To investigate the role of immediate-early gene c-fos in sodium selenite-induced apoptosis and its position in a possible cascade of apoptogenic genes, we compared the time-courses of expression for 5 related genes, including c-fos, during the apop- tosis induced by sodium selenite with or without blockage of c-fos expression by adding c-fos antisense oligodeoxynucleotide ( ASO) in cultured cortical neurons. The results showed that: (1) in control experiments without c-fos ASO adding, 0. 5 μmol/ L sodium selenite-induced apoptosis as revealed by electrophoretic and flow cytometric examinations; at the same time, sodium selenite also induced down-regulation of bcl-2 mRNA expression and up-regulations of mRNAs related to bax, c-fos, p53, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) genes; (2) in similar experimental conditions with c-fos ASO cotreatment, the sodium selenite-in- duced apoptosis was blocked with the up-regulation of p53 expression still emerging as before, while the changes in expressions of bcl-2, bax, AChE genes were reversed at the same time. The results suggest that c-fos ASO could play a protective role upon cortical neurons from suffering apoptosis induced by sodium selenite, and there might exist a cascade of gene expressions with p53 and c-fos genes being regulated upstream and then bcl-2, bax, and AChE genes being regulated downstream.

OBJECTIVETo explore the treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis with bone defect after debridement and evaluate its clinical outcomes.

METHODSFrom June 2009 to June 2011, 52 patients with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis were treated with stage-one compound grafting of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous cancellous bone,including 12 females and 40 males with an average age of 43 years old ranging from 18 to 67. According to Cierny-Mader classification, there were 34 cases with stage III and 18 with stage IV. There were 32 cases on right side and 20 on left,with a course of 6 months to 3 years. The area of soft tissue wound ranged from 3.0 cm x l.5 cm to 23.0 cm x l2.0 cm. The clinical effects were evaluated according to infection controlling, calcium sulfate absorption,bone defect repair and heel functional recovery.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 2 to 3.8 years (averaged 2.8 years). Primary healing was achieved in 52 patients. Two cases of recurrence were found post-operatively, 1 case in 3 months and another in 5 months,which were cured after a second operation. Bone repair healing was gained in 1.5 to 3.5 months (averaged 2.5 months). Complete radiological absorption of calcium sulfate was found in 1.2 to 3 months(averaged 2.2 months). Local exudation after removal of drainage tube had been persisting in 10 patients for 2 to 3 months, which was consistent with the time when cacium sulfate were totally absorbed. Flap had partial necrosis in 4 cases,and the wounds were closed after appropriate treatment finally. The mean Maryland score was 88.15±7.70. There were excellent results in 32 cases, good in 14, fair in 6.

CONCLUSIONA satisfactory short-term clinical results can be gained by one-stage compound grafting of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous cancellous bone in chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis, but the long-term results need further follow-up. And much more study is also demanded to reduce the exudation of calcium sulfate.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Bone Transplantation ; Calcaneus ; injuries ; surgery ; Calcium Sulfate ; therapeutic use ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteomyelitis ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Surgical Flaps ; Wound Healing ; Young Adult

Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of a novel biodegradable polymer and rapamycin-coating stent, the EXCEL stent, in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD), as compared with the CypherTM stent. Methods In this prospective, non-randomized study, 60 consecutive patients with symptomatic CAD received either an EXCEL stent (n=32), or a CypherTM stent(n=28),according to their respective treatment intention. Follow-up angiography was performed at a mean of 180±40 days. The primary endpoint of the study was the occurrence of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE), including death, myocardial infarction, or target-vessel revascularization during the 6 months after stenting. The secondary end points included the in-stent late luminal loss (LLL), percentage of in-stent stenosis of the luminal diameter, and the rate of restenosis (luminal narrowing of 50 percent or more) at 6 months. Results There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics, including the distribution of target vessel and lesion types. During the follow up period of 6 months, there were no occurrences of MACE in either group. Twenty-seven patients(84%) in the EXCEL group and 10 (36 %) in the CypherTM group underwent quantitative coronary angiography at 6 months. For these patients, no restenosis occurred, and there were no differences in the in-stent stenosis of the luminal diameter (5.98±5.52% vs 5.21 ±6.3%,P＞0.05) and the LLL (-0.02±0.09 mm vs -0.01±0.07 mm, P＞0.05). Conclusions Compared with the CypherTM stent, the EXCEL Stent with biodegradable polymer and rapamycin-coating showed similar efficacy in the prevention of neointimal proliferation, restenosis, and associated clinical events in CAD patients.

Objective: To investigate the correlation between FIB-4 and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection. Methods: From January 2009 to December 2012, the clinicopathological and follow-up data of 245 patients with HCC after curative resection were retrospectively studied. Their survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for the multivariate analysis. Results: According to FIB-4 index, patients were divided into two subgroups: FIB-4Ⅰ(≤3.25) and FIB-4Ⅱ(>3.25). FIB-4 could predict liver cirrhosis severity (Ishak grade, Grade 1-5 vs. Grad 6, r=0.681, P<0.001). It was associated with liver function such as:aspartate transaminase (P<0.001)、total bilirubin (P=0.009)、albumin (P=0.001) and platelet count (P<0.001) other than tumor clinicopathologic features. Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed FIB-4 could predict the prognosis of HCC patients (Overall survival: P=0.037 and 0.011; Recurrencefree survival: P=0.027 and P=0.043, respectively). Conclusion: The preoperative FIB-4 index could be used as a prognostic marker for the prognosis of HCC after curative hepatectomy.

Objective To evaluate the forecasting capability of serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide ( NT-proBNP) level for Left ventricular ( LV) remodeling of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) through observation of the relationship between serum NT-proBNP on the 3rd day and LV remodeling following onset of AMI. Methods Electrochemilumin-escence was adopted to determine the serum NT-proBNP level on the 3rd day after AMI attack for 106 cases of patients with anterior, anteroseptal and anterolateral AMI, with echocardiography performed to detect LV end-diastolic diameter (LVDd) and leftventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) respectively on the 3rd day and 3 months after the attack. Results The serum NT-proBNP level of AMI patients on the 3rd day averaged 1039. 28 (241. 50-1 184. 25) ng/L For AMI patients on the 3rd day and 3 months after, LVDd rose to (53?7) mm (P 0.05) from (53?8) %. NT-proBNP concentration on the 3rd day after AMI onset was positively correlated with△LVDd significantly, r =0. 403 (P 5mm during the 3 months and LVEF at the 3rd month≤40 % , AUC was 0. 893. Conclusion The test results showed serum NT-proBNP level for AMI patients on the 3rd day may be used as one of forecasting indexes of LV remodeling for AMI of advanced stage.

Chinese patent orthopedic medicines feature complex components, mainly including desperate and toxic herbal pieces, narrow safety window, more clinical contraindications and frequent adverse drug reaction/events (ADR/ADE). To study the general safe medication regularity of Chinese patent orthopedic medicines, define key points in the medication education and ensure rational clinical medication, the authors took 80 types of commonly used Chinese patent orthopedic medicines as the study objects, collect 237 cases from 164 ADR/ADE documents through a system retrieval strategy, make a multidimensional literature analysis to determine the common risk factors for safe and rational medication of Chinese patent orthopedic medicines and establish an ADR/ADE prevention regularity. First, in the aspect of clinical symptoms, skin allergy is the most common ADR/ADE and closely related to the toxic ingredients, particularly accumulated liver or kidney damage caused by some drugs. Second, there are three time nodes in the ADR/ADE occurrence; The ADR/ADE occurred in 30 minutes is closely related to the idiosyncrasy; the ADR/ADE occurred between several months and half a year is related to the drug-induced liver and kidney damages; The most common ADR/ADE was observed within 7 days and predictable according to the pharmacological actions; Third, toxicity is an important factor in the occurrence of ADR/ADE of Chinese patent orthopedic medicines. Fourth, emphasis shall be given to the special medication factors, such as the combination with western medicines and Chinese herbal decoctions, overdose and long-course medication and self-medical therapy. In conclusion, the general ADR/ADE prevention regularity for Chinese patent orthopedic medicines was summarized to provide supports for clinicians in safe and rational medication and give the guidance for pharmacist in medication education.
Adult ; Aged ; Bone Diseases ; drug therapy ; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions ; etiology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nonprescription Drugs ; Orthopedics ; legislation & jurisprudence ; Young Adult

The quality markers (Q-markers) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have become a topic of interest in TCM research in recent years. Nonetheless, there is still no consensus on how to scientifically characterize TCM Q-markers. Our study establishes an identification method for TCM Q-markers based on the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the entropy weight comprehensive method. By constructing an evaluation system encompassing the target layer, the factor layer and the control layer, AHP can be used to analyze the weight of three core TCM quality attributes, including effectiveness, testability and specificity. Following that, the entropy weight method is employed to analyze the specific indicators for each attribute based on the literature and experimental data. Finally, the comprehensive weight of each index is obtained by combining the two weights, and the comprehensive weight and the specific value of each component is multiplied and summed to obtain the integrated score ranking, and thereby identify the TCM Q-markers. Taking Shaoyao Gancao decoction as an example, the analysis revealed that the top 8 components are as follows: paeoniflorin > quercetin > albiflorin > glycyrrhizic acid > naringenin > liquiritin > oxypaeoniflorin > benzoylpaeoniflorin, and can be identified as Q-markers of Shaoyao Gancao decoction. This study not only provides support for the establishment of quality standards and process quality control of TCM formulae, but also provides innovative ideas and methods for quantitative evaluation and accurate identification of TCM Q-markers.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the assessment of plaque characteristics and drug eluting stent deployment quality in the elderly patients with unstable angina (UA) and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Methods OCT was used in elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions.Fifteen patients, 9 males and 6 females with mean age of 72.6±5.3 years (range 67-92 years) were enrolled in the study. Images were obtained before initial balloon dilatation and following stent deployment. The plaque characteristics before dilation, vessel dissection,tissue prolapse, stent apposition and strut distribution after stent implantation were evaluated. Results Fifteen lesions were selected from 32 angiographic lesions as study lesions for OCT imaging after diagnostic coronary angiography. There were 7 lesions in the left anterior descending artery, 5 lesions in the right coronary artery and 3 lesions in the left circumflex coronary artery. Among them,12 (80.0%) were lipid-rich plaques, and 10 (66.7%) were vulnerable plaques with fibrous cap thickness 54.2±7.3 μm. Seven ruptured culprit plaques (46.7%) were found; 4 in UA patients and 3 in NSTEMI patients. Tissue prolapse was observed in 11 lesions (73.3%).Irregular stent strut distribution was detected in 8 lesions (53.3%). Vessel dissections were found in 5 lesions (33.3%). Incomplete stent apposition was observed in 3 stents (20%) with mean spacing between the struts and the vessel wall 172±96 mm (range 117-436 mm).Conclusions 1) It is safe and feasible to perform intravascular OCT to differentiate vulnerable coronary plaque and monitor stent deployment in elderly patients with UA and USTEMI. 2) Coronary plaques in elderly patients with UA and USTEMI could be divided into acute ruptured plaque, vulnerable plaque, lipid-rich plaque, and stable plaque. 3) Minor or critical plaque rupture is one of the mechanisms of UA in elderly patients. 4) Present drug eluting stent implantation is complicated with multiple tissue prolapses which are associated with irregular strut distributions. 5) The action and significance of tissue prolapse on acute vessel flow and in-stent thrombus and restenosis need to be further studied.

Objective To investigate the effects of solifenacin on the detrusor instability of patients with overactive bladder (OAB).Methods A total of 20 outpatients with OAB of.1 - 20 ( mean, 8 )years, 12 males and 8 females, aged 21 - 83 ( mean, 43) years were included in this study.Five mg solifenacin was given orally once daily for 12 weeks.Before and after treatment, overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), patient perception of bladder condition symptoms rating scale (PPBC), and filling cystometry was performed.Results Before and after solifenacin administration, significant decrease were detected in term of unstable detrusor waves ( 2.3 ± 2.4) vs (0.6 ± 1.3 ) ( P ＜ 0.05 ), and detrusor overactivity ( DO ) disappeared in 6 patients.Bladder capacities at first desire to void and maximum bladder capacity were significantly increased (P ＜0.01 ).Bladder compliance and detrusor pressure at maximum urine flow had no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05 ).All patients had significant improvement in OAB symptoms evaluating by OABSS and PPBC ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Six patients had mild side effect of dry mouth and could be relieved by drinking more water.Conclusion Urodynamically, solifenacin decreases the detrusor overactivity, increases the bladder capacity and improves the quality of life of OAB patients.

Objectives:To report the clinical experience of combined interventional procedures in the treatment of elderly patients with coexisting two or more cardiovascular diseases in our medical center, and to assess the feasibility, safety and therapeutic efficacy of this management strategy. Methods : Patients were selected to the study if: 1) age ＞65 years; 2) with coexistence of two or more cardiovascular diseases which are indications for interventional therapy; 3) patients' general condition and organ functions allow the performance of combined multiple procedures; 4) the predicted procedure time is within 150 min; 5) the predicted contrast medium dosage is within 300 ml. The criteria we analyzed included procedural type, rocedural time, fluoroscopy time, dosage of contrast medium, success rates of the procedures, complications and in-hospital mortality. All patients were followed up for 30.4 ± 9.3 months,to determine the all-cause mortality, recurrence rates and adverse cardiac events. Results : From January 2000 to December 2004,combined interventional procedures were performed on 136 patients, with 2 procedures on 134 patients and 3 procedures on 2 patients.The mean procedure time was 115.4±11.6 min, the mean fluoroscopy time was 35.7±9.3 min, and the mean dosage of contrast medium used was 183.6±19.4 ml. Procedural success rate was 100%, no procedure related death or major complications occurred.Conclusion: Performed by a competent team, combined interventional procedures in elderly patients with multiple cardiovascular diseases were feasible and relatively safe.