Objective To identify the early warning signs of severe preeclampsia (SPE). Methods A case-control (1: 2) observational study was conducted. Forty-seven pregnant women with SPE, who attended the prenatal clinics of Peking University Third Hospital regularly from Jan. 2002 to Dec. 2007, were selected as the study group, including 12 early onset and 35 late onset ones. The control group consisted of 94 healthy singleton pregnant women at the same period. Clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results (1) The basal body mass index (BMI) showed no difference between the study and control group [(23.27±4.31)kg/m2 vs (21.52±3.09)kg/m2, P>0.05]. (2) The net increase of BMI in the study group before the onset of SPE was higher than that in the control [(5.60±2.17)kg/m2 vs (4.85±1.52)kg/m2, P<0.05] and the increase of BMI per week was also higher [(0.74±0.41)kg/(m2*w)-1 vs (0.23±0.18)kg/(m2*w)-1, P<0.01]. The sensitivity and specificity of BMI increase per week in predicting SPE was 84% and 81% at a cut-off value of 0.39 kg/(m2*w)-1, respectively, and 79% and 91% at 0.41 kg/(m2*w)-1 correspondingly. (3) During the third trimester and before the onset of SPE, the weight gain per week in the study group was higher than that of the control [(0.93±0.70)kg vs (0.63±0.20)kg, P<0.01]. Significant difference was also found in the net weight gain between the two groups (P<0.01), but not in the percentage of women with excessive weight gain (>0.50 kg/w) [60%(25/42) in the study group vs 63%(53/84) in the control group, P>0.05]. (4) Higher percentage of women experienced pre-hypertension in the study group than in the controls [17%(8/47) vs 5%(5/94), P<0.01]. (5) In the study group, 53%(25/47) of the women had edema before SPE onset, but the figure dropped to 18% (17/94) in the controls(P<0.01). (6) Eight women in the study group and one in the control group suffered from hypoproteinemia before SPE onset with the average level of plasma albumin of (32.6±1.6)g/L and(38.4±2.1)g/L(P<0.01), respectively. (7) Proteinuria was reported in 10 cases (21%)in the study group and 4(4%) in the controls (P<0.01). (8) Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for SPE included edema (OR=6.16,95%CI:2.29-16.57),pre-hypertension (OR=6.21,95%CI:1.56-24.77),proteinuria (OR=9.68,95%CI:1.86-50.30), and weight gain >0.85 kg/w during the third trimester (OR=11.60,95%CI:3.54-37.97). Conclusions Edema, excessive weight gain,pre-hypertension and hypoproteinemia are early warning signs of SPE. Pregnant women with the above signs required close monitoring during prenatal care.

It has been showed that there were obvious obstacle effects of Panax notoginseng replanting. Crop rotation was the main effective technique to overcome the obstacle. To find a reasonable crop rotation system for P. notoginseng, aqueous extracts from root, stem and leaf of P. notoginseng were analyzed for allelopathic effect on three maize varieties (which are often grown in regions where P. notoginseng grown). The main results were as follows: (1) Allelopathic effect of P. notoginseng stem and leaf extracts on the three other tested plants was stronger than that of root extracts; (2) Corn was more vulnerable to the effects of allelochemicals at seedling stage than at germination stage, and the corn root was more sensitive than aerial part to allelochemicals; (3) Lusan No. 3 and Yunrui No. 1 showed resistance to P. notoginseng allelopathy, with respective comprehensive sensitivity indexes (M3) of - 0.089 3 and -0.159 2, while Bainuo No. 1 is sensitive at M3 = -0.261 0. It then can be concluded that Lusan No. 3 and Yunrui No. 1 may be an alternative rotation plants for overcoming P. notoginseng continuous cropping obstacle.
Allelopathy ; Panax notoginseng ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Pheromones ; pharmacology ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Zea mays ; drug effects ; growth & development

To study the toxicokinetics of bakuchiol, hepatic and renal toxicity in rats after single oral administration of Psoraleae Fructus and combined with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, in order to provide scientific evidences for clinical safe medication use. A total of 35 SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups: vehicle (distilled water) control group, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma group, positive control (aristolochic acid A) group, Psoraleae Fructus (40 g x kg(-1)) group( both male and female rats), Psoraleae Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (40 +20) g x kg(-1) group (both male and female rats). HPLC-UV method was used to determine the concentration of bakuchiol in rat plasma at different time points after single oral administration. Plasma alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), plasma creatinine (Cr), N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and kidney injury molecule 1 (Kim-1) were measured after administration for 24 h. The main toxicokinetics parameters of bakuchiol in rats exert significantly gender difference. When Psoraleae Fructus combination with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, the total area under the plasma concentration-time curve( AUC), C(max), and plasma clearance (CL) of bakuchiol were increased, respectively; CL, half-life (t½) were decreased, and T(max) were prolonged. The biochemical indicators (including ALT, AST, BUN, Cr and KIM-1 level) in different dose of Psoraleae Fructus groups, were found no statistically significant difference when compared with vehicle control group. The level of NAG in both Psoraleae Fructus and compatibility with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma groups were significant increased (P < 0.05). There are obvious effects on toxicokinetics of bakuchiol in rats when Psoraleae Fructus combined with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Renal toxicity induced by Psoraleae Fructus at high dose was observed after single oral administration and no liver damage in rats was found.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Female ; Glycyrrhiza ; toxicity ; Kidney ; drug effects ; Liver ; drug effects ; Male ; Phenols ; pharmacokinetics ; toxicity ; Psoralea ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rhizome ; toxicity ; Toxicokinetics

Objective To evaluate the significance of CT assessment for extraarticular anatomy in treatment of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures.Methods(1)Measurement of normal calcaneum 40 pieces of adult calcaneum specimen were measured,items of measurement included height of culmination of posterior facet and tuberosity,width of posterior edge of sustentaculum and tuberosity.(2)CT measurement of calcaneum.Transverse(axial)and coronal CT scanning were obtained from 20 feet with displaced intraarticular calcaneal and 20 normal feet as control.Following items were measured in CT scanning:the height of culmination of posterior facet and tuberosity,the coronal talocalcaneal angle,in coronal scanning,the width of posterior edge of sustentaculum and tuberosity,the axial calcaneocuboid angle,in axial scanning.Results(1)Measurement of height of calcaneum height of culmination of posterior facet and tuberosity of calcaneal specimen were(43.07?2.85)mm and(44.69?3.67)mm respectively,and these two items from CT scanning of normal feet were(42.84?1.66)mm,(43.40? 3.01)nun,and from CT scanning of feet with calcaneal fractures were(34.76?3.24)mm,(40.41? 3.69)mm.There was a statistically significant different between these two items for normal calcaneal specimen and for CT scanning of feet with ealcaneal fractures(P

Objective To explore the prognosis and etiological treatment of cardiogenic syncope in children.Methods The cause,clinical manifestation,treatment and prognosis of 45 children with syncope were made in affiliated hospital of Qingdao medical university were su mmarized and analyzed.They were divided into arhythmia group and other groups,the former included myocarditis,dilated cardiomyopathy,and post-operation of congenital heart disease and the latter included tetralogy of fallot,pulmonary stenosis,hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,pericarclial effusion,and right atrial myxoma.Results There were 29 cases(64.44%) with arrhythmia in this group,of which there were 18 cases with complete atrioventricular block(CAVB),2 cases with second degree type Ⅱ atrioventricular block,3 cases with ventricular tachycardia,2 cases with bradycardia,2 cases with atrial flutter,1 case with supraventricular tachycardia,and 1 case with nonconducting atrial premature.There were 16 cases(35.56%) with other etiologies,of which there 8 cases with tetralogy of Fallot,2 cases with pulmonary stenosis,hypertrop-hic cardiomyopathy,pericardial effusion,and right atrial myxoma,respectively.Children with CAVB,bradycardia,or ventricular tachycardia resulted from viral myocarditis were given anti-virus medicine,protecting myocardium,neoepinephrine,and intravenous vitamin C 100-200 mg/(kg?d).Dexamethasone 1-2 mg/(kg?d) was given in earlier period for short course,and some children were given human ?-globulin.Eight cases were placed temporary pacemaker because of unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy,and 1 case was placed permanent pacemaker.In all,38 cases(84.44%)were cured,1 case(2.22%)was improved,and 4 cases(8.88%) died.Conclusions Cardiogenic syncope is pediatric emergency and shall be treated immediately.Temporary pacemaker shall be placed at the right moment.

Objective To investigate the effects of family allergic history and dermatophagoides farina on the expressions of Th1/Th2 cytokine of cord blood and allergic disorders in infancy.Methods Ten mil cord blood were obtained from 34 neonates which 17 cases had family allergic history and 17 cases didn′t have.Cord blood mononuclear cells(CBMC) were isolated by gradient centrifugation with Ficoll and were cultured with phytohemagglutinin(PHA) or dermatophagoides farina for 48 hours in vitro.The expressions of interleukin(IL-4) and interferon(IFN-?) of the culture supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Two groups were visited with telephone or clinical service every 1 or 2 months in 1 year follow-up survey.Results In no stimulation,the expressions of IL-4 of family allergic history and no family allergic history were(11.35?1.80) ng/L and(11.0?1.50) ng/L,respectively,there was no significant difference.The expressions of IFN-? were(9.55?1.47) ng/L and(10.19?1.37) ng/L,respectively,there was no significant difference also.In PHA stimulation,the expressions of IL-4 were(43.45?4.57) ng/L and(37.58?3.41) ng/L,respectively,there was significant difference.The expressions of IFN-? were(72.61?25.40) ng/L and(65.84?29.96) ng/L,respectively,there was no significant diffe-rence.In low density dermatophagoides farina stimulation,the expressions of IL-4 were(40.54?3.64) ng/L and(37.17?2.60) ng/L,respectively,which had significant difference.The expressions of IFN-? were(35.30?2.73) ng/L and(40.55?1.85) ng/L,respectively,which had significant difference.In high density dermatophagoides farina stimulation,the expressions of IL-4 were(43.50?3.19) ng/L and(39.55?4.13) ng/L,respectively,which had significant difference.The expressions of IFN-? were(39.40 ?5.21) ng/L and(40.94?2.96) ng/L respectively,which had no significant difference.Allergic diseases were happened in 7 cases of 13 cases with family allergic history and in 2 cases of 15 cases without family allergic history in 1 year follow-up except lost follow-up cases.There were significant difference in 2 groups.Conclusions Th2 cells of cord blood are relative dominant in neonates having family allergic history.Th2 cells relative dominant are more obvious in dermatophagoides farina stimulation.The neonates having family allergic history have a tendency to get allergic diseases in childhood.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of MSCT and post-processing images to fractures of nasal bone in forensic identification. METHODS: 134 cases were examined by thin slice scanning with MSCT and all of the data were sent to workstation for MPR and SSD. The result of MSCT was compared with that of X-ray. RESULTS: There are 55 (41.04%) cases of linear fracture, 46 (34.33%) cases of comminuted fracture, 27 (20.15%) cases of depressed fracture and 6 (4.48%) cases of no fracture in this sample. With X-ray or CR, 48 (35.82%) cases were misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. 133 (99.25%) cases were confirmed by MSCT. Significance difference was found between X-ray and MSCT (chi2= 45.0816, P<0.001). CONCLUSION MSCT and post-processing images might be the chief evidence for nasal fractures in forensic identification.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Chromatography, Thin Layer ; Female ; Forensic Medicine/methods* ; Fractures, Comminuted/diagnostic imaging* ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasal Bone/injuries* ; Skull Fractures/diagnostic imaging* ; Tomography, Spiral Computed/methods* ; Young Adult

This experiment was expected to test whether nitric oxide (NO) exerted significant effect on the central respiratory rhythm. Experiments were performed on in vitro brainstem slice preparations from neonatal rats. These preparations include the medial region of the nucleus retrofacialis (mNRF); a part of pre-Bötinger complex, ventral respiratory group (VRG) and dorsal respiratory group (DRG). Respiratory-related burst activities were recorded from hypoglossal nerve rootlets before and during superfusion of the slice preparation with L-Arginine (L-Arg), sodium nitroprusside (SNP) or 7-nitro indazole (7-NI, an inhibitor of NO synthase). After perfusion with L-Arg and SNP, there was no significant change in respiratory rhythmical discharge activity (RRDA), but 7-NI decreased the integral amplitude of burst and inspiratory time. These results indicate that NO may take part in the inspiratory off-switching mechanism and that it also modulates the amplitude of respiratory-related bursts.
Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Arginine ; pharmacology ; Brain Stem ; physiology ; Electrophysiology ; Indazoles ; Neurons ; physiology ; Nitric Oxide ; physiology ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Nitroprusside ; pharmacology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Respiration ; Respiratory Center ; physiology

Dunhuang medicine is a branch of Dunhuang studies, including the characteristics of Dunhuang ancient medical prescriptions and treatment technique.Dunhuang Dabupi Decoction has good efficacy in nourishing vitality and yin and promoting the production of body fluid. Professor WANG Dao-kun used the prescription to treat gastric stuffiness, gaining significant curative effect. This article summaried cases of using this prescription, to show the advantages of Dunhuang ancient medical prescription Dabupi Decoction for present use.

Objective To establish a rapid assay with high sensitivity and specificity based on the sequences for group specific gene (GS) and pathogenicity island pag A gene.Methods The PCR primers and probes were designed after the whole sequence was systemically analyzed with bio-informafion tools and blasted with Genebank database.The amplicons were inserted into plasmids so that they could be used as the standard templates to evaluate the sensitivity of the diagnostic system.This assay was based on TaqMan probes and portable Smartcycle PCR machine.Results The detection level was approximately 100 copies per reaction.There was no cross-reaction with other species of Bacillus.This assay could be completed in one hour in laboratory.Conclusion The duplex TaqMan PCR assay could be used to detect Bacillus anthracis rapidly with high sensitivity and specificity.