTP joints deformity recurrence were found in 16 feet.

CONCLUSIONThe characters of forefoot with RA in later stage are the 1st ray deformity and instability compound with the lesser toes deformity. The 1st ray stability procedure which include the 1st MTP arthrodesis and the Lapidus procedure can correct the 1st ray deformities and rebuilt its stability. The lesser toes metatarsal head resection is effective in correct their deformity. This combined procedure is reliable. It is suitable for patients with severe Hallux valgus, increased IMA, tarsometatarsal joint instability and the lesser MTP joint stiff dislocation.

Adult ; Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; complications ; surgery ; Female ; Foot Deformities, Acquired ; surgery ; Forefoot, Human ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Hallux Valgus ; surgery ; Humans ; Joint Instability ; surgery ; Male ; Metatarsal Bones ; surgery ; Metatarsophalangeal Joint ; surgery ; Middle Aged

Adult ; Chorea ; etiology ; Circulatory Arrest, Deep Hypothermia Induced ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Endarterectomy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Pulmonary Embolism ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo study the ECG features in children with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and related factors for the occurrence of arrhythmia secondary to DCM.

METHODSData from 68 children with DCM from January 1998 to March 2011 were studied. The children were classified into three groups: severe arrhythmia (n=42), non-severe arrhythmia (n=20) and non-arrhythmia (n=6). Left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVED), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were compared.

RESULTSAbnormal ECG results were found in all of the 68 children with DCM. Sinus tachycardia (91%) and ectopic pulsatile (86%) were common. LVED in the severe arrhythmia group (74±6 mm) was greater than that in the non-severe arrhythmia group (65±4 mm; P<0.05) and non-arrhythmia group (61±3 mm; P<0.05). LVED in the non-severe arrhythmia group was also greater than that in the non-arrhythmia group (P<0.05). LVEF and LVFS in the severe arrhythmia group were (30±11)% and (22±4)%, respectively, which were lower than those in the non-severe arrhythmia group［(37±12)% and (28±5)%, respectively］and non-arrhythmia group［(45±9)% and (34±7)%, respectively］(P<0.05). There were also significant differences in the LVEF and LVFS between the non-severe arrhythmia and non-arrhythmia groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe common abnormal ECG findings are sinus tachycardia and ectopic pulsatile in children with DCM. Arrhythmia is one of the main clinical manifestations of DCM. The occurrence of arrhythmia is associated with the left ventricular size and heart function.

Adolescent ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; etiology ; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated ; complications ; physiopathology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male

BACKGROUND: The perioperative hemorrhage of knee surgeries is a difficulty in clinic, and the efficacy of tranexamic acid to reduce postoperative bleeding has attracted more attention, but choosing which administrations remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of tranexamic acid by intravenous injection or articular injection for reducing the perioperative hemorrhage of total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing unilateral total knee replacement were enrolled, and were then randomized into three groups (n=20 per group): no tranexamic acid administration (group A); intravenous dropping of 15 mg/kg tranexamic acid before tourniquet application plus 10 mg/kg tranexamic acid at 3 hours postoperatively (group B); articular injection of 50 mL saline diluted with 1 g tranexamic acid through a drainage tube (group C). Two-hour closure of drainage tube was performed in all patients. The postoperative dominant and hidden blood loss, blood transfusion rate, pulmonary embolism as well as lower extremity deep venous thrombosis were recorded. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The dominant and hidden blood loss in the groups B and C were significantly less than those in the group A (P < 0.05); the dominant blood loss showed no significant difference between groups B and C (P > 0.05); the group B exhibited a significantly less hidden blood loss compared with group C (P < 0.05). (2) The blood transfusion rate in the groups B and C was significantly lower than that in the group A (P < 0.05). (3) No pulmonary embolism or lower extremity deep venous embolism occurred during 3-month follow-up. (4) That is to say, tranexamic acid can obviously reduce perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion rate without pulmonary embolism or lower extremity deep venous thrombosis, and intravenous administration exerts better clinical effectiveness.

Objective:To investigate the expression of KCTD8 gene in breast ductal carcinoma and its correlation with clinical factors and prognosis.Methods:Immunohistochemistry technology(IHC)were employed to detect protein expression levels of KCTD8 in 27 pairs of breast ductal carci-noma and its paired adjacent tissues.Analyzing the correlation between changes in KCTD8 expres-sion of protein and clinical factors using statistical techniques.RNA expression and methylation data of breast cancer(including intraductal cancer)were analysed from TCGA database.Result:The pro-tein expression of KCTD8 gene in 27 pairs of breast ductal carcinoma tissues showed a decreasing trend compared to adjacent tissues(P＜0.05),and the decreased expression level of protein was cor-related with the tumor size of patients(P＜0.05).The analysis results of the TCGA database indicate that the expression and hypemethylation of KCTD 8 gene in breast cancer(including intraductal can-cer)tissues affected the prognosis of patients.Conclusion:The reduced protein expression level of KCTD8 gene in breast ductal carcinoma may be involved in the development and affect the prog-nosis of patients.