Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of methotrexate(MTX)on the hip involve ment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS).Methods Among the AS patients with hip joint involvement admitted to the department from 1999—2002,50 patients were treated with sulfasalazine(SSZ)(control group, CG)and 48 MTX(observation group,OG).One kind of NSAIDs was taken by the patients in both groups as the basic therapy.The treatment was maintained in both groups after being discharged.Patients were followed-up for three years.The observation parameters included symptoms,signs,Bath AS disease activity index(BASDAI), Bath AS functional index(BASFI),hip joint function score,the CT staging of hip joint involvement,serum in- flammation markers,laboratory tests and side effects.The data were analyzed with SPSS10.0 statistics software. Results At the 1st,2nd and 3rd year,44,38 and 32 cases in the OG and 45,38 and 31 cases in the CG were followed up respectively.During the three-year follow-up period,the hip joint function score of the OG was significantly higher than that of the CG(P

Objective:To study the causes of misdiagnosis of patients with POEMS syndrome and to discuss the clues for its early diagnosis.Methods:The clinical and laboratory data of 26 inpatients with POEMS syndrome,who were treated in Changhai hospital over the last decade,were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The misdiagnosis rate of our group was 100%. The misdiagnosis was made in(3.31?0.97)hospitals and in(3.31?0.93)clinical departments;the misdiagnosis period was (19.42?10.86)months and it had been misdiagnosed as 18 other diseases.The initial symptoms included polyneuropathy in 21 (80.8%)cases,edema of lower extremity in 22(84.6%)cases,and body weight loss in 8(30.8%)cases.The typical clinical symptoms included polyneuropathy in 26(100%)cases and organomegaly in 24(92.3%).Two cases had newly-identified uterine hypertrophy,one had adrenal gland hypertrophy,and one had gastric wall thickening mimicking advanced gastric cancer.Hypothyroidism,impotence,skin pigmentation and sclerosis occurred in 76.9%(20/26),60%(6/10),92.3%(24/ 26)and 65.4%(17/26)cases,respectively.Monoclonal plasma cell proliferation was documented in 18(81.8%);M proteins were positive in 14(63.6%)cases by serum immunofixation,and only 2(9.1%)cases also positive by serum protein electrophoresis.One patient was positive of M protein by urine immunofixation and one had abnormal infiltration of plasma cells in the gastric wall.Lymph node biopsy were performed in 8 patients and 3 were found to have Castleman disease;the other 5 cases had lymphocyte infiltration,with 3 complicated with plasma cell proliferation.Nerve biopsy in 4 cases all revealed axonal degeneration and one patient complicated with demyelination.Bone marrow biopsy in 5 cases revealed plasmacytosis in 2 cases and myeloma in one.Excessive radioactivity resorption was found in 10 of the 16 cases(62.5%)and abnormal plasma cells were detected in 2 cases by bone aspiration guided by radioisotope bone scan.Conclusion:Misdiagnosis of POEMS syndrome is very common.Polyneuropathy,edema of lower extremity and body weight loss are the common early symptoms of POEMS syndrome. Early diagnosis can be made by having an intimate knowledge of the progression of the disease and by detecting M protein through various approaches.

Objective Routine perioperative intravenous antimicrobial agents,was administered as surgical prophylaxis.However,whether balanced ultrafiltration during extracorporeal circulation can remove antimicrobial agent remains unclear.The concentrations of antimicrobial agent in plasma and ultrafiltrate samples were measured in this pseudo-extracorporeal circulation model.Methods Extracorporeal circulation consisted of cardiotomy reservoir (Ningbo Fly Medical Healthcare CO.,LTD.Ningbo,China),D902 Lilliput 2 membrane oxygenator (Sorin Group Asia Pte Ltd,Beijing,China) and Capiox (R) AF02 pediatric arterial line filter (Terumo Corporation,Beijing,China).HEMOCONCENTRATOR BC 20 plus (MAQUET Cardiopulmonary AG,Hirrlingen,Germany) was placed between arterial purge line and oxygenator venous reservoir.Fresh donor human whole blood was added into the circuit and mixed with Ringer's solution to obtain a final hematocrit of 24％-28 ％.After 30 minutes of extracorporeal circulation,zero-balanced ultrafiltration was initiated and arterial line pressure was maintained at approximately 100 mm Hg(1 mm Hg =0.133 kPa) with Hoffman clamp.The rate of ultrafiltration (12 ml/min) was controlled by ultrafiltrate outlet pressure.Identical volume of plasmaslyte A was dripped into the circuit to maintain stable hematocrit during 45 minutes of experiment.Plasma and ultrafiltrate samples were drawn every 5 minutes and concentrations of antimicrobial agent (including Cefmetasole and cefotiam) were measured with high performance liquid chromatography.Results All these two antimicrobial agents were detected in ultrafiltrate,demonstrating hemoconcentration may remove antimicrobial agent.The concentration of plasma antimicrobial agent decreased lineally with the increase of ultrafiltrate volume.At end of balanced ultrafiltration,the concentration of plasma cefotiam was (104.96 ± 44.36) μg/ml,which is about (44.38 ± 7.42) ％ of the initial concentration (238.95 ± 101.12) μg/ml; the concentration of plasma cefmetazole decreased linearly to (25.76 ± 14.78) μg/ml,which is about (49.69 ± 10.49) ％ of the initial concentration (51.49 ± 28.03) μg/ml.The total amount of cefotiam in ultrafiltrate is (27.16 ± 12.17)％ of the total dose administered,whereas cefmetasole in ultrafiltrate is (7.74 ±4.17)％.Conclusion Balanced ultrafiltration may remove antimicrobial agent from serum and has significant influence on plasma concentration of antimicrobial agent.The strategy of surgical prophylaxis should consider this unique technique during extracorporeal circulation.

Objective To observe neurophysiological changes and pulmonary function in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and analyze their inter-relationship. Methods Sixty OSAS patients were studied. Their lung function and phrenic motor nerve conduction (PNC) were examined. Thirty cases without respiratory disorder served as controls. The lung function tests included percentage of the predicted value of vital capacity ( VC% ), percentage of the predicted value of maximal voluntary ventilation ( MVV% ), percentage of the predicted value of forced expiratory volume in one second ( FEV1% ), inspiratory capacity ( IC), and expiratory reserve volume (ERV). The phrenic nerve was stimulated electrically, and the latent period and the diaphragmatic compound muscle action potential (dCMAP) were recorded. Results The VC%, MVV%, FEV1% , IC and ERV of the patients with OSAS were significantly lower than those of the controls. There was no significant difference between the patients and the controls with regard to their PNC latency. In the OSAS patients the amplitude ratio of their dCMAPs was positively correlated with VC% , MVV% , FEV1% , IC and ERV, and negatively with an apnea hypopnea index (AHI).Conclusions PNC examination can provide valuable information for evaluating diaphragmatic dysfunction in those with abnormal lung function. Decreased dCMAP might be associated with abnormal lung function.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect and the mechanism of Danhong Injection (DI), Ligustrazine Injection (LI), and adsorbable biomembranes in preventing the adhesion of tendons and tissues.

METHODSTotally 120 patients all suffering from simple flexor digitorum tendon rupture on the hand zone two damaged by sharp weapons were randomly assigned to Group A (Dikang adsorbable biomembrane), Group B (Tianxinfu adsorbable biomembrane), Group C (Tianxinfu adsorbable biomembrane + Ligustrazine group), and Group D (Tianxinfu adsorbable biomembrane + DI group) in accordance with random digit table, 30 cases in each group. Indicators such as total active movement (TAM) of the hand tendon, Minnesota manual dexterity test (MMDT), and finger flex strength test (FFST) were observed.

RESULTSThe TAM and the favorable rate were higher in Group C and D than in Group A and B at post-operative 4 and 8 week (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference between Group C and D (P > 0.05). Each index of MMDT was lower in Group C and D than in Group A and B (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in FFST among all the 4 groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCombined application of LI or DI with Tianxinfu adsorbable biomembranes could effectively prevent the adhesion of tendons. DI showed equivalent effect as LI did. Besides, the combined application was superior in preventing adhesion to using Xintianfu adsorbable biomembrane or Dikan adsorbable biomembrane alone.

Absorbable Implants ; Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Membranes, Artificial ; Middle Aged ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; prevention & control ; Pyrazines ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Tendon Injuries ; surgery ; Tissue Adhesions ; prevention & control ; Wound Healing

With the alterations of people's living habits and environment,dry eye has become one of the most common diseases in ophthalmic clinic. Diabetes mellitus can cause a variety of ophthalmic complications, such as cataract and diabetic retinopathy. Recently, some studies show that there is higher incidence of dry eye in hyperglycemia and diabetic patients,and diabetes is one of the important risk factors for dry eye.However,the relevant mechanisms and clinical features of diabetic dry eye are not fully understood,and most studies only focus on patients with dry eyes.In this review,we discuss the prevalence,etiology,pathogenesis,clinical characteristics,prevention and treatment for diabetes-related dry eye.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between the mRNA expression levels of p53-mediating DNA damage and repair genes in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of workers and their exposures to benzene in their working environment.

METHODSThe mRNA expression levels of p53 and related genes were determined by SYBR Green I chimeric fluorescence quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 72 workers, who were classified into group A (46 direct exposure to benzene) and group B (26 indirect exposure to benzene) based on their positions, and 29 controls. The differences of gene expression levels were analyzed by software REST 2005. Meanwhile, the peripheral blood leukocytes, hemoglobin and platelet of workers and controls were counted. Benzene content was measured in the samples of toluene, used as raw material, and spraying agents and benzene, toluene and xylene concentrations in the air of workplaces were monitored.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in the mRNA expression levels of p53, Ku80, Ape1 and Mdm-2 between group A or group B and control group (P > 0.05). The expression up-regulation of p21 mRNA was found, but without significant difference (P > 0.05). However, the mRNA expression levels of Rad51, Bcl-2, Bax, Xpa and Xpc in group A and Rad51 in group B were downregulated significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Moreover, both the counts of white blood cell, hemoglobin and platelet in group A were (4.93 +/- 1.27) x 10(9)/L, (123.97 +/- 11.80) g/L and (124.02 +/- 41.22) x 10(9)/L respectively and platelet in group B (135.80 +/- 39.44) x 10(9)/L were significantly lower than in control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe mRNA expression levels of some p53-mediating DNA damage and repair genes are downregulated in the workers chronically exposed to low benzene concentration. The working environment impacts on health of group A workers are greater than the ones of group B.

Adult ; Benzene ; adverse effects ; DNA Damage ; DNA Repair ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of adjuvant hormonal therapy (AHT) immediately after radical surgery for high- risk organ-confined or locally advanced prostate cancer using the PSA-related biochemical relapse rate within 2 years after surgery.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed 62 cases of high-risk organ-confined or locally advanced prostate cancer. The patients were treated by laparoscopic radical prostatectomy or radical retropubic prostatectomy after MRI and ECT systemic bone imaging examination, which revealed no regional lymph node or bone metastasis. Thirty-two of the patients (group A) received AHT orally or subcutaneously from 2 weeks to 1 months after operation, and another 30 (group B) were left untreated. We followed up the patients for 2 years, measuring the serum PSA level every 3 months, performing ECT every 6 months, and recording the adverse reactions, medication dura- tion, and the patients'quality of life.

RESULTSAll the operations were successfully accomplished. The rate of 2-year biochemical relapse-free survival was 78.13% (25/32) in group A and 53.33% (16/30) in group B.

CONCLUSIONAHT immediately after radical surgery can improve the rate of biochemical relapse-free survival of the patients with high-risk organ-confined or locally advanced prostate cancer and check the progression and metastasis of the disease.

Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal ; therapeutic use ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Disease Progression ; Disease-Free Survival ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; blood ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; blood ; Prostatectomy ; methods ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; blood ; drug therapy ; pathology ; surgery ; Quality of Life ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVEThis study was to clarify E-cadherin expressions in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its correlation with patients' prognosis.

METHODSTissue microarrays (TMAs) containing specimens from 365 different NSCLC were constructed, covering all stages and almost all histological types of this disease. Slides were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies against E-cadherin. Expression pattern of the protein was analyzed with relation to the clinicopathological. Correlations of the results with patients' overall survival were also examined.

RESULTSImmunohistochemical staining revealed that E-cadherin protein was localized mainly on membranes and the cytoplasm of NSCLC tumors cells. Reduced E-cadherin expression was evident in 32.1%. Reduced E-cadherin expression significantly correlated with lymph nodes metastasis (chi(2) = 16.430, P = 0.001), histological dedifferentiation (chi(2) = 9.243, P = 0.010) and advanced clinical stage (chi(2) = 9.421, P = 0.024). There was no significant difference in E-cadherin expression between squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. E-cadherin reduced expression correlated with a poor prognosis (P < 0.0001) in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed a significantly lower survival probability for patients with reduced E-cadherin (P < 0.001), and E-cadherin was an independent prognostic factor for survival of NSCLC patients.

CONCLUSIONSIt suggests that dysfunction of E-cadherin has an important impact in the progression of lung cancer. As an independent prognostic factor, expression of E-cadherin can predict outcome of different group, together with conventional prognostic factors, and subsequently make appropriate management.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cadherins ; biosynthesis ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; metabolism ; mortality ; secondary ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; mortality ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether ginsenoside-Rb1 (Gs-Rb1) inhibits the apoptosis of hypoxia cardiomyocytes by up-regulating apelin-APJ system and whether the system is affected by hypoxia-induced factor 1α (Hif-1α).

METHODSNeonatal rat cardiomyocytes were randomly divided into 6 groups: a control group, a simple CoCl group, a simple Gs-Rb1 group, a CoCl and Gs-Rb1 hypoxia group, a CoCl and 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzylindazole (YC-1) group, a CoCl and YC-1 group and a Gs-Rb1 group, in which YC-1 inhibits the synthesis and accelerates the degradation of Hif-1a. The concentration of CoCl, Gs-Rb1 and YC-1 was 500 μmol/L, 200 μmol/L and 5 μmol/L, respectively; the apoptosis ratio was analyzed with a flow cytometer; and apelin, APJ and Hif-1α were assayed with immunocytochemistry, Western blot assays and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS(1) The anti-apoptosis effect of Gs-Rb1 on hypoxia cardiomyocytes was significantly inhibited by YC-1; (2) Hypoxia significantly up-graded the expression of mRNA and protein of apelin; this effect was further reinforced by Gs-Rb1 and significantly inhibited by YC-1; (3) Gs-Rb1 further strengthened the expression of APJ mRNA and APJ proteins once hypoxia occurred, which was significantly inhibited by YC-1; (4) Gs-Rb1 significantly increased the expression of Hif-1α, which was completely abolished by YC-1; (5) There was a negative relationship between AR and apelin (or APJ, including mRNA and protein), a positive correlation between apelin (or APJ) protein and Hif-1a protein, in hypoxia cardiomyocytes.

CONCLUSIONThe apelin-APJ system plays an important role in the anti-apoptosis effect of Gs-Rb1 on hypoxia neonatal cardiomyocytes, which was partly adjusted by Hif-1α.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Apelin ; Apelin Receptors ; Cell Hypoxia ; drug effects ; Ginsenosides ; pharmacology ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; metabolism