We investigated the therapeutic effect of Albizia julibrissin total saponins on mice infected with Trichinella spiralis.Thirty-six ICR mice infected with Trichinella spiralis were randomly divided into 6 groups (each mouse infected with 300 T.spiralis),6 mice in each.Group Ⅰ:infected non-treated group (intestinal phase);group Ⅱ..received Albizia julibrissin total saponins group (intestinal phase);group Ⅲ:received albendazole group (intestinal phase);group Ⅳ:infected nontreated group (muscular phase);group Ⅴ:received Albizia julibrissin total saponins group (muscular phase);group Ⅵ:received albendazole group (muscular phase).Mice of Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ group were administered on the second days post-infection(dpi) and continued for 3 days.Mice in these groups were sacrificed 7th dpi and adult worms recovered from the small intestine were counted.Mice of Ⅳ,Ⅴ,Ⅵ group were administered on the 7th dpi and continued for 14 d.The mice were sacrificed on 40th dpi,and the muscle larvae were counted.HE staining counts muscle larvae and the expression of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α and COX-2 in the diaphragm were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results showed that the number of adult worms and larva in groups received Albizia julibrissin total saponins and albendazole were significantly lower than that of infected non-treated group (P＜0.01).The worms reduction rate was 70.34％ and 80.02％ respectively,and the larva were 65.60％ and 90.66％ respectively.Results of HE staining showed the number of encysted larval and the expression of inflammatory cell were significantly reduced.The expression of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α and COX-2 was decreased in drug-treated groups.In conclusion,the total saponins of Albizia julibrissin showed adequate efficacy on Trichinella spiralis adults and encapsulated larva.Although the effect is slightly inferior to albendazole,as traditional Chinese medicine extract,it is less toxic.

The risk factors of high trait anger of juvenile offenders were explored through question naire study in a youth correctional facility of Hubei province,China.A total of 1090 juvenile offenders in Hubei province were investigated by self-compiled social-demographic questionnaire,Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ),and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-Ⅱ (STAXI-Ⅱ).The risk factors were analyzed by chi-square tests,correlation analysis,and binary logistic regression analysis with SPSS 19.0.A total of 1082 copies of valid questionnaires were collected.High trait anger group (n=316) was defined as those who scored in the upper 27th percentile of STAXI-Ⅱ trait anger scale (TAS),and the rest were defined as low trait anger group (n=766).The risk factors associated with high level of trait anger included:childhood emotional abuse,childhood sexual abuse,step family,frequent drug abuse,and frequent internet using (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Birth sequence,number of sibling,ranking in the family,identity of the main care-taker,the education level of care-taker,educational style of care-taker,family income,relationship between parents,social atmosphere of local area,frequent drinking,and frequent smoking did not predict to high level of trait anger (P＞0.05).It was suggested that traumatic experience in childhood and unhealthy life style may significantly increase the level of trait anger in adulthood.The risk factors of high trait anger and their effects should be taken into consideration seriously.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the outcomes of pregnancies in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the risk factors affecting the outcomes.

METHODSThe data of SLE patients with pregnancy admitted from October, 2006 and September, 2015 were analyzed for assessing the maternal and fetal outcomes and complications. Their risk factors affecting the outcomes of the pregnancies were analyzed.

RESULTSThe 66 SLE patients (69 pregnancies) had a mean age at SLE diagnosis of 22.9 ∓ 5.1 years with a mean duration of SLE of 4.1∓3.6 years before pregnancy. Forty-five (65.2%) of the patients received oral medication for SLE treatment during pregnancy, and 44 (63.8%) were treated with prednisone and 19 (27.5%) were treated with hydroxychloroquine. The highest SLEDAI score was 6.8∓7.4 during pregnancy. The patients with moderate-to-severe disease activity had a higher rate of fetal loss (12 [54.5%] vs 12 [25.5%]) with a significantly lower birth weight of the newborns than those with remittent or mild disease (2073.0∓ 778.7 vs 2817.8∓533.7 g, P<0.05). The patients with moderate-to-severe disease activity also had higher rates of new-onset SLE (9 [40.9%] vs 6 [12.8%]), hypertension (12 [54.5%] vs 3 [6.4%]), active lupus nephritis (22 [100%] vs 4 [8.5%]), pneumonia (5 [22.7%] vs 2 [4.3%]), and renal insufficiency (8 [36.4%] vs 2 [4.3%]) compared with patients with remittent and mild disease (P<0.05). Active lupus nephritis (OR=6.10,95%CI: 1.43-25.96) was a significant predictor of adverse outcomes of the pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONFetal loss and maternal complications are common in patients with SLE in relation with the disease activity. Active lupus nephritis is a predictor for poor outcomes of pregnancies in SLE patients.

BACKGROUNDIntraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) dates back to the 1990s and has been successfully applied in neurosurgery but they were low-field iMRI (< 1.0T). This paper reports the clinical experience with a 3T iMRI-integrated neurosurgical suite in Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China.

METHODSFrom September 2010 through March 2012, 373 consecutive patients underwent neurological surgery under guidance with 3T iMRI. A retrospective analysis was conducted regarding clinical efficiency.

RESULTSAll surgery in the 373 patients was safe. The ratio of gross total resection for cerebral gliomas (n = 161) was increased from 55.90% to 87.58%. The ratio of benefit in extent of resection was 39.13%. One hundred and fifty eight of the 161 glioma patients accomplished follow-up at 3 months postoperatively. Twenty of 161 patients (12.42%) suffered from early motor deficit after surgery. Late motor deficit was however observed in five of 158 patients (3.16%). Twenty-one of 161 patients (13.04%) had early speech deficit and late speech deficit was only observed in six of 158 patients (3.80%). The ratio of gross total resection for pituitary adenomas (n = 49) was increased from 77.55% to 85.71%. The ratio of benefit in extent of resection was 10.2%. There were no iMRI-related adverse events even for patients who underwent awake craniotomy.

CONCLUSIONThe 3T iMRI integrated neurosurgical suite provides high-quality intraoperative structural and functional imaging for real-time tumor resection control and accurate functional preservation, resulting in an improvement in maximal safe brain surgery.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Brain Neoplasms ; surgery ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Female ; Glioma ; surgery ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neurosurgical Procedures ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the findings of contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomography (MSCT) that characterize intraductal papillary neoplasms of bile ducts (IPNB).

METHODSThe MSCT findings and clinical data of 16 cases of IPNB proven by surgical pathology were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTSAmong the 16 cases, nine were adenoma (multi-lesions, n = 5; single lesions, n = 4) and seven were adenocarcinoma (multi-lesions, n = 4; single lesions, n = 3). Among the nine adenoma cases, seven showed nodules or masses in the expanding intrahepatic bile ducts with asymmetrical low density on plain scan, and two showed obvious expansion of biliary ducts and the inner wall of bile ducts was rough. All seven of the adenocarcinoma cases showed nodules or masses in the expanding intrahepatic bile ducts with asymmetrical low density-like adenoma. When contrast enhancement was applied, the nine adenoma cases manifested slight-to-moderate degrees of asymmetrical enhancement. For the seven adenocarcinoma cases, two showed asymmetrical enhancement similar to that of the adenoma cases and five showed continued enhancement; one case showed malignant infiltration of the bile duct and evident damage in the adjacent hepatic tissue. The CT plain scan findings for the two groups (adenoma and adenocarcinoma) were not significantly different (t = -1.17, P = 0.2632). Significantly different findings were obtained with the MSCT imaging analysis for the arterial phase (t = 6.53, P less than 0.01) and the portal vein phase (t = 5.63, P less than 0.01). All cases showed asymmetrical expansion of intrahepatic biliary ducts, diffuse or local, and four cases showed moderate expansion of the common bile duct. One adenocarcinoma case showed intumescence in the celiac lymph node by moderate asymmetrical enhancement.

CONCLUSIONMSCT is helpful for the differential diagnosis of IPNB from other hepatic lesions.

Adult ; Aged ; Bile Duct Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Papilloma, Intraductal ; diagnostic imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods

BACKGROUNDUnderstanding the characteristics of Chinese dialysis patients and the current practice trends is the first step to evaluate the association between practice pattern and outcome in these populations. In the present study, we evaluated the status of medical treatment and characteristic features of chronic dialysis patients in China.

METHODSThrough a clustering sampling, we selected 9 centers from the largest dialysis facilities in 6 cities around China. All adult undergoing dialysis in the selected units were screened. A total of 2388 (1775 on hemodialysis (HD) and 613 on peritoneal dialysis (PD)) patients were finally enrolled. All data were collected at enrollment on the bases of review of medical records.

RESULTSIn this cohort, 1313 (55.0%) were male. The mean age was 54 years old. The median time for dialysis was 26 months (12 - 51 months). Seventy-five percent of patients were on HD and 25.0% on PD. Among PD patients, about 21% patients did not receive dialysis adequacy. For HD patients, about 14.0% of them did not achieve dialysis adequacy when the target of kt/V was set as 1.2. Only 44.7% of patients achieved blood pressure target of 140/90 mmHg. About 60% of patients did not reach the hemoglobin target of 110 g/L even though 85.0% of them were treated with erythropoietin. In addition, 48.5% of the patients had uncontrolled mineral metabolism revealed by the high calcium-phosphate product. Compared with HD patients, higher level of serum glucose, triglyceride, and total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were more common in PD patients.

CONCLUSIONSThis observational study suggests that many Chinese dialysis patients did not achieve the therapeutic target, particularly in blood pressure control, anemia correction, and mineral balance. PD patients were more likely to suffer metabolic disturbance.

Adult ; Aged ; Anemia ; physiopathology ; Blood Pressure ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peritoneal Dialysis ; Renal Dialysis

BACKGROUNDRelapses occur frequently in patients with lupus nephritis. Renal biopsy is the gold standard for assessing renal activity and hence guiding the treatment. Whether repeat renal biopsy is helpful during flares of lupus nephritis remains inconclusive. In the present study, we retrospectively reviewed the patients with lupus nephritis who had more than one renal biopsy with the hope to find the clinical value of repeat biopsy.

METHODSPatients who had a diagnosis of lupus nephritis and two or more renal biopsies were selected from the database of the patient pathology registration at this renal division. Renal biopsy was evaluated according to the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) classification of lupus nephritis. The pathological patterns and treatment regimens were analyzed after a repeat biopsy.

RESULTSWe identified 44 systemic lupus erythematosus patients with serial renal biopsies. In total, there were 94 renal biopsies. Overall, the pathological transition occurred in 64% instances according to the ISN/RPS class. When the transition was analyzed according to proliferative, membranous or mix lesions, it showed different profile: 35% in patients with proliferative lesion, 23.5% patients with mix lesions, 100% in patients with pure membranous lesion. The pathological transition could not be predicted by any clinical characteristics. After the repeat renal biopsy, 34% of patients had a change in their treatment regimens.

CONCLUSIONSThe pathological conversion was very prevalent in patients with lupus nephritis. However, the transitions became less prevalent when they were analyzed according to pure membranous, proliferative, and mix lesion. Repeat biopsy might be helpful to avoid unnecessary increased immunosuppression therapy.

Adult ; Aged ; Biopsy ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney ; pathology ; Lupus Nephritis ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Male

OBJECTIVETo investigate the pro-apoptotic effect of Her-2 targeted recombinant caspase-6 fusion protein on osteosarcoma SOSP-9607 cells.

METHODSRecombinant immunocasp-6 was generated by sequential fusion of the genes of a signal peptide, a single-chain Her-2 antibody (e23sFv), a PEA translocation domain (PEA aa253-364) and an active caspase-6. The immunocasp-6 gene was cloned into pCMV plasmid to construct a kind of eukaryotic expression vector, i.e. pCMV-e23sfv-PE II-caspase-6 (abbr. pCMV-6) and transfected into SOSP-9607 cells. Murine xenograft models were randomly divided into two groups that received i.m. injections of liposome encapsulated pCMV-6 or pCMV alone. The tumor volume and weight of the nude mice and the tumor weight of the cured mice were observed and statistically analyzed. The morphological changes of the tumors were examined with HE staining, apoptotic morphology of the tumor was observed by TUNEL staining and the gene expression was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTSThe tumor growth of the mice in the treatment group was significantly slower than that of the control group (P = 0.001). The weight of the nude mice in the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P = 0.0002). The tumor weight of the mice in the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P = 0.0006). HE and TUNEL staining of the tumor of nude mice in the treatment groups showed typical characteristics of apoptosis, while normal structure was found in the control group. Furthermore, caspase-6 was not found in the tumor and muscle tissues in the control group, but only in the treatment group by immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSIONImmunocasp-6 can selectively recognize and bind to and kill HER-2 positive osteosarcoma cells, therefore, to offer some foundation for the clinical treatment of osteosarcoma.

ADP Ribose Transferases ; genetics ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Bacterial Toxins ; genetics ; Bone Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Caspase 6 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Exotoxins ; genetics ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Osteosarcoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Plasmids ; Random Allocation ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Tumor Burden ; Virulence Factors ; genetics