To study the mechanism of Shenkangling (SKL), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, combined with prednisone in treating adriamycin-induced nephropathy in rats.

OBJECTIVETo observe the intervention of Shenkangling Decoction (SD) on the renal injury of primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) children patients of Shen deficiency blood stasis syndrome (SDBSS) and to explore its mechanism.

METHODSTotally 65 PNS children patients were randomly assigned to the combined group (33 cases, treated by SD +Western medicine) and the Western medicine group (32 cases, treated by Western medicine). Meanwhile, 30 healthy children were recruited as the healthy control group from the medical examination center. Those in the Western medicine group were treated with prednisone (5 mg per tablet) at the daily dose of 1.5 -2.0 mg/kg till two weeks after their urine protein turned to negative. Then the dosage was reduced once daily per every other day. The therapeutic course lasted for more than 1 year. For those with no effect of prednisone or partial effect, cyclophosphamide intravenous pulse therapy was additionally applied for 2 successive days per week, a total of 6 times, or they took cyclosporine A. Patients in the combined group additionally took SD while starting treatment of prednisone. SD was decocted in water for oral dose, once daily, taken in two portions until 2 months after prednisone was discontinued. Efficacy was evaluated based on serum levels of chemotactic factor CXCL16, disintegrin metalloproteinase 10 ( ADAM10 ), disintegrin metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17), albumin (ALB), total cholesterol (TC), and 24-h urine protein excretion (UPE) detected by ELISA before and after treatment.

RESULTSCompared with before treatment in the same group, levels of CXCL16, ADAM10, ADAM17, TC, and 24-h UPE were significantly lower in the two treatment groups (P <0. 01). Compared with the control group, levels of CXCL16, ADAM10, ADAM17, TC, and 24-h UPE significantly increased, and the serum ALB level decreased in the two treatment groups (P <0.01). Compared with the Western medicine group at the same time point, levels of CXCL16, ADAM10, ADAM17, TC, and 24-h UPE significantly decreased in the combined group. The 1 -year recurrence rate and the recurrence times decreased in the combined group (P <0.01). The complete remission rate increased in the combined group (P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONSD could effectively improve the clinical prognosis of PNS children patients possibly by reducing the release of inflammatory mediators such as CXCL16, ADAM10, and ADAM17, decreasing UPE and the TC level, and elevating the serum ALB level.

Child ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Nephrotic Syndrome ; drug therapy ; Prednisone ; Syndrome

OBJECTIVETo explore the Ilizarov mini-invasive distraction technique for the treatment of severer ankle and foot deformities secondary to ischemic contracture of the leg.

METHODSBased on the tension-stress low of Ilizarov, a serial of adjustable three dimensions external distractive instrument was developed in our department. From April 2002 to March 2004, 8 patients with ankle and foot deformities secondary to ischemic contracture of the leg induced by trauma and fracture were treated with the distractive instrument. Of them, 4 patient were male and 4 female, aged from 13 to 31 years with an average of 23 years. Five affected legs were in the left and 3 in the right. Preoperative abnormal style included talipes equines in 6 feet and equinovarus in 2 feet, with extensive scar contracture in the legs. Five patients suffered from failure of soft tissue release before, two patients with severe bony deformity of the feet were underwent limited foot triple osteotomy in this department before the distractive correction. The distraction was begun from 7 d after operation and distractive time from 29 to 60 d with an average 46 d.

RESULTSAll of the 8 patients were followed up from 10 months to 29 months, with an average of 13 months. All of deformities in the feet were corrected satisfactorily, full feet contacted with the ground in stand or walking and achieved with good function. No complication, such as pin tract infection, skin necrosis and neurovascular injury was occurred in this group.

CONCLUSIONSMini-invasive distraction technique for treatment of severe ankle and foot deformity secondary to ischemic contracture of the leg is safe and mini-injury, it is also an effective approach for the treatment of various kinds of rigid foot anomaly.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anterior Compartment Syndrome ; complications ; Equinus Deformity ; etiology ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Ilizarov Technique ; Male ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To understand the situation of iodized salt consumption at the household level and non-iodized salt distribution in those areas with low iodized salt coverage.Methods In 2010,iodized salt was monitored in 31 provinces and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps in accordance with the Monitoring Program of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders (Trial) (hereinafter referred to as the Program) requirements.Under the jurisdiction of counties (cities,districts,banners) with more than 9 townships (towns,street offices),based on the location of east,west,south,north and center,9 townships (town,district offices) were selected using simple random sampling method; 4 administrative villages (neighborhoods) were selected in each township (town,district office); and 8 residents in each administrative village (neighborhood) were selected.Under the jurisdiction of counties (cities,districts,banners) with less than 9 townships (towns,street offices),based on the location of east,west,south,north and center,1 township(town,district office) was selected using simple random sampling method; 4 administrative villages(neighborhoods) were selected in each township(town,district office);and 15 residents in each administrative village(neighborhood) were selected.Iodized salt coverage rate,qualification rate of iodized salt and consumption rate of qualified iodized salt were calculated in various provinces.The salt samples were tested by semi-quantitative method on the spot and then tested with quantitative method in laboratories.The standard of qualified iodized salt was set as 20-50 mg/kg and that of non-iodized salt was set as ＜ 5 mg/kg (GB/T 13025.7-1999).Results In 2010,a total of 2862 counties(districts,cities and banners) and 14 divisions of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps,reported the monitoring results,and the monitoring coverage rate was 99.79％(2876/2882).A total of 826 696 copies of edible salt samples were tested,the coverage rate of iodized salt was 98.63％,the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 97.95％,and the coverage rate of qualified iodized salt was 96.63％.At province level,only in Tibet iodized salt coverage rate was ＜ 90％.At county level,2755 counties qualified iodized salt coverage rate was ≥90％,and 33 counties iodized salt coverage rate was ＜ 80％.The counties with qualified iodized salt coverage rate of 90％ or more accounted for 96.63％(2785/2882) of the total counties.Conclusions The counties where non-iodized salt coverage is higher than 20％ mainly distributed in the western or coastal areas and adjacent areas with higher iodine.These areas need policy and funding support from governments at all levels to reducc the gap between these areas and other areas.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Huatuo Zaizao extractum (HTZZ) on focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) neurogenesis in rats induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and its mechanism.

METHODTotally 55 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the sham operation group, the MCAO model group and HTZZ high, middle and low dose groups (5, 2.5, 1.25 g x kg(-1)), with 11 rats in each group, and orally administered with drugs. The focal cerebral ischemia model was established by performing a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO, 90 min) followed by a seven-day reperfusion (once a day). The neurogenesis and expressions of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) were detected by the immunofluorescent staining. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to determine the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

RESULTMCAO (90 min) followed by a seven-day reperfusion resulted in the significant increase in the number of penumbra cortex newborn neurons (BrdU(+) -NeuN(+)), which was accompanied by the growth of ERK and CREB phosphorylation and VEGF and BDNF levels. HTZZ could promote the generation of newborn neurons (BrdU(+)-NeuN(+)) and the ERK and CREB phosphorylation and increase VEGF and BDNF levels at the ischemic side.

CONCLUSIONHTZZ could promote the neurogenesis, which may be the interventional targets of effective traditional Chinese medicine Huatuo Zaizao extractum in promoting the self-repair function of the cerebral ischemic areas.

Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Male ; Neurogenesis ; drug effects ; Neurons ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the methods and effects of Ilizarov distraction technique in treating the flexion deformity of the knee of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.

METHODSBetween August 1998 and February 2003, 6 patients (10 knees) with the arthrogryposis multiplex congenita were treated, 4 patients in double knees, 5 males, 1 female, mean age 8 years and 2 months, ranged from 3 years and 7 months to 13 years. The preoperative flexion degree was averagely 51 degrees. The patients accompanied 13 other parts malformation of limbs. The modified Ilizarov distraction apparatus of the knee was used. While installing the apparatus in the operation, the knees should be kept in the of location of maximum extension, the center of joint hinges on the apparatus should be placed towards the rotatory center of the knee, two groups of 2 mm K-wires were passed through the femur and tibia around the knee, who were fixed on the proximal and distal rings. Distraction was started after the surgical procedure 5 days via rotating the threaded rods at the posterior of the knee, at an average of 2 to 3 mm per day, at the first week, after 2 weeks with the rate modified to 2 mm per day, up to the knee extended to 0 degrees. The accompanied deformities of the hip and/or the foot might be corrected at the same time or next time. The average duration of the distraction was 37 days (23-48 days). During the correction all limbs might undergo weight. After 2 weeks at the end of distraction the fixator was removed and the patients could walk by a long-leg brace.

RESULTSTen knees with the flexion contracture were sufficiently corrected without severe complications. Nine knees of all were followed up at an average time of 1 years and 3 mouths, no recurrence of the deformity was seen in all patients, their function of walk was significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONSIlizarov technique is a simply, safe and effective method for managing the flexion deformity of the knee of the arthrogryposis multiplex congentia. The procedure is conformable to the biological theories and microsurgical principles.

Adolescent ; Arthrogryposis ; surgery ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Ilizarov Technique ; Knee Joint ; surgery ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study the role of the synchronized springy lengthening apparatus for the tibia and calcaneal tendon designed by the author in preventing the clubfoot of secondary to the Ilizarov tibia lengthening.

METHODSBased on the Ilizarov tibia lengthening apparatus, a special synchronized springy lengthening apparatus for the tibia and calcaneal tendon was designed. The tibial was made of distal and proximal 2 rings respectively and 4 threaded rods, and the calcaneal was made of a half ring, 2 hinges and a threaded rod with spring. The half ring was fixed to the calcaneus by 2 crossed wires. The fracture tibia and fibula, ankle joint, talocalcaneal joint were attached to the apparatus. At the same time of tibia lengthening, the soft tissue was simultaneously stretched, the ankle joint could move, and the leg could bear weight. If the clubfoot angle was larger, the percutaneous fasciotomy of calcaneal tendon was performed; if the angle was less than 20 degrees, the pes deformities were corrected only by the stretch of calcaneal tendon.

RESULTSSeventy-seven patients' tibia were lengthened averagely 4.6 cm, with an average speed of 0.7 mm/d. The healing made tibia lengthened, and the index was 1.35 months/cm. There were not the secondary varus and valgus deformities and clubfoot in all the patients. The clubfoot with 100-400 angle of the 16 patients were corrected after tibia lengthening.

CONCLUSIONSThe new apparatus coincides with the biomechanical principle and can effectively prevent the secondary deformities of foot such as clubfoot, talipes varus and valgus after tibia lengthening procedure.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Lengthening ; instrumentation ; methods ; Child ; Equipment Design ; Female ; Humans ; Leg Length Inequality ; surgery ; Male ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To describe and analyze the characteristics and trend of liver cancer,through data gathered from the Cancer Registry System,in China.Methods Annual registration data on cancer incidents and deaths of 2003-2007,from 32 cancer registries were employed.Crude rates of incidence and mortality,and age-standardized rates by the China population (ASRc) and the world population (ASRw) were calculated.Incidence and mortality rates by age,gender,and by area (urban or rural) were analyzed,and comparison was made internationally,based upon data from the GLOBOCAN 2008.Results The total person-years of 2003-2007 observed from the 32 cancer registries were 255 430 909,in which 197 651 428 from the urban areas,and 57 779 481 from the rural areas.A total of 68 146 incident cases with liver cancer were reported,which accounted for 10.03％(ranked second) of all the registered cases with cancers,with the average annual incidence as 26.68per 100 000 (39.42 in males,13.63 in females).ASRc and ASRw were 13.29 per 100 000 and 17.45per 100 000,respectively.Sex ratios for incidence and mortality were 2.89:1 and 2.72:1,respectively.Incidence rates were 23.91 per 100 000 in urban areas,and 36.15 per 100 000 in rural areas.For mortality rates,they were 22.39 per 100 000 m urban areas and 34.05 per 100 000 in rural areas,respectively.Relative greater differences could be seen amongst these registries.The incidence rates were 10.15-33.85 per 100 000 in the urban areas,and 11.83-78.59 per 100 000 in the rural areas.For mortality rates,they were 13.99-28.45 per 100 000 in urban areas,and 11.02-71.99 per 100 000 in rural areas.According to data from the 184 cancer registries through GLOBOCAN 2008,liver cancer incidence in China was ranked the 5th in males,and 6th in females while mortality was ranked 2nd in males,and 5th in females.Conclusion Liver cancer had been the second most leading malignancy,following lung cancer,with annual incidents and death cases around 360 000 and 350 000,respectively and the figures seemed to be increasing.Nationwide monitoring and research programs on liver cancer should be emphasized.

Objective To develop a method for the simultaneous determination of 15mycotoxins in peanuts by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with QuEChERS EMR-Lipid approach and stable isotope dilution. Methods The samples were extracted by 2% formic acid acetonitrile-water (50 : 50, V/V) and then purified with QuEChERS EMR-Lipid approach.The mycotoxins were fully separated on a pentafluorophenyl column under a gradient elution with methonal-0.01%formic acid aqueous solution.The mycotoxins were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode and quantified by isotope internal standard method. Results Fifteen mycotoxins had good linear relationship in the certain correlation ranges with the correlation coefficients all above 0.995 and the detection limits were 0.1－10 μg/kg.The mean recoveries ranged from 81.2% to 115.3% with RSD (n=6) varying from 2.1% to 10.7%. Conclusion The method is simple, highly sensitive, practical, and proves to be suitable for quantitative analysis of 15 mycotoxins in peanuts.

OBJECTIVETo understand the situation of quality and consumption of iodized-salt at production and household levels through monitoring on salt.

METHODS9 townships were chosen in each county at different locations. In each township, two villages were selected in the center of the township and another two villages in remote settings. In each village, 8 households were selected for salt collection. The iodine concentrations in salt (except some special kinds of salt) were detected by method of direct titration with criteria in GB/T 13025.7-1999, in which the iodine content in qualified iodized-salt was set as 20 to 50 mg/kg and that in non-iodized-salt it was below 5 mg/kg.

RESULTSExcept for Tibet and Xinjiang, lot qualified rate of production level was 97.39% at the national level. Except for Xinjiang, the qualified rate of iodized-salt of household level was 96.45%; qualified iodized-salt coverage rate was 93.47%; noniodized-salt coverage rate was 3.09%. The results of the iodized-salt monitoring in 2004 maintained almost the same level as that in 2002. At production level,lot qualified rate of iodized-salt in Sichuan and Qinghai provinces were below 90%. At household level the qualified rate of iodized-salt in Sichuan and Hainan were below 90%. The coverage rates of qualified iodized-salt were below 90% for the total 7 provinces. In 5 provinces, the non-iodized-salt coverage rates were above 10%.

CONCLUSIONSAt national level the qualification of iodized-salt at production level was satisfactory. The coverage rates of qualified iodized-salt were below 90% not only in western but in some eastern provinces(including Beijing), which indicated that importance should be attached to the western areas and some newly discovered areas with problems as well. Through continual improvement of qualified iodized-salt coverage, sustained IDD elimination will be achieved.

China ; Housing ; Humans ; Iodine ; economics ; supply & distribution ; Population Surveillance ; Sodium Chloride, Dietary ; economics ; supply & distribution