Growth and Optical Properties of Large-Sized NaVO2(IO3)2(H2O) Crystals for Second-Harmonic Generation Applications.

Large-sized crystals of the quaternary iodate NaVO2(IO3)2(H2O) (NVIO) with centimeter-scale dimensions (23 mm × 18 mm × 6 mm as a representative) have been successfully grown by the top-seeded hydrothermal method. Linear optical properties have been measured, including the optical transmission spectrum and refractive index. The NVIO crystal possesses an optical window with high transmittance (above 80%) over the range of 500-1410 nm and exhibits strong optical anisotropy with large birefringence Δn (nz - nx) of 0.1522 at 1064 nm and 0.1720 at 532 nm. Based on the measured refractive indices, the phase-matching conditions for second-harmonic generation (SHG) have been calculated, and SHG devices have further been fabricated along the calculated type I and type II phase-matching directions of (θ = 39.0°, φ = 3.8°) and (θ =53.8°, φ = 1.3°). Laser experiments of extra-cavity frequency doubling have been performed on these NVIO devices. It has been confirmed that the effective SHG conversion from 1064 to 532 nm could be achieved with an energy conversion efficiency of 8.1%. Our work demonstrates that large-sized NVIO crystals are promising in the frequency-doubling application.

Systematic review and Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of Kushen Gelatum combined with antibiotics in treatment of bacterial vaginosis / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Kushen Gelatum combined with antibiotics for treating bacterial vaginosis. The randomized controlled trial(RCT) of Kushen Gelatum for treating bacterial vaginosis were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, and Cochrane Library with the time interval from inception to January 2023. Data were extracted from the included RCT by 2 investigators, including the sample size, characteristics of patients, interventions and controls, outcome indicators, and adverse effects. The Cochrane collaboration network's bias risk assessment tool was used for methodolo-gical quality evaluation of the included trials. RevMan 5.4 was employed to perform the Meta-analysis. A total of 19 RCTs were inclu-ded, involving 1 980 patients with bacterial vaginosis. Meta-analysis showed that, compared with nitroimidazoles alone, Kushen Gelatum + nitroimidazoles improved the total response rates in terms of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests(RR=1.24, 95%CI[1.13, 1.36], P<0.000 01), laboratory tests(RR=1.16, 95%CI[1.06, 1.26], P=0.000 9), and clinical symptoms(RR=1.26, 95%CI[1.08, 1.46], P=0.003), and reduced the leukocyte esterase positive rate(RR=0.29, 95%CI[0.17, 0.48], P<0.000 01) and the recurrence rate(RR=0.37, 95%CI[0.23, 0.58], P<0.000 1). Compared with lincomycin antibiotics(clindamycin) alone, Kushen Gelatum + lincomycin antibiotics(clindamycin) improved the total response rates in terms of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests(RR=1.18, 95%CI[1.06, 1.31], P=0.003) and laboratory tests(RR=1.27, 95%CI[1.04, 1.54], P=0.02), reduced the recurrence rate(RR=0.20, 95%CI[0.05, 0.75], P=0.02), and shortened the time to relief of burning sensation(MD=-1.70, 95%CI[-2.15,-1.26], P<0.000 01), vaginal itching(MD=-0.82, 95%CI[-1.30,-0.34], P=0.000 8), and abnormal leucorrhea(MD=-1.52, 95%CI[-1.98,-1.06], P<0.000 01). Compared with nitroimidazoles + probiotics, Kushen Gelatum + nitroimidazoles + probiotics improved the total response rate in terms of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests(RR=1.18, 95%CI[1.02, 1.36], P=0.03) and reduced the recurrence rate(RR=0.27, 95%CI[0.09, 0.76], P=0.01). Kushen Gelatum combined with antibiotics demonstrates a potential therapeutic effect on bacterial vaginosis, whereas the number and quality of the relevant clinical studies remain to be improved. The process of clinical trial should be standardized to improve the quality of evidence, so as to provide strong evidence to guide the application of Kushen Gelatum in clinical practice.

LncRNA CRNDE promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer via miR-423-5p/FSCN1 axis.

Ovarian cancer seriously threatens the health of women. LncRNA CRNDE is known to be upregulated in ovarian cancer. However, the mechanism by which CRNDE regulates the progress of ovarian cancer is largely unknown. MTT assay was applied to measure the cell viability. Colony formation assay was used to measure the cell proliferation. Cell migration was tested by wound healing, and Transwell assay was performed to detect cell invasion. In addition, the expression of miR-423-5p, CRNDE and FSCN1 were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. Meanwhile, dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay were performed to explore the correlation between miR-423-5p and CRNDE (or FSCN1). CRNDE and FSCN1 were upregulated in ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3, CAOV-3, IGROV1, A2780 and C13K), while miR-423-5p was downregulated. Moreover, silencing of FSCN1/CRNDE significantly decreased proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3 and CI3K) via suppressing MMP-2 and MMP-9. In addition, CRNDE could sponge miR-423-5p, and FSCN1 was confirmed to be the direct target of miR-423-5p. Furthermore, CRNDE knockdown-induced inhibition of FSCN1 was notably reversed by miR-423-5p downregulation. Knockdown of CRNDE inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer via miR-423-5p/FSCN1 axis. Thus, CRNDE may serve a new target for ovarian cancer.

Evodiamine induces apoptosis of leukemia cell line K562 VIA modulation of TRIB2/AKT pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of Evodiamine (EVO) on proliferation and apoptosis of human leukemia cell line K562 and its potential mechanisms. Methods K562 cells were treated with EVO at different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 jxmol • L

Different Compatibility Ratio and Clinical Application of Shenfutang / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Shenfutang is a famous prescription used in clinic. It has been used for more than one thousand years, and currently is still widely used in clinic, with a significant effect. Shenfutang was first recorded in the Shengji Collection. It consists of two herbs, namely Ginseng Radix Et Rhizoma and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata. It can be used to mainly treat syncope and collapse due to sudden collapse of Yang Qi, and the symptoms include disfigurement of the extremities, cold sweats, cold limbs, umbilical and abdominal pain, weak breathing, and slight desire. Ginseng supports healthy Qi, and comforts five organs. Aconitum is good at activating twelve meridians and collaterals. With the effect of returning the yang to rescue the enemy, aconitum can also support yang. Different ratios of ginseng and aconitum are combined for reinforcing Yang of heart, kidney and spleen, so as to treat various syndromes. However, the occurrence and development of diseases are complicated and changeable. Different ratios of Shenfutang may increase the efficacy due to the synergistic effect, or weaken or even lose the original efficacy due to mutual antagonism. Different ratios of ginseng and aconitum can be used for different diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, various types of inflammation, respiratory diseases. In the existing literatures on Shenfutang, there is a lack of systematic summarization for how to adjust the ratios. This paper introduces the effect and mechanism of the combination, and summarizes different ratios of the two herbal ingredients, so as to provide certain reference for the clinical application.

[Assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk after flood damage in Wuhan City].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the schistosomiasis transmission risk after flood damage in Wuhan City. METHODS: Schistosomiasis epidemic villages in Wuhan City were selected by using probability proportional to size sampling (PPS). The field investigations of Oncomelania hupensis snails, the activity of people and cattle on marshland, water infectivity of schistosome, reservoir host infection and wild feces contamination were conducted. I-III levels of risk environments were assessed and treated with appropriate measures. RESULTS: A total of 90 schistosomiasis epidemic villages and 170 environments were monitored. Totally 9 811 snails were dissected but no Schistosoma japonicum infected snails were found. There were significant decreases in the density of snails and the survival rate of living snails after the flood (χ2 = 102.517, t = 4.724, both P < 0.01). Totally 289 pieces of wild feces were captured, and no eggs of S. japonicum were detected. A total of 11 surveillance and forecast sites were detected on water systems, and 221 sentinel mice were placed. After breeding, 219 sentinel mice survived (99.10%), and no schistosome infection was detected. In addition, 1 720 mouse traps were placed in 3 survey sites, and 66 Apodemus agrarius were captured, and no schistosome-infected ones were found. All of the environments were assessed as Grade III. Meanwhile, 5 key schistosomiasis control areas were determined, and no emergency happened after the implementation of comprehensive control interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of schistosomiasis transmission remains low in Wuhan City after the flood, but the potential epidemic risk cannot be ignored.

Effect of Cesarean Section on the Severity of Postpartum Hemorrhage in Chinese Women: The Shanxi Study / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the most adverse obstetric outcomes.Our aim is to detect the risks of multilevel PPH in different cesarean section (CS) groups [including nulliparous CS with indications,nulliparous CS without indications,repeat cesarean (RC),vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC),cesarean after vaginal birth (CAVB)].We conducted a retrospective cohort study,and the data on 127 145 women collected from January 2014 to May 2016 and from 35 tertiary hospitals in Shanxi province,China,were reviewed.Based on the measuring results of PPH,an ordered logistic regression model was used to analyze the adjusted PPH risks for each of the CS groups,and comparisons were drawn between them.Finally,a total of 99 066 nulliparous (77.92％) and 28 079 multiparous (22.08％) women were observed.The number of CS cases was 61 117,and the rate for CS was 48.07％.A total of 10 029 women did not show indications for CS and accounted for 16.41％ of the CS parturient,whereas 9103 women underwent a repeated cesarean,with a CS frequency of 14.89％.The number of VBAC cases was 989,whose rate was 9.88％ in prior CS women.The number (proportions) of PPH was 3658 (2.88％) in LI (PPH volume:≥900 and ＜1500 mL),520 (0.41％) in L2 (PPH volume:≥1500 and＜2100 mL),and 201 (0.16％) in L3 (PPH volume:≥2100 mL).The Ln (n=1,2,3,etc.) represented the increasing order of PPH severity.In the adjusted results,compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) as the reference group,in the adjusted result for nulliparous,there was a decreased PPH risk in CS with indications (OR:2.32;CI:2.04-2.62),which was lower than that of CS without indications (OR:2.50;CI:2.01-2.96).The highest PPH risk in all subgroups (i.e.nulliparous and multiparous groups) was observed in the RC (OR:3.61;CI:3.16-4.17),which was nearly twice higher than that of the VBAC (OR:1.82;CI:1.33-2.52).CAVB (OR:1.03;CI:0.65-1.62) showed no significant difference with the reference group.Thus,we deemed that CS should be avoided in nulliparous pregnancies unless indicated,to prevent or reduce the rates for the use of RC or VBAC which are high risks of severe PPH to the parturient women.

Effect of Cesarean Section on the Severity of Postpartum Hemorrhage in Chinese Women: The Shanxi Study / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the most adverse obstetric outcomes.Our aim is to detect the risks of multilevel PPH in different cesarean section (CS) groups [including nulliparous CS with indications,nulliparous CS without indications,repeat cesarean (RC),vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC),cesarean after vaginal birth (CAVB)].We conducted a retrospective cohort study,and the data on 127 145 women collected from January 2014 to May 2016 and from 35 tertiary hospitals in Shanxi province,China,were reviewed.Based on the measuring results of PPH,an ordered logistic regression model was used to analyze the adjusted PPH risks for each of the CS groups,and comparisons were drawn between them.Finally,a total of 99 066 nulliparous (77.92％) and 28 079 multiparous (22.08％) women were observed.The number of CS cases was 61 117,and the rate for CS was 48.07％.A total of 10 029 women did not show indications for CS and accounted for 16.41％ of the CS parturient,whereas 9103 women underwent a repeated cesarean,with a CS frequency of 14.89％.The number of VBAC cases was 989,whose rate was 9.88％ in prior CS women.The number (proportions) of PPH was 3658 (2.88％) in LI (PPH volume:≥900 and ＜1500 mL),520 (0.41％) in L2 (PPH volume:≥1500 and＜2100 mL),and 201 (0.16％) in L3 (PPH volume:≥2100 mL).The Ln (n=1,2,3,etc.) represented the increasing order of PPH severity.In the adjusted results,compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) as the reference group,in the adjusted result for nulliparous,there was a decreased PPH risk in CS with indications (OR:2.32;CI:2.04-2.62),which was lower than that of CS without indications (OR:2.50;CI:2.01-2.96).The highest PPH risk in all subgroups (i.e.nulliparous and multiparous groups) was observed in the RC (OR:3.61;CI:3.16-4.17),which was nearly twice higher than that of the VBAC (OR:1.82;CI:1.33-2.52).CAVB (OR:1.03;CI:0.65-1.62) showed no significant difference with the reference group.Thus,we deemed that CS should be avoided in nulliparous pregnancies unless indicated,to prevent or reduce the rates for the use of RC or VBAC which are high risks of severe PPH to the parturient women.

Assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk after flood damage in Wuhan City / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

To assess the schistosomiasis transmission risk after flood damage in Wuhan City.Schistosomiasis epidemic villages in Wuhan City were selected by using probability proportional to size sampling (PPS). The field investigations of Oncomelania hupensis snails, the activity of people and cattle on marshland, water infectivity of schistosome, reservoir host infection and wild feces contamination were conducted. I–III levels of risk environments were assessed and treated with appropriate measures.A total of 90 schistosomiasis epidemic villages and 170 environments were monitored. Totally 9 811 snails were dissected but no Schistosoma japonicum infected snails were found. There were significant decreases in the density of snails and the survival rate of living snails after the flood (χ2 = 102.517, t = 4.724, both P < 0.01). Totally 289 pieces of wild feces were captured, and no eggs of S. japonicum were detected. A total of 11 surveillance and forecast sites were detected on water systems, and 221 sentinel mice were placed. After breeding, 219 sentinel mice survived (99.10%), and no schistosome infection was detected. In addition, 1 720 mouse traps were placed in 3 survey sites, and 66 Apodemus agrarius were captured, and no schistosome-infected ones were found. All of the environments were assessed as Grade III. Meanwhile, 5 key schistosomiasis control areas were determined, and no emergency happened after the implementation of comprehensive control interventions.The risk of schistosomiasis transmission remains low in Wuhan City after the flood, but the potential epidemic risk cannot be ignored.

Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein-1, relevant with microvessel density, is an independent survival prognostic factor for stage III colorectal cancer patients: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein-1 (encoded by LRG1) has been shown to be involved in multiple cancer progression and angiogenesis. LRG1 has been shown to be one of the five plasma proteins that can be used for colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis. The objective of the current study was to explore relationship between LRG1 protein expression and microvessel density (MVD) in stage III CRC. METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis of all stage III CRC who underwent surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy was carried out. LRG1 and CD34 were tested in tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS: LRG1 protein expression was significantly associated with MVD (P <0.001) and other clinicopathological parameters, including T stage (P=0.028), differentiation (P=0.035) and vascular invasion (P=0.007). Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that LRG1 protein expression was an independent poor predictive factor for both disease-free and overall survival. CONCLUSION: LRG1 protein expression can be used as a prognostic marker for stage III CRC along with its use as a diagnostic marker for CRC in general.

Analysis on the current performance and countermeasures on privilege management of medical qualifications in China / 中华医院管理杂志

Beginning with an introduction to overseas practices of privilege management, this paper analyzed the current privilege management of medical qualifications in China. On such basis, the authors introduced their insights and specific recommendations for the design and implementation of such management in China. These include: a platform for privilege management, a classified catalogue for medical qualifications, a procedure for the application, approval, examination and dynamic management of the qualifications, and an informatization platform for privilege management.

Analysis on the current performance and countermeasures on privilege management of medical qualifications in China / 中华医院管理杂志

Beginning with an introduction to overseas practices of privilege management, this paper analyzed the current privilege management of medical qualifications in China. On such basis, the authors introduced their insights and specific recommendations for the design and implementation of such management in China. These include: a platform for privilege management, a classified catalogue for medical qualifications, a procedure for the application, approval, examination and dynamic management of the qualifications, and an informatization platform for privilege management.

Entecavir combined with Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet in treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients with liver fibrosis: 96-week efficacy analyses / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of long-term therapy with entecavir and Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB)-associated fibrosis and explore the synergistic therapy that accelerates the reversion of liver fibrosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 197 patients with CHB-associated fibrosis were recruited from Nanfang Hospital between June, 2010 and June, 2015. The patients were divided into two groups after matching for age, gender and liver stiffness measurement (LSM), namely group A (n=98) treated with Fufang Biejia Ruangan Tablet plus entecavir, and group B (n=99) to receive entecavir only. HBV DNA quantification, HBV serological indicators, blood biochemical indexes, and results of abdominal ultrasound and FibroScan were recorded every 12 weeks. FibroScan values were converted to Metavir staging.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Both groups showed significant decreases in serum levels of HBV DNA, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and LSM value from baseline (all P<0.05). The median time to achieve Metavir fibrosis staging improvement were 72 weeks in group A and 96 weeks in group B (P<0.05), and the median time to achieve ALT and AST normalization were 12 and 24 weeks in Group A, respectively, significantly shorter than the time in group B (P<0.05). No significant difference was found between the two groups in HBV DNA undetectable rate and HBeAg seroconversion rate.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The combination therapy with Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet and entecavir produces a stronger efficacy than entecavir alone in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients with liver fibrosis, and Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet shows an obvious hepatoprotective effect in these patients.</p>

Preliminary observation on hepatic arterial infusion under temporary hepatic circulation occlusion in rabbits / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the advantages, feasibility and limitations of hepatic arterial infusion under temporary hepatic circulation occlusion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: hepatic artery infusion group (HAI group) and hepatic artery infusion under temporary hepatic circulation occlusion group (HAI-THCO). Microcatheters were separately inserted into the proper hepatic artery and right hepatic vein. For the HAI group, 5-Fu (10 mg/ml and 100 mg/kg) was infused into the common hepatic artery with a high pressure injector for 10 minutes. For the HAI-THCO group, the common hepatic artery and hepatic portal vein were temporarily occluded for 15 minutes using artery clamp when 5-Fu was being infused. For the two groups, at 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min after the start of infusion, blood samples of the hepatic flow were collected from the right hepatic vein and of the systemic blood flow from the inferior vena cava, 1 ml at each time point. The blood drug concentration of these blood samples was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Except that at 20 and 30 min after infusion, in the HAI group, the blood drug concentration of hepatic circulation was significantly higher than that of systemic circulation (P < 0.05). But in the HAI-THCO group, the blood drug concentration of hepatic circulation was significantly higher than that of systemic circulation at all the time points (P < 0.05). The hepatic circulation blood drug level of the HAI-THCO group was always significantly higher than that of the HAI group (P < 0.05), but the systemic circulation blood drug concentration of the HAI-THCO group was always lower (P < 0.05). The hepatic circulation maximum concentration (Cmax) of blood drug concentration of the HAI-THCO and HAI groups was (23.057±3.270) µg/ml and (4.408±1.092) µg/ml, respectively, and the Cmax of HAI-THCO group was significantly higher (P < 0.001), being 5.23 times of that of HAI group. The systemic circulation Cmax of the two groups was (1.456±0.217) µg/ml and (2.335±0.669) µg/ml, respectively, and the Cmax of HAI group was 1.60 times higher than that of the HAI-THCO group (P = 0.022). The hepatic circulation AUC of HAI-THCO and HAI groups was (368.927±52.416) µg·min·ml(-1) and (65.630±14.928) µg·min·ml(-1), respectively. The AUC of HAI-THCO group was 5.62 times higher than that of the HAI group (P < 0.001). The systemic circulation AUC of the two groups was (27.193±3.948) µg·min·ml(-1) and (45.301±12.275) µg·min·ml(-1), respectively. The AUC of HAI group was 1.67 times higher than that of the HAI-THCO group (P = 0.014).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HAI-THCO is a simple and effective regional hepatic infusion chemotherapy technique. It can be performed through occluding the common hepatic artery and the hepatic portal vein by balloon catheter. HAI-THCO can not only increase the blood drug concentration in the hepatic circulation, but also decrease the blood drug concentration in the systemic circulation, therefore, distinctly lowering the systemic toxicity.</p>

Effect of Yifei Jianpi Recipe on Airway Inflammation and Airway Mucus Hypersecretion of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model Rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe preventive and therapeutic effect of Yifei Jianpi Recipe (YJR) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) model rats and to explore its mechanism from the way of airway inflammation and airway mucus hypersecretion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The COPD rat model was established by using cigarette smoking combined with intratracheal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank control group (control group), the model group, the YJR group, 6 in each group. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 0. 1 second (FEV0. 1), FEVO. 1/FVC, peak expiratory flow (PEF) was tested by lung function device. Pathological changes of bronchi and lung tissues were observed by HE staining. Airway Goblet cells were observed using AB-PAS staining. Contents of IL-8, IL-17, and TNF-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein expressions of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), nuclear factor KB (NF-KB), mucin 5AC (Muc5AC), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in rat airway were detected by immunohistochemical assay. mRNA expressions of TLR4 and Muc5AC in bronchi and lung tissues were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT qPCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Changes of bronchi and lung tissues in the model group rats were consistent with typical pathological manifestations of COPD. Compared with the model group, the degree of lung injury was significantly alleviated in the YJR group. Compared with the control group, FVC, FEV0. 1, FEVO. I/FVC, and PEF were decreased (P <0. 01), contents of IL-8, IL-17, and TNF-α in BALF were significantly increased (P <0. 01), protein expressions of ICAM-1, NF-KB, Muc5AC, and TLR4, mRNA expression levels of Muc5AC and TLR4 in bronchi and lung tissues were also significantly increased in the model group (P <0. 01). Compared with the model group, FVC, FEV0. 1, FEV0. 1/FVC, and PEF were significantly increased in the YJR group (P <0. 01, P <0. 05), but the rest indices were significantly lowered (P <0. 01, P <0. 05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>YJR could decrease contents of IL-8, IL-17, and TNF-α in BALF of COPD model rats, inhibit protein expression levels of ICAM-1, NF-κB, Muc5AC, and TLR4.in airway and lung tissues, thus playing preventive and therapeutic roles by reducing airway inflammation and airway mucus hypersecretion.</p>

Effect of catgut implantation at acupoint on the content of tumor necrosis factor alpha of patients with ankylosing spondylitis / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of catgut implantation at acupoint on the content of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and to explore its mechanism for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-four AS patients were randomly assigned to the observation group and the control group by digit random table, 37 in each group. Patients in the control group took Sulfasalazine Enteric-coated Tablet (SECT), 0.5 g each time, three times daily for 3 months. Those in the observation group additionally received catgut implantation at acupoint for 3 months. Changes of visual analogue scale (VAS), Schober test, pillow wall distance, thoracic activity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), and TNF-alpha were compared after 3 months of treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was obvious change in VAS, Schober test, pillow wall distance, thoracic activity, ESR, CRP, and TNF-alpha after treatment in the both groups, showing statistical difference when compared with before treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The aforesaid indices were obviously improved after treatment in the observation group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Catgut implantation at acupoint, as an assistant therapy, could significantly improve clinical symptoms and signs, decrease the level of TNF-alpha, and its effect was superior to that of oral SECT administration alone.</p>

Analysis of monitoring data of iodine nutrition among population in Jiangxi province from 1995 to 2010 / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To master the level of iodine nutrition among population in Jiangxi province,and to provide a scientific basis for establishing the strategy for prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD).Methods Retrospective method was adopted to analyze the goiter rate and frequency distribution of urinary iodine of children aged 8-10,the qualified rate of iodized salt,the coverage rate of iodized salt and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt in residents of Jiangxi province from 1995 to 2010.The method of correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between goiter rate of children (by palpation) and the qualified rate of iodized salt,iodized salt coverage rate and residents consumption rate of qualified iodized salt.Results The goiter rates (measured by the method of palpation) of children aged 8-10 were down from 40.17％(482/1200) in 1995 to 0.80％(16/2000) in 2010(x2 =4.864,P＜ 0.05).The median of urinary iodine of children was higher than 200 μg/L; the proportion of people whose urinary iodine content higher than 300 μg/L was above 25.00％ and the highest propoaion was up to 58.01％ (210/362) between 1995-2010.The minimum median of salt iodine was 17.77 mg/kg in 1995,and 29.30-39.10 mg/kg in other years.The qualified rates of iodized salt,the iodized salt coverage rates and the consumption rates of qualified iodized salt increased from 43.58％(452/1037),86.42％(1037/1200) and 37.67％(452/1200) in 1995 to 97.95％ (1916/1956),99.95％(1956/1957) and 97.90％(1916/1957) in 2010,respectively; there was a growth trend over the years(x2 =5.240,6.118,5.631,all P ＜ 0.05).The goiter rates of children were related to the qualified rates of iodized salt,the iodized salt coverage rates and the consumption rates of qualified iodized salt,and the correlation coefficient(r) was-0.833,-0.881 and-0.918 (all P ＜ 0.05),respectively.Conclusions The level of iodine nutrition among residents in Jiangxi province has already gone beyond the appropriate level,and the iodine concentration in salt should be cut to ensure the appropriate iodine nutrition level among people.

The effect of low frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation on aphasia after cerebral infarction / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To investigate the rehabilitative effect of low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on convalescing patients with Broca's aphasia. MethodsTwenty-eight patients with Broca's aphasia recovering from cerebral infarction were randomly divided into a stimulation group and a control group with 14 subjects in each.Patients in the control group accepted conventional drugs,speech rehabilitation and sham stimulation,while patients in the stimulation group were in given low frequency rTMS in place of the sham stimulation.Their speech performance was evaluated using the China Rehabilitation Research Center's aphasia examination (CRRCAE) pre-stimulation,post-stimulation and 90 days later. ResultsCompared with before treatment and with the controls,the speaking scores of the stimulation group increased significantly after treatment and also 90 days later. ConclusionLow frequency rTMS can not only improve the speech performance of Broca's aphasia sufferers in the short term,but it also plays a lasting role.It may thus have clinical application for patients with Broca's aphasia.

The Doppler parameters changes of superior mesenteric artery in children with abdominal type Henoch-Schonlein purpura / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

Objective To study the changes of flow parameters of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in children with abdominal type Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) using color Doppler ultrasound.Methods Ten children with abdominal type HSP and 17 controls were included in present study.The blood flow parameters of SMA[including peak velocity(PV),end-diastole velocity(EDV),resistant index(RI)]were measured at acute and recovery stage separately.Statistical analysis was conducted among groups.Results PV were (41.57±8.02)cm/s,(33.38±7.44)cm/s and (35.34±9.73)cm/s in acute stage,recovery stage and control group,respectively.There was no statistically significant difference among groups(F=2.471,P=0.10).EDV were(7.63±4.28)cm/s,(4.23±2.57)cm/s and (3.77±0.87) cm/s in acute stage,recovery stage and control group,respectively.There was significantly significant differences between acute stage group and other two groups(t=0.066,P=0.025;t=0.059,P=0.003).RI were (0.85±0.17),(1.00±0.15) and (1.04±0.13) in acute stage,recovery stage and control group,respectively.Also there was significantly significant differences between acute stage group and other two groups(t=1.391,P=0.020;t=1.239,P=0.026).Conclusion For abdominal type HSP in children,the changes of PV,EDV and RI of SMA were significant,which may help us determine the stage of disease.

[Expression of leptin and leptin receptor in hepatocellular carcinoma and the clinicopathological significance].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of leptin and leptin receptor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explore the clinicopathological significance. METHODS: The expressions of leptin and leptin receptor were examined by immunohistochemistry in 81 HCC patients undergoing curative tumor resection. The correlations between the expression of two biomarkers and the clinicopathological factors were analyzed. RESULTS: The overexpression rate of leptin and leptin receptor in HCC was 56.8% and 35.8%, respectively. No significant correlation was observed between their overexpression (r=0.236, P=0.034). Leptin receptor overexpression was significantly correlated to the tumor size and TNM stage (P<0.05), but not to age, body mass index, α-fetoprotein, hepatitis B surface antigen status, tumor grade, vascular invasion, or liver cirrhosis (P≥0.05). Leptin overexpression showed no significant correlations to the above clinicopathological factors (P≥0.05). CONCLUSION: Leptin receptor overexpression may have an inhibitory effect on hepatocellular carcinoma. The expression status of leptin receptor decides the action of leptin and leptin receptor after their binding.