The association between renal elasticity evaluated by Real-time tissue elastography and renal fibrosis

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology - The progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) depends on the extent of fibrosis in the kidneys; however, a renal biopsy is necessary to evaluate the...     

Activation of MIP-2 and MCP-5 Expression in Methylmercury-Exposed Mice and Their Suppression by N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine

Neurotoxicity Research - Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known neurotoxin of the central nervous system (CNS). Neuroinflammation is one of the main pathways of MeHg-induced CNS impairment. This...     

Broccoli sprouts juice prevents lens protein aggregation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat

AIM: To investigate the effect of broccoli sprouts juice in preventing lens protein aggregation in diabetic rat model. METHODS: Totally 25 male Wistar rats were divided into negative control group, diabetic group without juice treatment as positive control and diabetic group given broccoli sprouts juice 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/d for 28d. Diabetic rat model was obtained by administering a single dose streptozotocin 65 mg/kg intraperitoneal. At the end of the study, all rats were examined for fasting blood sugar level (FBS), visual cataract score using slit lamp biomicroscope and lens αB-crystallin expression using Western blot method. Statistical analysis was performed using one way ANOVA with post hoc test, correlation test, and simple linear regression. RESULTS: Positive control group had the highest cataract score and lens aggregated αB-crystallin expression. Broccoli sprout juice dose of 1 g/d group had the mildest cataract score, as well as the expression of lens aggregated αB-crystallin compared to treatments groups 1 and 2, opposite to lens native αB-crystallin expression. The broccoli sprout juice groups gave a significant decrease in cataract score, and also in lens aggregated αB-crystallin expression in diabetic rat models (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Broccoli sprout juice has a significant effect in preventing lens protein aggregation in diabetic rat model. The higher dose gives better visual cataract scores, lower lens aggregated αB-crystallin expression and higher lens native αB-crystallin expression.     

Hepatitis A outbreak in Hulu Langat District, Selangor State, Malaysia during April--October 2002

A Hepatitis A outbreak occurred in Mukim Hulu Langat, Hulu Langat district from April 2002 to October 2002. Of the 51 cases notified, most were among students and the ethnic groups involved were Malays and the Orang Asli (local indigenous community). Epidemiological investigations revealed that the cases were localized along rivers used for recreational activities in this area. River water analysis indicated human faecal contamination and it was believed that the contamination was due to the Orang Asli community living upstream. This occurred due to lack of toilet facilities, water at point of use and the existing traditional practices of the Orang Asli community. Control measures instituted were intense health education to the Orang Asli to avoid using the rivers for defecation, multi agency efforts to provide sanitary toilets and adequate water to the villages affected. Future measures include conducting a sero- prevalence survey to determine the feasibility of Hepatitis A immunization to the susceptible population in this area. The outbreak that began in April 2002 was controlled by October 2002.     

Seroprevalence survey of Chikungunya virus in Bagan Panchor, Malaysia

In 2006, an outbreak of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) of the Asian genotype affected over 200 people in Bagan Panchor village in Malaysia. One year later, a post-outbreak survey was performed to determine attack rate, asymptomatic rate, and post-infection sequelae. Findings were compared with recent CHIKV outbreaks of the Central/East African genotype. A total of 180 residents were interviewed for acute symptoms and post-infection physical quality of life and depressive symptoms. Sera from 72 residents were tested for CHIKV neutralizing antibodies. The estimated attack rate was 55.6%, and 17.5% of infected residents were asymptomatic. Arthralgia was reported up to 3 months after infection, but there were no reports of long-term functional dependence or depression. Symptomatic and seropositive residents were significantly more likely to live in the area with the most dense housing and commercial activities. CHIKV had a high attack rate and considerable clinical impact during the Bagan Panchor outbreak.     

放松功辅助治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床疗效观察

目的:观察放松功辅助治疗腰椎间盘突出症(LDH)的临床疗效。方法:2018年5月至11月于上海市气功研究所医疗门诊部收集63例LDH患者,将其随机分为治疗组(32例)与对照组(31例)。治疗组予以电针结合放松功治疗,对照组仅给予电针治疗,两组电针治疗频率均为每周2次,治疗组放松功习练频率为每天1次,每次约20min,两种治疗方法均连续治疗3个月。治疗前后,利用VAS评分、CODI指数、表面肌电指标进行临床疗效评定。结果:治疗组有效率为90.3%(28/31),对照组有效率为83.3%(25/30)。治疗后,治疗组VAS评分显著低于同期对照组(P<0.05),治疗组患侧与健侧多裂肌MF值均高于对照组同侧(P<0.05)。结论:放松功在改善LDH患者疼痛与腰部肌肉疲劳度方面疗效明显,值得进行临床推广应用。