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 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.

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

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

To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of antiviral combination therapy with pegylated-interferon alpha-2a plus ribavirin (RBV) in patients with autoantibody-positive chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and to investigate the impact of the presence of autoantibodies on the treatment outcome. Eighty-six consecutive CHC patients who underwent a 48-week treatment regimen composed of Peg-IFNa-2a (135 or 180 mug/wk) plus weight-based RBV ( less than or equal to 65 kg, 800 mg/d; 65 to 75 kg, 1000 mg/d; more than or equal to75 kg, 1200 mg/d ). Prior to treatment (baseline) and at end of treatment (EOT; week 48), levels of antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-smooth muscle antibody (SMA), anti liver/kidney microsomal antibody type 1 (LKM1), anti-La (SSB), and anti liver cytosolic-1 (LC-1) were detected by indirect immunofluorescence. At baseline, during treatment (weeks 4, 12, 24, and 36), EOT, and 24 weeks after EOT, levels of HCV RNA were assessed by real-time quantitative PCR. Rapid virological response (RVR) was defined as HCV RNA less than 10(3) copy/ml at week 4. Sustained virologic response (SVR) was defined as HCV RNA load below the lower limit of detection at 24 weeks after EOT. Correlation between autoantibodies and treatment-induced reduced HCV RNA load was assessed by univariate analysis of variance or chi-squared tests. Autoantibodies were detected in 24 patients, which included 14 ANA-positive patients, five SMA-positive patients, three LKM1-positive patients, one patient with double-positivity for ANA and SSB, and one patient with double-positivity for ANA and LC-1. The autoantibody-positive patients and autoantibody-negative patients showed similar rates of RVR (70.8% vs. 72.5%, P more than 0.05) and SVR (81.4% vs. 82.2%, P more than 0.05). Antiviral therapy with Peg-IFNa-2a RBV can effectively reduce the HCV RNA load in autoantibody-positive CHC patients; however, the presence of autoantibodies may not be an independent predictor of therapy outcome.
Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Autoantibodies ; blood ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; blood ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Polyethylene Glycols ; therapeutic use ; Recombinant Proteins ; therapeutic use ; Ribavirin ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDCarotid artery stenting (CAS) as a competing treatment modality has had to adhere to limits to gain widespread acceptance in some studies. This study analyzed the clinical data of 1700 consecutive patients after CAS to retrospectively evaluate the 30-day outcome of CAS for internal carotid artery stenosis in a Chinese population.

METHODSMedical records of 1700 patients who underwent CAS at Xuanwu Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University between January 2001 and August 2012 were reviewed. Postoperative 30-day complication rates were analyzed and compared with those of other studies. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with perioperation myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and death.

RESULTSThe overall 30-day rate of MI, stroke, and death after CAS was 2.53%. In univariate analysis, patients who were symptomatic, had a neurological deficit (modified Rankin score (mRS) ≥3; P = 0.001), and who were not taking statins experienced a significantly increased rate of MI, stroke, and death (P = 0.017). In multivariate Logistic regression analysis, the presence of symptoms (odds ratio (OR) = 2.485; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.267-4.876; P = 0.008) and a neurological deficit (mRS ≥3) (OR = 3.025; 95% CI = 1.353-6.763; P = 0.007) were independent risk factors for perioperative MI, stroke, and death.

CONCLUSIONSAccording to this single-center experience, CAS may effectively prevent and treat carotid artery stenosis that would otherwise lead to stroke. Being symptomatic and having a neurological deficit (mRS ≥3) increased the risk of perioperative MI, stroke, and death.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carotid Stenosis ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Myocardial Infarction ; Stents ; Stroke ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome