[A survey on the current status and related factors of influenza vaccination among health care workers in tertiary hospitals of Xining city during the influenza epidemic season from 2017 to 2018]

Objective: To evaluate the current status and related factors of influenza vaccination among health care workers (HCWs) in tertiary hospitals of Xining city after the implementation of the free influenza vaccination policy. Methods: In August 2018, the cluster sampling method was used to select four medical institutions in Xining that had previously conducted investigations and interventions. All HCWs(excluding logistic staff) in each medical institution were included in the study. A total of 3 260 valid respondents were included. Questionnaires were used to collect the demographic characteristics, influenza and influenza vaccination awareness, implementation of free policy in the influenza epidemic season from 2017 to 2018, influenza vaccination status, awareness of influenza vaccination schedule and free policy. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze related factors of influenza vaccination. Results: The age of respondents was (31.41±5.00) years. The influenza vaccination rate was 6.80% (226/3 260) in 2017-2018 influenza epidemic season. After controlling for related factors, the awareness of the influenza vaccination schedule (OR=17.05, 95%CI: 5.86-49.59), vaccination frequency (OR=8.22, 95%CI: 2.98-22.61) and the free policy (OR=3.15, 95%CI: 1.49-6.67) had higher vaccination rate. Conclusion: The influenza vaccination rate of HCWs in tertiary hospitals of Xining city was low. Increasing the awareness of the vaccination schedule, frequency and free policy may promote the influenza vaccination rate of HCWs.

[Study on safety of adjuvant radiotherapy concurrent with weekly chemotherapy for stage ⅡB-ⅣA esophageal carcinoma after radical resection]

Objective: To evaluate the tolerability and short-term efficacy of chemo-radiotherapy in 125 patients with stage ⅡB-ⅣA esophageal carcinoma after radical resection. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the rate of completion, toxicity and survival of patients undergoing adjuvant concurrent chemo-radiotherapy after radical resection of esophageal carcinoma from January 2004 to December 2014 in our institution. The survival rate was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed using the log-rank test. Multivariate prognostic analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: 122 patients received more than 50 Gy dose (97.6%). A total of 52 patients received more than 5 weeks chemo-radiotherapy (41.6%), while 73 patients underwent only 1-4 weeks (58.4%). The median following up was 48.4 months. 8 patients lost follow up (6.4%). The 1-year and 3-year overall survival rate were 91.6% and 57.0%, respectively, with a median survival time of 64.4 months. The 1-year and 3-year disease free survival rate were 73.2% and 54.3%, respectively, with a median disease free survival time of 59.1 months. The most common acute complications associated with chemo-radiotherapy were myelosuppression, radiation esophagitis and radiation dermatitis, the majority of which were Grade 1-2. Of the 125 patients, there were 59 cases of recurrence, including 23 cases with local regional recurrence, 26 cases with hematogenous metastasis, and 8 cases with mixed recurrence. Univariate analysis showed that the numbers of concurrent chemotherapy was associated with the overall survival (P=0.006). But receiving more than 5 weeks was not the prognostic factor compared to 1 to 4 weeks chemotherapy (P=0.231). Multivariate analysis showed that only the numbers of concurrent chemotherapy was an independent prognostic factor (P=0.010). Conclusions: Postoperative radiotherapy concurrent with weekly chemotherapy could improve the overall survival and decrease the recurrence for stage ⅡB-ⅣA esophageal carcinoma after radical resection. However, the completion rate of chemotherapy was low, so it was necessary to explore reasonable regimens to improve the completion rate and carry out prospective randomized controlled trial.

[The effect of arthroscopic synovectomy on refractory knee arthritis with popliteal cyst in 153 patients]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of arthroscopic synovectomy on refractory knee arthritis complicated with popliteal cyst. Methods: Patients diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA) with refractory knee arthritis who underwent knee arthroscopic synovectomy in our hospital from 2010 to 2017 were enrolled, including 20 patients (16 RA, 4 SpA) with popliteal cyst. Clinical data, RA disease activity score (DAS28), SpA back pain score, etc, were collected to evaluate the efficacy of knee surgery. Results: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) [58(17, 79)mm/1h vs. 19(9, 30)mm/1h, P< 0.001],C reactive protein (CRP) [3.72(0.92,8.14) mg/L vs. 0.85(0.10,3.08) mg/L,P<0.001], rheumatoid factor [64.6(20.2,193.3) vs. 20.5(10.0,58.4),P<0.001], DAS28 score(4.67±1.25 vs. 2.81±1.23,P<0.001), knee joint discomfort score [5(4,6) vs. 2(1,3),P<0.001] and the volume of knee joint effusion by ultrasound (P<0.05) in 95 RA patients were significantly decreased compared to those before operation. ESR [27(12,54)mm/1h vs. 20 (16,28) mm/1 h,P<0.001], CRP [3.27(1.06,6.95) mg/L vs. 1.41(0.34,3.03)mg/L,P<0.001],knee discomfort score [2(0,5) vs. 1(0,3),P<0.05], back pain visual analogue score (VAS) [5(4,5) vs. 2(1,3), P<0.001], and the volume of knee joint effusion by ultrasound (P<0.001) in 58 SpA patients were significantly lower than those before the operation.The rate [16.84%(16/95) vs. 6.32%(6/95),P=0.023] and grading (P=0.007) of popliteal cyst in RA were decreased after the operation. No statistically difference was observed in the rate [6.90% (4/58) vs. 5.17%(3/58), P=0.697] of popliteal cyst in patients with SpA, yet with a trend of decrease in 4 patients. Conclusion: This study provide evidence that knee arthroscopic synovectomy has a good effect for refractory knee arthritis, which can reduce disease activity, improve joint symptoms and decrease the grading of popliteal cyst.

Effects of acupuncture on craving after tobacco cessation: a resting-state fMRI study based on the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation

Background

To explore the immediate effects and mechanism of acupuncture on craving after tobacco cessation based on the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF).

Methods

This was a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. Forty participants were recruited and divided into a smoking group and a non-smoking group, 20 cases in each one. The smoking participants were requested to quit smoking 24 hours before the fMRI scan. The scan process was scan - acupuncture - scan. Between the two scans, acupuncture was applied at Lieque (LU 7), Hegu (LI 4), Baihui (GV 20), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taichong (LR 3) in two groups.

Results

After acupuncture, self-made craving for smoking, Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (MNWS) and Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU) were all reduced (P<0.05). The fMRI results indicated the immediate effects of acupuncture on smoking craving were significant, and identified salience network (SN) consisted of anterior cingulate cortex and insula, prefrontal cortex, visual cortex and cerebellum as key brains area. Correlation analysis indicated that NWNS scores were positively correlated with the mean fALFF in the ACC (P<0.05) and negatively correlated with the mean fALFF in the insula (P<0.05) in the smoking group.

Conclusions

This was the first study in China to explore the neural mechanisms of acupuncture for smoking craving. The results indicated that the effects of acupuncture on smoking craving were significant, and the SN played a critical role in the process.

[Congenital microtia with aural atresia or stenosis accompany with first branchial cleft anomaly: report of 5 cases]

Objective: To summarize the experience of the diagnosis, treatment and effects of the cases with coexistence of first branchial cleft anomaly(FBCA) and microtia with congenital aural atresia or stenosis(external auditory canal stenosis, EACS). Method: This was a retrospective study. The clinical data of 5 patients with microtia and EACS in Beijing Tongren Hospital of Capital Medical University from October 2015 to March 2018 were collected, including 3 males and 2 females, aged from 5 to 28 years. The clinical characteristics, imaging findings, treatment methods and effects of 5 patients were analyzed. Result: The 5 cases were all coexistence of EACS and FBCA, three of who associated with cholesteatoma of external auditory canal. CT showed external auditory canal stenosis with soft tissue shadow, sometimes gas or bone septum found inside, filling in the external auditory canal, combined with canal bone destruction irregularly. All patients underwent surgical resection of FBCA, 3 patients accompanied by cholesteatoma resection and canalplasty. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 10 to 39 months, and no recurrence of infection was observed. Conclusions: EACS and FBCA both result from maldevelopment of the first branchial cleft. These two malformations, FBCA and EACS with or without cholesteatoma, can occur simultaneously, in which situation CT shows external auditory canal stenosis with soft tissue shadow inside. These patients underwent surgical resection of FBCA combined with cholesteatoma resection with good result.

[Influenza vaccination and its influencing factors among clinical staff of the hospitals in 2016-2017 season, Xining, Qinghai province, China]

Objective: To investigate the influenza vaccination and its influencing factors among the clinical staff in Xining, Qinghai province, in the 2016-2017 influenza season, and to explore the promoting strategies to encourage the target population for influenza vaccination. Methods: Four sample hospitals were randomly selected from the total 11 tertiary hospitals in Xining city. Clinical staff that worked in the four hospitals and agreed to participate were recruited for investigation via a self-administered questionnaire. Results: During the 2016-2017 influenza season, the coverage rate of influenza vaccines among the clinical staff was 5.14% (95%CI: 4.80%-5.49%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that knowing the priority of vaccination, the frequency of vaccination, effect of vaccination, and possessing higher professional qualifications were major influencing factors for influenza vaccination. The intention on recommendation of seasonal influenza vaccine was higher in vaccinated group than that in the unvaccinated group (χ(2)=99.57, P<0.001). Conclusion: The lower coverage rate was primarily associated with the lack of knowledge about influenza vaccine among the clinical staff of the hospital. Tailored information should be provided to the clinical staff through effective methods to improve vaccination and the recommendation of influenza vaccine.

[Comparing the immunogenicity and safety of sequential inoculation of sIPV followed by bOPV (Ⅰ+Ⅲ) in different dosage forms]

Objective: To compare the safety and immunogenicity of two different sequential schedules of inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine made from Sabin strain (sIPV) followed by typeⅠ+Ⅲ bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) in Drug Candy (DC) form or liquid dosage form). Methods: This randomized, blinded, single center, parallel-group controlled trial was done from September 2015 to June 2016 in Liuzhou, Guangxi province. Healthy infants aged ≥2 months were eligible for enrollment and divided into 1sIPV+2bOPV or 2sIPV+1bOPV sequential schedules. According to the bOPV dosage form each sequential schedules, the subjects again were divided into drug candy(DC) form or liquid dosage form group, being 1sIPV+bOPV (DC)/1sIPV+2bOPV(liquid)/2sIPV+1bOPV(DC)/2sIPV+1bOPV(liquid). According to 0, 28, 56 d immunization schedule, Each group were given 3 doses. We recorded adverse events during the clinical trial (399 participants who receive at least one dose). 28 days post-Dose 3, we receive a total of 350 blood samples (excluding the quitters or subjects against trial plan), using cell culture trace against polio virus neutralization test Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ neutralizing antibody (GMT), calculating the antibody positive rate.PolioⅠ,Ⅱand Ⅲ antibody titers were assessed by virus-neutralizing antibody assay and the seroconversion (4-fold increase in titer) from pre-Dose 1 to 28 days post-Dose 3 was calculated (total 350 samples) . Results: During the vaccination, the incidence of AEs in 1sIPV+2bOPV(DC), 1sIPV+2bOPV (liquid), 2sIPV+1bOPV(DC), 2sIPV+1bOPV (liquid) group were 79%, 76%, 80% and 74% (χ(2)=1.23, P=0.747) , respectively. The severe AEs in groups were 6%, 5%, 6% and 4% (χ(2)=0.57, P=0.903) , respectively, and none was considered to be vaccination related. 28 days after 3(rd) vaccination, the seroconversion rates in 1sIPV+2bOPV (DC), 1sIPV+2bOPV (liquid), 2sIPV+1bOPV (DC), 2sIPV+1bOPV (liquid) group, were 99%, 100%, 99% and 99% (χ(2)=0.94, P=0.815) , respectively, for type Ⅰ poliovirus; and 47%, 57%, 80%, 79% (χ(2)=31.56, P<0.001) , respectively, for type Ⅱ; and were 100%, 99%, 100%, 99% (χ(2)=2.02, P=0.568) , respectively, for type Ⅲ. In each group, the GMT of antibody against poliovirus typeⅠ were 4 539.68, 6 243.43, 6 819.53 and 7 916.29 (F=25.87, P<0.001) , respectively; Type Ⅱ were 12.98, 10.54, 63.75 and 84.21 (F=8.68, P=0.034) , respectively; Type Ⅲ were 1 172.55, 1 416.03, 2 648.89 and 3 250.75 (F=14.50, P=0.002) , respectively. Conclusion: On the same sequential schedules, there was no significant difference between the dosage forms, all of them showed good safety and immunogenicity. In the same dosage forms with different sequential schedules, the seroconversion rate was higher in 2 dose sIPV group than the 1 dose sIPV group, especially at the neutralizing antibody GMT level against polio type Ⅱ and Ⅲ after vaccination.

Efficacy of Acupuncture Is Noninferior to Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Tobacco Cessation: Results of a Prospective, Randomized, Active-Controlled Open-Label Trial

BACKGROUND

We designed and conducted this multicenter randomized active-controlled open-label trial to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture, auricular point pressing, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) on tobacco cessation in the Chinese population.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was conducted in seven hospitals in China between October 2013 and February 2016. Eligible participants were recruited and randomly assigned to receive acupuncture or auricular point pressing or NRT via a central randomization system with a 1:1:1 ratio. All treatment was given for a total of 8 weeks, and follow-up visit was at 16 weeks. The primary outcome measure was carbon monoxide (CO)-confirmed 24-h point abstinence rate (<10 parts per million), 24 weeks after quit day.

RESULTS

A total of 300 participants were recruited and 195 participants finished, with a dropout rate of 35.00%. Two cases of adverse events in the acupuncture group and 2 cases in the NRT group were observed. The CO-confirmed 24-h point abstinence rate was 43.00% at 24 weeks in the acupuncture group, which was similar to 44.00% in the NRT group (P > .05), but significantly higher than the 30.00% in the auricular point group (P < .05). At 24 weeks, the Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Test and the Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale scores in the acupuncture group were significantly lower than those in the auricular point group and in the NRT group (P < .05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the time to relapse for acupuncture (44.12 days) was insignificantly longer than NRT (41.18 days), but significantly longer than auricular point pressing (29.53 days).

CONCLUSIONS

We found acupuncture was safe and a possible treatment for tobacco cessation, but it requires further study to establish its role.

TRIAL REGISTRY

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; No.: ChiCTR-TRC-13003544; URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/abouten.aspx.

[The treatment efficiency of a new ear moding device in the infants with congenital ear abnormalities]

Objective:To observe the nonsurgical treatment effciency of a new ear moding device on congenital auricle deformities in order to promote clinical application. Method:Twenty-nine patients (38 ears) from Beijing Tongren Hospital Outpatient received ear molding treatment using the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System. We keep regular follow-up and close observation during the moding period. The treatment effciency was judged by the otologist, plastic surgeons and parents based on the preprocedure and postprocedure photographs and divided into 3 grades: excellent, good and poor. Result:Twenty-nine patients (38 ears) including prominent ear, 2 ears; cup ear,7 ears; lidding/lop ear deformities, 4 ears; Stahl's ear, 4 ears; helical rim abnormalities, 4 ears; conchal crus ear, 3 ears, mixed ear deformities 4 ears; cryptotia, 5 ears; ear malformation, 5 ears, 2 patients (2 ears) stop moding after 3 days treatment due to the low compliance of the infants, the remaining 36 ears received ear molding all have improved. The success rate of the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System is more than 94% (good to excellent). Conclusion:EarWell Infant Ear Correction System have a significant moding effect and can achieve satisfactory results in early time. EarWell system has a high success rate in the treatment of neonatal auricle deformations and mild auricle malformations, depending on the severity of the deformations and the initiation of treatment time. The sooner the noninvasive moding begins (especially within one week after birth), the better effect and the shorter treatment time the patients will achieve.

[Absorption characteristics of alkaloids in Fuzheng Xiaozheng Fang by rat everted intestinal sac models]

Everted intestinal sac models were used to investigate the intestinal absorption of the 4 alkaloids(berberine, palmatine, coptisine, and epiberberine) in Fuzheng Xiaozheng Fang(FZ) at different intestine segments. The absorption parameters of each component were calculated; SPSS 20.0 software was used to analyze the data and evaluate the absorption characteristics at different intestinal segments. The results showed that all the four active ingredients conformed to zero-order absorption rate. There was significant difference in absorption rate constant (Ka) between the four ingredients at low dose and medium and high dose groups(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in Ka between medium dose and high dose. The absorption mechanization of four ingredients presented two absorption manners： positive diffusion and passive absorption. The absorptive amount of 4 alkaloids in ileum was slightly greater than that of jejunum, but no significant differences were observed, which indicated that these four alkaloids had no specific absorption windows in intestinal segment.

[Preliminary study on the relationship between cervical spondylosis and sudden deafness]

Objective:To explore the prognosis factors and clinical features of 32 patients with sudden deafness, and further invested the relationship between cervical spondylosis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss.Method:Thirty-two cases with sudden deafness of ENT, Neurology,rehabilitation medicine department in Shanxi Provincial people's Hospital from 2014 to 2015 were collected. The clinical data, radiographic data and disease prognosis were analysed. Result:Thirty-two cases in the cervical four bit tablets vertebral artery type positive rate for: 83.87%, neck vascular ultrasound positive rate for: 55.56%, cervical MRI or MRA shows vertebral artery narrow who positive rate for: 77.42%; three items check the appeared of positive number accounted for total cases number of proportion followed by for: cervical four bit tablets for: 65.96%, neck vascular ultrasound for: 57.45%, cervical MRI or MRA for: 65.96%; three species check integrated check out rate for: 95.74%.Conclusion:Sudden deafness in patients with cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery typedetection rate is very high, description of vertebral-artery-type cervical spondylosis is likely to be one of the factors influencing the prognosis of sudden hearing loss, sudden hearing loss and there is a certain correlation between cervical spondylosis.

[Clinical value of Short Form-36 and clinical measures in a prospective cohort study of ankylosing spondylitis patients]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical value of Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire and the most commonly used clinical measures in a prospective cohort study of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients.

METHODS

A total of 517 AS patients were collected from the Department of Rheumatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital from August 2013 to September 2015. The Quality of Life (QoL) was assessed by SF-36 questionnaire and compared with the general population. The correlations between QoL and clinical measures of AS, including the Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI), Bath AS functional index (BASFI), Bath AS metrology index (BASMI) et al, were analyzed.

RESULTS

BASDAI and BASFI were significantly correlated with SF-36 scores (r>0.3, P<0.01). Logistic multiple regression analysis showed that BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI and education had close correlation with the baseline global QoL, physical and mental health. Among these clinical measures, BASDAI variation showed the most important influence on the change of global QoL, physical health and mental health (OR=0.235, 0.209, 0.125; P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

SF-36 can objectively reflect the QoL of patients with AS. Clinical measures such as BASDAI and BASFI show great application value in this prospective cohort study of AS patients.

Association between the LXRα polymorphism and stroke in a Chinese population

We examined the relationship between the liver X receptor α gene (LXRα) polymorphism and the susceptibility to stroke. We utilized the single fluorescent-labeled probe technique to detect the genotype of rs12221497 in the LXRα gene in 400 stroke patients and 400 healthy control subjects. The difference in genotype distribution between the 2 groups was analyzed using the chi-square test. Serum lipids and glucose levels between the different genotypes were also compared. We found that the risk of stroke in carriers with the AA + GA genotype was 2.02-fold higher than that in GG genotype carriers (odds ratio = 2.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.18-2.87, P < 0.05), and that the risk of stroke in carriers with the A allele increased by 0.606-fold compared to that in G allele carriers (odds ratio = 1.606, 95% confidence interval = 1.158-2.228). Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for other confounding factors, the A allele was an independent risk for stroke. However, there were no differences in serum lipids and glucose levels between each genotype. We conclude that the rs12221497 polymorphism in the LXRα gene was associated with the susceptibility to stroke in a Han Chinese population.

Do physical exercise and reading reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease? a cross-sectional study on factors associated with Parkinson's disease in elderly Chinese veterans

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors for and factors protecting against Parkinson's disease (PD) in elderly Chinese veterans.

METHODS

Using a database containing detailed information on the health status of the nervous system in elderly Chinese veterans, univariate and multivariate analyses of factors that may be associated with PD were performed. Univariate analysis of qualitative data was done using the Pearson Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, and the Mann-Whitney U nonparametric test was used for univariate analysis of quantitative data. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for and factors protecting against PD in elderly Chinese veterans.

RESULTS

A total of 9,676 elderly Chinese veterans were enrolled, including 228 cases with PD and 183 cases with Parkinson's syndrome, with 9,265 non-PD subjects serving as controls. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.343, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.028-1.755) and medical history of essential tremor (OR 1.228, 95% CI 1.081-1.396) were identified as independent risk factors for PD, with age being the most important risk factor. Physical exercise (OR 0.478, 95% CI 0.355-0.643) and reading (OR 0.513, 95% CI 0.357-0.735) were identified as independent factors protecting against PD, and physical exercise showed better protection against PD relative to reading. Smoking, alcohol use, anemia, cerebral trauma, education level, and electromagnetic field exposure showed no association with PD.

CONCLUSION

Physical exercise and reading may be independent factors that protect against PD among elderly Chinese veterans, while advancing age and medical history of essential tremor may be independent risk factors for PD. This study was cross-sectional, so further research is needed to confirm its results.

[Effect of qubi recipe on changes of oxygen free radical metabolism and hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha in collagen-induced arthritis rats]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of Qubi Recipe (QR) on the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha in rats with type II collagen-I induced arthritis (CIA), and to explore its therapeutic roles and mechanism.

METHODS

Totally 72 male SD rats of SPF grade were recruited. Twelve were randomly selected as the blank control group. The CIA model was established in the rest 60 rats by subcutaneously injecting type II collagen of bovine emulsion from the tail root and induction of incomplete Freund's adjuvant. On day 15 after primary immunization rats were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., the CIA model group, the Tripterygium Glycosides (TG) group (at the daily dose of 9.68 mg/kg body weight), the high dose QR group (at the daily dose of 6.66 g/kg body weight), and the low dose QR group (at the daily dose of 3.33 g/kg body weight), 15 in each group. Corresponding medication was given to rats in all groups by gastrogavage once daily for 4 successive weeks. An equal volume of pure water was given to rats in the blank control group and the CIA model group by gastrogavage, once daily for 4 successive weeks. The swelling degree of the joints was measured. Rats were sacrificed after 4-week treatment. Plasma levels of SOD, MDA, and GSH-Px were measured with colorimetric method. The expression of HIF-1alpha was detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

(1) Compared with the CIA model group, the swelling degree of the joints was significantly alleviated in the TG group and the high dose QR group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and it was obviously milder in the high dose QR group than in the TG group (P < 0.05). (2) Compared with the CIA model group, the activities of GSH-Px could be obviously elevated and activities of MDA lowered in the TG group, the high dose QR group, and the low dose QR group (P < 0.05). Plasma activities of SOD could be obviously elevated in the high dose QR group and the TG group (P < 0.05). (3) Compared with the CIA model group, the expression of HIF-1alpha obviously decreased in the TG group and the high dose QR group (P < 0.05), and it showed a decreasing tendency in the low dose QR group with no statistical difference (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

QR could markedly alleviate the swelling degree of ankle joints in CIA model rats. Its therapeutic efficacy was superior to that of TG. Its mechanism might be achieved through down-regulating expression of HIF-1alpha in the joint, and regulating activities of SOD, MDA and GSH-Px in the plasma.

[Development of researches on acupuncture-assisted fertilization outside of China]

Increasing evidence shows that acupuncture therapy may have a role in promoting fertilization. Authors of the present paper collected the related articles in English published from January 2003 to May 2013 in databases of Ovid Medline, Maternity and Infant Care and Medline (Pubmed), and made an analysis. Results of many randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) indicated that acupuncture intervention had a positive role in raising pregnancy rate, fetus surviving rate of the transplanted embryo, and increasing the neuropeptide Y content in the ollicular fluid in patients experiencing embryo transplantation, and in raising survival rate of zygote, conception rate of embryo transplantation, and in improving azoospermia in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. But many systematic reviews and Meta-analysis did not support the above-mentioned conclusion of acupuncture therapy about promoting fertilization. The authors hold that despite of dominated positive outcomes of RCT for acupuncture-assisted fertilization, further well designed RCT are still warranted for providing further definite and convincing evidence.

[Impacts of bleeding and cupping therapy on serum P substance in patients of postherpetic neuralgia]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of bleeding and cupping therapy on postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and preliminarily discuss the analgesic mechanism.

METHODS

Sixty-four cases of PHN were randomized into two groups, 32 cases in each one. In the bleeding and cupping group, the local pricking with syringe needle and cupping was applied in the local painful area, once every two days. And totally 8 treatments were required. In the pregabalin group, pregabalin was prescribed for oral administration, 150mg/time, twice a day. And totally 16 days of medication were required. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the changes of P substance content in the peripheral and local serum before and after treatment were observed in the two groups.

METHODS

VAS score and peripheral serum P substance after treatment were lower significantly than those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.01). The result in the bleeding and cupping group was much more significant (P<0.01). The local serum P substance after treatment was reduced significantly than that before treatment in the bleeding and cupping group [(93.86 +/- 9.87) pg/mL vs (46.13 +/- 6.31) pg/mL, P<0.01].

CONCLUSION

Bleeding and cupping therapy achieves the definite efficacy on PHN and it can reduce significantly peripheral and local serum P substance content in the patients. It is possibly one of the mechanisms of analgesic effect.

Anti-bacterial and anti-toxic immunity induced by a killed whole-cell-cholera toxin B subunit cholera vaccine is essential for protection against lethal bacterial infection in mouse pulmonary cholera model

The lack of appropriate animal model for studying protective immunity has limited vaccine development against cholera. Here, we demonstrate a pulmonary cholera model conferred by intranasal administration of mice with live Vibrio cholerae. The bacterial components, but not cholera toxin, caused lethal and acute pneumonia by inducing massive inflammation. Intranasal immunization with Dukoral, comprising killed whole bacteria and recombinant cholera toxin B subunit (rCTB), developed both mucosal and systemic antibody responses with protection against the lethal challenge. Either rCTB-free Dukoral or rCTB alone partially protected the mice against the challenge. However, reconstitution of rCTB-free Dukoral with rCTB restored full protection. Parenteral immunization with Dukoral evoked strong systemic immunity without induction of mucosal immunity or protection from the challenge. These results suggest that both anti-bacterial and anti-toxic immunity are required for protection against V. cholerae-induced pneumonia, and this animal model is useful for pre-clinical evaluation of candidate cholera vaccines.

Accuracy and uncertainty assessment on geostatistical simulation of soil salinity in a coastal farmland using auxiliary variable

Understanding the spatial soil salinity aids farmers and researchers in identifying areas in the field where special management practices are required. Apparent electrical conductivity measured by electromagnetic induction instrument in a fairly quick manner has been widely used to estimate spatial soil salinity. However, methods used for this purpose are mostly a series of interpolation algorithms. In this study, sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) and sequential Gaussian co-simulation (SGCS) algorithms were applied for assessing the prediction accuracy and uncertainty of soil salinity with apparent electrical conductivity as auxiliary variable. Results showed that the spatial patterns of soil salinity generated by SGS and SGCS algorithms showed consistency with the measured values. The profile distribution of soil salinity was characterized by increasing with depth with medium salinization (ECe 4-8 dS/m) as the predominant salinization class. SGCS algorithm privileged SGS algorithm with smaller root mean square error according to the generated realizations. In addition, SGCS algorithm had larger proportions of true values falling within probability intervals and narrower range of probability intervals than SGS algorithm. We concluded that SGCS algorithm had better performance in modeling local uncertainty and propagating spatial uncertainty. The inclusion of auxiliary variable contributed to prediction capability and uncertainty modeling when using densely auxiliary variable as the covariate to predict the sparse target variable.

[Progress on the research of acupuncture for smoking cessation in foreign and domestic]

Up to December of 2011, the domestic and overseas literatures of acupuncture for smoking cessation are searched and collected through Pubmed, CNKI, Wanfang and Chongqing VIP databases, which are analyzed from treatment method, action mechanism, influencing factors of efficacy and efficacy evaluation research and so on. The result shows that (1) acupuncture has positive effect on smoking cessation, and large clinical trials has been carried out. However, most of them are needling methods and the short-term effect observation, which lack of long-term efficacy research of withdrawal symptoms, especially continuous withdrawal symptoms and index of life quality. (2) Because of unified clinical treatment, manipulation standard and curative effect criteria, it is difficult to make comparison among them. (3) The study of mechanism on acupuncture for smoking cessation is not of in-depth. In future, clinical research project of acupuncture on smoking cessation should be optimized and regulated, including the unified treatment, manipulation standard and curative effect criteria, also long-term researches with large-scale samples should be launched to confirm effect ofacupuncture for smoking cessation to further discuss its action mechanism.

[Investigation of bacterial diversity in the biological desulfurization reactor for treating high salinity wastewater by the 16S rDNA cloning method]

The bacterial diversity in the biological desulfurization reactor operated continuously for 1 year was studied by the 16S rDNA cloning and sequencing method. Forty clones were randomly selected and their partial 16S rDNA genes (ca. 1,400 bp) were sequenced and blasted. The results indicated that there were dominant bacterias in the biological desulfurization reactor, where 33 clones belonged to 3 different published phyla, while 1 clone belonged to unknown phylum. The dominant bacterial community in the system was Proteobacteria, which accounted for 85.3%. The bacterial community succession was as follows: the gamma-Proteobacteria(55.9%), beta-Proteobacteria(17.6%), Actinobacteridae (8.8%), delta-Proteobacteria (5.9%) , alpha-Proteobacteria(5.9%), and Sphingobacteria (2.9%). Halothiobacillus sp. ST15 and Thiobacillus sp. UAM-I were the major desulfurization strains.

[Effects of weizhong (BL 40) area scraping on blood perfusion level of the skin microcirculation of qihaishu (BL 24) region at the ipsilateral back of the volunteer's body]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of Guasha (scraping) of Weizhong (BL 40) on the cutaneous blood perfusion of Qihaishu (BL 24) region of the Bladder Meridian on the back.

METHODS

Ten healthy volunteer subjects were recuited in the present study. Weizhong (BL 40, at the politeal fossa) area was repeatedly scraped till regional flush using a cornu bubali scraping plate for 5 min after applying scraping oil to the regional skin. Then blood perfusion levels of the skin microcirculation around Weizhong (BL 40) and Qihaishu (BL 24) regions on the ipsilateral back were detected using a Laser Doppler flowmetry (PeriScan PIM II).

RESULTS

Following scraping Weizhong (BL 40) region, the cutaneous blood perfusion levels in the stimulated region were increased significantly at the time-points of 0, 15, 60 and 90 min after scraping (P < 0.001, P < 0.01), while those of Qihaishu (BL 24) area at the lumbar part also showed a remarkable increase 15, 60 and 90 min after scraping compared with the basic value (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between BL 40 and BL 24 areas in the cutaneous blood perfusion levels after scraping BL 40 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Scraping stimulation of Weizhong (BL 40) can improve the cutaneous microcirculation of the stimulated BL 40 and Qihaishu (BL 24) regions in healthy volunteers, suggesting a close connection between BL 40 and the back described in Chinese medicine.

Modulation of the murine microbiome with a concomitant anti-obesity effect by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus sakei NR28

The microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) constitutes the major part of the total human microbiome and is considered to be an important regulator of human health and host metabolism. Numerous investigations in recent years have focused on the connection between the human microbiota and metabolic diseases such as obesity, type II diabetes and atherosclerosis. Yet, little is known about the impact of probiotic consumption on the GIT microbial population and the potential effect on chronic diseases. In this study, the modulation of the microbial community in the murine small intestine resulting from probiotic feeding was investigated and was found to be associated with an anti-obesity effect. Changes in the microbiota of the mouse faeces and small intestine were monitored using quantitative real-time PCR and by following the mRNA expression levels of various obesity-related biomarkers following probiotic feeding in a mouse model. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus sakei NR28 (a putative probiotic strain isolated from kimchi) were administered at a daily level of approximately 1×10(8) viable bacteria per mouse (C57BL/6J mice) for up to three weeks. Feeding these strains resulted in a significant reduction of epididymal fat mass, as well as obesity-related biomarkers like acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 in the liver. The total number and ratio of the microbial groups, i.e. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Clostridium cluster I and XIVab, and Lactobacillus spp. were modulated in the small intestine, and the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio was decreased. In contrast, no noticeable effect of probiotic feeding could be detected on the faecal microbiota, neither quantitatively, nor with regard to the bacterial groups (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Clostridium cluster I and XIVab, and Lactobacillus spp.) studied.

[Effects of nitrogen application period on the nitrogen metabolism key enzymes activities and antioxidant characteristics of high-yielding summer maize]

Taking the high-yielding summer maize cultivars Denghai 661 (DH661) and Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) as test materials, a field experiment was conducted to study their grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency, key enzymes activities of nitrogen metabolism, and antioxidant enzymes activities under effects of different nitrogen application periods. One-dose nitrogen application at jointing stage was not beneficial to the increase of grain yield and the nitrogen accumulation in plant and grain, while split application in combination with application after anthesis increased the nitrogen accumulation in plant and grain significantly and increased the grain yield. When the nitrogen was applied at a ratio of 2:4:4 at jointing stage, 10-leaf stage, and 10 days after anthesis, the grain yield of DH661 was up to 14123.0 kg x hm(-2); when the nitrogen was applied at a ratio of 1:2:5:2 as the basal and at jointing stage, 10-leaf stage, and 10 days after anthesis, the grain yield of ZD958 was up to 14517.1 kg x hm(-2). These two nitrogen application modes increased the grain yield of DH661 and ZD958 by 14.5% and 17.5%, respectively, as compared with one-dose nitrogen application at jointing stage. Split nitrogen application before anthesis increased plant nitrate reductase activity significantly. In the 0-42 days after anthesis under split nitrogen application, the glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase, and glutamate dehydrogenase activities of DH661 and ZD958 were averagely increased by 32.6%, 47.1% and 50.4%, and 14.5%, 61.8% and 25.6%, and the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were increased by 22. 0% and 36.6%, and 13.4% and 62.0%, respectively, and the malondialdehyde content was decreased significantly, as compared with one-off nitrogen application. It was suggested that for the high-yielding of summer maize, split application of nitrogen and appropriately increasing the nitrogen application ratio after anthesis could enhance the plant key nitrogen metabolism enzymes activities, delay leaf senescence, promote plant nitrogen uptake and its utilization, and increase grain yield.