Objective To investigate degenerative changes of auditory functions and age -related expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal -regulated protein kinases1/2(p-ERK1/2) in the cochlea of the senescence accelerated mouse .Methods The 3 ,5 ,7 months old mice were selected for the study and each group had 6 mice . The 8 kHz tone burst auditory thresholds and age -related expression of p -ERK1/2 in the cochlea were studied in the senescence accelerated mouse/prone 8(SAMP8) at 3 ,5 ,7 months .The expression of p -ERK1/2 was analyzed by the optical density of immunohistochemical staining .Results For the auditory function evaluation :The SAMP 8 developed a progressive hearing loss at 8 kHz which showed an age -related significant increase (P< 0 .05) .The ABR thresholds in 3 ,5 ,7 months old groups in the left ear were 31 .817 ± 1 .228 ,54 .329 ± 1 .459 ,58 .330 ± 1 .252 dB SPL ,respectively .In the right ears ,the ABR threshold were 32 .474 ± 1 .041 ,53 .485 ± 1 .385 ,57 .842 ± 1 .173 dB SPL ,respectively .p-ERK1/2 protein expressed in the cochlea of the SAMP8 throughout the development sta‐ges ,which developed an age-related significant decrease (P<0 .05) .The average optical density of p -ERK1/2 in the spiral ganglion cells in the 3 ,5 ,7 months old mice were 0 .699 7 ± 0 .018 8 ,0 .621 5 ± 0 .014 7 ,0 .575 3 ± 0 .015 5 ,respectively .In the hair cells ,they w ere 0 .651 9 ± 0 .025 2 ,0 .591 2 ± 0 .010 2 ,0 .559 3 ± 0 .006 7 respec‐tively .Conclusion The expression level of p -ERK1/2 protein decreases when the SAMP 8 develops a progressive hearing loss .This indicates that p-ERK1/2 protein probably has relationship with maintaining functional status of the cochlea and the auditory formation .

Objective To study the expressions of metadherin (MTDH),E-cadherin and β-catenin in the tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),to investigate the relationship between them and the clinical-pathological features,and to evaluate the prognostic values after surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods The protein expressions of MTDH,E-cadherin and β-catenin were studied by immunohistochemistry in tumor tissues of 107 HCC patients who underwent curative surgical resection.The data were correlated with the clinical-pathological data,tumor free time and recurrence rate.Results Positive expression of MTDH and nuclear β-catenin accumulation were correlated with the Edmondson grade (P＜0.05) and decreased E-cadherin expression was correlated with the preoperative serum level of α-fetoprotein (AFP) (P＜0.05).All these expressions were associated with a shorter tumor-free survival and a higher recurrence rate (P＜0.05).Positive MTDH expression was correlated with decreased E-cadherin expression and nuclear β-catenin accumulation (P＜0.05).On Cox regression analysis,MTDH was an independent risk factor of tumour recurrence (RR=3.431,CI=1.254～ 7.318).Conclusions Positive MTDH expression,decreased E-cadherin expression,and nuclear β-catenin accumulation indicated a higher recurrence rate after curative surgical resection for HCC.MTDH was an independent risk factor of recurrence.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the characteristics and antibiotics resistance of nosocomial infection caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia after open-heart operation.METHODS The clinical data of 324 patients with microbiologically documented nosocomial infection from Jan 2004 to Dec 2006 were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS There were 34 infected cases caused by S.maltophilia,and accounted for 10.5% of all infections during the same period.All infected patients had serious original heart diseases,and received previous glucocorticoids and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.Thirty patients prolonged mechanical ventilation time for over 2 weeks.Results of susceptibility test showed that trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,ticarcillin-clavulanic acid and levofloxacin were the most active antibiotics,followed by ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin.S.maltophilia presented high resistantce to carbopenems and aminoglycoside antibiotics.CONCLUSIONS Nosocomial S.maltophilia infection is associated with the severity of preoperative underlying heart diseases,prolonged mechanical ventilation and longer period of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy,especially carbopenems antibiotics.

A total of 59 untreated asthmatics and 47 healthy control subjects were recruited from Qianfoshan Hospital of Shandong Province from May 2011 to April 2012.Compared with healthy control subjects,the levels of IL-25 in induced sputum and eosinophils,IgE,interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin25 (IL-25) in serum samples of asthmatics were significantly higher while the level of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) were much lower.However,after inhaled glucocorticoid treatment,the levels of eosinophils,IL-4 and IL-25 decreased and IFN-γ significantly increased,while the level of IgE showed no significant changes.It was also found the expression of IL-25 was markedly positively correlated with the levels of eosinophils and IL-4 in serum and markedly negatively correlated with the levels of IFN-γ and had no relatio.

Objective To study the expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin(TSLP) and the activation of DCs in OVA-induced murine asthma model, and investigate the effects and underlying mecha-nisms of TSLP on lung inflammation. Methods Thirty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group, OVA group and TSLP neutralizing antibody treated group. The asthma model was evaluated by airway responsiveness and histological analysis of lung tissues ; The levels of TSLP mRNA in lungs were determined by quantitative real-time PCR; The expression of TSLP in lungs were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot; The expression of CD40, CD80, CD86 in BALF was detected by FACS. Results Both the histological analysis of lung tissues and the airway responsiveness were all consistent with the characteris-tic of murine asthma model. The expression of TSLP and TSLP mRNA in the OVA group was significantly in-creased compared with blank group. The expression of CD40, CD80, CD86 in BALF from OVA group was increased significantly compared with the control group. Furthermore, treating mice with TSLP neutralizing antibody reduced the expression of CD40, CD80, CD86 on dendritic cells, and IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 in the OVA group. Conclusion Our study indicate that TSLP was highly expressed in the bronchial epithelia of murine asthma model, via upregulation of CD40, CD80, CD86, induce DCs to active CD4~+ T cells and pro-duce type 2 responses, so that aggravating the lung inflammation of asthma. Blocking TSLP is capable of in-hibiting the production of Th2 cytokines, thus presents a promising strategy for the treatment of asthma.

Hemangioma ; pathology ; Hemangiosarcoma ; pathology ; Humans

Objective To prepare a recombinant pneumococcal surface protein A clade 4 ( PspA4) and to analyze its immunogenicity.Methods The gene encoding PspA4 protein was synthesized and inserted into pET-20b to construct the recombinant expression plasmid.The transformed E.coli strains carrying expression plasmid were induced to express PspA4 protein.ELISA was performed to analyze the ti-ters of PspA4-specific IgG in a mouse model.Results The recombinant PspA4 protein of high purity ( 90%) was successfully prepared.The titers of PspA4-specific antibody in mice received PspA4 immuniza-tion were 106 times higher than those of the blank control group, suggesting that the expressed PspA4 protein had the advantage of high immunogenicity.Conclusion This study suggested that the PspA4 protein might be used as one of the candidate protein for the development of pneumovax and laid a foundation for further in-vestigation on pneumococcal protein based vaccine.

ObjectiveTo explore the experiences of treatment of aortic root aneurysm and mitral valve disease through the incision of aorta.MethodsFrom Mar.2009 to Dec.2010, sixteen patients with aortic root aneurysm and mitral valve disease were operated by transaortic incision.After the leaflets of aortic valve were excised, mitral valve replacement or plasty was performed.There were 13 males and 3 females.The age ranged from 18 to 75 years old with a mean of (40 ± 10) years.The operation procedures included Bentall plus mitral valve replacement in 12 patients, Bentall plus mitral valve plasty in 1,Bentall + total arch replacement + stent elephant trunk + mitral valve plasty in 1, Bentall plus mitral valve plasty and CABG in 1.In 12 patients underwent mitral valve replacement, 11 were using continuous suture and interrupt mattress suture in 1.Four patients underwent mitral valve plasty, the procedure of banding mitral valve leaflets junctions was used.All patients were followed up through telephone and out-patient service.Transthoracic echocardiogram was performed before discharge and 3-, 6-,12-months after operation.Follow-up including cardiac function, valvular and perioperative complications.Results There were 2 re-thoractomy because of bleeding.One patient with pulmonary infection was cured by antibiotics.No death occurred in hospital.Patients were followed-up for 1 to 19 months with a mean of (7 ±5) months.No death occurred during follow-up period.There were no valve-related complications (embolism, bleeding, mitral valve dysfunction).Heart function was improved in all patients and graded as class Ⅰ to Ⅱ (NYHA).Two patients had trace regurgitation after mitral valve plasty when discharged.One patient had mild mitral valve regurgitation was found after mitral valve replacement.There was no further valve exacerbation for above 3 patients during follow-up period.ConclusionTransanrtic mitral valve operation is feasible in patients with aortic root aneurysm and mitral valve disease.

Objective To compare the value of serum cystatin C (CysC),urine β2-microglobulin (β2-MG),and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a test panel with that of traditional indicators,serum Cr and urea,for detection of early renal damage in lung cancer patients after chemotherapy.Methods This prospective study collected data at our hospital on levels of serum cystatin C (CysC),urine β2-microglobulin (β2-MG),and neutrophil-gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) from 63 lung cancer patients aged 60 and over.In addition,levels of traditional indicators including serum Cr and urea were also measured.Participants were divided into three groups:a prechemotherapy group,an under chemotherapy group,and a post-chemotherapy group.Results Levels of serum CysC,urine β2-MG,and NGAL in the post-chemotherapy group markedly increased,whereas levels of serum Cr and urea had no significant increase;furthermore,levels of serum CysC,urine β2-MG,and NGAL went up steadily as the time of exposure to chemotherapy drugs increased.Pearson's test showed that the sensitivity of CysC,beta 2-MG and NGAL as a panel was statistically significant for both the under chemotherapy group and the post-chemotherapy group (x2 =31.32,P=0.00;x2 =60.38,P=0.00).Conclusions Serum CysC,urine β2-MG and NGAL as a panel have good diagnostic value for early renal function damage in lung cancer patients after chemotherapy and are superior to traditional renal function indicators such as serum creatinine and urea.

Objective:To explore the risk factors of ischemic stroke after coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) in elderly(≥75 years old)patients, establish a risk prediction model and evaluate it.Methods:From January 2015 to September 2021, a total of 1 553 elderly patients with coronary artery disease who were admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital for coronary artery bypass grafting were included retrospectively. Among which 1 121(72%) cases were males, with a median age of 77( IQR 75, 78) years. Clinical data were collected and univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to explore the risk factors of ischemic stroke after CABG in elderly patients. After the establishment of risk prediction model, we constructed the nomogram, and tested the discrimination and calibration of the model. Results:All patients underwent CABG, there were 35 patients with ischemic stroke after operation, with an incidence of 2.25%(35/1 553). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes( OR=2.61, 95% CI: 1.31-5.32), old myocardial infarction( OR=3.62, 95% CI: 1.61-7.63), systolic blood pressure( OR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04) and vertebral artery stenosis( OR=1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02) were independent risk factors for postoperative cerebral infarction in patients undergoing CABG. The model was presented by a nomogram, and the model discrimination was evaluated by ROC curve. The area under the curve( AUC) was 0.757, indicating a optimal discrimination. Hosmer- Lemeshow test of goodness of fit was performed to evaluate the model calibration( χ2=6.209, P=0.624). Conclusion:Diabetes mellitus, old myocardial infarction, systolic blood pressure and vertebral artery stenosis are independent risk factors for ischemic stroke in elderly patients after CABG. The established risk prediction model has optimal discrimination and calibration.