Objective To investigate the effects of catheter balloon dilatation on patients with dysphagia caused by neurogenic cricopharyngeal achalasia.Methods Thirty-two patients with dysphagia caused by neurogenic cricopharyngeal achalasia were divided randomly into a treatment group (n =16) and a control group (n =16).The treatment group received catheter balloon dilatation therapy and routine dysphagia rehabilitation training; the control group was treated with routine dysphagia rehabilitation training only.Both groups were tested before treatment,after 3 weeks of treatment (after treatment) and at 6 months after treatment (follow-up).All cases were evaluated using Saitoh's 7-grade swallowing assessment and videofluoroscopy.Results After treatment,5 cases in the treatment group had been cured (31％) and 8 cases showed marked effectiveness (50％) ; in the control group,1 case was cured (7％) and 5 cases showed marked effectiveness (31％).These differences were statistically significant.At follow-up,5 cases in the treatment group had been cured (31％) and 9 cases showed marked effectiveness (56％) ; for the control group,1 case was cured (7％) and 6 cased showed marked effectiveness (38％).Those differences were also statistically significant.After treatment and also at follow-up,the average time for a bolus to pass the pharynx in the treatment group was significantly shorter than that in the control group.Conclusion Catheter balloon dilatation therapy is effective for treating neurogenic cricopharyngeal achalasia in both the short and long term.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found that skeletal muscle satellite cell transplantation can induce angiogenesisin myocardial infarction area, reduce infarct size and improve cardiac function. But the overall effect is not satisfactory.OBJECTIVE: To observe the survival of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) gene modified skeletal muscle satellitecells in acute myocardial infarction and to observe the expression of bFGF gene and the effect of cell transplantation onangiogenesis in myocardial infarction area.METHODS: Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were divided into three groups by random: skeletal muscle satellite cellgroup (control group), bFGF gene enhanced skeletal muscle satellite cell group (experimental group) and blank controlgroup. The left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery of the rabbits was ligated so as to establish an animalmodel of acute myocardial infarction in the former two groups. After labeled by DAPI before transplantation, the skeletalmuscle satellite cells, bFGF gene modified skeletal muscle satellite cells and the equivalent amount of DMEM/F12 wereinjected into the local infarct myocardium correspondingly. Samples were taken 4 weeks after transplantation. Then, thesurvival of skeletal muscle satellite cells and the expression of bFGF gene were observed under light microscope andfluorescence microscope, and the neovascularization in the myocardial infarction area was examined byimmunohistochemical staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: No DAPI-labeled cells were visible in the blank control group, but in the other twogroups, a large amount of DAPI-labeled skeletal muscle satellite cells were seen in the infarction area. Enhanced greenfluorescent protein was highly expressed in the experimental group. Microvessel density in the infarction area washighest in the experimental group followed by the control and blank control groups (P < 0.05). These findings indicatethat bFGF gene modified skeletal muscle satellite cells can survive and promote neovascularization in the acutemyocardial infarction area.

Purpose To establish rabbit VX2 tumor model and to explore the relation between perfusion parameters and the expression of the VEGF in the portal vein VX2 implanting tumor emboli. Materials and Methods VX2 tumor was implanted in the portal vein of eight experimental rabbits. Multi-slice CT (MSCT) perfusion scan was performed after tumor formation to measure and compare portal vein tumor thrombus, hepatic blood lfow (HBF) near tumor foci and far away from tumor foci, hepatic blood volume (HBV), probability of surface area product (PS) and mean transit time (MTT). The VX2 tumor emboli were then resected to analyze the relationship between the liver perfusion parameters and VEGF expression using immunohistochemical method. Results MSCT liver perfusion parameters were not statistically signiifcant between foci close to or far away from the tumor (P>0.05). The HBF, HBV and PS within the tumor emboli were higher than that in hepatic parenchyma (P<0.05) and the MTT was higher (P<0.05). There was positive correlation (r=0.711, 0.646 and 0.626, P<0.05) between the HBF, HBV and PS of portal vein VX2 tumor emboli and VEGF expression, and there was negative correlation between MTT and VEGF expression (r=-0.565, P<0.05). Conclusion MSCT perfusion parameters in the portal vein VX2 implanting tumor emboli and the expression of VEGF are positively related. MSCT can evaluate the angiogenesis of portal vein VX2 implanting tumor emboli.

BACKGROUND:Skeletal muscle satel ite cells are totipotential stem cells with multi-directional differentiation potential, locate in skeletal muscle interstitium, have a certain tolerance to ischemia and hypoxia, and are important cells in stem cellengineering.
OBJECTIVE:To establish a thrifty, convenient culture procedure and create a simple, efficient method to transfect skeletal muscle satel ite cells, and investigate genetic expression after the transfection for cellular cardiomyoplasty.
METHODS:Skeletal muscle satel ite cells were isolated from rabbit thigh and cultured. Their growth curves were determined by CKK-8 method. Grouped by different proportions of the plasmid and liposome, skeletal muscle satel ite cells were transfered by the enhanced green fluorescent protein plasmid based on liposome. After transfection, the efficiency and character of target genetic expression was determined.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Satel ite cells were isolated, cultured and transfected successful y. In suitable ratio of plasmid and liposomes, the transfection efficiency reached up to above 35%. The target protein was expressed within 12 hours after transfection, reached maximum in 48-72 hours and decreased gradual y after one week. The expression stil could be observed two weeks latter. The enhanced green fluorescent protein plasmid conducted by cationic liposome could be transfered into skeletal muscle satel ite cells efficiently. The transfection efficiency was correlated closely to the ratio of plasmid and lipofectamine. The change of target gene expression depended on time.

The reverse problem of Electrical impedance tomography(EIT) is a highly ill-posed problem.It is concluded that spatial prior information could improve the final image quality.This paper proposes a new method for obtaining prior information.By this method,the inspected cross-section contour and internal structure for EIT can be achieved.

ObjectiveTo observe and compare the efficacy of two types of microencapsulated rat islets xenotransplanted into diabetic mice. MethodsThe mice diabetic model made with injecting 3% Streptozotosin through tail vein. Four groups were assigned: control group, naked islet transplantation group, alginate-BaCl2 microencapsulated islet transplantation group, agarose-PSSa microencapsulated islet transplantation group.300 islets were transplanted under the renal envelope of each diabetic mice respectively. ResultsThere were no significant difference in mean level of the blood glucose before transplantation among four groups. One week after transplantation, the respective mean level of the blood glucose in four groups were (7.26±1.56) mmol/L in alginate-BaCl2 microencapsulated islet transplantation group, (7.14±1.04) mmol/L in agarose-PSSa microencapsulated islet transplantation group, (7.42±1.52) mmol/L in naked islet transplantation group and (22.54±1.24) mmol/L in control. There were significant difference between the two encapsulated islet groups and the other two groups. The survived period of the two encapsulated islet transplantation groups were longer than that of the other two groups. The survived period of the alginate-BaCl2 microencapsulated islet transplantation group was longer than that of the agarose-PSSa microencapsulated islet transplantation group (92 d vs 56 d),the same as the time of keeping nomal blood glucose level (76 d vs 41 d). ConclusionMicroencapsulated rat islets with this two materials can survive in diabetic mice with their biological activity, and the alginate-BaCl2 microcapsules are better than the agarose-PSSa microcapsules.

OBJECTIVETo systematically assess the efficacy and safety of Rhodiola in treating chronic stable angina pectoris.

METHODSOur group searched the Cochrane library, PubMed, Embase, Chinese biomedical literature database (CBM), VIP database (VIP), Chinese Journal Full-text Database (CNKI) for the literature published in English and Chinese till April 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included on the therapeutic effect of Rhodiola or Rhodiola plus conventional Western medicine in comparison with the conventional Western medicine treatment on stable angina. Data were extracted according the data extraction form. The literature methodological quality was assessed by using the Cochrane handbook, and data analyzed by Rev-Man 5.2 Software for Meta-analysis. The effect indicators of outcomes was expressed by odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI.

RESULTSA total of 7 randomized controlled trials, 662 cases of stable angina pectoris patients met the inclusion criteria and all published in Chinese, without one scientific design and high quality literature. Compared with the conventional Western medicine treatment, combined with oral administration of Rhodiola could improve the efficiency of anti-angina (OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.02 - 6.09). Combined with intravenous infusion of Rhodiola could also improve the efficacy of angina pectoris (OR = 4.86, 95% CI: 2.4 - 9.82). Oral administration of Rhodiola couldn't improve ECG efficacy (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.67 - 2.34). Intravenous infusion of Rhodiola could improve the clinical efficacy (OR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.61 - 5.35). Combined with the conventional treatment, intravenous infusion of Rhodiola could improve the whole blood viscosity (low and high shear rates) and inverse variance (IV) (-1.36 and -0.99, 95% CI: -1.65 - 1.07 and -1.26 - 0.71), but could not reduce serum fibrinogen and D-dimer level. The incidence rate of adverse reactions was higher than that of the conventional treatment combined with Rhodiola (OR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.02 - 0.51).

CONCLUSIONSOn the basis of routine treatment, Rhodiola could further improve patients' symptoms. Combined with intravenous medication, Rhodiola could increase the ECG improvement rate, and reduce adverse reactions. But the methodological quality of included studies was poor, the number of samples was small, and influence factors such as the intervention period was short. This conclusion needs scientific and rational design in a larger sample, multicenter clinical trial to verify.

Angina, Stable ; drug therapy ; Chronic Disease ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Rhodiola ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To examine the suscepribility of the single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in IL-1 gene in Chinese Han population to ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods An correlation analysis was performed in a case-control cohort of 162 AS cases, 58 patients with other autoimmune diseases and 162 controls. Four SNPs located in the IL-1 gene (rs16944, rs3811058, rs419598, rs315952) were examined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP). Results The frequencies of allele C at position rs16944, rs3811058, rs419598 significantly increased in AS cases VS controls, so did their genotype frequencies (50% vs 36.3%, 57.9% vs 52.8%, 45.7% vs 12.3%, P＜0.05). The SNPs of these sites significantly influenced the prevalence of AS. Conclusion We discover that SNPs of IL-1 gene Rs16944, Rs419598, Rs3811058 is closely related to the occurrence of AS.

Objective To propose a new blood purification modality-hemodialysis with plasma- based dialysate (HD-PBD) plus high volume hemofiltration (HVHF) for patients with liver failure, and to evaluate the effect of this treatment on plasma cytokines.Methods Twelve patients with liver failure were included in this study.All patients received HD-PBD therapy in the first 6 hours,and then were treated with HVHF for 24 hours with the same filter (AV600).The levels of TNF-?,IL-1?, IL-6 and IL-8 in plasma before and after HD-PBD plus HVHF for 6 and 24 hours were examined respectively by ELISA,and changes of clinical parameters were observed at the same time point. Serum bilirubin,total bile acids (TBA),serum ammonia,blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) were detected before and after treatment.Arterial blood gas analysis and the concentration of electrolytes were monitored before and after treatment.Results (1)HD-PBD for 6 hours was more effective than HVHF for 24 hours in removal of serum bilirubin and TBA(P＜0.05). (2)Serum ammonia,BUN,Ser,arterial blood HCO_3~-,PCO_2,PO_2 and electrolytes did not show significant difference before and after HD-PBD (P＞0.05),but these parameters significantly changed before and after HVHF (P＜0.05).(3)The average level of serum bilirubin was sharply decreased after HVHF for 24 h following HD-PBD(P＜0.05).(4)After HD-PBD plus HVHF,there was a marked reduction of the plasma levels of TNF-?,IL-6 and IL-8.Conclusions HD-PBD plus HVHF,a newly proposed modality for patients with liver failure,can effectively decrease serum bilirubin,TBA,BUN,Scr,ammonia and cytokines,and adjust water-electrolyte as well as acid- alkali balance.It is a low-cost,safe,simple and convenient therapy.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the possibility of radial artery pressure and waveform as a convenient definition of pulsatile flow and the the effect of pulsatile perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures.

METHODSFrom March 2008 to December, Eighty patients underwent open heart surgery were randomly divided into a pulsatile group (P, n=45) and a nonpulsatile group (NP, n=35). Monitored by radial artery pressure and waveform, the pulsatile low was applied from the point of the aortic cross-clamp until its release in P group. A P group of patients whose radial artery pressure and waveform revealed "double peak" or "single peak" (>30 mm Hg, 1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) were compared with NP group. Parameters examined were lactate, urine volume, high sensitivity C reactive protein, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, blood uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, ratio of urine for occult blood test, prothrombin time and tracheal intubation time.

RESULTSThe waveform with "double peak" or "single peak" (>30 mm Hg) presented in 35 (77.78%) in P group. The urine volume during CPB was significantly higher in P group. The lactate (P<0.01) during CPB, high sensitivity C reactive protein (P<0.05), increasing extend of lactic acid dehydrogenase (P<0.05) and the prothrombin time (P<0.01) after CPB were significantly lower in P group. The blood uric acid after CPB was increased in P group and decreased in NP group.

CONCLUSIONSEffective pulsatile flow can be generated by optimization of equipment and adjustment of pulsatile parameter. The radial artery pressure and waveform is a convenient definition of pulsatile flow. The pulsatile flow is predominant monitored by radial artery pressure and waveform.

Adult ; Blood Pressure ; physiology ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Monitoring, Physiologic ; methods ; Pulsatile Flow ; Radial Artery