Objective To study the association between pulse wave velocity and conventional atherosclerotic risk factors in patients with essential hypertension. Methods Automatic pulse wave velocity (PWV) measuring system was applied to examine carotid-femoral PWV (CFPWV) and carotid-radial PWV (CRPWV) as the parameters reflecting central elastic large arterial and peripheral muscular medium-sized arterial elasticity, respectively. Six hundred sixty four hypertensive patients aged 18-82 years (353 males and 311 females, mean age 52.1?12.8 years) were recruited. Blood pressure, fasting glucose, uric acid and cholesterol were measured. Results CFPWV and CRPWV significantly increased with the increase of the blood pressure level (both, P

ObjectiveTo investigate characteristics in vitro and contrast-enhanced effect in vivo with self-made nano-scale ultrasoud-enhanced contrast agent.MethodsNano-lipid microbubbles were prepared by machine vibration and low-speed centrifugation.The surface potential and the microbubbles size were assessed by Zetasizer nano ZS90.The bubbles dispersity and micromorphous were observed under light microscopy and electron microscope.The characteristics of microbubbles were studied at various times at 4℃ environment.The enhancement duration time and intensity of nano-lipid microbubbles in nude mice livers,kidneys and subcutaneous implanted tumors were observed,and compared with micro-scale microbubbles.ResnltsThe mean diameter of nano-lipid microbubbles was (580.6 ± 36.3) nm.The contrast imaging study in vivo showed the nano-lipid microbubbles could significantly enhance ultrasonic imaging in nude mice livers,kidneys and subcutaneous implanted tumors.ConclusionsSelf-made nano-scale ultrasoudenhanced contrast agent showed good stability and contrast-enhancement effect in vitro,and provide a experimental basis for ultrasound imaging and therapeutics of malignant tumors.

Objective To explore the application value of three-dimensional (3D) female pelvic visualization model on transvaginal gynecological ultrasound imaging.Methods The second digital Chinese woman visible human datasets was selected,and a female pelvicvoxel-based model was constructed in Amira software for analog simulation combined with transvaginal gynecological ultrasound.The main structures and the space position variation of female pelvic cavity were observed,and the comparison study with conventional section of ultrasound was carried out.Results A high accuracy 3D visualization model of female pelvic was successfully constructed,and the anatomy structures can be dynamically and clearly displayed in any section orientation.An analog simulation research was carried out according to the scan mode of gynecological ultrasound,and a series of high resolution images consistent with scan sections of dynamic ultrasound were obtained,which had provided the optimal scan pathway for the fast inspection of the uterus,fallopian tubes and ovaries.Conclusion The 3D female pelvic visualization model based on digital Chinese woman human datasets has provided detailed and accurate anatomy information for transvaginal gynecological ultrasound imaging,which could be the benefit for doctors to understand the ultrasound images of female pelvic,as well as the accurate positioning ability to the lesions of female pelvic cavity.

Objective To investigate the risk factors, diagnostic evaluation, etiology, and treatment in young patients with ischemic stroke. Methods The clinical data of young patients (age range 18 - 45 years) with ischemic stroke (within 2 weeks of stroke onset) admitted to the Stroke Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from August 2008 to July 2013 were registered prospectively. Results A total of 300 patients were enroled, their age was 37. 8 ± 6. 8 years. There were 227 males (75. 7% ). The age of 84 patients (28. 0% ) was ≤35 years. The most common risk factors were smoking (43. 3% ), hypertension (38. 7% ), and hypercholesterolemia (38. 0% ). The positive result detection rates were lower in the antinuclear antibody (8/278), anticardiolipin antibody (34/250), 24-h Holter monitoring (2/60 ), and transthoracic echocardiography (38/232). According to the MRI findings, the detection rate of the white matter changes, old infarcts, single acute infarcts, and multiple acute cerebral infarcts were 40/282, 77/282, 145/282, and 137/282, respectively. The stroke subtypes of TOAST: large artery atherosclerosis (26. 7% ), smal artery occlusion (18. 0% ), cardioembolism (10. 0% ), other determined etiology (23. 0% ), and undetermined etiology (22. 3% ). Large artery atherosclerosis was mainly involved in anterior circulation (69/80) and intracranial arteries (75/80). In other definite causes, cerebral artery dissection was most common (36/69), and other causes included moyamoya disease (7/69) and infectious vasculitis (7/69), etc. The average length of hospital stay was 15. 4 d. The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission was 7. 0, and the mean modified Rankin scale score at discharge was 2. 5. The complication rate during hospitalization was 9. 7% . 80. 3% and 48. 3% of patients received anti-platelet drugs and statins therapy during hospitalization.Conclusions This study used a prospective single-center method. It conducted a comprehensive analysis of risk factors, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and etiology in current Chinese young patients with ischemic stroke. Its research data wil provide useful information for establishing a diagnostic strategy of high performance cost ratio, in-depth understanding of its pathophysiological mechanisms, and improving treatment strategies in Chinese young patients with ischemic stroke.

Objective Toinvestigatetheriskoflong-termrecurrenceofstrokeanditspredictorsin youngpatientswithischemicstroke/transientischemicattack(TIA).Methods Theclinicaldataofthe consecutive young patients (18-45 years)with ischemic stroke/TIA (within 2 weeks after onset)admitted to the department of neurology in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University between August 2008 and July 2013 were enrolled prospectively. All patients were regularly followed up for a long time (The patients were followed up at the 1 st,6 th,and 12 th month after onset;then they were followed up once for every 6 months)in order to investigate stroke recurrence. The Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze the cumulative stroke recurrence rate of all patients. The last contact time for patients lost to follow was used as censored data to be enrolled in the analysis. The univariate analysis of the related risk factors for stroke recurrence using Log-rank test. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was used to detect the related risk factors associated with stroke recurrence (adjusting for age and sex). The variables of the results of Log-ranktestP≤0.1wasselectedandenrolledinthemultivariateregressionanalysis.Results Atotalof 312 patients were enrolled in the analysis,including 294 with ischemic stroke and 18 with TIA. Their mean follow-up time was 34 ± 19 months. Thirty-four patients had recurrent stroke,including 23 with ischemic stroke,7 with TIA,and 4 with cerebral hemorrhage. The cumulative recurrence rates of stroke at 1 ,3 , and 6 years after onset were 6. 2%,10. 3%,and 16. 4%,respectively. The results of multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that hypertension (risk ratio [RR]2. 159;95% confidence interval [CI]1. 048-4. 447,P=0. 037)and cardioembolism (RR,2. 869;95%CI 1. 119-7. 357,P=0.028)weretheindependentpredictorsforstrokerecurrence.Conclusion Theoverall6-yearriskof recurrent stroke is not high in the Chinese young patients with ischemic stroke/TIA,but the risk of stroke recurrence is relatively higher in the first year. Hypertension and cardioembolism are the potential predictors of stroke recurrence;therefore,attention should be paid in clinical practice.

Objective To assess the new edition of WHO Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Surveillance Standards (WHO Standards) based on syndrome surveillance data and to provide field evidence regarding the standards. Methods Based on syndrome surveillance data, acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) case was categorized, according to the WHO Standards. A cohort study was applied to estimate the AES definition set in the Standard and relative risk was computed to estimate the existence and intensity of statistical correlation between AES and JE cases. Percentage of attributable risk was counted to describe the coverage of AES for JE cases in the studied population. Sensitivity,specificity, Youden index and positive predictive value of AES components were calculated for the purpose of identifying the clinical values under the screening program. Results 1424 suspected cases were evaluated in the surveillance program and 1396 cases with ELISA result, of which 109 positive cases were detected. According to the "standardized" classification, a total of 706 cases in line with AES case deftuition, were categorized into 83 cases of JE, 425 cases of AES unknown and 198 cases of AES other agent. In the cohort study,a relative risk of 4.62 (95% CI:2.80-7.63 ) and the percentage of attributable risk as 78.35% (95% CI: 64.25% -86.89% ) were observed. Conclusion The AES definition for JE was significantly effecting on the screening programs and a strong correlation strength was observed in the study. AES syndrome could cover most of the JE cases. "Convulsions",with appreciative screening value, was recommended to be involved into the new version of the WHO Standards.

The effects of sodium salicylate (NaSA) on the expressions of gamma-aminobutyricacid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu), and auditory response properties of the inferior colliculus neurons in mice were studied. Thirty-six Kunming mice were divided into three groups: control group (saline injection); NaSA group (NaSA 450 mg/kg, i.p., each day for 15 d); NaSA + lidocaine group (NaSA 450 mg/kg + lidocaine 10 mg/kg, i.p., each day for 15 d). The expressions of GABA and Glu were examined with immunohistochemical method. The intensity-rate function, intensity-latency function and frequency-tuning curve were determined with extracellular electrophysiological recording. Results are as follows: (1) The expression of GABA in the NaSA and NaSA + lidocaine groups decreased remarkably compared with that in the control group; there was no noticeable difference between the NaSA and NaSA + lidocaine groups. The expression of Glu in the NaSA group increased significantly compared with that in the control and NaSA + lidocaine groups. No difference in the expression of Glu was found between the control and NaSA + lidocaine groups. (2) In NaSA group, the intensity-rate function displayed a non-monotonic pattern, rising at low intensity and descending at high intensity; the tip of frequency-tuning curves became broad after administration of NaSA. (3) The changes in intensity-rate function and intensity-latency function were not evident and the tips of the frequency-tuning curves sharpened in the NaSA + lidocaine group. These results suggest that administration of NaSA increases the expression of Glu-positive neurons and reduces that of GABA-positive neurons in the inferior colliculus. NaSA changes the auditory response properties of the inferior colliculus and lidocaine can reverse these changes.
Acoustic Stimulation ; Animals ; Female ; Glutamates ; analysis ; Glutamic Acid ; analysis ; Immunohistochemistry ; Inferior Colliculi ; chemistry ; drug effects ; physiology ; Male ; Mice ; Reaction Time ; drug effects ; Sodium Salicylate ; pharmacology ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on gastrointestinal dysmotility in liver cirrhosis.

METHODSForty cases of gastrointestinal dysmotility in liver cirrhosis were randomized into an acupuncture group and a motilium group, 20 cases in each one. In the acupuncture group, on the basis of the conventional treatment, electroacupuncture was applied at Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taichong (LR 3) for 30 min, once a day. In the motilium group, on the basis of the conventional treatment, motilium was taken orally 30 min before meals, 10 mg each time, three times a day. The treatment was required for 2 weeks in both groups. The changes in the digestive tract symptom score and liver function Child-Pugh score were observed and the efficacy was assessed.

RESULTSThe total effective rate of digestive tract symptoms was 85.0% (17/20) in the acupuncture group and 70.0% (14/20) in the motilium group. The score improvements in abdominal distention, belching and vomiting in the acupuncture group were superior to those in the motilium group (all P < 0.05). In the acupuncture group, the liver function Child-Pugh total score was 8.40 +/- 0.22 before treatment and reduced to 5.36 +/- 0.17 after treatment, in which the scores for ascites, serum bilirubin and albumin were all reduced (all P < 0.05) and the reducing range was increased in tendency with the improvements in digestive tract symptoms. In the motilium group, Child-Pugh score was not changed obviously as compared with that before treatment. CONCLUSION Acupuncture effectively alleviates digestive tract symptoms and improves liver function for the patients of liver cirrhosis, its efficacy on gastrointestinal dysmotility in liver cirrhosis is superior to motilium.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Domperidone ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Motility ; drug effects ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo analyze the changes of carotid-femoral and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity in patients with essential hypertension, and effects of age and levels blood pressure levels on these changes.

METHODSAutomatic pulse wave velocity (PWV) measuring system was applied to examine carotid-femoral PWV (CFPWV) and carotid-radial PWV (CRPWV) as the parameters reflecting central elastic large arterial and peripheral muscular medium-sized arterial elasticity respectively. 517 hypertensive patients aged 17-82 years (272 males and 245 females, mean age 52.0 +/- 13.0 years) and 118 healthy subjects aged 19-82 years (52 males and 66 females, mean age 54.2 +/- 13.8 years) were recruited in the study.

RESULTSCFPWV increased with age in both groups (P < 0.001), whereas CRPWV did not change significantly. CFPWV and CRPWV both increased with blood pressure. A stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that age and systolic blood pressure were positively related to CFPWV independently, while diastolic blood pressure was significantly associated with CRPWV.

CONCLUSIONSAge and components of blood pressure exert different effects on elasticity of central elastic large artery and peripheral muscular medium-sized artery. Examining the change of large arterial elasticity has important clinical value in hypertensive patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blood Flow Velocity ; Blood Pressure ; Carotid Arteries ; physiopathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Elasticity ; Female ; Femoral Artery ; physiopathology ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypertension ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulse ; Radial Artery ; physiopathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEExercise induced oscillatory ventilation (EIOB) during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is associated with severity and prognosis of disease, but clinical approach for the character of EIOB due to circulatory dysfunction are seldom reported.

METHODSThis retrospective analysis of symptom-limited maximum CPET data with an increment of 10-20 W/min in 38 patients with CHF. We calculated the duration, frequency, amplitude and other parameters of EIOB.

RESULTSThere were 31 presenting with EIOB (82%) in all patients with CHF. In EIOB group, VE amplitude were (12.4 ± 4.4)L/min (accounting for 81% ± 30% of mean) and duration were (77.0 ± 20.0)s. The number of patients whose EIOB presenting at rest, exercise, recovery stage and the whole eriod were 24, 31, 4 and 4, respectively. Except VE, there were VO2, VCO2, RER and PETO2 presenting EIOB in all 31 patients; VE/VCO2, VO2/VE and breath frequency in 29 patients; PETCO2 in 26 patients; VT and VO2/HR in 25 patients; and HR in 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONEIOB may occur in any period of CPET, mostly in severe patient with CHF, and presenting in many variables. Due to it is resulted from the circulatory dysfunction, we should call it circulatory (cardiac) oscillatory breathing abnormality.

Exercise Test ; Heart Failure ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Oxygen Consumption ; Respiratory Physiological Phenomena ; Retrospective Studies