OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical features of benign infantile convulsions associated with mild gastroenteritis (BICE) and provide helpful information for the accurate diagnosis and effective management of BICE. METHODS: The patients, aged 3-36 months, with gastroenteritis accompanied with convulsions were clinically observed and followed up for more than 18 months. RESULTS: BICE was diagnosed in 12 cases with a peak onset age of (16.0 ± 6.5) months. Six (50%) of the cases occurred in winter. All seizures developed within the first 5 days of the course and 9 (75%) within the first 3 days. The cases presented with generalized or partial seizures. Early clustering seizure attacks were seen in 7 patients (58%). Seizures averaged 2.1 attacks per course. Interictal electroencephalogram (EEG), brain imaging, blood biochemical profile and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing did not show abnormality in all cases. No antiepileptic medications were prescribed to the patients as the seizures had stopped. Three (25%) of the cases experienced relapses that usually did not happen more than twice. The longest course of BICE lasted 8 months. All cases demonstrated normal psychomotor development and had no individual or family history of febrile convulsion or epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS: In this study BICE showed the following clinical features: It occurred at a peak age of 1 to 2 years old and was frequently seen in wintertime. The convulsions usually developed in early days of the course in generalized or partial and mostly in clustering patterns. There were no significant changes in blood biochemical profile, CSF, brain imaging and interictal EEG. The course usually lasted less than 12 months although a small portion of the patients relapsed. An anti-epileptic therapy may not be necessary after seizure cessation in children with BICE.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship of the variation of the exon 20 of leptin receptor (LEPR) gene with lipid metabolism and fat distribution in children with obesity. METHODS: One hundred and two children with simple obesity (Obesity group) and 81 healthy children (Control group) were enrolled in this study. Polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragments length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were used to analyze the variation of the exon 20 of LEPR gene. The serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. Body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage (% fat) were calculated. RESULTS: Three genotypes of the exon 20 of LEPR gene were detected:G/G, G/A and A/A. The frequency of the gene variation at 3 057 nucleotide G→A transversion was significantly higher in the Obesity group when compared with the Control group (P<0.05). The levels of serum TG (1.8±0.5 mmol/L vs 1.0±0.4 mmol/L, P<0.01),BMI (33±5 kg/m-2 vs 25±4 kg/m-2, P<0.05) and % fat (30±8 vs 20±3, P<0.01) in obese children with A/A genotype were higher than those of the G/G genotype ones,but the level of serum HDL was lower than that of the G/G genotype patients (1.08±0.23 mmol/L vs 1.38±0.22 mmol/L, P<0.01). As to the G/A genotype patients, only their serum TG levels were higher than those of the G/G genotype ones (1.6±0.4 mmol/L vs 1.0±0.4 mmol/L, P<0.05). The electrocardiography showed the changes of ST segment and T wave in parts of A/ A genotype patients with hyperlipoidemia. CONCLUSIONS: There were polymorphisms in children with obesity and these may affect the lipid metabolism and the fat distribution. The study provided theoretic evidence for the early interference of childhood obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is known to normalize blood phenylalanine levels in BH4 deficiency, but not in phenylketonuria (PKU). Recently the patients with mild PKU who were responsive to BH4 were found in neonatal screening for PKU. This study aimed to investigate the effect of BH4 and phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene mutations in patients with BH4 responsive mild PKU and mild hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA). METHODS: The responsiveness of the BH4 loading test was evaluated in HPA patients detected by neonatal PKU screening. All patients were normal in biopterin metabolism and were diagnosed as HPA with PAH gene mutations.A single-(10 mg/kg), and four-time-, one-week-BH4 [20 mg/(kg·day)] loading test and a long-term BH4 treatment were performed for them. RESULTS: In a single BH4 loading test, no classic PKU patients demonstrated decreases in serum phenylalanine levels. The patients with a decrease greater than 20% in serum phenylalanine levels in the single-BH4-loading test showed a similar decrease in the four-dose-BH4 loading test. The one-week-BH4 administration test clarified the BH4 effect not only in responsive patients, but also in patients who showed low responsiveness in single- or four-dose-BH4 loading test. The majority of patients with mild HPA and mild PKU who had the R241C allele responded to BH4 administration. R241C,P407S and A373T mutation were never found in classic PKU patients without BH4 responsiveness. CONCLUSIONS: The one-week-BH4 administration test is the most effective for the diagnosis of the BH4 responsive PAH deficiency. R241C, P407S and A373T alleles represented the causes of mild HPA or mild PKU in patients with BH4 responsiveness. BH4 treatment is a new and effective pharmacotherapy which replaces the phenylalanine restricted diet for mild HPA and mild PKU patients.

OBJECTIVE: Compared with numerous research reports of neurogenic bladder dysfunction of spina bifida, the research on neurogenic bowel dysfunction of spina bifida is rare. This study aimed at investigating the anorectal function in children with spina bifida who underwent the spinal cord untethering procedure. METHODS: Twenty-one children with spina bifida who underwent the untethering operation for tethered cord syndrome at least 2 years ago were enrolled in this study. All patients had severe bladder dysfunction and received anorectal manometry examination. Eleven age-matched children with hypospadia served as controls. RESULTS: The maximum anal resting pressure in spina bifida patients was lower than that in controls, but the difference was not statistically significant. Most of the patients did not show an anal pressure increase during squeezing action. During defecatory maneuvers, 19 spina bifida patients(90.5%)exhibited pelvic floor dysfunction. Rectoanal inhibitory reflex was identified in both spina bifida patients and controls. The rectal volume for sustained relaxation of the anal sphincter tone was significantly higher in spina bifida patients than in controls (P<0.001). The mean rectal volume to generate the first sensation in spina bifida patients was significantly higher than that in controls (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most spina bifida patients lose the ability to voluntarily contract their external anal sphincter, presenting with pelvic floor dysfunction during straining maneuver and severe rectal sensation function damage. Rectoanal inhibitory reflex is present in all patients with spina bifida and the reflex may be modulated by central nervous system.

OBJECTIVE: There is controversy as to whether there are differences in brainstem development between preterm and term infants. This study examined the brainstem function of preterm infants at term and the effect of increasing stimulus rate in the detection of brainstem function through the recording of and analyzing of brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) at different rates of click stimuli. METHODS: The study group included 30 preterm babies without any perinatal complication. The controls were 38 healthy term babies. The BAEP was recorded at stimulus rates of 21.1, 51.1 and 91.1/sec in these babies at 37- 42 weeks of postconceptional age. The latencies and amplitudes of WavesⅠ,Ⅲ and Ⅴ, the interpeak intervals of Ⅰ-Ⅲ,Ⅲ-Ⅴ andⅠ-Ⅴ and Ⅲ-Ⅴ/Ⅰ-Ⅲ interval ratio were analyzed. RESULTS: At a click intensity of 60 dBnHL, latencies and interpeak intervals in both groups increased but amplitudes decreased as the stimulus rate was increased. The latencies and interpeak intervals had a positive correlation with stimulus rate. In contrast, the amplitude was negatively correlated with stimulus rate. In preterm babies, Ⅰ-Ⅴ interval did not differ significantly from the controls at all three rates used. As stimulus rate increased, Ⅰ-Ⅲ interval decreased whereas Ⅲ-Ⅴ interval and Ⅲ-Ⅴ/Ⅰ-Ⅲ interval ratio increased in preterm infants. There was no obvious amplitude difference at various stimulus rates between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preterm infants have an advanced development of peripheral brainstem auditory pathway but a relatively delayed central development. Increasing stimulus rate can detect more neurophysiological changes and enhance the diagnostic value of BAEP.

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and its receptor in bone marrow cells of children with acute leukemia. METHODS: The expressions of IL-8 and its receptor in bone marrow cells were detected using RT-PCR in 22 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 10 cases of acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). RESULTS: In 5 of 10 AML patients and in 13 of 22 ALL patients, the cells expressed IL-8 mRNA. In 4 AML cases and in 9 ALL cases, the cells expressed IL-8 receptor mRNA. The IL-8 expression levels in AML patients were significantly higher than those in ALL patients(P<0.05). The cells from patients with M_4-M_5 AML expressed a higher IL-8 mRNA level than those from M_2-M_3 AML patients(P<0.05). Of the ALL children, the IL-8 expression levels in B-ALL children were significantly higher than those of T-ALL children(P<0.05). After induction chemotherapy, the expression levels of IL-8 and its receptor in bone marrow cells of children with acute leukemia were significantly reduced(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IL-8 and its receptor may be expressed in childhood acute leukemia. Children with M_4-M_5 AML or B-ALL can express a higher level of IL-8 mRNA in bone marrow cells. Induction chemotherapy can decrease the expression of IL-8 and its receptor.

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of serum concentrations of caspsase-1 and IL-18 in newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and to study the correlation between caspsase-1 and IL-18 and the severity of HIE. METHODS: Serum concentrations of caspsase-1 and IL-18 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 70 newborns with HIE and 22 normal control subjects. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of caspsase-1 and IL-18 in infants with HIE were significantly higher than those in control subjects(P<0.05). Both serum caspsase-1 and IL-18 concentrations were associated with the severity of HIE. Severe HIE neonates had the highest serum caspsase-1 and IL-8 levels, followed by moderate HIE neonates. There was a significantly positive correlation between serum caspase-1 and IL-18 levels (γ=0.6677, P= 0.0013). CONCLUSIONS: Caspsase-1 and IL-18 may be useful markers for the early diagnosis of HIE and also for the evaluation of the severity of HIE.

OBJECTIVE: S100B protein, a special brain protein, is associated with the degree and prognosis of brain damage. This study determined the levels of S100B protein in cord blood and serum of neonates with asphyxia. The aim was to investigate the values of S100B protein in the diagnosis of neonatal asphyxia and in the identification of brain damage following neonatal asphyxia. METHODS: Thirty-two newborn infants with asphyxia (Asphyxia group) and 36 normal newborn infants (Control group ) were enrolled in this study. The cord blood and serum S100B protein was measured by ELISA on days 1, 3, and 7 after birth. RESULTS: Mean cord blood S100B protein levels in the Asphyxia group were significantly higher than those in the Control group ( P< 0.05 ). After birth, the serum S100B protein of infants with severe asphyxia complicated by brain damage increased progressively and was significantly higher than those infants with mild asphyxia on day 7 (P<0.01 ). On day 7 serum S100B protein content in infants who died was higher than in infants who survived, but there was no statistical differences . On day 3 asphyxiated infants with intracranial hemorrhage and/or hydrocephalus showed a higher level of serum S100B protein than those without brain damage (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Serum S100B protein is a useful index for the diagnosis of neonatal asphyxia and the identification of brain damage following neonatal asphyxia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the brain CT findings in premature and term birth children with spastic cerebral palsy. METHODS: Brain CT findings in 88 children (aged 2 months to 7 years) with spastic cerebral palsy were analyzed retrospectively. Of the 88 subjects, 46 cases born preterm and 42, at term. RESULTS: Brain CT showed that abnormal intracranial findings in 69 of 88 cases, many presenting with periventricular leukomalacia(PVL).PVL occurred in 30 preterm patients and in 17 term patients. The incidence of PVL in premature birth patients was significantly higher than that in term birth patients (P<0.05). Seven out of 30 premature birth patients with PVL presented with lateral ventricular enlargement with irregular appearance but none of term birth patients did. The locus of lateral ventricular enlargement and white matter reduction was not different between premature and term birth patients. CONCLUSIONS: PVL seen in brain CT was the main presentation in spastic cerebral palsy. The incidence of PVL in premature birth patients was higher than that in term birth patients and PVL was more severe in premature birth patients.

OBJECTIVE: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is widely used in the management of low birth weight infants. There are great differences between China and the foreign countries in the PN administration methods. The conventional PN method in China is to administer amino acids 48 hrs after birth, and the fat emulsion, 72 hrs after birth. However, the data from overseas centers have indicated that early PN (started at the first day of life) is safe and more beneficial to the premature infant. This study aimed to compare the effects of the two methods on nutrition states and the incidence of complication associated with PN. METHODS: Forty low birth weight premature infants who were intolerant to total enteral nutrition, with a gestational age of less than 36 weeks and a birth weight of less than 1 600 g, were chosen for this study. They were randomly assigned into two groups: Conventional PN group and Early PN group (n=20 each). The body weight, the amount of caloric intake,the time taken to attain of full enteral nutrition, and the incidence of complication were recorded daily. Serum prealbumin concentrations were measured on the 1st, 3rd and 7th days after birth. RESULTS: The caloric intake in the first week and daily weight gain in the first two weeks in the Early PN group were much greater than those of the Conventional PN group (P<0.001). On the first day, there was no difference in the serum prealbumin concentration between the two groups. However serum prealbumin concentration increased on the 3rd day(61±11.2 mg/L)and on the 7th day (91.5±10.8 mg/L)in the Early PN group compared with those in the Conventional PN group(31.5±8.5 mg/L and 78±10.9 mg/L respectively)(P<0.001).The time taken for the two groups to go on full enteral nutrition was similar. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of complication between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Caloric intake and body weight gain were found to be greater in the Early PN group than in the Conventional PN group in low birth weight premature infants. The incidence of complication associated with PN and the initiation of gastro-intestinal function are unrelated to the PN administration method.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the changes of the gastric motility and the therapeutic effect of domperidone in children with anorexia. METHODS: Forty-five children with anorexia were given a 3 week-course of oral domperidone, with a dosage of 0.3 mg/kg, three times daily. Before and after treatment the gastric emptying test was performed through the real-time ultrasonography in 42 out of the 45 patients. Thirty healthy children served as controls. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the gastric emptying half-time (GET 1/2), and the frequency and amplitude of antral contractions between the children with anorexia and healthy controls. After domperidone treatment, the GET 1/2 was shortened and the frequency and amplitude of antral contractions were significantly increased in children with anorexia. Their clinical symptoms improved markedly. CONCLUSIONS: The abnormalities of gastric motility might be associated with the development of anorexia. Domperidone was found to be effective in the treatment of childhood anorexia.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the serum levels of T cell subgroups and immunoglobulins in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in order to investigate the patients' immune function. METHODS: Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to determine the serum levels of T cell subgroups and immunoglobulins in 32 children with MPP at acute and recovery stages. Serum samples from 28 healthy children served as controls. RESULTS: The CD4 content (32.70±6.52/μL) and the ratio of CD4/CD8 (1.31±0.33) at acute stage in children with MPP were significantly lower that those in controls (40.15±4.49 /μL and 1.79±0.52, respectively) (P<0.01). Till to the recovery stage, the CD4 content (34.92±5.93/μL) and the ratio of CD4/CD8 (1.39±0.42) remained lower (P<0.01). There was no difference in the CD3 content between the MPP patients and controls at both the acute and recovery stages. The children with MPP showed higher serum concentrations of IgG (9.93±2.67 g/L) and IgM (1.73±0.83 g/L) at acute stage compared with the controls (8.01±2.47 g/L and 1.05±0.32 g/L respectively) (P<0.01). A significant difference for the serum concentrations of IgG and IgM was also observed at the recovery stage between MPP patients and controls. IgA content was not different between them. CONCLUSIONS: Immune function disturbance may exist in children with MPP. This study provides a basis for clinical application of immune regulators in the treatment of MPP.

Objective To study the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among the ethnic Han and Kazakh students in Kuntun City, Xinjiang. Methods A total of 1 244 students were randomly selected using the epidemiological whole sampling method. Nine hundred and twenty three were Hans from two elementary and two secondary schools and 321 were Kazakhs from two elementary and one secondary schools of Kuntun City. Conners Parents Symptom Questionnaire and Conners Teacher Rating Scale were employed to investigate the prevalence of ADHD. Results The prevalence of ADHD in ethnic Han and Kazakh students was 13% and 10%, respectively and there was no significant difference between them. Boys demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of ADHD than girls in both ethnic Hans and Kazakhs (P<0.01). The prevalence of ADHD decreased with age in Han students, but increased in the Kazakhs. Conclusions The prevalence of ADHD is not related to ethnicity, but the age of onset of ADHD is different between the Han and Kazakh students.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and cytochrome C (Cyt C) in nerve cells and the effect of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) therapy on the expression levels in a neonatal rat model of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD). METHODS: Seven- day-old SD rats weighing 12-14 g were randomly assigned into four groups:Normal group (n=34), Sham -operated group (n=33), of which the left common carotid artery of the rats was isolated but not ligated, HIBD group (n=30) in which the rats were subjected to left common carotid artery ligation followed by 2 hrs of hypoxia (8% O_2) and HBO treated group (n=33). HBO treatment was administered by placing the pups in a chamber after HIBD (2 atmosphere absolute for 1 hr per day for 7 days) in the HBO treated group. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in nerve cells of the brain was determined by immunohistochemistry and Cyt C expression was determined by Werstern blot analysis. RESULTS: The expression rate of Bcl-2 protein in the HBO treated group was obviously higher than that in the HIBD group(64% vs 47%, P < 0.05)), although it was lower than in the Normal group (82%) and the Sham-operated group (79%)(both P < 0.05). The expression rate of Bax protein in the HIBD group (77%) was significantly higher than that in the Normal group (15%, P < 0.01) and the Sham-operated group (36%, P < 0.05). HBO treatment did not result in a decreased expression of Bax protein. Cyt C was weakly expressed in nerve cells of the Normal and the Sham-operated groups, but was strongly expressed in the HIBD group. HBO treatment significantly decreased the Cyt C expression. CONCLUSIONS: HBO treatment can induce the expression of Bcl-2 protein and decrease the release of Cyt C from mitochondria, thereby protects the nerve cells from apoptosis after HIBD.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment of leukemia is limited by diffusion of leukemia cells.The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of immune therapy for leukemia by vaccination with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF). METHODS: The biological characteristics of FBL-3-GM-CSF cells were studied by the growth curve and tumorigenicity experiment in vivo. The GM-CSF gene-modified tumor vaccines were prepared with mitomycin-C inactivated FBL-3-GM-CSF cells. The effects of vaccination with mitomycin-C inactivated FBL-3-GM-CSF on immune prophylaxis and immune therapy of leukemia were investigated in animal experiments. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the biological characteristics (cellular morphology and growth rate) between FBL-3-GM-CSF,FBL-3-vect and FBL-3 cells. In mice vaccinated with the FBL-3-GM-CSF cells, tumor formation was later and the tumor volume was smaller than those vacinated with FBL-3-vect or FBL-3 cells. Vaccination with mitomycin-C inactivated FBL-3-GM-CSF in mice could significantly induce potent anti-tumor immune reaction compared with that with FBL-3- vect cells, FBL-3 cells or PBS. The growth rate of tumor in mice vaccinated with FBL-3-GM-CSF was markedly slower and the survival time was dramatically longer compared with in those vaccinated with the FBL-3-vect cells,FBL-3 cells or PBS. CONCLUSIONS: The vaccination with mitomycin-C inactivated FBL-3-GM-CSF for the treatment of leukemia is effective and feasible. The study provided experimental and theoretical data for further clinical study and application of GM-CSF gene-modified cancer vaccines.

OBJECTIVE: Heme oxygenase(HO)/carbon monoxide(CO) system and nitric oxide synthase(NOS)/nitric oxide(NO) system are up-regulated after recurrent febrile seizures(FS).The relationship between HO/CO and NOS/NO systems is unknown. This study examined the effect of the HO inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin Ⅸ (ZnPP-Ⅸ) on the expression of neuronal NOS (nNOS) mRNA and protein and also the plasma NO content in rats with recurrent FS. The goal was to study the effect of CO on the NOS/NO system. METHODS: Forty-eight developing rats were randomly assigned into three groups: Control group, FS group, and ZnPP-Ⅸ-treated FS group (n=16 each). FS were induced in rats by exposure to warm water bath, once every 2 days, 10 times in all. Plasma levels of NO and CO were detected by spectrophotometry. The expression of nNOS mRNA was detected in hippocampal neurons by in situ hybridization. nNOS protein expression in hippocampal neurons was examined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Recurrent FS induced an increased expression of nNOS mRNA and protein in hippocampal neurons. ZnPP-Ⅸ treatment decreased the concentrations of CO in plasma and increased the expression of nNOS mRNA and protein in hippocampal neurons and the NO content in plasma. CONCLUSIONS: Exogenously administering the HO inhibitor ZnPP-Ⅸ may increase the nNOS gene expression and NO production in recurrent FS, suggesting that CO might down-regulate the activity of NOS/NO system.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of compound ketamine oral solution (CKOS ) on the expression of NMDAR_1 and GABA_AR mRNA in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in rats in order to investigate the mechanism of sedation for this medicine. METHODS: Fifty Spragus- Dawley rats were randomly assigned into ten groups according to the observed time after CKOS administration (0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 240 and 360 minutes, n=5 each). The 0 minute group(Control group) received normal saline instead. Immune histochemistry staining and in situ hybridization were used to determine the expression and the distribution of NMDAR_1 and GABA_AR mRNA in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in various groups. RESULTS: The expressions of GABA_AR mRNA in the CA1 and CA3 regions of hippocampus were gradually increased after CKOS administration, with a significantly higher levels compared with those in the Control group at 30 and 90 minutes after administration. At 360 minutes the expression resumed to the similar levels to the Control group. The expressions of NMDAR_1 in the CA1 and CA3 regions of hippocampus were inhibited after CKOS administration, and were significantly lower compared with those in the Control group at each observed time point. CONCLUSIONS: CKOS may increase the GABA_AR mRNA expression and inhibit the NMDAR_1 expression in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in rats, which may be the underlying mechanism of sedation for this medicine.

OBJECTIVE: Aquaporin- 4 (AQP4) is a member of a family of water-selective channel proteins that is highly expressed in the brain. This study investigated the alterations of AQP4 expression and its relationship with cerebral edema monitored by magnetic resonance(MR) imaging in neonatal rats following hypoxia-ischemia (HI). METHODS: Seven-day-old neonatal rats were subjected to right carotid artery occlusion plus hypoxia in 8% oxygen. T2 values and apparent diffuse coeffcient (ADC) were acquired by MR imaging before HI, and 0, 1 and 24 hrs after HI. AQP4 expression in the brain and permeability of blood brain barrier were examined by immunohistological staining. Semiquantitive analysis of AQP4 protein was done by Western blotting. RESULTS: ADC significantly decreased in almost entire cerebral hemisphere ipsilateral to the occlusion at 0 hr after HI, recovered partially at 1 hr after HI, and at 24 hrs after HI the changes remained similar to that at 1 hr after HI. T2 values increased in the ipsilateral hemisphere at 0 hr after HI, recovered partially at 1 hr after HI, and then remained unchanged until 24 hrs after HI. IgG extravasation was observed at o hr after HI, and gradually increased after HI. AQP4 immunoreactive expression in the ipsilateral hemisphere to the occlusion decreased at 0 hr, 1 hr or 24 hrs after HI. The areas of AQP4 immunoreactive expression decrease coincided well with the regions of ADC and T2 changes after HI. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that AQP4 protein was not significantly reduced until 24 hrs after HI. CONCLUSIONS: AQP4 expression in the brain decreased in the neonatal rats following HI and the decrease of AQP4 expression may be involved in the development of acute HI cerebral edema. The rapid decrease in AQP4 immunoreactive expression following HI is likely due to conformational changes or translocation of AQP4 protein.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal bifida aperta (SBA) can lead to different degrees of bladder dysfunction, the mechanism is unclear. This paper determined the expression of choline acetyl transferase (CHAT), dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in the urinary bladder in rat embryos with SBA. The goal was to study the role of these genetic expressions in the development of bladder dysfunction. METHODS: Rat embryos with SBA were generated by an administration of retinoic acid (RA) to pregnant rats. Normal rat embryos (Control group, n=20) and rat embryos with SPA (Study group, n=20) on day 20 of gestation were taken out. The specimens from the bladder were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry for the detection of CHAT, DBH and CGRP expression. RESULTS: In the Control group, the bladder was composed of mucosa, submucosa, muscle and adventitia, and the immunoreactive nerve fibers of all markers were abundant in various layers of the bladder. In the Study group, the bladder muscle layer of the rat embryos was thin and less abundant. The expressions of CHAT (156±9), DBH (32±6) and CGRP (121±11) in the Study group were significantly lower than those in the Control group (398±13, 378±14 and 412±25, respectively) (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The bladder muscles were poorly developed and the expression of CGRP, CHAT and DBH were decreased in the rat embryos with SPA. These changes might contribute to the bladder dysfunction caused by SPA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is an association between low serum concentrations of vitamin E (VitE) and peripheral nerve injury, and to investigate the therapeutic effects of VitE supplementation on peripheral nerve and hepatic injury induced by cholestasis. METHODS: Thirty 2-day-old Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups: Untreated hepatopathy group, VitE-treated hepatopathy group and Normal control group (n=10 each).Cholestatic hepatopathy was induced by gastric lavage with α-Naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT, 60 mg/kg,once every two days for 6 weeks) in rats. The VitE-treated group received additionally VitE by gastric lavage (70 IU/kg, once daily for 6 weeks).Serum VitE concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Serum concentrations of total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured by automated biochemical analyzers. The histopathological changes of liver and sciatic nerves were observed under light and electronic microscopes. Average areas of liver lesions were measured by automated image analysis. RESULTS: In Untreated hepatopathy group the serum DB concentration increased by 62.4 times and the serum TB concentration increased by 30.0 times compared with those of the Normal control group. Serum concentrations of DB and TB in the VitE-treated group were much lower than those of Untreated hapatopathy group, although they were higher than those of the Normal control group. The extent of necrosis and fibrosis in the liver of the Untreated hepatopathy group was significantly larger than in the VitE-treated group. The Untreated hepatopathy group showed lower serum VitE concentrations than the Normal control group (P=0.004). VitE treatment significantly increased the serum VitE concentrations, to the same as Normal control group. Pathologic changes were observed in the sciatic nerves in the Untreated hepatopathy group, including axonal degeneration and demyelination. VitE treatment significantly reduced the extent of pathologic changes in the sciatic nerves. The Untreated hepatopathy group had significantly more nerve transections with severe lesions than the VitE-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: VitE deficiency may be the dominant cause of peripheral nerve injury in cholestatic hepatopathy. VitE treatment can effectively reduce the extent of peripheral nerve injury, decrease serum concentrations of TB and DB, and reduce the extent of liver injury and fibrosis induced by cholestatic hapatopathy.

Objective To investigate the mental health status and the effect of the integrative psychosocial treatment on childhood conduct disorder (CD). Methods Forty children with CD received solution-focused brief therapy(SFBT) along with family therapy for 3 months. The mental health status of patients was assessed through the symptom checklist(SCL-90) and the CD symptoms scale before and after treatment.Results After treatment, a significant efficacy of as high as 67.5% and a total response rate of 90.0% were achieved in children with CD. Compared with the domestic norm of SCL-90 scoring, the SCL-90 total score and the scores of 6 factors, including obsessive compulsive disorder,interpersonal sensitivity,depression,anxiety,hostility,and phobic anxiety, in children with CD before treatment were significantly higher. After treatment the scores were reduced to the normal levels in children with CD. Conclusions SFBT combined with family therapy can significantly improve the obsessive compulsive disorder,interpersonal sensitivity,depression,anxiety,hostility,and phobic anxiety in children with CD. It is effective in the treatment of CD.