Objective To evaluate the combination use of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), portal vein embolization (PVE) and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in treating portal vein tumor thrombus(PVTT). Methods A total of 85 patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma complicated by PVTT, who were encountered during the period from Jan. 2011 to Feb. 2012 at authors’ hospital, were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into the study group (n=47) and the control group (n=38). TACE, PVE and HIFU were performed in the patients of the study group, while only TACE and PVE were carried out in the patients of the control group. The therapeutic process was as follows: PVE was carried out 2 weeks after TACE was performed, and for the patients of the study group additional HIFU was conducted about 10 days after PVE procedure. Results The short-term effective rate in the study group and the control group was 89.4% (42/47) and 39.5% (15/38) respectively, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P< 0.05). The 6-month, one-year, and two-year survival rate in the study group were 87.2%(41/47), 66.0%(31/47) and 27.7%(13/47) respectively; the median survival time was 15.4 months. In the control group, the 6-month, one-year, and two-year survival rate were 55.3% (21/38), 39.5% (15/38) and 10.5%(4/38) respectively;the median survival time was 10.3 months. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion For the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma associated with portal vein tumor thrombus, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, portal vein embolization together with high intensity focused ultrasound is an safe and effective therapy as it can significantly improve the therapeutic effect and prolong the survival time.

OBJECTIVETo compare the incidence of metabolic disorders (MS) in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) and essential hypertension (EH).

METHODSMS prevalence was observed in 200 EH patients (male 104) and 220 PA patients (male 117) hospitalized to our hospital from August 2005 to March 2007.

RESULTS(1) The prevalence of MS in PA group was significantly higher than that of EH group (47.3% vs. 31.5%, P = 0.009). (2) Blood pressure was significantly higher in PA group than that of EH [SBP: (150.67 +/- 15.45) mm Hg vs. (145.69 +/- 17.13) mm Hg, P = 0.042; DBP: (93.03 +/- 10.51) mm Hg vs. (85.83 +/- 14.44) mm Hg, P = 0.037]. (3) Incidences of abdominal obesity (86.8% vs. 78.5%, P = 0.024) and insulin resistance (insulin sensitivity index: 42.42 +/- 16.11 vs. 49.58 +/- 22.43, P = 0.008) were significantly higher in PA group than in EH group.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of MS in hospitalized PA patients was significantly higher than that of EH patients characterized by prevalent abdominal obesity, insulin resistant and severe hypertension.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperaldosteronism ; epidemiology ; metabolism ; Hypertension ; epidemiology ; metabolism ; Incidence ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome ; epidemiology ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVEIn children with congenital heart diseases who have undergone surgical interventions, postoperative arrhythmias frequently complicate the clinical course. "Incisional" atrial tachycardia or flutter is one of the most common forms of postoperative arrhythmias in these patients and can lead to significant morbidity and even mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate how to use antiarrhythmic drugs and the CARTO system to treat these cases.

METHODSThere were 12 patients with "incisional" atrial tachycardia or flutter complicating surgery for congenital heart diseases in this study (3 patients with correction of tetrology of Fallot, 3 with atrial septal defect repair, 2 with ventricular septal defect repair, 1 with switch, 1 with repair of Ebstein's anomaly, 1 with total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, and 1 with atrial septal closure with the Amplatzer septal occlusion). Patients whose body weight was less than 10 kg or those who did not wish to accept ablation were treated with antiarrhythmic drugs, including digitoxin, propranolol, metoprolol and cordarone. CARTO system was used to map 6 patients whose body weight was more than 10 kg and who agreed with accepting ablation for atrial tachycardia and flutter. Radio-frequency ablation was performed in these 6 cases including two cases of "incisional" atrial tachycardia and 4 of atrial flutter.

RESULTS(1) The antiarrhythmic drug was successful in 6 patients with "incisional" atrial tachycardia. (2) Six patients including 2 children with "incisional" atrial tachycardia and 4 children with atrial flutter were successfully ablated. But one case of "incisional" atrial tachycardia relapsed after 3 months of ablation. This case, however, was successfully ablated again later. No further relapse was observed during the 2 - 24 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONAblation of "incisional" atrial tachycardia and flutter is the first choice to treat the patients whose body weight is more than 10 kg and those who agree with accepting ablation by CARTO system. Drug therapy of "incisional" atrial tachycardia and flutter is palliative and it is the only selection to treat the patients whose body weight is less than 10 kg or those who do not wish to accept ablation procedure.

Anti-Arrhythmia Agents ; therapeutic use ; Atrial Flutter ; etiology ; therapy ; Catheter Ablation ; methods ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; complications ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Postoperative Care ; Tachycardia, Ectopic Atrial ; etiology ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDFluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography imaging can be used to assess the treatment efficacy of chemotherapy and prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the uptake rate of (18)F-FDG in colon cancer HCT-116 cells, and to evaluate the treatment efficacy of chemotherapy, hyperthermia and thermo-chemotherapy through the uptake inhibition rate of (18)F-FDG.

METHODSThe uptake rate of (18)F-FDG in HCT-116 cells was determined at various experimental conditions. The inhibition rate of cell growth, uptake rate of (18)F-FDG and uptake inhibition rate of (18)F-FDG in HCT-116 cells treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) at various concentrations were determined. In HCT-116 cells subjected to chemotherapy (5-FU, 100 µg/ml), hyperthermia (43°C, 40 minutes) and thermo-chemotherapy for 24 hours, the inhibition rate of cell growth and uptake inhibition rate of (18)F-FDG were determined; early apoptosis, the morphology and ultrastructure of HCT-116 cells were examined; and the contents of glucose and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the cell culture medium of HCT-116 cells were determined. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation analyses were conducted by using SPSS 16.0 software.

RESULTSThe uptake rate of (18)F-FDG in HCT-116 cells was (44.25 ± 2.19)%. Under the condition of adding 5-FU at various concentrations for 24 hours, the uptake rate of (18)F-FDG was negatively correlated with 5-FU dosage (r = -0.879, P < 0.01); the inhibition rate of cell growth revealed a positive correlation with the uptake inhibition rate of (18)F-FDG (r = 0.831, P < 0.01). In HCT-116 cells subjected to hyperthermia, chemotherapy, and thermo-chemotherapy for 24 hours, the uptake inhibition rates of (18)F-FDG were (12.94 ± 2.80)%, (28.25 ± 4.59)%, and (21.60 ± 3.68)%, respectively. The early apoptotic rates of HCT-116 cells were (9.80 ± 0.16)%, (19.80 ± 2.40)%, and (15.70 ± 1.80)%, respectively. Moreover, the contents of glucose and LDH in cell culture medium of HCT-116 cells after treatments were higher than those before treatment.

CONCLUSIONThe uptake inhibition rate of (18)F-FDG can be used for early evaluation of hyperthermia and 5-FU treatment efficacy on cancer cells although hyperthermia (43°C, 40 minutes) does not reveal the synergistic effect on 5-FU at the low dosage.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Colonic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Fever ; metabolism ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; metabolism ; Fluorouracil ; pharmacology ; HCT116 Cells ; Humans ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) in combination with bicyclol for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in seniors.

METHODS96 senior patients with CHB were randomly divided into two groups, the treatment group and the control group. On the basis of routine liver protective treatment, patients in the treatment group received ADV (10 mg/d) and bicyclol tablets (25 mg, tid.) orally, and those in the control group were orally administrated ADV tablets (10 mg/d) only. The treatment course for both groups was 24 weeks. Serum ALT, AST, and alterations of virological parameters were observed before and after the treatment.

RESULTSBefore and at the end of the 24 weeks treatment, ALT level for the treatment group was (208.44 +/- 94.22) and (34.47 +/- 12.79) U/L, and those for the control group was (205.73 +/- 96.48) and (44.20 +/- 21.96) U/L, respectively (difference between groups P < 0.01). At the end of the 24 weeks treatment, ALT normalization rates for the treatment group and the control group were 76.6% and 54.5%, respectively, and AST normalization rates for them were 76.6% and 54.5%, respectively (both differences between groups P < 0.05); HBV DNA loads for the treatment group and the control group were decreased by (3.1 +/- 1.40) lgIU/ml and (2.98 +/- 1.17) lgIU/ ml, respectively (difference between groups P > 0.05). The incidence rates of adverse events between two groups were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONIt suggested that the treatment of ADV in combination with bicyclol for senior patients with CHB is effective and safe.

Adenine ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; analogs & derivatives ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antiviral Agents ; administration & dosage ; Biphenyl Compounds ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; DNA, Viral ; blood ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; virology ; Humans ; Liver ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Organophosphonates ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects

OBJECTIVETo study the distribution of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) strains subtypes in Shandong province and to study their source in order to predict the epidemic trend.

METHODSEpidemiological investigation was made and 93 DNA fragments of HIV-1 env, gag, tat gene were amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction from people infected with HIV-1, in 2002 - 2003. Their C2-V3, P17/P24, 1st exon of tat and adjacent region were sequenced.

RESULTSSequence analysis showed that there were 7 HIV-1 strains or circulating recombinant forms (CRFs), B' (n = 71), CRF01-AE (n = 9), CRF07-BC (n = 3), CRF08-BC (n = 3), B (n = 2), C (n = 2), CRF02-AG (n = 2). B' strains was the predominant which, covered 10 cities and 4 kinds of population including blood donors, blood receivers, spouses of the infected people and clients of the sex workers. CRF07-BC, CRF08-BC strains were identified in 5 cities, mainly from injecting drug users. CRF01-AE and other strains were found distributed in developed cities, among sex workers.

CONCLUSIONThere were many kinds of subtypes and CRFs of HIV and their genomes which generated obvious variation in Shandong province, suggesting that they might facilitate the spread of the disease in Shandong province.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; China ; epidemiology ; DNA, Viral ; genetics ; Female ; HIV Infections ; epidemiology ; genetics ; HIV-1 ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Epidemiology

OBJECTIVEThe parameters of absorption and purification of total anthraquinones in Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei by D301 macroporous resin were investigated in this paper.

METHODHPLC was used to analyze the content of total anthraquinones in Radix Et Rhizoma with emodin as control.

RESULTThe appropriate adsorption conditions were: concentration of extract 0.5 g x mL(-1); pH 9; flow rate 1 BV x h(-1). When the 75% ethanol was used as elution and the concentration of HCl was 0.1 mol x L(-1), and the flow rate was 1.0 BV x h(-1), the effect of desorption was satisfactory.

CONCLUSIOND301 resin provided a good effect on the exchang and absorption of total anthraquinones in Radix Et Rhizoma.

Anthraquinones ; isolation & purification ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Resins, Synthetic ; Rheum ; chemistry ; Rhizome ; chemistry

Objective To investigate the mechanism of reverse redistribution (RR) on dipyridamole 201Tl myocardial perfusion studies in the patients with coronary artery spasm. Methods Twenty-six patients with coronary artery spasm and presented as RR on dipyridamole 201Tl myocardial perfusion studies were enlisted as RR group, while other 16 patients with no coronary artery stenosis nor RR were enlisted as control group. Dipyridamole test was repeated during coronary angiography. Corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (CTFC) and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) were measured at RR related and non-RR related coronary arteries before and after dipyridamole infusion respectively.All of the data were analyzed by Student's t-test orχ2-test and correlation analysis. Results Coronary artery angiography showed slower blood flow and lower myocardial perfusion in RR related vessels when compared with non-RR related vessels in RR group, but there was no significant difference among the main coronary arteries in control group. The perfusion defects of RR area at rest were positively related to slowerblood velocity at corresponding coronary arteries ( r = 0.79, t = 10.18, P ＜ 0.001 ). In RR related vessels,CTFC were (36 ±6) frames and (26 ±7) frames (t =4.15, P ＜0.01 ), while TMPG were (2.02 ±0.39)grades and (2.92 ± 0.12) grades ( t = 2.25, P ＜ 0.05 ) before and after dipyridamole infusion, respectively.In non-RR related vessels, CTFC were (29 ±7) frames and (25 ±5) frames (t =2.31, P ＜0.05), while TMPG were (2.56 ± 0.31 ) grades and (2.96 ± 0.06) grades ( t = 2.17, P ＜ 0.05 ) before and after dipyridamole infusion, respectively. However, there were no significant changes of CTFC and TMPG before and after dipyridamole infusion in control group ( t = 0.932, 0.867, respectively, both P ＞ 0.05 ). Conclusion RR is related to the decreased blood flow and myocardial perfusion induced by coronary artery spasm at rest,which may be improved by stress test such as intravenous dipyridamole infusion.

ObjectiveTo establish the methodology for identification of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium and to identify the distribution of Mycobacterium species in hospitalized patients with tuberculosis in Heilongjiang province.It would provide the basis for accurate diagnosis of infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and non-tuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) as well as for effective therapy.Methods Three hundred and thirty Mycobacterium isolates from 330 tuberculosis patients hospitalized and clinically diagnosed in Harbin Chest Hospital from May 2007 to December 2008 were collected.Genomic DNA from the isolates was extracted after inactivation of Mycobacterium.Molecular identification was carried out using PCR,PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing.ResultsAmong 330 clinical isolates,328 were identified as MTB complex (MTBC),accounting for 99.4％ (328/330); 2 were NTM,accounting for 0.6％ (2/330).Among 328 MTBC isolates,326were MTB,one was Mycobacterium Africanum(M.African) and one was Mycobacterium microti(M,microti),accounting for 99.4％ (326/328),0.3％ (1/328) and 0.3％ (1/328),respectively.It was found that the homology between the two NTM isolates and Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAC)was 99％ and 93％,respectively,suggesting that the two NTM isolates were MAC.The homology between the two NTM isolates was 93％.ConclusionsPCR plus PCR-RFLP and sequencing provides an ideal method for precise identification of Mycobacterium species.In the clinically diagnosed tuberculosis patients,the predominant Mycobacterium species is MTB,however M.African,M.microti as well as NTM are also found.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical feature, suitable treatment and prognosis of alveolar soft part sarcoma.

METHODSThe clinical data of 58 such patients treated at our hospital from 1967 to 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. Fifty-three patients except 6 with distant metastasis underwent surgical resection including 33 extensive resection and 19 local resection. Furthermore, 19 patients received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

RESULTSEleven of 50 patients who underwent complete resection developed local recurrence. Thirty-One (53.4%) was found to have lung metastasis. The overall 3-, 5-, 10-year survival rate was 89.5%, 74.1% and 57.7%, respectively. The median survival time of the patients was 125 months. The 3-, 5-, 10-year survival rate was 100.0%, 81.6% and 65.3% for female patients, but it was 79.6%, 67.2% and 49.7% for male patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONAlveolar soft part sarcoma usually grows slowly. Though local recurrence is rarely seen, distant metastasis is frequently observed. Lung is the most common organ of metastasis. However, survival can still be long even with lung metastasis. To achieve microscopically complete resection is quite critical to localized alveolar soft part sarcoma. No survival advantage was observed when adding adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. The phenomena of female patient or patient with X chromosome translocation showing better prognosis than the male or other patients needs further investigation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; secondary ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Retrospective Studies ; Sarcoma, Alveolar Soft Part ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; secondary ; surgery ; Sex Factors ; Soft Tissue Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult