AIM:To explore whether the balance between endothelin(ET) and nitric oxide(NO) plays an important role in airway hyperresponsiveness of asthmatic rats. METHODS:The tension of isolated perfused rat tracheal rings was measured after ET-1 stimulation and incubation of JKC 302 and L-NAME. RESULTS:ET-1 constricted isolated rat tracheal ring, produced slowly developing and long-lasting contraction. The ET-1-induced contraction response of asthmatic rat tracheal ring was higher than that of normal control group (P＜0.01). JKC 302, a selective ETA receptor antagonist, partly blocked ET-1-induced contraction in asthmatic rat trachea ring. L-NAME significantly augmented the constriction caused by ET-1. CONCLUSION:The effects of ET on bronchomotor tone may be modified by NO as this is a bronchomotor, and the imbalance between ET and NO may play an important role in asthma pathogenesis.

Objectives To evaluate the performances of transcranial Doppler (TCD) and vessel-encoded arterial spin labeling MRI perfusion imaging (VE-ASL) in the evaluation of collateral circulation of cerebral arteries. Methods Thirty patients with unilateral ICA or MCA stenosis diagnosed by TCD and carotid duplex ultrasound and confirmed by MRA underwent VE-ASL. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) of bilateral MCA in the same depth, distal to the stenosis site, was recorded. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) in bilateral MCA territories was measured by VE-ASL. The detection rates of collater-al flow using TCD and VE-ASL were compared. Results TCD revealed that PSV in the ipsilateral and contralateral MCA were (31.6 ± 10.5) cm/s and (83.1 ± 9.2) cm/s, respectively. VE_ASL revealed that CBF in the ipsilateral and contralateral MCA territory were (22.5±9.8) mL·min-1·100g-1 and (31.7±8.3) mL·min-1·100g-1, respectively. The PSV ratio of the ipsi-lateral/contralateral MCA was significantly lower than the CBF ratio of the ipsilateral/contralateral MCA(0.37 ± 0.173 vs. 0.66±0.141, P=0.001). The detection rates of collateral flow using TCD were lower than those using VE-ASL. The detec-tion rate was 26.7% vs. 70% on TCD vs. VE-ASL in anterior collateral circulation (P=0.001), was 16.7% vs. 60% (P<0.001) on TCD vs. VE-ASL in posterior collateral circulation. The total display rate of collateral flow was 36.7%vs. 86.7%on TCD vs. VE-ASL (P<0.001). Conclusions TCD is inferior to VE-ASL in evaluating the collateral circulation because of the limitations including the anatomical variations of the circle of Willis and formation of leptomenigeal anastomoses.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Shenshuning Recipe (SSNR) on gene expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in renal tissues in rats with glomerulosclerosis. METHODS: Glomerulosclerosis was induced in 42 rats by unilateral nephrectomy and intravenous injection of doxorubicin. Then these 42 rats were randomly divided into three groups: untreated group, SSNR-treated group and benazepril-treated group. Another eight rats were included into sham-operation group. The rats in the SSNR-treated group and the benazepril-treated group were fed SSNR or benazepril respectively for 8 weeks. The levels of 24 h urine protein (Upr), serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of rats in each group were examined. The renal morphological changes were observed under microscope, and the diameter of glomerular capillary, mesangial matrix and glomerulosclerosis index were analyzed by image analysis software. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was used to detect the gene expression of HGF in the renal tissues. RESULTS: The levels of 24 h Upr, serum Cr and BUN in the untreated group were remarkably increased than those in the sham-operation group (P<0.01). The pathological morphological changes in the untreated group showed that the glomerulosclerosis was diffused around the renal tissue and the capillaries were shrunk. The expression level of mesangial matrix was up-regulated and the glomerulosclerosis index was 3.32+/-0.35. The expression level of HGF mRNA in the untreated group was obviously lower than that in the sham-operation group (P<0.05). The levels of 24 h Upr, serum Cr and BUN in the SSNR-treated group and the benazepril-treated group were remarkably decreased as compared with those in the untreated group, while the expression levels of HGF mRNA were both obviously higher than that in the untreated group (P<0.01). The pathological morphological changes in the SSNR-treated group and the benazepril-treated group were both alleviated. There was no significant difference in therapeutic effect between the SSNR-treated group and the benazepril-treated group. CONCLUSION: Shenshuning Recipe can up-regulate the expression of HGF mRNA, decrease the mesangial matrix, and improve the renal function, so that it may retard the development of glomerulosclerosis.

: ObjectiveTo study the correlation between mental status and personality of patients with stroke. Methods103 patients with stroke were surveyed by Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). ResultsThe scores of 7 factors which include total scores, somatisation, compulsion, depression, anxiety, panic and psychosis in SCL-90 were higher than norm, but the inter-personal sensitivity was lower. The scores of neuroticism (N) in EPQ were higher than the domestic norm(P<0.05),the scores of extra-introversion (E) and psychoticism (P) in EPQ were lower than the domestic norm(P<0.05); The N of EPQ was positively correlated with all factors of SCL-90, the E was positively correlated with hostility and paranoia factor, and the P was positively correlated with paranoia factor. ConclusionThe mental status of patient with stroke in acute period was poor. The character of neuroticism and introversion may be its personality background.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of 5% D-fructose injectio on energy supply in surgery patients. METHODS: By setting 5% glucose injectio as control,the influence of 5% D- fructose injectio on blood sugar level,liver and kidney function indices was detected.RESULTS: 5% D-fructose injectio did not influence liver and kidney functions, serum uric acid and RESULTS: of routine examination of blood and urine.Compared with control group, the change of blood sugar level in experiment group was slighter.CONCLUSION: 5% D-fructose injectio is effective and safe for energy supply in surgery patients.

Objective To analyze the mid- and long-term results after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), to evaluate the accuracy of multi-detector CT coronary angiography (MDCT) on the graft patency status and to compare the patency for different grafts. Methods One hundred and one cases underwent CABG from June 1992 to March 2008 were followed up by searching the database of MDCT (42 cases) and selective coronary angiography (SCA, 59 cases). The mean following up period was (66.79 ±44.27) months. Three hundreds and 10 grafts including 115 arterial and 195 venous were analyzed.A comparison of the patency rate between the arterial and venous grafts was also carried out. At the mean time, 2 groups were divided according to the paft lesions( patency of not). Uunivariate analysis and Logistic regression analysis were made for statistics. Results At the follow-up of (53.93 ± 36.80) months, the patent rate of LIMA, RA, SV and CV examined by MDCT was 94.7%, 92.0%, 85.9% and 60.0%, respectively. The patent rate for MDCT patients with angina was 83.5%, and 95.2% for angina-free group ( P = 0.046). At the follow-up of (75.95 ±47.09) months, the patent rate of LIMA, RA, SV and CV examined by SCA was 87.1%, 81.0%, 53.6% and 57. 1%, respectively. In SCA patients the patent rate was 62.0% for angina group and 100% for angina-free group ( P = 0.025 ). According to logistic regression analysis, only the postoperative period was statistically related to the graft lesion. Conclusion MDCT could find out the occlusions and obvious stenoses of the grafts after CABG. It might be served as a noninvasive method to evaluate the grafts patency postoperatively. The mid- and long-term patency of arterial grafts is better than venous grafts. Graft lesion is an important factor leading to postoperative recurrent angina pectoris. The severity of the graft lesion has a close relation to the lenth of postoperative period.

Objective To explore the correlation between ITGA6 gene (rs12621278, G), MSMB gene (rs10993994, T), chromosome 8q24 (rs10086908, T) and prostate cancer (PCa) in Beijing residents, and to explore the correlation between genotype and phenotype in PCa patients. Methods PCa patient phenotypes were collected including clinical, genetic, dietary habits, hobbies and blood samples. ITGA6 gene (rs12621278, G), chromosome 8q24 (rs10086908, T) and MSMB gene (rs10993994, T) compared the allele distribution between 112 PCa and 91 healthy control age matched patients. The genotype and phenotype analysis was conducted in the 2 groups. Results Between the case and control groups, only rs10993994, T of MSMB gene (case 56.4%,control 46.2%) was significantly different (P=0.001; OR=1.97, 95%CI:1.28-3.04). The rs10086908, T of 8q24 (case 83.5%, control 79.2%) and rs12621278, G of ITGA6 gene (case 27.2%, control 27.0%) were not significantly associated with PCa in the study sample (P>0.05). Quantitative trait analysis showed that the disease duration of ITGA6 risk genotypes (G/G,1.40±0.55 years) in PCa patients was significantly shorter (P=0.003) than the other genotype carriers (A/G, 4.38±3.10 years; A/A, 2.37±1.84 years). Conclusion The genetic variation in MSMB is possibly associated with PCa susceptibility, suggesting that MSMB genes might be associated with PCa in a Chinese population.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate radial artery (RA) and internal mammary artery (IMA) grafts in coronary artery bypass and the use of color Doppler ultrasound in the peri-operative evaluation of IMA and radial-ulnar collateral circulation.

METHODSFrom June 1998 to June 2000, sixty cases of coronary bypass revascularization with RA and IMA were performed. Preoperatively, the radial-ulnar collateral circulation was evaluated with the modified Allen's test, color Doppler ultrasound and noninvasive oxygen saturation measurement. The IMA lumen and blood flow were measured at the first intercostal space with color Doppler ultrasound preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTSOne patient (1.7%) died of serious cardiac arrhythmia on the fourth postoperative day. There were no arterial graft harvest related complications. Before harvesting, the ulnar artery blood flow was 30.78 +/- 9.71 ml/min, and it increased to 43.36 +/- 13.98 ml/min (40.87% increase, P < 0.01) after the operation. Compared with the baseline, there was no obvious change of IMA blood flow postoperatively (P > 0.05), but the systolic/diastolic flow ratio markedly decreased from 8.57 +/- 3.98 ml/min to 3.41 +/- 4.87 ml/min (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSArterial grafts can be safely used for coronary bypass revascularization with good results. The ulnar artery blood flow can increase compensatively after RA harvesting. The diastolic blood flow of grafted IMA markedly increased postoperatively. Color Doppler ultrasound was very helpful both in evaluating the radial-ulnar collateral circulation before RA harvesting and in assessing the patency of the grafted IMA after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Adult ; Aged ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; methods ; Coronary Circulation ; Humans ; Mammary Arteries ; transplantation ; Middle Aged ; Radial Artery ; transplantation

BACKGROUNDLiposarcomas, which represent 20% of all adult sarcomas, are the most common histological type of malignant soft tissue tumors. The aim of this study was to define the prognostic factors that predict the postoperative survival period for patients with primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma.

METHODSThe clinical data and prognoses of 71 patients with primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma who were treated in the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army of China between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2007 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTSThe primary tumor from each patient was resected; 54.9% (39/71) were deemed R0 resections, 31.0% (22/71) were R1 resections and 14.1% (10/71) were deemed R2 resections (palliative operations). The median follow up was 68 months (range: 1-160 months). Of the patients who received an R1 or R2 resection of their primary tumor, 96.7% (59/61) had tumor recurrence. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year recurrence-free rates were 77.0%, 29.8% and 19.7%, respectively. As of April 2013, 53 of the 71 patients had died from tumor recurrence. The overall 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival rates were 88.7%, 76.1%, 61.7%, and 30.4%, respectively. The factors that were significantly associated with prognosis in the univariate analysis were age (as a categorical variable) (P = 0.006), modus operandi (P = 0.000), histologic subtype (P = 0.000), tumor grade (P = 0.000), ascites (P = 0.000), postoperative metastasis (P = 0.000) and adjuvant therapy (P = 0.030). However, in the multivariate analysis, the modus operandi (P = 0.000), tumor grade (P = 0.006), ascites (P = 0.027), postoperative metastasis (P = 0.023) and age (as a categorical variable) (P = 0.002) were the only significant predictors of survival.

CONCLUSIONSComplete resection remains the most effective method for treating liposarcoma. High grade, old age (≥ 60 years old), postoperative metastasis, and ascites predict poor prognoses.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Liposarcoma ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; surgery ; Prognosis ; Retroperitoneal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

Objective To translate the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-MLUTS) and ICIQ-MLUTS long form (ICIQ-MLUTS LF) into Chinese and assess their metric properties and applicability.Methods After obtaining permission from the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ),original ICIQ-MLUTS and ICIQ-MLUTS LF were translated into Chinese according to ICIQ validation protocol and cultural adaptation guideline.During November 2017 to August 2018,Chinese version of ICIQ-MLUTS and ICIQ-MLUTS LF were tested by administering them in 6 and 12 hospitals in China respectively.To validate the translated questionnaires,the following tests were undertaken.The content validity was determined by indepth interviews with participants and experts.The correlation coefficients of ICIQ-MLUTS and ICIQ-MLUTS LF with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were assessed to validate criterion validity.Cronbach's alpha test was used to explore internal consistency.And the test-retest reliability was evaluated by calculation of intraclass correlation coefficient.Results In total,Chinese ICIQ-MLUTS and ICIQ-MLUTS LF were administrated to 135 and 230 male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms respectively.Both questionnaires had good content validity and good criterion validity with IPSS (Pearson correlation 0.846 and 0.833 for ICIQ-MLUTS and ICIQ-MLUTS LF respectively,both P ＜ 0.001).The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.797 for ICIQ-MLUTS,and 0.853 for ICIQ-MLUTS LF.Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.986 and 0.985 respectively (both P ＜ 0.001),showing good test-retest reliability.Conclusions The Chinese version of ICIQ-MLUTS and ICIQ-MLUTS LF had good validity and reliability,which can be used to assess Chinese male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.