Objective To investigate the effects of terazosin on expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) in a rat model of atherosclerosis and to explore the mecha-nism for reducing atherosclerosis by terazosin. Methods Normal rats were fed with high lipid feedstuff to set up a rat model of atherosclerosis. Blood lipid indexes were measured and the expressions of MMP-9 and MCP-1 in aorta were detected and further quantified by immunohistochemistry after 12-week high lipid feedstuff. Results The plasma concentration of TG, TC, LDL in the terazosin group were significantly lower than those in the high cholesterol-diet group (P<0.01). The expressions of MMP-9 and MCP-1 in the high cholesterol-diet group and in the terazosin group were significantly higher than those in the normal-diet group (P < 0.01), but expressions of MMP-9 and MCP-1 in the terazosin group were significantly lower than those in the high cholesterol-diet group (P<0.01). Conclusion Terazosin can lower the concentration of TC, LDL but increase the HDL concentration. The anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of terazosin is associated with the decrease of the expressions of MMP-9 and MCP-1 and plasma lipoprotein.

Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic ; virology ; Orthobunyavirus ; classification

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nervous System Diseases ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Neural Conduction ; Organophosphate Poisoning ; Pesticides ; poisoning ; Young Adult

Objective: To study the protective roll of neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) on high glucose caused myocardial cell injury in rat’s embryo H9c2 myocardial cells with its mechanism. Methods: Cultured rat’s embryo H9c2 myocardial cells were divided into 5 groups:①Control group,②High glucose (HG) group, containing glucose 33 mmol/L,③HG+NRG-1 10 nmol/L (N1) group,④HG+NRG-1 50 nmol/L (N2) group and⑤HG+NRG-1 250 nmol/L (N3) group. All cells were treated for 24 hours. Myocardial cell survival rate was measured by CCK-8 method, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and the apoptosis rate were detected by lfow cytometry, enzymes activities of CK, LDH, SOD and MDA content were examined, proteins expressions of NRG-1 receptor as ErbB2 and ErbB4 were assessed by Western blot analysis. NRG-1 treated myocardial cell apoptosis in type II diabetic cardiomyopathy rats was observed by Tunel staining. Results: Compared with HG group, from N1 group to N3 group, myocardial cell survival rates were increased from (63.33±3.56) %to (85.88±4.55) %, ROS levels decrease form (33.75±4.23) % to (15.88±4.55) %, apoptosis rates reduced from (36.44±4.86) % to (14.77±4.21) %, receptor expressions of ErbB2 was elevated from (0.26±0.04) to (0.84±0.03) and ErbB4 was elevated from (0.39±0.03) to (0.72±0.04), allP<0.05; enzymes activities of CK, LDH and MDA content were gradually decreased and SOD activity was gradually increased, allP<0.05. NRG-1 treated myocardial cell apoptosis in type II diabetic cardiomyopathy rats was also obviously reduced. Conclusion: NRG-1 could increase the survival rate and reduce the oxidative stress injury and apoptosis of cultured rat’s embryo H9c2 myocardial cells in HG condition which might be related to NRG-1 binding to ErbB2/ErbB4 molecules in the cells.

A unilateral tinnitus occurred at right ear in a hypertensive and diabetic woman shortly after an ipsilateral peripheral facial palsy. Audiometric tests showed a predominant sensorineural hearing impairment at right ear. Her tinnitus was abolished after an administration of a low dose of gabapentin. In view of a controversy of gabapentin and tinnitus in previous trials, the fi ndings in this patient support that low dose gabapentin can benefi t specifi cally the subgroup of tinnitus patient with sensorineural impairment due to secondary contributing factor.

Objective To investigate the status of Kachin-Beck diseage(KBD)in Xi'an and provide a scientific basis for decision-making in controlling the disease.Methods According to original disease data of KBD,children aged 7 to 12 were chosen to receive clinical and X-ray examination according to the KBD monitoring standard stipulated by the government in 6 villages of 3 countries in Xi'an.The local adults were elinically diagnosed and divided into different groups according to the clinical degrees and their ages.Resuhs Among 373 schod children who had clinical examinations,15 early cases were detected,and the detectable rate was 4.02%(15/373);Among 325 school childrenundergoning by X-ray,1 case was detected,and the detectable rate was 0.31%(1/325).In 5630 adults clinically tested,1402 patients were detected,the detectable rate was 24.90%(1402/5630).The patients distributed mainly in the population aged above 36 years old.Conclusions The situation of KBD control is still serious in Xi'an city.KBD monitoring and health education should be carried on.Furdher Tesearch on treatment methods and drug therapy should be performed.

Objective To investigate the learning curve of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass ( MIDCAB) via left anterior small thoracotomy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed results of a consecutive series of 80 patients underwent MIDCAB via left anterior small thoracotomy performed by a single surgeon.The patients were divided into 4 groups ( group A, B, C, D, n=20 in each group) according to the sequence of the operation.The left internal mammary artery ( LIMA) harvesting time, anastomosis time, total operative time, the drainage volume of the first day postoperation, mechanical ventilation time, hospital stays postoperation, in-hospital morbidity and mortality were compared.The learning curve was assessed by means of regression analysis with logarithmic curve fitting. Results The basic clinical characters were similar in all groups before the operation.The operations were accomplished successfully in all the 80 cases.No intraoperative conversion to sternotomy, death, or perioperative myocardial infarction happened.The LIMA-harvesting time in the group B, C, and D was significantly shorter than that in the group A [(53.7 ±19.2) min, (50.2 ±17.7) min, and (43.2 ±10.3) min vs.(77.0 ±30.0) min, P =0.001, 0.000, and 0.000].There was no difference between group B and C, B and D, C and D in the LIMA-harvesting time (P>0.05).The total operative time in the group B, C, and D was significantly shorter than in the group A [ (128.7 ±21.7) min, (129.0 ±33.3) min, and (112.2 ±14.5) min vs. (165.2 ±41.8) min, all P=0.000], without difference between the group B and C, B and D, C and D (P>0.05).The learning curve models were obtained: LIMA-harvesting time ( min) =113.77 -16.869 × ln ( operation number); total operative time (min)=220.281 -25.276 ×ln (operation number). Conclusion MIDCAB via left anterior small thoracotomy is safe and effective, with a learning curve of approximately 20 cases.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical and etiologic characteristics and treatment of central venous catheter-related(sepsis).METHODS Forty cases of patients with central venous catheter-related sepsis and their clinical manifestation,etiologic profiles and outcome of treatment were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS Forty six strains were isolated including 23 strains of Gram-positive cocci,19 of Gram-negative bacilli and 4 of fungi.The most frequent(isolates) were Staphylococcus epidermidis.CONCLUSIONS The most common organism causing CRS is S.epidermidis;the key preventive measure is to avoid inner and outer pollution of catheter;antibiotic lock-technique can be taken for the treatment of uncertain CRS.If it is no effect after 24-48 hours,it is necessary to remove venous catheter promptly.

Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pneumoconiosis ; epidemiology ; Welding

Objective To explore the relationship between CA repeats polymorphism in the promoter region of IGF-1 gene and MS in the Han nationality.Methods 1047 subjects were recruited from general population of Dongcheng District in Beijing.MS was diagnosed based on the criteria for MS in 2005 by IDF.Genomic DNA was extracted by standard methods.PCR,Genescan,Genotyper and direct sequencing were conducted to screen CA repeats polymorphism in the promoter region of the human IGF-1 gene.Levels of plasma glucose,lipids,serum insulin and IGF-1 were determined.BMI and ISI were calculated.Results The prevalence of MS in (CA) 19 homozygote was lower than that in (CA) 19 heterozygote (9.1% vs 18.3%,x2 = 8.55,P ＜ 0.01) and without (CA) 19 (9.1% vs 24.0%,x2 = 18.05,P ＜ 0.01).The level of serum IGF-1 had differences among the three groups [ (114.0 ± 52.6) μg/L vs (136.6 ± 80.5) μg/L vs (129.2±49.1) μg/L,F =3.16,P ＜0.05],(CA)19 homozygote had lower serum IGF-1 than (CA)19heterozygote and without (CA) 19.BMI,WC,TG,FIns,2hIns and ISI had difference among the three groups (P ＜0.05).Conclusions (CA)19 repeats polymorphism in the promoter region of IGF-1 gene was significantly associated with MS in Han nationality.