Regulation of intestinal micro ecology between raw and salt-processed Alpinia oxyphylla on renal injury rats.

Alpinia oxyphylla Fructus is one of the traditional Chinese medicine plants in the treatment of kidney injury. In clinical practice, crude Alpinia oxyphylla Fructus (CAOF) and salt-processed Alpinia oxyphylla Fructus (SAOF) are the two commonly used drugs specificated in the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the intestinal micro ecology regulation between CAOF and SAOF on DN has not been reported. In this paper, intestinal micro ecology regulation activities between CAOF and SAOF in DN rats were compared and analyzed by short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and intestinal flora analysis. The results showed that both SAOF and CAOF can regulate the intestinal flora metabolite SCFAs level in DN rats, reduce blood glucose concentration and improve inflammatory reaction. The intestinal flora analysis showed SAOF and CAOF could increase the intestinal bacterial diversity. The treatment of renal injury may be related to their increased intestinal bacterial diversity.

[Adaptive EEMD residue related baseline correction algorithm].

Baseline correction is an important part of spectral analysis; the existing algorithms usually need to set the key parameters and does not have adaptability. The spectral baseline is fitted by the residue according to the feature of ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD for short). The correlation between residual and original signal, the self-correlation and the cross-correlation of residual form the residual related rule. The residual related rule is proposed to judge whether the residual is a component of baseline, based on which adaptive EEMD residual related base line algorithm is proposed. With experiment on the simulated spectrum data of superimposing curve background and the linear background, the results showed that in the case of known baseline mathematical assumption: EEMD residual related method is not so good for polynomial fitting, it is almost no difference from linear fitting, but is better than the wavelet decomposition. In the absence of spectral background knowledge, the real Raman spectrum data are tested. The model is established between Raman spectra treated by the procedure above and chlorophyll, and the model corrected by EEMD residual related baseline method has the biggest correlation coefficient and prediction coefficient, but the smallest root mean square error of cross validation and relative prediction deviation. The effect of EEMD residual related baseline method effects on the peak position, peak intensity and peak width is the smallest in all kinds of baseline correction methods. EEMD residual method has the best baseline correction effect. Experiments show that this algorithm can be used for Raman spectra baseline correction, without prior knowledge of the sample composition analysis, and there is no need to select appropriate fitting function, fitting data points, fitting order as well as basis function and decomposition levels, also there is no need of mathematical hypothesis of baseline signal distribution, so the adaptability is very strong.

Palliative care for patients with malignancy and end-stage renal failure on peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Many patients on peritoneal dialysis experience a poor quality of life because of a high burden of comorbid conditions. Dialysists must pay more attention to reducing a patient's pain and suffering, both physical and psychological and improve the quality of life for the patients as much as possible. A consensus regarding eligibility for palliative care and the delivery of these inventions does not currently exist. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to describe the implementation of palliative care for end-stage renal failure patients on peritoneal dialysis. DESIGN: A report on three cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included three outpatients on peritoneal dialysis who received palliative care and died between January 2008 and June 2010. MEASUREMENTS: The patients' comorbidities, nutritional status, and functional status were evaluated using the Charlson comorbidity score, subjective global assessment, and Karnofsky Performance Score index, respectively. The Hamilton depression and Hamilton anxiety scales were also employed. The patients' clinical manifestations and treatments were reviewed. RESULTS: Each patient displayed 11-16 symptoms. The Charlson comorbidity scores were from 11 to 13, the subjective global assessment indicated that two patients were class assigned to "C" and one to class "B", and the mean Karnofsky index was <40. Among these patients, all experienced depression and two experienced anxiety, Low doses of hypertonic glucose solutions, skin care, psychological services, and tranquillizers were intermittently used to alleviate symptoms, after making the decision to terminate dialysis. The patients died 5 days to 2 months after dialysis withdrawal. CONCLUSION: The considerable burden associated with comorbid conditions, malnutrition, poor functional status, and serious psychological problems are predictors of poor patient prognoses. Withdrawal of dialysis, palliative care, and psychological interventions can reduce patient distress and improve the quality of life before death, with the care provided.

Association between Polymorphisms in IL-16 Genes and Coronary Heart Disease risk.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the role of polymorphisms in IL-16 genes on the susceptibility of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). METHODS: A total of 260 CAD cases and 281 health controls were collected between January 2008 and November 2011. Genotyping of IL-16 rs8034928, rs3848180, rs1131445, rs4778889 and rs11556218 was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry technologies. RESULTS: The frequencies of rs8034928 C allele and rs3848180 G allele in the CAD cases in CAD group were significantly higher than in controls. Compared with rs8034928 T/T genotype, a significant higher risk of CAD was found in C/C genotype (OR=1.87, 95%CI=1.17-3.03), and variant of rs8034928 showed a significant increased risk of CAD in dominant (OR=1.48, 95%CI=1.04-2.10) and recessive model (OR=1.70, 95%CI=1.10-2.67). The rs3848180 G/G was found to be associated with risk of CAD(OR=1.79, 95%CI=1.16-2.75), and G allele carries had a significant risk of CAD (OR=1.47, 95%CI=1.02-2.13). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that rs8034928 and rs11556218 polymorphisms are associated with CAD risk in a Chinese population, and IL-16 gene polymorphisms may be used as a predictor to the susceptibility of CAD.

Antioxidant status of bilirubin and uric acid in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant status have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and free radicals can cause considerable damage to the acetylcholine receptors. 388 individuals, including 97 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), 135 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 156 healthy controls, were assessed for serum levels of bilirubin and uric acid (UA), in order to determine the levels of these natural antioxidants in the serum. We found that serum UA levels in patients with MG were significantly lower (266.03 ± 93.09 µmol/l) compared with those of the healthy control group (338.87 ± 107.10 µmol/l, p = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference of serum UA levels between patients with MG and those with MS (p = 0.071). We also found that serum levels of total, direct and indirect bilirubin in patients with MG were significantly lower, compared with those in the healthy control group, whether male or female. From this study, we conclude that serum levels of bilirubin and UA are lower in MG patients.

Change in mutagenic activity of genistein after a nitrite treatment.

This study examined the mutagenic activity of genistein after a nitrite treatment under acidic conditions. Nitrite-treated genistein exhibited mutagenic activity toward Salmonella typhimurium strains TA 100 and TA 98 with or without S9 mix. Nitrite-treated genistein was demonstrated by electron spin resonance to generate radicals. An instrumental analysis showed 3'-nitro-genistein to have been formed in the reaction mixture. However, 3'-nitro-genistein did not exhibit mutagenic activity toward the S. typhimurium strains, suggesting that other mutagens might also have been formed in the reaction mixture. The clastogenic properties of nitrite-treated genistein and 3'-nitro-genistein were examined by a micronucleus test with male ICR mice. Nitrite-treated genistein and 3'-nitro-genistein showed a significantly higher frequency of micronucleated reticulocytes in mice than in the control group. These results suggest that a daily oral intake of genistein and nitrite through foodstuffs might induce the formation of various mutagenic compounds in the body.

[Initial exploration of epididymal sperm nuclear maturity in obstructive azoospermia patients].

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the epididymal sperm nuclear maturity in obstructive azoospermia (OA) patients. METHODS: A total of 81 infertile males from andriatry clinic of Renji hospital were selected, including 32 OA patients (OA group) and 49 asthenospermia patients (asthenospermia group). Another 32 fertile males were recruited for the control group. All semen samples of the asthenospermia and control groups underwent computer aided semen analysis (CASA). For the OA group, sperm specimens were collected by percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and semen analyses completed by manual method. Further acridine orange test and aniline blue stain assay were performed. The results were processed with SPSS 15.0. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences existed in semen volume and sperm density between the asthenospermia and control groups (both P > 0.05). The OA group was significantly lower than the control group in sperm density (P < 0.01). The asthenospermia and OA groups were also significantly lower than the control group in sperm motility (both P < 0.01). As to the percentage of grade a + b sperm, the asthenospermia group was also significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group (81% ± 9%, 85% ± 8%), the negative rate of acridine orange test and aniline blue assay of OA (57% ± 20%, 64% ± 20%) and asthenospermia group (62% ± 19%, 67% ± 15%) were statistically lower (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The sperm nuclear maturity is lower in the asthenospermia and OA groups than that in the control group. Male fertility should be further improved.

Fluorescence detection of malachite green and cations (Cr3+, Fe3+ and Cu2+) by a europium-based coordination polymer.

Due to remarkable fluorescence characteristics, lanthanide coordination polymers (CP) have been widely employed in fluorescence detection, but it is rarely reported that they act as multifunctional luminescent probes dedicated to detecting malachite green (MG) and various metal ions. A europium-based CP fluorescent probe, Eu(PDCA)2(H2O)6 (PDCA = 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid), has been synthesized and exhibited excellent recognition ability for malachite green and metal cations (Cr3+, Fe3+ and Cu2+) among 11 metal cations, 13 anions and six other compounds. The recognition was achieved by fluorescence quenching when MG, Cr3+, Fe3+ and Cu2+ were added to a suspension of Eu(PDCA)2(H2O)6 respectively. Eu(PDCA)2(H2O)6 is a multifunctional luminescent probe, and displayed high quenching efficiencies K sv (2.10 × 106 M-1 for MG; 1.46 × 105 M-1 for Cr3+; 7.26 × 105 M-1 for Fe3+; 3.64 × 105 M-1 for Cu2+), and low detection limits (MG: 0.039 µM; Cr3+: 0.539 µM; Fe3+: 0.490 µM; Cu2+: 0.654 µM), presenting excellent selectivity and sensitivity, especially for MG. In addition, Eu(PDCA)2(H2O)6 was also made into fluorescent test strips, which can rapidly and effectively examine trace amounts of MG, Cr3+, Fe3+ and Cu2+ in aqueous solutions. This work provides a new perspective for detecting malachite green in fish ponds and heavy metal ions in waste water.

Neuroblastoma amplified sequence gene is associated with a novel short stature syndrome characterised by optic nerve atrophy and Pelger-Huët anomaly.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary short stature syndromes are clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders and the cause have not been fully identified. Yakuts are a population isolated in Asia; they live in the far east of the Russian Federation and have a high prevalence of hereditary short stature syndrome including 3-M syndrome. A novel short stature syndrome in Yakuts is reported here, which is characterised by autosomal recessive inheritance, severe postnatal growth retardation, facial dysmorphism with senile face, small hands and feet, normal intelligence, Pelger-Huët anomaly of leucocytes, and optic atrophy with loss of visual acuity and colour vision. This new syndrome is designated as short stature with optic atrophy and Pelger-Huët anomaly (SOPH) syndrome. AIMS: To identify a causative gene for SOPH syndrome. METHODS: Genomewide homozygosity mapping was conducted in 33 patients in 30 families. RESULTS: The disease locus was mapped to the 1.1 Mb region on chromosome 2p24.3, including the neuroblastoma amplified sequence (NBAS) gene. Subsequently, 33 of 34 patients were identified with SOPH syndrome and had a 5741G/A nucleotide substitution (resulting in the amino acid substitution R1914H) in the NBAS gene in the homozygous state. None of the 203 normal Yakuts individuals had this substitution in the homozygous state. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the NBAS protein is well expressed in retinal ganglion cells, epidermal skin cells, and leucocyte cytoplasm in controls as well as a patient with SOPH syndrome. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that function of NBAS may associate with the pathogenesis of short stature syndrome as well as optic atrophy and Pelger-Huët anomaly.

Development and characterization of aldehyde-sensitive cellulose/chitosan/beeswax colorimetric papers for monitoring kiwifruit maturity.

In this study, we developed an in-package colorimetric paper to monitor the ripeness of kiwifruit by detecting the release of aldehydes. Strongly hydrophobic composite films were prepared using chitosan as the matrix and beeswax as an additive. A piece of cellulose paper containing methyl red and bromocresol violet as color indicators was heat-sealed between two hydrophobic films to protect the indicators from the effects of fruit respiration and transpiration. The nucleophilic addition reaction between aldehydes and OH- (Cannizzaro reaction) changes the pH in the paper and triggers a color change in the indicators. As the kiwifruit ripens, the colorimetric paper changes from bluish-purple to dark red and then gradually to red. A mobile phone application was further used to measure the RGB values and link them to kiwifruit ripeness. This intelligent paper can be used for the accurate and convenient monitoring of produce in real time.

[Grounding technique for the safety and noise rejection of medical imaging equipments].

Grounding technique is very important to ensure the human safety, imaging devices' safety and the devices' reliable running. This paper expatriates the principles of the grounding safety, interference rejection earth, and the grounding modes and the mode selection for each imaging devices and equipments, and related grounding requirements.

CTA Characteristics of the Circle of Willis and Intracranial Aneurysm in a Chinese Crowd with Family History of Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The vascular morphology in crowd with family history of stroke remains unclear. The present study clarified the characteristics of the intracranial vascular CoW and prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in subjects with family history of stroke. METHODS: A stratified cluster, random sampling method was used for subjects with family history of stroke among rural residents in Jixian, Tianjin, China. All the subjects underwent a physical examination, head computed tomography (CT) scan, and cephalic and cervical computed tomography angiography (CTA) scan. Anatomic variations in the Circle of Willis and cerebrovascular disease in this population were analyzed. RESULTS: In the crowd with similar living environment, stable genetic background, and family history of stroke and without obvious nerve function impairment (1) hypoplasia or absence of A1 segment was significantly different in gender (male versus female: 9.8% versus 18.8%, p = 0.031), especially the right-side A1 (male versus female: 5.9% versus 16.4%, p = 0.004). (2) Hypoplasia or absence of bilateral posterior communicating arteries was more common in men than women (58.2% versus 45.3%, p = 0.032). Unilateral fetal posterior cerebral artery was observed more often in women than men (17.2% versus 8.5%, p = 0.028). (3) The percentage of subjects with incomplete CoW did not increase significantly with age. Compared to healthy Chinese people, the crowd had a higher percentage of incomplete CoW (p < 0.001). (4) No obvious correlation between risk factors and CoW was found. (5) The prevalence of aneurysm was 10.3% in the special crowd. CONCLUSIONS: The certain variations of CoW showed significant relation to gender, but not to age in people with family history of stroke. The incomplete circle may be a dangerous factor that is independent of common risk factors for stroke and tend to lead to cerebral ischemia in the crowd with family history of stroke. The prevalence of intracranial aneurysm is comparatively high in the present subjects compared to other people.

Asexuality development among middle aged and older men.

OBJECTIVES: To assess erectile function in middle-aged and older men with asexuality status and further analyze their specific reasons for this condition. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Men who had regular sexual intercourse attempts (sex frequency ≥ 1 time per month) were classified into mild erectile dysfunction (ED), moderate to severe ED and non-ED according to International Index of Erectile Function-5, and men having no sexual intercourse attempts for at least 6 months were defined as having an asexuality status. The risk factors associated with ED were collected in a sample of 1,531 Chinese men aged 40 to 80 years, and the self-report reasons for asexuality were recorded in asexual cohort individually. Comparative analyses and multivariate regression models were conducted among these groups. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of ED and asexuality status were 49.9% and 37.2%. The asexuality status group had higher risk factors than the moderate to severe ED group in terms of old age (age ≥ 65, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 17.69 versus (Vs.) 7.19), diabetes (crude OR: 2.40 Vs. 2.36) and hypertension (crude OR: 1.78 Vs. 1.72). The specific reasons for the asexuality status were "erectile difficulty" (52.9%), "do not care about sexuality" (53.5%)", "no longer necessary to have sexuality at this age" (47.7%), "severe stress" (44.4%), "severe fatigue" (26.3%) and "masturbation" (26.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Men with an asexual status suffer from higher risk factors for ED than men with moderate to severe ED. The majority of this asexual status could be attributed to a full ED, although the reasons for this transient asexuality also involved sexual attitudes and interests, sexual partners and masturbation.

Five-level noncontiguous spinal injuries of cervical region: report of a case and literature review.

The incidence of multiple noncontiguous spinal injuries (MNSI) in the cervical spine is rare but has catastrophic consequences. The patient in this report was a 34-year-old woman with five-level cervical MNSI. CT and MRI showed that injuries included atlantoaxial instability, burst fracture of C6, dislocation of C6/7, rupture of the intervertebal disc or ligamentous complex, and irreversible cord damage. The mechanism for this case was a combined pattern of hyperflexion, compression, and hyperextension injuries. A review of the literature revealed that this case is the first report in the literature of a vehicle related accident causing five-level noncontiguous injuries of the cervical spine.