Objective To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a delivery pathway for the performance of percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion in experimental canine models. Methods Transseptal puncture was performed via femoral vein approach under fluoroscopic and angiographic guidance in 12 experimental dogs. A pigtail catheter was advanced into the left atrium (LA), which was followed by LA angiography. The diameters of the neck of LAA were measured on LAA angiogram obtained in appropriate projection. After the delivery sheath was advanced along the wire into LA, a pigtail catheter was inserted into the ostium of the LAA and the sheath was then advanced over the pigtail into the LAA. LAA angiography was then performed through the delivery sheath to confirm the position of the delivery sheath. One hour after the procedure both electrocardiography (ECG) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were carried out in five dogs to check the results, immediately after which the five dogs were sacrificed to macroscopically observe the damages of the puncture site of inter-atrial septum as well as inside the LA and LAA. One hour and 2 weeks after the procedure TTE was conducted in the remaining 7 dogs and these dogs were followed up for one month. Results One dog died of pericardial tamponade during the operation. In 8 dogs the LAA was clearly displayed in the projection position of right anterior oblique (RAO) 30°/cranial (CRA) 20°,while in 3 dogs the LAA was well visualized in the projection position of RAO 30° , and in one dog in the projection position of RAO 30°/caudal (CAU) 20°. The diameter of LAA neck was (13.6 ± 5.2) mm. The delivery sheath was safely advanced into the LAA along the pigtail catheter in all dogs, and no air embolism, thrombus or pericardial tamponade occurred. Hematoma at puncture point of groin occurred in 2 dogs, which was absorbed through pressure dressing. Macroscopic examination of the heart performed immediately after the operation showed that no bloody pericardial effusion was found, and mild hematoma at posterior wall of LA was seen in one dog and mild damage of the upper-margin intima of LAA was noted in 2 dogs. The mean fluoroscopy time was (10.1 ± 2.5) minutes and the mean operation time was (58 ± 12) minutes. TEE showed no pericardial effusion 2 weeks after the procedure. During the follow-up period of one month no sudden death, stroke or infection occurred. Conclusion This method of placing the delivery sheath into the LAA is clinically safe and effective, and it can reliably establish a pathway to advance the LAA occluder into LAA.

Objective To investigate the experiences in observation and nursing care during perioperative period of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas(DAVFS) embolized with coil and ONYX glue. Methods In the course of the operation,17 cases of cavernous sinus DAVFS were treated with psychological nursing, perioperation disease observation and complications preventive nursing. Results All patients with DAVFS could be embolized successfully using interventional techniques and without complications. Conclusions The therapeutic method of embolizing cavernous sinus DAVFS with coil and ONYX glue is secure and cost-effective.The key steps of the patients convalescence lie in comprehensive perioperative nursing,observing symptoms carefully and preventing complications.

Purpose: C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and integrin αvβ6 play important roles in the malignant progression of multiple cancers. However, it remains unclear whether the expression of one or both proteins in breast cancer (BC) is of clinical significance. In this study, we investigated the expression of CXCR4 and integrin αvβ6 in BC tissues and their correlation with clinicopathological characteristics, including survival. Methods: CXCR4 and αvβ6 expression in 111 BC tissues was examined by immunocytochemistry. Correlations between the expression of the 2 proteins and patient clinicopathological characteristic were investigated using the Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: CXCR4 and αvβ6 were overexpressed in BC tissue compared with normal breast tissue. Overexpression of both molecules was related to lymph node status (p = 0.013 and p = 0.022, respectively). αvβ6 overexpression was also associated with tumor size (p = 0.044). A positive correlation was detected between the expression of CXCR4 and αvβ6 (r = 0.649, p = 0.001), and co-overexpression of both molecules was associated with tumor size (p = 0.018) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.015). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that overexpression of CXCR4, αvβ6, or both molecules was associated with short overall survival (OS; p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.009, respectively) and disease-free survival (DFS; p < 0.001, p = 0.005, and p = 0.019, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that lymph node metastasis was an independent prognostic factor for unfavorable OS and DFS (p = 0.002 and p = 0.005, respectively), whereas co-overexpression of CXCR4 and αvβ6 was an independent prognostic factor only for OS (p = 0.043). Conclusion CXCR4 and αvβ6 may play synergistic roles in the progression of BC, and co-targeting of CXCR4 and αvβ6 could be a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of BC.

OBJECTIVETo Study the antioxidant activity of Herba Lycopi, and screen the main active fractions.

METHODThe different polar fractions were isolated from the ethanol extract of Herba Lycopi. The scavenging activity to DPPH and superoxide anions, reducing effect on Fe3+, and inhibiting activity of lipid peroxidation of the fractions were studied in vitro by high-throughput screening technique.

RESULTThe ethanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction (LLE-A. E, MCCM2921) and n-buthanol fraction (LLE-A. B, MCCM2922) of Herba Lycopi showed the scavenging activity to DPPH and superoxide anions, reducing effect on Fe3+, and inhibiting activity of lipid peroxidation.

CONCLUSIONThe ethanol extract and different polar fractions showed antioxidant capacity in vitro. That may be explain that the effect of activating blood and dissolving stasis and anti-fibrosis of Herba Lycopi in traditional application. The results may be helpful for further development of Herba Lycopi as a low-toxic antioxidant drug.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Lycopus ; chemistry ; Male ; Microsomes, Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Plant Extracts ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar