Objective To detect the change of cerebral perfusion in pediatric patients with Leigh's syndrome (LS)by using MR perfusion technique.Methods Twelve patients with Leigh's syndrome and thirteen normal children were scanned with the sequence of flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery exempting separate T_1 measurement (FAIREST).Their relative cerebral blood flow(rCBF)values were obtained in regions of bilateral basilar nuclei and bilateral thalami.Student t-test was used to compare them between the two groups and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was carried out.Results Statistical analysis revealed significant difference between two groups in the regions of bilateral basilar nuclei and right thalamus(t =3.26,P =0.002;t =2.25 ,P =0.018 ;t =2.88 ,P =0.004,respectively).The rCBF values for LS group and control group were 0.432?0.158 and 0.619?0.125 for right basilar nuclear, 0.478?0.186 and 0.621?0.123 for left basilar nuclear,0.630?0.189 and 0.833?0.160 for right thalamus,respectively.The areas under the ROC curves were 0.833 and 0.756 for the rCBF of right and left basilar nuclear,respectively.Conclusion Relative CBF maps may reveal changes of cerebral blood flow in some specific brain regions in patients with Leigh's syndrome.It can provide additional information to the clinicians in the evaluation of the disease.

OBJECTIVETo study the major risk factors and characteristics of Schistosoma japonicum in the newly identified areas around the Dong Ting Lake.

METHODSData was collected regarding the distribution of snails, prevalence of infection as well as the source of transmission in the newly identified areas in Hunan province from 1979 to 2003.

RESULTSIn all the newly identified sites, Schistosomiasis japonica patients appeared to be the first-seen evidence, some even under acute phase. The highest infection rate among residents had reached 87.1% in the newly identified villages. Most of the new endemic areas concentrated in the ditch and beach areas that close to cities and towns.

CONCLUSIONSEvidence showed that snails had been transferred through boats and fishing nets to be disseminated. Data also revealed that the sources of transmission would include those local infected residents who had been infected in the old endemic areas and the newly imported domestic animals with infection.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Animals ; Cattle ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Disease Reservoirs ; Female ; Health Education ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Snails ; parasitology

Adefovir dipivoxil is commonly used for treatment of chronic hepatitis B. The renal toxicity of adefovir dipivoxil is dose- and time-related, occurring often in patients with a daily dose over 30 mg and those with impaired renal function. We report a case of chronic hepatitis B with a history of taking adefovir dipivoxil at 10 mg/day for 4 years. The patient complained of lumbosacral and joint pain and had the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or spondyloarthropathy in several hospitals before admission in our hospital. A diagnosis of acquired Fanconi syndrome and hypophosphatemia osteomalacia associated with progressive muscular weakness was made eventually. We reviewed the literature and found reports of only fewer than 10 similar cases. Clinical attention should be given to kidney damage induced by adefovir dipivoxil.
Adenine ; adverse effects ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Antiviral Agents ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Bone Diseases, Metabolic ; chemically induced ; complications ; congenital ; Fanconi Syndrome ; chemically induced ; complications ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Hypophosphatemia ; chemically induced ; complications ; Male ; Muscle Weakness ; chemically induced ; complications ; Organophosphonates ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Osteomalacia ; chemically induced ; complications ; Young Adult

AIMTo develop a method for determination of loganin in mouse plasma by using high-performance liquid chromatography. The method was employed to study pharmacokinetics of loganin.

METHODSAn RP-C18 was used as the stationary phase. The mobile phase consisted of methanol-water (30:70), at the flow-rate of 0.8 mL.min-1. The UV absorbance detector was set at 240 nm. Plasma samples were treated with solid phase extraction.

RESULTSThe recovery of loganin in mouse plasma was 86.0%-91.5%. The calibration curve in plasma was linear over the range of 0.01-5.00 micrograms.mL-1. The limit of quantitation was 10 ng.mL-1. The RSDs of intra-day and inter-day (n = 5) were less than 15%. The pharmacokinetic parameters were Cmax = 6.8 micrograms.mL-1, Tmax = 30 min, T1/2 alpha = 26.1 min, T1/2 beta = 29.01 min.

CONCLUSIONThe method is accurate, sensitive and suitable for pharmcokinetic study of loganin. The absorption and elimination of loganin were rapid after ig in mice.

Adjuvants, Immunologic ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Animals ; Area Under Curve ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Iridoids ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Male ; Mice

To determine the optimal condition of pollen germination. The pollen of Prunella vulgaris was cultured in vitro. Pollen germination rates were recorded using 10% H3BO4, 30% Ca(NO3)2, 20% MgSO4 and 10% KNO3 as the basic mineral medium with PEG of different molecular weight, sucrose of various density and multiple pH value. The rates were also measured under different cultivation temperature and pollen acquisition time. The optimal condition of pollen germination is 10% H3 BO4, 30% Ca(NO3)2, 20% MgSO4, 10% KNO3, and 25% PEG-4000 as the medium, with pH about 6. 5 and pollen acquired at the beginning of blossom.
Flowers ; physiology ; Pollen ; physiology ; Prunella ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanism of Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) effects on hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCC) resistances apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing-ligand (TRAIL).

METHODSThe expressed alteration of TRAIL receptor-2 (DR5) after the human hepatoma cells line Bel 7402 (AFP-producing) and HLE cells (non-AFP producing) were treated with all trans retinoic acid (ATRA) were determined by Western blot; Interaction of AFP with RAR-beta was analyzed by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP); Laser confocal microscopy was used to observe co-localization of AFP and RAR-beta; Short small RNA interfering (RNAi) was applied to knock down the expression of AFP in Bel 7402 cells; The full AFP gene cDNA was inserted into pcDNA3.1 vector and constructed the expressed vector of AFP (named pcDNA3.1-afp); The growth of hepatoma cells was analyzed by MTT.

RESULTSBel 7402 and HLE cells expressed DR5, lowed dosage of ATRA (40mumol/L) had no influence on the expression of DR5 in Bel 7402 cells, but ATRA (160mumol/L) could inhibit the expression of AFP and promote the expression of DR5 significantly; Co-IP indicated that AFP had a property for interacting with RAR-beta; The results also demonstrated AFP co-localization with RAR-beta in cytoplasm of Bel 7202 cells; The expression of DR5 was enhanced while the expression of AFP was knocked down by RNAi. pcDNA3.1-afp vector was transfected into HLE cells, the growth of HLE cells were stimulated and TRAIL cytotoxicity of HLE cells were reduced. But when the expression of AFP was knocked down the sensitivity of Bel 7402 cells to TRAIL was enhanced.

CONCLUSIONSThese data provided that AFP had a capability to interact with RAR-beta and suppressed the expression of DR5. AFP could play pivotal role on hepatoma cells resistance-induced apoptosis by TRAIL.

Apoptosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; metabolism ; Humans ; Receptors, Retinoic Acid ; metabolism ; Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand ; metabolism ; TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand ; metabolism ; Tretinoin ; pharmacology ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of sustained-release alpha-lipoic acid tablets (SRLA) on blood lipid, glucose and insulin levels in hyperlipidemic New Zealand rabbits.

METHODSTwenty-four New Zealand rabbits were randomized into normal diet group, high-fat diet group, and high-fat diet + SRLA (300 mg/tablet) group with corresponding feed. At the beginning and 4 weeks after the feeding, the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), blood glucose, and serum insulin were measured, and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was calculated.

RESULTSFour weeks after feeding with high-fat diet, the insulin levels was elevated and the ISI lowered in the New Zealand rabbits, indicating successful establishment of the animal model of hyperlipidemia. Compared with the high-fat diet group, the serum levels of TG, TC, LDL-C and insulin were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the ISI was significantly increased (P<0.05) in high fat diet + SRLA group. But no statistically significant difference was found in the blood glucose among the 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONSRLA can significantly correct blood lipid and insulin disorders in hyperlipidemic New Zealand rabbits and prevent the occurrence of insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia.

Animals ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; Hyperlipidemias ; blood ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Insulin ; metabolism ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Rabbits ; Tablets ; Thioctic Acid ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use

Objective To observe the effects of acupuncture therapy with finger on back-shu point on acid reflux and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) of the patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods Totally 120 patients of GERD were randomly divided into treatment group and control group through random number table method, 60 cases in each group. Patients in the treatment group were treated with the acupuncture therapy with finger on back-shu point, and patients in control group were treated with lansoprazole tablets and dispersible mosapride citrate for two weeks. Total percentage of acid reflux time, the long time acid reflux episodes, and the longest acid reflux time of two groups were observed six months after the treatment. At the same time, the LESP variation of two groups was followed up six months after the treatment. Results The total percentage of acid reflux time, the long time acid reflux episodes, and the longest acid reflux time decreased significantly in all patients after treatment (P<0.01), while the comparison between groups showed no significant difference (P>0.05). After treatment, LESP of two groups was significantly improved (P<0.05) than before treatment. After stopping treatment half a year, the treatment group had obvious difference (P<0.05) compared with before treatment, while the control group had no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion The acupuncture therapy with finger on back-shu point can reduce acid reflux, and achieve the goal of treatment of GERD by improving the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. The duration of improving LESP is longer.

OBJECTIVETo discuss the treatment effect of immunoglobulin in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).

METHODSThe clinical data of AIDS with GBS, diagnosed by clinical and laboratory methods, were retrospectively analyzed, and literature retrieval analyzed.

RESULTSAfter treatment by immunoglobulin and antiviral. The patient's peripheral nerve injury recovered, and the number of HIV decreased.

CONCLUSIONImmunoglobulin has a therapeutic effect for HIV infection related GBS, and beneficial to antiviral treatment.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; complications ; immunology ; Aged ; CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Guillain-Barre Syndrome ; complications ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; therapeutic use ; Male

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