pcDNA3.1/Hygro(-)+pCMV?. Conclusions Transactivation competence of genotype B HBx was higher than that of genotype C HBx, while the antiproliferative and apoptosis effects of genotype B HBx was lower than of genotype C HBx. B and C genotype-specific functional differences of HBx may closely co-related with the pathogenicity of HBV.

Objective To study the effects of vaginal estrogen application on blood flow of the lower urinary tract in post-menopausal women. Methods Arterial blood flow frequency spectrum, peak systolic blood flow, end-diastolic blood flow velocity and resistance index of the peri-urethra and neck of the urinary bladder, as well as changes in their genitourinary system, were measured with color Doppler ultrasound imaging in post-menopausal women before and three months after their use of premarin ointment containing natural estrogen per vagina. Results Three months after treatment with estrogen-premarin ointment per vagina in post-menopausal women, their peak systolic blood flow velocity of the peri-urethra arteries increased to 13.23 cm/s from 11.94 cm/s before treatment, end-diastolic blood flow velocity increased to 3.92 cm/s from 1.91 cm/s and resistance index decreased to 2. 79 from 3. 84 (P <0. 01 ). And, their peak systolic blood flow velocity of the arteries of the neck of the urinary bladder increased to 17.09 cm/s from 12. 77 cm/s before treatment, end-diastolic blood flow velocity increased to 2. 83 cm/s from 1.31 cm/s and resistant index decreased to 2. 78 from 3.78 (P<0.01). It indicated that local vasodilatation and decrease dresistance of the lower urinary tract made blood flow of the arteries of the peri-urethra and neck of the urinary bladder increase, urinary frequency and nocturia occurrence decrease, and sexual satisfaction improve.Conclusions Blood flow, symptoms of the lower urinary tract and their quality of life can be improved in post-menopausal women after treatment with natural estrogen-premarin ointment per vagina.

Objective To study the effects of obstructive sleep apneas on endothelial function and autonomic modulation. Methods From June 2009 to June 2011, male patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) were consecutively enrolled in this study. Patients with an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) of greater than 15 and without previous treatment for OSAHS were included as Group OSAHS and obese subjects with an AHI of less than 5 were included as non-OSAHS controls (Group Control). Electrocardiography and beat-to-beat blood pressure were continuously recorded from the radial artery by applanation tonometry which was synchronized with polysomnography recording. Endothelial function was measured by arterial augmentation index (AAI). Spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV) were computed for cardiac parasympathetic modulation (high frequency power, HF); sympathetic modulation (low frequency power, LF), sympathovagal balance (LF/HF power of R-R variability, LF/HF) and BPV sympathetic modulation (BPV LF) in normalized units [total power of the components/(total power-very LF power)×100]. Results Finally, 27 moderate-severe OSAHS patients and 22 non-OSAHS obese controls were recruited in the Group OSAHS and Group Control, respectively. In Group OSAHS, the age was 43.3±9.3 year-old, body mass index (BMI) was 36.8±8.7 kg/m2; in Group Control, the age was 42.9±8.6 year-old, BMI was 34.4±7.9 kg/m2; there were no significant differences in age and BMI between the Group OSAHS and Group Control (all P>0.05). The baseline AAI (12.5%±2.2% vs. 8.2%±2.1%) and BPV LF (68.3%±13.5% vs. 61.1%±11.7%) of the Group OSAHS were significantly higher than those of the Group Control (all P<0.05). And after overnight sleep, systolic BP (143.7±14.2 vs. 132.8±13.3 mm Hg), diastolic BP (87.7±7.7 vs. 78.6±5.5 mm Hg), HRV LF (69.7%±14.4% vs. 64.3%±12.1%), HRV LF/HF (3.7±2.0 vs. 2.3±1.3) and BPV LF (77.8%±15.6% vs. 68.3%±13.5%) of the Group OSAHS were significantly increased (all P<0.001), while HRV HF was significantly decreased (21.1%±9.3% vs. 27.5%±10.3%, P<0.05) from baseline.
Adult ; Autonomic Nervous System ; Blood Pressure ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Polysomnography ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive

Diagnosis, Differential ; Diarrhea ; etiology ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Mediastinal Cyst ; complications ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Mediastinal Neoplasms ; complications ; diagnosis ; Respiratory Sounds ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Treatment Outcome ; X-Rays

Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic ; blood ; Biopsy ; Child ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney Glomerulus ; pathology ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; complications ; immunology ; Lupus Nephritis ; diagnosis ; etiology ; immunology ; pathology ; Necrosis

Objective To investigate the relationship between carotid stiffness and coronary angiography in elderly patients with coronary heart disease(CHD). Methods Thirty-five elderly patients with CHD who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. The carotid stiffness was measured by ultrasound, the results were compared with those in hypertension group,hyperlipemia group and healthy elderly group. Results There were significant differences in carotid tensity (8.15 ± 1.54), arteriectasis ( 0.34 ± 0.07 ) and carotid stiffness ( 640.51 ± 150.98 ) of elderly patients with CHD compared to other groups (all P＜0.05 or P ＜ 0. 01 ). There was significant correlation between coronary angiography score and carotid stiffness in elderly patients of CHD(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Conclusions There is close relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and coronary atherosclerosis in elderly patients with CHD.

Objective To determine whether the adjustment of the pusher of GTF was useful to decrease the degree of tilting of the femoral Ginther Tulip filter (GTF) in an in vitro caval model. Methods The caval model was constructed by placement of a 25 mm × 100 mm and two 10 mm ×200 mm Dacron graft inside a transparent bifurcate glass tube. The study consisted of two groups: left straight group (GLS) (n =100) and left curved group (GLC) (n = 100). In the GLC, a 10° to 20° angle was curved on the introducer.The distance (DCH) between the caval right wall and the hook was measured. The degree of tilting (DT) was classified into 5 grades and recorded. Before and after the GTF being released, the angle (ACM1, 2)between the axis of IVC and the metal mount, the distance (DCM1) between the caval right wall and the metal mount, the angle (ACF) between the axis of IVC and the axis of the filter and the diameter of IVC (DIVC) were measured. The data were analyzed with Chi-Square test, t test, rank sum test and Pearson correlation test. Results The degree of GTF tilting in each group revealed a divergent tendency. In group LC, the apex of the filter tended to be grade Ⅲ compared in group LS (x2 value 37. 491 ,P ＜0.01).The differences of most variables between GLS and GLC were considered as statistical significance(16. 60° vs.3.05°, 20.60° vs. 3.50°, -3.90°vs. -0.40°, 2.98 mm vs. 10.40 mm, - 10.95° vs. -0.485°,13. 17 mm vs. 10.06 mm, - 1.70° vs. 0.70°, t or Z values - 12. 187, - 12. 188, -8.545, -51.834,-11. 395,9. 562, -3. 596, P ＜ 0. 01). There exist significant positive correlation between ACM1 and ACF,ACM1 - ACM2 and DCH1 - DCH2 in each group, respectively(r values 0. 978,0. 344,0. 879,0. 627 ,P ＜0. 01),while significant negative associations are detected between DCH1 and ACF in each group , ACP and ACF in group LC(r values -0.974, -0.322, -0.702,P＜0.01). Conclusion The technique of adjusting the orientation of filter pusher had minimized the incidence and extent of GTF filter tilting in vitro.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the application of relay flaps pedicled by perforator from digital artery for reconstruction of soft tissue defects at finger tip.

METHODSFrom Mar. 2012 to Jun. 2014, 9 cases with soft tissue defects at finger tip were reconstructed with relay flaps at one side of finger pedicled by perforator from digital artery. The flap size ranged from 1.3 cm x 1.6 cm to 1.6 cm x 2.2 cm. The defects at donor sites were covered by adjacent web perforator V-Y advanced flaps.

RESULTSAll the 18 flaps in 9 cases survived completely with primary healing both in recipient and donor sites. The patients were followed up for 5 months to 2 years ( average, 12 months) with good elasticity and cosmetic results. No pain happened in the treated finger. The 2-point discrimination distance was 7-8 mm in fingertip flaps, and 10-12 mm in web perforator flaps. Hand function was graded as excellent in 7 cases, good in 2 cases, based on ATM assessment. The affected fingers had normal temperature and cold-resistance during winter. The width and depth of web in the donor site were not affected.

CONCLUSIONSThe relay flaps pedicled by perforator from digital artery can be applied for reconstruction of soft tissue defects at finger tip. The procedure is easy with satisfactory results and reservation of main artery. No skin graft is necessary for closure of defects on donor sites.

Arteries ; Elasticity ; Finger Injuries ; surgery ; Fingers ; blood supply ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Perforator Flap ; transplantation ; Time Factors ; Transplant Donor Site ; Wound Healing

Adult ; Facial Neoplasms ; Facial Nerve ; Humans ; Male ; Neurilemmoma

Medicine, Chinese Traditional