Objective To establish a stable,repeatable and long-lasting rat model of myocardial infarction,and to evaluate the feasibility of monitoring electrophysiological changes and left ventricular function after myocardial infarction by electrocardiography (ECG) and ultrasonic cardiography(UCG). Methods Wistar rats were ligated on the left anterior descending coronary artery after anaesthesia with 10% chloral hydrate and machinery assisted respiration. Then they were monitored by ECG and UCG afer 4,8 and 12 weeks,and were sacrificed and pathologically examined at 12 weeks after operation. Results The rat model of myocardial infarction was established with a survival rate of 83.3% at 72 hours after the operation and 73.3% at 12 weeks after the operation. In the myocardial infarction group,the PR,QRS,QT and QTc intervals were statistically significantly longer than that in the sham operation group. UCG showed that the left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole (LVIDd) and the left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole (LVIDs) were statiscally significantly higher in the infarction group,and the ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) significantly lower than those in the sham operation group. Long-lasting pathological changes can be seen in the tissues at 12 weeks after operation. Conclusions The method used in the present study is an simple,less injurious and highly successful technique,and the changes in electrophysiology and left ventricular function can be well monitored by ECG and UCG at different times during this period.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscope-assisted surgical technique in treating knee fractures and knee peripheral fractures.Methods From September 2000 to December 2005,there were 46 cases with knee or knee peripheral fractures,in whom artbroseope-assisted surgical technique was performed in 36 cases including 24 males and 12 females,with mean age of 30.5 years (18-52 years).Of 36 cases,26 cases with patella fractures were treated by internal fixation of tension band using cancellous bone screws,four with distal end femoral fractures by retrograde interlocking using intramedullary nail and six with fractures of tibial plateau and tibial condyle crista by internal fixation u- sing cancellous bone screws.Results The mean hospitalization was eight days.A follow up for 3-36 months(average 14 months)in 36 cases showed fracture healing.Of 36 cases,32 cases regained full knee range of motion,four left with terminal flexion,with mean loss of 15?,and had thigh circumference (10 cm above knee)1.1 cm(range 0.6-2.0 cm)shorter than health side and two had slight pain in the knee joint.Lysholm knee joint function score was 86.5+7.6 for patellar fractures,tibial plateau frac- tures and condylar crista fractures.Conclusion As for knee or knee peripheral fractures,arthroscope- assisted surgical technique can provide fine monitoring,decrease trauma and complications,fixate inter- nally and help early ground exercise.

Objective To investigate the curative effect of acute severe brain injury complicated ARDS, Methods 31 patients who had acute severe brain injury complicated ARDS were divided into two groups:A group was early discovery of ARDS and given treatment.B group was late discovery of ARDS and treated late.Then the curative effects were compared.Results A group was significantly higher than B group in blood gas analysis(P

To analyze the impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on liver function of patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the transplantation outcome of 48 patients infected with HBV prior to transplantation among 185 patients received HSCT was investigated retrospectively. The results showed that during a follow-up for 6 months after HSCT, the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) peak average values of the patients with HBsAg(+), HBsAb(+) and control groups were (281.6 ± 414.6), (95.4 ± 79.9) and (65.1 ± 44.2) U/L, respectively. The incidences of abnormal liver function of the patients with HBsAg(+), HBsAb(+) and control groups were 61.54%, 40.00% and 30.23% respectively. There were no significant differences between any two groups (P > 0.05). The lethality of those patients at late period after transplantation was not related to HBV infection. The hepatocirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma caused by HBV infection have not become major problems in long-term survivors. It is concluded that in HBsAg(+) patients received HSCT, the damage of liver function is more severe than control group, possibly increasing the development of abnormal liver function. The measures against the liver function damage should be taken. The prophylactic administration of ganciclovir for virus may be effective to prevent the activation of HBV.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Female ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Hepatitis B ; physiopathology ; Hepatitis B virus ; Humans ; Liver ; physiopathology ; virology ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of homoharringtonine (HHT) on K562 cell proliferation, apoptosis and expression of BCL-2 and NF-κB proteins. The cells proliferation was assayed with MTT method, the cell apoptosis, cell cycle and BCL-2 expression were analyzed with flow cytometry, NF-κB protein expression was detected with Western blot. The results showed that HHT concentration-dependently inhibited proliferation of K562 cells, the IC50 at 48 h was 43.89 ng/ml. Treated with HHT 10 ng/ml for 48 h, K562 cell apoptosis significantly increased, cell cycle was blocked at G0/G1, the expression level of BCL-2 and NF-κB proteins was lower than that in control group (P < 0.05). It is concluded that HHT may inhibit the proliferation of K562 cells, and down-regulating expression levels of BCL-2 and NF-κB may be one of its anti-CML mechanisms.
Flow Cytometry ; Harringtonines ; pharmacology ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility, therapeutic effects and complications of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).

METHODSThe data of 19 SCLC patients treated between June 2001 and August 2003, with 3DCRT were reviewed and analyzed. Eighteen patients were treated by radiotherapy plus chemotherapy while only 1 patient by radiotherapy alone. Radiotherapy was delivered at 2 Gy/fraction, 5 fractions per week with a median total dose of 54 Gy. Chemotherapy consisted of 4 - 6 cycles of etoposide and cisplatin or carboplatin. The median follow-up time was 24 months.

RESULTS(1) The overall response rate after 3DCRT was 79.0%, with a complete remission rate of 31.6% (6/19), partial remission rate of 47.4% (9/19). The 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) was 71.7% and 35.8% respectively, with a median survival time (MST) of 19 months, and both the 1- and 2-year local progression free survival (LPFS) were 94.7%. (2) Of these 19 patients, grade 2 acute radiation pneumonitis developed in 5.3%, grade 2 late radiation pneumofibrosis in 5.3%, grade 2 acute radiation esophagitis in 10.5% and grade 2 acute hematologic toxicity in 10.5%.

CONCLUSIONThree-dimensional conformal radiotherapy is feasible in the treatment of SCLC with high response rate and acceptable complications. Further observation, more patients treated by 3DCRT and prolonged follow-up are needed to evaluate remote survival.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Small Cell ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiotherapy Dosage ; Radiotherapy, Conformal ; methods

Objective Pulmonary surfactant protein-D (SP-D) is regarded as a valuable biomarker in acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but the alterations of SP-D in lung tissues in the early course of ALI remain unknown. This study was designed to explore the temporal fluctuations of SP-D and SP-D mRNA in young rats with ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) , as well as the alterations of ultrastructures of alveolar type Ⅱ (ATⅡ) cells. Methods Rat ALI models were established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (4 mg/kg). The rats were sacrificed at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hrs after LPS injection (8 rats each time point). Western blot and RT-PCR were employed to detect the contents of SP-D and SP-D mRNA in lung tissues. The ultrastructures of AT Ⅱ cells were studied with transmission electron microscopy. Results Both SP-D mRNA and SP-D levels decreased after 12 hrs of LPS administration. The SP-DmRNA level reached a nadir at 24-36 hrs, but the SP-D level was reduced to its nadir by 48 hrs after LPS administration. LPS resulted in the alterations of lamellar bodies (LBs) in size ( multilamellar forms), density (vacuole-like deformity) and number. The alterations of ultrastructures of AT Ⅱ cells were most significant at 48 hrs. The clinical symptoms of ALI rats were most severe at 48 hrs. Conclusions The alterations of the SP-D level were timedependent in the early course of LPS-induced ALI. The lowest level of SP-D occurred at 48 hrs while severe multideformities of AT Ⅱ cells were presented. A decreased level of SP-D in the lungs in the early stage of ALI may be associated with a worse clinical outcome.

Objective To discuss the indications,feasibility and safety of fluoroscopy-guided retrieval of tracheal tubular metallic stents.Methods Between January 2010 to December 2014,fluoroscopy-guided retrieval of tracheal tubular metallic stent was performed in 45 patients.The stents included 36 covered stents and 9 naked stents.The mean retention time of the covered and naked stents was (3.2±0.7) months and (2.5± 1.2) months respectively.Before the retrieval of the 36 covered stents,granulation tissue hyperplasia in different degrees was observed at both ends of 15 stents,and stent fracture was found in 3 stents.Granulation tissue hyperplasia was seen in all 9 naked stents.Among the 9 naked stents,5 stents were completely embedded in the tracheal submucosal area,and 2 stents were fractured.Results Of the 45 stents,41 stents were successfully retrieved (success rate of 91.1％),including 34 covered stents (94.4％,34/36) and 7 naked stents (77.8％,7/9).Of the 41 patients whose stents were successfully retrieved,massive hemoptysis occurred in 4 patients with a mean bleeding amount of 100 ml,tracheal mucosa tear was detected in 5 patients,emergency airway stent implantation because of tracheal collapse after stent retrieval was needed in one patient,and emergency surgical suture of the trachea due to tracheal rupture was carried out in one patient.No procedure-related death occurred.Conclusion The indications of fluoroscopy-guided retrieval of tracheal tubular metallic stents include stent fracture,local excessive proliferation of granulation tissue or tumor tissue that causes tracheal restenosis,temporary tracheal stent placement for benign tracheal stenosis,intolerance to stent implantation,etc.The technique of fluoroscopy-guided retrieval of tracheal tubular metallic stent is relatively safe and less invasive;this technique can solve the complications induced by long-term retention of the stents.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of olmesartan medoxomil compared with losartan potassium in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.

METHODThis is a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled, parallel, multi-center study. After a 2-week placebo run-in period, a total of 287 eligible subjects were randomized at 1:1 ratio to receive olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg or losartan potassium 50 mg, once daily for 8 weeks. The blood pressure was assessed after 4 weeks treatment. If the subject's seating diastolic blood pressure (SeDBP) was still >or=90 mm Hg, the dosage was doubled for another 4 weeks; for those subjects whose SeDBP was <90 mm Hg after 4-week treatment, the initial dosage remained unchanged and the treatment continued until completion of the study.

RESULTS(1) The mean trough reduction in SeDBP from baseline in olmesartan group was significantly greater than that in losartan group after 4 weeks (11.72 mm Hg vs 9.23 mm Hg, P=0.004) and 8 weeks treatment (12.94 mm Hg vs 11.01 mm Hg, P=0.035). (2) The number and percentage of responders in olmesartan group (81, 65.3%) were statistically higher than those (68, 52.7%) in losartan group (P=0.028) after 4 weeks treatment and were similar between the two groups after 8 weeks treatment (P>0.05). (3) Individual and overall trough/peak ratios of DBP and SBP in 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were higher in olmesartan group than losartan group. The hypotensive effect of olmesartan was more durable than losartan at 24 hour interval. (4) The incidence of study drug-related adverse events (AEs) in olmesartan group (10.5%) was similar as that in losartan group (13.9%, P>0.05). Most of these AEs were mild and transient.

CONCLUSIONThis study shows that olmesartan medoxomil, at oral dose of 20 mg-40 mg once daily was effective and safe for hypertension treatment and the hypotensive effect was superior to losartan potassium (50 mg-100 mg once daily).

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antihypertensive Agents ; administration & dosage ; China ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Imidazoles ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Losartan ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Olmesartan Medoxomil ; Tetrazoles ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation of microRNA-155 (miR-155) expression with clinicopathological features of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and explore the value of miR-155 in prognostic assessment of PTC.

METHODSWe collected 86 pairs of fresh PTC and adjacent tissues to examine the expression of miR-155 using fluorescent quantitative PCR. miR-155 expressions in the tissues were analyzed in relation to the clinicopathological features of the patients.

RESULTSCompared with the paired adjacent tissues, 69.8% (60/86) of the PTC tissues showed up-regulated miR-155 expression by 2.63∓2.73 folds. Up-regulated miR-155 expressions were associated with a larger tumor size (1.66∓0.96 vs 1.19∓0.52 cm, P=0.021), a higher likeliness of extrathyroid invasion (56.7% vs 23.1%, P=0.004), a higher rate of lymph node metastasis (70% vs 46.2%, P=0.036), a more advanced TNM stage, and a higher rate of III-IV stage of the tumor (20% vs 0%, P=0.014). The expression level of miR-155 in PTC tissues was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis (r=0.531, P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONPTC patients with miR-155 over-expression tend to have a greater tumor size, a greater likeliness of extrathyroid involvement, a higher rate of cervical lymph node metastasis and a more advanced TNM stage. The high expression of miR-155 in the tumor may indicate a poor prognosis of PTC patients.

Carcinoma, Papillary ; genetics ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; Neck ; Prognosis ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; genetics ; Up-Regulation