Objective To understand the changes of cardiac systolic and diastolic function in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients without evidence of cardiac disease in China.Methods Forty-two HIV-infected patients who were followed up in the Department of Infectious Diseases at Peking Union Medical College Hospital without cardiac involvement were recruited.All the HIV-infected patients had received highly active antiroviral therapy (HAART) for more than 12 months with viral suppression.And 30 age and sex matched healthy subjects without cardiac disease manifestations were enrolled as controls.Every group members underwent transthoracic echocardiography evaluation.The indexes of cardiac systolic and diastolic function between HIV-infected patients and healthy controls were compared.Results Diastolic abnormality occurred in 20 cases in HIV-infected group and 6 cases in control group, with statistically significant difference (χ2=5.79, P=0.007).The E wave deceleration time (EDT) in HIV-infected patients were significantly decreased than healthy controls ([161.87±21.64] ms vs.[190.34±37.22], t=-3.20, P=0.002).There were no significant differences of E/A ratio ([1.16±0.35] vs.[1.19±0.26]), E/Ea ratio ([5.43±1.99] vs.[5.78±0.91]), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), ([93.18±20.34] ms vs.[93.57±18.55]ms), Ea ([10.18±2.80] cm/s vs.[11.45±2.75] cm/s) between HIV-infected patients and controls (t=1.13,1.53,0.67 and 0.29, respectively, all P>0.05).Among cardiac systolic function markers, left ventricular ejection fractions in HIV-infected patients and control group were (66.7±6.4)% and (68.7±4.2)%, respectively.And left ventricular shortening rates were (37.08±4.79)% and (38.17±3.96)%, respectively.Both showed no significant difference between the two groups (t=-1.51 and-1.00, respectively, both P>0.05).Conclusions Compared with control group, subclinical cardiac diastolic dysfunction is more frequently observed in HIV-infected patients.However, there are no significant differences of cardiac systolic function markers between HIV-infected patients and controls.

Objective To investigate the acid α glucosidase(GAA)gene mutations and clinical features of a Chinese patient exhibiting signs and symptoms of infantile glycogen storage disease type Ⅱ(GSD Ⅱ). Methods Clinical features of the patient were reviewed,and GAA activity in the patient＇s and her parents＇ whole leukocytes were measured. GAA coding regions were amplified by polymerase chain reaction(PCR),and analyzed by direct DNA sequencing. Results The patient showed feeding difficulties,generalized hypotonia and weakness starting at 2 months of age. Cardiomegaly and cardiomyopathy were found at 4 months. She died of cardiorespiratory failure at the age of 6 months. GAA activity in leukocytes was low in the patient(17.3% of the median normal range). Genotyping revealed the patient was a heterozygote for a novel nonsense mutation p.W738X and a previously reported nonsense mutation p.E888X. The reported pseudodeficiency allele c.1726G ＞ A;2065G ＞ Awas found in the patient and her mother. Conclusions Correct diagnosis was made for this patient by combination of GAA activity assay and genetic analysis. From the clinical course,this patient should be classified as infantile type of GSD Ⅱ,suggesting that the novel mutation p.W738X may have a damaging effect on the function of GAA. Pseudodeficiency allele found in this family highlights the importance of genetic analysis of GAA when performing diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis for the affected families,as this allele causes low GAA activity in normal individuals.

Objective: To observe the effects of acupuncture plus spinal manipulations on the physical functioning and levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: A total of 128 AS cases were allocated into a control group and an observation group using random number table method, with 64 cases in each group. Patients in both groups took sulfasalazine and meloxicam. Patients in the observation group received additional acupuncture plus spinal manipulations. The efficacy, Bath AS functional index (BASFI), Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI), and the levels of ALP, ESR, CRP and OPG were compared between the two groups after eight weeks of treatment. Results: After treatment, the symptom scores of traditional Chinese medicine in both groups were decreased (all P<0.05), and these scores in the observation group were significantly lower than in the control group (all P<0.05); the VAS, BASFI and BASDAI scores in both groups were decreased (all P<0.05), and these scores in the observation group were significantly lower than in the control group (all P<0.05); and the ALP, ESR, CRP and OPG levels in both groups were decreased (all P<0.05), and these levels in the observation group were significantly lower than in the control group (all P<0.05). The total efficacy rate was 92.2％ in the observation group, versus 78.1％ in the control group, presenting a statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion: Conventional medication combined with acupuncture and spinal manipulations can improve clinical symptoms, accelerate the recovery of physical functioning, and reduce the ALP, ESR, CRP and OPG levels.

OBJECTIVETo study the application of intraoperative irrigation of the colon in primary resection and anastomosis of left colorectal cancer with intestinal obstruction.

METHODSThe clinical data were analyzed in 58 patients with left colon rectal cancer and intestinal obstruction undergoing intraoperative irrigation of the colon for primary anastomosis, and the results were compared with 58 patients receiving conventional primary tumor resection.

RESULTSThe mean intraoperative blood loss or postoperative hospital stay was comparable between the two groups, but the patients undergoing colon irrigation had significantly delays in the recovery of bowel movement.

CONCLUSIONWith strict control of the surgery indication, intraoperative colon irrigation can be safe and feasible in primary resection and anastomosis of left colorectal cancer with intestinal obstruction.

Adult ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; methods ; Colon ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; complications ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Intestinal Obstruction ; etiology ; surgery ; Intraoperative Period ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Therapeutic Irrigation ; methods

OBJECTIVETo assess whether the existing three types of pharmacogenetics-based Warfarin dosing algorithms appropriately predict the actual maintenance dose in Han Chinese mechanical heart valve replacement patients (n = 130).

METHODSThe patients' CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genetic polymorphisms were detected by PCR-RFLP. The genotype of CYP2C9, VKORC1 and other information were used to calculate predicted doses. Accuracy of the models was assessed using the absolute value of the difference between predicted dose and actual dose, calculated on both an absolute and percentage basis. Actual weekly dose was also regressed on predicted weekly dose, from which we obtained R(2) values. Clinical accuracy of the predictions was assessed by computing the proportion in which the predicted dose was 20% or more below the actual dose (under dosed), within 20% of the actual dose (ideally dosed), or 20% or greater above the actual dose (over dosed).

RESULTSThe average absolute error is the smallest for the predictions made by the Wen model (3.74 mg/wk), followed by the Ohno model (4.07 mg/wk) and IWPC model (5.05 mg/wk). R(2) was 40.2% in the Wen model, 38.2% in the Ohno model and 26.7% in the IWPC model. When comparing the percentage of patients for whom the predicted doses were ideal, the Wen model works the best (50.0%) in low-dose group (≤ 21 mg/wk), but the Ohno model works the best (85.29%) in middle-dose group (21 - 49 mg/wk), followed by the Wen model.

CONCLUSIONThe best accuracy is achieved by the Wen model and the best clinical accuracy is obtained by the Ohno model for predicting the actual maintenance dose in Han Chinese mechanical heart valve replacement patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Anticoagulants ; administration & dosage ; Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases ; genetics ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C9 ; Drug Design ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone) ; genetics ; Pharmacogenetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Warfarin ; administration & dosage ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) mRNA levels in the peripheral blood and the metastasis of colorectal cancer.

METHODSHIF-1α mRNA in the peripheral blood was detected by RT-PCR in 40 patients with colorectal cancer and 20 healthy subjects.

RESULTSSeventeen patients with colorectal cancer showed positivity for HIF-1α mRNA, showing a significantly higher positivity rate (42.5%) than the healthy subjects (P<0.05). The expression of HIF-1α mRNA is closely related to the staging of colorectal cancer (CRC).

CONCLUSIONHIF-1α mRNA may serve as a potential marker in the detection of metastasis of colorectal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma ; blood ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Case-Control Studies ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; blood ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; blood ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics

Objective:To investigate the current situation and underlying problems of English courses in general education for eight-year M.D. Program and to put forward possible solutions.Method:s We investigated and interviewed teachers from West China Medical Center who teaches bilingual courses and teachers from College of Foreign Languages and Cultures along with faculty in Education Ministry of Sichuan University, analyzed the problems in English courses and explored measures for improvement.Result:s The emphasis students put on English course is satisfactory, but teachers still claim that few students participate actively in class. Therefore, the efficiency of English course should be improved.Conclusion:The current status of English course is not ideal, which can be attributed to both teachers and students, so future schemes should be based on these two perspectives.

OBJECTIVETo validate transient elastography (Fibroscan) in assessment of hepatic fibrosis in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

METHODSLiver stiffness was assessed using Fibroscan in totally 30 patients with AIH. We compared the results of Fibroscan with the Scheuer fibrosis stage in liver biopsy in each patient.

RESULTS4 patients were shown as liver fibrosis stage S0, 6 as S1, 5 as S2, 11 as S3 and 4 as S4. Failure of the Fibroscan measurement occurred in 1 case (3.3%) because of her increased body mass index (BMI). The stiffness of Fibroscan was significantly correlated with the liver biopsy fibrosis stage (r = 0.801, P less than 0.001). The liver stiffnesses between mild and moderate fibrosis (S0-2) and advanced fibrosis (S3-4) were significantly different (t = -3.937, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONTransient elastography (Fibroscan) is a promising non-invasive method for detection of fibrosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Its use for the follow up and management of these patients and should be evaluated further.

Elasticity Imaging Techniques ; methods ; Hepatitis, Autoimmune ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Liver ; diagnostic imaging ; Liver Cirrhosis ; diagnostic imaging

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effect of calsurf, a domestic exogenous pulmonary surfactant, in the treatment of severe neonatal infectious pneumonia. METHODS: A total of 208 neonates with severe infectious pneumonia who hospitalized in 5 hospitals of China were enrolled. According to their parents' wishes on admission, these neonates were administered with conventional treatment (control group; n=81) and calsurf  treatment + conventional treatment (calsurf treatment group, n=127). The two groups were compared in terms of the degree of oxygen dependence on admission, blood gas parameters before and after treatment, lung ultrasound results, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, hospital costs, complications and prognosis. RESULTS: Compared with the control group on admission, the calsurf treatment group had significantly higher inhaled oxygen concentration and partial pressure of carbon dioxide and significantly lower arterial partial pressure of oxygen and oxygenation index (P<0.01). After 1 hour of treatment, both groups had significant improvements in the above indices (P<0.05), and the improvements were more significant in the calsurf treatment group (P<0.05). After 4-6 hours of calsurf administration, there was a significant reduction in the degree of pulmonary consolidation. The calsurf treatment group had significantly shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and length of hospital stay than the control group, while there was no significant difference in the incidence rate of complications between the two groups. The neonates of both groups had a good prognosis. CONCLUSIONS In neonates with severe infectious pneumonia, calsurf treatment can significantly improve oxygenation, reduce the degree of pulmonary consolidation, and shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of hospital stay. Therefore, it should be considered in neonates with severe infectious pneumonia.
China ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Pneumonia ; Prospective Studies ; Pulmonary Surfactants ; Respiration, Artificial

This study was aimed to investigate various factors influencing long-term survival in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. A single institutional retrospective study with long-term follow-up was performed to better define the prognostic factors and a rationale for the use of ATRA, chemotherapy, and As(2)O(3) in the treatment of newly diagnosed APL patients. Newly diagnosed patients with APL entering complete remission (CR) were followed up for 6 to 185 months (n = 170) from January 1990 to December 2004. Univariate and multivariate analysis of 8 potential factors influencing survival and prognosis were carried out with Log-Rank and Cox regression method, including sex, age, initial WBC count, the level of lactic hydrogenase (LDH), first induction regimen, time from induction therapy to CR, post-remission therapy, negative or positive rate of PML-RAR alpha and follow-up of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that the estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were 80.9% +/- 4.0% and 71.0% +/- 4.0% respectively. The 23 patients relapsed at the median time of 15 months (6 - 70) after CR. Univariate analysis revealed that initial WBC count, first induction regimen, time from induction therapy to CR, type of post-remission therapy and persistent negative RT-PCR in remission were important prognostic factors for long-term survival. Multivariate study demonstrated that only type of post-remission therapy was associated with RFS and OS. It is concluded that the post-remission treatment combining ATRA, As(2)O(3) and chemotherapy would significantly improve the long-term survival of APL patients entering CR(1).
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Arsenicals ; administration & dosage ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute ; drug therapy ; mortality ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion ; metabolism ; Oxides ; administration & dosage ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Remission Induction ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Analysis ; Survival Rate ; Tretinoin ; administration & dosage