Objective To investigate the intervening effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation plus auricular plaster therapy on depression and self-esteem in elderly patients with coronary heart disease. Methods One hundred and twenty-eighty patients with coronary heart disease were randomized to groups A, B, C and D, 32 cases each. Group A received conventional medication and health education. In addition to those given to group A, group B received auricular plaster therapy; group D, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation; group C, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation plus auricular plaster therapy. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) score and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES) score were recorded in every group before and after treatment. Results There were statistically significant pre-/post-treatment differences in the HAMD score and RSES score in all the four groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). After the intervention, the HAMD score and RSES score in group D were significantly different from those in group A (P<0.05). Conclusion Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation plus auricular plaster therapy and conventional medication helps to relieve depression and raise self-esteem in elderly patients with coronary heart disease.

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS), also known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), is a life-threatening condition of severe hyperinflammation caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of activated lymphocytes and histiocytic secreting high amounts of inflammatory cytokines. This article describes a case of refractory hemophagocytic syndrome combined with multiple organ failure. Through the review of medical history and treatment process, analysis of rescue occasion and details, and the practice on the concept of salvage therapy, our purpose is to discuss the strategy and experience that we have gained from rescuing severe refractory hemophagocytic syndrome in ICU. The key to the success rescue of this case is that we not only have carried out timely and effective early stage of initial treatment and salvage treatment, but also have had real-time monitoring and timely and effective treatment in ICU. Based on the effective infection control and comprehensive organ support, the phased treatment results of patients with HPS can be significantly improved, which provides possibility for HPS patients'survival.

OBJECTIVETo detect the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) protein and mRNA in bile duct carcinomas and the adjacent tissues and to elucidate its role in bile duct carcinogenesis.

METHODSThe expression of hTERT protein and hTERT mRNA in the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of 71 cases of bile duct cancers and 39 cases of adjacent tissues was detected by streptavidin-peroxidase immunostaining and in situ hybridization. The correlation was analysed statistically between the expression of hTERT protein and mRNA and clinicopathological parameters bile duct carcinomas.

RESULTSThe positive rate of hTERT protein expression and mRNA expression in malignant specimens was 78.9% (56/71) and 67.6% (48/71), while that in the adjacent tissues was 35.9% (14/39) and 23.1% (9/39), respectively. All the positive signals were found in the hyperplastic biliary epithelia. No significant correlation was established between hTERT expression and clinicopathological parameters.

CONCLUSIONhTERT gene transcription and protein expression is most likely involved in the proliferation and malignant transformation of bile epithelia and the malignant progression of bile duct carcinomas. The detection of hTERT expression may serve elucidating the carcinogenesis of bile duct.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bile Duct Neoplasms ; enzymology ; pathology ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Telomerase ; analysis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effect of intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy for far lateral lumbar disc herniation.

METHODSFrom February 2005 to February 2010, 73 patients with far lateral lumbar disc herniation were treated with intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy. Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 41 males and 32 females, aged from 19 to 80 years old with an average of 56.5 years; courses of disease ranged from 1 to 25 months with an average of 4.5 months. The main symptom was low back pain and sciatica, especially the sciatica was seriously. Herniation level was in L3,4 of 9 cases, L4,5 of 49 cases, L5S1 of 15 cases. Preoperative, 2 weeks after operation, final follow-up, conditions of pain relief were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS); total life quality of patients were evaluated by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before operation and last follow-up.

RESULTSAll operations were performed successfully, operative time was from 40 to 115 min (mean of 50 min); and blood loss was from 50 to 150 ml (mean of 110 ml). Incision infection had 1 case and incomplete nerve root injury had 1 case. All patients were followed up from 3 to 8 years with an average of 4.5 years. Postoperative VAS and ODI had obviously improved (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe technique of intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy is a feasible and effective method for far lateral lumbar disc herniation.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Diskectomy ; methods ; Endoscopy ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical characteristics and the prevalence of mitochondrial gene A3243G mutation in diabetic pedigrees.

METHODSNineteen suspected mitochondrial DNA diabetic family members from three families were recruited. The gene fragment was amplified by PCR, and mutation was detected by direct sequencing.

RESULTSIn three pedigrees, the three probands and their mothers were found carrying the most common nt3243A>G mutation. Most of diabetic patients in these families were deaf and diabetes was developed at early age, characterized by impaired beta cell function and low body mass index (BMI).

CONCLUSIONThe mitochondrial gene A3243G mutation may cause diabetes mellitus and deaf.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Base Sequence ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; Deafness ; complications ; genetics ; Diabetes Complications ; genetics ; Diabetes Mellitus ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; RNA, Transfer, Leu ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy and safety of staged retrograde flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURS) and miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (m-PCNL) for treatment of renal stones of 2-4 cm in diameter.

METHODSThis randomized controlled trial was conducted in 70 patients with renal stones of 2-4 cm in diameter admitted in our hospital between January 2013 and December 2015. The patients were randomized to receive staged FURS (35 cases) or m-PCNL (35 cases), and the total treatment time, total hospital stay after procedure, total medical cost, treatment success, decrease in hemoglobin level and complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe treatment success rate was 100% in both groups, but the complete stone-free rate was significantly lowered in FURS group than m-PCNL group (65.71% vs 94.29%, P<0.01). The average decrease in hemoglobin level was 3.37∓1.56 g/L in FURS group and 11.93∓2.24 g/L in m-PCNL group (P<0.01). The overall complication rates in the two groups were 6.25% and 9.37%, respectively (P>0.05). Minor complications (grade I by Clavien-Dindo classification) occurred in one case in FURS group (fever) and two cases in m-PCNL group (self-limiting hematuria); major complications (grade II) occurred in one case in FURS group (steinstrase) and one case in m-PCNL group (blood transfusion). In staged FURS and m-PCNL groups, the mean total treatment time was 4.06∓1.11 vs 1.26∓0.47 weeks (P<0.01), the mean hospital stay after procedure was 3.66∓1.29 vs 5.13∓0.43 days (P<0.01), and the mean total medical cost was 54 291.00 RMB ∓6149.00 vs 23 482.00 RMB ∓2317.00 (P<0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONFURS is safe and effective for treatment of renal stones of 2-4 cm in diameter, and a staged procedure is necessary to achieve a stone-free status for large calculi. Both sophisticated equipment and rich surgical experience are essential to ensure treatment success.

OBJECTIVETo study the plasma protein binding rate of methyl protodioscin.

METHODThe ultrafiltration was employed to determine the plasma protein binding rate of methyl protodioscin. The plasma concentrations of methyl protodioscin were measured by HPLC-MS-MS.

RESULTThe plasma protein binding rate of methyl protodioscin with rat plasma at the concentration of 20.0, 100 and 200 microg x mL(-1) were (94.6 +/- 0.16)%, (91.6 +/- 0.35)% and (86.10 +/- 0.60)%, respectively, while the plasma protein binding rate of methyl protodioscin with normal human plasma at the above concentrations were (82.11 +/- 5.12)%, (84.54 +/- 0.32)% and (88.52 +/- 1.02)%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe binding rate of methyl protodioscin with plasma protein is high.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; metabolism ; Blood Proteins ; metabolism ; Calibration ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Diosgenin ; analogs & derivatives ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Protein Binding ; Rats ; Saponins ; metabolism ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Ultrafiltration

AIMTo study the chemical constituents of the stems of Opuntia vulgaris Mill(Cactaceae).

METHODSThe compounds of Opuntia vulgaris were isolated by chromatography of Amberlite Dowex 50 and silica gel, and identified by means of UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR.

RESULTSThree compounds were isolated and identified as: opuntin B(I), 4-hydroxyproline(II) and tyrosine(III).

CONCLUSIONCompound I is a new alkaloid.

Hydroxyproline ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Maleimides ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Conformation ; Molecular Structure ; Opuntia ; chemistry ; Phenols ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Tyrosine ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo compare the safety of intravenous thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in ischemic patients under the guidance of CT and multi-mode MRI.

METHODSThe clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data from 113 consecutive hyperacute ischemic patients who received intravenous rtPA therapy from June 2009 to October 2011 was retrospectively reviewed. The rate of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and the clinical outcome between CT and multi-mode MRI was compared. Etiological subgroups were classified according to Chinese ischemic stroke subclassification (CISS).

RESULTSAmong 113 patients treated with intravenous rtPA, the mean age was 66 ±12 years, 74(65.5%) were man, the pretreatment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS) was 12.4 ±6.5, and time from symptom onset to therapy was 259.7 ±131.7 min. Postlytic radiological HT was found in 34 patients (30.1%). Symptomatic ICH occurred in 9 patients (8%). Logistic regression analysis suggested that multi-mode MRI was an independent predictor of reduced risk of HT.

CONCLUSIONThe risk of hemorrhagic complications is lower in patients receiving intravenous thrombolytic therapy with rtPA guided by multi-mode MRI than those guided by CT scan.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Brain Infarction ; drug therapy ; Cerebral Hemorrhage ; chemically induced ; prevention & control ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recombinant Proteins ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Retrospective Studies ; Stroke ; drug therapy ; Thrombolytic Therapy ; adverse effects ; Tissue Plasminogen Activator ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the risk factors of children with high dmft.

METHODSIn suburban of Guangzhou, oral health of 401 3 - 4-year-old children were examined and structured questionnaire were completed by their parents. 120 children with highest number of dmft (dmft > or = 5) and 118 caries-free children were chosen for case-control analysis.

RESULTSThe results of logistic regression analysis showed that the factors associated with high dmft were developmental defect of enamel, visible plaque index, frequency of toothbrushing, frequency of sugar consumption, and income.

CONCLUSIONSAdvocating brushing teeth at least twice daily, controlling the frequency of sugar consuming, reducing the developmental defect of enamel and paying more attention to the oral health of lower income population may effectively reduce dental caries of the children.

Child, Preschool ; Dental Caries ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Oral Health ; Oral Hygiene ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tooth, Deciduous