Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of locating the target bronchus and treating through the chest wall and airway intervention in 29 cases with lung abscess secondary to pulmonary bulla. Methods In 29 cases the lung abscess secondary to pulmonary bulla had a mean diameter of 14 cm, of which 25 with COPD. Implement-ing 4 different ways to locate the target bronchus of lung abscess: Preoperative pulmonary CT, conventional fiber bronchoscopy, and locating the target bronchus by infecting colored saline separately forward and backward. Under guiding of CT, the central venous catheter was inserted via chest wall into lung abscess, which had pus suction, lavage, medicine injection and continuous negative pressure suction and then under direct vision of bronchoscopy, all of the target bronchi of pulmonary absess were occluded with fibrin glue. Results All of the 29 cases, the target bronchi of lung abscess were localized by lung CT in 17, by conventional bronchoscopy in 23, and by infecting col-ored saline forward in 26 and backward in 24 respectively. Cured in 25 and improved in 3, the total effective rate was 96.6%. The adverse effects:chest pain in 3, pneumothorax in 2, pyothorax, pyopneumothorax, subcutaneous em-physema, the drainage catheter falling off and dislocating separately in 1. Conclusion It was simple, safe and effec-tive to treat lung abscess secondary to lung bulla through the chest wall and airway intervention.

Objective To investigate the relation between the apotosis of B cells in the peripheral blood (PB) and the expression of interleukin (IL)-17 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods The proportions of apoptosis of B cells in the PB of 80 patients with RA and 80 healthy controls were measured by flow cytometry.B cells in the PB of 20 RA and 20 healthy individuals were isolated by MACS and Western blotting was used to detect the Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 protein levels.IL-17 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).T-test and linear regression were used to analyze the data.Results The proportions of apoptosis of B cells in the PB of patients with RA and healthy controls were (14±6)％ and (24±9)％ respectively.The rate of apoptosis of B cells in patients with RA was significantly less than healthy controls (t=2.737,P=0.021).The Bcl-2 protein level of B cells in the PB of patients with RA group was significantly higher than that of control group (26±10,12±6,P＜0.01).Conversely,the Caspase-3 protein level of B cells in the PB of patients with RA group was significantly lower than that of the control group (16±7,31±12,P＜0.01).ELISA detected elevated level of serum IL-17 in the patients with RA as compared with controls [(69±19),(27±10) pg/ml,t=4.631,P=0.014].There was a negative correlation between the level of IL-17 and apoptosis of B cells in patients with RA (r=0.36,P＜0.01).Conclusion The elevated bcl-2 and reduced caspase-3 of B cells in patients with RA further proves there is abnormal apoptosis of B cells in RA patients.There is negative correlation between the expression of IL-17 and apoptosis of B cells in patients with RA and IL-17 can inhibit B cell apoptosis.

Objective To investigate the expression of helper T cells (Th)17/regulatory T cells (Treg) balance associated factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and their correlation with serum midkine (MK).Methods A total of 60 RA patients were divided into active RA patients (n=32) and inactive RA patients group (n=28).MK level in sera was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 60 patients with RA and 30 healthy controls (HCs).The fraction of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg cells and IL-17+CD4+ Th17 cells in RA patients and healthy controls were determined by flow cytometry (FCM), and the expreasion of Foxp3, RORγt, Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 and STAT5 mRNA were detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results were evaluated using ANOVA followed by q tests for comparisons of Th17 population between active RA patients, inactive RA patients and HCs, t test was used for comparing of Foxp3, RORγt, STAT3, STAT5 mRNA between RA group and HCs.The correlations between serum MK concentration and peripheral Treg cells, Th17 cells, Foxp3, RORγt, STAT3, STAT5 mRNA were analyzed by Pearson's correlation analysis.Results The percentages of Treg cells from active RA patients, inactive RA patients and HCs were significantly different (F=129.6, P＜0.01), the percentages of Treg cells of active RA patients [(1.41±1.05)％] were lower than that of the inactive RA patients [(3.6±1.6)％;q =7.92, P＜0.05] and healthy group [(7.7±1.7)％;q=22.45, P＜0.05], and there was significant difference between healthy group and inactive RA group (q=14.53, P＜0.05).The percentages of Th17 cells of the three groups were also significantly different (F=36.3, P＜0.01),the percentage of Th17 cells of active RA patients [(1.84±1.01)％] was significantly higher than that of inactive RA patients [(0.71±0.28)％;q=9.59, P＜0.05] and healthy group (0.53±0.16)％ [(P＜0.05;q=1 1.10, P＜0.05], there was no significant difference between the inactive RA group and healthy group (q=1.51, P＞0.05).The expression of RORγt and STAT3 mRNA in RA patients was higher than that of healthy controls (t=5.84, P＜0.01;t=4.52, P＜0.01).The expression of Foxp3 and STAT5 mRNA in RA patients were lower than healthy controls (t=6.01, P＜0.01;t=2.18, P＜0.05).Serum MK values were correlated with STAT5 (r=-0.55, P＜0.01), but not with Foxp3, RORγt, STAT3 mRNA or the percentage of Treg/Th17 cells.Conclusion Serum MK expression and the percentage of Th17 cells increase, while the percentage of Treg cells decrease in RA patients.Serum MK values are negatively correlated with STAT5 mRNA which is associated with Th17/Treg balance.This may be important in the pathogenesis of RA.

Objective To investigate the changes in brain MRI scan in neuromyelitis optica (NMO).Methods MRI images in 27 cases with NMO were examined in a retrospective study.Results Twenty-two of 27 patients (81.5%) had abnormal brain MRI findings,which were classified as nonspecific (7 cases),atypical (1 case),multiple sclerosis-like (3 cases) and ventricle-aqueduct-syringocoele lesions (11 cases).The lust type is the most common (40.7%).Furthermore,the analysis showed that the number of brain lesions positively correlated with lag time from the onset to the last MRI scan (r=0.475,P=0.025).Conclusions Brain lesions in NMO are diverse,which might result from different pathogenesis.However,ventricle-aqueduct-syringocoele is the most common lesion.Early brain MRI examination of suspected cases is essential.

Objective: To identify the relationship between the expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 12 (PTPN12) and radiotherapy effect in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and to determine whether PTPN12 deficiency can sensi-tize lung cancer cells to irradiation. Methods: From September 2013 to October 2014, 92 NSCLC patients undergoing radiotherapy with or without platinum-based combination chemotherapy were analyzed retrospectively. Before the treatment, PTPN12 expression was detected through immunohistochemistry. After the completion of radiotherapy, the patients' responses were assessed and radio-therapeutic efficacy analyzed. The human NSCLC cell line H1299 was infected with shPTPN12 knockdown, and colony survival assay was analyzed after irradiation. Chi-square test was used to examine the correlation between PTPN12 expression and clinicopathologi-cal characteristics. Univariate analyses and Logistic regression test were used to analyze the relationship between clinicopathological characteristics and radiotherapeutic response. Results: Patients with low PTPN12 expression were more sensitive to radiotherapy than those with high PTPN12 expression (80.0%vs. 57.1%, P=0.018). Multivariate analysis showed that PTPN12 expression was the on-ly independent predictor of radiotherapeutic response in NSCLC. The H1299-shPTPN12-knockdown cells were sensitive to irradiation. Conclusions:The results of the study indicated that downregulation of PTPN12 improved the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells.

As an important neurotransmitter, adenosine displays its functions by acting on the adenosine receptors. Recent studies have shown that the distribution, expression and balance among subtypes of adenosine receptors are closely related with cognitive activities, and changes of adenosine receptors play key roles in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. It has been pointed out that prolonged activation of adenosine receptors by high level adenosine may lead to the disturbance of balance among adenosine receptor subtypes. This imbalance mainly performed as increased expression of A2a receptor and decreased expression of A1 receptor, and enhancement of the excitatory signals mediated by A2a receptor and weakened inhibitory signals mediated by A1 receptor. Changes of these two subtypes of adenosine receptors may lead to a lot of disorders of neurological activities which developed into dysfunction of cognition to the end. These findings imply that the potential of maintaining the balance among adenosine receptors on the treatment of AD would facilitate both the revealing of the mechanism and the cure of AD.

AIM: To compare the effects of ceftibuten and ofloxacin in treating urinary tract infections (UTI).　METHODS: The 102 UTI patients (M 45, F 57; age 49 a±　s 13 a) were divided randomly into two groups (each group including 51 patients). The ceftibuten group (31 secondry UTI patients and 20 primary UTI patients) were given ceftibuten 400 mg, po, qd for 10.4 d±2.7 d. The ofloxacin group (30 secondary UTI patients and 21 primary UTI patients) were given ofloxacin 100 mg, po, tid for 10 d±3 d.　RESULTS: The total effect rate of two groups was 92 % and 76 %(P<0.05) respectively. The total bacterial clearance rate of two group was 92 % and 78 % (P>0.05) respectively. 　CONCLUSION: Ceftibuten is more effective than ofloxacin in treating UTI patients.

Objective To observe the effects of Xifeng Tongnao capsules on the content of TNF-α and IL-1β in brain tissue of rats with focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods A total of 120 adult SD rats were randomized into 6 groups: Xifeng Tongnao low-, middle- and high-dose groups, model control group, Buchang Naoxintong group and sham-operated group.Buchang Naoxintong group were treated with Buchang Naoxintong capsules at 0.864 g??kg-1.Xifeng Tongnao high-, middle-and low-dose groups were treated with 3.456, 1.728, and 0.864 g??kg-1 Xifeng Tongnao capsules, respectively;sham-operated group and model control group were treated with equal volume of purified water. Medications were administered intragastrically once daily for 7 days. The acute transient focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion ( MCAO) 1 h after the final dose, and rats in the sham-operated group only received anesthesia and stripping without occlusion.All rats were sacrificed after reperfusion for 24 h, and expression levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the brain tissue were detected by ELISA. Results TNF-αcontent in Xifeng Tongnao capsutes low-, middle-and high-dose groups were (35.34±8.95), (33.75±6.92), and (40.95±5.39) ng??L-1, respectively.IL-1β content were (1.44±0.47), (1.45± 0.23), and (1.61±0.33) ng??L-1 in low-, middle- and high-dose groups, respectively.TNF-α and IL-1β were (38.96±9.84) and (1.56±0.31) ng??L-1, respectively in Buchang Naoxintong group, (52.74±6.76) and (2.79±0.45) ng??L-1in the model control group, and (32.54±4.00) and (1.32±0.22) ng??L-1 in sham-operated group.TNF-αand IL-1βcontent were significantly higher in Buchang Naoxintong group than in sham-operated group ( P<0. 05 ) . TNF-α and IL-1β content were significantly decreased in Xifeng Tongnao high-, middle- and low-dose groups (all P<0.05). Conclusion Xifeng Tongnao capsules can protect brain tissue by supressing TNF-α and IL-1β and alleviating inflammatory injury from ischemia.

ObjectiveToinvestigatetheriskfactorsforunfavorableoutcomeinpatientswithminor ischemic stroke. Methods Patients with minor ischemic stroke were enroled prospectively. The modified Rankin Scale ( mRS ) w as used to assess the clinical outcome at day 90 after onset, and mRS 0-2 w as defined as favorable outcome. The demographic data, vascular risk factors, clinical data, imaging data, stroke etiologic subtypes, laboratory test results, and treatment methods in the favorable outcome group and unfavorable outcome group w ere compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis w as used to identify the independent risk factors for early poor outcome in patients w ith minor ischemic stroke. Results A total of 516 patients with minor ischemic stroke were enroled. At day 90 after onset, 90 patients (17.44%) had unfavorable outcome and 426 (82.56%) had favorable outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] 1.045, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.017-1.074; P=0.002), heart diseases (OR 2.021, 95%CI 1.063-3.841; P=0.032), baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR 1.662, 95%CI 1.177-2.347; P=0.004), limb movement disorder ( OR 2.430, 95%CI 1.010-5.850; P=0.048), ataxia (OR 2.929, 95%CI 1.188-7.221;P=0.020), early neurological deterioration ( OR 50.994, 95%CI 17.659-147.258; P<0.001), infarct diameter ( OR 1.279, 95%CI 1.075-1.521; P=0.005), non-responsible vascular stenosis ( OR 2.518, 95%CI 1.145-5.536;P=0.022), and large artery atherosclerotic stroke ( OR 2.010, 95%CI 1.009-4.003; P=0.047) w ere the independent risk factors for unfavorable outcome in minor ischemic stroke. Conclusions The early poor outcome of minor ischemic stroke is closely associated w ith age, heart diseases, baseline NIHSS score, limb movement disorder, ataxia, early neurological deterioration, infarct diameter, non-responsible vascular stenosis, and large artery atherosclerotic stroke. The relevant examinations need to be improved early, the etiologic subtype should be identified, and the correct clinical treatment should be guided.

Objective To investigate the characteristic MRI appearance of neuromyelitis optics (NMO) and muhip]e sclerosis (MS) in the spinal cord.Methods Twenty cases of MS and 23 cases of NMO were examined by MRL All image appearances were analyzed.Results The characteristic MRI appearance of NMO patients in the spinal cord was linear medullary lesion (LML), linear medullospinal lesion (LMSL), linear spinal lesion (LSL) and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), and spinal cord MRI with contiguous T2-weighted signal abnormality extending over 3 or more vertebral segments (23 cases), while in MS, spinal cord MRI with contiguous T2-weighted signal abnormality often extended less than 3 vertebral segments (only 12 cases, χ2 = 19.142, P < 0.01), and the distribution of spinal lesion usually was eccentric (17 cases, compared with NMO group, χ2 = 25.256, P < 0.01).Conclusions NMO is distinct from MS.In MRI, spinal lesion in NMO usually conforms to the distribution of aquaporin 4, while spinal lesion in MS always conforms to the demyelination.NMO has neuroimaging features that move it ever closer to distinct disease status.