Objective To summary the experience of management for orthotopic homologous heart transplantation,heart-lung co-transplantation and to discuss the postoperative treatment of short-term complications.Methods Orthotopic homologous heart transplantation and heart-lung co- transplantation on 9 cases were performed from May 2004 to February 2006.The patients were traced closely and all complications were treated in time.Results During hospital stay,hypertension oc- curred in one case,right heart insufficiency in one case,infection of mycetes and cytomegalovirus in 2 cases after the heart transplantation,and in the patient undergoing heart-lung co-transplantation,renal inadequacy,bronchial anastomosis stenosis and fungus infection occurred.All patients obtained symp- tomatic relief before discharge.Conclusion Proper perioperative management,immunosuppressive therapy and management of postoperative complications could reduce mortality and obtain satisfactory therapeutic effect in the near future.

Objective To study the effects of fluoride on minichromosone maintenance(MCM)3 mRNA and the bone formation-related gene:bone sialoprotein(BSP),osteocalcin(OC),osteopontin(OP)mRNA expression on human osteoblast cells.The expression of MCM3 was tested for diagnosis and surveillance value on osteoblast treated with excess fluoride.Methods Human osteoblast cell(Saos-2)was cultured in McCoy5A medium and treated with fluoride(sodium fluoride,NaF).There were eight groups including:0(control),0.625,1.250,2.500,5.000,10.000,20.000,40.000 mg/L groups.Expression of MCM3,BSP,OC,OP mRNA were detected by real-time PCR.Dual-standard curve method was used for analysis.ALPase was determined by measuring the absorbance using a micro titer plate reader. Results Expression of MCM3 mRNA was lower in the 0.625,1.250,2.500,5.000,20.000, 40.000 mg/L groups(0.059 ± 0.003,0.027 ± 0.001,0.272 ± 0.004,0.115 ± 0.002,0.137 ± 0.004,0.754 ±0.002, all P > 0.05) and was higher in10.000 mg/L group(21.300 ± 1.200, P < 0.01 ) than control group( 1.000 ±0.020), especially 10.000 mg/L group was higher than groups treated with fluoride(all P < 0.01 ), the differences among groups were significant(F = 305.842, P < 0.01 ). Expression of BSP mRNA was significantly higher in 0.625,1.250,2.500,5.000,10.000 mg/L groups(71.80 ± 3.60,133.00 ± 7.20,85.50 ± 0.60,80.90 ± 1.20,304.00 ± 21.00)than the control group( 1.00 ± 0.04), especially 10.000 mg/L group was higher than others groups treated with fluoride(all P < 0.01 ), the differences among groups were signifieant(F = 159.531, P < 0.01 ). Expressions of OC mRNA were higher in 0.625,1.250,2.500,5.000 mg/L groups(110.00 ± 12.00,143.00 ± 2.10,90.60 ± 4.10,23.70±1.20) than control group(1.00 ± 0.01, all P < 0.01), and the differences among groups were significant (F = 158.734, P < 0.01 ). Expression of OP mRNA were higher in 0.625,1.250,2.500,5.000,10.000,20.000 mg/L groups(167.00 ± 11.20, 111.00 ± 12.10,72.50 ± 3.50,134.00 ± 14.00,42.30 ± 2.40,45.20 ± 3.30) than the control group(1.00 ± 0.04, all P < 0.05 or < 0.01 ), the differences among groups were significant(F = 60.226, P < 0.01 ).Compared with control group(4.2 ± 1.2), the ALPase activity was increased in all groups treated with fluoride (6.0 ± 0.4,5.8 ± 0.1,5.7 ± 0.4,7.7 ± 1.1,19.2 ± 2.4,8.5 ± 3.0,18.1 ± 4.2), but only 10.000 mg/L and 40.000 mg/L groups were higher than control group and other groups treated with fluoride(all P < 0.01 ), the differences among groups were signifieant(F = 7.806, P < 0.01 ). Conclusions Irregular expression of MCM3 mRNA is not suitable as a diagnostic and monitoring biomarker of osteoblasts exposed to excessive fluoride. Fluoride may affect the osteoblast-related gene expression and to promote osteogenic differentiation.

Objective To study the effect of fluoride on expression of osteoblast Runx2, Osterix and their downstream COL I A2 in vitro. Methods Human osteoblast Saos-2 was cultured in vitro. The cells were grouped according to fluoride(NaF) dose used: 0(control ), 0.625,1.250,2.500,5.000,10.000,20.000,40.000,80.000,160.000 mg/L. Cells were collected after 24 h culture, RNA extracted, and the mRNA expression of Runx2 and Osterix and downstream genes COL I A2 was detected using fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [Real-time (RT)-PCR]). Results After 24 h in vitro cell cultivation with NaF, the expression of Runx2 in 0.625,1.250,2.500,5.000,10.000,20.000 mg/L groups(388.00 ± 41.80,209.00 ± 25.80,42.80 ±4.52,63.00 ± 16.10,24.30 ± 4.23,16.20 ± 4.32) was higher than that of the control group( 1.00 ± 0.12, all P ＜0.05). The expression of Runx2 in 40.000,80.000,160.000 mg/L groups(0.40 ± 0.05,1.91 ± 0.28,4.87±1.36)compared with that of control group, the difference was statistically insignificant(all P ＞ 0.05).The expression of Osterix mRNA in 1.250,2.500,5.000 mg/L groups(4.04 ± 1.67,229.00 ± 51.00,46.40 ± 10.60) was higher than that of the control group( 1.00 ± 0.42,all P ＜ 0.05). The expression of Osterix mRNA in 10.000,20.000,40.000,80.000,160.000 mg/L groups(0. 16 ± 0.07,0.13 ± 0.01,1.73 ± 0.54,0.01 ± 0.01, 0.09 ± 0.01) compared with that of control group, the difference was statistically insignificant (all P ＞ 0.05). The expression of COL I A2 mRNA in 0.625,1.250,2.500,5.000,10.000,20.000 mg/L groups (2.27 ± 0.89,8.03 ± 2.31,14.20 ± 2.75,7.66 ± 1.34,8.96 ±2.30) was higher than that of the control group (1.00 ± 0.04, all P ＜ 0.05). The expression of COL I A2 mRNA in 160.000 mg/L(0.54 ± 0.01 ) was lower than that of the control group(P ＜ 0.05). Conclusions Fluoride may affect mRNA expression of Osterix and Runx2 in osteoblast and their expression level is related to fluoride concentration.Runx2 and Osterix can also regulate the expression of COL I A2 mRNA.

OBJECTIVETo investigate if the Ribbond polyethylene fiber has the effect of reinforcing polymethyl methacylate.

METHODS28 specimens were fabricated and divided into 3 groups: group of chemical-cured PMMA, group of chemical-cured PMMA reinforced by stainless steel wire and group of chemical-cured PMMA reinforced by Ribbond polyethylene fiber. A three-point bending test was used to measure the flexural strength and flexural modulus of specimens. Then the data were analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTSThe flexural strength of chemical-cured PMMA group was (51.383 +/- 2.761) MPa, the flexural modulus was (1791.2 +/- 113.760) MPa; The flexural strength of stainless steel wire reinforced group was (58.725 +/- 1.218) MPa, the flexural modulus was (2092.76 +/- 120.28) MPa; The flexural strength of Ribbond polyethylene fiber reinforced group was (80.975 +/- 2.58) MPa, the flexural modulus was (2866.53 +/- 107.51) MPa. The one-way analysis of variance showed that the results were significant (P < 0.001). Newman-Keuls method showed that the differences among all groups were significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe Ribbond polyethylene fiber can raise the flexural strength and flexural modulu of polymethyl methacylate.

Dental Bonding ; Dental Materials ; chemistry ; Dental Stress Analysis ; Materials Testing ; Polyethylene ; chemistry ; Polyethylenes ; chemistry ; Polymethyl Methacrylate ; chemistry ; Stress, Mechanical ; Tensile Strength

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effect and mechanism of curcumin derivatives B06 on myocardium from type 2 diabetic rats.

METHODSThirty-five male SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, normal control group (NC group), high fat group (HF group), high fat treatment group (FT group), diabetes mellitus group (DM group) and diabetes treatment group (DT group) (n = 7). The late four groups were fed with high fat food, after four weeks of high fat feeding, the rats from DM group and DT group were injected with low dosage of streptozocin intraperitoneally to induce diabetes mellitus, FT group and DT group were gavaged with curcumin derivatives B06 at the dosage of 0.2 mg/kg x d. The blood glucose and lipid were detected biochemically, blood insulin was assayed by ELISA and the insulin resistance index was calculated, the morphology of myocardium was observed by light and transmission electron microscopy, the protein expression of AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKalpha) and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (p-AMPKalpha) in myocardium were tested by Western blot.

RESULTSThe level of blood glucose, lipid, insulin and the insulin resistance index were increased in HF group and DM group, but they were decreased after the treatment with B06. The expression of AMPKalpha and p-AMPKalpha were decreased, but they became increased after the treatment of B06. There were increased collagen fibers in interstitium and expansion of mitochondria in cytoplasm of myocardium from DM group, but they were ameliorated in B06 treatment group.

CONCLUSIONIt is suggested that B06 may relieve the damage of myocardium from type 2 diabetic rats and the increased expression of AMPKalpha and p-AMPKalpha may be involved in it.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Animals ; Blood Glucose ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; physiopathology ; Heart ; drug effects ; Insulin Resistance ; Male ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Streptozocin

Objective:To discuss the management principles and skills for treatment of intractable ureterostenosis under ureteroscope.Methods:Our management experience on 19 patients with intractable ureteral stenosis was retrospectively analyzed.The 19 cases included urological TB-caused multiple ureteral stenosis,oncothlipsis to ureters from intestinal tract or gynecology,restenosis 3 months to 12 years after pelviureteric junction plasty,operative site stenosis after ureterolithotomy. double ureter back flow accompanied by stenosis,ureter imperforation after renal parenchyma lithotomy without placing double"J",ureter imperforation 3 months after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy due to ureterolith,tubal bladder stoma stenosis after renal transplantation,restenosis after tubal bladder stoma due to distal ureterostenosis,and so on.All the patients were treated under ureteroscope.The management methods included:the Wolf 8/9.8 CH12?and Wolf 6/7.6 CH5?ureteroscope was used as a dilator to dilate the stenoses:balloon expanding under ureteroscope was used to dilate the stenoses;the ureter pliers was used to expand the stenoses to different directions;the cold knife was used to open the stenoses;if the diameter of stenoses were smaller than the that of the ureteroscopes,F4.5 or F3 double"J"tubes were inserted guided by a wire under ureteroscope; and 2 or 3 weeks later,a larger tube or two tubes were introduced into the stenoses already dilated partly by the former tube. Results:Ureteroscopic method failed in treating 2 patients in our group and succeeded in treating all the other patients.The outcomes of patient were fine during 9 months to 3 years'follow-up.Conclusion:It is difficult to treat patients with intractable ureterostenoses.With good experience in manipulation of ureteroscope,the flexible application of several techniques according to the different conditions of different patients can guarantee successful treatment in most patients.

Objective To observe the protective effects of ethanolic extract of Saussurea.graminea Dunn (EESGD) on mice liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).Methods Mice were randomly divided into 6 groups,such as normal group,control group (dimethyl dicarboxylate biphenyl,0.15 g · kg-1),model group,experimental-H,experimental-M,and experimental-L groups (EESGD:4,2,1 g · kg-1).The liver injury model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 0.15％ CCl4 peanut oil solution.At the time of 16 hours after modeling,levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum were determined by performance rate method.The levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum were detectioned by Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.The liver samples were collected for the examination of the contents of malondial dehyde (MDA),glutathione (GSH) and superoxidase dismutase (SOD) in liver homogenate used by colorimetry method.Results ALT in normal group,control group,model group,experimental-H,experimental-M,and experimental-L groups of EESGD were (14.90---3.35),(28.11 ± 12.55),(47.38 ± 20.15),(30.22 ± 16.63),(32.67 ± 11.67),(43.38 ± 25.91) U · L-1;AST were (97.75 ± 11.96),(99.00 ± 9.50),(129.86 ± 17.67),(94.50 ± 11.56),(96.86± 13.06),(112.29 ± 15.30) U·L-1 in above six groups.TNF-α were (382.92 ± 82.01),(626.79 ± 142.09),(914.69 ± 157.98),(425.89 ± 149.40),(756.87 ±76.49),(654.79 ± 131.54) pg · mL-1in above six groups.IL-6 were (18.44±2.23),(24.14 ± 9.01),(58.13 ± 8.68),(34.20 ± 11.65),(34.73 ±13.40),(42.15 ±19.56) pg · mL-1 in above six groups.SOD were (91.62 ±3.92),(85.06 ±7.94),(48.86±2.3),(86.15 ±6.05),(66.04 ±7.83),(54.74 ±7.77) U · mg-1in above six groups.MDA were (0.31 ±0.04),(0.68 ±0.14),(0.83 ±0.08),(0.58 ±0.16),(0.77 ± 0.08),(0.82 ±0.17) nmol · mg-1in above six groups.GSH were (10.36 ± 0.38),(9.70 ± 0.56),(8.00 ± 0.43),(9.92 ± 0.73),(8.74 ± 0.72),(8.78 ± 0.65) mg · g-1 in above six groups.Compared with the model group,experimental-H and experimental-M groups significantly decreased ALT,AST in blood serum(P ＜ 0.05,P ＜ 0.01).All dose experimental groups evidently depressed TNF-α and IL-6 in blood serum with significantly (P ＜ 0.05,P ＜ 0.01).All dose experimental groups remarkably advanced the activity of SOD and GSH in liver homogenate with significantly (P ＜ 0.05,P ＜ 0.01).The experimental-H group significantly decreased the activity of MDA in liver homogenate (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion EESGD have a certain protective effect on mice liver injury induced by CCl4.

BACKGROUNDDiagnosis and treatment for respiratory symptoms (RSs) of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is more difficult than that for common esophageal symptoms. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) treatment on RSs of GERD in a preliminary 12-month follow-up observation.

METHODSFrom April 2006 to October 2008, 505 GERD patients with mainly respiratory presentations such as wheezing, chronic cough or hoarseness, were treated by endoscopic RF. A questionnaire was completed before and after treatment, using a six-point scale ranging from 0 to 5 to assess symptom severity and frequency. The symptom score was the sum of frequency and severity.

RESULTSSymptom scores were significantly improved at the end of the follow-up period. The mean heartburn score decreased from 5.31 to 1.79. The mean regurgitation score decreased from 5.02 to 1.64; mean cough score decreased from 6.77 to 2.85; mean wheezing score decreased from 7.83 to 3.07; and mean hoarseness score decreased from 5.13 to 1.81 (P < 0.01). No major complications or deaths occurred. Minor complications included temporary post-procedural retrosternal unease or pain (n = 106; 21.0%), mild fever (n = 86; 17.0%), transient nausea/vomiting (n = 97; 19.2%), and transient dysphagia (n = 42; 9.3%). Thirty-five (6.9%) patients had recurrence of symptoms. Endoscopic RF treatment was repeated in six patients, and laparoscopic fundoplication was performed in seven.

CONCLUSIONEndoscopic RF is an effective and safe means to treat RSs in patients with GERD.

Adult ; Aged ; Cough ; surgery ; Esophagogastric Junction ; physiopathology ; radiation effects ; Esophagoscopy ; methods ; Female ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Heartburn ; surgery ; Hoarseness ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radio Waves ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDEndovascular recanalization (EVR) is becoming the primary therapy for patients with central venous (brachiocephalic, subclavian, and superior vena cava) occlusion (CVO) caused by benign etiology. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed our experience in using EVR to treat benign CVO in 10 patients between April 2005 and September 2010.

METHODSThe mean age of the patients was 65.3 years, 2/10 cases were female, and the origin of cause of CVO in 7/10 cases was the hemodialysis access in the upper extremity. The patients were treated with primary stent placement and evaluated with immediate technical success rate and post-interventional patency rate after the procedure.

RESULTSEight patients were treated successfully with stent placement and experienced symptomatic relief immediately. No technical complications were observed during EVR treatment. Patients were followed up by ultrasonography and venography. Median follow-up was 13 months. Three patients required secondary procedures to maintain patency.

CONCLUSIONSEVR is an effective and safe treatment in patients with benign CVO. It provides immediate symptom relief and maintains a continuous access for hemodialysis.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Brachiocephalic Veins ; pathology ; Endovascular Procedures ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Subclavian Vein ; pathology ; Vascular Diseases ; therapy ; Vena Cava, Superior ; pathology

OBJECTIVESTo describe a procedure of the retrograde approach for endovascular treatment of complex popliteal and/or infrapopliteal occlusions and to determine its safety and efficacy in minimizing failure rates.

METHODSBetween January 2010 and March 2012, 28 patients (16 male and 12 female patients) received retrograde tibial approach after failure of antegrade intervention. There were 3 patients with severe claudication (Rutherford category 3) and 25 patients with critical limb ischemia (Rutherford category 4 to 6). From this group, two techniques were employed. Twenty-four patients were treated via a retrograde transpedal access site and 4 patients via a transcollateral loop technique. The clinical and follow-up data of these patients were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSThe technique success rates were 92.8% (26/28). No major complications and 3 (10.7%) minor sequelaes were documented in this study. Twenty-three patients were followed up for 3 to 29 months, with a mean of (14 ± 9) months. Overall patency was 73.9% (17/23) and 47.8% (11/23) at 6 and 12 months. Overall survival and limb salvage was 95.7% (22/23), ulcer were healed in 9/10 patients.

CONCLUSIONThe use of retrograde tibial or pedal approach seems feasible and safety in case of failure in antegrade revascularization of popliteal and/or infrapopliteal occlusions.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Arterial Occlusive Diseases ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Popliteal Artery ; Punctures ; methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome