[Application of the situational simulation teaching method in occupational protection training for medical staff].

Objective: To investigate a new method for occupational protection training for medical staff, and to improve the awareness of occupational protection among medical staff. Methods: In August 2018, convenience sampling was performed to select 171 new medical workers in a grade A tertiary teaching hospital as subjects. The subjects were trained according to the requirements for occupational protection knowledge and training objectives. A questionnaire was distributed before training, and the scores were collected as control group; the subjects were trained using the conventional PPT theory, a questionnaire was distributed after training, and the scores were collected as trial group 1; the subjects were trained using the conventional PPT theory combined with the situational simulation teaching method, a questionnaire was distributed after training, and the scores were collected as trial group 2. A total of 171 questionnaires were distributed and collected for each survey, with a questionnaire recovery rate of 100%. Continuous data were expressed as mean±SD and were evaluated by an analysis of variance; categorical data were expressed as rate (%) , and the chi-square test was used for analysis. Results: A total of 171 medical workers, aged 22-33 years (mean 23.63±2.33 years) , participated in the study, among whom 127 (74.27%) were nurses, 146 (85.38%) were female workers, and 93 (54.39%) had a college degree. The awareness rate of occupational protection knowledge was 24.56%-70.18% in the control group, 63.16%-96.49% in the trial group 1, and 86.55%-99.42% in the trial group 2. There was a significant difference in the awareness rate of occupational protection knowledge among all the groups (P<0.01) , and there were also significant differences in theoretical test score, skill assessment score, and total score among all the groups (F=116.342, 189.424, and 304.904, P<0.01) . Theoretical test score, skill assessment score, and total score tended to increase after the training based on the conventional PPT theory or the training based on the conventional PPT theory and situational simulation (F=125.042, 352.025, and 444.073, P<0.01) . Conclusion: The situational simulation teaching method for the training of occupational protection knowledge for medical staff has a marked training effect and can significantly improve the theoretical and skill levels of medical staff.

[Preliminary clinical efficacy of percutaneous transcystic papilla balloon dilation for removing common bile duct stones].

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of percutaneous transcystic papilla balloon dilation for the common bile duct stones. Methods: A total of 11 patients with the common bile duct stones without dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts treated with percutaneous transcystic papilla balloon dilation in multiple center from April 2013 to May 2015 were analyzed retrospectively.In these 11 patients, there were 3 males and 8 females.And the average age was 68(52-91) years old.All patients had no obviously dilated intrahepatic bile duct, 6 patients were not suitable for endoscopic treatment or surgery, 4 patients refused endoscopic or surgical treatment and 1 patient had a history of failed endoscopic treatment.The white blood cell count, CA19-9, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, AST, ALT and serum amylase level were recorded before the procedure, 1 week, and 1 month later.Early complications, such as cholangitis, pancreatitis, hemorrhage, and perforation were evaluated. Results: Technical success was achieved in all the 11 cases.The level of CA19-9, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin decreased significantly 1 week and 1 month after the procedure.One patient suffered from biliary tract infection.No severe complications, such as perforation of biliary or gastrointestinal tract, occurred during the follow up.Common bile duct stone recurred in 1 patient 2 years after the procedure. Conclusions: For cases who are not suitable for endoscopic treatment, surgery, or percutaneous transhepatic approach to treat the common bile duct stones, percutaneous transcystic papilla dilation is technically feasible and safe, and seems to be an appropriate alternative strategy.

[Comparison of adaptation and microstructure of titanium upper complete denture base fabricated by selecting laser melting and electron beam melting].

Objective: To fabricate Ti alloy frameworks for a maxillary complete denture with three-dimensional printing (3DP) technique, such as selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM), and to evaluate the microstructure of these frameworks and their adaptation to the die stone models. Methods: Thirty pairs of edentulous casts were divided into 3 groups randomly and equally. In each group, one of the three techniques (SLM, EBM, conventional technique) was used to fabricate Ti alloy frameworks. The base-cast sets were transversally sectioned into 3 sections at the distal of canines, mesial of first molars, and the posterior palatal zone. The gap between the metal base and cast was measured in the 3 sections. Stereoscopic microscope was used to measure the gap. Three pieces of specimens of 5 mm diameter were fabricated with Ti alloy by SLM, EBM and the traditional casting technology (as mentioned above). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the differences of microstructure among these specimens. Results: The gaps between the metal base and cast were (99.4±17.0), (98.2±26.1), and (99.6± 16.1) µm in conventional method; (99.4 ± 22.8), (83.1 ± 19.3), and (103.3 ± 13.8) µm in SLM technique; (248.3±70.3), (279.1±71.9), and (189.1±31.6) µm in EBM technique. There was no statistical difference in the value of gaps between SLM Ti alloy and conventional method Ti alloy group (P>0.05). There was statistical difference among EBM Ti alloy, conventional method Ti alloy and SLM Ti alloy group (P<0.05). The SLM Ti alloy showed more uniform and compact microstructure than the cast Ti alloy and EBM Ti alloy did. Conclusions: SLM technique showed initial feasibility to manufacture the dental base of complete denture. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the denture frameworks prepared by SLM indicate that these dentures are appropriate for clinical use. EBM technique is inadequate to make a complete denture now.

Segregation analysis of microsatellite (SSR) markers in sugarcane polyploids.

No information is available on segregation analysis of DNA markers involving both pollen and self-progeny. Therefore, we used capillary electrophoresis- and fluorescence-based DNA fingerprinting together with single pollen collection and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to investigate simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker segregation among 964 single pollens and 288 self-progenies (S1) of sugarcane cultivar LCP 85-384. Twenty SSR DNA fragments (alleles) were amplified by five polymorphic SSR markers. Only one non-parental SSR allele was observed in 2392 PCRs. SSR allele inheritance was in accordance with Mendelian laws of segregation and independent assortment. Highly significant correlation coefficients were found between frequencies of observed and expected genotypes in pollen and S1 populations. Within the S1 population, the most frequent genotype of each SSR marker was the parental genotype of the same marker. The number of genotypes was higher in pollen than S1 population. PIC values of the five SSR markers were greater in pollen than S1 populations. Eleven of 20 SSR alleles (55%) were segregated in accordance with Mendelian segregation ratios expected from pollen and S1 populations of a 2n = 10x polyploid. Six of 20 SSR alleles were segregated in a 3:1 (presence:absence) ratio and were simplex markers. Four and one alleles were segregated in 77:4 and 143:1 ratios and considered duplex and triplex markers, respectively. Segregation ratios of remaining alleles were unexplainable. The results provide information about selection of crossing parents, estimation of seedling population optimal size, and promotion of efficient selection, which may be valuable for sugarcane breeders.

Genetic variability among the chloroplast genomes of sugarcane (Saccharum spp) and its wild progenitor species Saccharum spontaneum L.

A striking characteristic of modern sugarcane is that all sugarcane cultivars (Saccharum spp) share a common cytoplasm from S. officinarum. To explore the potential value of S. spontaneum cytoplasm, new Saccharum hybrids with an S. spontaneum cytoplasm were developed at the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Sugarcane Research Laboratory, through a combination of conventional and molecular breeding approaches. In this study, we analyzed the genetic variability among the chloroplast genomes of four sugarcane cultivars, eight S. spontaneum clones, and three F1 progeny containing an S. spontaneum cytoplasm. Based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence information of two sugarcane cultivars (NCo 310 and SP 80-3280) and five related grass species (barley, maize, rice, sorghum, and wheat), 19 polymerase chain reaction primer pairs were designed targeting various chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) segments with a total length varying from 4781 to 4791 bp. Ten of the 19 cpDNA segments were polymorphic, harboring 14 mutation sites [a 15-nt insertion/deletion (indel), a 5-nt indel, two poly (T) tracts, and 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms]. We demonstrate for the first time that the chloroplast genome of S. spontaneum was maternally inherited. Comparative sequence homology analyses clustered sugarcane cultivars into a distinctive group away from S. spontaneum and its progeny. Three mutation sites with a consistent, yet species-specific, nucleotide composition were found, namely, an A/C transversion and two indels. The genetic variability among cpDNA of sugarcane cultivars and S. spontaneum will be useful information to determine the maternal origin in the Saccharum genus.

The difference in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between extended-release fluvastatin and immediate-release fluvastatin in healthy Chinese subjects.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between extended-release (ER) fluvastatin tablet and its immediate-release (IR) capsule in Chinese healthy subjects. This was an open-label, single/multiple-dose, two-period, two-treatment, crossover, randomized trial with a minimum washout period of 7 days. Twenty healthy male adult subjects were given fluvastatin ER tablet 80 mg QD by oral administration or fluvastatin IR capsule 40 mg BID for seven days. Blood samples were collected up to 24 hours after dosing on day 1 and day 7. Serum concentrations of fluvastatin were determined by LC-MS/MS. For fluvastatin ER tablet 80 mg QD, C(max) was 61.0 ± 39.0 and 63.9 ± 29.7 ng/mL, and AUC(0-24 h) was 242 ± 156 and 253 ± 91.1 ng·h/mL on day 1 and 7, respectively. For fluvastatin IR capsule 40 mg BID, C(max) was 283 ± 271 and 382 ± 255 ng/mL, and AUC(0-24 h) was 720 ± 776 and 917 ± 994 ng·h/mL on day 1 and day 7, respectively. The relative bioavailability of fluvastatin ER tablet 80 mg QD to fluvastatin IR capsule 40 mg BID is (45.3 ± 23.9)% and (43.3 ± 24.1)% on day 1 and day 7, respectively. T(max) for fluvastatin ER tablet was 2.50 and 2.60 h and for capsule was 0.78 and 0.88 h on day 1 and day 7, respectively. In the first period, compared to baseline, cholesterol decreased 15.3% in fluvastatin ER tablet 80 mg QD and 16.9% in fluvastatin IR capsule 40 mg BID. Triglyceride decreased 3.7% in fluvastatin ER tablet 80 mg QD and 19.1% in fluvastatin IR capsule 40 mg BID. The difference has no statistical significance at P > 0.05 in reduction percent of cholesterol and triglyceride between the two groups. No adverse events were recorded. The results indicated that C(max) of fluvastatin ER tablet is reduced and T(max) is prolonged compared with IR capsule. There is no accumulation for ER formulation after multiple doses.

Microbial population dynamics of granular aerobic sequencing batch reactors during start-up and steady state periods.

This study investigates microbial population dynamics in granular sequencing batch reactors (GSBR). The experimental results of DGGE fingerprint of sludge demonstrated that the microbial community structure of sludge shifted significantly during granulation period and nutrient removal improvement period. After reactor performance and physical characteristics of sludge reached steady state, microbial population of sludge became relatively stable. The high similarity of microbial community structure between co-existed flocculated sludge and granular sludge in GSBR at different operation phases indicated that similar microbial consortium could exist in compact aggregated form or in amorphous flocculated form. Therefore, strong selection pressure was still required to wash out flocs to maintain the stability of reactor operation. In addition, it was found that substrate type had considerable impact on microbial species selection and enrichment in granular sludge. The clone library of granular sludge showed that microbial species in divisions of α-Proteobacteria, ß-Proteobacteria, γ-Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes existed within acetate-fed granule communities and Thauera spp. from ß-Proteobacteria accounted for 49% of the total clones in the whole clone library. It is thus speculated that Thauera spp. are important for the formation of acetate-fed granules under the conditions used in this study, maintaining the integrity of granules or substrate degradation.

Efficacy and safety of telmisartan vs. losartan in control of mild-to-moderate hypertension: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind study.

This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group study compared the efficacy and safety of telmisartan with those of losartan after 8 weeks' treatment. In total, 330 patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] <180 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure [DBP] 95-109 mmHg) were randomly assigned to receive once-daily treatment with telmisartan 40 mg (n = 164) or losartan 50 mg (n = 166). After 4 weeks' treatment, if a patient's DBP was > or = 90 mmHg, the dose was increased to telmisartan 80 mg or losartan 100 mg, respectively. The results show that mean trough seated blood pressure was reduced significantly more in the telmisartan group than that in the losartan group (SBP 12.5 mmHg vs. 9.4 mmHg, p = 0.037; DBP 10.9 mmHg vs. 9.3 mmHg, p = 0.030). The overall DBP response rate (reduction from baseline in mean seated DBP > or = 10 mmHg and/or a mean seated DBP <90 mmHg) at the end of the study in the telmisartan group was higher than that in losartan group (70.1% vs. 58.7%, p = 0.020). At both the low and high doses, the DBP response rates for telmisartan were significantly higher than those for losartan (telmisartan 40 mg vs. losartan 50 mg: 46.3% vs. 32.5%, p = 0.010; telmisartan 80 mg vs. losartan 100 mg: 79.3% vs. 65.3%, p = 0.008). Adverse events with the two treatments were comparable (telmisartan vs. losartan 23.2% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.952). Most events were mild in intensity and abated within 72 h. Thus, telmisartan 40 mg or 80 mg administered once daily can reduce SBP and DBP effectively and safely.

STATT: a titrate-to-goal study of simvastatin in Asian patients with coronary heart disease. Simvastatin Treats Asians to Target.

BACKGROUND: Most published studies on the use of lipid-lowering agents to treat hypercholesterolemia have focused on Western populations, with few data on Asian populations. OBJECTIVE: The Simvastatin Treats Asians to Target (STATT) study used a titrate-to-goal protocol to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of simvastatin 20 to 80 mg/d in the treatment of Asian patients with coronary heart disease. METHODS: This was a multicenter, open-label, uncontrolled, 14-week study in patients with coronary heart disease and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of 115-180 mg/dL and triglyceride levels of < or = 400 mg/dL. The dose of simvastatin was titrated from 20 to 80 mg/d to achieve the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) LDL-C target of < or = 100 mg/dL. The primary efficacy measure was the percentage of patients achieving the NCEP target. Among secondary measures were the percentage of patients achieving European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society/European Society of Hypertension target LDL-C levels of < or = 115 mg/dL and the percentage change from baseline in lipid parameters. Tolerability was assessed in terms of the overall incidence of adverse experiences and the incidences of the most commonly reported adverse experiences. RESULTS: The intent-to-treat analysis included 133 Asian patients (93 men, 40 women; mean age, 59.5 years), of whom 125 completed 14 weeks of therapy. Their mean blood pressure was 130.2/79.4 mm Hg. Overall, 104 (78.2%) patients treated with simvastatin achieved LDL-C levels < or = 100 mg/dL at week 14, and 125 (94.0%) achieved this target at some point during the study. Similarly, 122 (91.7%) patients achieved an LDL-C level < or = 115 mg/dL at week 14, and 130 (97.7%) achieved this target at some point during the study. Treatment with simvastatin had favorable effects on the lipid profile, producing significant percentage changes from baseline in all parameters (P < 0.001). Simvastatin was well tolerated across the dose range. Overall, 40 patients (30.1%) had > or = 1 clinical adverse experience. Only 14 (10.5%) had adverse experiences that were possibly, probably, or definitely related to study drug; none of these experiences were considered serious. The most common adverse experiences (> or = 3% incidence) were abdominal pain (6%); chest pain (5%); dizziness (4%); and asthenia/fatigue, fibromyalgia, headache, insomnia, and upper respiratory tract infection (3% each). No new or unexpected adverse experiences were seen at the higher doses. CONCLUSIONS: Simvastatin was effective and well tolerated at doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg/d in Asian patients with coronary heart disease. Titration enabled the majority to achieve target LDL-C levels of < or = 100 mg/dL.

Effects of losartan and candesartan monotherapy and losartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination therapy in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Losartan Trial Investigators.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study was to compare the effects of losartan potassium (hereafter referred to as losartan), candesartan cilexitil (hereafter referred to as candesartan), and losartan/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in patients with mild to moderate hypertension (sitting diastolic blood pressure [SiDBP] 95-115 mm Hg). METHODS: A total of 1161 patients were randomized in a 2:2:1 ratio to 12 weeks of treatment with losartan 50 mg QD, possibly titrated to 100 mg QD (n = 461); candesartan 8 mg QD, possibly titrated to 16 mg QD (n = 468); or losartan 50 mg QD, possibly titrated to losartan 50 mg plus HCTZ 12.5 mg QD (n = 232). At 6 weeks, the regimens of patients not reaching a goal SiDBP <90 mm Hg were titrated as described, whereas patients achieving this goal continued with low-dose monotherapy. The single primary end point at 12 weeks tested the equivalence of the 2 monotherapy regimens, predefined as a maximum between-treatment difference in the mean change from baseline trough SiDBP of 2.5 mm Hg. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, changes in SiDBP/sitting systolic blood pressure (SiSBP) of -12.4/-14.4 mm Hg with losartan 50 mg/100 mg and -13.1/-15.8 mm Hg with candesartan 8 mg/16 mg demonstrated equivalence between the 2 monotherapy regimens (95% CI for difference in SiDBP, -1.6 to 0.2). At 12 weeks, the losartan 50 mg/50 mg plus HCTZ 12.5 mg regimen had reduced SiDBP/SiSBP significantly more (-14.3/-18.0 mm Hg) than either the candesartan 8 mg/16 mg (SiDBP, P = 0.045; SiSBP, P = 0.017) or losartan 50 mg/100 mg regimen (SiDBP and SiSBP, P = 0.001). During the last 6 weeks, patients whose regimen had been titrated to losartan 50 mg plus HCTZ 12.5 mg (n = 114) showed a greater reduction in SiDBP/SiSBP (-14.5/ -18.7 mm Hg) than did those whose regimen had been titrated to either losartan 100 mg (-10.5/-12.3 mm Hg; n = 211) or candesartan 16 mg (-11.5/-13.2 mm Hg; n = 206), representing a clinically meaningful > or = 2.5-mm Hg) difference. All 3 treatments were well tolerated, with few patients experiencing drug-related adverse events (6.9% losartan 50 mg/100 mg, 7.5% candesartan 8 mg/16 mg, 3.0% losartan 50 mg/ 50 mg plus HCTZ 12.5 mg). Candesartan 8 mg/16 mg increased serum uric acid levels (0.13 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.23), whereas losartan 50 mg/100 mg decreased them (-0.14 mg/dL; 95% CI, -0.24 to -0.04), and losartan 50 mg/50 mg plus HCTZ 12.5 mg left them unchanged (0.06 mg/dL; 95% CI, -0.07 to 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Losartan 50 mg/100 mg and candesartan 8 mg/16 mg were comparable treatments in terms of blood pressure reduction. After titration, losartan 50 mg plus HCTZ 12.5 mg was superior to either candesartan 16 mg or losartan 100 mg in reducing hypertension. Losartan, but not candesartan, lowered serum uric acid levels and attenuated the expected increase in uric acid levels with HCTZ 12.5 mg.

Efficacy and tolerability of amlodipine in the general practice treatment of essential hypertension in an asian multinational population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of once-daily amlodipine (Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Inc.) alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs in an Asian population with essential hypertension. PATIENTS: An open study was undertaken in 165 male and 158 female patients with uncomplicated hypertension (diastolic blood pressure 95 to 115mm Hg). Patients were recruited from 41 general practices in seven Asian countries and received amlodipine 5mg daily for 4 weeks and then 10mg once daily for a further 4 weeks if the target diastolic blood pressure of /=10mm Hg had not been achieved. This one-step dose-adjustment period was followed by a 4-week maintenance period on a constant dose. Amlodipine was the sole medication in 284 patients and was added to other antihypertensive drugs in 39 patients uncontrolled on previous medication. RESULTS: 263 patients, including 131 males, were evaluated for efficacy at the final treatment visit. 166 (63%) patients achieved the target reduction in diastolic blood pressure with amlodipine 5mg once daily, while 84 patients achieved the target reduction with 10mg once daily. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure reductions were similar irrespective of gender or age, and there were no significant changes in resting heart rate in any subgroup. In 68 patients who underwent ambulatory monitoring, the systolic and diastolic blood pressures were reduced by once-daily amlodipine throughout the 24-hour period without change in the intrinsic circadian pattern. Amlodipine was well tolerated in all patient subgroups; adverse events accounted for less than 1% of treatment discontinuations, and there were no hospitalisations or deaths during the study. Investigators rated both the antihypertensive efficacy and tolerability of amlodipine as excellent or good in 93% of patients. CONCLUSION: In 263 Asian patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension treated in general practice, once-daily amlodipine in a dose of 5 or 10mg provided significant antihypertensive efficacy either as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs while maintaining a favourable tolerability profile regardless of gender or age.

Recurrent swelling of parotid glands and Sjögren's syndrome.

This study included 125 patients with chronic parotitis, and it presents in particular, a long-term clinical, laboratory, and sialographic study of 22 patients who were diagnosed as having adult recurrent sialadenitis of the parotid glands (ARSPG). Twelve of the 22 patients with ARSPG were shown to have Sjögren's syndrome (SS). These patients had recurrent parotid gland swelling for 1.5-14 years (mean, 5.2 years) before xerostomia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca occurred. Ten of the 22 patients with ARSPG did not develop SS, but did experience recurrent parotitis which extended from childhood into adulthood. The ARSPG underwent remission in seven of these patients. It is suggested that patients with ARSPG, but without a history of parotid gland swellings in childhood, should be diagnosed provisionally as having subclinical SS (SCSS).

[Pharmacokinetics of moracizine and moracizine sulfoxide in healthy volunteers].

The pharmacokinetics of moracizine (Mor) and moracizine sulfoxide (Mor-SO) determined by reversed phase HPLC was reported. The data in 6 volunteers after a single oral dose (600 mg) showed an one-compartment open model. The peak concentration in plasma (2.1 +/- 0.4 micrograms.ml-1) of Mor reached within 1-2 h. The Mor-SO concentration in plasma was much lower (0.19 +/- 0.06 micrograms.ml-1) than that of Mor, but its elimination T1/2 (2.3 +/- 1.0 h) was similar to that of Mor (1.5 +/- 1.0 h). The recoveries of Mor, Mor-SO, moracizine sulfone (Mor-SO2) in urine within 48 h were 0.07%, 0.25%, and 0.06% of the total dose, respectively. The Mor and Mor-SO concentration ranges in plasma for 9 arrhythmic patients after 2-wk therapeutic trial were 0.09 +/- 0.07 to 0.9 +/- 0.5 microgram.ml-1 and 0.040 +/- 0.023 to 0.15 +/- 0.06 micrograms.ml-1, respectively. These results suggested that cumulative doses would not result in accumulation of the drug and the anti-arrhythmic effect of Mor-SO might not be realized.

Chronic obstructive parotitis. Report of ninety-two cases.

Clinical, sialographic, and sequential quantitative scintigraphic characteristics of 92 cases of chronic obstructive parotitis (in 117 diseased parotid glands) are reported, and the treatment investigated. The cardinal feature of this disease is obstruction or retarded salivary flow resulting in recurrent swellings and retrograde infection. The main characteristic seen in sialograms is irregular dilation of the main and branching ducts. On the basis of sialographic findings, the ducts are classified into four types. This classification reflects the severity of the disease and can also be used as a guide to treatment.

Recurrent parotitis in children. A report of 102 cases.

This article presents 102 cases of recurrent parotitis in children with studies of clinical findings, sialographic manifestations, dynamic functions of the parotid gland examined with radionuclide, laboratory findings and follow-up studies of 28 cases with sialography. The following conclusions are reached: 1. Retrograde infection induced by the mumps virus and upper respiratory infection seem to play a major role in the etiology of recurrent parotitis. Familial abnormalities are potential factors. Incomplete immune functions of the children are factors related to the pathogenesis, and following growth and development of the immune system, this disease will undergo remission; 2. Sequential scintigraphy shows normal uptake and retarded excretion function of the parotid; 3. Long-term follow-up studies demonstrate that the patients are free from symptoms for many years, but the punctate dilatation in sialography may diminish, disappear, or be unchanged; and 4. If the disease is not cured in childhood, it may continue into adulthood and healing will take place eventually. Relationship with Sjogren's syndrome has not been revealed.

Effect of Astragulas membranaceus on natural killer cell activity and induction of alpha- and gamma-interferon in patients with Coxsackie B viral myocarditis.

The patients suffering from Coxsackie B viral myocarditis with depressed natural killer (NK) activity were treated with Astragulas membranaceus (AM) intramuscularly for 3-4 months. After the treatment, the NK activity was increased significantly from 11.5 +/- 11.9% before therapy to 44.9 +/- 15.0%. Another 6 patients of Coxsackie B viral myocarditis with depressed NK activity were treated with conventional therapy. The NK activity remained unchanged in 12.9 +/- 6%. The general condition and symptoms improved in all patients with AM therapy, while the titers of neutralizing antibody remained at the same level. Two days after AM treatment, the mean titers of alpha- and gamma-interferon (IFN) markedly increased in comparison with those before therapy and 3 weeks after AM therapy in 16 patients with Coxsackie B viral myocarditis, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 65% and/or weak ventricular wall motion assayed by radionuclide angiocardiography. Whereas, in 12 patients treated with conventional therapy, there was no statistical difference among the results before and 2 days and 3 weeks after treatment. The results indicate that AM could partly regulate the lost of control of cellular immunity in patients with viral myocarditis.