Objective To compare the effects of fluvastatin and valsartan on the inflammatory cytokines in the early stage of type 2 diabetic nephropathy and their protective effects on to diabetic nephropathy. Methods Ninety patients with early stage of type 2 diabetic nephropathy were divided into three groups, 30 patients receiving routine hypoglycemic agents (DN1) as control,30 patients receiving routine hypoglycemic agents plus valsartan (DN2) and the other 30 receiving routine hypoglycemic agents plus fluvastatin (DN3). Blood glucose, blood lipid,serum creatinine and C reactive protein(CRP),24-hour urine protein,urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) and several inflammatory cytokine were measured before and after treatment. Results ( 1 ) No significant difference of the levels of serum CRP,TGF-β1,IL-6,TNF-α, IL-18 at the baseline were observedamong these three groups.In the DN2 group,after treatment,IL.6 was([15.99±2.87]ng/L and[17.64±2. 131 ,P <0. 05) ,TGF-β1 was ( [33.54 ±10. 69] μg/L and [40. 11 ± 12. 08] μg/L,t = -2. 921 ,P <0. 01 ),IL-18 was ( [139.65±66. 37] ng/L and [158.74±74. 20]ng/L,t = -2.053,P <0. 05),CRP was ( [5. 12±3. 54] mg/L and [6. 08 ±3. 39] mg/L, t = - 2. 072, P < 0. 05 ) after and before treatment, respectively. All abovemented indices significantly decreased after treatment. In the DN3 group, IL-6 was ( [15. 39 ±2. 77] ng/L ng/L,t = -3. 651 ,P <0. 01 ) ,TGF-β1 was ( [31.19 ±10. 48] μg/L and [37. 11± 11.76] μg/L,t = -2. 963,P<0.01),IL-18 was ([141.54 ±66.65] ng/L and [158.01±73.23] ng/L,t = -2. 182,P <0.05),CRP respectively. All abovemented indices significantly decreased after treatment No significant difference was observed on inflamaory factors after treatment between the DN2 and DN3 group ( P > 0. 05). (2) In the subgroup that there was no difference in blood pressure between before and after treatment in both the DN2 and DN3 group,in the DN3 group,UAER was ([63. 1 ±31.7] μg/min and[82.9±40.0] μg/min,t = -2. 145,P <0. 05) ,24 h total urokinase protein was ( [0. 14 ±0. 11] g/24 h and [0. 18±O. 15] g/24 h, t = - 2. 438, P <0. 05 ), microalbuminuria/urine creatinine was ( [ALb/Cr] [114. 7±68. 1] mg/g and [162.0±83.8] mg/g,t = - 2. 399, P < 0. 05 ) after and before treatment. All abovemention indices significantly decreased after treatment. In the DN3 group, UAER was ( [65.5 ±32. 6]μg/min and [83.5 ±42. 1]μg/min,t = - 2. 131, P <0. 05 ),24 h total urine protein was ( [0. 14 ±0. 11] g/24 h and [0. 18±0. 15] g/24 h, t = - 2. 438, P < 0. 05 ),0. 05 ) after and before treatment. All abovemention indices significantly decreased after treatment. No significant difference was observed after treatment between the DN2 and ON3 group ( P > 0. 05 ). Conclusion Both valsartan and fluvastatin are able to protect the renal function of patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy by decreasing the levels of urine proteins and correlated serum inflammatory cytokines.

Objective To explore application of the bolus-triggered technique and optimal match between collimation and pitch of MSCTA in intracranial and cervical arteries.Methods(1)The small-dose tests were performed in 19 healthy volunteers and the theoretical threshold was obtained by the time-density curve.(2)forty healthy volunteers were divided randomly into two groups and the scanning parameters were as follows.Group A:collimation 1.0 mm,pitch 1.750. Group B:collimation 2.5 mm,pitch 0.625. Statistical significance was determined with the X~2 test and t test(?=0.05).Results(1)In 19 volunteers,CT value 4 seconds before the peak was 75 HU,the CT value at the beginning segment of the carotid artery and the C_1 segment of internal carotid artery was in accordance with the standard.(2)Image quality ofⅠ,Ⅱgrades artery structures of group B was superior to that of group A.Image quality ofⅢ,Ⅴ grades artery structures of group A was superior to that of group B.Conclusions(1)MSCTA in intracranial and cervical arteries can display systematically the cerebral and carotid arteries.(2)The bolus-triggered technique can improve the image quality of the target vessels.The image quality of the MSCTA of intracranial and cervical arteries is better with the threshold of 75 HU on the basis of 3.5 ml/s injection rate.(3)On the basis of the same other parameters,the optimal scanning parameters are a collimation of 1.0 mm with a pitch of 1.750.

Objective To investigate the effect of chronic infection of Toxoplasma gondii on the spatial learning and memory capability in mice.Methods Toxoplasma tachyzoites(RH strain)were reanimated at 37 ℃ after 15 days' storage at-20 ℃,and injected intraperitoneally to mice of the experimental group each with 7.7?105.Normal saline was given to the control group,0.5 ml per mouse.Two months later,all mice were tested in the Morris Water Maze.Smears of the mice brain homogenate and pathological sections were examined.Results ① The density of cysts in the brain homogenate was 15/HP,and there was no evident pathological change in the hippocampus and adjacent areas of mice in the brain in the experimental mice.② Latency to platform,cumulative distance to the platform,total distance traveled in both experimental and control groups decreased significantly with the increase of training days(P

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of the level of lipid peroxidation and biomechanical properties after chronic treating with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in thoracic aorta of hyperlipemia (HL) rats.

METHODSHL rats were given BH4 chronically. The opening angle in the zero-stress state and the relationship between pressure and diameter (P-D) of mesenteric artery were measured by computer image 8, 16, and 24 week-old respectively.

RESULTSTreating with BH4 chronically from 8 week-old in HL rats, there was a significant increase in the zero-stress state of opening angle of thoracic aorta. The P-D curve of mesenteric artery moved upward.

CONCLUSIONTreating with BH4 prevented the structure and function of artery from abnormal changing, and attenuated lipid peroxidation in HL rats.

Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; drug effects ; Biopterin ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Hyperlipidemias ; drug therapy ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between the negative co-inhibitor programmed death-1 ( PD-1 ) and the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis ( MG), by detecting the expression of PD-1 and programmed death ligand-1 ( PD-L1 ) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and soluble PD-1 (sPD-1) in plasma from myasthenia gravis patients. MethodsPeripheral blood samples were collected from 45 MG patients and 33 healthy persons without prednisone or other immunodepressant treatment during the half year ahead of withdrawal.The expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 on PBMCs were detected using immuno-fluorescence labeling and flow cytometry, and the concentrations of sPD-1 in plasma were measured using an ELISA kit. Results(1) The proportion of CD4+ PD-1 + T cells, as well as CD14+ PD-L1 +monocytes of the MG group was higher than that of the control group. There were no significant differences in the proportion of CD4+ PD-1 + T cells or CD14+ PD-L1 + monocytes in the MG sub-groups between different genders or MG types. While the proportion of CD4+ PD-1 + T cells of the late-onset MG (age ≥40) group was higher than that of the early-onset MG group (age ＜40). And it was higher in the MG patients with thymoma or thymus hyperplasia than that from the MG patients with normal thymus. The proportion of CD14+ PD-L1 +monocytes from the MG patients with thymoma or thymus hyperplasia group decreased obviously compared with that of the patients with normal thymus group; but no difference could be found between the late-onset group and early-onset group. (2)The concentration of sPD-1 in the plasma from the group of MG patients was(6. 92 ±0. 72) ng/ml,which was higher than that of the healthy control group ( (3.28 ±0. 42) ng/ml),even more, it was significantly higher in the early-onset MG group than that of the late-onset MG group,there was a negative correlation( r =-0. 526, P =0. 000) between the age of onset and the concentration of sPD-1. ConclusionsThe increased expressions of PD-1 on CD4+ T cells and PD-L1 on CD14+ monocytes in MG patients suggested the involvement of the couple of molecules in the pathogenesis of MG.Higher concentration of soluble PD-1 in the plasma of patients with MG suggested that it might disturb the ligation of PD-1 and PD-L1 on T cells and antigen presenting cells, which might result in the abnormal transportation of the negative modulating signal, and accelerate the pathological progress of MG.

Objective To summarize the experiences of diagnosis and treatment for blunt tracheobronchial injuries ( BTI) . Methods From January 1993 to December 2013, 15 patients were diagnosed with BTI and underwent surgical treatment at our hospital.Mean age of the 15 patients (11 men and 4 women) was 26.4 ±4.5 years.All the patients had a history of trauma, which included crushing injury in 8 cases, deceleration injury in 4, fall injury in 2, and traction-type injury in 1.BTI loca-tion: right main bronchus in eight cases, left main bronchus in four cases, upper trachea in one case, lower trachea with the right main bronchus in one case, and cervico-thoracic trachea with left main bronchus in one case .Thoracic computerized tomo-graphy was performed in 15 patients, which showed pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum or falling lung sign of Kumpe.Preoperative fiberoptic bronchoscopy examination was performed in 15 cases, which included bronchial atresia in 9 cases, bronchial transection in 3 cases, laceration of trachea in 2 cases, and tracheal transection in 1 case.An e-lective surgical procedure after BTI was performed in 10 cases, and emergency surgery was performed in 5 cases.Tracheo-bron-chial laceration repair were performed in 2 cases, tracheal end-to-end reanastomosis in 1 case, and bronchial end-to-end re-anastomosis in 12 cases.Results There was no operative death, and one case was complicated with anastomotic stenosis.The average operation time was 205.7 ±41.3 minutes, and the average blood loss was 268.4 ±109 ml.The postoperative hospi-tal stay was 11.6 ±3.7 days on average.Follow-up was completed in 15 patients (mean, 29.3 months), and 15 patients were all symptomatic improvement .Conclusion The most common site of BTI was the right main bronchus near Carina parts .Al-though the diagnosis and treatment are often delayed , our findings indicate that chest CT and endoscopic findings could be used for the diagnosis of BTI.Surgical resection and reconstruction are effective methods to repair BTI successfully even many months after they occur.Often they do not require the resection of pulmonary parenchyma .

OBJECTIVETo summarize application experience of attain ® select II catheter delivery system for left ventricular lead implantation in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

METHODSCRT/CRT-D was applied for 86 patients with congestive heart failure and left bundle-branch block. Left ventricular lead implantation was applied without use of attain ® select II catheter delivery system in 42 patients without coronary vein anatomy variation (group A). Coronary sinus and cardiac vein angiography detected coronary vein anatomy variations in 44 patients and attain ® select II catheter delivery system was not used in 21 patients (group B) and used in 23 patients (group C). Total procedure time, LV lead implantation time, X-ray exposure time and complications were compared among groups. The optimal LV lead location were observed at the end of procedure.

RESULTSPatients were followed up to 245 days (160 - 368 days). Total procedure time [(119 ± 18) min vs. (142 ± 17) min; (119 ± 18) min vs. (143 ± 17) min], LV lead implantation time [(32 ± 7) min vs. (49 ± 8) min;(32 ± 7) min vs. (51 ± 7) min]and X-ray exposure time [(27 ± 6) min vs. (46 ± 84) min;(27 ± 6) min vs. (45 ± 7) min] were significant reduced in group C compared to group A and B. Procedure-related complications were similar among the 3 groups. The rate of optimal LV lead location was significantly higher in group C than in group B (96% vs. 71%).

CONCLUSIONSIt is feasible and safe to implant LV lead through coronary sinus with attain ® select II catheter delivery system. Applying Attain ® select II catheter delivery system can improve the rate of optimal LV lead location with coronary venous anatomy variation.

Aged ; Bundle-Branch Block ; complications ; surgery ; Cardiac Catheterization ; methods ; Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ; Catheters ; Female ; Heart Failure ; complications ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

This study was aimed to investigate the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and its clinical significance. Expression of VEGF was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the level of COX-2 was detected by Western blot. The results showed that the serum VEGF level of multiple myeloma patients (365.34 +/- 65.63 pg/ml) was higher than that in the normal persons (122.52 +/- 39.29 pg/ml) (p < 0.05); the serum VEGF level of patients at advanced stage (395.07 +/- 54.90) pg/ml was higher than those at stable stage (300.33 +/- 44.22) pg/ml (p < 0.05). The serum Cox-2 positive rate in the patients (31%) was higher than that in normal persons (0%) (p < 0.01); the serum Cox-2 positive rate in the patients at advanced stage (50%) was higher than those at stable stage (21%) (p < 0.01). It is concluded that VEGF and COX-2 may play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of multiple myeloma, they can be used to evaluate the status of patients with MM.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Case-Control Studies ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; blood ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; blood ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; blood

OBJECTIVETo study the influence of percutaneous microwave ablation (PMA) and surgical resection for patients with small primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) on dissemination of tumor cells in peripheral blood determined by AFP mRNA.

METHODSForty patients with small PHC (The maximal diameter < or = 5 cm) confirmed histologically were included in this study. All the patients had single tumor nodule only without metastasis. Of the 40 patients, 19 were treated by PMA and 21 by surgical resection. Blood samples were collected and tested immediately before treatment, 30 min after the mass ablated/resected, 1 d and 7 d later by RTD-Nested-RT-PCR for AFP mRNA. The CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD4/CD8 in blood, and hepatic function were tested at the same time points as well.

RESULTSAfter treatment, ALT and AST in peripheral blood increased in both groups, but more intensely in the surgical group. The CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 in peripheral blood decreased at 30 min, 1 day and 7 days after surgical resection, and the lowest value was at 30 min after surgery. The immune function was kept at the same level as pre-treatment in the PMA group. AFP mRNA copies in blood could be detected in 27 of 40 patients (67.5%) in two groups before treatment, and the copy number was increased after treatment. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The patients were followed up for 1 - 16 months. AFP mRNA copies in blood could be detected persistently in the 4 patients with extrahepatic metastasis or liver recurrence.

CONCLUSIONSurgical resection and microwave ablation may cause PHC cells dissemination into the blood circulation in patients with small PHC, and there was no difference between the two treatment groups. The cellular immune function in peripheral blood is decreased after surgical resection, but is maintained at the same level as pre-treatment in the PMA group. The impairment of liver function is less severe after PMA treatment than surgical resection. PMA may provide certain value for clinical management of small hepatocellular carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; CD3 Complex ; blood ; CD4 Antigens ; blood ; CD4-CD8 Ratio ; CD8 Antigens ; blood ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; blood ; surgery ; therapy ; Catheter Ablation ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; blood ; surgery ; therapy ; Male ; Microwaves ; therapeutic use ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics

BACKGROUNDDespite technical advances in tools used to facilitate implantation of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, there are many hurdles related mainly to the variation in the anatomy of the coronary veins. One such difficulty is the presence of a very sharply-angulated or tortuous of the lateral or posterolateral cardiac vein.

METHODSTotally 44 patients, 28 males and 16 females, with congestive heart failure and intraventricular conduction delay were studied retrospectively. There were 23 patients who had left ventricular (LV) lead implantation using standard techniques and equipment. For the other 21 patients with LV lead implantation we used the Attain Select II catheter delivery system. The patients were seen every 3 - 6 months for 12 months and the efficacy of the primary procedure, LV lead implantation time, procedure and fluoroscopy time and the complications associated with the two techniques were evaluated.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in the age, gender, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, ischemic etiology, QRS duration, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter and LV dyssynchrony between the two groups. The LV lead implantation time, procedure time and fluoroscopy time were significantly shorter in the group using the Attain Select II catheter delivery system; LV lead implantation time from (51 ± 7) minutes to (40 ± 7) minutes (P < 0.001), procedure time from (143 ± 17) minutes to (124 ± 18) minutes (P = 0.001), and fluoroscopy time from (45 ± 7) minutes to (35 ± 6) minutes (P < 0.001). A successful procedure of LV lead implantation was significantly improved from 17/23 (74%) patients using the standard techniques and equipment, to 20/21 (95.3%) patients using the Attain Select II catheter delivery system (P = 0.06)

CONCLUSIONIt is feasible and safe to implant LV leads through the coronary sinus using the Attain Select II catheter delivery system.

Aged ; Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ; methods ; Female ; Heart Failure ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left ; therapy