Objective To investigate the changes of intestinal mucosal barrier function and protection of alanyl-glutamine(Alm-Gln) dipeptide during early stage of postthoracotomy in aged patients.Methods A prospective,randomized and controlled trial was conducted and 20 aged patients who underwent non-digestive thoracotomy were randomized into two groups,experimental group (intravenous administration of Aln-Gln dipeptide,0.5 g/(kg · d),for 4 days,n =10) and control group(equal amount saline as placebo,for 4 days,n =10).The indices of boby temperatures,heart rates,respiration and white blood cell count of all patients were daily recorded during administration.Serum concentrations of glutamine (Gln),D-lactate,diamine oxidase (DAO) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were measured before and after operation.Results There were no statistically significant differences in the patients' general information between experimental group and control group including age,gender and body weight.Plasma Gln concentration in postoperative 5 days was higher than that of pre-operation of experiment group ((478.32 ± 47.42) μmol/L vs.(372.67 ± 29.14) μmol/L,P =0.021).The plasma Gln level of control group at 5th day after operation was higher than that in pre-operation ((431.12 ± 42.27) μmol/L vs.(386.29 ± 19.73) μmol/L,P =0.017).The plasma level of Gln in experimental group was significantly higher than that in control group after operation((478.32±47.42) μmol/L vs.(386.29 ± 19.73) μmol/L,P =0.012).There were no significantly differences between the two groups in terms of the plasma level of DAO and D-lactate before operation (P ＞ 0.05).Meanwhile the levels of DAO and D-lactate in both group at 5th day after operation were significantly higher than that at before operation(DAO:(2.53 ±0.47) U/ml vs.(1.66±0.32) U/ml,P =0.003;D-lactate:(6.82 ±1.91) mg/L vs.(4.92 ±1.57) mg/L,P =0.024),and the levels of them in experimental group were significantly lower than that in control group(DAO:(1.10 ± 0.23) U/ml vs.(2.53 ± 0.47) U/ml,P =0.013 ; D-lactate:(4.87 ± 1.33) mg/L vs.(6.82 ± 1.91) mg/L,P =0.019).The concentration of TNF-α was significant increase in both two groups at first day after operation,but decreased at the third day.The concentration of TNF-α in experimental group at 5th day after operation was lower than that in control group ((6.89 ± 5.21) pg/L vs.(13.04 ± 4.46) pg,/L,P =0.003).The morbidity of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was significantly decreased in experimental group and the rate of SIRS was also lower than that in the control group(P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Intestinal mucosal barrier function was damaged after thoracotomy in aged patients.Administration of Aln-Gln dipeptide could increase the level of serum Gln,protect the intestinal barrier and attenuate the systemic inflammatory response.Aln-Gln dipeptide can be used to help aged patients recover rapidly.

Objective To assess the association between serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and the heart function in the elderly with congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods CA125, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) ,alpha-fetoprotein ( AFP), CA199, CA15-3, CA724, liver and kidney function and NT-proBNP were measured in 178 patients with heart failure. Ve, Va, Ve/Va, left ventricular end-diastolic diamete ( LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diamete ( LVESD ), left ventricular ejection fraction ( LVEF ) and time were measured using echocardiograph. All patients were classified as Ⅰ + Ⅱ , Ⅲ and Ⅳ level according to the criteria of New York Heart Assocation ( NYHA), and the incidence of pleural effusion, peripheral edema,atrial fibrillation were observed. Results Among the 178 patients,serum CA125 were ≤35 U/ml in 91 patients with median of 9.9( 3.4 - 33.7 ) U/ml, ＞ 35 U/ml in 87 patients with median of 64. 4 ( 20. 2 - 462. 1 ) U/ml.Among those patients with CA125 ＞ 35 U/ml ,heart function was classified as level Ⅲ + Ⅳ in 82 patients,and level Ⅰ + Ⅱ in 5 patients. Among the patients with CA125 ≤35 U/ml,heart function was classified as level Ⅲ + Ⅳin 7 patients,and level Ⅰ + Ⅱ in 84 patients. Heart function was significantly different between the two CA125 groups( x2= 133. 3 ,P ＜0. 001 ). The incidence of pleural effusion,atrial fibrillation ,peripheral edema in the higher CA125 group were 32. 2%, 51.7% and 78. 2%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the normal CA 125 group ( 5.5 %, 9. 9% and 19. 8 %, repactively ) ( P ＜ 0. 01 ). NT-proBNP, LVESD,LVEF and time in the higher CA125 group were 2524. 0( 104.0 - 19 308. 0) ng/L,35 (27 -55) mm,49% (23%-66% ) and 268 (210 -312)ms, which were significantly differenct from those in the normal CA125 group [356.0 ( 32.0 - 5201.0) ng/L, 32 ( 26 - 53 ) mm, 59% ( 42% - 69% ) and 290 ( 260 - 340 ) ms, respectively](Ps ＜0. 05). The linear regression showed that serum CA125 was positively correlated with NT-ProBNP and urea nitrogen ( BUN ) ( r= 0. 3326 and 0. 3430, Ps= 0. 002 ) , as well as negtively correlated with LVEF and time (r= -0. 3016,P =0. 006;r = -0. 336,P =0. 004). Conclusion Serum CA125 in the elderly with congestive heart failure increased with the worsing of heart function, and correlated with the level of NT-proBNP, LVEF and time,as well as pleural effusion, atrial fibrillation, peripheral edema.

In recent years active implantable medical devices(AIMD) are being developed rapidly. Many battery systems have been developed for different AIMD applications. These batteries have the same requirements which include high safety, reliability, energy density and long service life, discharge indication. History, present and future of batteries used in AIMD are introduced in the article.
Electric Power Supplies ; Prostheses and Implants

Copeptin,the C-terminal portion of provasopressin,is a novel neurohormone of the arginine vasopressin (AVP)system,and is known to be co-released with AVP from hypothalamus.As a surrogate marker of the AVP system,copeptin has gradually replaced AVP in several clinical studies largely due to its structural and methodological advantages.Copeptin has been regarded as a marker of non-specific stress response.In recent years,copeptin attracts more and more attention especially in cardiovascular conditions (heart failure and acute coronary syndromes).The present review primarily focuses on copeptin detection,its general advantages,and its potential clinical value in a variety of cardiovascular conditions.

Objective To study the relationship between GSR and firing distance, and to discuss whether the relationship can be used to estimate the firing distance. MethodsShotting porkets with "5.4" hand gun at the firing distance of 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 120cm respectively, then observing the distributing and element of GSR with SEM/EDX and finally building the equation of regression. ResultsThe relationship between the quantity of GSR and firing distance is linear and the equation is built. When the firing distance is from 10 to 90cm, the result is preferably. ConclusionWe can estimate the "5.4"hand gun firing distance through testing GSR around gunshot wounds.

0.05).Conclusion The maximal slow-phase velocity induced by bithermal caloric test failed to decline with aging,implying that the functions of the horizontal semicircular didn't decline with aging.

Objective To evaluate the practicality of MAGE-1 and MAGE-3 genes encoding proteins used as a target for immunotherapy in renal cell carcinoma and urinary transitional cell carcinoma patients. Methods Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for detection of MAGE-1 and MAGE-3 genes in the specimens from renal cell carcinoma (n=18) and urinary transitional cell carcinoma (n=26),and in 10 specimens taken from the tumor surrounding tissues. Results Positive expression of MAGE-1 and MAGE-3 genes at mRNA was detected in 10(56%) and 11(61%),respectively,of 18 cases of renal cell carcinoma;and expression of both MAGE-1 and MAGE-3 in 8(44%).Out of 26 cases of urinary transitional cell carcinomas,16 (62%) expressed MAGE-1 and 15 (58%) expressed MAGE-3;and 12 (46%) expressed both MAGE-1 and MAGE-3.No expression of MAGE-1 or MAGE-3 was detected in 10 specimens from tumor surrounding tissues. Conclusions The tumor-specific antigens MAGE-1,MAGE-3 genes might be used as molecular markers and specific targets of immunotherapy and gene therapy for renal cell carcinoma and urinary transitional cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the risk factors,characteristics,measures of prevention and treatment of hospital fungal infection among maintenance hemodialysis patients.METHODS Clinical data of 128 maintenance hemodialysis patients between Jan 2002 and Dec 2006 were enrolled in this retrospective study of hospitalized infection cases.RESULTS During above period,36 infection episodes of 27 cases were occurred.The major infection site was lungs(69.4%).the Candida albicans was the main pathogen species(61.1%).The underlying and complicating diseases such as diabetes,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and tumor,long antibiotics using,long hospitalization,poor nutrition status,inadequate hemodialysis,and venous indwelling catheter were the risk factors which led to fungal infection among maintenance hemodialysis patients.CONCLUSIONS The maintenance hemodialysis patients are easy to induce fungal infection.The C.albicans is the main pathogen species.The incidence of underlying diseases is rather high.Treatment of original diseases and complicating diseases,the standard using of antibiotics,adequate hemodialysis,the nutrition status and the reduction of the indwelling time of venous catheter are all the keys to decrease the fungal infection.

Objective To observe the clinical effects of anterior plates with titanium mesh and bone graft (auto and allo) in treatment of cervical spine fractures. Methods 42 cases of fractures of cervical spine treated with anterior plates with titanium mesh. Results The bone graft (auto and allo) were followed up for 4 to 28 months (mean 17 months). The preoperative and postoperative nerve functions were evaluated according to JOA criteria. The cervical curvatures, sink or shift of the mesh and bone fusion were evaluated by X rays. There were no significant complications during perioperative periods. The functions of spinal cord were improved, the cervical curvatures were restored, and no sinking or shifting of the mesh was observed. There was also no loosening of plate or screw. The fusion began 3.5 months postoperatively, and a good fusion could be observed 1 year postoperatively. Conclusion By application of anterior plates with titanium mesh and bone graft (auto and allo) in treatment of cervical spine fractures, the cervical curvature and stability can be restored, the iliac lesion and long operation duration caused by the harvest from ilium can be avoided, better fusion and quicker recovery can be obtained.

Objective　To investigate the association of gene polymorphism of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4（CTLA-4） with autoimmune thyroid diseases. Methods　The A／G transition polymorphism at position 49（exon 1，codon 17） of the CTLA-4 gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism （PCR-RFLP）method in 122 autoimmune thyroid diseases patients which included 87 Graves’ disease （GD） patients and 35 Hashimoto's thyroiditis（HT） patients， as well as 84 control subjects. We detected their thyroid function by ELISA technique， and the thyroid autoimmune antibodies （TGAb，TPOAb） by indirect immunofluorescent technique. Results　The strong association of the CTLA-4／G49 allele with AITDs was seen in our study（66.4％ vs 36.9％ P＜0.0001）. The G allele in GD patients was significantly increased compared with control subjects（69.5％ vs 36.9％， P＜0.0001）. In HT patients， the frequency of G allele was also higher than control subjects（58.6％ vs 36.9％，P＜0.01）， and there was no significant difference between HT and GD groups. When GD and HT subjects were stratified with respect to sex， neither female nor male patients demonstrated evident association of G49 allele with gender.Conclusions　The polymorphism of CTLA-4 gene （exon 1 condon 17 position 49）confers susceptibility to AITDs. This association is independent of sex.