Objective: To analyze the incidence of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR),post-operation characteristics and operation indications of Marfan patients with severe aortic regurgitation and giant left ventricle. Methods: The clinical data and the follow-up data of 19 Marfan patients with severe aortic regurgitation (≥10 ml) and giant left ventricle (LVEDd≥7.0 cm), who were treated from Jan. 2000 to Dec. 2007,were analyzed retrospectively. Results: All patients received Bentall operation and there was no perioperation death. Follow-up was 72 patient-year (ranging 3 months-7 years). The degree of FMR decreased obviously after operation, with an improvement rate of 87.5%, and the FMR almost disappeared 6 months to 1 year later. Conclusion: Bentall achieves good outcome in Marfan patients with severe aortic regurgitation and giant left ventricle. Mild to moderate FMR(< 10 ml) disappears with the decrease of the left ventricle size. For patients with severe FMR (≥ 10 ml) complicated with dysfunction of left ventricle, managed ventricular pacing is suggested.

Objective To establish a simple and sensitive method for the determination of serum copper by spectrophotometry.Methods Nitro-PAPS was used as a coloring agent for serum copper in the presence of surfactants Tween-80 and Triton X-100 and the formed complex was measured by spectrophotometry.Results The maximum absorption wavelength of the complex was 570 nm and the molar absorption coefficient was 7.95?10~4 L/(mol?cm).The lineafity of the method was up to 63.0 ?mol/L and the recoveries ranged from 98.6% to 103.1%.The within-run and between-run CVs were 2.1%-3.3% and 2.7%-3.8%.The method(Y)was compared with an AAS method(X)and a correlation of Y=1.01X -0.27(r=0.998 2)was obtained.A reference interval(x~-?2s)determined with this method on 68 individuals was 9.7-24.1 ?moL/L.Conclusions A simple and sensitive method for serum copper has been established.It may used for the analysis of serum copper in clinical laboratories.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of Shuxuening Injection (SI) on the levels of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) in acute exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

METHODSSeventy-nine patients with acute exacerbated COPD were randomly assigned to the treatment group (39 cases) and the control group (40 cases). Routine therapies for COPD were given to patients in the control group, while 15 mL SI was given to those in the treatment group by intravenous dripping, twice daily for total 14 days. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were detected by Spirometer. The FEV1/FVC (%) and the FEV1% were calculated. The levels of serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were detected using ELISA before and after treatment, and compared with 20 healthy subjects as the control.

RESULTSThe FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC (%), and FEV1% were significantly improved after treatment in the treatment group when compared with before treatment and with the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). When compared with before treatment and with the control group, the levels of serum MMP-9, TIMP-1, and the ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 decreased more significantly in the treatment group after treatment (P < 0.01). Correlation analyses showed that obvious negative correlation existed between the levels of serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and FEV1/FVC (%) (r = -0.677, -0.629, P < 0.01). Obvious negative correlation existed between the levels of serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and FEV1% (r = -0.562, -0.661, P < 0.01). Furthermore, obvious negative correlation also existed between the ratio of MMP-9/ TIMP-1 and FEV1%, as well as FEV1/FVC (%) (r = -0.732, -0.891, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSSI could improve the pulmonary ventilation function of acute exacerbated COPD patients. One of its mechanisms might be correlated with lowering the serum levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, and correcting the imbalance of MMP-9/TIMP-1.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; blood ; drug therapy ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; blood

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious and catastrophic complication after hip or knee arthroplasty. With aging population increasing, more patients will undergo hip or knee arthroplasty. Studies have shown that the risk for PJI following arthroplasty is different in different populations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk factors for PJI after hip or knee arthroplasty in Mainland of China through a meta-analysis, thereby providing reference for the prevention and control of postoperative PJI. METHODS: A computer-based search of WanFang, CNKI, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Medline databases was performed and the literatures concerning the risk factors for PJI after hip or knee arthroplasty in Mainland of China published before September 2016 were collected by manual retrieval and retrospective approach. All the literatures were screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by data extraction and analyzed on RESULTS AND CONLUSION: (1) Finally 14 literatures were included, including 417 patients with PJI. (2) The results of the meta-analysis showed that the risk factors for PJI after hip or knee arthroplasty including the complication of diabetic mellitus, long-term use of steroids, long operation time (> 90 minutes), age (> 65 years), and history of hip or knee Stata 12.0 software. surgery. (3) To conclude, PJI after hip or knee arthroplasty is related to multiple factors, so physicians should pay attention to these factors to reduce the incidence of PJI.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the frequency, type and distribution of PTCH mutations in odontogenic keratocysts (OKC) and to analyze the molecular pathological relationship between sporadic OKC and OKC associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS).

METHODSGenomic DNA was extracted from 8 cases of OKC lesions (4 sporadic OKCs and 4 NBCCS-related OKCs). PTCH gene mutations were detected by PCR-direct sequencing.

RESULTSSix novel PTCH mutations were identified in 6 out of 8 cases (2 sporadic and 4 NBCCS-related OKCs). Two of these were missense mutations leading to substitution of an amino acid residue respectively. The other 4 mutations were identified as insertion or deletion ranging from one single base to 7 bases, three of which caused frame-shift leading to premature truncation of PTCH protein and one resulted in an insertion of 2 amino acid residues. All these identified mutations were novel and have not been previously described.

CONCLUSIONSPTCH gene mutation is a common event in NBCCS-related OKCs and could also be detected in some sporadic OKCs. Abnormalities of PTCH gene may be involved in the pathogenesis of OKC.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome ; complications ; genetics ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Odontogenic Cysts ; complications ; genetics ; Patched Receptors ; Patched-1 Receptor ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; genetics ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo summarize clinical application of the distal island muscle flap of the gastrocnemius muscle for repairing the defects around knee and within the upper 2/3 of lower leg.

METHODS18 patients with defects around knee and within the upper 2/3 of lower leg, were treated with the distal island muscle flap of the gastrocnemius muscle, including 12 cases with medial muscle head and 6 cases with lateral muscle head. The muscular flaps were covered with meshed split-thickness skin grafts. The wound at donor sites were closed directly.

RESULTSAll the skin grafts and muscle flaps survived with superior infection at the wound edge in two cases. The patients were followed up for 8 months to 4.8 years with satisfactory cosmetic and functional results.

CONCLUSIONSThe distal island muscle flap of the gastrocnemius muscle has a reliable blood supply, long pedicle and suitable thickness. It is an ideal method for repairing the defects around knee and within the upper 2/3 of lower leg.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Leg Injuries ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscle, Skeletal ; transplantation ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; surgery ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of arthroscopic debridement for knee osteoarthritis.

METHODSThe medical records of 56 patients (56 knees) who underwent arthroscopic debridement procedures for knee osteoarthritis from 2000 to 2004 were reviewed. Among the patients, 15 patients were male and 41 patients were female,ranged in age from 39 to 76 years, with an average of (55.23 +/- 10.26) years. The duration of the disease ranged from 1 to 25 months, with an average of 5.75 months. The chief symptoms were pain, swelling and dysfunction of the knees. According to Kellgren-Lawrence classification grade, 17 patients were grade I ,39 patients were grade II. Lysholm score was used to evaluate the postoperative effects, and the statistics analysis was carried out with SPSS 13.0.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up more than 5 years. Three patients underwent total knee replacement respectively at 5.5, 7.8 and 8.3 years after the arthroscopic debridement, the average Lysholm score of other 53 patients increased from (42.40 +/- 6.78) preoperatively to (75.53 +/- 8.23) postoperatively. There were significant difference between preoperative score and postoperative score (t = -22.62, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe good midterm follow-up results of arthroscopic debridement for knee osteoarthritis are related to the appropriate indications selections, limited debridement, good patient education, systemic rehabilitation and chondroprotective agents.

Adult ; Aged ; Arthroscopy ; Debridement ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Health Education ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; pathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of curcumin (CUR) on cycteinyl aspirate specific protease-12 (Caspase-12) and pneumocyte apoptosis in pulmonary ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury mice.

METHODSThe in vivo unilateral in situ pulmonary I/R injury mouse model was established in C57BL/6J mice. Sixty experimental mice were randomly divided into six groups by random digit table, i. e., the sham-operation group (Sham), the I/R group, the I/R + dimethyl sulfoxide group (I/R + DMSO), the I/R + low dose CUR pre-treated group (I/R + CUR-100), the I/R + middle dose CUR pre-treated group (I/R + CUR-150), the I/R + high dose CUR pre-treated group (I/R + CUR-200), 10 in each group. Mice were euthanized and their left lungs were excised. Wet lung weight to dry lung weight (W/D) and the total lung water content (TLW) were tested. The morphological changes of the lung tissue were observed and index of quantitative evaluation for alveolar damage (IQA) detected under light microscope. The ultra-microstructure of the lung tissue was observed under electron microscope. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Caspase-12 and glucose regulated protein (GRP78) were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. Apoptosis index (AI) of the lung tissue was determined by terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) method.

RESULTSCompared with the Sham group, expression levels of Caspase-12, GRP78 mRNA and protein all significantly increased in the I/R group (P < 0.05); W/D, TLW, IQA, and AI were all notably higher (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); the morphological and ultrastructural injury of the lung tissue were notably observed in I/R group. Compared with the I/R + DMSO group, expression levels of GRP78 mRNA and protein were increasingly higher in the I/R + CUR-100 group, the I/R + CUR-150 group, and the I/R +CUR-200 group (P < 0.05), expression levels of Caspase-12 mRNA and protein were lower (P < 0.05); W/D, TLW, IQA, and AI also decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); the morphological and ultrastructural injury of the lung tissue were gradually alleviated in the I/R + CUR groups.

CONCLUSIONCUR had better effect on the lung protection against I/R injury, which might be related to inhibition for pneumocyte apoptosis associated with Caspase-12 in excessive unfolded protein response (UPR).

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 12 ; metabolism ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; metabolism ; Lung ; blood supply ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; pathology ; prevention & control

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects on chemotherapeutic sensitization of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 in diffuse large B cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) cell lines ly1, ly8, ly10.

METHODSThe three cell lines were treated with LY294002, or doxorubicin alone or combined or sequentially respectively. Western blotting was used to detect the level of phospho-AKT after the treatment. Flow cytometry combined with annexin V-FITC assay and Brdu incorporation assay were used to analyze the alterations of cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively.

RESULTSLY294002 decreased the level of phospha-AKT efficiently in the three DLBCL cell lines. The ratio of S phase cells was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Sequential use of LY294002 and doxorubicin increased the ratio of apoptosis and there was significant difference between the sequential group and the other four groups (P < 0.05) at 24, 48, 72(ly1), 48, 72 (ly8) or 24 h (ly10).

CONCLUSIONLY294002 can sensitize doxorubicin-induced apoptosis and may be a potential molecular therapeutic agent targeted at AKT signaling pathway in DLBCL.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; metabolism

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of bone scintigraphy in the preoperative diagnosis of sacral tumor. Methods Preoperative 99Tcm-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) whole body bone scintigraphy was performed in total of 103 patients with sacral tumor for whole body survey and radionuclide uptake in the sacral tumor. Of these 103 patients,39 had SPECT. According to the osteoblastic reaction in bone SPECT studies,patterns of tumor with a "hot" lesion was defined as type Ⅰ,a "cold" lesion accompanied with partial uptake was defined as type Ⅱ,a purely "cold" lesion was defined as type Ⅲ,and a "cold" lesion with marginal uptake which produced "doughnut sign" was defined as type Ⅳ. Imaging interpretation was correlated with the final pathologic diagnosis. Results Of the 103 patients,18 ( 17.5% ) had polyostotic involvement. About 46.6% (48/103 ) in planar and 84.6% ( 33/39 ) in SPECT showed decreased uptake at sacrum. Of the bone metastatic patients (n =21 ) ,12 (51.7%) had sole metastasis to sacrum. Tumor with type Ⅰ (6/6) or type Ⅱ (16/19) uptake was likely to be a malignancy,whereas type Ⅲ uptake tended to occur in the benign disease in those patients without polyostotic involvement( 5/7 ),and type Ⅳ was all appeared in giant cell tumors( n = 5 ). Conclusions Preoperative bone scintigraphy is useful in examination of polyostotic involvement for the patients with sacral tumor,but it is limited for diagnosing isolated sacral metastatic disease. Tumor uptake on bone scintigraphy can be helpful in differential diagnosis of sacral tumor.