Objective To investigate the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension in hypertensive patients aged 80 or over and associated risk factors at level A tertiary hospitals.Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among very old hypertensive patients (≥ 80 years) at 28level A tertiary hospitals by using questionnaire-based surveys.A total of 1298 hypertensive subjects aged between 80 and 101 years were enrolled in this study.Blood pressures was measured in the supine position and the upright position within three minutes of standing,and 316 patients were assigned to the orthostatic hypotension(OH) group and the other 982 patients to the non-orthostatic hypotension(NOH) group.Additional information was acquired through patients' medical records and the questionnaire.Results The prevalence of OH was 24.3％ (316 cases) There were no significan different betueen OH patienl with NOHones in gender and age.OH patients had higher supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure(P=0.003 and 0.000,respectively),lower standing systolic and diastolic blood pressure(P=0.000 and 0.000,respectively),and higher rates of past coronary heart disease,stroke and renal abnormalities (P =0.037,0.001 and 0.014,respectively) than NOH patients.Logistic regression analysis showed that the prevalence of OH in the patients was positively correlated with supine systolic blood pressure(OR=1.196,CI:1.153-1.242,P=0.000) and supine diastolic blood pressure (OR =1.740,CI:1.602-1.885,P =0.000) and was negatively correlated with standing systolic blood pressure(OR =0.824,CI:0.795-0.855,P=0.000) and standing diastolic blood pressure (OR =0.584,CI:0.539-0.634,P =0.000).Conclusions The prevalence of orthostatic hypotension is high in hypertensive patients aged 80 years or over at level A tertiary hospitals.Poor blood pressure control may increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension.

Objective To investigate the protective effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transplantation (MSCT) and mobilization on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) with acute renal injury.Methods A total of 240 SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group ( n =48 ),model control group ( n =48 ),MSCT group ( n =48),bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells mobilization (MSCM) group ( n =48) and MSCT +MSCM group ( n =48 ) according to the random number table.Rat models of SAP were made by peritoneal injection of L-arginine.Rats in the MSCT group were injected with 1.2 ml of bone marrow mesenchymai stem cells via femoral vein at 6 hours after SAP model establishment; rats in the MSCM group were subcutaneously injected with 40 μg/kg of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) at 3 days before SAP model establishment; rats in the MSCT + MSCM group were injected with 1.2 ml of MSC and 40 μg/kg of G-CSF simultaneously; rats in the sham operation group were injected with equal volume of normal saline.According to different time points after operation,rats in each group were subdivided into 12 h,24 h,48 h and 72 h groups (n =12).At each time points after operation,the mortality rate,pathological changes of renal tissue,expression of Bax protein,Bcl-2 protein and apoptosis indexes of renal tubular epithelium cells were observed.The contents of tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α),interleukin-6 (IL-6),blood urea nitrogen (BUN),creatinine (Cr),lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined.All data were analyzed by using SNK-q test,Fisher exact probability and analysis of variance.Results All rats in the sham operation group were survived.The numbers of rats in the model control group survived at postoperative 48 hours and 72 hours were 11 and 8,respectively.No rat died at postoperative 48 hours in the MSCT group,MSCM group and MSCT + MSCM group.The numbers of rats survived at postoperative 72 hours in the MSCT group,MSCM group and MSCT + MSCM group were 11,10 and 11,which were not significantly different from the number of survived rats in the model control group (P ＞0.05).The pathological injuries of renal tissues were relieved in the MSCT group,MSCM group and MSCT + MSCM group when compared with model control group.The expression of Bax protein,Bc1-2 protein,renal tubular epithelium cell apoptosis indexes at 12-72 hours were 12.80 + 1.78-20.30 + 2.40,4.34 + 1.20-3.03 ± 1.06,12.65％ ±2.31％-35.10％ ± 5.54％ in the model control group,9.68 ± 2.11-17.01 ± 2.54,5.57 ± 1.35-4.13 + 1.05,6.20％ ± 1.53％- 17.50％ ± 2.80％ in the MSCT group,10.05 ± 2.17-16.81 ± 2.55,5.49 ± 1.48-4.19 ±1.05,6.41％± 1.64％-17.14％±2.27％ in the MSCM group,8.33 ±2.06-14.03 ±2.27,6.60 ±2.11-5.63 ±1.52,5.80％ ± 1.52％-12.30％ ±2.43％ in the MSCT + MSCT group.There were significant differences in the expressions of Bax protein at 24 and 72 hours,Bcl-2 protein at 48 and 72 hours,renal tubular epithelium cell apoptosis index at 24,48 and 72 hours between the MSCT group,MSCM group and MSCT + MSCM group ( P ＜0.05 ),but no significant difference was found between the MSCT group and the MSCM group ( P ＞ 0.05 ).The contents of TNF-α,IL-6,BUN,Cr,LDH,CRP in the MSCT group,MSCM group and MSCT + MSCM group were decreased when compared with those in the model control group,and a significant decrease of the 6 factors was observed in the MSCT + MSCM group.There were significant difference in the content of TNF-α at 72 hours,IL-6,BUN and Cr at 48 and 72 hours,LDH at 24,48 and 72 hours and CRP at 72 hours between the MSCT group,MSCM group and MSCT + MSCM group (P ＜0.05),while no significant difference was observed between the MSCT group and the MSCM group (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion MSCT and MSCM can significantly protect acute renal injury in the progress of SAP,the probable mechanisms are pathological regeneration,anti-inflammatory effect and apoptosis inhibition of mesenchymal stem cells.

Adult ; Aneurysm ; surgery ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Pacemaker, Artificial

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlations of 24 biochemical markers in the seminal plasma with routine semen parameters.

METHODSAccording to the WHO5 standards, we analyzed the routine semen parameters of 66 subfertile men, including the semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, and the percentage of progressively motile sperm (PR). Based on the calibration and quality control measures and using an automatic biochemistry analyzer or electrolyte analyzer, we detected 24 biochemical markers in the seminal plasma of the patients, including total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), globulin (Glb), uric acid (UA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), alpha hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (αHBDH), adenosine deaminase (ADA), glucose (Glu), triglyeride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), urea nitrogen (UN), creatinine (Cr), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), K+, Na+, Cl- , Ca, Mg, and phosphorus (P). Then we analyzed the correlations of the 24 biochemical markers with routine semen parameters.

RESULTSThe levels of the TP, Alb, and Glb proteins in the seminal plasma were positively correlated with sperm concentration, so was that of Alb with the total sperm count, and the AST and LDH activities with sperm concentration and total sperm count. The AKP activity in the seminal plasma was correlated negatively with the semen volume, but positively with sperm motility. The αHBDH activity exhibited a positive correlation with both sperm concentration and total sperm count, with a coefficient of correlation (r) above 0.7. The UN level was correlated negatively with the semen volume, so was the Cr level with the semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count, and the Glu level with sperm concentration and total sperm count. The TG level was correlated positively with the semen volume, but negatively with sperm motility. The levels of seminal plasma ALT, GGT, ADA, UA, TC, CK, and hsCRP showed no correlation with the above-mentioned semen parameters. None of the seminal plasma K+, Na+, Ca, Mg, and P levels was found correlated with semen parameters except the Cl- level, which was negatively correlated with the semen volume.

CONCLUSIONMany biochemical markers in the seminal plasma are closely related to routine semen parameters, indicating that these biochemical components may play roles in spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and physiological metabolism.

Objective To evaluate the clinical results of femoral-deep femoral crossover bypass in the treatment of long-segment unilateral iliac artery occlusive disease.Methods From July 1995 to December 2010,40 patients (28 males,12 females,aged from 66 to 90,with mean age of 73) with comprehensive unilateral iliac-superficial femoral arteriosclerosis obliterans were enrolled in this procedure.All patients suffered from unilateral common iliac,external iliac,common femoral,and superficial femoral arteriosclerosis obliterans.These patients were treated with femoral-deep femoral crossover bypass.Postoperative ankle-brachial index,blood flow velocity and patency rates in 5,7 and 10 years and limb salvage rates in 5,7 and 10 years were evaluated.Results There was no perioperative mortality nor extremity amputation.35 (87.5％ ) patients were followed-up from 1 to 13 years (mean 5.7 y).Anklebrachial index rose from preoperative 0.23 ± 0.10 to postoperative 0.55 ± 0.11 (t =15.91,P =0.000 ).Popliteal arterial velocity rose from preoperative ( 14 ±6) cm/s to postoperative (34 ± 10) cm/s (t =15.63,P =0.000) ; Tibial arterial velocity rose from ( 10 ±4) cm/s to (22 ±7) cm/s (t =15.71,P =0.000).The primary and secondary patency rates were 60.1％,44.3％,25.3％,and 93.5％,86.8％,57.9％ at 5,7 and 10 years,respectively.Limb salvage rates were 97.5％,95％,and 90％,at 5,7 and 10 years,respectively.Conclusions Femoral-deep femoral crossover bypass is safe and reliable in treating certain unilateral iliofemoral occlusive disease,especially for high-risk old patients or those who are not indicated for endovascular therapies or direct aortic approaches.

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for the treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity.Methods Clinical data of 195 patients of acute DVT treated by CDT and adjunctive angioplasty and stenting from August 2010 to February 2014 were analyzed retrospectively.CDT by antegrade puncture of popliteal vein,CDT by great saphenous vein and CDT by retrograde puncture of contralateral femoral vein were used in these cases.Venous recanalization was graded by a thrombus score based on pre-and post-treatment venography.Results Technique success rate,clinical success rate,in popliteal vein group,great saphenous vein group and contralateral femoral vein group were 94.6％,72.2％ and 90.3％,97.3％,83.3％,and 90.0％.Patent rate of deep venous,patent rate of stenting and mild post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) rate were 88.6％,66.7％ and 75.0％,83.3％,57.1％ and 88.9％,8.3％,26.7％ and 20.8％.Conclusion CDT by antegrade puncture of popliteal vein group combined with adjunctive angioplasty and stenting is safe and effective with higher clinical success rate and better long term results than other approaches for the treatment of DVT patients.

Four screening methods, colorimetric assay, blood-plate hemolysis method, surface tension activ- ity and oil spreading technique were introduced to isolate strains producing bio-demulsifiers from 6 different bacteria source samples. The results of various screening methods were evaluated in this paper. Seventeen demulsifying strains were obtained, which are qualified in demulsification test of kerosene model emulsions. Among them, 5 strains showed high demulsifying ability, achieving 70% plus demulsifying ratio within 24 hours. Petroleum-contaminated soil, excess sludge from biological process treating oilfield produced water and sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plant were the best among all tested sources. Due to the determination limit, the colorimetric assay and blood-plate hemolysis method are not competent to screen bio-demulsifiers strains. The measurement of surface tension and oil spreading method were easy but accu- rate methods to isolate bio-demulsifiers strains. Although demulsification test of model emulsion is an effec- tive technique to target strains with the capability of breaking emulsions, it is sophisticated and time-con- suming. Thus it is recommended to use surface tension and oil spreading methods in pre-screening and vali- date the results in demulsification test with kerosene model emulsions.

Although it is widely studied as a promising bio-surfactant,biosynthesis of Rhamnolipid has not been applied in large-scale due to its high production cost.As a cheap alternative carbon source,waste edible oils have been extensively studied for the production of rhamnolipid.This paper reviewed the recent re-search in this field,including the influence of various waste edible oils and production,chemical structure and properties of the produced rhamnolipids.With waste edible oils,the maximum production of rham-nolipids was reported to be 24.61 g/L.The lowest surface tension was 24 mN/m and the lowest CMC of the produced rhamnolipids was 40.19 mg/L.In addition,this paper also summarized the effect of various factors on the rhamnolipids biosynthesis,such as bacteria strains,nitrogen sources,trace minerals,dissolved oxygen,pH and fermentation conditions.Based on this,the key points of the mass production of rhamnolipids with waste edible oils were also discussed.

Objective To study the association of the expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist gremlin and vascular calcification in radial arteries of patients with stage 5 of chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods Radial arteries of 40 patients with stage 5 of CKD were collected as specimens of the study group,which were trimmed off during arterial venous fistula operations.Splenic trabecular arteries were collected as specimens of the control group,which were removed from 38 patients with simple traumatic splenic rupture.All the arteries were examined histologically for calcification with yon Kossa stain.Expressions of gremlin and BMP-2,-7were detected by immunohistochemistry and their serum concentrations were detected by ELISA.Images of histological sections were semi-quantitatively analyzed by Image-Pro Plus 6.0.SPSS 19.0software was used to perform statistical analysis.Results Significantly positive von Kossa stain was found in radial arteries from 12 of 40 patients (30％) in study group,which located in the layer of medial smooth muscle cells.However,there was no obvious positive stain in control group.Additionally,in study group,significant expressions of gremlin and BMP-2 were detected in those radial arteries of positive yon Kossa stain,which also located in the layer of medial smooth muscle cells.Positive correlations were found among gremlin expression level,BMP-2 expression level and yon Kossa stain intensity.However,the BMP-7 expression intensity in arteries of study group was much weaker as compared to control group.Conclusions Both gremlin and BMP-2 may be involved in the process that the smooth muscle cells of radial arteries in patients with stage 5 of CKD phenotypically transform into osteoblast-like cells.However,BMP-7 possibly prevents this process.

Objective To assess longitudinal segmental myocardial strain and displacement of left ventricle (LV) in patients with dual chamber pacing (DDD) using velocity vector imaging (VVI) and to explore the clinical application value of VVI in assessing left ventricular motion.Methods A total of 23 patients before and after DDD pacemaker implantation were enrolled in this study.The peak systolic strain and displacement of ventricular segments were measured with VVI and compared before and after pacemaker implantation.Results Compared to the values at the baseline,the strain and displacement of lateral,interventricular septum,anterior and posterior wall of LV in patients with pacing were significantly decreased.The strain,displacement of basal and mid segments with pacing were decreased as well(P＜0.01).The left ventricular strain and displacement in patients with pacing were significantly decreased than those of patients at the baseline(P＜0.05).Left ventricular longitudinal displacement before and after DDD pacing was significantly decreased from basal,mid to apical segments.But no significant difference was found in longitudinal strain from basal,mid to apical segments of LV.Conclusions (1) Left ventricular strain and displacement in patients with pacing were different between those before and after DDD pacing.(2) VVI can accurately assess left ventricular strain and displacement in patients with DDD pacing,and can become a powerful mean to assess the regional myocardial function.