Objective To discover the role of interleukin-18(IL-18) and CD_(54) in congestive heart failure(CHF),and evaluate the diagnostic value of IL-18 and CD_(54) in CHF.Methods Blood samples were collected from 52 children with CHF,included 18 cases in classⅡ,17 cases in class Ⅲand 17 cases in class Ⅳ.Fifteen healthy children were normal control group.The levels of IL-18 was(detec-)ted by ELISA method and the expression of CD_(54) was examined by flow cytometry.Results The levels of IL-18 and CD_(54) in CHF were significantly higher than those of control subjects(P0.05),but the levels were respectively significantly higher than that of control subjects(P

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). More than one-third of patients with COVID-19 experience neurological symptoms, including confusion, headaches, and decreased/disordered taste. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common type of dementia. Alzheimer's disease patients are at high risk and susceptible to infection with COVID-19, which may cause severe illness and even death. There appears to be an interaction between AD and COVID-19, and on the one hand, patients with COVID-19 seem to be more likely to develop AD. AD patients, on the other hand, may be more susceptible to severe COVID-19. Therefore, understanding the common link between COVID-19 and AD may help to develop treatment strategies. Risk factors common to AD and COVID-19 are aging, ApoE ε4 allele, β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neuroinflammation, oxidative stress. Here, this article focuses on the relationship between COVID-19 and AD, explores common risk factors and potential pathogenesis, and provides help for early prevention, treatment and recovery.

To explore the infectivity characteristics and susceptibility of Sendai strain Tianjin in 129Sv, DBA/2, Kunming and BALB/c mice and determine the optimal small rodent animal model for strain Tianjin research, the Sendai strain Tianjin was propagated for 72h in 9-11 day-old chicken embryos, the allantoic fluids were then harvested and the virus titer (1:1280) was detected by hemagglutination assay. Four different kinds of mice were intranasally inoculated with 5 microl and the diluted 30 microl virus solution. The weight loss of mice was monitored for 12 consecutive days and the survival rate was observed. Kunming and BALB/c mice were sacrificed on the first day prior to infection and on the fourth and seventh days post infection of the diluted 30 microl Sendai strain Tianjin. Their left lobes of lung were fixed with 4% formalin for histopathologic examination. The maximum percentage of average weight loss of 129Sv, DBA/2 were 13.0%, 4.7% with 100% survival rate when 129Sv, DBA/2, Kunming and BALB/c were inoculated with 5 microl virus solution, while the mice were inoculated with diluted 30 microl virus solution, the maximum percentage of average weight loss reached 21.7%, 30.3%, 16.7% and 9.7% with the survival rate of 20%, 0%, 80% and 100%. Lung infections of mice Kunming on the fourth and seventh day post infection were more severe than that of BALB/c, showing a large number of inflammatory cell exudation and thickening of the submucosa. It suggested that DBA/2 was the most susceptible to the infection of strain Tianjin. The mice susceptibility ranked as DBA/2>129Sv>Kunming>BALB/c. Mice DBA/2 and 129Sv could be used as the optimal small rodent animal models in the research of pathogenicity and vaccine of Sendai strain Tianjin.
Animals ; Disease Susceptibility ; Female ; Humans ; Lung ; pathology ; virology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred DBA ; Respirovirus Infections ; physiopathology ; virology ; Sendai virus ; classification ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the perioperative and early-term efficacy of bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) in one-stage procedure.

METHODSTotally 93 patients operated with BTKA in one-stage procedure from 2003 June to 2005 June were followed up and the curative effect was determined with Hospital for Special Surgery knee-rating system (HSS). The complications were then analyzed.

RESULTSThe mean postoperative HSS score was 89. 6 (55 approximately 96 scores) and the excellence/good rate reached 95. 7% (excellent in 74 cases, good in 15 cases, moderate in 2 cases, and poor in 2 cases). Except for the muscle power, the pain, joint function, range of joint movement (ROM) , deformity, and stability were significantly improved after operation (P < 0. 05). The average ROM of knee was improved to 99. 8 (75-135 ) degrees after operation from 88.9 (25-110) degrees before operation (P < 0. 01). Complications included deep vein thrombosis (n = 2) , incision fat liquidation (n = 2) , deep infection ( n = 1) , urinary infection ( n = 1) , and peroneal nerve palsy (n = 1). No death was documented.

CONCLUSIONBilateral total knee arthroplasty in one-stage procedure under secure conditions can be performed with good outcomes in selected patients without a definite increase in perioperative risk.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; adverse effects ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee Prosthesis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome

AIMTo investigate the +Gz protection provided by tilt-back seat and GZ-2 anti-G suit.

METHODS6 subjects were exposed to centrifuge and onset rate is 3 G/s. First, their relaxed +Gz tolerances were determined while using tilt-back seat of 13 degrees. Secondly, it was their +Gz tolerance provided by pressurized GZ-2 anti-G suit and tilt-back seat of 13 degrees. Finally, their +Gz tolerances while using pressurized GZ-2 anti-G suit and tilt-back seat of 45 degrees were determined. The difference between the first and the third result was the +Gz protection that pressurized GZ-2 anti-G suit and tilt-back seat of 45 degrees offered.

RESULTS+Gz protection of pressurized GZ-2 anti-G suit and tilt-back seat of 13 degrees was 3.06 G, and +Gz protection of pressurized GZ-2 anti-G suit and tilt-back seat of 45 degrees was 4.13 G, which had an increase of 1.06 G.

CONCLUSIONTilt-back seat of 45 degrees can greatly enhance +Gz tolerances of human.

Adolescent ; Aerospace Medicine ; instrumentation ; methods ; Centrifugation ; Gravity Suits ; Humans ; Hypergravity ; Male ; Posture ; Protective Clothing ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the gene expression and potential functions of transforming growth factor-beta1 in osteophyte development.

METHODSA total of 25 specimens were obtained from individuals undergoing total knee arthroplasty due to severe primary osteoarthritis. Tissue samples were embedded in paraffin wax and made into sections. Hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue stainings were performed. The expressions of collagen I, IIa, IIb, and X were detected by immunohistochemistry. Based on the histomorphology of cellularity and matrix abundance, the glycosaminoglycans content, and the differential expressions of collagen I, IIa, IIb, and X, the osteophytic tissues were classified. For each different type of osteophyte, expressions of transforming growth factor-beta1 were detected by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, and results were analyzed using the image analysis system.

RESULTSFive different types of osteophytes were identified as type I, type II, type III, type IV, and type V. Transforming growth factor-beta1 mRNA was more and intensely expressed in chondrocytes of type II and III osteophytes, and was less in other types of osteophytes. The difference was significant (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONTransforming growth factor-beta1 mRNA is mainly expressed in early-mid stages of osteophytes and may play an important role in promoting the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes in the early stages of osteophyte development.

Chondrocytes ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; metabolism ; pathology ; Osteophyte ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the short-term clinical and radiographic results of modular fully porous-coated stem in revision operation of total hip arthroplasty.

METHODSFrom May 2001 to November 2002, ten cases with twelve hips received revision total hip arthroplasty using modular Profemur R with fully porous-coated stem. There were three males and seven females and the average age was 54.2 years (35 to approximately 71 years). The reasons for revision operation included aseptic loosing in eleven hips and septic loosing in one hip. All the patients were evaluated radiographically and clinically. Radiographic evaluation included the classification of bone loss, leg discrepancy, offset and antiversion before and after revision and bone in-growth postoperatively. Clinical evaluation were based on Harris score system.

RESULTSThe average follow-up period is 13.5 months (range: 6 to approximately 24 months). Leg discrepancy from more than 2 cm in six cases were restored to less than 1 cm postoperatively. Femoral offset, antiversion angle and neck-shaft angle were also restored to normal limitation. All the patients were allowed to full weight-bearing 3 to approximately 5 months later and pain relief occurred in all involved hips. At the last follow-up, bone in-growth occurred in eleven hips and solid fibrous fixation only in one case. Harris score was improved from a mean of 25 to 72. Complications mainly consisted of femoral shaft fracture in three cases but no infection or dislocation was found postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONSSatisfactory results of short-term radiographic and clinical follow-up can be achieved using modular fully porous-coated stem for revision total hip arthroplasty.

Adult ; Aged ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; methods ; Bone Cements ; Cementation ; Coated Materials, Biocompatible ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; Hip Prosthesis ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prosthesis Failure ; Radiography ; Reoperation

OBJECTIVETo investigate the methods of restoring normal level of rotation center of the hip and limb length in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) using total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODSFrom January 2000 to January 2003, total hip arthroplasties were performed for 21 patients (26 hips) with OA secondary to DDH. There were 19 females and 2 males with an average age of 51 years (range from 40 to 66 years). Based on radiographic classification of Crowe, there were 12 in type I, 5 in type II, 2 in type III and IV respectively. In addition to the standard procedure of THA, the methods of restoring normal level of rotating center of the hip included structural bone autografting and medialization of the cup. The methods of limb length restoration included carefully preoperative planning and intraoperative soft tissue release. During the follow-up period at 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively and then annually thereafter, rotation center of the hip and limb length were assessed radiographically. Harris score system (HSS) was used for clinical evaluation.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up for a mean time of 26.4 months (range from 12 to 48 months). All the patients had restoration of the normal level of rotation center of the hip. At the latest follow-up, Harris score was improved from preoperative 35 points (range from 12 to 68 points) to postoperative 94 points (range from 74 to 100 points).

CONCLUSIONIn addition to standard procedure, the restoration of normal level of rotation center of the hip could be achieved by structural bone autografting and medialization of the cup in THA for patients with DDH. Careful preoperative planning and intraoperative soft tissue release could restore limb length.

Adult ; Aged ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip Dislocation, Congenital ; complications ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis, Hip ; etiology ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo compare the preliminary effectiveness of mobile-bearing prosthesis and fixed-bearing prosthesis by literature review and observation of cases.

METHODSNinety-eight knees of 94 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by using cemented and PCL-substitute prosthesis were reviewed from February 2003 to October 2004. The diagnosis of all patients were osteoarthritis. All cases were followed up at least one year. Group A (fixed-bearing prosthesis): 30 knees of 29 patients, 4 males, 25 females, 20 DePuy Prosthesis, 10 Centerpulse Prosthesis. Group B (mobile-bearing prosthesis): 68 knees of 65 patients, 11 males, 54 females, 68 Centerpulse Prosthesis. Make sure statistical comparability between 2 groups by HSS, age and gender, respectively. Postoperation 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, all cases were evaluated according to Hss and self-satisfaction.

RESULTSThe grades of Hss in different stage were performed statistical analysis. P value in different stage was 0.414 (6 weeks), 0.108 (3 months), 0.235 (6 months), 0.452 (1 year). There were no significant difference between group A and B in different stage by statistical analysis. In one year after operation, the range of motion in 2 groups, group A: 108 degrees (95 degrees - 118 degrees), group B: 107 degrees (90 degrees - 120 degrees), there were no significant difference by ROM (P > 0.05). At the latest follow-up examination, group A: 13.7% of the patients (4 knee joint) complained mild pain, the percent of the patients' self-satisfaction was 90%; group B: 13.1% of the patients (9 knee joint) complained mild pain, the percent of the patients' self-satisfaction was 88%.

CONCLUSIONSAlthough it is certain about the effectiveness of preliminary clinical outcomes with mobile-bearing prosthesis, it is still uncertain about the advantage of mobile-bearing prosthesis over fixed-bearing prosthesis. The reason for preferring to the former still need being demonstrated.

Aged ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; instrumentation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee Prosthesis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibitory effect of lycium pigment on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced uveitis in rats and its mechanism.

METHODThe rat uveitis model was established by 30-day oral administration of lycium pigment (50, 100, 200 mg x kg(-1)) and footpad injection of LPS. Ocular tissues were collected for a histopathological inspection. The protein, nitric oxide and ADMA in aqueous humor, level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in retina, activities of serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by using Western blot, ELISA and biochemical methods.

RESULTAccording to the pathological study, lycium pigment (50, 100, 200 mg x kg(-1)) could notably reduce the inflammatory cell infiltration around corpus ciliare matrix of uveitis rats, and the concentration of protein and nitric oxide, and increased ADMA in aqueous humor. Lycium pigment (100, 200 mg x kg(-1)) could significantly inhibit the expression of iNOS in ocular tissues. In addition, lycium pigment (100, 200 mg x kg(-1)) also decrease the activities of serum T-AOC, SOD, GSH-PX, and the content of lipid peroxide MDA.

CONCLUSIONLycium pigment has the inhibitory effect on LPS-induced uveitis in rats. Its mechanism is related to the regulation of nitric oxide/ADMA pathway and the improvement of oxidation resistance.

Animals ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lipopolysaccharides ; adverse effects ; Lycium ; chemistry ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; genetics ; metabolism ; Pigments, Biological ; administration & dosage ; Plant Extracts ; administration & dosage ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Superoxide Dismutase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Uveitis ; chemically induced ; genetics ; metabolism ; prevention & control