Objective To evaluate the risk of plague occurrence via surveying and analyzing indoor rat density and flea index in natural villages having previous plague experience. Methods During August to September 2007, 30 natural villages experiencing previous plague were selected based on the surveillance data, and then all households were coded with numbers and 20 households in each village were randomly selected via computer. Cages and sticky papers were set in 600 selected households to capture rats and fleas. Rat density, flea prevalence, flea index and median were estimated. Results One hundred thirty-three Rattus flavipectus and 33 Suncus murinus were caught and averaged rat density was 2.8 rats per one hundred cage. nights (166/6000), the median was 5 rats each village. One hundred and one mice infected fleas, flea prevalence on rats was 60.8% (101/166), 296 Xenopsylla cheopis and 48 Leptopsylla segnis were collected. Rat flea index was 2.1 fleas per rat (344/166). A total of 315 dissociated flea was caught, average dissociated flea index was 0.026 fleas per sticky paper (315/11888). The median was 5.5 dissociated fleas per village. Of dissociated fleas, Ctenocephalides felis felis (205) and Xenopsylla cheopis (103) accounted for 97.8% (308/315). The proportion for species of the rat flea and the dissociated flea was different(Fisher test: P < 0.01). The rat flea was significantly associated with the rat density(r = 0.68, P < 0.01), but the dissociated flea was significantly associated with neither the rat density(r = -yield than fried wheat batter(χ2 = 5.59, P < 0.05). Conclusions In these villages having previous plague experience of Lianghe County, Rattusflavipectus was dominant species of indoor rats, Xenopsylla cheopis and Ctenocephalides felis felis were dominant species of rat flea and dissociated flea, respectively. Mengsong, Bangdu, and Tangjiatun village had potential risk of plague emergence.

UNLABELLEDObjective: In order to assess the integrative cardiopulmonary function after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), we used symptom limited maximum cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).

METHODSAll 59 patients diagnosed stable CAD by coronary angiography and echocardiography from August to December of 2014 in our hospital, were divided two groups. PCI group, 31 patients received PCI and drugs. Control group, 28 patients received drugs therapy only. All patients performed CPET before and after the treatment.

RESULTSAll patients safely completed CPET without any complications. The control group, all functional parameters were unchanged (P > 0.05). PCI group, the anaerobic threshold, peak oxygen uptake and peak oxygen pulse increased significantly (P < 0.05) from baseline,but not for others (P > 0.05). For individual analysis, PCI group had higher rates of increase (≥ 10% of baseline) in both peak oxygen uptake and peak oxygen pulse than those of control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCPET is an objective, quantitative, safe and effective method to evaluate the clinical therapeutic efficiency. PCI can improve the integrative cardiopulmonary function in CAD patients.

Anaerobic Threshold ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Artery Disease ; surgery ; Exercise Test ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Oxygen ; Oxygen Consumption ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) agonist troglitazone on TGF-beta(1) and fibronectin (Fn) expression in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). METHODS: HPMCs were cultured from human omentum by an enzyme digestion method, growing in medium containing 30 mmol/L D-glucose. TGF-beta(1) and Fn expression were measured in HPMCs in the presence and absence of 15 micromol/L troglitazone. The mRNA expressions of PPAR-gamma,TGF-beta(1) and Fn were determined by semi-quantification reverse transcriptive PCR (RT-PCR). The protein of TGF-beta(1) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and proteins of PPAR-gamma and Fn were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expression of TGF-beta(1) and Fn were significantly increased in HPMCs stimulated with 30 mmol/L D-glucose compared with the control group with F12 media (P<0.01). Obvious decrease of TGF-beta(1) was found in troglitazone(15 micromol/L) treated group compared with group stimulated with 30 mmol/L D-glucose (P<0.05). Exposure of HPMCs to troglitazone reduced the Fn secretion (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Troglitazone reduced the expression of TGF-beta(1) in HPMCs stimulated by 30mmol/L D-glucose, and reduced Fn production. PPAR-gamma agonists may have a specific role in ameliorating the course of progressive peritoneal fibrosis under long-term peritoneal dialysis states.
Blotting, Western ; Cells, Cultured ; Chromans ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Fibronectins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Glucose ; pharmacology ; Humans ; PPAR gamma ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Peritoneum ; cytology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Thiazolidinediones ; pharmacology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Troglitazone

BACKGROUNDTenidap is a liposoluble non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is easily distributed in the central nervous system and also inhibits the production and activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and cytokines in vitro. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of tenidap in a pilocarpine rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

METHODSTenidap was administered daily at 10 mg/kg for 10 days following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) in male Wistar rats after which prolonged generalized seizures resulted in TLE. After tenidap treatment, spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) were recorded by video monitoring (for 7 hours per day for 14 days). The frequency and severity of the SRSs were observed. Histological and immunocytochemical analyses were used to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of tenidap and detect COX-2 expression, which may be associated with neuronal death.

RESULTSThere were 46.88 ± 10.70 survival neurons in tenidap-SE group, while there were 27.60 ± 5.18 survival neurons in saline-SE group at -2.4 mm field in the CA3 area. There were 37.75 ± 8.78 survival neurons in tenidap-SE group, while there were 33.40 ± 8.14 survival neurons in saline-SE group at -2.4 mm field in the CA1 area. Tenidap treatment significantly reduced neuronal damage in the CA3 area (P < 0.05) and slightly reduced damage in the CA1 area. Tenidap markedly inhibited COX-2 expression in the hippocampus, especially in the CA3 area.

CONCLUSIONTenidap conferred neuroprotection to the CA3 area in a pilocarpine-induced rat model of TLE by inhibiting COX-2 expression.

Animals ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; metabolism ; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Indoles ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Neuroprotective Agents ; therapeutic use ; Pilocarpine ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Endovascular embolization has increasingly been applied for brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM). With our better understanding of BAVM and the continuous improvement of micro-catheter technology and embolic materials, the therapeutic effectiveness has constantly increased. This paper reviews recent advances in research on BAVM and the application of endovascular embolization.
Embolization, Therapeutic ; Humans ; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the features and causes of complications of unilateral pedicle screw fixation combined with contralateral percutaneous translaminar facet screw fixation and lumbar interbody fusion in treating lower lumbar diseases.

METHODSThe clinical data of 166 patients with lower lumbar diseases who underwent unilateral pedicle screw fixation combined with contralateral percutaneous translaminar facet screw fixation and lumbar interbody fusion with intervertebral cages from January 2008 to December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 64 males and 102 females, aged from 24 to 74 years with a mean of 51.9 years old, suffered from lower lumbar lesions for 47.5 months on average (ranged, 8 months to 30 years). Among these patients, lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration was found in 49 patients, recurred lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion in 17 patients, massive lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion in 23 patients, lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion accompany with spinal canal stenosis in 27 patients, lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis with degree I (Meyerding grade) in 21 patients, far lateral lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion in 5 patients. Single segmental diseases occurred in 124 patients and two segmental diseases in 42 patients. The diseases occurred at L(3,4) segment in 6 patients, at L(4,5) segment in 97 patients, at L5S1 segment in 21 patients, at L(2,3), and L(3,4) segments in 1 patient, at L(3,4) and L4,5) segments in 26 patients, and at L(4,5), and L5S1 segments in 15 patients.

RESULTSThere was no abnormal bleeding in the patients and no patient received blood transfusion. During the surgery, spinal dura mater injury with cerebrospinal fluid leakage complicated in 1 patient, a fracture of vertebral pedicle in 4 patients, and end plate injury in 2 patients. No postoperative cerebrospinal fluid, incision infection and skin necrosis were found after operation. Nerve root injury was found in 1 patient. According to the position of pedicles crew, 371 screws of 163 patients were in degree I and 3 screws of 3 patients were in degree II; position of translaminar facet screw, 199 screws of 157 patients were type I, 8 screws of 8 patients were type II, 1 screw of 1 patient was III. Translaminar facet screw was slightly short in 2 patients. Five patients were lost to follow-up, two patients were died. The remaining patients were followed up for 35.4 months on average (ranged, 12 to 60 months). During the follow-up period , end plate was cut off and intervertebral cages were embedded in 14 segments of 14 patients. Abnormal pain of both lower extremities was found in 1 patient. With the exception of 11 unidentified segments in 11 patients, 189 segments of 148 patients obtained intervertebral fusion. No loosening, displacement, breakage of pedicle screw or translaminar facet screw, displacement of intervertebral cages or obvious degeneration of adjacent segments were found. The coronal and sagittal planes balance of lumbar vertebra were obviously improved. Postoperative JOA score was significantly increased than that of preoperative.

CONCLUSIONUnilateral pedicle screw fixation combined with contralateral percutaneous translaminar facet screw fixation and lumbar interbody fusion with intervertebral cages is a good choice for the treatment of lower lumbar diseases, but it has a risk of complications. Abundant surgeon's surgical experience, careful operation, and rational use of imaging technique can effectively reduce the incidence of complications.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Plates ; Female ; Humans ; Internal Fixators ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ; surgery ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pedicle Screws ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fusion ; Spondylolisthesis ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To survey and analyze characteristics of brucellosis epidemic in Weinan city of Shaanxi province for the purpose of setting up prevention and control measures for the disease. Methods According to "The Executing Plan for the Work of Surveying Brucellosis Disease in Shaanxi Province", 35 villages(towns) of designated monitoring locations and 24 villages (towns) of randomized monitoring locations in five countries of Weinan were chosen to survey brucellosis disease. The five countries were Chengcheng, Dali, Heyang, Tongguan and Hancheng. High risk populations with a history of contacting livestock and livestock products aged between 7 and 60 underwent clinical and serology examination[rose bengal plate agglutination test(RBPT) and standard tube agglutination test(SAT)]. All manipulation methods and judging standards were in accord with the "Diagnostic Standard for Brucellosis" (WS 269-2007). Results In the designated monitoring location, a total of 8664 people at high risk were investigated, among whom 1407 people were tested by RBPT test and 27 people were positive,the positive rate was 1.92%(27/1407); 27 people were tested by SAT test and 27 people were positive, the positive rate was 100% (27/27); 25 people were diagnosed and the diagnosis rate was 92.59%(25/27). In the randomized monitoring location, a total of 3464 people at high risk were investigated, among whom 411 people were tested by RBPT test and 3 people were positive, the positive rate was 0.73%(3/411 ), 3 people were tested by SAT test which were all positive and made a definite diagnosis. Twenty-eight new cases were made a definite diagnosis and its incidence was 2.06 in a hundred thousand(28/1 361 618). Conclusions The infection of human brucellosis in Weinan city stays at higher level. The governments should increase input for the monitoring,investigating and disinfecting to prevent the disease from increasing and outspreading.

Objective To explore the predictors on the abundance of Rattus (R.) tanezumi in households of commensal rodent plague foci.Methods Thirty natural villages that experienced previous plague cases in Lianghe county,Yunnan province,were selected followed by random selection of 20 households in each village through computer technique.Live traps were set in households to capture small mammals which were then identified to species in the field according to their morphological features.Data on potential factors for abundance of R.tanezumi were collected through questionnaires and field observation and were coded and computerized using EpiData software and further analyzed by hurdle regression model under R software.Results A total of 166 rodents (133 R.tanezumi and 33 Suucus murinus) were captured.Results from final multilevel hurdle regression model showed that the likelihood of R.tanezumi captures increased by 1.67-to 2.76-fold in households belonged to Dai ethnic families that stored foodstuff in metal pails,often raising dogs,and having adjacent houses.The number of R.tanezumi captures increased by 2.18-fold in the villages where over 80％ of the households would raise chickens.In the villages with communal latrine,the likelihood and the number of R.tanezumi capture increased 1.93-fold and 2.38-fold,respectively.While the likelihood of R.tanezumi captures would reduce by 45％-61％ in those households where there were cats and cattle being raised and maize grown in the village.The number of R.tanezumi captures would reduce by 63％ in the households where there were outside toilets.Conclusion The abundance of R.tanczumi seemed to be closely related to the ecological environment factors.Programs on plague control and prevention should relate to ecological factors that influencing the abundance of R.tanezumi.

BACKGROUNDThe relationship between inflammatory markers and the characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis plaques is uncertain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis plaques and inflammatory markers such as high sensitivity C-reactive proteins (Hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

METHODSAll patients suspected of having coronary heart disease (CHD) underwent Siemens 64-slice CT angiography (64-SCTA) to distinguish the quality of plaque of coronary artery lesions. Blood samples were taken to measure levels of serum Hs-CRP and IL-6 in different plaque groups and the control group and compared with the value of 64-SCTA for detection of coronary artery plaque.

RESULTSThe sensitivity of detecting coronary artery plaque by 64-SCTA was 87.4%, the specificity was 87.1%, the positive predictive value was 82.2%, and the negative predictive value was 91.0%. Comparing the levels of serum Hs-CRP and IL-6 among plaque groups, the mean levels of serum Hs-CRP and IL-6 in three plaque groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.01). The mean levels of serum Hs-CRP and IL-6 in the soft plaque group and mixed plaque group were significantly higher than those in hard plaque group (P < 0.01). Plaque burden in the soft plaque group and mixed plaque group was significantly higher than in the hard plaque group (P < 0.01), but there was no statistical difference between the soft plaque group and mixed plaque group (P = 0.246). There was a negative correlation between the CT scale and Hs-CRP and IL-6 levels in the soft plaque group (r = -0.621, P < 0.01, and r = -0.593, P < 0.01 respectively). There was a positive correlation between the plaque burden and Hs-CRP and IL-6 levels in the soft plaque group (r = 0.579, P < 0.05 and r = 0.429, P < 0.05 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS64-SCTA is an effective way to distinguish the different quality of coronary atherosclerosis plaque. Serum Hs-CRP and IL-6 levels can be considered as the indexes to judge the degree of CHD and may reflect the activity of plaque in CHD patients. Thus it is important for clinical diagnosis and risk evaluation of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

Aged ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Coronary Artery Disease ; blood ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, Spiral Computed

OBJECTIVETo investigate the characteristics of the hepatic pathological and clinical features of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in immune tolerant stage and find the better measure of diagnosing patients chronic infected by HBV in immune tolerant phase.

METHODS135 patients with HBV chronic infection and persistently normal serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were involved in this study, whose serum HBeAg and HBV DNA were positive. Statistical analysis included the ages, sex, serum levels of HBVDNA, ALT and histological grade. The grades of inflammation and fibrosis were obtained through hepatic biopsy performed on all the patients.

RESULTSMean age in those patients was 22.61 +/- 8.95 years old. All those patients were divided into two groups according to histological grade: low- histological grade group, G < or = 1 and S < or = 1; and high-histological grade group, G > or = 2, S > or = to 2. Levels of histological grade were low in most of patients (99/135). Patients of low-histological grade had no difference in age, sex and family history of HBsAg carriers. Compared with low-normal ALT (ALT less than 30U/L), those with high-normal ALT (ALT > or = 30U/L) had a greater frequencies of high-histological grade. Compared with high HBVDNA (HBVDNA > or = 10(7) copies/ml), those with low HBVDNA (HBVDNA less than 10(7) copies/ml) had a greater frequencies of high-histological grade.

CONCLUSIONLevels of histological grade were low in most of patients with HBV chronic infection, serum HBeAg and HBVDNA positive, persistently normal serum ALT levels, but some of them were high-histological grade. It showed those patients were not all in immune tolerant stage of chronic HBV infection. Examination of ALT and HBVDNA are helpful to evaluate hepatic pathological damage for them.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; DNA, Viral ; blood ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; immunology ; pathology ; virology ; Humans ; Immune Tolerance ; Male ; Middle Aged