Objective To evaluate valvular functionality after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement in sheep using a novel polymeric prosthetic pulmonary valve.Methods In this study,we designed a novel polymeric trileaflet transcatheter pulmonary valve with a balloon-expandable stent,and the valve leaflet was made of 0.1 mm expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).We chose bovine pericardium valve as control.Pulmonary valve stents were implanted in situ by right ventricular apical approach in 8 healthy sheep(6 for polymeric valve and 2 for bovine pericardium valve) weighing an average of(22.8 ± 2.2) kg.Angiography was performed after implantation to assess immediate valvular function.Color Doppler echocardiography and 64-row computed tomography were used to assess valvular function 4 weeks after implantation.Results Implantation was successful in 8 sheep.Angiography at implantation showed one polymeric valve was located below the ideal position and most of the stent was in the outflow tract of right ventricle.While,all the other prosthetic valves demonstrated orthotopic position and exhibited normal open and close functionality.Echocardiography 4 weeks after implantation showed all the prosthetic valves exhibited normal functionality and no significant insufficiency.The peak-peak transvalvular pressure gradient of the polymeric valves was (18.8 ± 6.0) mmHg,while that of two bovine pericardium valves were 9 mmHg and 20 mmHg.CT 4 weeks after implantation demonstrated orthotopic position of the stents except the above-mentioned one and all the stents had no deformation.Conclusion The success rate of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement by right ventricular apical approach is satisfactory.The early valvular functionality of the novel ePTFE pulmonary valve after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement in sheep is good.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship of nitric oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) with varicocele (VC) infertility.

METHODSFifty-three infertile men, 21 with varicocele and 32 with subvaricocele, were enrolled as Group 1, 29 infertile patients with oligoasthenozoospermia but without varicocele as Group 2 and 28 normal fertile controls as Group 3. The NO content and NOS activity in the seminal plasma and peripheral blood were measured by nitric acid reductase method, and the semen parameters of VC determined by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA).

RESULTSSignificant differences were noted between Group 1 and the other two in the NO content and NOS activity in the seminal plasma (P < 0.05) but not in the peripheral blood (P > 0.05). In Group 1, the NO content and NOS activity were increased in both the seminal plasma and peripheral blood with the enhanced diameter of the varicose spermatic vein, with a significant difference only in the seminal plasma between the varicocele and subvaricocele patients (P < 0.05), and the same increase was observed with decreased sperm concentration (> or = 20 x 10(6)/ml and < or = 10 x 10(6)/ml) and motility (> or = 50% and < or = 25%), with significant differences (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONNO plays an important role in the VC-induced decrease of seminal quality. For the diagnosis of VC, the determination of the NO content and NOS activity in the seminal plasma is of more significance than that in the peripheral blood, and the earlier the determination, the greater its clinical value for both the diagnosis and treatment of VC.

Adult ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; etiology ; metabolism ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; metabolism ; Semen ; cytology ; metabolism ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Varicocele ; complications ; metabolism ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the protective effects ofYindan Xinnaotong (YDXNT) on neural cell apoptosis in the hippocampus CA1 regions of rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion and discuss the molecule mechanism of YDXNT treatment in cerebral ischemia.Methods Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group,model group,positive control group (nimodipine treatment group) and YDXNT treatment group.Prctreatment by continuous intragastric administration for 7 days were given to the rats in the nimodipine treatment group and YDXNT treatment group,while rats in the sham-operated group and model group daily were fed with isovolumic distilled water.Middle cerebral artery models were established by a modified Longa occlusion method in the eighth day.Positive cell population in the hippocampus CA1 region of rats with ischemia 2 h and reperfusion 24 h was marked by TUNEL,and the caspase-3 expression was measured by immunohistochemical method.Results As compared with that in the control group,the number of apoptosis and Caspase-3-positive cells was significantly increased (P＜0.05),decreased number of apoptosis and Caspase-3-positive cells in the YDXNT treatment group and nimodipine treatment group was noted as compared with that in the vihicle group (P＜0.05); however,no difference of them between the nimodipine treatment group and YDXNT treatment group was noted (P＞0.05).Conclusion YDXNT has some protective effect on rats with brain ischemia reperfusion injury,by reducing cell population of apoptosis,whose effect may be related to the reduced expression of Caspase-3.

Objective To evaluate the safety of influenza vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) immunized alone or in combination in elderly people and to raise the awareness of vaccine safety among the elderly. Methods From October 2014 to September 2015,454 eld-erly people who were over 60 years old and immunized with influenza vaccine and PPV23 alone or in combi-nation were recruited in this study and divided into five groups. Local and systemic reactions occurred within one month after vaccination were recorded. Results (1) Incidences of adverse reactions among all subjects and people vaccinated with influenza vaccine alone,domestic PPV23 alone,imported PPV23 alone,domes-tic PPV23 combined with influenza vaccine and imported PPV23 combined with influenza vaccine were 10.13%,5.35%,11.63 %,9.52%,17.24% and 12.63%,respectively. Local reaction,injection site pain and mild reaction were the common reactions to vaccination. All reactions occurred within seven days and most of them occurred within 30 minutes to one day after vaccination(82.61%). All subjects recovered within seven days and most of them recovered within one day (84.78%). (2) Compared with the people immunized with domestic or imported PPV23 or influenza vaccine alone,those immunized in combination had higher incidences of reactions to vaccination. Among the three single vaccination groups, domestic PPV23 group had the highest incidence of reactions,followed by imported PPV23 and influenza vaccine groups,but no significant difference was found among them(P>0.05). The incidence of responses to influenza vaccine combined with domestic PPV23 was higher than that to influenza vaccine combined with imported PPV23, but no significant difference was found between them (P>0.05). (3) In each group,women,people aged≥70 years or with chronic diseases had a higher incidence of responses to vaccination than men,people aged 60 to 69 years or without chronic diseases,respectively (P>0.05). Conclusion Immunization with influ-enza vaccine and PPV23 alone or in combination is safe and tolerable in elderly people regardless of gender, age,or whether they are suffering from chronic diseases or not. Both domestic and imported PPV23 have the feature of good safety.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of the improved plastic and reconstruction of the anus in situ.

METHODSImproved plastic and reconstruction of anus in situ was performed in 38 cases of low rectal cancers operated while Miles radical operation. Improvement includes: (1) The internal sphincter was rebuilt with 4 layers of muscle layer of the endmost of colon. (2) The last of gracilis was divided into 2 parts to reconstruct the superficial part and deep part of external sphincter muscle. (3) The rectum cape improvement is to firmly stitch the levator ani outside the external sphincter muscle in front of the colon. (4) The rectum valve is improved into three artificial rectum valves.

RESULTSThe form and function and their long term survival rate were good, the rate of superior anus function was 94.73%.

CONCLUSIONIt mains the results of improved plastic and reconstruction of anus in situ is near that of normal persons.

Adult ; Aged ; Anal Canal ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Rectum ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Wnt signaling suppression on proliferation of non small cell lung cancer to gefitinib, and its related mechanisms.

METHODSPC9 and PC9/AB2 cells of both gefitinib sensitive and resistant were treated with different concentrations of gefitinib, and the proliferation index was measured using CCK8 kit. The members of Wnt signaling pathway were detected by Western blot. Dual luciferase reportor gene assay (TOP Flash) was used to document the transcriptional level of β-catenin. β-catenin siRNA was transfected into PC9/AB2 cells to suppress the Wnt signaling transcription, followed by treatment with different concentrations of gefitinib. Western blot was then used to detect the expression of EGFR and its downstream signaling after inhibit the expression of β-catenin.

RESULTSTreating with different concentrations of gefitinib, the resistance of PC9/AB2 cells to gefitinib was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The members of Wnt signaling expressed at higher level in PC9/AB2 cells than in PC9 cells (t = 24.590, P = 0.000). TOP Flash examination showed that the endogenous transcriptional activity of Wnt signaling was higher in PC9/AB2 cell than that in PC9 cell (t = 4.983, P = 0.008). Compared with the negative control group, apoptotic rate and sensitivity to gefitinib significantly increased in interfered group (P < 0.05). The expression of p-ERK1/2 significantly decreased after Wnt signaling suppression, although other proteins showed no significant alterations.

CONCLUSIONSuppressing the activity of Wnt signaling can partly reverse the celluar resistance to gefitinib in non small cell lung cancer.

Antineoplastic Agents ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ; metabolism ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 ; metabolism ; Phosphorylation ; Quinazolines ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; drug effects ; beta Catenin ; metabolism

Objective To evaluate medium-term valvular functionality after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement in sheep using a novel polymeric prosthetic pulmonary valve(PPHV). Methods In this study, we designed a novel polymeric trileaflet transcatheter pulmonary valve with a balloon-expandable stent, and the valve leaflet was made of 0. 1mm expanded polytetrafluoroethylene( ePTFE) . We chose bovine pericardium valve as control. Pulmonary valve stents were implanted in situ by right ventricular apical approach in 12 healthy sheep(10 for polymeric valve and 2 for bovine pericardium valve) weighing anaverageof(22.1±2.3)kg. Echocardiography,angiography,64-rowcomputedtomography(CT),andautopsywereusedto assess valvular function 12 weeks after implantation. Results Two PPHVs failed to be implanted in situ of pulmonary valve po-sition. Implantation was successful in the other 10 sheep. One sheep died of pneumonia, and the other 9 sheep survived at the end of follow-up. Echocardiography 12 weeks after implantation showed all the PPHVs exhibited good functionality and no sig-nificant insufficiency. The peak-peak transvalvular pressure gradient of the PPHVs was(28.2 ±8.0)mmHg(16-38 mmHg) (1 mmHg=0. 133 kPa), while that of two bovine pericardium valves were 16 and 21 mmHg. Angiography and CT 12 weeks after implantation demonstrated orthotopic position and normal operation of the valves,and no deformation of the valved stents. Pathological examination of the explanted PPHVs 12 weeks after implantation showed no degradation or damage of the ePTFE leaflets and most of the leaflets were thin and pliable, without significant thrombus or calcification, while visible pannus over-growth was found at the bottom of the valve leaflets, in the commissural areas and on the sealing cuff. Conclusion The medi-um-term effects of the novel ePTFE pulmonary valve after transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation in sheep is good. The no-vel PPHV exhibits good anti-adhesion, anti-degradation, anti-thrombus, anti-calcification performance and good biomechanical property. The hemodynamic parameter of PPHV is comparable to bovine pericardium valve. Optimizing the valve design might eliminate the problem about pannus overgrowth.

Recent randomized controlled clinical trials in Africa have demonstrated that adult male circumcision (MC) efficiently decreases the rate of HIV, HPV and HSV-2 infections. Many studies have clearly shown that MC is a simple, safe, and cost-effective method for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infection, and for improving genital hygiene. While a 30% MC prevalence exists worldwide, only 5% or less of the Chinese males have undergone circumcision. In this review, we report recent trends in international MC and HIV prevention efforts, as well as the potential benefits and importance of promoting MC in China. We appeal to medical and public health authorities to pay close attention to the international experience in MC and HIV prevention.
Circumcision, Male ; HIV Infections ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Male ; Reproductive Medicine ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases ; prevention & control

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical value of activated carbon nanoparticles for guiding lymphadenectomy in lung cancer.

METHODSFourty-two lung cancer patients were divided into two groups: the control group (22 cases) and experiment group (20 cases) who received activated carbon nanoparticles injection around the tumor either by endoscopic injection or intraoperative subserosal injection. The number of dissected lymph node, black-stained lymph node, positive lymph node and the side effect of the procedure were analyzed, respectively.

RESULTSNo severe complication was observed in the experiment group. The operative time was not prolonged significantly in the experiment group either. However, the number of average lymph nodes dissected in the experiment group (25.5) was significantly more than that in the control group (14.6) (P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONLocal injection of activated carbon nanoparticles around the tumor during surgical exploration is effective, safe and easy to do for guiding lymphadenectomy in lung cancer patient.

Adult ; Aged ; Charcoal ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Lymph Node Excision ; methods ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nanoparticles ; Pneumonectomy

OBJECTIVETo detect the differences in subcortical structures between patients with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) and normal subjects during movement preparation and execution.

METHODSThe PKD patients performed a movement task, in which a CUE signal (preparation) indicated the movement sequence prior to the appearance of an imperative GO signal (execution). Event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and 3dDeconvolve program of AFNI were used to estimate the hemodynamic response function and to generate activation maps.

RESULTDuring movement preparation, the activated brain areas in PKD patients were less than those of normal subject, and there was no activation in basal ganglia in PKD patients. During execution, the activation was also less in PKD patients except in bilateral M1.

CONCLUSIONDuring intermission, abnormalities of the brain still exist in PKD patients when during preparing or performing movement. The movement circuit in the brain displays an unusual state. The attack may be caused by reducing of inhibition in brain areas.

Adult ; Chorea ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Motor Cortex ; physiopathology ; Movement ; physiology