Arterio-Arterial Fistula ; complications ; Coronary Artery Disease ; complications ; Coronary Stenosis ; complications ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged

Adult ; Aged ; Cause of Death ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pneumoconiosis ; mortality ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

To observe the effect of calycosin on the proliferation and activation of primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in rats, and prove calycosin shows the effects through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR). The results indicated that calycosin could inhibit HSC proliferation and expressions of activation marker smooth muscle actin-α and type I collagen. With the increase in HSC activation time, FXR expression reduced, but with no notable impact from calycosin. Calycosin could up-regulate PPARγ expression and its nuclear transition in a concentration-dependent manner. Its prohibitory effect on HSC activation could be blocked by PPARγ antagonist. In conclusion, calycosin could inhibit HSC activation and proliferation, which may be related with the up-regulation of PPARγ signal pathway.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Isoflavones ; pharmacology ; Male ; PPAR gamma ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear ; genetics ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation ; drug effects

Objective Summarize the experience of single port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (SPVATS).Evaluate the value of SPVATS for thoracic diseases.Methods 32 patients underwent SPVATS from March 2011 to May 2011,including 28 males and4 females,with an average age of (26.5 ±9.2) years (ranged 18-72 years).There were twenty-seven cases of spontaneous pneumothorax ( including 2 cases of single stage bilateral surgery),three cases of unknown pleural effusion,one case of bilateral pulmonary nodules,and one case of pulmonary metastasis tumor.Results All procedures were successfully accomplished without conversion to conventional multi-port VATS or open approach.There was no major complication or operative death.All procedures were using self-developed specialized surgical instruments and two-incision joint protection.The procedures inluded resection of lung bullae in 27 cases,purulent drainage fiber stripping pleural lavage in 3,parietal pleural biopsy in 1,and pulmonary wedge resection in 1.The operating time ranged from (22.0 ± 9.5 ) min.The average intraoperative blood loss was ( 14.5 ± 8.8 )ml.The mean chest tube duration was (3.1 ± 0.6 ) days.The average postoperative hospital stay was (6.8 ± 1.6 ) days.Conclusion SPVATS is a new approach for treatment of thoracic diseases.This technique is preferred as a minimally invasive and cosmetic procedure with decreased operative time,quickened postoperative recovery,few complications,and satisfactory short-term outcome.

Objective To assess the clinical value of pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) in diagnosis and survey of therapeutic effect for lung cancer.Methods The serum level of PTX-3,carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA),cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA 21-1) were measured in 802 patients with lung cancer,462 with benign lung diseases and 522 healthy controls from multiple research centers,using ELISA and electrochemiluminescent assays.The clinical value of PTX-3 was assessed by comparing the area under receiver characteristic curves (AUC) with CEA and CYFRA21-1.The optimum cutoff value for diagnosis of lung cancer was investigated by maximizing the sum of sensitivity and specificity.By following-up,the serum level of PTX-3 was measured at 3 day,7 day,and 14 day in 61 lung cancer patients after surgical resection of lung cancer.Results In test group and validation,the serum levels of PTX-3 (g/L) are significantly higher in lung cancer group [9.21 (6.13-12.80),10.4(5.54-13.11)] than in benign lung diseases [5.28 (3.42-8.53),6.52 (3.84-7.89)] and in healthy controls [2.18 (0.54-5.44),2.44 (0.67-5.87)],[Z =8.161,14.118,(test group,all P ＜ 0.05) ;Z =9.832,17.595 (validation group,all P ＜0.05)].ROC curve showed the optimal cut-off values for PTX-3 was 8.03 g/L [AUC of 0.831,with a sensitivity of 76.1％ and specificity of 75.2％ in the test cohort; 0.828,71.3％,89.2％ in the validation cohort].Similar results were noted for early-stage lung cancer [0.764,79.1％,and 62.2％ in the test cohort; 0.744,71.3％,and 69.6％ in the validation].In the diagnosis of early-stage lung,the AUC and sensitivity and specificity of PTX-3 were 79.1％,0.764,71.3％ (test group),and 75.2％,89.2％,0.824 (validation group) significantly higher in these patients than CEA and CYFRA21-1.In small cell lung cancer,PTX-3 and NSE shared similar AUC differentiating LC from benign lung diseases and health controls.In following-up 61 lung cancer patients,PTX-3 levels before surgical resection of tumours [11.12(9.12-12.59)] was significant high than following 3 day after surgery(Z =4.32,P ＜0.01),and 14 day (5.12 ±2.54) vs.7 day (7.13 ±3.42) (t =2.143,P =0.023).The correlation between PTX-3 and CRP in LC,benign lung diseases,health control was 0.364,0.592,0.512 (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Serum PTX-3 is a valuable biomarker of lung cancer and early-stage lung cancer with high sensitivity and specificity and improved identification of patients with lung cancer from those with non-malignant chronic lung diseases.

Objective To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on brachial plexus block with ropivacaine and upper extremity ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in patients undergoing upper extremity surgery. Methods Forty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of both sexes, aged 18-55 yr, weighing 45-80 kg, scheduled forupper extremity surgery under brachial plexus block, were randomly divided into 2 groups ( n = 20 each): control group ( group C )and dexmedtomidine group (group D). In group C, brachial plexus block was performed using 0.5% ropivacaine 30 ml. In group D, brachial plexus block was performed with a mixture (30 ml) of 0.5% ropivacaine and 8 mg dexmedetomidine. The efficacy of motor and sensory block was evaluated and the onset time and duration of motor and sensory block were recorded. Venous blood samples were obtained from peripheral vein on the operated side before anesthesia induction (T0), and at 1, 5 and 30 min after tourniquet release (T1-3) to detect the plasma concentrations of MDA and ischemia-modified albumi (IMA). Arterial blood samples were also obtained at the same time points for blood gas analysis. The complications such as nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression, bradycardia and dizziness were recorded. Sufentanil 0.2 μg/kg was given as rescue medication. If the operation could not be completed, general anesthesia was used. Results There was no requirement for rescue analgesics and general anesthesia, and no complications occurred in all the patients. The duration of sensory and motor block was significantly longer, the plasma concentrations of MDA and IMA were significantly lower, and PaO2 and BE were significantly higher in group D than in group C ( P ＜ 0.05). The plasma concentrations of MDA and IMA were significantly higher at T2 and T3 in both groups, the pH value was significantly lower at T1 in group C, PaO2 at T1 and BE at T1 and T2 were significantly lower in both groups than those at T0 ( P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can not only enhance the efficacy of brachial plexus block with ropivacaine, but also reduce the upper extremity I/R injury caused by tourniquet in patients undergoing upper extremity surgery.

Objective To observe the immediate hemodynamic effects of the intercoronary ischemic preconditioning on the coronary perfusion pressure.Methods The observational study recruited 17 patients who were hospitalized for stable coronary disease and had severe stenosis lesions (70％ ～ 85％ ) in one or two vessels per coronary angiography.They were randomized into ICPC ( n =8 ) group ( receiving two cycles of 1-min balloon inflation and 5-min reperfusion) and control group (n =9).Before interventional treatment,the ICPC group was given 2 cycles of intercomary ischemic preconditioning.The occlusive and non-occlusive pressures proximal and distal to the stenosis were collected before and after ICPC.Fractional flow reserve (FFR) was calculated upon the following equation:FFR =Pd/Pa ( Pa:hyperemic mean aortic pressure,Pd:hyperemic coronary pressure distal to the stenosis).Results Before and after ischemic preconditioning,coronary wedge pressure and FFR of ICPC group were significantly increased ( coronary wedge pressure was from [ 22.08 ± 19.14 ]mm Hg to [25.46 ±19.04]mm Hg,P=0.011;FFR.was from [70.30±16.05]％ to [77.53 ±13.42]％,P=0.001).The collateral flow was increased significantly.Coronary wedge pressure and FFR of control group did not improved obviously.There were significant differences in FFRs and coronary wedge pressures between ICPC and control groups.Conclusion Coronary ischemic preconditioning can improve coronary perfusion pressure,and rapidly increase the coronary pressure distal to the severe stenosis lesions.

Objective To study the mechanism of p55 inducing cell apoptosis, the 180 bp fragment of Puma promoter was cloned into the pGL3-basic luciferase reporter vector. The biological activity of Pumareporter plasmid was verified by cell transfection. Methods The target fragments of Puma were amplified by RT-PCR method and the fragments were inserted into the pGL3-basic luciferase reporter vector. The acquired Puma-Luc plasmid was transfected into H1299 cell line and detected its activity. Results Sequencing indicated that the amplified Puma promoter is correct. Dual-luciferase Reporter Assay showed the Puma-Luc constructs have promoter activity. Conclusion The cloning of human Puma gene promoter and the construction of its reporter vector were successful. This study will lay the foundation for further research on the function of p53 inducing apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway.

Objective To explore the clinico-biological characteristics, treatment and prognosis of salivary duct carcinoma. Methods This study included 12 cases of salivary duct carcinoma treated in our hospital. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed for patients admitted between April 1995 and October 2006. The clinical characteristics, histological features, imaging, therapy methods and prognosis were analyzed. Results Of 12 salivary duct carcinoma, there were 10 males, 2 females. The age of onset ranged from 53 to 73 year old and the average was 56 year old. Physical examination revealed a firm and unboundary mass accompanied by nerve infiltrating symptom. The histological appearance was characterized by solid cell nests with ductal structures and central comedonecrosis. Extensive resection and radical neck dissection was performed in 11 patients, postoperation radiation done in 10 patients and chemotherapy in 3 patients. One year survival rate was 83. 33% , that of 3 years was 41. 67% , and of 5 years was 25. 00% , the median survival time was 36 months. Conclusion Salivary duct carcinoma is a rare malignant salivary tumor and most patients are men. Regional extensive resection and postoperative radiation or chemotherapy are the mainstay of therapy. Lymph node metastases in level Ⅰ ,Ⅱ , Ⅲ are a common finding in patients with SDC and the prognosis is poor.