AIM: To study the effect of cocaine on caspase-3 in myocardiac cells of male rats in different age. METHODS: Three-week-old( n= 16), six-week-old( n= 16) and twelve-week-old( n= 16)male Sprague Dawley rats were all divided into control groups and experiment groups randomly, each group had eight animals, experiment groups were given cocaine hydrochloride (15 mg?kg -1 body weight) subcutaneously daily for four weeks.The ratio of heart weight to body weight (HW/BW,mg/g) were measured. DNA fragmentation of myocardia cells was determined by gel electrophoresis, and caspase-3 activity in myocardia cells was tested by flow cytometry (FCM). RESULTS: In three experiment groups, the DNA isolated from myocardial cells displayed clear ladder pattern. The HW/BW and the caspase-3 activity were increased significantly than those of control groups ( P

Objective To investigate the risk factors related to persistent unconsciousness in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) by way of building a prognosis model.Methods The clinical data of 165 sTBI patients admitted from July 2011 to November 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.The eligible patients were randomly assigned to derivation cohort (n =115) and verification cohort (n =50) by treatment order.Inclusion criteria:(1) age ＞ 15 years; (2) definitive history of head injury; (3) traumatic brain injury confirmed by head computerized tomography or brain MRI; (4) initial Glasgow coma score (GCS) was less than 8; (5) patient's light come or consciousness impairment gradually deteriorating to profound coma on the day of admission.The exclusion criteria were as follows:(1) only a brief loss of consciousness or coma after trauma (coma time ＜ 6 hours) ; (2) post-injury hysteria or dementia causes appearance like coma ; (3) unconsciousness results of status epilepticus which was induced by emotion after injury.Univariate and muhivariable logistic regression were employed to determine the independent predictors of persistent unconsciousness in the derivation cohort,and then prognosis model was established.The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were used to assess the capacity of model for discrimination and calibration.Results Logistic regression analysis was used to identify GCS score,neurological complications,diffuse axonal injury (DAI),electrolytes disturbance as the most important predictors of persistent unconsciousness.The model was well calibrated in the derivation cohort (Hosmer-Lemeshow test,x2 =4.380,P =0.496).The model showed good discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) in the derivation cohort (0.87; 95％ CI:0.798-0.942) and in the versification cohort (0.90; 95％ CI:0.803-0.997).Conclusions The prognosis model could accurately predict the persistent unconsciousness lasting in sTBI patients despite its certain limitations,and therefore,it has significantly clinical and societal value.

Background:Fenretinide,which is capable of generating reactive oxygen species( ROS ),has emerged as a promising antineoplastic agent based on numerous in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical chemoprevention trials. Preliminary studies showed that fenretinide could induce apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma( HCC)cells in vitro, however,the precise mechanism was not clarified. Aims:To elucidate the effect of ROS on apoptosis of human HCC cells induced by fenretinide and the underlying mechanism. Methods:Human HCC cell line Huh-7 was treated with antioxidant vitamin E,fenretinide or their combination,respectively. ROS in live cells was evaluated by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry;cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay Kit and Caspase-Glo3/7 Assay Kit;expression and intracellular localization of nuclear receptor Nur77,as well as expression of stress-induced transcription factor GADD153 were measured by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting,respectively. Results:Vitamin E pretreatment fully blocked the fenretinide-induced ROS production. In Huh-7 cells pretreated with vitamin E,cell apoptosis induced by fenretinide was significantly reduced(P<0. 05). Furthermore,effect of vitamin E pretreatment was noteworthy on reducing fenretinide-induced GADD153 expression, while no significant impact on fenretinide-induced Nur77 expression and translocation was observed. Conclusions:Elimination of ROS by vitamin E can abrogate the pro-apoptotic effect of fenretinide on Huh-7 cells,which indicates the participation of ROS in fenretinide-induced apoptosis of human HCC cells. Its mechanism might be associated with induction of GADD153 protein expression.

Objective To study the changes of anorectal motility and rectal sensation in the elderly patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods The anorectal motility and rectal sensation were investigated by Medtronic PC-Polygraf HR made by Sweden in 35 non-elderly patients versus 19 elderly patients with UC, and 20 non-elderly healthy subjects (HS) and 28 elderly HS were as control group. Results (1) The static pressure, pressure of anal sphincter and the maximal squeeze pressure of anal sphincter in non-elderly patients and elderly patients with UC showed no significant differences compared with those in non-elderly HS and elderly HS group (elderly patients with uc vs. ederly HA:t= 1.311,1.298,1.401;nonederly patients with uc vs. nonederly HS: t=1.294,1.299,1.322all P＞0.05). When abdominal pressure was increased, the net increased pressure of anal sphincter was (2.8±1.1) kPa in the elderly patients with UC, (2.9±1.3) kPa in the non-elderly patients with UC. The pressures were lower in two UC groups than in HS groups [elderly HS group:(3.8±1.2) kPa; non-elderly HS group:(3.9±1.2) kPa,elderly patients with uc vs. ederly HS:t=2.238,nonelderly patients with us vs. nonederly HS:t=2.243 all P＜0.05]. (2)The rectal lowest volume of sensory threshold, the maximal volume of tolerance and the maximal compliance were (85±30) ml, (180±69) ml, (26. 5±8.8) ml/kpa in elderly patients with UC and (65±15) ml, (170±58) ml, (22.6± 10. 3) ml/kPa in non-elderly patients with UC. They were lower than in each HS group [elderly HS group (95±31) ml, (205±78) ml, (32.9±12.9) ml/kPa; non-elderly HS group:(78±38) ml, (190±50) ml, (30.8± 15.2) ml/kpa, all P＜0. 01]. (3)The rectal lowest volume of sensory threshold, the maximal volume of tolerance and the maximal compliance in elderly patients with UC were higher than in non-elderly patients with UC (elderly patients with uc vs. elderly HS:t=3. 121,3. 135,3.146,nonederly patients with uc vs. non elderly HS: t= 3.162, 3.141, 3.188 elderly patients with uc vs. nonelderly patients with uc: t = 2. 246,2. 239,2. 240 all P＜ 0. 05). The rectal lowest volume of sensory threshold, the maximal volume of tolerance in elderly HS group were higher than in non-elderly HS group (ederly HS vs. t = 2. 328,2. 301 all P＜0. 05). Conclusions There are some anorectal motility disturbances in UC. Higher sensitivity, lower tolerance, lower compliance of rectum and weakened anal automatic control function in UC may be associated with diarrhea and frequent defecation. The rectal sensation threshold to volume stimulus is higher in elderly HS than in non-elderly HS group. The sensibility to volume ectasis of rectum is weakened and the survivability of rectum is increased in elderly patients with UC.

Objective To study the effect of flupentioxl melitracen and pinaverium bromide treatment on the changes of anorectal motility and rectal sensation in the patients of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) accompanying with depression and/or anxiety status. Methods Forty-four patients with IBS-D accompanying with depression and/or anxiety status were divided into group A (flupentioxl melitracen and pinaverium bromide) and group B (pinaverium bromide) by random digits table,and treated for 4 weeks. Twenty-five healthy subjects were included as control group. The anorectal motility and rectal sensation before and after taking medicines were compared. Results When abdominal pressure was increased, the net increased pressure of anal sphincter was (3.0 ± 1.2 ) kPa in group A and (2.9 ± 1.2)kPa in group B. They were lower than that in control group [(3.6 ± 1.6) kPa](P＜ 0.05). The rectal lowest volume of sensory threshold, the maximal volume of tolerance and maximal compliance were (55 ± 20) ml,( 145 ± 78 ) ml, ( 21.9 ± 12.9 ) ml/kPa in group A, ( 56 ± 38 ) ml, ( 150 ± 50 ) ml, (20.8 ± 11.2) ml/kPa in group B. They were lower than those in control group [(80 ± 38 ) ml, ( 190 ± 50 ) ml, (30.8 ± 15.2 ) ml/kPa](P ＜ 0.01 ). The rectal lowest volume of sensory threshold, the maximal volume of tolerance and maximal compliance were higher than those before taking medicines. Only the rectal lowest volume of sensory threshold in group B was higher than that before taking medicines. The rectal lowest volume of sensory threshold, the maximal volume of tolerance and maximal compliance in group A after taking medicines were higher than those in group B (P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01 ). Conclusions Higher sensitivity, lower tolerance,lower compliance of rectum and weakened anal automatic control function in IBS-D may be associated with diarrhea and frequent defecation. Treatment combining flupentioxl melitracen with pinaverium bromide may preferably improve the aperception functions of rectum in the patients of IBS-D accompanying with depression and/or anxiety status.

Objective To investigate the value of multi-slice computed tomography angiography (MSCTA)in the detection of intracranial micro-aneurysms(aneurysm≤3 mm in maximal diameter, IMA).Methods The clinical history and images of 826 patients with suspected intracranial aneurysms were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent MSCTA on 16-slice row CT before hospitalization(from 2 h to 4 d after symtom onset).All intracranial aneurysms were confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA), three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) or surgery.Two independent radiologists assessed all the images.The MSCTA findings were compared with the DSA/3DRA results.The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MSCTA for diagnosis of IMA was calculated.The diagnostic consistency between DSA/3 DRA and MSCTA was determined by Kappa statistics.The prevalence of multiple aneurysms between the group of patients with IMA and the group of patients without IMA was evaluated by Chi-square test Results A total of 889 aneurysms in 788 of the 826 patients were detected.Among them, 706 patients had single aneurysm and 82 patients had multiple aneurysms.No aneurysms were detected in 38 patients.Among the 212 patients who underwent DSA/3 DRA, 271 aneurysms were found and 232 were IMA.MSCTAdetected 229 IMA.There was 1 false-positive finding and 4 false-negative findings by MSCTA.The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MSCTA for IMA was 98.3% (228/232), 97.4% (38/39), 98.2% (266/271).There was excellent agreement between two techniques (Kappa=0.927, P<0.05).The prevalence of multiple aneurysms was 21.2% (45/212) in the patient group with IMA and 6.4% (37/576) in the group without IMA.There was statistically significant difference between the two groups (X~2=36.421, P<0.01).Conclusions The detection value of IMA by MSCTA was high.The cutoff level of diameter of intracranial IMA should be adjusted from 4-5 mm to ≤3 mm.

Objective To evaluate perfusion computed tomography in the assessment of portal vein pressure changes in an experimental dog model of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.Methods The canine model of cirrhosis and portal hypertension was induced by portal vein stenosis with combination of systemic thioacetamide(TAA) feeding in drinking water.All of the Beagles in control group and cirrhotic group underwent hepatic perfusion on a spiral CT scanner.The parameters of hepatic perfusion were calculated by the method of deconvolution.The portal vein pressure was measured by a laparotomy surgery.Results ① In control group, the portal vein pressure was ( 14.5 ± 2.2) cm H2O, while it was (23.1 ± 2.8) cm H2O in PHT group, there was significant difference in the portal vein pressure between the two groups (P＜0.05).② The blood flow(BF) was (112 ±14) ml·100 g-1·min-1 in controls, while ( 96 ± 11) ml·100 g-1·min-1 in PHT group; the blood volume ( BV ) in control group and PHT group was (10 ±3) ml·100 g-1 and (11 ± 5) ml· 100 g-1, respectively; the mean transit time( MTT) was (7.1 ± 2.0) s and (10.4 ± 3.5) s, respectively; the hepatic arterial fraction (HAF) was ( 24 ± 5) % and ( 37 ± 6)% , respectively; the hepatic arterial perfusion (HAP) was(27 ±6) ml·100 g-1·min-1 and (35 ±5) ml·100 g-1·min-1, respectively; the portal venous perfusion (PVP) was (85 ± 13) ml·100 g-1·min-1 and (61 ±11) ml·100 g-1·min-1, respectively.There was significant difference in all parameters between the two groups except the parameter BV(P ＜ 0.05).③ In PHT group, the PVP and BF were negatively correlated with the portal vein pressure, while positively correlated with MTT and HAF.Portal vein pressure was negatively correlated with PVP, the equation, Y = 36.624 -0.219X, was deduced with linear regression analysis, by which the portal vein pressure in PHT Beagles was ( 23.2 ± 2.4) cm H2O, which was correlated with the observed by laparotomy value (23.1 ± 2.8) cm H2O (r = 0.843, P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion CT perfusion is a new non-invasive and effective method for assessment of portal vein pressure.

Objective To evaluate 1-week and 1-year outcomes of carotid artery stenting (CAS)using cerebral perfusion CT(PCT). Methods The clinical database of 20 patients with unilateral carotid artery stenosis( ≥60% ) who underwent CAS were retrospectively reviewed. Relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), relative cerebral blood flow(rCBF) and relative mean transit time( rMTT) were measured by using cerebral PCT within one week before CAS and at one week and at one year after CAS. Cerebral MRI was performed within one week before CAS. The noncontrast CT was performed within one week before CAS and immediately after CAS. The arteriography was performed at one year after CAS. The variance analysis was performed to determine whether there were significant differences of rCBV, rCBF, rMTT in anterior cerebral artery area( ACA area), middle cerebral artery area( MCA area), posterior cerebral artery area( PCA area),basal ganglia area, front and back cortical watershed area( CWS area) and internal watershed area( IWS area) among the different time points. Results In the three measures, there was no significant difference of rCBV in all areas among the three time points( P ＞ 0. 05 ) , and there was no significant difference of rCBF and rMTT in PCA area( P ＞ 0. 05 ), but there were significant differences of rCBF and rMTT in all other areas among the three time ponits(P ＜0. 01). In one week before CAS, at one week and at one year after CAS, rCBF of 20 patients is 0. 86 ±0. 06, 0. 95 ±0. 04, 0. 98 ±0. 07 in ACA area, 0. 81 ±0. 04, 1.06 ±0. 04, 1.03 ±0.07 in MCA area, 0. 84 ±0. 06, 0. 97 ±0. 04, 0. 96 ±0. 04 in basal ganglia, 0. 78 ±0. 03,0. 97 ±0. 03, 0. 96 ±0. 02 in front CWS area, 0. 77 ±0. 03, 1.00 ±0. 02, 0. 98 ±0. 03 in back CWS area,and 0. 80 ± 0. 04, 0. 94 ± 0. 03, 0. 93 ± 0. 04 in IWS area ( F = 18. 95, 146. 41,63.03,540. 85,415.97,164.19, P＜0. 01). rMTT is 1.17 ±0.05, 1.04±0.04, 1.01 ±0.06 in ACA area, 1.41±0.06, 1.08±0.04, 1.07±0.04 in MCA area, 1.20±0.06, 1.06±0.04, 1.05±0.04 in basal ganglia, 1.41 ±0.05,1.10 ±0. 05, 1.09 ±0. 04 in front CWS area, 1.43 ±0. 10, 1.07 ±0. 06, 1.08 ±0. 06 in back CWS area,1.29±0.10, 1.09 ±0.05, 1.11 ±0.07 in IWS area (F=51.74, 248. 89, 70.08, 381.68, 288.94,41.53, P ＜0. 01 ). There were significant differences of rCBF and rMTT between those measured one week before CAS and one week or one year after CAS ( P ＜ 0. 01 ), but there were no significant differences of rCBF or rMTT in any area measured between those at 1 week after CAS and those measured at 1 year after CAS(P＞0.05). Conclusions Hemodynamic outcome at one year after CAS is good in the absence of contralateral carotid artery steno-occlusive disease. In addition, the coherence of results between 1-week and 1-year indicates that the outcome of one week after CAS could predict long-term hemodynamic outcome.

Biocompatibility is the essential property of biomaterials, which is the essence of biomaterial evaluation as well as the foundation of the design and improvement of biomaterials. Several methods were carried out to evaluate the biocompatibility of poly(L-Lactide)-b-poly(trimethylene carbonate (PLLA-b-PTMC) and poly(D,L-Lactide)-b-poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PDLLA-b-PTMC) with poly(L-Lactide) (PLLA) and poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) as control, including extract liquid experiment, directly contact experiment of materials and cells, hemolytic ratio analysis and platelet adhesion investigation. The results revealed that all the materials exhibited an acceptable cytotoxicity, and proliferation of cells on the modified materials was less than that on the PLLA but more than that on PTMC. The results of hemocompatibility experiments showed that no significant hemolysis was detected when all the materials were in use; in addition, the numbers of platelets adhered on the surface of copolymers were smaller than that on the surface of PLLA, and the degree of platelet deformation was slighter. So, the biocompatibility of copolymers is similar to that of PLLA, the biocompatibility of PLLA is not remarkably changed by modification with PTMC, but rather is improved.
Absorbable Implants ; Biocompatible Materials ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Blood Platelets ; cytology ; Hardness ; Humans ; Lactic Acid ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Materials Testing ; Polyesters ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Polymers ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Tissue Engineering ; methods

Objective To investigate the endoscopic prevalence of erosive esophagitis (EE) among 13 hospitals in Guangdong province of China. Methods Retrospectively reviewed all the cases (63459 cases) that received oesophagogastrodeuodenoscopy in 13 main hospitals in Guangdong province of China in 2003. Los Angeles criteria for classification of erosive esophagitis were employed as the basis of analysis. Results One thousand two hundreds and sixty-three patients (age range 3-90yr, mean 50. 2 ?17. 1 ) were found to have EE. The overall prevalence of EE was 1. 99% (1263/63459). The prevalence of EE in A, B, C, and D grade were 0. 94% , 0. 69% , 0. 21% and 0. 14% respectively. Age correlated positively on endoscopic grading of EE (F=22. 932, P