Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic ; Humans ; Pulmonary Edema

Objective:To study the influence of triptolide on neutrophils asthmatic mice of WBC and EOS in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.Methods:Using ovalbumin ( OVA) combined with lipopolysaccharide ( LPS) method to establish sensitized asthmatic mice,BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 32 neutrophilic asthma group ( NA group ) , neutrophil triptolide intervention group (TLN group),neutrophil dexamethasone group (DXN group) and normal control group (NC group),n=8,hemocytometer calculated for each group of mice bronchoalveolar lavage fluid ( BALF) of the total number of WBC and EOS;smears stained Switzerland View in-flammatory cell infiltration.Results: In bronchioalveolar lavage fluid, numbers and infiltrations of WBC and EOS were significantly decreased in the DXN,TLN group than those in the NA group(P<0.05);but were significantly higher than the NC group (P<0.05), the DXN group above parameters were significantly higher than the TLN group ( all P<0.05 ) .Conclusion: Triptolide can reduce the total number of BALF WBC and EOS,inhibit lung WBC,EOS infiltration,ease neutrophilic airway inflammation.

Objective To evaluate the effect of errorless learning on memory processes.Methods Eight- y-four participants were randomly divided into three groups:a group which received computer-assisted memory train- ing (CAMG,n=30) ,a therapist-administered memory training group (TAMG,n=24) and a control group (CG,n =30).A 20-session training course with a Chinese cultural background was tailor-made for Chinese subjects with memory disorders.It was administered over the course of one month to the test groups with a similar course structure and content but different delivery modes.The control group had no training.The Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test- Chinese Version (RBMT-CV) and the Hong Kong List Learning Test (HKLLT) were used to assess memory ability and process at the start and end of the training,and one month later.A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare differences across the three groups.Results Comparing pre-training with post-training and follow- up,RBMT-CV and HKLLT scores improved significantly.The CAMG group demonstrated better progress encoding and storage on the HKLLT (including the random and blocked conditions) than the TAMG group.Conclusions Errorless learning is likely to be an effective technique for improving memory function in patients with traumatic brain injury.Its effects last for at least one month.Computer-administered training was more effective than therapist-admin- istered face to face training,especially in improving encoding and storage memory processes.

Objective To investigate the accuracy of 320-slice row CT system for the detection of coronary artery disease(CAD)in high pre-test probability population without heart rate/rhythm control.Methods Thirty patients with a high pre-test probability of CAD underwent 320-slice row CT without preceding heart rate/rhythm control.Invasive coronary angigraphy(ICA)served as the standard reference.Data sets were evaluated by 2 observers in consensus with respect to stenoses≥50% decreased diameter.The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV),negative predictive value(NPV)and Youden index were analyzed;the impact of heart rate and calcification on image quality as well as diagnostic accuracy were also analyzed by Chi-square test Results Mean heart rate during scanning was 73.7±15.4 beats per min(bpm),and median(QR)of Agatston score of segment was 45.6(181).On a per-segment analysis,overall sensitivity was 96.1%(74/77,95%CI:89.03%-99.19%),specificity was 98.3% (337/343,95%CI:96.23%-99.36%),PPV was 92.5% (74/80,95%CI:84.39%-97.20%),NPV of 99.1% (337/340,95%CI:97.44%-99.82%)and the Youden index was 0.94.In both heart-rate subgroups(242 in heart rate＜70 bpm group,169 in heart ratet≥70 bpm group),diagnostic accuracy for the assessment of coronary artery stenosis was similar(P＜0.05).The accuracy and the quality score of the subgroup Agatston score≥100 were lower than that of the subgroup Agatston score＜100;however,the difiercnce of results between 320-slice row CT and ICA was not significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion 320-detector row CT can reliably detect coronary artery stenoses in a high pre-test probability population without heart rate/rhythm control.

OBJECTIVETo determine Campylobacter contamination level and antimicrobial resistance patterns from chicken carcasses in supermarkets and farmer's markets of 9 districts in Beijing.

METHODSFrom August 2012 to July 2013, whole chicken carcasses (n = 240) were collected from 27 supermarkets and 18 farmer's markets of nine districts in Beijing. The level of Campylobacter contamination was enumerated by plate counting method using the modified Karmali and modified Preston agar. Presumptive Campylobacter isolates were identified and characterized by gram stain, agglumination test and a multiplex PCR method. The level of Campylobacter contamination was calculated following the USDA/FSIS Campylobacter enumeration method. Selected 151 Campylobacter isolates were further characterized by minimal inhibitory concentrations(MICs) of eight antimicrobials.

RESULTSA total of 26.3% (63/240) of the retail whole chicken carcasses were contaminated by Campylobacter and 151 Campylobacter isolates were recovered, including 85 Campylobacter jejuni isolates and 66 Campylobacter coli isolates. The P25, P50, P75 of Campylobacter contamination concentration were 7.5, 45.0 and 350.0 CFU/g, respectively. The antimicrobial resistance rate of C. jejuni and C. coli were as the following: azithromycin(AZI, 13% (11/85), 82% (54/85)), chloramphenicol (CHL, 33% (28/85), 42% (28/85)), ciprofloxacin (CIP, 95% (81/85), 100% (85/85)), doxycycline (DOX, 38% (32/85), 80% (53/85)), erythromycin (ERY, 12% (10/85), 82% (54/85)), gentamicin (GEN, 25% (21/85), 68% (45/85)), tetracycline (TET, 67% (57/85), 73% (62/85)), all isolates were susceptible to meropenem (MEP). The multi-drug resistance ratio of C. jejuni (55% (47/85) )was significantly lower than that (86% (57/66) )of C. coli (χ(2) = 16.70, P < 0.01). Among 151 Campylobacter isolates, 21 antimicrobial resistance patterns were identified, including 20 patterns among C. jejuni isolates and 10 patterns among C.coli isolates. Among C.jejuni isolates, CIP-DOX-TET was dominant (22% (19/85)), followed by CIP-TET (14% (12/85)), CHL-CIP-TET(9% (8/85)) and CHL-CIP-GEN (7% (6/85)). Among C.coli isolates,AZI-CHL-CIP-DOX-ERY-GEN-TET (35% (23/66)) was the dominant, followed by AZI-CIP-DOX-ERY-GEN-TET (21% (14/66) )and AZI-CIP-DOX-ERY-TET(15% (10/66)).

CONCLUSIONOur findings showed a high prevalence and concentration of Campylobacter contamination in retail chicken carcasses of nine districts in Beijing, especially the on-site slaughtered chicken from the farmer's markets. The resistance levels of these recovered Campylobacter isolates were serious.

Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Campylobacter coli ; classification ; drug effects ; Campylobacter jejuni ; classification ; drug effects ; Chickens ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Food Microbiology ; Meat ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests

Background::Pre-operative assessment with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for assessing the risk of local recurrence (LR) and survival in rectal cancer. However, few studies have explored the clinical importance of the morphology of the anterior mesorectum, especially in patients with anterior cancer. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the impact of the morphology of the anterior mesorectum on LR in patients with primary rectal cancer.Methods::A retrospective study was performed on 176 patients who underwent neoadjuvant treatment and curative-intent surgery. Patients were divided into two groups according to the morphology of the anterior mesorectum on sagittal MRI: (1) linear type: the anterior mesorectum was thin and linear; and (2) triangular type: the anterior mesorectum was thick and had a unique triangular shape. Clinicopathological and LR data were compared between patients with linear type anterior mesorectal morphology and patients with triangular type anterior mesorectal morphology.Results::Morphometric analysis showed that 90 (51.1%) patients had linear type anterior mesorectal morphology, while 86 (48.9%) had triangular type anterior mesorectal morphology. Compared to triangular type anterior mesorectal morphology, linear type anterior mesorectal morphology was more common in females and was associated with a higher risk of circumferential resection margin involvement measured by MRI (35.6% [32/90] vs. 16.3% [14/86], P = 0.004) and a higher 5-year LR rate (12.2% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.030). In addition, the combination of linear type anterior mesorectal morphology and anterior tumors was confirmed as an independent risk factor for LR (odds ratio = 4.283, P = 0.014). Conclusions::The classification established in this study was a simple way to describe morphological characteristics of the anterior mesorectum. The combination of linear type anterior mesorectal morphology and anterior tumors was an independent risk factor for LR and may act as a tool to assist with LR risk stratification and treatment selection.

OBJECTIVETo compare the short-term efficacy of laparoscopic and open transabdominal intersphincteric resection (ISR) for low rectal cancer.

METHODSClinicopathological data of 246 patients with low rectal cancer undergoing transabdominal ISR in our department from January 2005 to January 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. According to gender, age, ASA score, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or not, pathological T stage, pathologic N stage, and tumor differentiation, propensity score matching was performed by R plug-in(version 2.8.1). Finally, 74 cases treated by laparoscopic transabdominal ISR(laparoscopic group) and 74 cases by open transabdominal ISR(open group) were enrolled. Short-term efficacy and anal function were compared between two groups.

RESULTSNo perioperative death was found in the two groups. Compared to open group, laparoscopic group had longer operation time [(236±45) minutes vs. (200±46) minutes, P=0.000], less median blood loss [50(10 to 200) ml vs. 100(20 to 400) ml, P=0.000] and shorter hospital stay [(7.8±2.4) days vs. (10.5±6.9) days, P=0.002]. Laparoscopic group and open group had similar morbidity of total complication [17.6%(13/74) vs. 28.4%(21/74), P=0.118]. Incidence of pneumonia was significantly lower in laparoscopic group [4.1%(3/74) vs. 13.5%(10/74), P=0.042), while incidence of anastomotic leakage and stenosis, and complication grading were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). During a mean follow-up of 52.0 months, anal function analysis was performed in 102 patients with stoma closure and the result showed that the ratio of patients with good continence was 87.1%(54/62) and 87.5%(35/40) in laparoscopic and open group respectively (P=0.066).

CONCLUSIONLaparoscopic transabdominal ISR is safe and feasible, which is minimally invasive with fast recovery, and is worth clinical application.

Aged ; Anastomotic Leak ; Chemoradiotherapy ; Female ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; methods ; Length of Stay ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Operative Time ; Rectal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo establish a nomogram model to predict the peritoneal metastasis in colon cancer patients without distant metastasis by preoperative imaging examination.

METHODSClinicopathological data of colon cancer patients without distant metastasis by preoperative imaging examination who underwent surgery in our department between January 2000 and December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Predictors of peritoneal carcinomatosis were analyzed by univariate and Logistic multivariate analyses. Base on the independent predictors by multivariable analysis results, a nomogram model was formulated with further use of R software. The total score was calculated by the addition of each predictor score, indicating the corresponding risk of peritoneal metastasis. The score was greater in the nomogram, and the risk was higher in peritoneal implantation metastasis. A receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was then constructed to evaluate the predictive abilities of the various preoperative factors and nomogram.

RESULTSA total of 1 417 patients were defined as above and enrolled in the study. The median age was (60.5±13.3) years, 835 cases (58.9%) were male, and 132 cases (9.3%, 132/1417) were diagnosed with synchronous peritoneal carcinomatosis during operation. Univariate analysis showed that peritoneal metastasis was associated with age, incidence of abdominal pain, incidence of mucous bloody stool, CEA level, traversible rate, tumor diameter, ratio of infiltrating type cancer, differentiation, histological type, cT staging and cN staging (all P<0.05). Logistic multivariate analysis revealed that younger age (OR:0.974, 95%CI: 0.958 to 0.990, P=0.001), later clinical T stage (OR: 2.949, 95%CI: 1.588 to 5.476, P=0.001), lesion not traversible(OR: 0.519, 95%CI: 0.314 to 0.858, P=0.011), infiltrative gross type (OR: 1.812, 95%CI: 1.099 to 2.987, P=0.020), larger tumor (OR: 1.044, 95%CI: 0.998 to 1.093, P=0.061), higher preoperative serum CEA level(OR:1.004,95%CI: 1.001 to 1.007, P=0.007) and histopathologic type of mucinous or signet ring cell adenocarcinoma (OR:1.642, 95%CI: 1.009 to 2.673, P=0.046) were independent risk factors. The nomogram model was further established based on above 7 independent risk factors, whose total score was 350 and area under the ROC curve was 0.753(P=0.000).

CONCLUSIONThe nomogram model can be helpful to screen the colon cancer patients with high risk of peritoneal metastasis and to avoid unnecessary laparotomy for colon cancer patients without distant metastasis by preoperative imaging examination.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of anastomotic leakage (AL) on long-term survival after resection for rectal cancer.

METHODSClinicopathological data of 653 rectal cancer cases confirmed by pathology and undergoing R0 resection for rectal cancer in our department from January 2007 to December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Anastomotic leakage was found in 40 cases (AL group) and not in the other 613 cases (non-AL group). After median 47 (1-91) months of follow-up, 5-year disease-free survival rate, distant metastasis rate and local recurrence rate were compared between the two groups. Risk factors affecting long-term prognosis were also analyzed.

RESULTSThe 5-year disease-free survival rate, 5-year distant metastasis rate, and 5-year local recurrence rate were 78.1%, 14.2% and 4.2% in the non-AL group, and 74.5%, 20.1% and 8.4% in the AL group respectively, and the differences were not statistically significant (P=0.808, P=0.965, P=0.309). Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy, TNM staging, abnormal CA199, preoperative low level of albumin were independent prognostic factors of rectal cancer patients after R0 resection, while AL was not an independent factor of 5-year disease-free survival (P=0.910). Further multivariate analysis on 507 cases receiving postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy also revealed that AL was not an independent factor of 5-year disease-free survival (P>0.05). Percentage difference of patients finishing postoperative chemotherapy between the two groups was not statistically significant (79.4% vs. 76.3%, P=0.681).

CONCLUSIONAL is not an independent predictor of long-term survival for rectal cancer.

Anastomotic Leak ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Disease-Free Survival ; Humans ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Postoperative Period ; Prognosis ; Rectal Neoplasms ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo establish a nomogram to predict long-term survival in non-metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was conducted in patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer who underwent radical surgery in the Department of Colorectal Surgery of Affiliated Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University between January 2000 and December 2014. Univariate and multivariate analyses on disease-free survival (DFS) were performed using the Cox proportional regression model. Based on the multivariate analysis results, a prognostic nomogram was formulated to predict the probability for DFS. Concordance index was applied in predictive evaluation of the nomogram and calibration curves were drawn to test the nomogram's prediction and actual observation of the 5-year DFS rate. The predictive ability of nomogram was compared with AJCC-7 staging system.

RESULTSA total of 2 641 patients were identified. The median age was 59.3 years old, and 60.3% of cases were men. The number of patients with TNM stage 0, I(, II( and III( was 96, 505, 923 and 1043, respectively. The most common tumor site was the rectum, accounting for 43.2%. A total of 413 (15.6%) patients underwent neoadjuvant treatment. The most common gross type of tumor was ulcerative type, accounting for 79.5%. The 3- and 5-year DFS rate was 85.8% and 79.8%, respectively. Based on the Cox proportional regression model, the following six factors were independently associated with reduced DFS rate and were selected for the nomogram: older age, higher pathologic T stage, higher pathologic N stage, higher preoperative serum CEA level, infiltrative gross type and perineural invasion. The results of the nomogram showed that the score of T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 stage was 0, 2.2, 3.9, 4.1 and 6, respectively, and the score of N0, N1 and N2 was 0, 3.8 and 9.3, respectively. For gross type, the score of expanding type, ulcerative type and infiltrative type was 6, 9 and 10, respectively. The score of perineural invasion was 5.2. Higher scores were added to older age and higher CEA level. The total scores were calculated by taking the sum of the points from all predictors. Higher total score was associated with poor DFS. The prognostic nomogram differentiated well and showed a concordance index of 0.718, which was better than AJCC-7 staging system (concordance index=0.683). Also, the calibration of nomogram predictions was good.

CONCLUSIONSA nomogram based on 6 independently prognostic factors to predict long-term survival in non-metastatic colorectal cancer patients is established successfully. The nomogram can be conveniently used to facilitate the accurate individualized prediction of DFS rates in patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer.