The study of traditional Chinese medicine and its complex prescription gradually adopted the methods of serum pharmacology, which has become a new researching thought and a gained more attention. In this article, the background of relevant researches, methodological discussions, analysis of the advantages and problems of serum pharmacology were reviewed. The serum pharmacology, for its unique value, will certainly has a brilliant prospect in its application to the research of traditional Chinese medicine and its complex prescription.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical features of thyroid disease occurring in response to antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).

METHODSEighty-two patients diagnosed with CHC were recruited for study from our hospital between 2009 and 2010. All patients were given a 48-week course of antiviral combination therapy with pegylated-interferon (Peg-IFN; 180 mug qw ih) and ribavirin (RBV; 15 mg/kg bw). Patient sera was collected prior to treatment (baseline), at treatment weeks 24 and 48, and post-treatment week 24, and used to detect changes in levels of thyroid function markers, thyroid-specific and other autoantibodies, complement factors, and immunoglobulins (Igs). Differential expression of biomarkers was assessed between patients who developed thyroid disorder and those who did not.

RESULTSAt treatment week 48, 13.4% (11/82) of cases developed hypothyroidism, 3.7% (3/82) developed hyperthyroidism, 20.7% (17/82) tested positive for thyroglobulin antibody, and 22.0% (18/82) tested positive for thyroid peroxidase antibody. The patients who did not develop thyroid disease had significantly higher post-treatment levels (vs. baseline) of IgG (14.84 +/- 2.61 vs. 12.95 +/- 3.32 g/L, F = 10.458, P = 0.002) and C4 (0.26 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.22 +/- 0.08 g/L, F = 6.835, P = 0.011) and significantly lower IgM (0.86 +/- 0.48 vs. 1.00 +/- 0.42 g/L, F = 9.106, P = 0.003). The patients who developed thyroid disease showed no significant differences in the baseline and post-treatment levels of IgG, C4, or IgM. When the two groups of patients who did or did not develop thyroid disease were compared, there was no difference in the amount of patients who achieved sustained virological response.

CONCLUSIONAntiviral-induced thyroid disease in patients with refractory hepatitis C manifests as clinically-detectable abnormalities in serum levels of thyroid autoantibody and markers of hypothyroidism. Levels of other autoantibodies and Igs do not correlate with the development of thyroid disease in these patients, and thyroid disease does not appear to affect the efficacy of Peg-IFN + RBV antiviral therapy.

Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Polyethylene Glycols ; therapeutic use ; Ribavirin ; therapeutic use ; Thyroid Diseases ; chemically induced

Objective: To understand the correlation between physical activity (PA) and socioeconomic status (SES) among Chinese children and adolescents, and to provide theoretical basis for physical activity promotion for Chinese children and adolescents. Methods: By using stratified random cluster sampling, a total of 4 269 children and adolescents aged 7 to 18 were selected from six cities in China from September to December 2018. Physical Activity Level Evaluation Questionnaire of Chinese Children and Adolescents Aged 7 to 18 was used to investigate PA and SES, and the height and weight were measured. Methods: In terms of different intensity of PA, the time spent on light intensity physical activity(LPA), moderate intensity physical activity(MPA), moderate to vigorous physical activity(MVPA)and total physical activity(TPA) in low SES group was 28.5(6.9,57.1) min/d, 46.2 (25.7,79.2) min/d, 61.4(34.3,101.9) min/d and 102.9(65.0,145.8)min/d respectively, which was higher than that in middle SES groups [ 21.4 (4.3,50.7), 37.1(18.6,65.7), 50.3(27.1,86.8), 85.7(49.3,127.1) min/d] and high SES groups [24.3( 5.0 ,54.3), 40.0(21.4,69.1), 54.3(32.9,91.4), 89.6(55.7,132.9) min/d]( P <0.01). In terms of different types of PA, the traffic PA [40.0(15.0,68.6) min/d] and entertainment PA[4.3(0,17.1)min/d] accounted the highest proportion in low SES group,while sports PA [36.4(20.7,60.7) min/d] accounted the highest proportion in high SES group( P <0.01).The compliance rates of MVPA in low, middle and high SES groups were 51.1%, 42.5% and 45.2%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2= 22.02 , P <0.05). After controlling for confounding factors, the detection rate of MVPA in the low SES group was 1.24 times higher than that in the high SES group ( P <0.01). Conclusion The MVPA and TPA time of children and adolescents with middle SES group were the lowest. Physical activities spent on traffic and entertainment account highest in low SES group, while physical activities spent on sports account highest in high SES group.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate endourethral surgery for urethratresia under the X-ray guide.

METHODSWe performed transurethral urethroplasty for 11 patients with urethratresia using the PlasmaKinetic electrodes under the guidance of C arm xanthippe.

RESULTSIn the 11 cases, operations were all successful, 9 achieved smooth urination and 2 needed regular urethral dilation.

CONCLUSIONX-ray guided internal urethroplasty with PlasmaKinetic electrodes is a simple and efficient treatment for urethratresia.

Adult ; Aged ; Electrodes ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Urethra ; injuries ; Urethral Obstruction ; surgery ; X-Rays

OBJECTIVELyme disease and Human granulocytic anaplasmosis are tick-borne diseases caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum respectively. We have investigated infection and co-infection of the two diseases in the population of forest areas of eight provinces in China by measuring seroprevalence of antibodies against B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum.

METHODSForest areas in 8 provinces were chosen for investigation using whole sampling and questionnaire survey methods. 3 669 serum samples from people in the forest areas were tested for the presence of antibodies by indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA).

RESULTSSeroprevalence against B. burgdorferi was 3% to 15% and against A. phagocytophilum was 2% to 18% in the study sites in the 8 provinces in China. We also found co-infection of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum in 7 of the 8 provinces (the exception being the Miyun area in Beijing). The seroprevalence for both B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum was significantly higher among people exposed to ticks than among people who were not exposed to ticks.

CONCLUSIONWe conclude that both pathogens are endemic in the forest areas in the eight provinces, but the prevalence of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum differs between the provinces.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anaplasma phagocytophilum ; pathogenicity ; Anaplasmosis ; blood ; epidemiology ; Animals ; Borrelia burgdorferi ; pathogenicity ; Child ; China ; Coinfection ; Female ; Humans ; Lyme Disease ; blood ; epidemiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Tick-Borne Diseases ; blood ; epidemiology ; Trees ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the fact that the east border of Heilongjiang had been a lyme disease natural focus,we investigated the species and distribution of ticks and isolated bacteria from ticks and identified genomic species of Borrelia burdorferi sensu lato. This study provided evidence for prevention and control of lyme disease.

METHODSTicks were caught by flagging method and Direct immunofluorescence method was used to detect the rate of bacteria borne by the tick. BSK UI culture medium was used to isolate the agent and Specific McAbs were used to identify the bacteria. SDS-PAGE protein profile and PCR-RFLP method were also used to identify the species of Spirochetes.

RESULTSTicks, collected from China-Russia border of east Heilongiiang province were classified including Ixodes persulcatus Schulze, Dermacentor sivarum Olener, Haemaphysalis concinna Kock,and Haemaphysalis japonica Kock. We found that the distributon of ticks was different under different circumstances and the predominant species were also different in different ports. The rate of bacteria borne by Iodes persulaatus Schulze was 31.4% ,by Dermacentor sivarum Olener and Haemaphysalis concinna Kock were 2.2% and 3.8%, respectively. However,it was negative for Haenaphysalis japonica Kock. Spirochetes isolated from Ixodes persulcatus Schulze were collected from Dongning and Tongjiang while Genomic species of Spirochetes, isolated from ticks of the border belonged to B. garinii.

CONCLUSIONAll the results showed that the east border of Heilongjiang province was the natural focus of lyme disease.

Animals ; Arachnid Vectors ; classification ; microbiology ; Borrelia burgdorferi ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; China ; Humans ; Lyme Disease ; microbiology ; Russia ; Ticks ; classification ; microbiology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety of recombinant human interferon alpha-2b for nasal spray for the prevention of SARS and other upper respiratory viral infections.

METHODSField epidemiologic evaluation was conducted, the design was randomized and had a synchronously parallel control group. In the study, the drugs were given for five days and all subjects were followed up for ten days.

RESULTSDuring the period of using interferon, body temperature of the experimental group was normal compared to the control group. Experimental group had more influenza-like symptoms than the control group (P < 0.05), such as headache (4.83%-7.09%), dizziness (7.17%-11.63%), lassitude (8.55%-15.06%), muscular soreness (4.43%-7.09%), pharynx dryness (12.10%-17.85%), angina (6.25%-8.72%), abdominal pain (2.30%-5.50%) and diarrhea (2.45%-5.66%). Most of side effects reached their peak with in the first 3 days. Except for pharynx dryness, the incidences of all other side effects declined after completion of the use of the trial drug, and incidences of some symptoms in experimental group were lower than those of the control group. There were no significant differences in the symptoms of cough and expectoration between the experimental group and the control group. The incidence of exanthem in the control group was significantly higher than that in the experimental group. The side effect of bloody nasal mucus was not observed in experimental group, which had been reported by other authors in several volunteer studies.

CONCLUSIONUsing recombinant human interferon alpha-2b for nasal spray could lead to some influenza-like symptoms, however, all those symptoms were mild , reversible, and relieved after completion of the use of the trial drug. No serious side effects were found during the period of following up. The authors conclude that the drug is safe.

Abdominal Pain ; chemically induced ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Dizziness ; chemically induced ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Headache ; chemically induced ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Recombinant Proteins ; SARS Virus ; drug effects ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; prevention & control ; virology ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective:To evaluate the effect of Kinesio taping on knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods:The Cochrane Library, PubMed, CNKI, Web of Science and PEDro were searched from inception to November, 2018. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the effect of Kinesio taping on knee osteoarthritis were collected. Two reviewers independently screened articles according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data and evaluated the quality of the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. Results:A total of six RCTs were enrolled. There were significant differences in the scores of Visual Analogue Score between the intervention group and the control group (WMD = -1.28, 95%CI -2.36 to -0.20, P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, range of motion, quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscle strength between the intervention group and the control group (P > 0.05). The other studies only adopted descriptive analysis accordingly. Conclusion:It is still uncertain in the effectiveness of Kinesio taping on knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVETo explore the mental health status of residents scattered living in Anxian after Wenchuan earthquake so as to provide scientific basis for further mental health intervention.

METHODSA face to face interview was conducted among the scattered residents with designed questionnaire, which had three parts of the physical and emotional reaction, the relax methods and the social care and supports expected. Two-stage probability proportional to size (PPS) sample method was performed to sample 2184 from 0.44 million scattered residents in Anxian. On the basis of statistical description, mental health of different characteristics groups was compared.

RESULTSThree main symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorders in 2184 residents (11.23+/-3.44) were higher than the 103 fire victims in Hunan in 2003 (10.06+/-3.26), three factor scores of SCL-90 (5.76+/-1.74) were higher than normal in 1998 repair mode (n=23 891) (4.72+/-1.44), and the statistical difference was observed (t=10.77, P<0.05; t=706.04, P<0.05). Comparing the mental health of different groups, some significant differences were found by age, gender and education background.

CONCLUSIONThe earthquake disaster brought prevalent physical and emotional reaction. Elderly people, female, junior students need mental intervention immediately. Therefore, strengthen the mental education and assistance (especially in high risk groups) would be of more significance.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Disasters ; Earthquakes ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Mental Health ; Middle Aged ; Sampling Studies ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic ; epidemiology ; psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the public health situation and needs in Anxian after Wenchuan earthquake so as to make an effective strategy for disease control and prevention.

METHODS69 concentrated settlements with 100 residents were investigated. Probability proportion to size was adopted for sampling of 2200 residents from 687 scattered households (about 440 000 scattered residents). The content of this survey included drinking water, food hygiene, environment sanitation, planning immunity and medical health service, disease surveillance and so on. SPSS 16.0 was used for data analysis, and statistical interpretation was used to describe the results.

RESULTS90.9% (31/66) resettled residents in Anxian lived in tents, 7.6% (5/66) lived in the movable-plate house, 93.3% (621/666) scattered households lived in tents and 71.9% (446/621) of them lived in tents which were built by residents themselves; the rate of drinking water disinfection in resettlement sites and scattered households were 97.1% (66/68) and 94.6% (650/687); 12.8% scattered residents had mouldy or food; 50% of resettlement sites raised animals; 43.6% (17/39) medical station didn't have bacterin inoculation service; 66.7% (10/15) lacked sufficient disinfection equipment; register rate was 50.0% (33/66) and report rate of symptoms and infectious diseases was 56.1% (37/66).

CONCLUSIONThere was still some risk of enteric and vector-borne diseases in Anxian, therefore, some tailored measures should be very important.

Disasters ; Earthquakes ; Environmental Monitoring ; Health Care Surveys ; Health Services ; Health Services Needs and Demand ; Humans ; Water Supply