Alterations in the balance between synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix( ECM) and its remodeling may result in an accumulation of ECM molecules and lead to tubulointerstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis and end-stage renal failure. The major physiologic regulators of ECM degradation in the glomerulus are matrix metalloproteinases ( MMP). Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 and-1 (TIMP-2 and TIMP-1)are endogenous inhibitors of MMP-2 and MMP-9 respectively. The expression or activity of MMP and TIMP is different in all kinds of kidney diseases or pathophysiological processes. This article reviews the interrelationship of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and kidney diseases.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a disease with high disability and mortality rate.It is still lack of effective treatment means in clinical practice.Studies in recent years have found that early brain injury may be the primary causes that result in higher mortality and poor prognosis in patients with SAH.This article mainly reviews the animal models and pathogenesis of early brain injury after SAH.

Computed tomography colonography (CTC) is a well-established technique for evaluation of colorectal cancer (CRC). Signiifcant advances have been made in the technique of CTC since its inception. Besides being an excellent tool for detection of CRC, it is minimally invasive, less time-consuming and well tolerated by patients. Furthermore, it has fewer complications than conventional colonoscopy (CC) or barium enema (BE). The application of new technologies, such as electronic cleansing (EC) and dual-energy CT (DECT), enriches the examination of CTC. In 2005, a standardized reporting scheme, CT colonography reporting and data system (C-RADS), was put forward by the working group on virtual colonoscopy. They proposed that the report should include lesion size, number, morphology, location, attenuation and recommendations for lesion surveillance. New research progress and clinical applications of CTC in CRC are reviewed in this article. In addition, the paper also brielfy touches upon technique, indications, contraindications, safety and risk of CTC.

Objective To explore the effects of isoflurane on blood plasma metabolites (BPM) and its correlation with cognitive dysfunction.Methods Thirty female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two groups:rats in the control group (n =10) received 80％ oxygen for 2 hours (h);and rats in the isoflurane-treated group (n =20) were anesthetized with isoflurane and 80％ oxygen for 2 h.Cognitive functions were examined using a Y-maze test to explore the learning times of rats.The level of blood plasma metabolites was detected through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS).Results The learning times of rats in the isoflurane-treated group was more than the learning times of rats in the control group [(70.75 ± 15.30) vs (45.40 ± 11.21),P ＜ 0.05].D-fructose,arabinofuranose,n-butylamine,and inositol significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05),respectively.Whereas,L-analine and L-proline significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.05) in isoflurane-treated rats when compared to those in the control rats (P ＜ 0.05).Moreover,plasma concentrations of d-fructose,arabinofuranose,n-butylamine,inositol,and L-proline were positively correlated with the degree of cognitive dysfunction in the isoflurane-treated rats.Conclusions Changes of plasma concentrations of inositol,and d-fructose in aged rats are useful in predicting the occurrence and progression of post-anesthesia cognitive dysfunction.

Tumor-specific promoters can induce high-efficiency and specific expression of exogenous genes in tumor cells. At present, commonly used promoters include alpha-fetoprotein promoter, carcinoembryonic antigen promoter,prostate specific antigen promoter,human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter and multidrug resistance gene promoter and etc. Dual promoters, enhancer, regulatory element and other physical or chem-ical factors could be used to reconstruct or modify promoters to increase the expression and location of exogenous genes in tumor cells. Tumor-specific promoters play an important role in cancer gene targeted therapy by cou-pling with suicide gene, anti- oncogene, antiseuse nucleic acid, apoptosis gene and RNA interference.

Objective To discuss the relationship between heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and oxygen consumption in therapeutic exercises for stroke patients. Methods Eighteen stroke patients a-ble to walk independently participated in the test. K4b2 Pulmonary Function Equipment was used to record their heart Rates(min-1)and specific oxygen consumption(ml·min-1·kg-1)during the following exercises:relaxed sitting,sit-to-stand transfers, leaning against a wall and elevating the hips (strength training of the gluteus maximus) , raising the unaffected leg while the affected leg is weight bearing, raising the affected leg while the unaffected leg is weight bearing, climbing up and down stairs, and walking 60 meters. RPE was surveyed after each exercise. Results The correlation between HR and oxygen consumption was moderate (r = 0.618, P≤0.001), but it was weak between RPE and oxygen consumption (r = 0.325 ,P≤0.001). Conclusion Heart rate is a better index than RPE for eval-uating exercise intensity with stroke patients able to walk independently.

Objective To discuss the value of laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair(TEP) for inguinal hernia.MethodsBetween 2005 and 2007,82 consecutive patients with inguinal hernia at 97 sides underwent TEP by laparoscopy in our hospital.Among the cases [76 men and 6 women with a mean age of 52 years(21 to 88)],9 had unilateral direct inguinal hernia,50 showed unilateral indirect inguinal hernia,and 9 suffered from bilateral indirect inguinal hernia,6 cases were found having bilateral indirect inguinal hernia complicated with direct hernia,and 8 were recurrent cases of indirect inguinal hernia.Results In the patients,5 showed massive postoperative abdominal adhesion;one of them was converted to open surgery because of severe injury to the peritoneum,the other 4 were treated by continuous suture using 5-0 absorbable thread.The operation time for laparoscopic surgery ranged from 30 to 180 minutes(58 minutes for unilateral operation,and 97 minutes for bilateral operation on average).No patient needed analgesics after the procedure.The mean hospital stay for this series was 7 days(range: 4 to 12).Nine patients developed seromas of the scrotum,and was then cured by local drainage and physical therapy.The 82 patients were followed up for 13 to 38 months with a mean of 26 months,during which no one had recurrence.Conclusion As a safe and minimally invasive procedure,which leads to less trauma and pain,as well as quick recovery,TEP is especially suitable for patients with recurrent or bilateral hernias.

Objective To understand the relationship between Demodex and bacteria infection in rosacea (brandy nose), and to find effective means for the treatment. MethodsCellophane tape was used to detect Demodex on the nasolabial grooves and the face; sebum and tissue on face was scraped and cultured to examine bacteria under microscope. The hospital_made anti_rosacea lotion was used on the affected part two times a day for 7 days. Results It was found that 193 (74^2%) of 260 cases with rosacea were infected by Demodex and 209 (80^4%) of the patients were infected by bacteria. The overall effective rate of the treatment for rosacea was 73^5%. Conclusion Bacteria infection in rosacea is an important factor inducing rosacea. The curative effect of the anti_rosacea lotion is good.

Objective To study the regularity of cerebral edema in middle cerebral artery occlusion rats and the influence of rehabilitation training on edema. Methods 120 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to normal control group (n=24), no-intervention group (n=24), resting plus natural feeding group (n=24), resting plus natural feeding and special nutrition group (n=24), and training group (n=24). Bederson score was used to evaluate the neurological function, and the dry-wet weight way was used to measure brain water content on the 1st day, 3rd day, 5th day, and 7th day. Results There was no significant difference in the other 4 groups except the normal group on the 1st day, 3rd day, and 5th day (P>0.05). However, neurological function in the training group was better than that in the other 3 groups except the normal control group on the 7th day (P<0.01). Except the normal control group, the brain water content decreased most rapidly in the training group and slowest in the resting groups after the 3rd day. Conclusion Rehabilitation training could accelerate the recovery of neurological function and release cerebral edema in rats with focal cerebral ischemia.

Positive outcomes have been reported about the transcranial magnetic stimulation for aphasia. This paper reviewed the relat-ed literatures about repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation used in clinical and research, and discussed the possible mechanisms in the recovery of aphasia, and the roles of hemispheres in brain.