High altitude retinopathy ( HAR ) refers to the body which can't adapt to the hypobaric hypoxia environment at high altitude leading to retinal diseases, which typically manifested as retinal hemorrhages, optic disc edema and cotton wool spots. With the development of high altitude medicine, HAR become a hot topic of eye research in recent years. New researches show a significantly higher incidence of HAR, and HAR has a close contact with acute mountain sickness, high altitude cerebral edema and high altitude pulmonary edema. A further study in pathogenesis and prevention measures of HAR will promote the prevention of altitude sickness. Traditional Chinese Medicine has achieved good effects in the prevention of altitude sickness, but the effect and mechanism of herbs on HAR has not been reported. Through read and summarize the relevant literatures and reports, the author will give an overview of the research advances on HAR's pathogenesis and application of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of β₃adrenoceptors (β₃-AR) activation on rat thoracic aorta smooth muscle contractility and the possible related mechanism.

METHODSThe endothelium removed thoracic aorta was pre-contracted with 30 mmol/L KCl physiological saline solution (PSS). Then the tension of the thoracic aorta was recorded in presence of BRL37344 (BRL) to determine the action of β₃-AR. The tension of the thoracic aorta was also recorded in the presence of Propranolol (PRA), SR59230A (SR), L-NNA, H-89 and Iberiotoxin (IBTX) respectively to reveal the underling mechanism of β₃-AR activation on rat vascular smooth muscle. Immunohistochemistry was adopted to confirm the existence and the distribution of β₃-AR in rat thoracic aorta.

RESULTSThe results showed that: (1) The thoracic aorta was relaxed by β₃-AR activation, with a relaxation percentage of (10.59 ± 0.79). (2) β₃-AR was expressed in both endothelial and smooth muscle layer in thoracic aorta sections of rats. (3) PRA did not block the effect of BRL on the thoracic aorta. The relaxation actions of BRL could be antagonized by pre-incubating the thoracic aorta with SR. (4) L-NNA (a NOS inhibitor) and H-89 (a PKA inhibitor) reversed the relaxation effect of BRL on vascular smooth muscle. (5) The effect of BRL was decreased after application of Ibriotoxin (IBTX), a large conductance calcium dependent potassium channel blocker.

CONCLUSIONThe results confirmed that activation of β₃-AR led to relaxation of thoracic aorta smooth muscle. The relaxation action of β₃-AR on smooth muscle of rat thoracic aorta was related to activation of NOS and PKA signaling pathway. Large conductance Ca²⁺-K⁺ channels were involved in the relaxation action of β₃-AR activation on rat thoracic aorta smooth muscle.

Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; physiology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Isoquinolines ; Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels ; physiology ; Muscle Contraction ; Muscle Relaxation ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; physiology ; Nitroarginine ; Peptides ; Propanolamines ; Propranolol ; Rats ; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-3 ; physiology ; Signal Transduction ; Sulfonamides

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the early clinical and radiographic outcome of scaphoid non-unions treated with Acutrak headless compression screw.

METHODSFrom January 2008 to July 2011,21 patients with scaphoid non-union were treated in our department. There were 18 males and 3 females with a mean age of (23.6 +/- 4.6) years; 12 cases were on right hand and 9 were on left. According to Herbert-Fisher classification, there were 10 cases with type D1, 7 cases with type D2, 3 cases with type D3, and 1 case with type D4. The mean time from injury to operation was (12.4 +/- 2.7) months. All patients were treated with Acutrak headless compression screw fixation (6 cases received 2 screws fixation, 15 cases received 1 screw fixation, and Matti-Russe bone grafting was applied in 7 cases). The carpal height, the scaphoid index and changes of the scapholunate angle were assessed before and after the operation. Range of motion and grip strength were recorded and the wrist function was assessed according to the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE).

RESULTSAverage duration of follow-up was (21.3 +/- 3.6) months. All the patients attained radiological union in a mean time of (13.3 +/- 2.4) weeks following the operation. No obvious complications were recorded. The surgical treatment allowed the preoperative mean scaphoid index of 0.61 +/- 0.13 and the preoperative mean scapholunate angle of (59.4 +/- 6.8) degree to be improved to 0.69 +/- 0.10 and (44.3 +/- 8.2)degree postoperatively, respectively. There was a substantial improvement in grip strength and pain amelioration after surgery. The preoperative mean PRWE score of 45.2 +/- 4.7 was improved to 76.1 +/- 5.2 postoperatively. All patients returned back to the original work,the average time from surgery to work was (6.0 +/- 1.1) months.

CONCLUSIONFor scaphoid non-unions, Acutrak headless compression screw fixation can provide anatomical reduction, provide satisfactory results with a high union rate, well return of function and minimal complications in the early stage.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Fractures, Ununited ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Scaphoid Bone ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Wrist Injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Wrist Joint ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Young Adult

Humans ; Moxibustion ; Depression ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; Esophagitis, Peptic

Objective:To evaluate the early clinical and radiographic outcome of scaphoid non unions treated with Acu-trak headless compression screw. Methods:From January 2008 to July 2011,21 patients with scaphoid non union were treated in our department. There were 18 males and 3 females with a mean age of (23.6±4.6) years;12 cases were on right hand and 9 were on left. According to Herbert-Fisher classification,there were 10 cases with type D1,7 cases with type D2,3 cases with type D3,and 1 case with type D4. The mean time from injury to operation was (12.4±2.7) months. All patients were treated with Acutrak headless compression screw fixation (6 cases received 2 screws fixation,15 cases received 1 screw fixation,and Matti-Russe bone grafting was applied in 7 cases). The carpal height,the scaphoid index and changes of the scapholunate an-gle were assessed before and after the operation. Range of motion and grip strength were recorded and the wrist function was assessed according to the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). Results:Average duration of follow up was (21.3±3.6) months. All the patients attained radiological union in a mean time of (13.3±2.4) weeks following the operation. No obvious complications were recorded. The surgical treatment allowed the preoperative mean scaphoid index of 0.61±0.13 and the pre-operative mean scapholunate angle of (59.4±6.8)° to be improved to 0.69±0.10 and(44.3±8.2)° postoperatively,respectively. There was a substantial improvement in grip strength and pain amelioration after surgery. The preoperative mean PRWE score of 45.2 ±4.7 was improved to 76.1 ±5.2 postoperatively. All patients returned back to the original work ,the average time from surgery to work was (6.0±1.1) months. Conclusion:For scaphoid non unions,Acutrak headless compression screw fixation can provide anatomical reduction,provide satisfactory results with a high union rate,well return of function and minimal complica-tions in the early stage.

Objective To investigate the association betweenserum nitric oxide and microalbuminuria.Methods Based on a community survey in Jinchang district Suzhou city,a 1 ∶ 2 matched case-control study was performed.A total of 208 cases with microalbuminuria were recruited.The controls were selected from the same community,with the same level of income.After matched with age,gender,waist circumference and fast plasma glucose,a total of 416 controls were selected.Values of serum nitric oxide were tested for all eligible participants.The association between serum nitric oxide level and microalbuminuria were analyzed by using the multivariate conditional logistic regression models.Results The mean level of serum nitric oxide was slightly lower for individuals with microalbuminuria (median,interquartile range:27.75,14.48-42.15 μmol/L) than those without (28.25,17.40-43.45 μ mol/L ).However,the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.316).Results from the multivariable conditional logistic regression model showed that serum nitric oxide level was not associated with microalbuminuria,after adjustment for all the confounders.Compared with the highest level of serum nitric oxide,the odds ratios of microalbuminuria for individuals in the 1 st,2nd and 3rd quartiles were not significantly different,after adjustment for confounders.In pairs with hypertension,the odds of microalbuminuria were 85％ higher for individuals with the lowest level of serum nitric oxide than those with the highest level (OR=1.85,95％ CI:0.96-3.57).Additionally,in pairs without hypertension,the odds of microalbuminuria was just 40％ higher for individuals with the lowest level of serum nitric oxide than those with the highest level (OR=1.40,95％CI:0.58-3.40).Conclusion There was no significant correlation between serum nitric oxide and microalbuminuria in the general population in our study.

Objective To explore the safety of collection of peripheral blood stem cells(PBSCs) from low-weight infants with osteopetrosis(OP) and its clinical significance. Methods One case of low-weight infants with OP received PBSCs collection using a continuous-flow blood cell separator,and the safety of collection process was observed.The amount of monocyte cell(MNC) and CD34+ cell were noted and its clinical significance was analyzed.Results Low-weight infants with OP could tolerate collection process,the number of collection MNC and CD34+ cells were 10.06?108/kg,2.74?106/kg.Conclusion Adequate PBSCs can be collected from OP who need not be mobilized,thus can offer backup for graft failure.PBSCs collection from low-weight infants is safe.

This report documents the treatment of a giant aneurysm of the internal carotid artery bifurcation with a fistula to the cavernous sinus, which appeared following closed head trauma. A 39-year-old man suffered from a blunt head trauma in an automobile accident. Two weeks after the trauma, progressive chemosis of left eye was presented. Four months after the trauma, digital subtraction angiography showed an internal carotid artery bifurcation aneurysm, with drainage into the cavernous sinus. The lesion was successfully obliterated with preservation of the parent artery by using coils in conjunction with Onyx. Follow-up angiography obtained 3 months postoperatively revealed persistent obliteration of the aneurysm and fistula as well as patency of the parent artery. Endovascular treatment involving the use of coils combined with Onyx appears to be a feasible and effective option for treatment of this hard-to-treat lesion.
Adult ; Carotid Artery Diseases ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Carotid Artery, Internal ; Cavernous Sinus ; pathology ; Drainage ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Male

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical outcomes of fresh embryo transfer and cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer in high-risk patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 1784 high-risk OHSS patients undergoing IVF-ET, who were divided into groups A (n=939) and B (n=845). The former received fresh embryo transfer and the latter cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer. We compared gonadotropin (Gn) administration, body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the number of oocytes retrieved, and the rates of clinical pregnancy, embryo implantation and OHSS incidnece between the two groups.

RESULTSTotally, 657 (69.97%) and 586 (69.35%) pregnancies were achieved in groups A and B, respectively, with 33 cases of moderate OHSS (3.5%) in the former and 30 (3.6%) in the latter. The prevalence of PCOS, the E2 level at hCG trigger, the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of mature oocytes, and the number of quality embryos were significantly lower in group A than in B (P <0.01). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in age, infertility duration, BMI, Gn administration, embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, and OHSS incidence (P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONIn IVF-ET cycles, cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer does not influence the clinical outcome in high-risk OHSS patients and can avoid the incidence of severe OHSS.

Body Mass Index ; Cryopreservation ; Embryo Implantation ; Embryo Transfer ; Female ; Gonadotropins ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Oocytes ; Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome ; epidemiology ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDSeveral candidate genes of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) susceptibility have been identified, but their polymorphisms account for only a small percent of the total variance. Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) is a potent ectopic ossification inducing factor. BMP4 protein and mRNA are present in cells from OPLL patients, but not non-OPLL controls. A single nucleotide polymorphism of 6007C>T(rs17563) of BMP4 has been reported to affect bone density in postmenopausal women. Thus, BMP4 may function in OPLL development. Appropriately, the relationship between BMP4 polymorphisms and OPLL was investigated.

METHODSA case-control association study investigated the genetic etiology in 179 OPLL patients and 298 non-OPLL controls. Extent of OPLL was analyzed by radiologic examinations. Whether single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of -5826G>A(rs1957860) 5' of the transcription start site and 6007C>T(rs17563) in exon 4 of the BMP4 gene were statistically associated with genetic susceptibility to OPLL in Chinese Han subjects was assessed.

RESULTSA significant statistical difference in genotype of 6007C>T polymorphism between male OPLL patients and male controls was evident, and the frequency of "TT" genotype in male OPLL patients was significantly higher than in male controls (P = 0.039). The frequency of the "T" allele was also significantly higher in male OPLL subjects than in male controls (P = 0.014, OR = 1.57). A significant difference was also observed between the 6007C>T polymorphism and the number of ossified cervical vertebrae in OPLL patients, while no statistical difference was apparent between the -5826G>A polymorphism and OPLL occurrence.

CONCLUSIONSThe T allele in the 6007C>T polymorphism may be a risk factor for male Han Chinese with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine. Chinese Han male patients with CT and TT 6007C>T genotypes have a genetic susceptibility to OPLL and more extensive OPLL in the cervical spine.

Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; genetics