Aim To explore the therapeutic effect of Qingjie Huagong decoction in regulating RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway on pancreatic necrotic apoptosis in rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)and the underlying mechanism.Methods The SAP rat model was established by retrograde pancreaticobili-ary injection of sodium taurocholate,and the sham-op-eration group,the model group,the group with differ-ent dosages of Qingjie Huagong decoction and the posi-tive control group were set up respectively.The group with different dosages of Qingjie Huagong decoction was given low,medium and high dosages of traditional Chinese medicine in the gastric gavage,the positive control group was given ulinastatin drug intervention,and the sham-operation and the model group were giv-en physiological saline in the gastric gavage;HE stai-ning was applied to observe pancreatic pathology;ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of α-am-ylase,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α;immunohistochemis-try and Western blot were employed to determine the RIPK1,RIPK3,MLKL protein expression in rat pan-creatic tissue;and qRT-PCR was utilized to detect the transcription levels of R1PK1,RIPK3 and MLKL mR-NA in rat pancreatic tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operated group,the model group showed dif-fuse necrosis of pancreatic acinar cells,obvious inter-lobular septal edema,inflammatory cell infiltration,significantly higher levels of α-amylase,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α(P＜0.01),and significantly higher ex-pression levels of RIPK1,RIPK3,and MLKL proteins and mRNAs(P＜0.01)in the model group;com-pared with the model group,the Qingjie Huagong de-coction dose groups and positive control group signifi-cantly improved pancreatic histopathology,reduced pancreatic tissue necrosis and apoptosis,lowered the expression levels of α-amylase,IL-1 β,IL-6 and TNF-α(P＜0.01),and reduced the expression levels of RIPK1,RIPK3,and MLKL proteins and mRNAs(P＜0.01).Conclusions Qingjie Huagong decoction may improve the necrotic apoptosis of pancreatic tissue by regulating the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling path-way,thus playing a role in protecting pancreatic tissue and slowing down the progression of the disease.

OBJECTIVES: To study whether diatoms can enter the body through the lymphatic system of the digestive tract. METHODS: Twenty experimental rabbits were divided into the test group and the control group randomly, and intragastric administration was performed with 20 mL water sample from the Pearl River and 20 mL ultrapure water, respectively. After 30 min, lymph, lungs, livers and kidneys were extracted for the diatom test. The concentration, size and type of diatoms were recorded. RESULTS: The concentration of diatoms of the test group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). In the test group, Stephanodiscus, Coscinodiscus, Cyclotella, Melosira, Nitzschia, Synedra, Cymbella, and Navicula were detected; in the control group, Stephanodiscus, Coscinodiscus and Cyclotella were detected. The long diameter and the short diameter of diatoms of the test group were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). In the test group, 1-2 diatoms were detected in 3 lung samples and 2 liver samples, which were Stephanodiscus or Cyclotella, and no diatoms were detected in the kidney samples; in the control group, 1-2 diatoms were detected in 2 lung samples and 3 liver samples, which were Stephanodiscus or Coscinodiscus, and no diatoms were detected in the kidney samples. CONCLUSIONS Diatoms can enter the body through the lymphatic fluid, which is one of the reasons for the presence of diatoms in tissues and organs of non-drowning cadavers.
Animals ; Diatoms ; Drowning ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Lung ; Lymphatic System ; Rabbits ; Water/metabolism*

OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of temperature and time for diatoms digestion and find out suitable digestive temperature and time. METHODS: Eighty pieces of liver tissues were collected, each piece of tissue was 2 g, and 2 mL Pearl River water was added to each piece of tissue. The digestion temperature was set at 100 ℃, 120 ℃, 140 ℃, 160 ℃, 180 ℃ and the digestion time was set at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 min. The liver tissue and water mixture were divided into 8 portions in each group. All the samples were tested by microwave digestive - vacuum filtration - automated scanning electron microscopy method. The quantity of diatom recovered and the quality of residue on the membrane were recorded. RESULTS: When the digestion time was set to 60 min, there were statistically significant differences in the number of diatoms recovered at different temperatures (P<0.05). The maximum number of diatoms recovered was (28 797.50±6 009.67) at 140 ℃, and the minimum residue was (0.60±0.28) mg at 180 ℃. When the digestion temperature was set at 140 ℃, there were statistically significant differences in the number of diatoms recovered at different digestion times (P<0.05). The number of diatoms recovered was the highest at 40 min, it was up to (20 650.88±1 950.29), and the residue quality of each group had no statistical significance among different digestion time groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The effect of diatom digestion is related to temperature and time. When the digestion temperature was 140 ℃ and the digestion time was 40, 50 and 60 min, it is favorable for diatom test.
Diatoms ; Drowning ; Forensic Pathology/methods* ; Temperature ; Water

OBJECTIVES: To compare the application effect of microwave digestion - vacuum filtration - automated scanning electron microscopy (MD-VF-Auto SEM) method and plankton gene multiplex PCR system in the diagnosis of drowning. METHODS: Lung, liver and kidney tissue of 10 non-drowning cases and 50 drowning cases were prepared for further MD-VF-Auto SEM method analysis and plankton gene multiplex PCR system analysis. The positive detection rate of the two methods in each tissue was calculated. RESULTS: The positive rate of the MD-VF-Auto SEM method detecting diatoms in drowning cases was 100%, and few diatoms were detected in the liver and kidney tissues of 6 non-drowning cases. By using the plankton gene multiplex PCR system, the diatom positive rate of drowning cases was 84%, and all the non-drowning cases were negative. There were significant differences in the positive rate of the liver, kidney tissues between MD-VF-Auto SEM method and plankton gene multiplex PCR system (P<0.05), as well as the total positive rate of cases. However, no significant differences were found in the positive rates of lung tissues (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS MD-VF-Auto SEM method is more sensitive than plankton gene multiplex PCR system in diatom test. But the plankton gene multiplex PCR system can also detect plankton other than diatoms. Combination of the two methods can provide a more reliable basis for the diagnosis of drowning.
Diatoms/genetics* ; Drowning/diagnosis* ; Humans ; Liver ; Lung ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Plankton/genetics*

Objective To investigate the epidemic factors of schistosomiasis in wetlands in Sichuan Province, so as to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of schistosomiasis in wetlands. Methods The artificial and natural wetlands were selected from Sichuan Province, and the relevant data regarding wetlands were collected. Routine snail survey, investigation on human morbidity due to schistosomiasis, snail diffusion experiments, questionnaire survey, determination of water infectivity and retrospective survey were conducted. Results In Sichuan Province, the mean densities of living snails were 0.003 snails/0.1 m² and 2.033 snails/0.1 m² in the upper and lower reaches of the Meiwan Reservoir wetlands, 0.08 snails/0.1 m² in the Jinyan Lake of Guanghan City, 0.21 snails/0.1 m² in Muhe River of Guanghan City, and 0.02 snails/0.1 m² prior to the construction of Qiong-hai wetland park in Xichang City in 2015. Artificial simulation experiments showed that the largest distance of snail diffusion in water was 2 000 m. There were 8.80% (41/466) of subjects that lived neighboring wetlands, worked in wetlands and visited wet-lands having infested water contact behaviors. A total of 690 sentinel mice were assigned, and no Schistosoma japonicum infection was detected in the 677 mice dissected. Retrospective survey showed that the construction of the Meiwan Reservoir caused the spread of schistosomiasis in Dailing County, and snails were found in the ditches entering the Jinyan Lake and in Jinyan Lake areas 5 years following the construction of the Jinyan Lake in Guanghan City, with S. japonicum -infected snails detected in the ditches entering the Jinyan Lake. Conclusions O. hupensis snails are found in some wetlands in Sichuan Province. Protection of wetlands and snail control with environmental improvements are recommended for the prevention of snail importation in natural wetlands, while in artificial wetlands, thorough snail control is recommended during the construction of the wetlands because of the likelihood of snail importation via water systems. In addition, both natural and artificial wetlands require long-term systematic surveillance of schistosomiasis.

Objective To evaluate the clinical treatment of unstable pelvic fractures by posterior ring fixation using percutaneous minimally invasive pedicle screws following anterior ring fixation.Methods From January 2010 to January 2016,31 patients with unstable pelvic fracture were treated at our department.They were 20 males and 11 females,with an average age of 44.4 years (range,from 18 to 65 years).According to the Tile classification,6 cases were type B2,8 cases type B3,12 cases type C1,and 5 cases type C2.The anterior pelvic ring was fixated in supine position first,and the posterior pelvic ring was fixated next using percutaneous minimally invasive pedicle screws.The operation time,intraoperative bleeding,and frequency of fluoroscopy needed for the posterior ring fixation were recorded.Reduction quality,complications like loss of reduction and pelvic function at the final follow-up were also assessed.Results For the posterior ring fixation in the 31 patients,the operation time ranged from 40 to 60 minutes (average,50.7 minutes),blood loss from 30 to 80 mL (average,42.9 mL),and fluoroscopic frequency from 7 to 12 times (average,9.7 times).By the Tornetta evaluation,the reduction was rated postoperatively as excellent in 15 cases and as good in 16 ones,yielding an excellent and good rate of 100％.Twenty-nine patients obtained complete follow-up for 12 to 83 months (average,34.7 months),and they achieved bone union after an average of 14.5 weeks (range,from 12 to 16 weeks).According to the Majeed criteria for pelvic function at the final follow-up,10 cases were rated as excellent,16 cases as good,and 3 cases as fair,giving an excellent and good rate of 89.7％.No reduction loss,incision infection,vascular or nerve injury,screw loosening or breakage,or fracture displacement was observed during follow-up.Conclusion In the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures,posterior ring fixation using percutaneous minimally invasive pedicle screws following anterior ring fixation can lead to less operation time,intraoperative bleeding and fluoroscopic radiation,and satisfactory fracture reduction and functional recovery of the pelvis as well.

Objective To provide evidence for the relationship between TMD and occlusal trauma by studying the mechanics influence and displacement of condyle by building the three dimensional finite element analysis model andstimulating the abnormal bite force leading occlusal trauma.Methods We collected DICOM date of healthy male volunteers with normal occlusal relationship using CBCT scan with constraint on condylar top and formed the finite model with divide mesh.Two conditions were built: (1) We operated different vertical load on the left mandibular molar occlusal surface; (2) We operated different buccal direction load on the same modelto study the mechanic change on left condylar.Results When the three dimensional finite model of mandible was built, the mechanic region of condyle stayed the same but the stress and tension increased accordingly as the loda duplicate rose. As the same buccal operation load was operated,the stress and tension became larger and the displacement became longer.Conclusion The abnormal bite force causing occlusal trauma can change mechanic conduct on condyle and lead to the pathological change of condyle.

BACKGROUNDCerebral arteriovenous malformation (cAVM) is a type of vascular malformation associated with vascular remodeling, hemodynamic imbalance, and inflammation. We detected four angioarchitecture-related cytokines to make a better understanding of the potential aberrant signaling in the pathogenesis of cAVM and found useful proteins in predicting the risk of cerebral hemorrhage.

METHODSImmunohistochemical analysis was conducted on specimens from twenty patients with cAVM diagnosed via magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography and twenty primary epilepsy controls using antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Western blotting and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to determine protein and mRNA expression levels. Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTSVEGFR-2, MMP-9, VCAM-1, and eNOS expression levels increased in patients with cAVM compared with those in normal cerebral vascular tissue, as determined by immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, Western blotting and real-time PCR showed that the protein and mRNA expression levels of VEGFR-2, MMP-9, VCAM-1, and eNOS were higher in the cAVM group than in the control group, all the differences mentioned were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSVEGFR-2, MMP-9, VCAM-1, and eNOS are upregulated in patients with cAVM and might play important roles in angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, and migration in patients with cAVM. MMP-9, VEGFR-2, VCAM-1, and eNOS might be potential excellent group proteins in predicting the risk of cerebral hemorrhage at arteriovenous malformation.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene Apa I polymorphism and the susceptibility to bone and joint tuberculosis in Chinese Han population.

METHODSBetween May, 2015 and June, 2016, 100 patients with bone and joint tuberculosis and 100 healthy volunteers were recruited concomitantly in Heyuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Vitamin D receptor gene Apa I polymorphisms in these subjects were analyzed using SNaPshot.

RESULTThe genotype frequencies of Apa I-AA, Apa I-Aa and Apa I-aa were 51%, 41%, and 8% in the case group and 33%, 55%, and 12% in the control group, respectively, showing significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05). The genotype of Apa I-AA was significantly higher in the case group with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.073 (95% CI: 1.142-3.763).

CONCLUSIONThe Apa I polymorphisms of the VDR gene are associated with the susceptibility to bone and joint tuberculosis in Chinese Han population, and individuals with a Apa I-AA genotype are at greater risks to develop bone and joint tuberculosis.

Heishui county, located in northwest Sichuan province, southwestern China, is an endemic area of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and is the most intractable area. VL is never destroyed in it. Asymptomatic dogs (Leishmania parasites have been diagnosed but clinically healthy) are considered to be a potential reservoir host in zoonotic VL area, and most can lead to infection of individuals, that is a new challenge for controlling VL in humans. The present study aimed to assess the Leishmania infection rate of asymptomatic dogs in Heishui county. Total 105 asymptomatic domestic dogs were gathered from 4 districts in Heishui county to investigate the infection rate with serological and molecular methods based on ELISA and kinetoplast minicircle DNA(kDNA) PCR, respectively. Out of 105 dogs, 44 (41.9%) were positive by more than 1 method; 21 (20.0%) were positive by ELISA, and 30 (28.6%) were positive by kDNA-PCR. Our study showed that Leishmania infection of domestic dogs which is clinically healthy is prevalent in the studied district, and the asymptomatic dogs infected by Leishmania may be the primary reason for the prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in the area.
Animals ; China* ; Dogs* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epidemiology ; Humans ; Leishmania* ; Leishmaniasis, Visceral* ; Methods ; Parasites ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevalence