Identification of Hypertension Subgroups through Topological Analysis of Symptom-Based Patient Similarity / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To obtain the subtypes of the clinical hypertension population based on symptoms and to explore the relationship between hypertension and comorbidities.@*METHODS@#The data set was collected from the Chinese medicine (CM) electronic medical records of 33,458 hypertension inpatients in the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between July 2014 and May 2017. Then, a hypertension disease comorbidity network (HDCN) was built to investigate the complicated associations between hypertension and their comorbidities. Moreover, a hypertension patient similarity network (HPSN) was constructed with patients' shared symptoms, and 7 main hypertension patient subgroups were identified from HPSN with a community detection method to exhibit the characteristics of clinical phenotypes and molecular mechanisms. In addition, the significant symptoms, diseases, CM syndromes and pathways of each main patient subgroup were obtained by enrichment analysis.@*RESULTS@#The significant symptoms and diseases of these patient subgroups were associated with different damaged target organs of hypertension. Additionally, the specific phenotypic features (symptoms, diseases, and CM syndromes) were consistent with specific molecular features (pathways) in the same patient subgroup.@*CONCLUSION@#The utility and comprehensiveness of disease classification based on community detection of patient networks using shared CM symptom phenotypes showed the importance of hypertension patient subgroups.

Pharmacokinetic effect of combined administration on spinosin and ferulic acid in monarch drug Ziziphi Spinosae Semen kernel / 中国中药杂志

To study the pharmacokinetic effect of different combined administration with monarch drug Ziziphi Spinosae Semen on its main components in rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into Ziziphi Spinosae Semen group, Ziziphi Spinosae Semen-Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis group, Ziziphi spinosae Semen-Salviae Miltiorrhize Radix et Rhizoma group and Zaoren Ansheng prescription group. After oral administration, HPLC was eluted with the mobile phase of acetonitrle-0.03% phosphate acid water in a gradient mode. The detection wavelength was 280 nm. The pharmacokinetic parameters of spinosin and ferulic acid were calculated by DAS 2. 0 software. Compared with Ziziphi Spinosae Semen group, Ziziphi Spinosae Semen-Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis group, Ziziphi Spinosae Semen-Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma group showed a lower maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) and area under curve (AUC(0-t)) for spinosin and ferulic acid but higher clearance speed (CL/F); whereas the Zaoren Ansheng prescription group showed higher maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) and area under curve (AUC(0-t)) for spinosin and ferulic acid but lower clearance speed (CL/F). Compared with Ziziphi Spinosae Semen group, prescription group showed slower metabolism of spinosin and ferulic

Effects of serum of Bushen Huoxue prescription (Chinese characters) on classic Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways of osteoblasts / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe effects of serum Bushen Huoxue prescription(Chinese characters) on classic Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways of osteoblasts, and explore mechanism of Bushen Huoxue prescription (Chinese characters) for preventing osteoporosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty health female rats were randomly divided into two groups, including Bushen Huoxue (Chinese characters) group and saline group,10 in each group. Bushen Huoxue (Chinese characters) group and Saline group were gavaged Bushen Huoxue and saline every day for 1 week. Bushenhuoxue containing serum and saline containing serum were got according to methods of serum preparation of drug-containing. The osteoblasts was cultured with neonatal rat skull according to Enzyme Consumer Law, and was identified by Wright-Giemsa staining (R-J) and alkaline phosphatase staining (ALP). The third generation of osteoblasts was divided into three groups, including saline group, normal group,Bushen Huoxue (Chinese characters) group. Each group were added to 15% appropriate medium. ALP activity of osteoblasts and osteoblasts proliferation rate were tested, mineralized nodules were observed, the expression of β-catenin, Runx2, Osx mRNA of osteoblasts were tested by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was blue granules in cytoplasm, cell nucleus was flint with 1 to 3 nucleoli showed by R-J staining, morphology of osteoblasts were cultured. ALP staining showed cytoplasm with purple granules, the results showed that the cultured cell was osteoblasts. The content of ALP in Bushen Huoxue (Chinese characters)group was (6.272±0.131) ,appreciation rate was (0.81? 0.172), and could significantly improve differentiation and proliferation activity of osteoblasts compared with Saline group (P< 0.01). There were four different size orange nodules, the Maximun nodule was 1.0 x 1.0 cm in Bushen Huoxue (Chinese characters) group after Alizarin red staining, the results showed Bushen Huoxue (Chinese characters)group could obviously improve mineralization of osteoblasts. The expression of mRNA of β-catenin, Runx2 and Osx in Bushen Huoxue (Chinese characters)group were (1.782±0.944), (1.935±0.994) and (1.610±0.811) by RT-PCR,it was significantly increased compared with saline group (P<0.01), but there was no difference between Bushen Huoxue (Chinese characters)group and normal group (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Bushen Huoxue (Chinese characters)group could obviously promote differentiation, proliferation and mineralization of osteoblasts through activation of Wnt, β-catenin signaling pathway. It suggested that the mechanism of action of Bushen Huoxue (O'f f Il.t)particle clould prevent osteoporosis through the activation of Wnt, β-catenin signaling pathway.</p>

Effects of different treatments on patients with osteoporotic fracture after percutaneous kyphoplasty / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate effects of different treatments on patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture after percutaneous kyphoplasty in pain and function.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2010 to March 2012,138 patients (165 vertebrae) with thoracic and lumbar vertebral osteoporotic fracture were randomly divided into three groups (control group, treatment group and comprehensive group), 46 cases in each group, and all patients were treated by PKP. Control group were treated with calcium and calcitriol after operation, treatment group added salmon calcitonin see calcimar based on control group, comprehensive group added incrementality waist musculi dorsi function exercise based on treatment group. VAS, ODI scores and BMD before operation, 3 d, 2 weeks, 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after operation were detected and compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All operation were performed successfully,38 cases (45 vertebrae) in control group, 36 cases (44 vertebrae) in treatment group and 40 cases (49 vertebrae) were obtained complete following up, there was no significant meaning in following time among three groups (P>0.05). Postoperative VAS and ODI scores at 3 d, 2 weeks and 1 month among three groups were lower than that of before operation (P<0.01). Compared with control group, postoperative VAS score at 3 d, 2 weeks and 1 month were decreasedin treatment group and comprehensive group, but there was no significant meaning in ODI scores (P>0.05). At 6 and 12 months after operation,there was no significant differences in VAS and ODI between control group and treatment group (P>0.05), while VAS score in comprehensive group decreased much than other two groups,decreased continuously (P<0.01). At 12 months after operation, BMD among three groups were increased more than preoperative,and BMD in comprehensive group was more obviously than that of in control and treatment group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PKP, an effective method for the treatment of thoracic and lumbar vertebral osteoporotic fracture, could improve short-term clinical effects by adding calcitonin with calcium supplements and activated vitamin D. Waist musculi dorsi function exercise could improve long-term clinical effects of PKP and improve quality of life.</p>

Distribution laws of Chinese medical syndrome types and analyses of risk factors in senile hypertension patients: a clinical study / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the distribution laws of TCM syndrome types and to analyze the distribution of dynamic blood pressure curve, atherosclerosis, and age in senile hypertension patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 1 131 senile hypertension patients were recruited from 7 provinces and municipal cities. Features of TCM syndromes, classification and distribution curves, and syndrome distribution laws were observed. The distribution curves of dynamic blood pressure, carotid atherosclerosis, and age were compared in each TCM syndrome types.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were four main syndrome types in 736 cases (56.15%), i.e., excessive accumulation of phlegm-dampness syndrome (210 cases, 16.02%), yin deficiency and hyperactivity of yang syndrome (177 cases, 13.50%), Gan-Shen yin deficiency syndrome (79 cases, 6.03%), and deficiency of qi and yin syndrome (252 cases, 19.22%). Besides, there were two more sub-types, i.e., collateral obstruction by blood stasis syndrome and collateral obstruction by phlegm and stasis. Circadian blood pressure monitor was completed in 211 cases. Of them, abnormal circadian blood pressure occurred in 152 cases (accounting for 72. 38%); yin deficiency and hyperactivity of yang syndrome, excessive accumulation of phlegm-dampness syndrome, deficiency of qi and yin syndrome plus collateral obstruction by blood stasis syndrome were most often seen. Color ultrasound of carotid artery was performed in 660 patients of main syndromes. The incidence was quite higher in those of excessive accumulation of phlegm-dampness syndrome (182 cases, 27. 58%), deficiency of qi and yin syndrome plus collateral obstruction by blood stasis syndrome or collateral obstruction by phlegm and stasis (322 cases, 48.79%). Yin deficiency and hyperactivity of yang syndrome was dominant in patients 60 -79 years old, while deficiency of qi and yin syndrome and Gan-Shen yin deficiency syndrome were dominant in patients older than 80 years.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Excessive accumulation of phlegm-dampness syndrome, yin deficiency and hyperactivity of yang syndrome, Gan-Shen yin deficiency syndrome, and deficiency of qi and yin syndrome were main syndrome types in senile hypertension patients. There was statistical difference in the distribution curves of blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and age of various TCM syndrome types.</p>

Influence of antenatal taurine on expression of key signaling molecule of Ras homolog gene-Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase-proliferating cell nuclear antigen pathway in fetal rat brain with intrauterine growth restriction / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To explore the influence of antenatal taurine supplementation on the expression of key signaling molecule of Ras homolog gene-Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase-proliferating cell nuclear antigen(Rho-ROCK-PCNAR) pathway in fetal rat brain with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR),and to understand whether or not taurine can improve neuron regeneration in IUGR fetal rats by this signaling pathway.Methods Thirty pregnant rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:control group,IUGR model(IUGR group) and IUGR + antenatal taufine supplements group(IUGR + taurine group).Taurine was added to the diet of IUGR + taurine group at a dose of 300 mg/(kg · d) from 12 days after conception until natural delivery.The level of mRNA expressions of Ras homolog gene A(RhoA),Rho-associated coiled coil-forming protein kinase 2 gene (ROCK2 gene) and PCNA gene were detected by Real time-PCR.The PCNA positive cell counts were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results 1.The level of RhoA,ROCK2 and PCNA mRNA in the IUGR group,IUGR + taurine group and control group were respectively:RhoA mRNA 1.757±0.041,1.498 ±0.011 and 1.000 ±0.000(P＜0.05);ROCK2 mRNA 1.548 ±0.231,1.094 ±0.049 and 1.000 ± 0.000 (P ＜ 0.05) ; PCNA mRNA 2.007 ± 0.800,3.034 ± 0.670 and 1.000 ± 0.000 (P ＜ 0.05).2.The PCNA positive cell counts in control group,IUGR group and IUGR + taurine group were respectively 11.30 ± 3.18,22.24 ± 6.17 and 77.80 ± 14.60 (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Antenatal supplementation of taurine can inhibit the expression of key signaling molecule of Rho-ROCK pathway and improve the expression of PCNA in IUGR fetal brain,which provides a further theoretical basis for the application of antenatal taurine to improve IUGR fetal brain development.

Effect of antenatal taurine supplementation on the taurine levels in brain of fetal rat with intrauterine growth restriction / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To examine the taurine levels and determine the influence of antenatal taurine on the taurine content in the brains of fetal rats with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).Methods Fifteen pregnant rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:normal control group,IUGR group and the IUGR + antenatal taurine supplement group(taurine group) (n =5).IUGR models were induced by low protein diet throughout gestation period.Taurine was added to the diet of the taurine group with a dose of 300 mg/(kg · d) from 12 days after conception until natural delivery.Two fetal rats were randomly selected from each nest and were sacrificed to obtain the brains,and the taurine levels in fetal rat brains were detected by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.Results The average weight of fetal rats in the normal control group,the IUGR group and the taurine group were (6.619 ± 0.413) g,(4.509±0.454) g,(5.176 ±0.436) g,there was a significant difference among the 3 groups(F =429.818,P ＜ 0.01).The taurine levels in fetal rat brain in the normal control group,the IUGR group,and the taurine group were (2.399 ±0.134) × 103 μg/g,(1.881 ±0.166) × 103 μg/g and(2.170 ±0.191) × 103 μg/g,there was a significant difference among the 3 groups(F =24.828,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Antenatal taurine supplementation can significantly increase the taurine level in fetal rat brain with IUGR.

Efficacy and safety of bipolar plasma vaporization of the prostate with "button-type" electrode compared with transurethral resection of prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) has been considered as the standard treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, issues that have not yet been overcome for TURP include bleeding and absorption of irrigation fluid. Thus, novel improvement of the surgery is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bipolar plasma vaporization of the prostate (BPVP) with "button-type" electrode against standard TURP for BPH.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2009 to January 2012, 30 patients who scheduled for surgical treatment of BPH surgical treatment were enrolled in the trial with provided consent for the study. Patients were prospectively randomized 1:1 to undergo either BPVP or TURP. Participants were blinded to the randomization scheme. All cases were assessed preoperatively and followed at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively by indwelling catheter time, blood loss, hospital stays, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL), and Qmax.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>BPVP was significantly superior to TURP in terms of indwelling catheter time ((4.1 ± 4.1) days vs. (6.8 ± 6.8) days, P = 0.000), blood loss ((64.7 ± 103.8) ml vs. (254.7 ± 325.4) ml, P = 0.040), hospital stay ((8.7 ± 1.0) days vs. (11.7 ± 1.5) days, P = 0.000), IPSS ((4.2 ± 8.0) vs. (9.3 ± 3.7), P = 0.049), QOL ((1.5 ± 0.8) vs. (2.6 ± 1.4), P = 0.027), Qmax ((16.3 ± 5.7) ml/s vs. (12.5 ± 3.1) ml/s, P = 0.038), hemoglobin ((130.7 ± 9.4) g/L vs. ((122.1 ± 11.9) g/L, P = 0.047), Na(+) level ((138.6 ± 2.1) mmol/L vs. ((137.2 ± 2.0) mmol/L, P = 0.046) and operation time ((39.0 ± 15.5) minutes vs. ((69.3 ± 24.8) minutes, P = 0.004). And there were no statistical differences between BPVP group and TURP group in preoperatively assessment: patient's age ((70.9 ± 7.1) years vs. (71.9 ± 6.1) years, P = 0.736), IPSS ((24.6 ± 4.7) vs. (27.3 ± 5.9), P = 0.100), QOL ((5.1 ± 0.8) vs. (5.1 ± 1.0), P = 0.940), Qmax ((4.4 ± 2.7) ml/s vs. (5.3 ± 2.6) ml/s, P = 0.314), hemoglobin ((137.4 ± 8.7) g/L vs. (139.2 ± 10.4) g/L, P = 0.623), Na(+) level ((140.5 ± 1.8) mmol/L vs. (141.3 ± 1.4) mmol/L, P = 0.192) and prostate volume ((59.0 ± 17.4) ml vs. (70.1 ± 28.8) ml, P = 0.276).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Compared with TURP, BPVP with "button-type" electrode shows superior efficacy and safety. Therefore, BPVP with "button-type" electrode represents a valuable endoscopic treatment alternative for BPH patients.</p>

Study on the correlation between Chinese medicine syndrome types of the Uighur and Han people and levels of blood lipids and fibrinogen in premature coronary heart disease patients / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the correlation between the Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome types of the Uighur and Han people and levels of blood lipids and fibrinogen in premature coronary heart disease (PCHD) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Recruited were 196 Uighur and 189 Han patients with PCHD first confirmed by coronary angiography at the Heart Center of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University and Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University. Another 60 healthy volunteers were recruited as the healthy control group. CM syndromes were typed by physicians or those having higher professional titles at the cardiac internal medicine. The contents of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were detected using oxidase method. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was detected using chemical modification enzymic method. The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level was detected using selective dissolution. The fibrinogen (FIB) level was detected using Clauss congeal principle.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The CM syndrome types of Uighurs were sequenced as filthy turbidity and phlegm obstruction syndrome (82 cases, 21.3%) > qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome (61 cases, 15.84%) >cold accumulation in Xin meridian syndrome (39 cases, 10.13%) >Xin-Shen yin deficiency syndrome (14 cases, 3. 63%). The CM syndrome types of the Han nationality were sequenced as qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome (69 cases, 17.92%) >filthy turbidity and phlegm obstruction syndrome (67 cases, 17.40%) > cold accumulation in Xin meridian syndrome (42 cases, 10.91%) > Xin-Shen yin deficiency syndrome (11 cases, 2.86%). There was no statistical difference in the syndrome type distribution between the two groups (P >0.05). Compared with the healthy control group, the levels of TG, LDL-C, and FIB increased, and the HDL-C level decreased in patients of filthy turbidity and phlegm obstruction syndrome and qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome of the patient group. The HDL-C level decreased in the Uighur patients of Xin-Shen yin deficiency syndrome, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared with the Han people of the same syndrome type, the TG level increased and the HDL-C level decreased in the Uighur patients of filthy turbidity and phlegm obstruction syndrome. The FIB level increased in the Uighur patients of qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome with statistical difference (P<0.05). In the Uighur patients, filthy turbidity and phlegm obstruction syndrome was positively correlated with TG (r=0.469) and FIB (r=0.464), and negatively correlated with HDL-C (r=-0.382). Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome was positively correlated with FIB (r=0.72) with statistical difference (P<0.01, P<0.05). In the Han patients, filthy turbidity and phlegm obstruction syndrome was positively correlated with TG (r=0.445) and FIB (r=0.372), and negatively correlated with HDL-C (r=-0.37). Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome was positively correlated with TG (r=0.471) and FIB (r=0.459) with statistical difference (P<0.01, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CM syndrome types were correlated with TG, HDL-C, and FIB in PCHD Han and Uighur patients.</p>

Surveys on iodine nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women in coastal areas of Zhejiang province / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the nutritional status of iodine of pregnant and lactating women in coastal and inland areas of Zhejiang province,and to provide scientific basis for iodine supplementation.Methods In 2009,five coastal cities,five coastal counties and three inland areas from Zhejiang province were selected by the cluster sampling method,and one sub-district(township) was randomly selected in each city (county),then one community (village) was randomly selected in each sub-district (township).Thirty pregnant women,thirty lactating women and fifty children aged 8 - 10,were randomly selected in each community(village) as the investigation objects to collect instant urine samples to detect urine iodine,and to collect thirty resident edible salt and some water samples to detect salt iodine and water iodine,if the numbers of water source were more than 5 then 1 water sample was collected by their location of east,south,west,north and center in each community(village),otherwise,the numbers of water samples collected were equal to the number of community (village).Results The medians of salt iodine of coastal city,coastal county and inland area were 28.42,25.29,and 33.24 mg/kg,respectively,and the medians of water iodine correspondingly were 5.41,11.52,and 2.80 μg/L,respectively.The medians of urinary iodine of pregnant and lactating women in Zhejiang province were 148.72 and 161.34 μg/L,respectively,which were less than that of children aged 8 - 10(231.02 μg/L,Z =8.57,8.24,all P ＜ 0.017).The medians of urinary iodine in pregnant women from different areas were ranked in order as inland areas(211.42 μg/L),coastal counties (150.51 μg/L) and coastal cities (123.33 μg/L,Z =2.80,5.31,2.42,all P ＜ 0.017),and in lactating women,the medians of urinary iodine in inland areas( 197.43 μg/L) was higher than that in coastal cities( 139.64 μg/L,Z =4.03,P ＜ 0.017).Conclusions The overall levels of iodine nutrition in lactating and pregnant women in Zhejiang province are in the appropriate level,but that of the pregnant women in the coastal cities is inadequate.

Influence of microsatellite instability on survival of patients with sporadic colorectal cancer in China / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of microsatellite instability(MSI) in Chinese sporadic coloretal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 146 patients with colorectal cancer were treated surgically from August 2004 to September 2006 in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Data were collected prospectively. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed for parameters such as age, gender, tumor location, differentiation, MSI, tumor type, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and survival.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Follow-up was available in 134 patients including telephone call and office visit. MSI(P=0.029), tumor type(P=0.000), TNM stage(P=0.000) were independently associated with survival on Cox regression model. There were 26 patients with MSI, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 100%, 92.3%, and 92.3%, respectively. The remaining 108 patients had microsatellite stable tumor, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 96.3%, 72.2%, and 63.5%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant(P=0.016).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Microsatellite instability is an important factor associated with patient survival in Chinese sporadic colorectal cancer.</p>

Partial ejaculatory duct obstruction induces hemospermia syndrome in the rat model / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the pathogenesis of hematospermia syndrome using the rat model of hemospermia induced by partial ejaculatory duct obstruction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty male rats were divided into Groups A (n=20) and B (n=30), the former subjected to incomplete ligation of the right ejaculatory duct, while the latter open-close sham operation. Electro-stimulation was performed for ejaculation induction one week after the operation. Those that developed hematospermia in Group A were chosen as Group A1, while those with normal ejaculation in Group B included in Group B1. The semen indexes and seminal vesicle pressure were compared between Groups A1 and B1.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with Group B1, Group A1 showed significantly decreased semen volume (P < 0.01), lower sperm motility (P < 0.01) and higher seminal vesicle pressure (P < 0.01), but no statistically significant differences were observed in the WBC count and sperm density in the semen between the two groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Hemospermia syndrome can be induced by partial ejaculatory duct obstruction, with changes of semen indexes, and it is closely correlated with high seminal vesicle pressure.</p>

Effect of Qihong decoction on rehabilitation of patients after coronary artery bypass / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Qihong Decoction (QHD) on rehabilitation of patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-two patients after CABG were assigned to two groups by digital table, the 36 in the treatment group were treated with QHD combined with routine treatment, and the 36 in the control group received routine treatment alone. The treatment lasted for two months in all patients and the efficacy was assessed after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased (P < 0.05), 6-min walking test was improved and score of TCM symptoms decreased in both groups, and inter-group comparisons showed no difference in the efficacy on LVEF, but a better efficacy was shown in the treatment group (P < 0.05) on improvement of walking test and decrease of scores. Moreover, by SF-36 scale scoring, significantly higher scores were shown in the treatment group in domains of general health, pain sensation, vitality, role of emotion, mental health, health transition and physiological capacity (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>QHD can improve the TCM symptoms and heart function of patients after CABG, enhance their quality of life and accelerate the rehabilitation process.</p>

Study on thirty patients with slow-transmission constipation treated by acupuncture and moxibustion / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the therapeutic effects and acting specialty of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of slow-transmission constipation (STC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A clinical pathway was created and Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) method was taken for efficacy evaluation dominantly. Acupuncture and moxibustion were applied to 30 STC patients on two groups of acupoints in alternation, with acupoints of Tianshu (ST25), Daheng (SP15), Fujie (SP14), Qihai (RN6), Guanyuan (RN4), Zusanli (ST36), and Shangjuxu (ST37) as group 1; Dachangshu (BL25), Shenshu (BL23), Baliao (BL31, BL32, BL33, BL34), and Sishencong (Ex-HN1) as group 2. Deep needling was applied on acupoints of abdominal and back region and moxibustion was put on Sishencong, 20 times as one course. The therapeutic effect was assessed based on the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAC-QOL) method by comparing the Bristol scoring on quality of stool, awareness and frequency of defecation, degree of abdominal fullness sensation, and patients' quality of life (QOL) at different time points, i.e., pre-treatment, after 1, 2 and 3 weeks of treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the condition of pre-treatment, after 1, 2 and 3 weeks of treatment, cases using irritant laxative or glycerin enema reduced, with quality of stool normalized, scores for awareness and frequency of defecation increased, and abdominal fullness sensation lessened (all P < 0.01); both the total score and scores on the 4 domains of QOL (malaise, psychosocial complaint, anxiety and interest related to constipation, and satisfaction) were obviously reduced. No adverse event occurred during the treatment course. Therapeutic effectiveness assessment at the end of treatment showed that 13 patients were cured, 9 improved and 8 treated in vain; the corresponding cases assessed at 1 month after treatment were 10, 7, 13; and those at 3 months after were 7, 8, 15, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Establishing a clinical pathway is helpful to patients in their continuous diagnosis and treatment. Using PROs method to evaluate the therapeutic effect could clearly reveal the superiority of acupuncture and moxibustion in improving symptoms and QOL in patients of STC.</p>

Comparison of different drugs on the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the differences of the efficacy and different therapeutic drugs on the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in order to ensure the optimal indication for different BPH patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A randomized, parallel-controlled, multicenter clinical trial was conducted. From September 2002 to December 2003 906 BPH patients were enrolled into 7 therapeutic groups, including selective-adrenoceptor antagonist (terazosin, doxazosin tamsulosin and naftopidil), 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor (finasteride and epristeride) and natural product (cernilton). International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life (QOL), uroflowmetry, total prostatic volume (TPV) and transitional zone volume and residual urine were used as efficacy criteria.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>According to the baseline, the IPSS and Qmax were significantly correlated to the prostatic volume and transitional zone volume (P < 0.01). At average follow-up of 6 months, significant improvements in IPSS, QOL, Qmax and residual urine volume were observed in each therapeutic group, and no difference in IPSS improvement was found among the groups. Prostatic volume and transitional zone volume were significant decreased in 5alpha-reductase inhibitor groups (P < 0.05). In patients with baseline TPV greater than 35.5 cm3, the improvement of Qmax was more significant than that in patients with TPV less than 35.5 cm3 in finasteride group (P < 0.01) (5.7 ml/s and 2.2 ml/s respectively), and more significant symptomatic improvements were also found in cernilton, doxazosin and naftopidil group. In each group, the improvement of symptom were more significant in patients with IPSS higher than 20 points (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Each drug observed in this study can improve the subjective and objective symptoms significantly for BPH patients, especially for patients with higher IPSS baseline. When using 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, prostatic volume can be decreased significantly and more obviously subjective and objective improvement can be found in the patients with TPV greater than 35.5 cm3.</p>

Treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia and endothelial dysfunction in renal-transplant recipients with vitamin B / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of vitamin B on treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia and endothelial dysfunction in renal-transplant recipients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-six stable hyperhomocysteinemic renal-transplant recipients were randomly assigned to vitamin treatment (group A, n = 18, folic acid 5 mg/d, vitamin B(6) 50 mg/d, B(12) 1000 microg/d) or controlled group (group B, n = 18) for 6 months. All subjects underwent assessment of levels for creatinine, creatinine clearance, average pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride and fasting homocysteine. Endothelial function was evaluated using high-resolution vascular ultrasound.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of homocysteine markedly decreased in group A [(13 +/- 4) micromol/L vs (20 +/- 5) micromol/L, t = 5.3, P < 0.01] after treatment, whereas no significant changes were observed in group B. In group A, endothelium dependent [(12 +/- 5)% vs (9 +/- 5)%, t = 2.9, P < 0.01] and independent [(18 +/- 4)% vs (12 +/- 5)%, t = 3.4, P < 0.01] vasodilatation responses significantly increased after treatment, no significant changes were observed in group B. Endothelium dependent [(9 +/- 6)%, t = 2.8, P < 0.01] and independent [(12 +/- 5)%, t = 3.5, P < 0.01] vasodilatation responses of group A were significantly lower than that of group B after treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Vitamin B supplementation can reduce the levels of homocysteine and improve the endothelial function in hyperhomocysteinemic renal-transplant recipients.</p>

Clinical study of Eviprostat for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the efficacy and safety of Eviprostat for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An open, multicentral clinical trial was conducted in 100 patients with BPH. Patients received a 12-week oral administration of Eviprostat 2 tablets per-time, 3 times a day. The main indexes of efficacy include international prostatic symptom score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), residual urine ( Ru) and prostatic volume (V). The additional indexes are quality of life score (QOL) and average urinary flow rate (Qave).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After a 12-week therapy, IPSS, QOL score, Qmax and Qave were significantly improved. IPSS was averagely decreased by 5.67 (P < 0.001); QOL score was averagely decreased by 1.44 (P < 0.001); Qmax was averagely increased by 1.70 ml/s (P <0.001); Qave was averagely increased by 1.15 ml/s (P < 0.001); Ru was averagely decreased by 5.07 ml (P = 0.046) , PSA level was averagely decreased by 0.129 microg/L (P < 0.017). The clinical adverse event rate was 1%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Eviprostat is a kind of safe, effective and preferable drug for treating BPH. It can improve the subjective symptoms and objective measures of the patients.</p>